Phinsider Mailbag: Mike Pouncey, practice squad, linebackers, DeVante Parker, and much more!

Thank you to everyone that participated in this week’s mailbag.

If anyone ever has questions, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @Houtz or email me at PhinsOrDie@Gmail.com. Without further ado, the 6/25 - 7/4 Phinsider Mailbag.

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Question:

Answer:

First, we can get rid of Tom Brady. Not just from the NFL, but the world in general. In all seriousness, the Dolphins must continue to play better in the AFC East. I’d argue the Dolphins have a better receiving core than those Jerry Rice 49ers. Ultimately, it comes down to the competition in the division, and very few have it harder than the AFC East, with the New England Patriots.

Question:

Answer:

I too thought Ndamukong Suh would sign with Miami and instantly kick Brady in his junk or stomp his face into the turf. Unfortunately, he did not. With Tom being the cover athlete for Madden 18 and mocking the curse entirely, I think there’s a strong possibility something bad happens to him this season. No, I’m not rooting for this, but the guy walked under a ladder, shattered a mirror and messed with a black cat. His time is coming.

Question:

Answer:

If the Dolphins win more than 10 games this season, I would absolutely throw the bank at Adam Gase. My only gripe with your original comment is why stop at 30 years? Let’s send him a blank check and have a legit coach for the next 50 years!!!! In all honesty, as much as I’m a fan of Gase, we need to see how year two goes before crowning him the greatest thing since Don Shula. Although lets be honest, he’s the best coach we’ve had in Miami since Shula

Question:

Answer:

As of last season, each team could keep up to 10 players on their respected practice squad. Whether or not that changed this season, I do not know.

Question:

“There's been a lot discussed about how Urbik and Stein are capable of being centers, but nothing on which one was with the first team during the last few camps. Who is taking the most snaps with the first team? Any more news on Stein?” - Thomas Byrnes

Answer:

I’m not sure which offensive lineman took first-team reps in Pouncey’s absence. However, both players proved they were more than capable of filling in during his injury plagued 2016 season. If Adam Gase has shown us anything over the last year and a half, it’s that the best player will play. Whether that’s Urbik or Steen is anyone’s guess. Hopefully for Miami, Pouncey is healthy for a full 16-game season.

Question:

Answer:

This may be selfish, but as long as it’s not on of our players, I’m not too concerned. Adam Gase seems to have a good handle on offseason workouts, and limits the players accordingly. He understand that a significant injury in mini camps, could hinder the team moving forward. Players are too valuable to sacrifice during meaningless practices.

Question:

“Hey Dr.Phil,

Got a question for you more of your opinion. So the dolphins made it a point to resign their own and keep the nucleus of what they had last year. While they had a good year it was against a very weak schedule. With this year looking like a much more difficult schedule I wonder if they will have the same success with essentially the same team. I know continuity is important but will it be enough to improve on last years success as LB to me is still a major issue even with the draft pick and our free agent signing, Koa Misi is not going to play 5 games. I like direction but for this team to succeed many players will have to take large leaps forward from last year example Parker. What are your thoughts?” - Nigel Gruff

Answer:

Teams are only as good as the schedule before them. I do agree that it’s a much tougher road this season, but I’m not overly concerned with the schedule. Miami must definitely improve on last year’s success and it will ultimately be up to Adam Gase to have his team prepared. Furthermore, the Dolphins must continue to improve as a team, primarily on defense to have another successful season. No, I’m not too concerned with the schedule, and believe players such as DeVante Parker and Julius Thomas will take significant steps in 2017.

Question:

Hi Houtz,

1.). Koa Misi? Adios in 2017?

2.). Will the Dolphins make any more moves with Free Agency this year, specifically to shore up the LB Corps further and the interior OL?

Pat

Answer:

I have nothing against Misi, but it seems like he’s been a dead man walking for the last several seasons. As for the LB corps and interior OL, I think Miami added depth this offseason and should be just fine when games begin to have meaning. Timmons, Alonso and McMillan will be fine in the middle. Asiata, Bushrod, Urbik and Lawson should be fine at guard. The Dolphins have added significant depth, no matter how underrated it may seem on paper.

Question:

Answer:

You’ve blown my mind, Beaver.

Question:

Answer:

I like Miami’s versatility on both offense and defense and believe they will do whatever it takes to succeed. With that said, I do believe Miami will show some 3-4 looks, and Matt Burke will be creative with his personal. A.J. Hendy is still a question mark and while he’s not an elite player by any means, he definitely has a chance at making the 53-man roster. Gase doesn’t discriminate based on previous success, which leads me to believe Hendy will have a chance.

Question:

Answer:

I don’t think you’re missing anything. As long as Tannehill is healthy and Jay Ajayi can continue to build upon his 2016 season, the Dolphins offense will be a force to be reckoned with.

Question:

Answer:

For as meaningless as the Pro Bowl is, Laremy Tunsil will be the next Miami Dolphins’ player to be selected to the Pro Bowl. He is a truly elite talent and should solidify himself as one of the league’s top offensive lineman in due time.

Question:

Answer:

I like what Miami is doing with Walt Aikens and believe his time is running out to become a suitable starter. However, Miami’s secondary has struggled in recent time, primarily at the nickle spot. Aikens is best suited here (aside from safety) and should get a legit chance in preseason. As for Smith, he’s turned some heads during camp ans definitely has a legit shot at making the roster.

Question:

Answer:

Without question, the hype surrounding DeVante Parker is legit. He’s yet to live up to his potential, but his skill set is among some of the best in the league. Gase’s offense needs a legit No.1 wide receiver, and that’s exactly what Parker can become.

PHOTOSHOP OF THE WEEK

Happy 4th of July

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This article was written by Josh Houtz. Follow him on Twitter!

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