We know you have questions.
And nine times out of 10, we have the answers.
In an effort to increase our coverage, we, at the Miami Herald, created a little something called the “Dolphins Mailbag.”
Once a week during the regular season, Herald reporter C. Isaiah Smalls II will answer questions directly from the people who care the most: the fans.
All you have to do is follow Smalls (@stclaudeii) on X and when you see Dave Chappelle’s Rick James waving you over, feel free to fire off as many questions as you like.
Let’s start it off:
QUESTION: Confidence level of the O-line to keep Tua healthy?
ANSWER: Depends on how long right tackle Austin Jackson is out for. Guard Kion Smith and tackle Larry Borom’s tape vs. Lions and Jags was average to below average. Both teams played their backups, and I expected a better performance from the two who will get the start over James Daniels (injured reserve) and Jackson on Sunday.
Q: Any chance we ever see Patrick Paul moved to RT? Should be watching Tua’s blindside. Joe Alt moved to LT once Slater went down
A: The diminished returns aren’t worth it in my opinion, especially considering we don’t know how long Jackson is out for. Although Paul played a bit of right tackle in 2024, he spent all offseason learning left and looked elite in Week 1. I wouldn’t throw that out the window just because Jackson is hurt.
Q: Can you explain why the Phins signed Darren Waller over Jonnu Smith. Wasn’t the contract that Jonnu was looking for similar to what Waller got?
A: Nope. Jonnu’s contract is two years, $16 million. Waller’s is one year, $2 million.
Q: Team gonna play with that fire this week or fall flat? What’s the energy in practice and the locker room?
A: Afew guys seemed angry and rightfully so. The only thing I can say is I hope that the fire is there.
Q: Do you find McDaniel’s press conference difficult to unravel? A lot of word jargon, but not much substance
A: I understand why you would say that, but there are gems in there. Trust me. Plus, as someone that has to meet a word count with every story, the thorough explanations are helpful.
Q: Will the never-ending cycle of mediocrity ever end? Why can’t we have happiness?
A: I do not have a crystal ball. That said, it’s probably not a good look to emotionally invest in ANY team until they show you better. I watched like 90% of Philadelphia 76ers games in 2018-2019. I haven’t done that since, and my life has improved exponentially. Still read my work though!