So Dolphins fans, here we are again. I think I was so focused on the Dolphins playing a playoff game at home, but as we witnessed last night, that really doesn’t matter much anyway. Half the damn stadium was filled with Buffalo Bills fans, so any true home field advantage we should have had was diminished. Besides, we can lose on the road just as well as we lose at home. The Dolphins have not signed QB Tua Tagovailoa to a contract as of yet, and in my mind, he has one more shot to prove he’s worth a huge contract. Plenty of QB’s have come through the NFL that put up gaudy stats but play small in big games, and as of this moment, that’s what Tua Tagovailoa is. We play a good team, and all of a sudden, he’s just not the same QB. Against the Bills in October, Tua was 25-35, 282 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, Tua went 23-32, 216 yards 1 TD, 1 INT. Against the Kansas City Chiefs, Tua went 21-34 193 yards and 1 TD. Against the Cowboys, Tua threw 24-37 for 293 yards and 1 TD. Against the Baltimore Ravens, Tua was 22-38 for 237 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT. In the finale against the Bills, Tua went 17-27 for 173 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT’s. So in 6 games against winning teams, Tua managed 7 TD’s and 6 INT’s. I’m sorry folks, that’s not good enough. Much better than a 2:1 TD:INT ratio against the weak teams, and 7:6 against good teams.
Another huge disappointment in my eyes has been the play of Tyreek Hill. Last night, he was not great, and last week against the Ravens, his TD drop was crucial and changed the complexion of the game. In last night’s game, he dropped a pass that could have been a huge gain, but there was a penalty aginst the defender covering Tyreek. He had a clean opportunity, and he dropped it. Maybe he’ll be fired up for the Chiefs next week, we can only hope, but he hasn’t been the guy that took over games earlier in the season. The problem isn’t the defense, who did enough to win, it was the offense and of course the ST’s, allowing the punt return for a TD. Back to Tua though, like I said, he has one more shot to prove he can win a big game, and if he fails, why offer him a tremendous contract? pay him what he’s worth, nowhere near the top QB salaries, because frankly, he doesn’t win big games, he doesn’t carry the team, and against good teams, he doesn’t make a big play to close out a game.
I don’t have much else to say other than if I’m a LB and the Dolphins call me, I think twice about saying YES. WTF is happening with every-single OLB-we-have? It’s insane! Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Andrew Van Ginkel and then Cameron Goode. You can’t make this stuff up! Not sure if the Dolphins promote OLB Quinton Bell and secure at least 2 more LB’s, because you can’t expect 34 year old Melvin Ingram and 30 year old Emmanuel Ogbah to play the amount of snaps that Chubb and AVG were playing. You can’t expect them to not get injured either! Honestly, this is all just so frustrating because we’ve been here before so many times. Never ready for prime time, coming up small in make or break games. Still have one more chance, but my confidence level is at an all time low.
Finsmob Unleashed 
Josh Allen on the 2nd half: That’s who we are
Dolphins in the 2nd half : Also That’s who we are
I agree 100% Mike. This team disappoints year after year. We let the division from week one. had a 3 game lead with 5 games to play, and blew it by losing 3 out of the last 5.
Led
We are who our record says we are….a WC team.
4th quarter issues vs Tenn, Dallas, Buffalo, (Baltimore 2nd half was bad, but 4th qtr was TERRIBLE).
It’s not just the D that has struggled to finish, its the Offense to. Last night’s game is now in the top 10 of Miami losses that will haunt me … in 50+ years of watching games. Younger fans it might be a top 5. Chance to get first division title in 15 years, at HOME, secure a home playoff game.
I know our Defense is dragging guys off the street to start games, but they only gave up 2 scores (special teams gave up the other) but our offense has to be able to score more than 20 pts to help out a wounded defense.
Yes, the offense has injuries, but there is still enough talent to score 20+ points.
Agreed with everything you wrote, Mike. I’m not giving Tua a top 5 QB contract right now, even though his overall season numbers would suggest that is what he’s worth, I’m not sure I want to hitch my wagon to him that strongly for 5 more years. If he is willing to sign a mid-tier contract, I would probably do that because we could use some cap relief.
I’m just not sure Tua is anything more than a get you into the the lower seeds of the playoffs QB, similar to Tanny in the Titans system. I expect us to be contenders to make the playoffs over the next few years, but until our QB can have big games in big moments, I don’t expect much more than that. He has another chance to get it done this weekend, but I doubt there are really any of us on the board that expect us to win in KC.
And to be clear, Tua is the best QB we’ve had here since Marino left. We’ve been starved for good QB play, and Tua is a pretty good QB, he just comes up small in big games.
I hope we get a new ST coordinator next year, we should have done it this offseason. We gave up a big kick return to open the 2nd half last week too. And we were awful on ST the 1st half of the season, terrible all year last year. We had a good run of ST in the middle into the latter half of the season this year, but we returned to form the last two big games. I know, I know, injuries affect ST, and that’s true, it’d just be nice to overcome for once the way this coaching staff preaches.
For the most part, the best QBs aren’t the pocket passers anymore, they’re the QBs that go off script and can also threaten a defense with their legs.
Tua has to be on script, on time, and is no threat to run. Get him off his st and 2nd read and he struggles to consistently make plays.
We won 9 games last year. We won 11 games this year. Only Ravens have won more in the conference. Tua is just fine. Hill makes the catch last night and no one is complaining about him. Being from the northeast I remember all the Giant fans complaining about Eli and how he would disappear in big games and playoffs until all of sudden he didn’t. Same thing going on here. We have the QB. We are trending in the right direction. No reason for all this overreaction I see going on here and elsewhere
So you give him top QB money, say $40M per year? I would not!
What are options? Start over with a new QB? Not likely to happen and likely to be the end of this particular incarnation of the team
I would offer him a mid tier QB salary
I spent the last 5 min putting together a longer post. Went back and read it. Then just deleted it.
Fuck it! lol
Good restrained article Mike
We are all frustrated
1-5 against winning teams averaging 16.5 pts a game. It’s not a narrative
I kind of think it’s a narrative in the sense that it’s really overemphasized
A contender is not going to be undefeated most of the time
3-3 or 4-2 is tough games like that is probably realistic
The bigger concern is just not coming through in clutch moments
Most games are going to be close in the NFL
You have to win close games and we’ve crumbled in those moments
You’re gonna be fine against good or bad teams and f in the close games, you can execute a 2 minute drill effectively
I think that’s the real issue
They are in cap hell and spent all their resources just to be the same ol average team. They just beat the crappy teams more consistently now
I knew I was going to feel bummed out (again) this Monday morning so after the game I went to the garage and got my fishing gear together. Made some light tackle drop rigs for sheepshead and plugged in the trolling motor charger. Got up early to go to tackle store for live shrimp and fiddler crabs.
I wanted to get out early anyway but also because rain was going to move in this afternoon.
Well, fuck! Winds were already at 20mph gusting to 30mph this morning.
Now, stuck at home with nothing to do but sulk in the doom and gloom.
I terms of Tua’s contract
I think you look at the whole season
But this year, he’s been really bad in clutch spots
And that matters imo
He has finally played a full season
He’s been great at times this season – in fact, there have been times when I thought he was the next QB in the NFL
But If we sign him to a long contract, he will be the highest paid QB I’m the nfl – bc that’s what signing a QB requires. A QB is the highest paid QB for at least 1 season after their contract
That’s just the nature of contracts now
And I don’t want to make that commitment to Tua given that problem
So I probably just take the 5th year option and then we will see what happens in 2024
Pigster – we already took it and he’s under contract for next year.
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/21/sport/tua-tagovailoa-miami-dolphins-fifth-year-spt-intl/index.html#:~:text=The%20Miami%20Dolphins%20officially%20exercised,season%2C%20according%20to%20the%20NFL.
If the braintrust also wants even more data, I spose the franchise tag is available. Frankly, though, MM should have enough to go by.
Yeah I guess I forgot that
But what I mean is I would not give him a 5 year contract this offseason
I don’t think we need more data I just don’t think he’s earned being one of the highest paid QBs in the league for the next 5 years
BBM,
I wrote and deleted about 6 posts last night after the game. Lol
The NFL has decided to make it all about their QBs. They have corrupted the rules to obscenely favor that specific player. I said this several years ago when it started. You have GOT to be able to exploit that. It’s just such a huge advantage. If you don’t, you’re really putting yourself behind the 8 ball.
***
Tua can’t. He doesn’t threaten defenses. Hill does. Waddle kinda does. Tua is easy to defend because he does nothing special or at an elite level. He’s not a threat to run at all, and that’s just way too easy for teams to defend nowadays. He also can’t move in the pocket very well which makes him even easier to get to. He will never take over games physically. He simply doesn’t have the physical talent to do it. He’s got no B, C or D plan when plan A is stopped.
Agreed.
Achane looks like a guy I gotta start getting the ball. Why we didn’t run…or even throw to…that kid more yesterday is baffling to me. He looks like a big play guy if he stays healthy.
Piggy
Did I think it was overemphasized early in the season? Yep. Do I now? Nope!
And every time what do we hear? Next opportunity, we’ll be better next time. It’s always next time with them.
We won 9 games last year.
——————-
We were 4-5 last year vs teams with winning records (if you include WC game, 4-6). Three of the four teams we beat were 9-8 and none of them were playoff teams. Only good/playoff team we beat last year was the 10-7 Ravens who were a one and done WC team.
Last year, the offense had no answers in the second half of many games in the second half of the season.
We gave it a pass being MM’s first year as HC and calling plays.
This year, the offense had no answers in the second half of many games in the second half of the season. Again.
We had more wins this year because we had a much, much more easy schedule.
2022
SOS .537
SOV .457
2023
SOS .450
SOV .358
Just because we won 2 more games this year doesn’t mean the team improved. Hell, our Strength of Victory last year was higher than our entire Strength of Schedule this year. You could say we regressed.
I guess 11 wins after 9 wins and 2 straight years in the playoffs counts for nothing. I mean we are in the playoffs. Our QB led the NFL in passing yards. I get he didn’t play well the last 2 weeks. He will. He and the team are still growing. You put way too much stock into SOV and SOS. Each game is a snapshot of where that team is at a particular moment in time. We won 11 games. We should feel good about that
I do, just frustrated
LOL at Randy! I think I had one or two last night also.
Piggy, I agree about the Tua contract situation. Keep him on the 2024 5th year option (which they have) and see what happens in 2024.
Only problem is I think they are counting on a deal to clear a chunk of his cap in 2024 which they have to do.
Ken – I think Eli Manning is the antithesis to Tua. Tua’s great all season until it counts. Manning was meh during the regular season but won the big games., as evidenced by his 2 SB rings
There was no more stark a stat for me than this last night.
As Mike said during the chat, we were running like a finely tuned engine. Then we stalled and never got going again until it was way too late.
I’m leaning towards parting company with Tua as of now, but he has a last season to prove himself. A franchise QB should be a game changer. Tua was last night, but not in the way he should have been. I don’t just blame him though – this offensive scheme and his talents are world-beating when Tua can do what he wants. When you take that away, he looks bang average. Good QBs find a way to overcome such adversity. Average ones don’t. Either Tua becomes that QB or we have to try to find another one that can.
Run game last night was somewhat misleading. We had a couple of long runs but also a lot of negative plays on runs. MM fell in love with pitch play which looked good early but then the Bills were able stop it. We had no real 2nd run play other than that. We kept going back to it when it wasn’t going to work anymore
Bills adjusted started loading the box daring them to beat them with passing. Solid choice
On a brighter note, with the last 2 losses we moved up from pick #29 in the draft to pick #24. SMH
Ken – Jeff Wilson ripped off a few nice runs that were more inside. I don’t think the run game was our issue.
Again all early. But that was also only a handful of plays. They shut the run game down as the game went on.
Mike
In terms of Tua’s contract a mid tier contract is not an option. You either have to pay him or move on and moving on would be disastrous
My Regular Season Ending Frustration Draft: I traded Tua to Seahawks for #16 then some trade downs.
16. Cooper DeJean CB Iowa
28. Bo Nix QB Oregon
59. Patrick Paul OT Houston
61. Xavier Legette WR South Carolina
91. Maason Smith DT LSU
125. Curtis Jacobs LB Penn State
148. Dallin Holker TE Colorado State
152. Beaux Limmer OC Arkansas
168. Aaron Casey LB Indiana
184. Ainias Smith WR Texas A&M
190. Jaylen Wright RB Tennessee
216. Zion Nelson OT Miami (FL)
WR Legette is a freak at 6’3 227 pounds and has run a 4.29 before, projected to run a 4.31. He recorded a ball carrying speed of 22.3 mph this season.
RB Wright is 5’11 210, projected to run a 4.33. He ran a hand timed 4.28 before.
2:04 make shows off his speed.
They call him a DK Metcalf clone
The Giants destroyed the QB market by giving Jones $40 million per year. Then Burrow signed a monster contract, Herbert too. They were very close to Mahomes AAV, so Mahomes got a bump from the $50 million he was making. If we extend Tua this year, he will cost $45 million per year IMO
I agree
I know he’s the best QB we’ve had, but I think that will be a mistake. He’s had one healthy year, and up until this point, hasn’t played up to snuff in big games, or even games against better competition.
But what is the alternative? You are not going to sign him for a mid tier contract? You want to draft another and blow up what we have? You want Kyler Murray? You think Kirk Cousins is better? I don’t think any of those options are better.
Why is replacing the QB blowing up everything? You don’t think a different QB could run this offense?
Because the reality is a rookie Quarterback will take 2-3 years to develop and by then the window closes. Yes some rookie QBs have played well out of the gate but that is the exception but not the rule. You can possibly get a veteran to step in but realistically what available veteran represents an upgrade?
Do you think the Dolphins are as disgusted with them as I am?
I doubt it. I’m so disappointed and disgusted with the offense, and ST’s.
Ken – I’m going to wait to see if he can change my mind in KC. I think there are any number of veterans that could step right in and getter done!
Who? Seriously I don’t see any of the potentially available QBs as an upgrade. That would be Kyler Murray, Kirk Cousins, Fields
Russell Wilson?
Did Achane get hurt because he wasn’t getting the ball much in the 2nd half?
Ken – I think Baker Mayfield could run this offense
I think Cousins could run it better than Tua
You serious, Clark?🙄
Not remotely close as to Mayfield. Cousins is a maybe but in essence he has the same supposed knock on him that he melts in big games
I also think Cousins will stay in Minnesota
We’re not looking for a new QB.
Totally agree
We might be Tim
It wouldn’t be too crazy to make a move this offseason in the draft
Maybe we have a shot at some one like Michael Penix, Bo Nixon or JJ McCarthy with a trade up
I don’t know how the coaches feel about Tua’s ability to be our franchise QB – but right now we are about to go into his 5h year and we still don’t have a long term contract with him
I’m personally a little hesitant to give him a new 5 year deal and make him the highest Paid an in the nfl
We are kind of at that crossroads now
I wouldn’t pursue a free agent, but if we like a QB in this draft, maybe we trade up, let him sit behind Tua for 2024 and if Tua takes the next step in 2024, great, if not, we move on without being desperate to replace him
This Peacock thing is pissing me off. I searched and found out can still watch the game (see below). But it is one thing to say you have to have NFL Network or Amazon to watch a Thurs nite game or whatever….. this is the playoffs. Shouldn’t have to pay for that. Used to pay a bunch for NFL ticket when lived in DC to get the Phins, but this is very different.
“The Chiefs-Dolphins game will be available in both the Kansas City and Miami markets on local channels. The Miami-based channel will be NBC-6 in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area while KSHB, the NBC affiliate, will carry it in the KC market.”
So, us up in WPB where more than 50% of the season ticker holders come from get fucked again! Oh well! I guess I won’t watch it if the NFL doesn’t want me to! FUCK THEM!!! WPB IS part of the “local” market you fucks!
Tim – say we put up 10-14 points and lose in KC, you’re paying Tua $45M?
That’s the real question
Do we extend
If we are hesitant to extend now, we should be preparing for his replacement
I wouldn’t pursue any vertaran QBs over Tua
I think there’s only one way to get your franchise QB – the draft
And that’s hit and miss, so we might not fair better
The Phins game also might be at your local sports bar
“The game will also be available to bars and restaurants (and other commercial establishments) through EverPass media and the Peacock Sports Pass. (EverPass says businesses do not have the legal right to use the residential Peacock app to show the games.)”
The O lost us last night’s game. No doubt about that. But not so long ago we were talking about Tua as a possible MVP candidate. And his stats make him a top-5 NFL QB. You can’t even discuss keeping him or not without knowing what the price is. And every player has a price that is too high.
We may actually have some leverage over Tua to sign for less than a top 5 contract. He has to want to stay here in a system that is built for him. And I’m not sure there are a lot of teams out there that would give him top $$$. No doubt there are a few, but he should see his best chance at success is here.
We also don’t have to decide this offseason. We have him under contract next year. I say we go into next season as is.
I forget we have him next year no matter what. I do think they wanted to sign him and defer some money down the line because we have some ballooning salaries in ’24. I think Tyreek is around $30M, Chubb is less, but not by a lot. I would roll the dice than with Tua. If he plays well next year, stays healthy, then you pay him
Yeah, it’s going to be interesting to see what we do in regards to the cap. We have to wonder how different next year’s team is going to look.
I know a number of people have pointed to Ogbah and Baker as cap casualties, and maybe X too.
We really need some draft infusion to get some talent for cheap in some spots.
If we do extend him this offseason, that’ll tell us all we need to know about how the FO views him…just like letting him play on his 5th year will also speak volumes.
Wait, so I guess I’m late to the party. Are you guys above saying our playoff game isn’t on regular TV, only on the Peacock streaming service?
Peacock is just NBC and they are doing that? Wow, talk about a money grab to force an influx of subscriptions to their streaming service. That is a crock of shit.
That is correct. Total bullshit.
I think part of Tua’s problem is Hill. Hill is a special player, but he is Tua’s crutch. Tua hardly throws to anyone else and when Hill is taken away, Tua goes to shit. He played better when Hill missed the game altogether.
I wouldn’t give him a big contract yet and if I had a chance to draft a potential replacement, I would take it. And I would be firing Crossman as soon as the season ended.
I like Hill…I just think Tua treats him like his only woobie.
Seems that way more so this year
Makes me think Tua is insecure.
Or our 3rd and 4th options are not that good or some combination thereof.
I don’t think that it’s they are not good. They seem to catch everything he throws to them when he throws to them. More like as soon as it gets tight, he looks for Hill and throws it no matter how he’s covered.
I think guys like Wilson and Berrios and Claypool have not been doing a great job of getting separation from what I can see. I agree they have been pretty good at catching when it’s thrown to them. Better than Hill who leads the NFL in drops but when Hill and Waddle are not in it doesn’t look like anyone is getting separation. Just like the int last night thrown in Claypool’s direction
We are not drafting a QB no. 1 but if we did it would make this franchise a special kind of stupid. I think it would be a first in NFL history to draft a QB #1 after your QB led the NFL in passing yards with a 2-1 TD to int ratio and is only 25 years old
You don’t know that Ken
We have a talented team
That window is only going to stay open for so long
Pretty confident on that. Drafting a QB would essentially mean closing the window. It is not realistic to expect a rookie to out perform Tua’s performance this season
I don’t care what we pay Tua, he’s McDaniel’s guy and we aren’t in the playoffs without him. He’s one of the top QBs in the league. This is just emotional silliness.🤪
Bingo
If you’re right, I think he’ll get extended this off-season. If you’re wrong he’ll play on his 5th year because the front office has the same concerns numerous people, players, pundits, and NFL personnel have and have been pointing out for years. It’s not emotional silliness when people have been saying the same thing for awhile. That would be consistent opinion, lol.
This isn’t an over reaction based on one game.
He’s in the top 5 in most categories. I think moving on from him is silly. He’s 25 and in year two with McDaniel’s offense.
Gotcha, that’s fair, I understand your POV
LOL @ woobie!!
Marines take our woobies seriously.
🤣
We will extend Tua this off season because we need to restructure for the cap space. He will be paid and will be paid very highly. I would anticipate a hold out if we don’t restructure this year
Agreed
Going to be an interesting off season.
Ari Meirov
@MySportsUpdate
More #Dolphins injuries: LBs Andrew Van Ginkel (foot), Jerome Baker (wrist), and Cam Goode (knee) are all out for Saturday’s Wild Card game vs. the Chiefs.
Goode is out for the season, and Baker is most likely out for the season, too
More good news folks!
Ugh!!! Unbelievable. 😩
Lol, all I can do is laugh. It’s crazy. What is in the water down there in Miami? 😂
Randy, BBM,
I’m with you on those posts. The real question is, why can’t we draft the next Brock Purdy? The next Dak Prescott? Lamar Jackson? Minshew? Howell? Hurts? Smith? Even the next Mahomes? None of these guys were top 10 picks. All but two were outside of the 1st round. Over 25% of NFL starting QBs for most of this season weren’t 1st round picks. With the NFL copying college, why can’t we find a guy that can get it done and use the best tool given to teams today… the rookie QB contract?
I keep Tua on the 5th year option and start looking. I also tell McDaniel that he needs to start improving because what he’s putting out, just isn’t good enough. Teams have caught on, time to adjust. If he can’t I think that says everything.
Too early for all of that. We’ve made the playoffs two years in a row, when was the last time we did that? Over two decades ago.
We have different ideas of what we want from the Dolphins. You just want entertainment; I want the crown. I haven’t seen a Miami team in the SB since I was in elementary school. Based off current trends, I’ll die before I see it again. Just like Ross, I’m tired of waiting and tired of mediocrity. Mediocrity is losing every competitive game but one in a 17-game season.
I am sure the organization wants the crown which is why they will not use a high pick on a QB
I want the same thing but I don’t control anything. I’ve experienced one championship in my life time as an adult. The 1986 Mets. I’m used to it. I just go for the ride and so do you. We all do. Our lifetimes have nothing to do with it.
Tim,
You thought we were doing well under Philbin, Gase, and Flores as well. You are the perennial everything is great fan, but many don’t think that way. We see the problems and we can’t just say, “Miami will fix it because they always do!” We’re just wired differently. It’s not bad but we’re just very different types of fan. I’ve got more atic.
Well I disagree with you about the quality of some of the guys you cite especially Minshew and Howell who are both not starting caliber QBs. However, I agree with you that drafting a QB mid to late rounds is never a bad idea, even if you have a starting QB. My objection would be using your first or second round pick on QB
What if you feel like he’s the one? Let’s say we think Miami’s coaching and FO is as talented as the Chiefs. If they think they have the next Mahomes, what do you do?
I think Grier has the guts but does McDaniels have the eye for talent? Can he coach up QBs and if so, what next? Tua is our Alex Smith. Do we just want playoffs as our yearly goal? Especially since we won’t be able to keep this talent much longer?
If they are being drafted after the first round no one thinks they’re the one. If the talent says they are the one they are going in the top 5. When you draft a QB later you are looking for the diamond in the rough.
Tell me about Mahomes.
Mahomes was #12 overall. Not exactly a late pick
Right but that’s my point. KC was a playoff team going nowhere with Alex Smith and they moved up from #27 to #12. We have pick #24 my friend. What if Penix is there at #9?
Packers disagree with waiting to draft a 1st rd QB
The were replacing a 15-17 year vet. That is a very different scenario
Is it? Rodgers was top of his game still. Won MVP twice after and they were replacing him?
So Love sat and now leads his team into the playoffs. They youngest team in the league. While having 2 victories over playoff teams this year.
Fins can’t draft a QB to sit next year and possibly be an upgrade of the most important position on the field?
Maybe Tua needs some competition.
It was succession planning. Tua is 25 and has gotten better each season. We are not succession planning at this point
If they don’t bite as pups.
His age is not a factor to me. He’s shown us what he’s got at this point.
I think he has bitten pretty hard. Winning record each season. A couple of significant 400 yard games. Improved each season. I think it is more than fair to say he has bitten as a pup
I called the Dolphins office today. Told them am willing to line up on the edge. Have a tryout tmrw.
New Age, I roll with the team we have. I didn’t say you can’t think differently as a fan but some of you guys are already talking about the offseason before we even play the playoff game.🤣
Because we’re going to lose my friend. Like you said, we aren’t the same team from earlier and this is a winning club we are facing. It’s time for the yearly downtime.
Tua isn’t the problem.
Right now, he’s one of them. It isn’t a one person problem but he is the QB…and he is a problem.
Not trying to pick on you Tim but we have opposing thoughts and I like to argue. Just brush me aside lol.
Defensive injuries have nothing to do with only putting up 14 pts in the biggest game of the season, at home no less.
And our D only gave up 14 points. What more are we asking of them?
Stop them on 3rd down. Don’t let them move up and down the field at will. Don’t let Allen complete 30 of 38 passes.
Well when the other team holds the ball for so long and keeps converting 3rd downs it is kind of hard to score points
I’m asking the supposedly one of the top offenses in the league to show up in games that matter. How many 3 and outs do I need to see? Injury riddled defense could not catch a breath and yet only gave up 14.
I am not saying the offense played well. It didn’t. Nor did the defense. Nor did the STs. It was a team loss. I also don’t think it was 1 players fault.
Pretty hard to refute this. It was pathetic having a division title on the line at home turn into a road game.
Got to ban all these New Yorkers from moving to and visiting Florida. Send the ones living here back.
It’s not emotional silliness. It’s also not a negative narrative. I’m a Dolphins fan and a Tua supporter, but the team comes first. If he can’t win a big game, or even beat a fucking good team, I’m not extending anything. No reason to.
Some people have been raising warning flags all season, this wasn’t a reaction over a single game. It’s been a continued concern.
Yep. I’ve seen no progression this year outside of him being able to throw deep to a fairly wide-open Hill. Never thought that he couldn’t do that though….
New Age:
We are not moving up for Pennix or any QB. I like Pennix but he is just about as old as Tua and also has a significant injury history. He is not a significant upgrade.
Yeah, lol, I was throwing him out there but he’s probably not a 1st rounder. He may surprise if he does well in this game though. The issue is that Tua only sees two dudes on our offense mainly because he has to throw so quickly. Will that change next year? It will have to if we think this team is going to improve.
I agree we need to diversify the offense. It can’t just be wide pitch outs and in cut passes.
Yeah, we mainly agree on things, but I have fears from not seeing a lot of progression this year and you are much more patient. I’m hoping you are right because I also agree that Tua and McDaniels aren’t going anywhere yet (I will give up on them after next year though.) I want to see us right beside the 49ers, Chiefs, Bengals and Ravens and am impatient mainly because I see potential. They just aren’t grabbing it yet.
I feel like next year is a big year for us. I expect big things from this team next year
McDaniel’s offense is still a work in progress. He recently said a receiving threat at TE is the next install. Last year we didn’t run the ball enough. This year it was much better. Hill and Waddle have two years left together. We have a lot of issues with injuries and decisions to be made with personnel in the offseason.
That said we’re playing the Chiefs Sunday night! FinsUp!🙂
Believe it or not, I think they have a chance to win this game. KC isn’t all that good this year.
It is certainly winnable. My biggest concern outside of our injuries is the temperature. I wish we were playing them at home
I agree. I’ll be watching. 🙂
I love Stanger, but there is no way we’re winning with him starting on the edge 🤣😂
This graphic below is going to tell ya a LOT. Not only is it amazing that we finished 11-6, but it’s also amazing we were in competition for the #1 seed in the AFC just last weekend…
That was BEFORE last nights game
I think you’re correct, now that I look at it. But even so, that doesn’t even take into consideration that we lost AVG, Baker (again), and Goode to injury last evening.
Yep
Sums it up. How can we be so far off from the rest of the league. That’s just crazy.
^^^
Ken, my biggest concern is who is going to chase Mahomes around all day. I expect him to do a lot of running and improving.
Double Kelce and make their receivers beat you. The Chiefs defense is the overlooked element. I think it’s a close middle range game 24-21 type of thing.
Right/ Allen killed us with his legs.
The punt return for the TD gave the Bills life. Allen didn’t kill us but he always does that.
He ran for 67 yards . That’s a lot.
Ken – Do you think the Giants are happy are they gave Daniel Jones a $40M per year contract?
My point is, we don’t have to do it until we actually have to, which would be sometime next year if he’s proved worthy of it. I’m sorry but great QB’s win games on their own sometimes. Tua just doesn’t get it done against good teams, and that’s a huge red flag. He can’t rise to the level of the opponent than you have no reason to overpay him. There are QB’s littered all over the NFL like that.
Daniel Jones can’t hold Tua’s jock strap
Doesn’t matter, someone felt like you do, he’s better than blah blah blah and what’s the alternative? He needs to rise to the level of the competition and be a winner before I give him a big contract. I’d be patient, pay him next year, if he earns it
I had to chuckle, Larry Fitzgerald was on NFL radio talking about the Steelers vs Bills upcoming playoff game. Larry is rambling about why he thinks the Bills are going to win, they’ve won 6 of 7, 3 out of the last 4, and Josh Allen is really taking care of the football. Did he watch last night’s game??? 2 INT’s and 1 fumble
OK Larry . . .
Maybe we could ask them there aliens who were visiting Miami if they could clone us up a QB. Stir up a cocktail of Dan Marino, Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson genes together.
I hate to break it to ya my Brother, but they’ve already done that. Problem is that Nick Saban played that guy at the wrong position at DE. Should have been a QB all along.
His name? MATT ROTH
Ahhhhh!
🤣
I wonder if we lose Frank Smith
Wondering the exact same thing, Brian.
I think so. I keep hearing he is at the top of a lot of teams lists.
He would be smart to go to Chargers.
Wouldn’t it be crazy if Flores replaced BB as the Pats HC.
Yeah. He seems like a great guy and a players coach.
Michigan looks really good.
I’m not nearly as down on Tua as some others here after last evening. I mean, had Tua been lost for the season in game 1 against the Chargers, we’d NEVER have made the playoffs… and I think that’s a rather reasonable and rational opinion.
Mike White isn’t ‘it’ and neither is Skyler Thompson.
Tua will grow into the big moments, I trust. I mean, we just went from LITERALLY one year ago that “he should probably retire” (concussions) to now leading the NFL in passing yardage this season.
He’s a top-5 QB now and he continues to show growth every season… he’ll grow even more next season. JMO as always…
And I’m going to tell y’all that I’m really unhappy with his 14 INTs this season! Gotta fix that shit, Tua! And I’m sure he will.
It’s not the 14 INT’S, it’s 7 TD’s and 6 INT’S against winning teams. That’s not anywhere near how he plays against shitty teams. Let’s see how he does against the Chiefs
Regular TV is toast. I just got home and thought I’d watch the NCAA Football championship- only available on ESPN. Dolphins at Chiefs- only available on a streaming service, smh.
I love that I can go down to the corner and buy weed in a store, but I hate that I have to order a bunch of different streams for playoffs and championships.
The future really is a mixed bag…
Mike E,
Here’s the roughly $45M/year (and rising) question: if we don’t pay Tua now, how much more will he cost in another year?
That’s the risk/reward dynamic at work in the here and now. And as league revenue continues to increase, there’s going to be more $$$ to spend for every team (salary cap increase)… and QB is the most important position in all of team sports.
I’m not delivering you a definitive answer here on Tua, but ya obviously want to buy low and sell high. This is a GIGANTIC decision to make, and we certainly don’t want to alienate Tua while we’re at it… should he ball out for us next season.
Bring in competition
BRING IT! Competition brings out the best in everyone. I’m 100% good with bringing competition in for Tua.
Mike E. says:
January 8, 2024 at 8:53 pm
It’s not the 14 INT’S, it’s 7 TD’s and 6 INT’S against winning teams. That’s not anywhere near how he plays against shitty teams. Let’s see how he does against the Chiefs
————-
Here’s how I see it, my guy: we KNOW what Tua is capable of doing. I honestly believe Coach McDaniel can do better with the play-calling, and Tua can do better with the execution.
And that IS to say that both Tua and Coach can do better… not putting the blame solely on one guy.
M – if he plays good enough to earn $50M per year, I’ll be thrilled to pay him. On the other hand, if loses to the Chiefs and doesn’t play well against good teams next year, I’ll also be thrilled we didn’t pay him. Realistically, how much more can he jack his salary up anyway? What do you think he’d get now? $45M per? What would have to do to get $50M? If he plays that great here, would he really want to leave?
Man, if I could predict the future, I’d have purchased stock in Microsoft all those years ago. 😉
You make fair points (as usual), but this is going to be a huge matter… as to whether we extend Tua now or later… potentially a $10-15M/year swing.
Best stated, methinks… Tua can make himself some $$$ this weekend if he has a solid game.
He’s gotta be the reason we win to jack up his worth. I mean the team can’t run for 200 yards and we kick 5 FG’s and win 22-21, with Tua throwing 1 TD and 2 INT’S. We also aren’t going to extend his contract between today and Saturday.
Keeping an eye on Michigan’s WR Roman Wilson as a potential second round pick. He runs around a 4.37. He would be a great slot WR.
M – on the other side of the ledger, just curious about what you think happens to his worth if we go into KC and Tua throws the game away, 3 INT’S and no TD’S and is the main reason we lose a close game. Do you think that pushes his value down to $30M per?
Honestly, I think we are SO beat up, injured, and deflated that we can’t put all of our eggs in this KC basket… regarding Tua.
Good and earnest convo, my guy. I’m not posting as if I *know* the answers to our woes, but I don’t believe it begins and ends with Tua… but that’s just me and my $.02, Brother.
I don’t either, but I think what you said is part of the reason I don’t want to pay him the big bucks. You don’t say that with the Chiefs, or the Ravens, or the definitely not with the Bills. I think most of us feel the Ravens will go as far as Lamar Jackson takes them, and same for Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. I don’t know how many people out there expect Tua to carry to this team to a victory, which is part and parcel the issue with him. he’s a complimentary piece, not the centerpiece.
Mike,
There is absolutely no way he’s getting $30 million. None. As I mentioned earlier, Jones wrecked the market . He likely would have gotten aroun $40 or so, now I believe he’s around $45 million, at least. Herbert is getting over $50 million per year and he hasn’t won as much.
Goodnight M – Nice chat brother!
Yessir! Right back at ya mi amigo!
Good NCAA Championship Game.
I’ve been pretty clear Tua’s not my type of QB. I just don’t like small, immobile QBs, but I had no problem letting him show what he can do. Tua has done some nice things, but the game is about winning. Stats don’t mean shit. I don’t care how many lines a guy fills on a stat sheet. If he can’t win. We’re not talking about wins during the season. Winning for me means in the playoffs at this point. The QB position has more impact on wins and losses than any other position, and it ain’t close.
***
If a QB can only get wins against “lesser” opponents and loses against good ones, I ain’t keeping him around. Tua still has time to show he can be that sort of QB…a kind he’s never been very often in 3 years…he’ll still be playing for us next year anyway. You want $50M/year? Play like you’re worth it.
***
It’s Tannehill all over again!!!! 😱
34-18
32-19, but everyone sees that he comes up small in big games. Let’s see if he can change that on Saturday
No it is 34-18 and it is a false narrative about coming up short. He has won plenty of big games. Other big ones will come. He beat Dallas this year. Bills and Ravens last year. Undefeated in his career vs Jets and Pats. The Bills have been his bugaboo. But to blame that all on him is misplaced
I keep having these thoughts that the Dolphins are going to sign a player off of some teams practice squad and they’re going to become a hero, and have an amazing game. I think we need at least 3 LB’s, with AVG, Baker and Goode OUT. Maybe we find magic, or maybe I just have desperate thoughts. lol
That would be the smart thing to do, sign someone off another teams PS. There are plenty of vets out there on teams PS.
Don’t you think we have to do it today? I mean we have to fly these guys to Miami and get them to practice and we play Saturday. Not much time to get this done and still allow them time to acclimate and practice
You would think
I was doing a quick scan through some teams PS rosters. Not many teams have OLB/Edge types. Still looking though. One name I came across was OLB Quincy Roche on the Vikings.
DE Jeff Gunter, Bengals
DE Ali Gaye, Texans
OLB Ronnie Perkins, Broncos
Not going to keep posting names. lol There are 7-8 DE/Edge/OLB types who can get after the QB who interest me.
After winning the national championship, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jim Harbaugh back in the NFL as an HC this year.
Ken,
I haven’t seen Tua win games because of his own play very often in 3 years. He just hasn’t….especially big games. It’s not all on him. I also don’t like how MM calls a game, but Tua also hasn’t been able to be the reason we win big games either.
But he has. The 2 games last year in particular the Ravens and Bills and won with big plays. The other one that really stands out to me is couple of years ago, the prime time game against the Ravens where he replaced an ineffective Jacoby Brissett at the half. He took over that game in the second half. He has won big games. Yes his play was disappointing the last 2 weeks but the ability to win big games is there and has in fact happened
I’m still disgusted.
I just got past disgusted this morning and moved into “it is what it is” mode.
It took me almost two weeks to get out of “disgusted” mode after the Titans loss.
I’m not. I’m used to this flavor
Going to be cold as fuck here on the panhandle this time next week. Calling for a low of 22 Tuesday and low of 18 on Wednesday.
I’m disgusted with the NFL/peacock money grab that I refuse to play along with, so I’ll be missing our playoff game unless one of my friends already has peacock. Greedy assholes. 😡
I made the same decision, then realized I get peacock free through Xfinity. I might just skip the game anyway. I already consider the football season over
Randy, I’m telling ya, if a QB I like Bo Nix falls to #24 I’m taking him.
Also, might be tempted to take J.J. McCarthy or Jordan Travis in the second round. Possibly Quinn Ewers if he declares, he has another week to decide.
A QB I would trade up a few spots for is LSU’s Jayden Daniels if he is available in the teens somewhere. Doubt it though.
Jayden Daniels is the fastest QB in the draft also. At least of any QB who is going to get drafted.
Only QB in college football history to throw for over 12,000 yards and rush for over 3,000 yards.
We are not taking a QB in round 1. Ask yourself why is Nix going to be available at 24
It’s a very good QB class this year
Not saying he will be. Many drafts boards have him as QB5 with Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix ahead of him. Some boards have him ahead of Penix.
Nix is Tannehill 2.0 which is not bad but no upgrade. If we draft a QB early this team will fall apart. A rookie QB is not going to win us 11 games next year
Caleb Williams, USC
Drake Maye, UNC
Jayden Daniels, LSU
Michael Penix, Washington
Bo Nix Oregon
Quinn Ewers, Texas (if he declares by the 15th)
J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
Jordan Travis, FSU
All these QB’s have very high potential to be good NFL QB’s some will end up better than good, which is what Tua is (good) and won’t be more than.
An honorable mention would be Michael Pratt, Tulane but I wouldn’t take him any earlier than the third.
Kong,
So how long of a drive are you from Minneapolis? I’ll bring the vodka so we can be numb. Lol
Lol, sounds like a plan.
I know I am one of the ones being really hard on Tua. Don’t mean to be.
Do I think we could win it all with him at QB? Yes, I think we could have won it all this year without all the injuries. Teams have proved you can do it without an elite QB but they didn’t have the injuries we have. Luck went their way.
Injuries are going to happen every year to key players. This team has absolutely no luck in that area, times 10.
We need a QB who can make things happen. Tua is absolutely no threat to run. Seems he has even gotten slower with that mass he added in the offseason. That’s why teams who beat us rush 4 and drop the LB’s 15+ yards down field.
Ken,
I used to feel that a franchise QB can get you about 4 wins a year. Now, I think it’s about 7 or 8 every year….some might say even more. I don’t want 4 or 5 in 3 years. The QB is just so impactful on every single game. I don’t know what to tell you. I don’t see Tua taking over and wining games for us against playoff caliber teams near enough. Sure, he’s done it but not nearly enough when it matters.
***
Again, the kid has another season to continue to improve, so I continue to root for him. If he can start winning big games then things may change. This weekend would be a great time to start. I hope he does because losing to KC is going to be rough on me personally! Lol
BBM,
I was interested in Bo Nix when he first started playing. Watched a few games and then never watched him again in years. Drew Brees type kid but more mobile?
Teams are now drafting pure physical talent more than ever. The days of needing to be a 3 year starter and a leader in college are long gone. If they see the physical and mental talent is in there, they’ll draft you and coach you how to play the game. We see that sort of drafting a lot more now, even in the first round. Actually, Tannehill was one of the first examples of that change in the NFL draft, and it’s only gotten more frequent.
Tua has to prove people wrong again this next year. He showed he can stay healthy. He showed he can throw deep. Now he needs to show he can win games outside of the one Ravens game last year. I was super high on him then even though he was a huge reason we had fallen behind that game. He hasn’t had another game close to as good. He’s been very loose with the ball this year but hasn’t taken over any games. He can’t do that for us to improve with him.
Tua played small all of this year. I hope he proves me and others wrong next year.
Current forecast at game time – clear, 8 degrees…but frankly at that temperature it’s going to suck equally for both teams.
I’m a big fan of Jayden Daniels. If he were to fall to 24, we’d have our Lamar. I’d move up to 7, maybe 5 for him honestly. Dude just looks like the next Lamar except his has more potential.
Yes, I agree. Just watched a highlight of him. LOL
Twice,
I’d say it would be a perfect game to run the ball but that’s not even a thing in the NFL anymore. Lol
***
I’ve played in the freezing cold many times, and it does suck. Hell, we used to play football in a foot of snow at recess in elementary school every day. Snot flying everywhere. Everything hurts more…even falling down. You can’t feel anything because your hands and feet are frozen. Nothing worse than trying to go full out when your footing isn’t good. But, once the blood starts flowing you don’t really notice it. Standing on the sidelines is worse. But, none of that really matters for the NFL. They’re treated like porcelain.
Standing on the sidelines on a freezing wind-whipped day was the worst. Once you stripped off all the outwear and started running around not so bad (and we were in shorts). Problems then were frozen hands and ball that made it hard to catch and frozen ground that made it feel like you were hitting concrete when you got tackled.
I just saw that the game is on fucking Peacock. WTF!!!?
Some day the Superbowl will only be on Pay per View like a Sugar Ray Leonard/Marvin Hagler fight the way things are going.
Drew Brees type kid but more mobile?
————
That’s the box I would put Nix in, not a RT box. He sees the whole field really well. Smart and would pick up a new playbook quickly.
New Age
Daniels is probably ping to go top 3
Maybe to the patriots
So do yourself a favor and don’t fall in love with him bc we might be facing him
I’m not sure if the Bears will draft a QB
But if they don’t, some one else is going to trade up to take a WB
It feels like the first 3 picks of thee draft will be
Caleb
Drake
Daniels
In that order
The next tier of guys may fall past 15
I agree Piggy.
Definitely Piggy but Joe Burrow is one of my favorite college QBs of all time and I have no problems with cheering against him most of the time.
I made a mistake
This morning, I started to get excited about the possibility of beating the chiefs
And then my brain went in this journey where we go on the road and beat the chiefs
Then go on the road and beat the ravens
Then go on the road and beat the Bills
That’s pretty much what it takes to make a Super Bowl run, no disrespect the browns, Texans and Steelers but the only one I think can compete of those 3 is the browns bc they play great defense
Anyway, I don’t want to get excited about this Saturdays game on the peacock mainly bc I still can’t beleive “the peacock” is a thing but here we are
The journey isn’t really over yet
I’m riding this one until the very end and it’s official the season
Is over
Let go Dolphins – beat the chiefs!
When the season is over, I’ll engage conversations about what to do this offseason
But we are still alive, even if we are on life support
Let’s win this weekend !
Well said my Pig. You’d think it was the offseason instead of the week before a playoff game in these parts at times.
Tim Knight says:
January 9, 2024 at 1:05 pm (Edit)
I just saw that the game is on fucking Peacock. WTF!!!?
Reply
********
lol
I don’t even understand what the Peacock is
I’m going to watch the game at a bar and let them figure it out – it’s gonna be a Saturday Night game, so let the establishment I get my drinking figure it out
My guess it will on in every sports bar. Not so sure about the bar at “Luigi’s Ristorante”….. you get the idea.
Fins coming to Lambeau next year. Hope it’s early in the season! Lol
It wasn’t too bad last weekend at low 30s, but it’s been “warm”.
When we play teams like the Packers and Bears at home, their fans used to piss me off cause they stand the whole game. After a while I figured out it is cause it is so cold in their stadium that they gotta stand and move to keep warm….. so what they are used to.
There is no sitting even in September. It’s just a different energy here. I’m jealous of it. Especially after seeing the road game last week for the Fins.
In balmy FL weather I figure everyone paid for a seat…… why not use them?
Because they are aluminum bleachers. Lol
I always go up to the new section that actually has seats. But again, I’m not from these parts.
https://x.com/mysportsupdate/status/1744761333935960388?s=46
Nice! We also need help at ILB.
A rookie QB is not going to win us 11 games next year
——————-
A rookie QB won 10 games this year. Lead his team to win their division with lesser skill players and a tougher schedule. Also, 6 of his 10 wins were against teams who ended the season with a winning record.
I don’t know who this is responding to
But the point of drafting a rookie QB is not what he does in 2024
It’s for him to play in 2025 if Tua stumbles in 2024
^
Yep
Fins are the worst team in playoffs if you look at wins against winning teams too. Winning only 1 of 6 games is not very encouraging. Even the rebuilding Packers have more. Heck, even the Stealers do and I don’t know how they beat anyone.
Yes a rookie 10 games this year. That is the exception and not the rule. It is not a reasonable expectation. A rookie quarterback also won 2 games this year
With a terrible roster and no good skill players. Adam Thielen is a shell of himself even though he had a great game against us.
Bo Nix struggled when he played in the SEC and only really had success when he came to the PAC 10
Ditto Michael Pennix
And I am not saying they can’t be good pros just don’t be over sold on them
He through 39 TDs and 16 interceptions at Auburn in 3 years and his passer rating was over 120
His numbers are pretty good
But at Oregon he passed the ball 100 more times in each of his two seasons
He did much better at Oregon and has incredible numbers there when
He was asked to do a lot more
His numbers were okay at Auburn but he always had the penchant and typically came up short in big games…oh wait a minute
Penchant for crucial mistakes ^
Auburn hasn’t really been a good team in years. It’s not a QB issue
No one expects Auburn to contend for a national title these days
They actually haven’t been over .500 in the SEC since he left
Also college QB rating system is not the same as the pros so a 120 not as good as the pro rating but still good
I somehow already have Peacock. I’m going to cancel it, but since it goes for the month I’ll still have access for this game. That will show em! 😂
Makes it easy on you. Still just not right though.
Ken
In 4 years at Indiana Penix highest amount of passes attempted was barely over 200
In Washington he threw the ball 500 times each season
Indiana is not exactly a passing powerhouse
Obviously these guys are transferring to showcase their skill set for the nfl
The PAC 10/12 or whatever it’s called now traditionally provides pretty good QBs to the nfl
Think about teams like
Take a look at some of their QBs and you’ll see names like Aaron Eogers, John Elway, Warren Moon and Andrew Luck
They also gave us some big flips like Ryan leaf and Joey Harrington
But it’s generally a more wide open offense conference
So it’s a good place for QBs who want to make a case for the nfl to show their skill set
And in this new age of transfer portals in college football I think we might see this sort of thing become a theme
Players leaving mediocre offenses in big conferences transfer to a passing offense in the a weaker conference
Patrick Mahomes wen to Texas Tech
Josh Allen went to Wyoming
You got to get noticed by the scouts if you are going to make that push
As I said it doesn’t mean they won’t be good pros but there are warts. Pennix is about as old as Tua and has a significant injury history. Look at Pennix last night. He played a big 10 opponent and he looked pedestrian missing several open receivers