Would Tua play within the wild-card sport? How is GM Chris Grier doing? – Twin Cities

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Here is the ultimate installment of our Miami Dolphins Q&A, with South Florida Solar Sentinel writers David Furones and Chris Perkins answering questions from readers.

Q: How do you’re feeling if the Dolphins make the playoffs, you may be within the wild card sport? – @skynyrd991 on Twitter

A: I doubt Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who stays within the concussion protocol with an damage suffered in opposition to Inexperienced Bay, can play for the following, say, two weeks. However we’ll see what occurs. This stuff are on a case by case foundation. Tagovailoa has already missed one sport in opposition to the Packers with a concussion, and earlier this yr he missed two and a half video games with a concussion he suffered in Cincinnati. And you may recall final week in opposition to Buffalo, he fumbled after the final snap of the second half and left the sport briefly solely to return within the third quarter. Individuals suspect that he suffered a head damage in that sport.

So, Tagovailoa’s return is a call I assume might be mentioned in depth amongst Tagovailoa’s relations/family members, docs and others he trusts. The purpose is, you’d higher err on the facet of warning in relation to head accidents.

For no matter purpose, Tagovailoa is liable to falling in order that his head hits the turf violently. Till they discover a resolution or a greater option to regulate this season, both with a special helmet or in any other case, he’ll most likely be out.

Q: Is it doable for Tua to be cleared and play this week? – @Fan960Wills on Twitter

A: In all probability not. I would love Teddy Bridgewater or Skylar Thompson to begin this week’s finale in opposition to the New York Jets. Bridgewater is coping with a dislocated pinky finger on his proper (throwing) hand. Coach Mike McDaniel mentioned they will not know extra about his standing till the swelling goes down.

For me, the beginning quarterback is comparatively unimportant. You simply want Bridgewater or Thompson to maintain the sport shut within the fourth quarter so the highest/excessive paid guys can get the win. Bridgewater and Thompson did so final week in opposition to New England, although neither performed significantly properly.

This sport shouldn’t be in regards to the beginning quarterback. This sport is all in regards to the Dolphins because the coaches and gamers can battle, hack and claw their option to a one-point lead over the Jets.

Q: @chrisperk do you suppose we’ll convey Boyer again? What is that this group’s greatest drawback subsequent yr? –@seanwhite85: on Twitter

A: Good questions. I’ll reply the second query first. Quarterback is now the largest difficulty going through the Dolphins heading into subsequent season. If and when Tagovailoa is cleared to proceed taking part in, are you placing the instant way forward for the franchise in his arms realizing {that a} easy battle may sideline him for weeks?

After we see what occurs within the Jets sport, we will discuss in regards to the return of normal supervisor Chris Grier. I believe he is undoubtedly again at this level. However let’s check out what occurs with the Jets sport and some different necessary conditions. It is too early to say something definitive in regards to the entrance workplace.

We’ll see about defensive coordinator Josh Boyer. I believe he deserves to come back again. This protection has been good contemplating the damage losses and lack of prime expertise. Protection has saved the Dolphins aggressive for probably the most half. However Boyer’s return will largely rely upon whether or not McDaniel has somebody in thoughts who can herald “his man,” so to talk. For that, I’d first have a look at McDaniel’s background (defensive coaches on the identical teaching workers) and guys who would probably get recommendation from somebody McDaniel trusts (he trusts San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan, Inexperienced Bay coach Matt Leffler, and so on…).

Q: Do you suppose this season must be taken with a grain of salt? We had excessive expectations however we’re coping with a rookie, a qb that’s lastly being trusted and all of the accidents. After all we would like extra as followers, however we’ve got to be lifelike. @Carmigross: on Twitter

A: Nice factors. And I considerably agree. Basically, the NFL does not like “grains of salt.” It prefers to stay to black and white. However, sure, you might be proper. McDaniel is a rookie coach, Tagovailoa remains to be studying, and accidents to the secondary (cornerbacks Byron Jones and Nick Needham and security Brandon Jones) have been crippling. Typically, although, once you’re 8-3, you ought to be within the playoffs. From that time on, there are few legit excuses to overlook the playoffs.

After all, there is a risk that the Dolphins have all the time been an eight- or nine-win group, no matter how they obtain that win whole, and maybe that is the place everybody has misplaced their grip on actuality. Maybe the 8-3 report was a little bit of a mirage and the product of fortuitous timing.

The crushing loss for me was Inexperienced Bay. You had a sub .500 group coming into your home in a sport it is best to have gained and also you misplaced.

Q: Why hasn’t Chris Grier been fired but? – @tony_di41: on Twitter

A: It is a widespread query now. Common supervisor Grier has the belief of proprietor Steve Ross. That is why he hasn’t been fired but. Past that, let’s examine how this season performs out earlier than making any selections. As soon as whether or not the Dolphins made the playoffs or missed the playoffs, and the the explanation why or what occurred, then you can begin making personnel selections. Issues are nonetheless incomplete proper now, identical to they have been when the Dolphins have been 8-3. Hey, there’s nonetheless an opportunity the Dolphins win a playoff sport, which might most likely change folks’s views on the season.

As for Ross, I like him as an proprietor as a result of he does what you need him to do – let the soccer gamers make soccer selections and Ross simply writes cheques. Ross is not an ideal proprietor, however for probably the most half, he is what you’d need as a fan. Sure, chasing quarterback Tom Brady value the franchise a draft choose, and the supposed plan to tank was ill-conceived and clumsily executed. However the actions of the gamers and coaches have held this franchise again way over Ross’ actions. I’m not a Ross apiologist in any manner, form or kind. I do know everybody desires a fall boy proper now. However let’s be actual. Ross is not the rationale the group is on a five-game dropping streak, and he is not the rationale the Dolphins have not made the playoffs since 2016. It has to do with the gamers and the coaches.

Do you could have a query?

El David Furonesor tag @ChrisPerk: or @DavidFurones_ on Twitter.