The Miami Dolphins faced tough questions following their game against the Bills, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa under scrutiny. Coach Mike McDaniel and key players like Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell are also central to discussions about the team’s performance and future. This mailbag dives into the pressing concerns of Dolphins fans, offering insights and analysis on the most debated topics.
In this article, we’ll address fan questions about Tua’s performance, potential roster moves, and the overall direction of the team. We will examine whether the concerns about Tua Tagovailoa’s performance are justified and explore the implications for the Dolphins’ future. It’s crucial to understand the context and make informed judgments rather than rushing to conclusions based on early-season results.
Assessing Tua Tagovailoa’s Recent Performance
Fans are questioning Tua Tagovailoa’s performance, particularly after the Bills game. One fan asks if the organization is considering a new QB for 2026, while another suggests Tua is regressing and looks apprehensive. The perception is that Tua struggles under pressure, especially when blitzed. It’s crucial to consider the context of these observations and whether they are indicative of a larger trend or isolated incidents.
It’s important to note that Tua had a decent 2024 season, but this season, he seems to have “happy feet” in the pocket, possibly due to past injuries or lack of trust in the O-line. The late-game failures are disappointing, but it’s essential to avoid hasty judgments. It’s also worth remembering that the team’s investment in Tua makes it unlikely he’ll be benched soon, as his play hasn’t warranted it despite recent setbacks.
Offensive Line Concerns and Draft Pick Evaluations
A fan suggests the Dolphins overcorrected by drafting a lineman, Jonah Savaiinaea, who hasn’t performed well, while Will Johnson, whom they could have drafted instead, is thriving. The question is whether the Dolphins should have stuck with Eichenberg and drafted Johnson instead. However, Eichenberg has been out since training camp, making him a backup option anyway.
It’s too early to definitively judge the draft pick, but Will Johnson is off to a better start than Jonah Savaiinaea. It is essential to give draft picks time to develop and contribute. Definitive statements or judgments about what the Dolphins should have done with that draft pick may be premature, even though right now Will Johnson clearly is off to a better career start than Jonah Savaiinaea. But, again, we’re not even out of September yet.
Defense and the Impact of Not Re-signing Calais Campbell
A fan questions the decision not to re-sign Calais Campbell, suggesting the money saved isn’t effectively stopping the run. The fan also asks if the current defense is among the worst in Dolphins history. It’s assumed Campbell would have returned if offered more, but this may not be the case.
The defense has had a rough start, but it’s still early in the season. The 2019 defense also struggled initially, and the late 1980s defenses weren’t great either. It’s too early to make definitive judgments about the defense’s overall performance for the season. While the start has been brutal, history suggests that defenses can improve as the season progresses.
Coaching and Management Decisions
One fan asks what McDaniel’s biggest regret will be when he’s fired. Another wonders if Ross will fire Grier and let a new GM decide on McDaniel. It’s suggested in-season GM changes are rare, and any changes would likely be widespread.
It is noted that speculating on McDaniel’s regrets is not productive. Also, the possibility of Ross firing Grier mid-season is unlikely. In-season GM changes are very rare in the NFL. If changes are made, they’ll be wide-ranging.
Trade Scenarios and Salary Cap Ramifications
A fan asks about the salary cap implications of trading or releasing Tua next year, as well as trading Hill. The dead cap implications are explained, noting the Dolphins wouldn’t get cap relief by paying part of any player’s salary. The best scenario from a cap standpoint would be a trade after June 1, which would significantly reduce the cap number for 2026. Releasing him would move his cap number to $99 million, unless it’s with a post-June 1 designation, in which case his cap number becomes $67.4 million.
It’s cautioned against focusing too much on future trade scenarios, emphasizing that the 2025 season should play out first. Also remember that Tua’s $39.4 million base salary for 2026 is fully guaranteed, along with an $8 million option bonus.
Is Tua Really the Problem?
A fan asks when McDaniel will realize Tua is the problem. It’s argued that Tua isn’t responsible for the defense allowing 30 points each week or special teams mistakes. The notion that Tua is the sole problem is inaccurate, though he needs to improve. Tua is not responsible for the defense giving up 30 points every week and he’s also not responsible for the special teams mistakes that have hurt the team.
Conclusion: Evaluating the Dolphins’ Situation
The Miami Dolphins face numerous questions and concerns after their game against the Bills, particularly regarding Tua Tagovailoa’s performance and the team’s overall direction. While some fans are quick to assign blame and propose drastic changes, it’s crucial to evaluate the situation with a balanced perspective.
As the season progresses, it will be essential to monitor Tua’s development, assess the effectiveness of the offensive line, and address the defensive shortcomings. The decisions made by the coaching staff and management in the coming months will significantly impact the Dolphins’ future. The notion that Tua is the problem is just flat-out inaccurate. But, yes, he can and needs to play better.
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