So many things had to happen in order for this miraculous comeback to occur. I suppose you can pick a number of different things to be the most important one. I would say the missed extra point by Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson. To me, that was the the start, because it left the door open for the win. In any case, let’s get to how the Dolphins DID win it, which you pretty much have to see to really comprehend.
With 3:37 remaining in the 4th QTR, Raiders QB throws a deep pass while on the run, running to escape pressure and somehow the pass finds WR Nelson Agholor on the right sideline with Byron Jones in coverage. Jones slips trying to make the tackle and then all that’s left is Good Ole Bobby McCain who is unable to even lay a finger on the serpentine weaving of said Agholor. Then the fatal mistake, K Daniel Carlson goes wide right on the extra point making the score 22-16 in favor of the LV Raiders. But wait, is that the turning point, or is it the 9:37 mark of the 4th QTR when Miami Dolphins HC chooses to pull starting QB Tua Tagovailoa and replace him with veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick? You can make the decision.
Down 22-16, Fitzpatrick the QB now, begins a drive with 3minutes and 36 seconds remaining in the game after a touchback which starts at the MIA 25. 2 consecutive short completions to WR Isaiah Ford for 7 and then 9 yards get the Dolphins a first down at the 41 yard line. On first down, Raiders bring pressure and Fitz throws to his outlet, RB Myles Gaskin on the right side and little magic happens her as Gaskin makes a couple of moves and races down the right sideline for a 59 yard TD!!! So with 3 minutes and 8 seconds remaining, the Dolphins now have 23-22 lead.
The Raiders take the touchback and begin at their own 25. QB Derek Carr throws complete to RB Jalen Richard, 2nd and 6. On 2nd and 6, Derek Carr uncorks a deep throw to Nelson Agholor which is incomplete but PASS INTERFERENCE is called on Miami CB Byron Jones. I thought the call was understandable as there is a clear picture where Byron Jones has both hands on the receiver, one on either side of the shoulder pads. While I think the contact is mostly negligible, if you’re an official and you see it, you have the right to call it. Some here were incensed by the call and my very good friend who’s a Steelers fan thought it was an egregious call, so there’s that. In any case, the Raiders now have a first down at the MIA 22 with 2:20 remaining.
On 1st down, Josh Jacobs rushes for 7 yards to the MIA 15 yard line. 2nd and 3 and Jacobs rushes again for 2 yards to the MIA 13 setting up a huge 3rd and 1. No wait! Neutral zone infraction on Kyle Van Noy and an automatic first down at the Miami 8 yard line. Jacobs pushes for 2 yards to the Miami 6, tackled by Van Noy and Miami now uses it’s final timeout, with 1:50 remaining in the game. 2nd down and Jacobs takes it the end zone, NO, he purposely hits the brakes and falls down at the Miami 1 yard line, touched down by Bobby McCain. The Raiders then take a timeout of their own at 1:05 to discuss strategy. On 3rd and goal, Carr kneels and the Raiders run the clock down to 22 seconds remaining. Daniel Carson then comes out on 4th and goal and kicks the game winning 22 yard field goal that send the Dolphins home and out of the playoffs. OK, that’s not what happened, but it sure seemed like it.
Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson booms another touchback so the Dolphins begin the drive with 19 seconds remaining at their own 25 yard line. Ryan Fitzpatrick under pressure, and with a Raider defender literally twisting his facemask to the point where Fitzpatrick can no longer even see the receiver as he’s now looking skyward lets a deep floater to the left sideline to a waiting WR Mack Hollins at the 41 yard line of LV who this time makes the catch and then is pushed out out of bounds. The aforementioned facemask, which is a 15 yard personal foul moves the ball from the LV 41 to the LV 26 yard line. The penalty was actually called as a “Roughing the Passer”, either way, 15 yards. The Dolphins run one play in which QB Ryan Fitzpatrick rolls right and then throws out of bounds which then stops the clock at 6 seconds remaining. Then enters Mr. Clutch, K Jason Sanders who promptly nails the 44 yard field goal to give the Dolphins the lead at 26-25 and once the ball goes through the uprights, a scant 1 second remains. BTW, Dolphins tackle Julie’n Davenport reported as an eligible receiver on the last Fitzpatrick throw out of bounds. Thought you should all know that.
So the Dolphins K Jason Sanders pooches the kick and there’s a couple of laterals and then a fumble and Dolphins safety and ST’s ace Clayton Fejedelem recovers it and that’s the ballgame! DOLPHINS WIN! DOLPHINS WIN!!!
OK, so let’s push aside for a moment that we are 10-5, and have one more game to win in order to make the playoffs in 2020. What’s the deal with Tua???? I’m not sugarcoating anything, I’m disappointed that the Head Coach feels the need to yank him from the game because he’s ineffective. It’s very disturbing to me. It’s the right call, HC Brian Flores has the pulse of this team like no other, he’s been masterful at handling the roster. Is it Chan Gailey? Is he not figuring out how to make this kid succeed? Just one observation, how many fucking times are we going to play action and roll left and find a defender right fucking there within 3 yards of where he’s rolling to? YA THINK YA MIGHT WANNA SCRAP THAT CHAN??? O Rob will just say Tua doesn’t have it, and I’m actually starting to have my doubts as well. QB’s develop at different speeds, there’s no question. First off, don’t try to sell me on this Wood/Stock Tua/Fitz crap. David Woodley was an 8th RD pick dammit, not the #5 pick! Yes, I also understand that the great Aaron Rodgers sat for 3 years, but that was a different era.
If you look around the NFL, there are all kinds of weird QB situations. Carson Wentz has fallen from grace just 4 years into his career. He was playing great football but injuries have sidelined him too often. His replacement, rookie Jalen Hurts has 6 TD’s in 2 starts, 5 passing and 1 rushing. Mitch Trubisky is like a phoenix rising in Chicago. Left for dead and replaced by Professor Lou’s favorite QB Nick Foles, is now back at the reins and leading the Bears to an improbable playoff run and is 5-2. Trubisky was on a path not too different from our own Ryan Tannehill was on, decent QB who can get the job done if he has a good enough cast around him. Is that what Tua is now? Is that what he’s going to be?
I don’t have the answers, but to me it’s disappointing. Simple as that. Furthermore, and I expect flak from this, I don’t want to fucking hear that Tua is fine with being pulled and that he roots for Ryan Fitzpatrick. I don’t! I want him to burn inside with the desire to be better and to claim that position, I want him to be be the alpha hippo and bite Fitzpatrick’s tail off and then turn around and spin his own feces and cover Fitzpatrick! I love Ryan Fitzpatrick, I really do, he’s fun, but I want Tua to man up and take the reins and never look back. If he doesn’t do this soon, I fear he may never be “The Guy”. That doesn’t mean I’m right, but it’s going to be how I feel. Oh, this doesn’t mean Rob is right either, so pipe down there big guy!
Finsmob Unleashed 
Tua is 6ft with high heels on, he has a low head semi sidearm throwing motion, he’s not an upright thrower. his arm path in his throwing motion is (more slanted & parallel to the ground) vs Fitz is (more upright)
this makes him even shorter than 6′
Read the last sentence of my article!
LOL
We are not the only ones to take notice of the refs.
https://www.nfl.com/news/2020-nfl-season-week-16-what-we-learned-from-saturday-s-games
lad to know it isn’t just my own bias. It really feels like we’ve recently had multiple game we needed to overcome the refs.
*glad*, I wasn’t calling you a ‘lad’ lmao
Thanks for the new write up MikeE… AND the heads up on “new blog up” cuz I was in the middle of a list of things I want to say but it would have gone unread. lol
You’re welcome – Thoughts on Tua/Fitz?
I think Flores likes the steady, no turnover, style of Tua UNTIL risk is all that is left to pull out the game. That’s when you bring the gunslinger in. But for an entire game Fitz could certainly throw 3 INTs as he has notoriously in his career.
I couldn’t fall asleep. Kept watching highlights… that image of Fitz’ head turned sideways with the ball still in his hands is an instant NFL classic.
I’m a bit hung over as it took a couple extra ‘nightcaps’ to settle down (and I don’t mean head coverings).
Mike, I’m really sorry i’m kicking in the doors to your brand new Ferarri you got for the holidays,
but he sucks!
He doesn’t suck Rob, but I’m thinking Chan Gailey may not be the right guy to get Tua going.
if you take Chan Gailey Fitz and Tua,
how can Fitz thrive in Gailey’s offense and Tua cant throw a pass 5 yards down the field?
who are the common denominators?
Tua doesn’t have the throwing mechanics of an NFL QB, it’s that simple
BTW – If you watch the Fitz – Hollins throw closely you’ll see a pretty damn obvious hold by Ereck Flowers. He has his right hand basically grasping the guys collar/shoulder pad which then as the guy is falling ends up around the guys neck as he grabs Fitz’s facemask. Got away with that one thankfully!
I thought the same thing on the replay. OL tend to hide those grasps with their bodies until the D starts to spin out of it … exposing the ‘underneath technique’. lol I guess the face mask was so egregious that all eyes were only on that.
Can you imagine if they called offsetting penalties?
I caught that after the 4th or 5th time I watched the replay. I think even the refs were so amazed at the play they couldn’t call the hold, lol.
Rhino – I didn’t mean for this game, I mean what do you think of Tua going forward? Are you frustrated by this or are you good with the formula?
Ah. I’m gonna echo Fitz. Whatever Coach Flores decides. The team clearly trusts him.
With that, I’m good with Tua starting. Traveling west has not been good for him it seems. After missing Jets game, Tua put together good games against Bengals and Chiefs.
Flores is balancing the ‘now’ and ‘developing’ his young guys. Getting Kindley, Parker, Lawson back is critical.
I know there are lots of games that we NEED, but I can’t handle that much anxiety after last night.
I’m gonna watch Cincy and Houston to get us to #5. I will keep an eye on Atl and Car cuz upsets there could get us to #3.
Dream scenario is 1) beat Bills, 2) still get #3 draft pick. Laughing all the way to the bank. Might even be able to trade back a couple spots and still get Parsons, then use that capital to position ourselves for Davonte Smith.
Tua has great footwork, he has a acceptable arm, his problem is he plays very small among giants, he can’t locate rec’s because his delivery is too low.
In college he played behind a full slate of ‘now NFL’ guys and he was great. I don’t think size is the issue.
he played against sub par talent on a team loaded with nfl stars,
not a good litmus test
Rob – That’s just ridiculous. Tua can wing it, but he’s been careful, too careful. It’s really tough to tell what’s going on but I do see what appears to be him freezing when he sees pressure. There have been games when he looked elusive and slipped out of pressure and made big plays. Last night he just stood there and took bad sacks. It’s not a consistent issue though, I guess you can call them growing pains. Like I mentioned that quick roll to the left has been diagnosed by the opposition, fucking LOSE IT! I’ve watched every game and it seems like teams are on to that so finds something else! Sometimes he’s processing things well as Tony Romo pointed and sometimes he’s as slow as dial up. I don’t know what he’s seeing or not seeing so I can’t tell you what it is. I know the kid can play well, he’s done it.
He’s not gonna take the risks Fitz is happy to take, and until our WR core can get separation this difference between the two of them will continue.
when Tua throws the ball he squats, as he’s coming through he leans his head away from the ball and his arm comes out semi sideways, the ball barely gets above his head.
A good throwing motion is more upright, The qb stands tall, the ball is way above the QBs head.
see Drew Brees
That’s why Tua struggles to get the ball down the field
what’s even worse is; he makes these moves to get enough velocity on the ball so it would seem irreversible.
Thanks again, Mike E.
I’ll remind everyone again. Tua was out of football since November 2019 rehabbing a serious injury. Before his injury, he was playing behind an NFL caliber college OL where he was hardly touched and to NFL caliber WRs that were always so wide open you never talked about getting separation.
Now, it’s the NFL and a whole new dimension for him with 8 games experience.
Like I’ve stated and wagered, if he’s in the same place next year at this time, it will suck and i will be buying drinks for Orob.
Having someone to throw to that can catch the ball will help him, too.
IMO, Flores has been masterful in year 2 of this rebuild in grooming a potential franchise QB while relying on a savvy vet when conditions are right.
It’s a team first mentality and everyone has a role.
It also appears to me Chan Gailey calls a different game depending on the QB. I could be wrong, but it seems that way.
Random thoughts/impressions and IMHO.
Instead of coming over the top with the throw, Tua is chasing his fully open left hip with his lowered arm, the only way he can get velocity on the ball, he has to lower his arm to do so.
he plays too small
he moves his head away from the ball to accommodate centrifugal force of his throwing motion, everything about Tua’s throwing motion makes him even shorter than he is.
lack of arm strength is Tua’s problem and he has to sacrifice other movements to make up for that deficiency
Gaskin’s 169 total yards were the most scrimmage yards by a Dolphins player in a game since running back Kenyan Drake had 193 on Dec. 11, 2017 vs. New England – the game which ended with a play dubbed “The Miami Miracle.”
Also, Gaskin’s two receiving touchdowns were the most in a game by a Dolphins running back since Reggie Bush had two in 2012 against Buffalo.
Gaskin credited Mike Gesicki and Hollins for key blocks on his 59-yard TD.
YAY GASKIN!!
I very much like Gaskin, especially way above the other 2 you had mentioned.
I saw the blocks but didn’t know who they were. He was able to break for the outside with those blocks and had a clear path.
Go Jets!🤮
Mike E. says:
December 27, 2020 at 10:33 am
Like I mentioned that quick roll to the left has been diagnosed by the opposition, fucking LOSE IT! I’ve watched every game and it seems like teams are on to that so finds something else!
____________________________________
Tua is at his best when he can escape the pocket and roll left, he’s no longer amongst the giants and can deliver his low ball accurately.
prior to the game when i played the opposing Ds method of defending miami’s offense one of my keys were to not let Tua roll left.
keep him contained in the pocket.
i didn’t see much rolling left last night.
Tua being our starting QB i don’t think we want to lose that if opposing teams will allow that.
I think biggest flaw in Tua’s game right now is game speed. He needs to speed up the decision making process instead of waiting for the perfect moment to occur. I think more no huddle will help that as he seems to be more in rhythm when we do that
Game speed coincides with what Kurt Warner ( his kooky wife dresses him) was saying about not seeing or knowing when guys are open when they look blanketed or without much separation. He misses Parker quite a bit where he would chuck it for him to go get. The offseason and especially preseason next year will benefit him a lot.
LOL @ ‘his kooky wife dresses him’
Mike E,
I think we’re playing the same games Dolphins fans always play. As Krishna said, Tua just recovered from a major hip repair this year and needs some time. Lots of QBs do. I’m sure Chiefs fans were wondering why in the fuck their #10 pick sat a year but it seems like it was a smart decision. Flores trusted that Tua could run an offense 6 games in and while I trust in Flores, there was going to be growing pains.
I think the Herbert comparisons by people are stupid as fuck. Two completely situations and QBs. The Chargers are two years removed from a 12-4 team. We haven’t had a 12-4 team in 30 YEARS. Herbert has the same main skill players from that 2018 team. Their OL is pretty good and yet they are 5-9. Herbert will have 15 games played this year and their OC has him throwing 40+ a game on average. I don’t think that’s winning football. I’ll take 10-5 with Fitz coming in sometimes any day of any week. We’re still rebuilding and Tua still needs better weapons to get better.
The problem with the modern NFL is that everyone is an armchair coach and GM combined. Flores has ‘earned’ the right to our trust. Like anyone sitting at home or on the TV screen could do his or Grier’s job. It’s laughable. Tua needs time and he needs players that help him. Carr was 0-10 on 3rd down yesterday. That doesn’t mean he’s a terrible QB, he just met a good D. Tannehill finally found a situation where he could thrive. Mahomes is in the perfect place for him. Baltimore changed everything to fit Jackson. We need to build to help Tua thrive instead of the same old shit we always do with our QBs.
^^^
The Raiders were dumb for not scoring a TD, it would have forced us to have to get one it’s not like they had the lead and the kicker just missed an extra point. Playing not to lose and we played to win.
Yeah, they could have done that and went for 2. I bet If Chucky was still up in the booth he would have said what you just did. lol
I was thinking the same thing
I think Tua’s problem is just what Warner was talking about before or after the game and that is Tua is used to throwing to wide open receivers. He is still used to college open vs what is considered open in the NFL. Unfortunately we don’t have WR’s who can get that kind of separation except for Grant but he can’t catch the damn ball.
Warner even said this was a problem for him when he left the “greatest show on turf”. He was spoiled there, like Tua at Alabama, with wide open receivers. Warner said when he went to AZ, he actually had to learn what was considered “NFL open” and how to make that throw. He did say, can’t remember if was before, during or after the game, but once Tua learns this he will be just fine.
I guess I owe Son a beer, lol
Nice write up, Mike, but you’re wrong about he PI call. Terrible call at that point in the game. The rule is clear, the defender can make contact if he doesn’t impede or redirect and the ref had the perfect angle to see Jones didn’t impact the play. The ref gets paid to get that call right.
It’s ok though, don’t take it to heart, you’re allowed to be wrong occasionally. 😉
If they reviewed those on a challenge Flores would have won that and it would have been reversed.
Flores would have won a challenge for once, lol.
Lol, true
Piggy, you mentioned the Raiders weirdly stopped running Jacobs at some point last night. I also noticed they kept giving it to Booker, to the point I mentioned to my wife I wondered if Jacobs got hurt.
Does it make me evil that I enjoy the pain of the Jets fan? They just played a radio montage of NY fans and I am grinning like an idiot.
It’s glorious. They even suck at sucking they suck so much.
Good lord, no it doesn’t make you evil. That is the natural order of the world. Jest fans suck and should always be miserable.
Piggy, I am just not as high on Jamar Chase. I think he is just another Parker but a little faster. Devonta Smith is faster and a very crafty WR who, IMO, is the best route runner in college. He also is a returner. Give us Devonta Smith, Najee Harris and WR Toney in the 1st two rounds and I won’t care what they do with the rest of the picks.
they kept giving it to Booker, to the point I mentioned to my wife I wondered if Jacobs got hurt
———————————
Must have been that meat hook Seiler gave him on that short yardage stop. Man, Seiler just shows up every game.
He does. Him and Wilkins get meaner and nastier as the game goes on
He is a true acorn. Like you said, shows up every game. He’s one of those guys the Ravens always seem to get. I’m surprised they let him go
ocalarob says:
December 27, 2020 at 10:41 am
when Tua throws the ball he squats, as he’s coming through he leans his head away from the ball and his arm comes out semi sideways, the ball barely gets above his head.
A good throwing motion is more upright, The qb stands tall, the ball is way above the QBs head.
see Drew Brees
That’s why Tua struggles to get the ball down the field
———————————
He would get more passes knocked down if the issue was his throwing mechanics. His issues have got nothing to do with that. He is having problems reading the field and diagnosing open receivers. His size might be part of that issue, but it could also be the same problem a lot of rookies have, speed of the game.
Supposedly this is one of his strengths and he’s still developing, so we’ll see if he gets better. It’s still early days with Tua.
I am sold on WR Toney. I know he is a WR but when he has the ball in his hands he reminds me of Alvin Kamara.
bailbondmike says:
December 27, 2020 at 12:11 pm
I think Tua’s problem is just what Warner was talking about before or after the game and that is Tua is used to throwing to wide open receivers
That’s what I said about him before the draft. I was one of the guys that wanted Herbert over Tua, but Tua is a Dolphin now so I hope he winds up being the better QB in the long run when history is written. So far it doesn’t look that way. Tua will get a few years from me before I start calling for his head, but we don’t win last night and we are talking draft picks this morning if Tua played out the quarter last night.
Hopefully with an offseason, a training camp, and a preseason next year, we’ll see the improvement from year 1 to year 2. If he’s still consistently having these issues game 3 or 4 next year, that is when I’ll start to worry.
I hope so. The thing I saw from his college days was not what I kept hearing. All I heard about was his accuracy, but that’s not what I saw, I saw a guy throwing to a “bucket” 15′ across and really good WR’s all alone in those buckets to catch the ball.
Now that bucket is the size of a beer special bucket and is shows.
CAV,
Have you ever seen a golfer with a great practice swing however when he gets over the ball his real swing totally changes?
he’s not aware of it, he does that subconsciously, the reason he swings differently is because unlike the practice swing his brain is now tasked with not only swinging but hitting the ball as well.
due to his flawed mechanics it changes his swing.
I believe this is part of Tua’s problem as well, So he really can’t locate rec’s when his brain is also tasked with avoiding giants.
it’s not that his passes are getting knocked down his brain can’t complete the task due to his flawed mechanics, the only time he gets the pass off is when he has a clear throwing lane falling back or rolling out. he can’t stay in the pocket and deliver consistently due to his mechanics.
I don’t know anything about golf mechanics. I do know you hit the little ball into the hole lol.
Tua doesn’t have problems completing passes. It’s not like he is throwing at a 50% completion rate. He’s completing the passes he throws, he’s just not seeing open guys. I think he was 9 for 10 at one point last night for 32 yds, lol.
You may be right that part of the reason he can’t diagnose open receivers is because he is dealing with other mental issues like ‘avoid giants’, but you can’t know that, it’s just speculation. I think that is a questionable eval like reading tea leaves. What we can see on the field and legitimately assess is he is not seeing open receivers. I haven’t seen him not being able to throw the ball well from the pocket, I’m seeing him not get it to the right guy.
he can locate the rec’s but they are not viable targets due to the low starting point of his ball when faced with giants, his brain knows this and that’s why he can’t unload.
drew brees is the same size, he has no problem with this due to his very high release, he has the confidence to simply throw it over the giants.
I’m sorry, I think the 1st paragraph is insane. You’re saying is Tua is seeing an open receiver but doesn’t feel he can get the ball there because the ball starting point is too low.
I think Brees is an excellent comparison. He physically reminds me of Brees. Look at Brees’ first 3 seasons, he was very mediocre. I think you’d probably have written Brees off too early.
I’m not saying I think Tua will become Brees, but I’m hoping he will.
you’re like trying to lead a mule to water, the water is in plain site yet you kick, snort & stomp the whole way!
well i hate to inform you but there’s definitely something wrong,
#5 overall picks seldom play like that unless there bust written on them.
Uh-huh, what was wrong with Brees his 1st 3 years?
He didn’t have a team
he can’t deliver over the top, and most of the time in the pocket that’s what you have to do.
Brees was also a 2nd rnd pick, not #5 over all
I don’t buy the recovering from injury excuse, not even a little bit. He’s recovered, he’s out there, and if he wasn’t recovered enough he wouldn’t be. Once again, let me make it clear that I think Flores is right for making the change when he does, it just frustrates the heck out of me that he HAS to. I heard what Kurt Warner said and he might be right but the Dolphins drafted him and knew what he had and what he did at Alabama and decided to play him this season anyway. Last night’s Tua performance was a disappointment, no other way to say it. He was either getting rid of the ball too quick and settling for a 1 or 2 yard gain or holding it way too long and freezing and getting sacked, all this against a VERY soft defense in the Raiders. Again, this is just my viewpoint, but I would have hoped Tua could have done better in this big game. He’s supposed to be a winner, a big game guy. I hope he shows that he is sooner than later. Buffalo’s defense isn’t much better than the Raiders but they are better. I hope he has big game so I can shut up.
It’s weird our game is already over. I’m not sure who to watch today.
i have noticed less trollish remarks on my anti tua rants,
could it be the needle is shifting to my side?
don’t worry, i won’t rub it in your face too much ken.
People are just tired of your BS
7-0 Colts
And heck yeah, 7-0 Cincy.
Houston loses today, we’re almost certain to have at worst, the #6 pick.
I mentioned this last night. They stayed away from him. I think he was only targeted 4 times, and on one he popped the ball up and nearly got the INT. They clearly game planned not throwing his way.
Cav
maybe you should look at the difference between Brees throwing the ball and Tua and tell me the difference.
Uh-huh, so why did Brees suck his 1st 3 years?
Rock – I’m not being a dick here but don’t you think our scouts, including Grier and Flores were all quite aware as to what Tua did at Alabama and with who he did it? It’s not like like they just picked the hot name, they drafted the QB that they think will be the best to run the team they want to be for the next decade. They obviously don’t believe he can only succeed with wide open receivers and 10 minutes to make the throw because that’s not how the NFL is. I still just think he’s being too careful out there, maybe that’s what they’re telling him to do, not to force things.
Maybe, but there is a world of difference where he came from and where he is now. There is an adjustment. Time away from learning your craft (perhaps improving your throwing motion in the offseason v rehabbing) does help you prepare better and be more prepared.
What, practice? You mean practice?
So how does a guy like Justin Herbert from Oregon make the quick adjustment ? How does Jalen Hurts come in and tear it up right away? I think it’s deeper than a vast difference between his receivers at Alabama always being wide open and not having that in the NFL. I think that’s really simplifying things, and not really seeing what’s going on. He’s had good moments and good games, but I think the general theme is to not to take chances. Do you want a guy playing like that in a playoff game? I may be simplifying it too in my own way because maybe they’re not telling him this but it’s how he feels. Not sure which would be worse.
Jalen has had 2 games so hold the judgment on him just yet
Tua’s a BUST!
Ok Home
what an ass hole remark!
Ditto and who is being the troll just like Home used to stir shit up
Drew Brees never sucked and either has Tua. Tua this season will probably finish off about even with Brees’ first 3 seasons production.
Brees was so bad at one point they drafted Phillip Rivers. It was his 2nd season as a starter he was bad
Yep, Brees was very mediocre to start his career. His 2nd year he completed just 60% of his passes and had 16 INTs. His 3rd year he completed just 57% of his passes and had 15 INTs. It takes time for most QBs to develop.
On Tua – I think being in the playoff hunt is hurting his development in some ways. He’s playing apprehensively and conservatively perhaps because he doesn’t want to ‘blow’ a chance at the playoffs for the team and therefore being too conservative (wouldn’t be surprised if the coaches are whispering in his ear ‘hey we have a great defense don’t turn the ball over and we’ll always be in the game). if they weren’t in the playoff hunt then Tua, the coaches, etc. would be all about just winging it downfield to see what happens.
As for the PI penalty against Jones – if you watch the replay take a look at the Ref’s perspective – all he can see from his point of view is Jones grabbing his shoulder with one hand and his other hand can’t be seen – but the receiver is being turned slightly as if that other hand is grabbing him as well. An in-the-moment call where if the ref had waited another second to decide to throw the flag or not he might have left it in his pocket. But agree with most that you let them play in the last couple of minutes unless it’s egregious.
The ref was at an angle to the play, andshould have had a perfect view of the receivers momentum. It’s ok, you can join Mike in the wrong column 😉
(Ok, if we’re being honest, I can see how the ref threw the flag, but it was still the wrong call.)
Oh I agree – should have been a non-call just trying to play (devil’s) ref’s advocate
Seriously, Orob, why are you on this blog? You seam to be an angry fan….lol. Are you a Dolphin fan? You have a funny way of showing it.
The team is 10-5 and one game away from getting in the playoffs and all you can talk about is Tua’s throwing mechanics (which is fixable and warranted if you don’t sacrifice accuracy). I never expected the team to be in this position at this time of year with Tua at QB, no less. I thought Fitz would be our QB and Tua would learn. Instead, he is getting on the job training for the next phase of this team’s rebuild.
I can’t wait to see next year as expectations have been set. It’s called winning football.
Qb’s , especially rookies will have bad games.. if they learn from them and improve the needle keeps going up.. Fitz has nothing to lose slinging the ball all over the field when he comes in, Tua know he can’t get away with playing like that , he doesn’t want to be the cause of us losing, so Yes , he is playing too cautious .. our pass blocking was also not great , seemed that the stunts that Gruden ran were not recognized.. at times we had an OL man standing around looking who he should be blocking as Tua was being hit/hurried …. Saul Goodman , Coach Flo has his finger in the pulse
I don’t really think he had a bad game
It wasn’t like he turned the ball over
The offense was just lethargic with Tua at QB and we’ve seen it before this season
It feels like the playcalling is much different
Doesn’t seem like they are highlighting his skill set
It seemed like 75% of the plays were swing passes 2-3 yds downfield, carbon copies of the first pass he threw for us this year .. play calling or his choices from the routes on the called plays are suspect and need improved by whoever
It seems like a qtr of the playbook
The Phinsider
@thephinsider
Michael Irvin: Tua is at his floor right now. Fitzpatrick is at his ceiling. When you can get Tua off his floor, he is going to be great for years to come. And this is why Brian Flores is the leader for Coach of the Year.
Ken – I know Jalen has 2 games but we’re talking about how it takes time to adjust. It didn’t take him any time to adjust, he just went out there and killed it. He may be terrible soon or maybe next year. That’s why I brought up Trubisky and Wentz in the article, it’s crazy how they both went from riches to rags but right now Trubisky is trending towards riches again. I think they probably just Jalen do his thing, no restrictions. I think Tua doesn’t have that freedom and maybe neutering him is taking away from his game. We may never know. Just like how many licks it takes to get to the center of tootsie roll pop. lol
Tua killed in some games too Cards Chiefs and Bengals games in particular. It’s a process.
We will have two more days than Bills between this last game.
TD JETS
Rivers stripped Pitt ball about 5 yd line
LOL, well obviously our coaches can’t read Tua’s mind, so they don’t understand the issues he is really having.
I haven’t seen one of our coaches comment on, nor seen a single talking head ever talk about Tua having flawed mechanics. Not one. It’s a totally quantifiable issue, yet it’s being missed by nearly everyone.
Damn, Watt forces a fumble. We need him to suck the last couple of weeks, so X gets the DPOY
Twice – Right on man. I think the official definitely had the right to make the call, it’s very difficult to see whether the contact really impeded the receiver or not, so if you see contact I don’t think it’s wrong to throw the flag.
Wrong | Right
———————
Mike | Kong
Twice | everyone else
LMAO!!
😉
Jets d strips ball from mayfield
If the Jest somehow beat the Browns, it really gives us a chance to make the playoffs even with a loss to the Bills.
Yep 🤞
Everyone thinks they are right on Tua, but only I am for sure — cause my take is we just ain’t gonna know till at least next season.
In other news — one heck of a game last night.
👍
A lot of us are saying the same thing. Only one has called Tua a bust. There is only ONE.
Td JETS !!
TD Jets
XP any, 13-3 Jets
Wow no good
Missed xp
And how good was the game yesterday” Mike E wrote a next recap of it. First time this season I believe, and for good reason. We’ll be talking about that one 20 years from now.
That was a helluva game .. we snatched victory from the Jaws of defeat
I think there is something to be said about the fact we’re in a playoff run and that is hampering Tua’s development. We’re trying to win games while develop him, so the coaches may be drilling into his head, “don’t turn it over. Our defense will win games for us.”. He is being uber conservative and maybe over-thinking his reads.
We see glimpses of his ability, like the way he drove down the field to start the 3rd. He’s had a number of long drives this year. Some QBs do come in and tear it up, but most QBs need some time to develop. We just need to give the kid some time before we know for certain what we have. Can we do that? He’s in game 8 of his career, lol.
I endorse this message… I also 100% agree on contention caution, I think he’d be “let loose” a bit more if we were not on the verge of getting in
No he is already a bust ORob said so
Kong – yes exactly my thoughts as well.
Should have credited you. You said it first, and I was agreeing and piggybacking what you said.
Colts TD 14-7
Steelers are only 1 TO behind us. Protect the ball Colts!!
Tua was 17 of 22 for 94 yards and a TD and no INTs last night with a QB rating of 99.4.
Hard to call that horrible. But understand why Flores brought Fitz in when it was time to score and score fast.
Well that makes me want to throw the QB rating in the garbage, I knew his completion percentage was good but all were within 5 yds , except for some glaring drops
QB rating is not perfect for sure, but hard to argue that the various measure within it aren’t important. But in this case — Tua just didn’t push the ball downfield enough.
TD Colts
Steelers down 21-7
Pittsburgh just looks lethargic
Yep that’s who I want to play in round 1 😊
How the heck did they win 11 straight?
The team is following their QB’s lead
Every single game except the Ravens is leaning our way right now…
Not Colts
I don’t see the Colts losing two straight, so I’m hoping they win this week along with the Chiefs and Bills. That locks the Bills in the #2 spot and gives them nothing to play for.
The Colts game is really a can’t lose for us no matter who wins.
I want 6 spot 😊
Colts play the Jags next week, so….
I think it is better if they lose. The real important game is the Browns. If they lose I think we jump to the 6 seed
It really isn’t unless they also lose next week to the Jags which is never going to happen.
Or if we beat the Bills, and we have a better chance to beat them if they have nothing to play for, hence, we win either way
It’s like Ben just got old all at once
As soon as Connor went down they no longer have a running game
I’ve already seen a couple of plays this half where he normally would have shrugged off the first hit and kept looking downfield – now he seems to want no part of it and just goes down – really banged up or tired of getting hit or both.
And yet he declared
he wants to get paid another year’s salary next yearhe wants to play again for the Steelers next year.Nice 😊
Stanger – I believe it was Kurt Warner who pointed out that Tua had only one completion beyond 6 yards. Those stats are a sham. He was throwing the ball 1-5 yards. His play was totally ineffective and that’s why he was pulled. Like I said in the article, he either settled for a short gain or held the ball too long and got sacked, there was no in between.
Wasn’t saying Tua had a good game, and the lack of deeper completions concerns me. Just putting out the stats, which are what they are. And we were only down 3 when he was pulled.
Cav I don’t think any of the games matter for the Bills. They have a week 1 home game no matter what happens for the rest of the season they can’t get the one seed and only the 1 seed gets a buy this year
If the Chiefs lose 2 and the Bills win 2, I belive the #1 seed is up for grabs
You might be right but if the Chiefs win 1 then Bills have no shot for the 1 seed
I think if the #2 is playing the #3 in the divisional round, that teams will still care whether they are playing at home or on the road. It’s not as important as years past due to no fans, but no travel, your own facility, and you don’t want to play one team on the road, then go to KC.
I think those things still matter, so I think the Bills will be playing for home field if it’s still up for grabs. I acknowledge I could be wrong.
Correct Ken, but I think they’re losing now so it’s still in play at the moment
Houston/Cincy tied at the half. Man that game is so big for our early pick.
Ken says:
December 27, 2020 at 1:22 pm
Ditto and who is being the troll just like Home used to stir shit up
__________________________________________
There’s a big difference, i’m giving my opinion on football issues, you’re seriously attacking me for it. we can joke but it would appear you’re mad at me for my outlook of Tua.
kinda lost a little respect for you.
would you rather me have your opinion? would that make you feel better?
It’s rather funny the rampant denial going around this board, history repeating itself, i remember when Henne was the next Marino. and he was so blatantly bad as Tua.
i’ll let you guys enjoy your Tua bobblehead day together, have a great day and GO JETS!
Maybe if the Jest win out, they’ll retain Gase for another year!
Go ahead and give him another shot, he’s turning the corner…..LMAO
Just stupid shit. I read somewhere on the blog someone compared Henne to Tua. ROTFLMAO!!!!
Henne was as bad as Tua. I think that’s a lite hyperbole right there
Steelers defense looks like crap. Oh by the way, our defense has moved back ahead of the Steelers defense. Now we need the Rams to give up 13+ to the Cards and we’re back on top with one game left.
Hopefully the Steelers give up another 14-17 points to give us a nice cushion on them.
Was the no name defense of ’72 the last Dolphins team to lead the league in defense ppg?
Bengals TD 👍
CavalierKong says:
December 27, 2020 at 1:41 pm
LOL, well obviously our coaches can’t read Tua’s mind, so they don’t understand the issues he is really having.
I haven’t seen one of our coaches comment on, nor seen a single talking head ever talk about Tua having flawed mechanics. Not one. It’s a totally quantifiable issue, yet it’s being missed by nearly everyone.
___________________________________
LOL, Tua is a commodity, i doubt anyone would say their roof is pretty old and may not last long when trying to sell their home.
So now our coaches won’t acknowledge players deficiencies? or rather, they will acknowledge some deficiencies, but not a mechanical issue?
Why haven’t any talking heads mentioned his mechanical issues?
Why wasn’t it part of his draft evaluation?
Why haven’t Armandoh! or Doh!mar mentioned it? They love to pick things apart.
Why are you literally the only one?
Or am I wrong, have you seen it somewhere else?
Rob’s definitely just trolling so moving on to important opinions…when is Herd doing laundry this week?
Ravens are coming on strong. We’re currently 8 points up on them. It would be nice if the Giants could score another 10-14 to give us breathing room there.
The Bills will probably score in the high 20s against us, so it’d be nice if the Rams give up 20+ this week too.
I think the Bills score over 30 on us.
It wouldn’t surprise me. That offense is explosive in the same way the Chiefs are.
i hope all the Tua QB whispering around here works!
I really do.
New Age, i’m not trolling, i’m crushed that our new QB sucks, did you watch the game last night?
I wished he were great but he’s not!
Think everyone gets you think Tua sucks. Need it come with the repetitive emphasis? Few other things to talk about like making the playoffs.
Good point. We’re one game away from making the playoffs and the conversation is all Rob and Tua.
Anyone know what happened to RB Damien Williams who used to play for the Dolphins and Chiefs?
Took a pass due to covid
Ah, thanks Toba! Still on the Chiefs?
Yep
Also supposedly his mom has end stage cancer so that’s really rough news.
Likely why he didn’t want to play
i’m going, i know when my welcome has worn thin
Td for Jets
Holy smokes! They really may win that game
Houston tied it up
ORob when you post a reasoned opinion I will respond to it but when you post “Tua is a bust” that is just being a troll. You know this. You know what you are doing. You want attention then when people call you out you will then play the I am butt hurt card and crave people posting the I am sorry posts and please come back posts. We have seen this play out with you before
ORob,
You’re always welcome but it’s way too early on Tua to form solid opinions. Josh Allen, Brees, Trubisky, and many other QBs were terrible their first year. Some like Mahomes needed a year (more with Rodgers). Tua hasn’t been great but he’s been good enough for Year 1.67 of The Flores Plan. If he sucks by the end of next year, then you are probably on to something.
Colts hold on 4th and goal
Pitt threw 4 times
Sorry 3 times
Great play by the Colts DB there on 4th and goal
Came outta nowhere at the last second
I think it’s Tua soon to know about our young QB one way or the other. 😉
I wasn’t a fan of playing him this year, but I’m not a coach. Fans comparing how he’s doing this year vs another rookie QB or anything else is like comparing your children to each other. Just don’t do it.
We are in a position I never would have guessed would happen at the beginning of the season. I’m going to enjoy it and not second guess how they got us here.
Go Dolphins!
Agree.
ORob just to be clear I don’t mind if you have a negative opinion of Tua that is fine. There are reasons to criticize his play however I really think you are just stir shit more than anything else
We are getting Tua experience, and coach is smart enough to pull him while we still have a chance if needed and we still limit Fitz time, so he doesn’t have the three pick starts, just get the initial “something new” off the bench rush .. playing out well.
Fitz is like a top reliever sitting in the bull pen ready to walk to the mound and bring some heat.
Giants get 3 more. We’re now up 11 on them. LOL, I am doing a deep dive and counting points real time on this #1 defense thing.
TD Steelers .
Nice! TD Pitt. Forces the Colts to need to score more. 10 more would be nice.
Mike, I don’t think you are a dick. But I will point out that those same guys you suggest I should just trust because they absolutely do know more than me also threw away a 2nd & 5th round pick for Rosen who just got poached off a practice squad
I am not ranting like other (no si) about it. I was more reacting to New Ages’ post of it is stupid to compare Herbert and Tua. It is well documented of months of posts that I was against the Tua pick. I am not crying the sky is falling like other (no s) I am just stating that what I have seen is exactly why I was against taking him over Herbert.
I don’t root for Herbert or Tannehill anymore though. I root for Tua (or for Flores to bench him so we might make the playoffs) …..
…… (Dot dot dot dot dot)
And I am MOST CERTAINLY NOT rooting for him to fail so I can say I told you so.
Rivers starting to play like Rivers with playoffs on the line 💩😲
TD Browns☹️
20-10 Jets