Miami’s firework display was overshadowed by Buffalo.
This past weekend, many of us celebrated Guy Fawkes night – albeit a few days early – with firework displays or a burning bonfire.
We then sat down to watch our beloved Miami Dolphins, hoping that the fireworks would continue.
Despite a brave effort and a huge improvement in general play, the fireworks were unfortunately a dud.
The Dolphins would eventually lose to a late 61-yard field goal by Tyler Bass, leaving them at 2-6 and third in the AFC East.
The commentary rattled off worrying statistics.
Since 1990 only two teams have made the post season with a 2-6 start. No team in 52 years has started 2-6 and qualified for a wild card berth.
So do the Dolphins have to be realistic about the rest of this season?
Undoubtably the franchise now has a much higher floor in terms of talent compared to the last ‘re-build’ in 2019.
And I am by no means advocating for the wholesale changes to the roster that happened back then – who wants to go through that again?
But the Dolphins now have an opportunity to put this season behind them and look to 2025 and the future beyond.
Notwithstanding contractual situations – and an obligation to entertain the fans – should the Dolphins look to trade, cut or simply reduce the involvement of players who are not in the long term plans?
Is it time to give an opportunity for increased reps to players who may – or may not in some cases – be the future of the franchise?
So who goes?
There are several obvious trade candidates such as Calais Campbell, Emmanuel Ogbah, Jeff Wilson, Terron Armstead and Odell Beckham Jr.
I would also suggest that older players such as Tyreek Hill, Raheem Mostert and even Jalen Ramsey could be on reduced snap counts.
That would free up an opportunity to the likes of Jaylen Waddle, who really needs to step up, Jaylen Wright, Malik Washington, Patrick Paul, Mohammed Kamara, Chop Robinson, Kader Kohou and even Cam Smith.
Now, I realise that all of the above may be a tad knee jerk and some might think premature, but it is intended as a positive outlook to the future when this season appears to be all but gone.
To continue the earlier Guy Fawkes metaphor, please do not hang, draw and quarter me for what might be a controversial opinion.
Story originally by former writer Alan Peplow.
