Tagovailoa addresses tackle choice. And Dolphins coaches dish on 10 personnel questions
Asking and answering 10 Dolphins questions:
▪ Did Tua Tagovailoa — who has a history of head injuries — learn anything from trying to lower his head and shoulder to make a tackle on Monday? Will he try to avoid those types of tackles in the future?
Apparently not.
Only linebacker Christian Rozeboom’s shin hit Tagovailoa’s helmet, avoiding a potentially risky and more violent collision two months after Damar Hamlin’s arm collided with Tagovailoa’s head, leaving the quarterback concussed in Week 2.
“I wouldn’t do anything differently,” Tagovailoa said of Monday’s tackle attempt, which was successful. “I’ll make the tackle; that’s what I’ve got to do.
“I would say it didn’t feel as bad as what it probably looked. When we watched it, our coach had said that he sort of kneed you in the head. Essentially you’re out there playing football; I didn’t necessarily feel that, and I wasn’t just going to jump out of the way for him to just run down the sideline and potentially score. So you’ve got to make decisions and I should have never thrown the pick in the first place.”
Because of his history of head trauma, could a case be made to tell Tagovailloa to avoid making tackles unless he can simply push a player out of bounds? Offensive coordinator Frank Smith declined to specifically answer when asked that question Thursday.
▪ Did linebacker David Long Jr., who was waived on Wednesday, ask for his release?
“That I don’t know,” defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said, before adding it was a team decision and “we chose to go with [Anthony Walker Jr.]. It was the best move for all parties involved. Gives him the chance to continue his NFL career and flourish elsewhere.”
▪ What appealed to the Dolphins about new linebacker Tyrel Dotson, who was claimed off waivers from Seattle, where he led the team with 71 tackles?
“First thing is he has scheme familiarity, coming from Seattle,” Weaver said, referring to Seahawks coach and former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald.
“He’s a playmaker. You can see it on tape. He flies around, hunts the football, can contribute on special teams, too. He introduced himself to the defense; you can feel his energy and passion.”
▪ Why did the Dolphins claim tight end Jack Stoll on waivers from Philadelphia?
Offensive coordinator Frank Smith said “you look for big athletes at tight end, guys who move well, blocking, special teams [ability]. His versatility helps us at the position to gain depth and ultimately impact all three phases.”
▪ Will the Dolphins automatically give Kendall Fuller’s snaps to Cam Smith again, or will the Dolphins give a fresh look to Storm Duck (who is back from an ankle injury), Ethan Bonner and Siran Neal?
“That competition will be up for grabs,” Weaver said. “I expect [Smith] to be near the top. That’s the type of guy he is, to give everything he can to earn the starting job.”
Though Smith has allowed 13 receptions in 15 targets, Weaver said he wouldn’t necessarily say he’s struggling.
“Going through growing pains,” Weaver said. “Cam did an admirable job [in recent weeks], especially considering how much practice time he had missed.”
Duck was inactive against the Rams because “he’s still trying to get confidence back in that ankle,” Weaver said. “He’s trying to work through it.”
Fuller will miss Sunday’s game and is out indefinitely after his second concussion in two months.
▪ Why has rookie Malik Washington earned the third-most playing time among receivers in recent weeks?
“Consistency,” receivers coach Wes Welker said. “Day in and day out, he’s the same guy. Brings the same energy every practice. When you screw stuff up, we correct it. And it’s so nice as a coach not to have to worry about it after that. He’s a pro’s pro, almost like a vet as a rookie.
“He is good at getting open. Really worked on his releases. Has some quick twitch to him, great balance, very precise in route running and where he needs to get to, getting his foot in the ground.” Welker called him a younger version of River Cracraft.
▪ What specifically has Chop Robinson improved that has led to two sacks and nine pressures the past two games? And is it realistic to think Bradley Chubb can help this season when he isn’t even ready to practice yet after the Dec. 31 ACL?
With regard to Robinson, he is now “able to process things faster,” outside linebackers coach Ryan Crow said. “And putting that together is why you see a little bit of” more tangible stats.
With Chubb, “I would love to have Bradley back, but everyone is different. He’s going through the process. Working his tail off. He’s in our meeting rooms every day.”
▪ Could guard Isaiah Wynn be activated this week?
Smith wouldn’t rule it out, but Wynn has been limited in practice, and the Dolphins usually don’t activate players in the first week of their 21-day practice window, Tagovailoa being an exception.
Wynn hasn’t played in 13 months because of quad and knee injuries and Thursday was his first practice this year. Also, left guard Rob Jones (knee) practiced Thursday but might be able to play Sunday against visiting Las Vegas (1 p.m., CBS).
▪ What changes are coming on special teams?
Dodson and Stoll are expected to have roles. The Dolphins have kept around long snapper Tucker Addington on their practice squad in case they decide not to clear out a roster spot for Blake Ferguson this week. That decision is pending. Ferguson will play again this season, McDaniel said.
▪ Who else besides Chubb, Ferguson and Wynn are coming back?
Safety Patrick McMorris is expected to be activated in the next two weeks after a preseason calf injury. Quarterback Tyler Huntley (shoulder) must remain on injured reserve for one more game.
This story was originally published November 14, 2024 at 1:07 PM.
