Dolphins Q&A: Should Miami play Mostert and Waddle if they’re only about 70% healthy?

Here’s the latest installment of our Miami Dolphins Q&A, where South Florida Sun Sentinel writers David Furones and Chris Perkins answer questions from readers.

Q: ​Question – If Waddle & Mostert are 70% fit do you play them anyway given it may be the last game of the season? – Rob Rob on Dolphins Deep Dive

Definitely! There’s no reason for the Dolphins to save anyone in Saturday’s 8 p.m. wild-card playoff game at Kansas City unless it’s for their long-term health. Injuries are a factor. But it’s very important for players to honestly communicate their health to coaches and trainers so they can protect the player, most importantly, and game plan accordingly, which means using the player and using the player’s ailment to the team’s advantage. You don’t want to rely on Waddle to run a deep route when he’s physically incapable, but you still want the opponent to have to defend against that (im)possibility. 

Q: U never know for sure what would have happened, but we def have not been lucky with injuries which u need to be Super Bowl champs. At some point u just don’t have the horses. It’s too bad. – Richard Thompson​ on Dolphins Deep Dive

True. But the Dolphins must find a way to win this playoff game Saturday. This organization must show progress from last season. Yes, it’s asking a lot. Injuries are a major factor. So is Kansas City’s success at Arrowhead in the playoffs (quarterback Patrick Mahomes is 9-2 at home in the postseason).

However, the Dolphins must find a way.

The Dolphins’ best option is probably big plays, something they do well on both sides of the ball. A 50-yard run, a 60-yard reception, a strip-sack, a pick-6. These are all things this team can accomplish, and has accomplished. This team had three consecutive games with a pick-6. 

And remember, Kansas City is minus-11 in turnover margin, tied for third-worst in the league. That’s a big deal in January. 

Also, the Chiefs don’t score as well as they did in previous seasons. This season they finished 15th in scoring at 21.8 points per game. However, in their five games in December (they rested many of their starters last week), when they went 2-3, they only exceeded that 21.8 ppg average twice, and that was with 27- and 25-point showings. In their other three games they scored 19, 17 and 14 points.

There’s a chance that the team that finds a way to get three touchdowns wins this game. 

Q: ​Game plan this week is man up 2 tight Ends and run the ball – nupe942001 on Dolphins Deep Dive

Playing man-to-man defense, and running the ball with two-tight end formations is an interesting thought. The Dolphins have to do what they do best (passing game), but also what works best against that specific opponent (run game?). It’ll be cold but it won’t be wet, so deep throws could work. 

The problem is the Chiefs are No. 2 in total defense (289.8 yards allowed per game), including No. 4 against the pass (176.5 ypg). 

The Chiefs are tied for 17th against the run at 113.2 ypg, however.

Running back Raheem Mostert (knee/ankle) won’t be 100%. But among running backs De’Von Achane (speed) and Jeff Wilson Jr. (slashing) and Chris Brooks (power), who had five snaps from scrimmage vs. Baltimore, the Dolphins should have their bases covered.  

We’ll see what happens.

Q: ​The Dolphins have run the ball well in most weeks, McDaniel just doesn’t stick with it – Judy Williams on Dolphins Deep Dive

I’d like to see the Dolphins, who were 15th in rushing attempts, stick with the run more often. But I think opponents would, too, thinking the run can’t beat them.

I’ll give McDaniel credit for awareness on this topic.

This team wins with big plays. I’m not sure the rushing total is relevant. I think the run game is essential for balance (less play-calling predictability) and situations (short yardage, goal line, etc). But this team won’t beat a quality opponent with its run game. 

For example, Achane rushed for 107 yards against Baltimore and it didn’t matter. The Dolphins rushed for 154 yards at Baltimore in a 56-19 loss. They rushed for 142 yards at Buffalo in a 48-20 loss. They rushed for 117 yards against Kansas City in a 21-14 loss. They rushed for 158 yards against Tennessee in a 28-27 loss. 

Additionally, anecdotally, I’m guessing the Dolphins often play from behind against quality teams such as Kansas City and therefore think they have to abandon the run game and pass. I haven’t yet researched that, which is why I say “anecdotally,” but that’s how it seems off the top of my head.

Q: ​The lack of a pass rush will give Patrick Mahomes time to throw the ball – True talk101 on Dolphins Deep Dive

That’s certainly a concern. The Dolphins have addressed that, signing pass-rushing linebacker Justin Houston, among other moves. And being without cornerback Xavien Howard (foot) is also bad because the pass rush has to work longer. 

The Dolphins have to make big defensive decisions on how they want to attack Mahomes and approach the pass rush. I’m guessing they attempt to pressure him as much as possible, get the ball out of his hands and force the receivers to make difficult plays. I’m guessing they won’t drop guys into coverage and allow Mahomes time to sit back and find receivers.

​Q: Tyreek Hill can’t be dropping passes too … – Grandizer12 on Dolphins Deep Dive

This has been an issue. Tyreek Hill is a future Hall of Famer, my choice for team MVP (he was my choice for league MVP), and arguably the best player on the team (cornerback Jalen Ramsey is the only other choice). Hill has been outstanding and is the reason the offense is feared.

However, yes, he’s had some big drops in big games (Philadelphia, Dallas, Baltimore, Buffalo), and in the case of the Kansas City game earlier this year, a key strip/fumble that was returned for a touchdown.  

Hill is golden, but he’s not perfect. The Dolphins have a very small margin for error, and drops can’t happen Saturday.

​Q: Screen plays to Achane, get him in open space where he can use his speed – Ross Piperno on Dolphins Deep Dive

McDaniel has done a good job feeding Achane and taking advantage of his multiple talents. He’s run him between the tackles, outside, and given him receptions. McDaniel certainly knows how to use Achane.

The thing is the Dolphins need big-play touchdowns from Achane. The yardage helps, of course. But the Dolphins need touchdowns to win on Saturday, which Achane can provide.

​Q: Small speedy teams can’t play into 17-plus games – VoxOverlord on Dolphins Deep Dive

Interesting take. I understand why you’d say that, but edge rusher Bradley Chubb (knee), edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (Achilles), guard Robert Hunt (hamstring), center Connor Williams (knee), guard Isaiah Wynn (quad) and Ramsey (knee) aren’t small or speedy.

And Hill and Waddle played all 17 games last season.

But your point is well-taken, and there’s probably a reason few others in NFL history have constructed a roster in this fashion.

​Q: Definition of insanity is complaining about coaching when you fire the last coach for coach – CAP 4 LIFE on Dolphins Deep Dive

This is about my column, right? I didn’t write that McDaniel should be fired if they don’t win on Saturday. I don’t believe that to be true. But he should be put on alert and informed changes must be made and might be forced (adding a receiving tight end, power running back, etc).

One of my contentions in the column is that you can’t have this much offensive talent for two years and have no playoff win. 

Q: ​Do you think this game Saturday is a Jeff Wilson game? He looked good between the tackles last game and cold weather games need power run game – Steve Camara on Dolphins Deep Dive

I think Wilson could be most effective in red zone and short yardage, and perhaps Brooks, too. I think this offense will need big plays and that favors Achance. But Wilson certainly should be part of the equation along with Mostert, Achane and Brooks.