Dolphins’ Flores explains why he likes Miami Heat, addresses injuries. And practice news.
Some quick hits from Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores’ Thursday morning news conference:
▪ Flores was wearing a shirt with a Heat logo.
He was pleased to see Miami’s Game 2 win against Milwaukee.
“I thought the game was fantastic last night. It came down to the wire,” Flores said.
“A lot of great situational basketball at the end and it came down to free throws, so it was good. Obviously I’m a fan of ‘Coach Spo’ [Heat coach Erik Spoelstra] and that team and the way they play. They’re tough. They’re physical. They grind things out. They play smart basketball. I’m a fan and hopefully we can kind of learn from a lot of things they do and emulate a lot of the success that they’ve had over there.”
▪ Receivers DeVante Parker and Jakeem Grant have missed a week with injuries that aren’t serious, according to a team source.
Flores mentioned teams aren’t required to give injury reports until next Wednesday and “hopefully they’re not on it. Both guys are working hard on a daily basis to get back out there. They’re working to get out there quickly, as soon as possible.”
▪ Flores said cornerback Xavien Howard has “made a lot of progress” in his first week since coming off the COVID-19 and PUP lists.
“He’s looked good out there. He’s fast, quick. Has just got to work on techniques, fundamentals. But he’s looked good. He’s trending in the right direction.”
▪ The Dolphins still must release 22 players by Saturday’s 4 p.m. deadline to get down to 53. (It’s actually 23 players, but we’re not counting Kalen Ballage, who is not with the team and will be released when league rules allow.)
“There may be some anxiety about where’s my standing, but the best thing to do is have a good practice and let the chips fall where they fall,” Flores said.
Regarding impending roster cuts, “we’ve already had a lot of conversations as a staff. I’ve had these conversations with [team executives] Chris [Grier] and Brandon [Shore]. We’re going to try to make decisions we can based on practices, walk-throughs, meetings. No one is ever perfect. We’re going to make the decisions we feel at this moment are best for this team.”
▪ Flores said the Dolphins are doing some work on New England, their opponent in the Sept. 13 opener in Massachusetts.
“We obviously started some preparation on them, trying to get familiar with their personnel,” Flores said. “They’ve got some new players. We’re going to use today to work on some things we have not have seen. Different looks we haven’t seen offensively, defensively. There are some other concepts we need to see more of, and we’ll get into the game plan a little later in the week.”
Cam Newton reportedly is the front-runner to start at quarterback for New England over Jarrett Stidham, but that announcement has not been made.
▪ Flores, on what he wants to improve in Year 2 as a head coach: “I’m working on everything, trying to improve on a daily basis in every area of my life, fatherhood, coaching, friendships. There are experiences I had last year that I think about when I’m trying to make decisions. I certainly don’t have all the answers. I don’t think I ever will.
“I lean on our coaching staff. As far as relationships with the players, those who were here last year, they know how I’m wired. They know what I expect. That’s been good as far as comfortability. We have a lot of new players; they’re getting to know me. Make everyone feel comfortable, but at the same time coaching hard.”
PRACTICE REPORT
The Dolphins practiced in the bubble on Thursday.
Receivers Parker and Kirk Merritt and defensive end Shaq Lawson were not spotted during the 20 minutes of practice that’s open to reporters.
Grant was suited up and seen doing stretching and fielding punts during early portions of practice but he did not participate in individual drills.
Xavien Howard appeared to be fully participating in practice through individual drills, running well and moving well. Kyle Van Noy appeared to be practicing despite last week’s hand injury.
All three quarterbacks were in attendance and participating in practice.
Patrick Laird practiced again without a red jersey, so he’s back to normal after missing several days with a shoulder injury. Chandler Cox has switched to No. 27, the number previously worn by former Dolphin Kalen Ballage.
Here’s my Wednesday exclusive on Jason Taylor joining the Dolphins’ radio announcing team and a ton of NFL, NBA, and NCAA football media notes.
Here’s my Wednesday piece on several Dolphins very much on the bubble, and notes.
This story was originally published September 3, 2020 at 9:19 AM.
