Early season challenges have put the NFL’s spotlight on the 1-1 Miami Dolphins, raising urgent questions about the team’s future performance.
Tua Tagovailoa left Thursday night’s game with the third concussion in his five-year career after a devastating 31-10 loss against the Buffalo Bills.
“The furthest thing from my mind is, you know, what is the timeline? We just need to evaluate and just worried about my teammate like the rest of the guys are,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel of the quarterback’s exit.
All that said, the team did put Tagovailoa on injured reserve on Tuesday afternoon, which means, as per NFL policy, that he must miss at least four games.
With Tagovailoa out indefinitely as he take steps through league’s mandated concussion protocol, last week’s divisional rivalry was finished by backup quarterback Skylar Thompson, who completed eight of 14 passes for 80 yards and rushed for four more.
“There’s always things to clean up and whatnot, but I feel like we got some first downs and had some good plays out there so that’s definitely a positive out of that,” Thompson said after the loss.
With a full week of preparation on the top unit, the third-year quarterback is expected to start Week 3 against the Seahawks in Seattle this Sunday at 4:05 p.m.
To fill his backup spot, the Dolphins on Monday signed Tyler Huntley, who is a 2022 Pro Bowl quarterback, and played a big role for the Baltimore Ravens that season following Lamar Jackson’s injury.
Miami’s addition of Huntley, a South Florida local, adds depth and veteran knowledge to round out the Dolphins’ offensive leadership, as Tagovailoa plans to resume his position once he is able to.
DEFENSE TRIES TO IRON IT OUT VS. SEAHAWKS
Defensively, the Dolphins have faced a challenging start to the season, as well, and now they have to play in Seattle, one of the tougher home stadiums in the league.
The Dolphins were outplayed on defense, allowing 5.5 yards per play to Buffalo, while the Bills defense accrued four turnovers on downs and three interceptions, including a critical pick-six by Ja’Marcus Ingram. The Dolphins defense also failed to contain Bills running back James Cook, who rushed for 78 yards and scored three touchdowns in the first half alone.
Miami currently ranks fourth in the league for yards allowed at 257, but the Dolphins defensive line has shown inconsistencies. And Week 2 highlighted a need for improved coverage and tackling.
“It’s a different impact of how we’re playing,” said defensive tackle Zach Sieler, in speaking about Miami’s defense during Monday’s team press conferences. “Let’s make the adjustments and not let it happen again”
Sieler has recorded five tackles and four assists this season.
UNBEATEN OPPONENT UP NEXT
After being favored to win in Weeks 1 and 2, the Dolphins were revealed as 6.5-point underdogs to the Seahawks in Week 3 according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The Seahawks, currently undefeated at 2-0 and having scored 49 total points over their first two games, have displayed a strong offensive output that has them in first place in the NFC West.
Miami fans wait with bated breaths as the next few games will be crucial in determining whether the Dolphins can overcome these challenges, especially the loss of Tagovailoa.
