Dolphins Saturday Mailbag: Quarterbacks, Practices and More

Part 1 of the Miami Dolphins pre-Arizona game On SI mailbox:

From Roger Dodger (@RogerDolfan):

While watching the Colts game on Sunday during halftime, I noticed McDaniel, Hill and Waddle laughing about something on the sidelines. Do you think they were talking about all the money they stole from the Fins this season, or how stupid Grier was for extending all their contracts? Who bears more responsibility for the backup QB fiasco, McDaniel or Grier, and shouldn’t there be some consequences for such a colossal failure that could end this season without the playoffs?

God, Roger is furious! Since the GM is higher on the totem pole (usually), then Chris Grier deserves more blame for the backup QB situation, even if he kept the status quo because that’s what McDaniel wanted (if that’s really the case). There could be consequences if the season continues to decline, but I don’t think it will be strictly because of what happened with the backup QB situation.

From Big Ern McDolphin (@dana_buice):

Is it time to see Jaylen Wright again?

Hey Dana, yes it is very much appreciated because the baby looks really good. But it also seems like Mike McDaniel is fascinated by what De’Von Achane can do because he has a lot of work to do, ahead of even Raheem Mostert. Personally, I’m with you, I think Wright has earned more snaps, but I’m not sure that will happen right away.

From Jeff Golden (@Goldenjeff72):

Salute, salute… Is the offense adaptable enough to give the backup quarterback enough reps (with the first team) in the offseason to build confidence, and enough reps during the week to maintain comfort and readiness? Nice phrase!!

Hey Jeff, there are two problems here, the first being that everything was tuned to work with Tua’s power, namely a quick trigger and accuracy. It shouldn’t be that hard to make some changes to make him more adaptable for someone who may not have the exact skill set, but another important factor is that the Dolphins need someone who has more talent than just a training squad to serve. as a backup.

From Leon Fresco (@FrescoLeon):

Isn’t it time for McDaniel to cut someone out to make clear the mental errors? There seems to be no accountability at any level on this team.

Hi Leon, this is a valid question and criticism and has been raised by many people covering the team. But it has to be someone the Dolphins don’t mind letting go, and the problem is that right now the biggest culprit in terms of mental errors is tight end Julian Hill, and the Dolphins are clearly enamored with what he does for running games with his blocking. . So, the whole point is to cut off your nose to spit in your face.

From Phins654321 (@phins654321):

Facing a second straight QB with good mobility, do you think the defense will handle Kyler Murray as well as Anthony Richardson?

Hmm, did the Dolphins do a good job with Richardson? He totaled a team-high 56 yards on 14 carries with a long of 22. So I’m not sure the Dolphins actually shut him down, although he wasn’t crazy either. However, Murray is a different ball game because he is faster than probably any other defensive back in the NFL. Murray has five games with at least 45 yards this season, which is a good catch for the Dolphins to reach that mark. Although it’s easier said than done.

From Bag of Donuts (@BagofDonuts1):

Will Mike have the discipline to continue playing? Will he be balanced in his pass/run game? He needs to do a better job protecting the QB.

Hey BOD, that’s a good question and will largely depend on how well the game goes, but I suspect he’ll quickly transition to the passing game now that Tua is back at quarterback. Let’s face it, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will be the ones providing the big plays on offense, not the run game.

From Greenview Construction (@CrispyChicken30):

Any ideas or guesses when Cracraft or Chubb will return?

Not really, and Mike McDaniel has consistently failed to provide a schedule all season for PUP or IR players. Based on my observations while in the facility and the nature of his injuries, I think Cracraft is closer to returning than Chubb.

From Chris Davis (@KyLouFinFan):

Thank you as always. I read and did not interfere. The team has nothing to worry about. You know the team’s remaining schedule, health concerns or returning players. Is 10-7 still a rational expectation?

Hi Chris, not sure about “expectations”, but “goal” or “hope” are fine. If you look at the schedule, the Dolphins have road games left in Buffalo, Houston and Green Bay, which will be very difficult. They also have road games against the Rams, Browns and Jets, which won’t be a waste either. So 10-7 as an expectation is too much for me. At this point, this seems like an almost realistic best case scenario.

From Ricardo Hernandez (@Ricardo96451182):

Hello Alain. The Dolphins’ defense ranks highly, but I haven’t seen them have particularly tight coverage, an outstanding passing game, dominant run game or passing ability. What drives their success or is it just a result of dealing with lesser QBs/crimes?

Hey Ricardo, here are the quarterbacks the Dolphins faced: Trevor Lawrence, Josh Allen, Geno Smith, Will Lewis/Mason Rudolph, Jacoby Brissett, Anthony Richardson. The latter three are not gifted passers, which has helped rank the No. 1 defensive tackle in the NFL. I I’d say the Dolphins have had good coverage pretty much all season (with a few exceptions, of course). But the lack of takeout food was a problem.