Top 5 Things to Watch in Tua’s Week 8 Season Debut

/0 Comments/in , /by

Tuanigamanuolepola Tagovailoa. After Coach Flores announced Tua as the starter on October 20th the world has been on fire with every type of opinion toward our face of the franchise. I did my own analysis of the 5 snaps vs the Jets which will be posted below. Now that his first start is finally here it has made it next to impossible to talk or focus about anything else. I will do my best to bring you SOMETHING else to watch for in Week 8 when your Miami Dolphins host the LA Rams, so without further ado, lets dive in.

 

Offensive Line:

It would not be an official Dolphins piece without a mention of how bad the offensive line is if you followed the national media guidelines to covering this team. I want to be clear that by no means is this group a top oline, but they sure aren’t a bottom 5 oline either. Keep that in mind as you watch them this Sunday go up against Aaron Donald and company and the heavy scrutiny they will face if they do not protect the franchise. I have full confidence that this group will come out determined to prove the media wrong and own the line of scrimmage. Also check this analysis of the online play by an ex lineman.

 

 

Rush Offense:

Coming off a week where we were able to average 5.2 yards per carry, we will need another effort like this to help Tua. One of the things that I hope the Dolphins attempt to do is continue to run the ball regardless of the score. We need the Ram’s defense to truly believe we want to run the ball because if this is a game that forces Tua to throw more than 35 attempts, I don’t think that’s the recipe we want for his first start. We need Myles and Breida to step up and have another good day rushing for Tua and this offense to function as designed.

 

Chan Gailey:

One of the things that’s become apparent as the year has gone on, is what a great hiring Chan Gailey was. At the time I was hesitant of such an old coach transitioning Tua into a modern NFL considering he last coached in 2016 with the Jets but Chan has destroyed those notions emphatically. This offense, per next gen stats, has the longest average distance between the two widest players in the offensive formation. AKA a spread offense, which is what Tua excelled in. I expect the Dolphins to try to receive the ball first to start the game getting Tua comfortable. Gailey has shown that he has the ability to game plan a strong 15-25 plays to start the game and would not be surprised to see the Dolphins up early in this game.

 

 

Flores vs McVay:

With all the attention going to Tua and rightfully so, no one has brought up the history of McVay vs Flores. Both of them being very familiar with each other, with Flores having figured out his offense on the biggest of stages. This game is one that I think both of these coaches are exact opposites in that McVay is a genius on the offensive side and Flores having earned his job through his work on the defensive side. Strength vs Strength, this will be a matchup that will be decided with what the weakness of each coach does. For McVay that means his defense and for Flores that of course means his offense.

 

Team Response to QB Change:

If you only followed the national media like ESPN, Good Morning Football, Skip and Shannon and others, you may have gotten the idea that this team is upset and confused over the change of QB. I assure you that only a handful of players were shocked with less than that feeling as strongly as Fitz did in his conference the Wednesday after the announcement. Let me clear this notion up as the players are all behind Tua and that includes Fitzpatrick, even if he did sulk a bit. Tua’s involvement overall with the team is what makes me think that they know this kid is the real deal. You hear different stories from Tua having a Tuesday meeting with Flores every week to watch tape, to Tua asking specific defenders like Bobby McCain and even Josh Boyer came out this past week to speak on Tua trying to dissect the defense point of view. With all that being said, I fully expect an energized team that’s ready to stand up and defend their new QB.

 

Ultimately, one week will not let us know what we can expect from Tua for the next 4 years but a start on the right foot will go a long way to shut up the national media. For all the talk of how good the Rams are no one is mentioning a west coast team being forced to fly cross country to play what essentially is a 10 am game for their body clocks. I cannot wait for next week’s installment of Stock Watch to see how we performed so make sure to keep an eye for it. Till next time guys, Fins Up!

Nerlens Noel Could Be a Big Man Option for Miami

/0 Comments/in /by

Nerlens Noel is another name that has emerged as a viable option for Miami.

He can definitely bring the energy and intensity that Miami needs in a back up big. His inability to truly stretch the floor means that he will not be getting many minutes next to Bam, but once again that is just fine.

He gives them some rebounding and rim protection which is ultimately what they need.

His defensive attributes is what stands out most on his resume, since he has the ability to guard the perimeter as well. This means he can replicate some of the things that Bam Adebayo does on the defensive end.

In only 18 minutes a game, Nerlens Noel averaged 1.5 blocks and 1 steal a game. That’s a pretty good stat line considering the role that he had with OKC this past season.

Miami doesn’t need a back-up big to score 15 a night. They just need a guy that is willing to play their role, much like Meyers Leonard did this past season, but can ultimately be trusted defensively to be on the court without Bam.

Nerlens Noel also fits the mold of a guy that still needs to prove himself, much like I mentioned with Harry Giles. Miami is the perfect opportunity for a player like that, since he can have a decent role with a team that is actually contending for a title.

Nerlens does have some offensive limitations though. But with the firepower offensively on the Miami Heat’s roster, that shouldn’t be an issue.

And if they were to make this signing, it doesn’t automatically mean that Meyers Leonard is out of the picture. If Meyers is willing to accept a leadership role with this Heat team for the minimum, they will happily bring him back.

And having extra big men wouldn’t be the worst thing for Miami, especially since Nerlens Noel is known for having issues with foul trouble.

Nerlens Noel is another one of those cheap big man options that Miami could go for, so there’s definitely a chance that they go this route.

Two More Draft Names on the Miami Heat’s Radar

/0 Comments/in /by

It was reported today that Miami has requested another zoom interview, this time with Duke’s Tre Jones.

He is a high IQ point guard who makes great decisions with the ball in his hands. He’s a good defender as well by jumping into passing lanes, but his size doesn’t scream great NBA defender.

His shooting began to get better as the season progressed, but he’s still a very streaky shooter.

He is a very gritty player though which definitely would entice Miami, but I’m not so sure he’s exactly what Miami is looking for right now.

If they did go this route of drafting Tre Jones, it pretty much means they’re moving on from Kendrick Nunn. If Miami is to grab a guard, it’ll have to be one that can be a trusted defender upon arrival such as Tyrese Maxey.

But once again, I believe that they end up going the route of getting a big.

Another big that I haven’t mentioned that stands out is Daniel Oturu.

I believe he’s the type of player in this draft that can give Miami immediate production, which is what they are looking for.

He can protect the rim and rebound at a high level, which is their biggest need.

His offensive package stands out as well, since he has a very efficient mid-range jumper and shot the ball well from beyond the arc this past season.

He is 6’10 and 240 pounds as well, which is why he can be a force on the block. He was very productive in the post this past season, mostly since that seems to be the spot he is most comfortable.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Miami arranges a zoom interview with Daniel Oturu pretty soon, as well as Vernon Carey who I’ve discussed in the past.

Does Giving Wes Matthews a Mid-Level Exception Make Sense for Miami?

/5 Comments/in /by

As shown above, it was reported that Miami could consider splitting their mid-level exception between two veterans, and among those on their radar include Paul Millsap and Wes Matthews.

I’ve talked about how a Paul Millsap signing would look in the past, but how about a Wes Matthews pick-up?

For starters, he fits the exact mold of a defensive guard that Miami has been looking for. The playoffs proved even further that he can be trusted when taking the assignment of talented opposing guards.

And on the offensive side of the ball, he’s proven that he is fairly capable of being a great three point shooter.

Miami could potentially run a starting lineup of Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, and Wesley Matthews. Shooting once again definitely wouldn’t be an issue, and you’re improving the defensive issues.

I truly believe this makes sense for Miami to try and grab a player like Wesley Matthews, and try and fill the big man gap in the draft if they elect to keep the 20th pick.

And once again, Pat Riley and company have so many options this off-season that truly anything could happen. But getting a 3 and D guy by using the mid-level exception seems pretty ideal.

We’ll see what transpires until the beginning of free agency, but this is an option for Heat fans to keep in the back of their minds.

Marlins Marte

Marlins Pick Up Marte’s Option

/0 Comments/in /by

MLB’s offseason officially began today as the 2020 World Series came to an end. The Los Angeles Dodgers took home the trophy in what was the strangest season in MLB history. The Marlins made some history along the way as well, making the postseason for the first time since 2003. The Marlins, meanwhile, started their offseason by picking up the $12.5 million team option on centerfielder Starling Marte.

Marte Back with Marlins for 2021

This news shouldn’t be a shock to anyone, considering the price the Marlins paid to acquire Marte from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Miami sent starting pitchers Caleb Smith and Humberto Mejia, as well as a low-level minor league relief pitcher Julio Frias, to the DBacks for Marte’s services.

Marlins CEO Derek Jeter said the team always planned to bring back Marte. He was never considered a rental by the club.

“We moved some very talented players in our mind to get Marte,” Jeter said of the deal last week.

For the Marlins, Marte hit just .245, with a .286 on-base percentage and a .415 slugging percentage. He tallied 13 RBI, six doubles, five steals and four home runs in 28 games played for Miami. He stabilized a centerfield that was in flux throughout the first half of the season. Marlins manager Don Mattingly rotated five different players in center prior to Marte’s arrival.

Marte had his Marlins cap make it to Cooperstown since he played 61 games in MLB’s 60-game season.

Unfortunately, Marte finished the season injured, after Chicago Cubs reliever Dan Winkler’s pitch broke Marte’s pinky. The injury forced him to miss the Marlins’ NLDS series with the Braves and his offense would have been useful. Miami scored just five runs in the three-game sweep.

Bringing back Marte adds a reliable veteran presence to the Marlins’ outfield and lineup. Although he struggled at times this season, a look at his career stats indicates he should be able to hit consistently. He’s athletic and speedy, making him a threat on the base paths and an excellent defender. At $12.5 million, the team option isn’t cheap, but if the 32-year-old Marte underperforms, the Marlins can move on next year.

This move makes Marte the highest paid players on the Marlins active roster for 2021, topping Corey Dickerson‘s $8.75 million. It’s the right choice for an up-and-coming club that needs reliable veterans to mentor the young players.

Beyond Marte, the Marlins also have to decide on Brandon Kintzler’s team option. The 36-year-old reliever locked down the closer position for Miami in 2020. He converted 12 of 14 save opportunities during the regular season and posted a 2.22 ERA over 24.1 innings pitched.

Kintzler’s option stands at $4 million and the team open to bringing him back for 2021.

More Marlins Moves to Come

With the World Series now complete, MLB’s free agency is set to begin on November 1st . The market will see additional names added after December 2nd non-tender deadline. Beyond that, the Winter Meetings loom, with the Rule 5 Draft set to happen on December 10th. The makeup of the 40-man roster, which needs to be addressed, must be finalized by November 20th.

The Marlins, though, may enter this stretch without a President of Baseball Operations. Michael Hill and the club could not come to an agreement to extend his contract. Hill’s departure opens a front office position, but the team is in no hurry to fill that spot.

“We have a lot of smart baseball minds in our organization and there’s smart baseball minds around the game. It takes some time to sit down and see what type of person we need in this particular role,” Jeter said last week.

MLB Network’s Craig Mish said New York Yankees vice president Tim Naehring and special assistant to Yankees GM Brian Cashman Jim Hendry, who’s a former GM himself, are two potential possibilities to fill the vacancy. The Yankees connection between these clubs runs deep.

Mish mentioned Gary Denbo, the Marlins’ Director of Player Development and Scouting, is likely to stay in his current role. Meanwhile, Dan Greenlee, another former Yankees’ executive, earned a promotion to Assistant General Manager after spending time as Director of Player Personnel.

We’ll see where the Marlins go from here, but it’s clear that even with a new President of Baseball Operations in tow, all front office decisions will likely go through Jeter.

Is the Most Ideal Power Forward for Miami Sitting Right in Front of Them?

/0 Comments/in /by

Even though it seems as if Miami’s number one option in free agency would be a lengthy big who can rebound, some possible power forward options have come up.

Danilo Gallinari, Paul Millsap, and Jerami Grant are just a few of the names that have come up as possibilities, but doesn’t Jae Crowder make the most sense?

Obviously he was a clear fit right when he arrived in Miami, since he gave them some more of that defensive grit and even added a bonus with his shooting. Miami did not expect Jae Crowder to shoot at the level that he did to finish the season and for a good potion of the playoffs.

He also gave them great veteran leadership and had an obvious bond in both the locker room and on the floor with a bunch of guys. The college connection with Jimmy Butler, the Boston connection with Kelly Olynyk, and even began to show a front-court connection with Bam Adebayo as they went along.

There’s been discussion about who would fit the best next to Bam. The consensus seems to be a guy like Danilo Gallinari since he can space the floor for Bam so well. But Jae Crowder was doing just that throughout this season, and was a huge reason their defense had such success, which you wouldn’t be getting from Gallinari.

Once again though, it’s not guaranteed that he will be shooting at those same levels all of the time, but they truly don’t need him to when Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro are on the floor.

It’s all about playing your role on this Heat team, and I’m not sure other power forwards would be as willing to accept a certain role like Jae Crowder would. He’s willing to do a bunch of the dirty work on both sides of the ball, which came up huge for them in a bunch of big time playoff games.

It’s not that Jae Crowder is better than the other options they have a shot at, but it is the most trusted option.

The good thing for Miami is that Jae truly wants to play for this team and live in this city. It’s hopeful that they can give him a one year type deal for this season to keep the 2021 free agency options open, and then take care of him afterward.

And I’m pretty sure Miami knows what Jae Crowder can do for this team going forward as they try and compete for another title.

Miami has already found their fit for Bam Adebayo, and the only other guy that Miami will feel totally fine with replacing him would be Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2021.

Adam Shaheen

Miami Dolphins sign TE Adam Shaheen to 2-year extension

/0 Comments/in , /by

While teams scramble to acquire the unwanted players of other teams, the Miami Dolphins are taking care of their own. Early Monday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Miami Dolphins officially extended tight end Adam Shaheen to a 2-year extension. His previous contract was set to expire after this season. Shaheen’s new deal is worth up to $7.9 million and includes a fully guaranteed $3.2 million.

This turns out to be a nice feather in the cap of general manager Chris Grier, who acquired Shaheen from the Chicago Bears for a conditional 7th round pick back in late July. While by no means a superstar, Shaheen has proven to be a reliable role player, much like Nick O’Leary was for Miami back in 2018-19.

Through six games this season, Adam Shaheen has only five receptions on seven targets. However, two of those receptions have gone for touchdowns. Also, he has 58 reception yards, most of which came from a huge 44-yard play down the seam against the New York Jets.

Seeing that the Bears originally drafted Shaheen in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft, it’s obvious he’s talented. But injuries derailed his early career, and during the games he did play in Chicago, he struggled to make an impact. Through 33 career games, Adam Shaheen has a grand total of 31 receptions for 307 yards and and six touchdowns.

“I think he’s come in obviously via trade and he’s really worked hard.” Head coach Brian Flores said Wednesday. “I think he’s been productive over the first six weeks of the season. We just felt like he was somebody we wanted to keep around for a few more years. There were some discussions ongoing and those guys were able to strike a deal.”

Shaheen’s extension indicates the Miami Dolphins believe his best football is still ahead of him. Together with Mike Gesicki and Durham Smythe, the three have turned into a reliable trio.

Luis Sung has covered the Miami Dolphins for numerous outlets such as Dolphins Wire for seven years. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

Does It Make Sense For Miami To Bring in Harry Giles?

/0 Comments/in /by

Harry Giles is another big man option for Miami heading into this off-season for a couple of reasons.

He’s in that in-between stage right now, since he’s only 22 years old but he also has yet to truly prove himself. This means that I don’t believe that teams will be willing to give him a big deal, which means Miami has a shot.

Miami actually gave Harry Giles a look in the 2017 NBA draft, but many teams weren’t willing to take a chance on him due to the injury. But I’d say Miami’s draft selection ended up working out for the best.

Now that Miami is in search of a possible big to add to their roster, it seems as if Giles could be a viable option.

He is solid in basically every single area of his game, since he can rebound, defend, and score both around the rim and from the mid-range.

And even though I’ve discussed in the past that I don’t like the discussion of trying to find a fit for Bam Adebayo, it’s clear that they could play these two together.

He almost seems as if he could potentially be a Bam-lite, which would help this team out tremendously when he’s off the floor.

Obviously nobody can truly fill Bam’s shoes, but he can at least fill them somewhat. His ability to pass for his size was on display this season, and he actually ran a bunch of offensive sets in the spots that Bam does since he has the ability to put the ball on the floor like a point guard.

The issue when Bam went out in the Finals was that nobody could step up and do what Bam does. It’s possible for players to do what Goran Dragic does scoring wise, but you just can’t reiterate a player’s game when they do absolutely everything on the court.

It seems like a pretty ideal option for Miami to get this type of player this off-season, but once again they have so many options. And this one may not be the most realistic since he could potentially get more money elsewhere.

But there’s not a better place for Harry Giles to build up his reputation than with this Heat team.

I believe that Miami could give him a look if other possible signings and re-signings don’t work out.

Pat Riley Knows Tyler Herro Isn’t Going Anywhere

/0 Comments/in /by

“He just turned 20. My gosh.”

That’s what Pat Riley had to say about Tyler Herro in his press conference on Friday afternoon.

There still seems to be some discussion if Tyler Herro is indeed untouchable. Obviously he is above most of the trades that have been discussed in the past, such as Jrue Holiday or Victor Oladipo, but what if an even bigger name gets thrown Pat Riley’s way?

Something that stood out to me about what Pat Riley said when discussing Tyler Herro over other players was that he raved about his future. He even said, “He will go to another level when he gets older.” And if Pat Riley is saying that about a cheap and productive 20 year old rookie, I can guarantee he’ not going anywhere.

Bradley Beal is the name that continually seems to get thrown into the mix when asking if Tyler would still be considered untouchable.

For starters, Bradley Beal is not going anywhere, since he seems like he wants to stay in Washington, at least for now. But if he does end up forcing his way out of Washington in the near future for some reason, I believe it’ll be too late, since Tyler will officially be off of the table.

Something else that stood out when he talked about Tyler Herro was the fact that he loved the mentorship he got from the veterans on the team. He said, “All these veterans took him under their wing because they saw something special in him.”

And Pat Riley does not give up special players. He gives up assets.

The two things that stood out the most to me from what Pat Riley said was his talk about Tyler Herro and “The Next Thing.”

Those two things don’t always need to be connected, because ultimately they are not.

The next thing can be acquired pretty easy without Tyler Herro, since there are plenty of options in both this free agency and 2021 free agency.

Pat Riley and this Heat organization know, Tyler Herro isn’t going anywhere.

 

 

Players and coaches believe in Tua Tagovailoa

/0 Comments/in , /by

It seems like just yesterday, ESPN’s Matt Hasselbeck was concerned with how veteran players in the Miami Dolphins locker room would take to news of Tua Tagovailoa’s promotion. We all know how well-liked and respected Fitzpatrick is in the locker room. But the time was now. And whether it was a decision made from upstairs or Flores had this plan in mind from the start (I think it was a little of both), one thing is crystal clear.

It’s Tua’s team.

Ready or not,  we are five days away from the Dolphins starting their 2020 first-round pick.

Unfortunately, this move is being looked at by some in a negative light. Which seems strange because those same people were questioning why he wasn’t starting because of Burrow and Herbert’s success, a few weeks prior. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. But now everyone is like:

“mIaMi hAs tO seE wHaT tHeY hAvE iN TuA sInCe BurRoW ANd HeRbErt aRe pLaYiNg WelL”

I don’t watch ESPN. Not since the NFL Network came to town. But thankfully our good friend over at the Palm Beach Post Joe Schad does, and like always he has the inside scoop.

Here’s also a thread with a video of the epic 9-minute segment on ESPN NFL Sunday Countdown.

So yes, apparently this is a thing. But I’m here to put to rest this silly narrative–with cold hard facts.

Dolphins players have nothing but good things to say about the left-handed quarterback

Shortly after ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news that Tagovailoa would be starting, several of Miami’s players met with the media to discuss the coach’s decision.

Here’s what linebacker Jerome Baker had to say about the Dolphins’ decision to start Tagovailoa.

“He’s a smart, collective young man…. He is definitely going to be a future great player in this league. I think we are all excited; we all know what he can do. I think the one thing that surprises me or surprised me – I always tell this story – is when he first came in, we went through a few practices, and we threw so many different looks at him. Instead of getting down on himself or saying it’s too hard or whatever, getting emotional, after practice, it was me and Bobby (McCain), he came by and just asked us questions. He asked for advice on what can he work on, what can he see, whatever it is that he can get better. I think that was the one thing that really stuck to me. He just truly wants to get better, he just truly wants to help us win. I’m definitely happy that he gets his shot.”

Check out the official Taco Bout Sports ‘Tua TACOvailoa’ T-Shirt ONLY on 5 Reasons Sports!

Tua Tacovailoa

Players back from BYE with LOTS to say.

With the BYE week to regroup and now the team back in the facilities to prepare for the Los Angeles Rams; more of Tagovailoa’s teammates would be asked their opinion on Flores’ decision. And what we heard from players, doesn’t quite fit Hasselbeck’s narrative.

First, Dolphins defensive end Shaq Lawson met with the media. And as you’d expect, he was excited.

“For Tua, getting an opportunity to start, that kid is incredible. I’m looking forward to going out there and playing with him on Sunday. I’ve seen a lot of him in practice and how athletic he is, how incredible of a player he is. To get to see it on Sunday this week, it’s going to be incredible. He’s going to lead this team in the right way.”

After Lawson was done gushing about Tagovailoa, it was Preston Williams turn to talk about the quarterback change.

Williams said he and Tua have practiced together throughout the offseason. When asked what Tua does best in practice, Williams responded:

“Obviously throwing. Making plays. Everything you want in a quarterback. Y’all have seen his tape. It speaks for itself. Like I said, we’re excited that Tua is making his start, just like everybody else. I’m excited to see him in his first game action against the Rams.”

Lastly, he was asked if the Dolphins have to flip the playbook to account for Tua’s left-handedness, the same way Steve Mariucci once talked about having to do with Steve Young in San Francisco.

“No. Tua can throw going left just as good as he can throw going right. That’s why he’s here. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.”

One of Tua’s largest targets–tight end Mike Gesicki–wasted no time discussing Tua.

The last individual we heard from during Monday’s zoom calls was Dolphins head coach Brian Flores–who gave us a look at what goes into his Tuesday meetings with his rookie QB.

“It’s game film, it’s practice film, it’s situations. He’s a young player. He’s got a lot to learn. He tries to be a sponge. I think everyone can see that – players, coaches, this team. I think it’s – he wants to learn, and he wants to see it from all different aspects. I give him a defensive aspect, he gets it from (Offensive Coordinator) Chan (Gailey) obviously from the offensive side of the ball. He asks defensive players things that they saw. That’s just the type of kid he is, and it’s a good thing. He tries to learn as much as he can, and I think as a teacher, and as a coach, I think that’s what you are looking for. I try to watch as many different things as possible; but obviously you don’t want to overload the kid. I know he’s getting a lot of information from a lot of different places. Our meetings are more, I would say, me giving him the defensive perspective, and I think as an offensive player, if you understand the thought process from the other side of the ball, it can make you a better player. I know that’s the case defensively, when you think of how they are trying to attack us offensively. That’s what those conversations are like.”

He also went on to voice his frustration about the outside noise.

In the end, no one really cares what Matt Hasselback has to say.

Everyone knew Tua was the future of the Dolphins the day he was drafted—Ryan Fitzpatrick included. And while it seemed like odd timing due to Miami’s 3-3 start. It was clear to anyone that watched the team, this offense was in need of a much-needed injection.

Now we sit here and listen to the players sing Tua’s praises. After all, they saw what he was capable of in practice.

Dan Marino retired in March of 2000 and the Dolphins franchise has never been the same since. But for the first time since that historic day, it feels like this franchise is headed in the right direction. And whether you’re ready or not, this is Tagovailoa’s team.

If that’s a problem. Tua bad.

***********************************************************************

A word from a sponsor of Dolphins content on FiveReasonsSports.com….

Please take the time to read Jon’s story and remember, any donation helps!