We ask about the Dolphins’ backuo quarterback situation, whether they like their playoff odds, and more.
On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns take on the Miami Dolphins. To help preview a few topics from the Dolphins’ perspective, we reached out to Kevin Nogle from The Phinsider and exchanged five questions with him.
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Chris: “The Dolphins have won 5 of their last 7 games. Do you think Miami will sneak into the playoffs?”
Kevin: “They definitely need a lot of help to there – though the Cincinnati Bengals beating the Denver Broncos on Saturday was a good start. For Miami to make the playoffs, they have to win this week and next week (at the New York Jets), then have the Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18 (and with the Chiefs having clinched everything already, who knows how interested they will be in that game), and have the Colts lose one of their two remaining games (at Giants this week or versus Jaguars next week). The path is there, but it is not a clear shot.
Do I think the Dolphins sneak into the playoffs? Probably not, but it would be nice to get into Week 18 and still have a chance to make it. It is just hard to see the Colts losing to either the Giants of the Jaguars – and if the Chiefs rest everyone, the Broncos probably claim the final wild card position.
I think Miami can still come out of this season with a winning record, but there will be plenty of “what ifs” to analyze during the offseason.”
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Chris: “Much of Miami’s success seems to hinge on needing Tua in the lineup — should Miami really consider overpaying for a luxury backup QB next year?”
Kevin: “Yes. Absolutely yes. Tagovailoa missing four games during the season showed just how important he is to the offense, and just how bad this team can look if they do not have someone who can step in and control the offense like he can if he is injured. We may see it again in this game as the Dolphins downgraded Tagovailoa to doubtful late on Saturday. Going back to the playoff discussion – the Dolphins are making it even harder on themselves if Tyler Huntley or Skylar Thompson is playing on Sunday.
There is some speculation Huntley could be back next year as the backup – and maybe if he has had a full offseason in the offense, he will have a better control of it, but Miami should be looking toward signing a major veteran option who provides stability if he has to enter the game.”
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Chris: “Which member(s) of the Dolphins’ 2024 draft class are having the biggest impact?”
Kevin: “Rookie linebacker Chop Robinson has come on recently and now is tied for the league’s rookie lead with six sacks. When the Dolphins selected him in the first round, there were plenty of analysts who questioned the selection due to Robinson’s lack of sacks at Penn State. He started slowly this year, but he has had all of sacks since the start of November and he is constantly in the backfield. The growth this year has been exceptional.
Offensive tackle Patrick Paul, another player expected to spend his rookie season developing rather than starting, has been thrust into the lineup whenever Terron Armstead has missed playing time at left tackle, and he has been good. There are times where you can see his lack of experience, biting on an outside move or not picking up the right player in a stunt, but those have been rare. He has played 235 snaps and, according to Pro Football Focus, has allowed two sacks. He is not a finished product yet, but he has definitely shown the flashes that he will be ready to replace Armstead whenever the veteran retires.
Running back Jaylen Wright and wide receiver Malik Washington both have been used sparingly, but they can make an impact if given the opportunity.”
Chris: “Tell us about one player who Browns fans may not have heard of, but who could have an impact on this Sunday’s game.”
Kevin: “Being in the Dolphins fan base, I am not sure how much other fan bases know of him, but defensive lineman Zach Sieler is simply a menace in the backfield. He leads the team with 8.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hits. He is constantly disrupting plays, both in the passing game and against the run. Sieler should be a Pro Bowl selection this year and the commentators will probably talk him up during the game – but I am not sure he is a player other teams have heard about yet.
If he does not count, linebacker Jordyn Brooks has been a great addition for the Dolphins this year. The former Seahawks linebacker was not a big-name signing in free agency this year, with other moves from around the league overshadowing his move to Miami, but he has been a force in the middle of the defense for the Dolphins. He has 128 tackles this season, 44 more than the next player on the team. He just seems to always be around the ball.”
Chris: “The Browns are early underdogs against the Dolphins on Sunday (Browns +4.5 as of this question, per FanDuel Sportsbook). Who would you pick against the spread?”
Kevin: “If Tagovailoa is starting, I am giving the Browns the points and still expecting Miami to cover. If Huntley is starting, I am probably hesitating some, but the Dolphins know they have to win to keep their playoff hopes alive and they are not going to want to lose in a game with Nick Chubb out and a third-string quarterback making his second start of the year in what is essentially an audition for next year,. I think the defense, knowing they need to help the offense this week, will come out looking to set the tone early and hope to keep a struggling Browns team off balance. I still think the Dolphins can cover the spread, even if Huntley is starting.”
Thanks again to Kevin for taking the time to answer my questions.