Part 2 of the pre-Rams game Miami Dolphins On SI mailbag:

From Chris Shields (@shieldsc_):

What changes can be expected if the Dolphins lose on Monday as the trade deadline passes? At what point do you worry about locker room morale? The biggest need to address way too early in the offseason?

Hey Chris, I don’t know if you can do much in the way of changes now that the trade deadline has passed, but I could see some lineup changes down the line if the playoffs are no longer feasible. But I would expect the status quo as long as there is still hope. I do think the mood in the locker room could take a turn for the worse with a loss to the Rams, because the loss at Buffalo at least showed the team was competitive. As for the biggest position of need, what about the backup quarterback? If not, then I think safety is a big need and it would be nice to have an off-the-ball linebacker who can impact the play, more depth at defensive tackle, a stud at guard, another wide receiver…

From Lloyd Heilbrunn (@LloydHeilbrunn):

If this team had any real responsibility, shouldn’t Poyer be benched like Long, or even cut?

Hey Lloyd, I really can’t disagree with your point because, honestly, Poyer hasn’t played up to par. I would like to see Elijah Campbell get a shot at safety at some point. But I also believe the Dolphins coaches play the guys they think give the team the best chance to win. Like you said, if the Dolphins can bench Long, who was team captain, we shouldn’t believe they’re keeping Poyer in the lineup simply because he’s an established veteran.

From ChrisS (@Dolphinshilight):

Is Jonnu Smith a long-term fit? It looks great, I finally got them to use the position as a mismatch generator.

Hey Chris, yes, in the role he is used, as a receiving specialist, Smith is someone the Dolphins should continue to retain beyond this year. Let’s not be surprised if there are games where he doesn’t get the most opportunities at the position because he isn’t as good a blocker as, say, Julian Hill.

From Chris…Grier fan account (@cgc5783):

How many more ads does the team need to get over the hump?

“Advertising” is a pretty great term. Well done! Given their 2-6 record, I’d say the Dolphins are running out of that if they indeed want to get over the hump in 2024.

From Jayco (@ljc7975):

Alain, which player do you think has been the biggest underachiever and who has overachieved?

That’s a good question, but it also depends on your expectations for the season. To answer your question – and I’ll forego explanation, but rather go strictly from production – I’d say the biggest underachiever has to be Tyreek Hill, simply because this is the two-time team MVP, a man who made a difference- creator of the past two seasons, but has not been so in 2024. As far as overachiever goes, I’m inclined to say Calais Campbell, because what he’s doing at the age of 38 is truly remarkable. Then again, he’s been a stud his entire career, so maybe we shouldn’t be surprised. Maybe Kader Kohou, who has bounced back very well after a tough 2023 season.

From Dave Lowe (@DKL_II):

Does it take 10 wins to get the 7 seed? If so, what do you see as our path to 10? Thank you for your daily work on our fins!

Thanks Dave. In the three seasons (2021-2023) since the NFL went to a 17-game regular season schedule, at least one team has been a wild card every year with a 9-8 record and the Dolphins were one of those teams in 2022. Denver is currently seventh in the AFC standings and they are 5-5, so I really believe 9-8 could get it done. That means the Dolphins should win 7-2. From where I sit, the Dolphins should win against LV, NE, and CLE, depending on how bad those teams are. That means the Dolphins need to finish 9-8 to win 4-2 against LAR, GB, HOU, SF and the two Jets games. Since Green Bay and Houston are on the road, it illustrates why the Rams game is so important — and also because we can’t really talk about making a late-season run if the Dolphins lose because they’re down to four points seated. losing streak of the game.

From John Dillon (@yomptons_finest):

How will the defense adjust to cover a very capable Rams passing attack? It looks like the boys have been running around uncovered all year, and I’m sure McVay has seen the Bills partying underneath and in the flats. Thanks, Poo. I like your stuff.

Thanks John. First of all, it is absolutely not true that boys have been running around ‘uncovered’ all year. And make no mistake, a big part of the problem the past two games has been the lack of a pass rush or getting to the quarterback — partly because Kyler Murray and Josh Allen were able to buy extra time. Matthew Stafford isn’t much of a QB. So it’s not about adjusting against the Rams, it’s about putting pressure on Stafford and making him uncomfortable and rushing some throws.

From Richard Hulme (@RichardHulme7):

With the Rams pass defense, do you expect this game to be the one where we finally see another explosive passing game?

Hey Richard, yeah, I would absolutely make that prediction. The Rams’ pass defense isn’t very good, but their pass rush is. So the key is for the offensive line to give Tua Tagovailoa some time to shoot deep. But I do see some deep shots in this game.

From Luis Rodriguez (@Elfrijol3232):

Hi Poop. I’ve heard you and Perk argue for the explosive play on the podcast, but with our questionable D, aren’t the non-explosive drives better for the ultimate goal of winning?

Hey Luis, in the end it’s all about how the drives end, but the problem is that the time-consuming drives require more plays, and more plays means more opportunities to make a mistake (turnover, penalty). That’s why some defensive coordinators like the bend-but-don’t-break approach.