Hall of Famer Gives Brutal Assessment of Miami Dolphins
As if the Miami Dolphins‘ season wasn’t already lost, they got the brakes beaten off of them on Sunday 31-6 by the Cleveland Browns. They dropped to 1-6 on the season and it’s been as big of a disaster as one could imagine.
Following the loss, Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher took the opportunity to rip the effort of the Dolphins’ players.
“The second half of that game, they looked almost disinterested,”
“It will be interesting to see what happens down there. There’s been a lot of talk about the lack of structure that they have inside the building…We don’t know what’s going on inside the building, because we’re not there. But we see the product that’s on the field. And right now, there’s some issues in Miami.”
He can say that again, there is something structurally wrong with this Dolphins team and it probably goes all the way to the top.
Miami Dolphins needs to get quarterback situation in order
In July of 2024, Dolphins’ general manager Chris Grier inexplicably thought it was a good time to sign quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a four-year, $212 million contract extension. The deal looks worse and worse with every day that goes by.
Not only is the team 1-6, but Tua has been terrible, leading the NFL in interceptions. He’s thrown five more than Tennessee Titans rookie Cam Ward, and that’s saying a lot.
On Sunday, after throwing for just 100 yards and three picks, he got benched for rookie Quinn Ewers. Now, there are questions about who the starting QB is going to be moving forward.
“He is going to take the snaps this week, and he is going to be a starter this week, and my expectation is that we don’t throw 10 picks,” head coach Mike McDaniel said of Tua Monday.
Wow! That’s a direct shot at Tua and it makes Cowher’s comments ring all the more true. The Dolphins lack all sorts of structure and discipline.
McDaniel talks about the sloppiness of the Miami Dolphins
McDaniel did his best to address the many problems with the team, which is clearly in a tailspin.
“We can’t allow it to seep into our play and keep us from executing,” McDaniel said. “So I mean, the list goes on. Minus 4 (turnovers) and 100 yards in penalties, two formulas that generally will equal immediate loss, regardless of what you do. So, you know, I think we didn’t see it coming in terms of our prep but you absolutely, with 100% certainly, you have to evaluate everything.
“You know, I think it goes for – no person, no player, no coach has their hands clean and we have to get back to work, starting with me, do a better job. We have an NFL opponent and game next week that we have a lot of work to do and in the meantime, this was a step back from how we play football. I thought we had growth and generally growth without results is a good thing for your time. In this case, it was not good enough. You know, you can go on any tangent and have, at least partially right, regardless of what angle you take when you get beat like that.”
At this point it’s just sad. What is McDaniel supposed to say? And why is Stephen Ross waiting to pull the trigger? Just put everyone out of their misery and start the healing process.
Falcons Spark Trade Frenzy: Target Trio of Cornerbacks Ahead of Deadline Showdown
As the NFL’s trade deadline approaches on November 4th, the Atlanta Falcons find themselves in a favorable position to make strategic acquisitions, particularly in the cornerback position. Currently holding a 3-3 record, the Falcons are gearing up for an important matchup against the Miami Dolphins, with hopes of improving to 4-4 by the time the deadline rolls around.
Potential Trade Targets
ESPN has identified three cornerbacks that the Falcons could target, positioning Atlanta as a strong contender for their services. The players in question are:
Riq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks
Michael Carter II of the New York Jets
Roger McCreary of the Tennessee Titans
Each of these players presents unique qualities that could enhance the Falcons’ defensive lineup.
Riq Woolen’s Uncertain Future in Seattle
Woolen, a standout cornerback for the Seahawks, has been viewed as a prime trade candidate. Despite Seattle’s current 5-2 record and aspirations for a playoff run, there are whispers that he may not fit into head coach Mike Macdonald’s defensive scheme. League executives indicate that the Seahawks have been considering moving Woolen for some time. “He doesn’t fit what [Mike Macdonald] wants to do,” noted one executive. This leaves many wondering if Seattle can afford to lose a talented player at such a critical position, especially given the injury concerns surrounding fellow starter Devon Witherspoon. ESPN places the probability of Woolen being traded at around 50%, with the Falcons listed among the top contenders alongside the Lions, Eagles, and Buccaneers.
Michael Carter II’s Ties to Atlanta
Carter has been linked to the Falcons previously, particularly during the offseason when Atlanta was seeking additional depth in its secondary. With the Jets in a rebuilding phase, ESPN suggests a 45% likelihood of Carter being moved, again naming the Eagles and Falcons as potential landing spots. While Carter may not boast a highlight reel full of splash plays, his strength and competitive nature make him a valuable asset in slot coverage, as well as a reliable run defender.
Roger McCreary’s Contract Situation
As a starter for the Titans, McCreary finds himself in the final year of his contract with a team facing uncertainty. With the Titans unlikely to make a deep playoff run, they may prefer to trade McCreary for draft capital rather than risk losing him in free agency. ESPN rates the probability of McCreary being traded at 35%, with the Packers and Cardinals also mentioned as possible suitors.
Challenges in the Trade Market
While the Falcons are actively seeking to bolster their secondary, they face challenges in the trade market. Their limited draft capital, with only five picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, contrasts sharply with teams like the New England Patriots, who hold ten picks. This scarcity of assets could complicate negotiations for any potential deals.
Internal Competition for Right Tackle
The Falcons are also on the lookout for help at the right tackle position. With the return of swing tackle Storm Norton on the horizon, they are hopeful that he can provide the necessary competition for Eli Wilkinson. However, this move may still be a week away. Interestingly, the Falcons have not been linked to any available wide receivers, despite recently releasing Ray-Ray McCloud and hoping for Darnell Mooney’s return to form.
Conclusion
As the trade deadline nears, the Atlanta Falcons are poised to make moves that could significantly impact their season. With a focus on strengthening their cornerback depth and addressing other needs, Atlanta’s front office is prepared to explore all options to enhance the team’s competitiveness in the second half of the season.
