Tua managed to remain healthy last season. For his efforts, he was awarded a large extension. Two games into the 2024 schedule, and the Dolphins are in panic mode. As an organization, how do they move forward with Tua? It is a fair question. Tua has every right to continue his NFL career. Miami, however, should be able to decide if it is in South Florida. The quarterback is the most vital position for NFL success. Not knowing if your quarterback can last a game, let alone a season, is not sustainable. The Fins do not have to move on, but they need to move forward unbounded by sentiment. All of his concussions are from innocuous plays. None have been the result of an absolutely devastating hit. I said if Penix dropped in the draft, Miami should grab him. He didn’t, but the Fins need to find their next QB ASAP. See what I wrote after their last loss to the Bills here.
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Coaching: (D-); I think I’m being generous. Coach MnM was considered an “offensive genius” by some; but an offense that consists of mostly screens, isn’t that inventive. I counted 14 screen attempts. Out of 35 total pass plays. Unless you have Kelce or Gronk, your Tightend should not lead the team in targets. Jonnu, along with De’von, lead Miami with 7 targets each. Before you say “Tua got injured” Tua threw 8 of the screen passes. Thursday’s loss wasn’t pretty. Tua, even before the hit, should’ve been on the hot seat throwing 3 interceptions. Miami is without a solid backup and I can’t imagine the play book opening up in the next several weeks.
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Running Backs: (B-); If Miami had won, this grade would’ve been an “A.” Achane ran for just shy of 100 yards and caught 7 passes for another 70. He is quickly proving that his 5 game stretch last season wasn’t a fluke.
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Receivers: (D); Waddle and Hill combined for 10 targets, 7 catches, and 65 yards. Achane had more receiving yards than these two. Again, this goes back to Coach’s play calling and scheme. I have said that McDaniel needs to give play calling duties to his offensive coordinator.
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Defense: (F); The defense got Cook-ed, literally. Allen attempted less than 20 passes all game and was leading by two scores at halftime. There just isn’t much to write about when you get demolished so effortlessly. Not one sack or tackle for loss all game.
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Special Teams: (C); Sanders and Bailey had a day off. For their minimal efforts they did well, one punt downed inside the 20 and one FG attempt made.
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Quarterback: (D); Again, I’m being generous and do not want to pour salt on a wound. But Tua threw two picks in the first quarter and 3 in the game. One going for six the other way. I get anyone can have an “off” game; but, he seems to be perpetually off against quality competition. If he comes back and resumes his career in South Florida, the Dolphins must bring in competition.
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Officials: (C); They weren’t required to make any critical calls as this game was decided early.
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Overall: (F-); Miami has coasted into the playoffs the last two seasons because of their hot starts. They won’t have that luxury this year. They escaped week one with a narrow victory and are now looking at 4 weeks (minimum) without their QB. In that stretch they’re on the road 3 times. The next time they play Buffalo, they most likely will be 2-5. I hope I am wrong. If they are, I imagine they will shut down Tua for the season. In this scenario, Miami will be staring at a high draft pick. Is there a QB out there worth picking at the top of the draft? The Hurricanes’ Ward would be interesting; especially if he dropped out of the first round.
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POLITASPORTS 