Dolphins have concerns beyond missing Tua Tagovailoa versus Seahawks in Week 3
By Lee Vowell
Seattle Seahawks fans knew that their favorite team (OK, let's be real - our favorite team) was going to face the Dolphins in Week 3 without Miami's quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Speaking as a member of the human race what has happened to Tagovailoa over the last few years with his concussions is sad. No one wants to beat another team because their star player(s) is hurt. No excuses.
Miami will start Skylar Thompson in place of Tagovailoa who suffered his third career concussion in Week 2. Tagovailoa could be out for a long time and maybe he should be. There are greater things besides playing football, even if it does earn one a nice living. For instance, being able to play with one's children and grandchildren. That is what life is about.
Miami won't just be missing Tagovailoa in Week 3 against the Seahawks, however. The team will be down to just three healthy receivers from their normal 53-man roster. This means while the Dolphins will have Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Braxton Berrios - and to be sure, two of those receivers are quite good - Miami will have little depth.
Seahawks might face a more diminished Dolphins offense that is missing more than Tua Tagovailoa
The receivers likely elevated from the practice squad are certainly not game-changers either. If Seahawks cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon can manage Hill and Waddle then the overall defense should have an easier time. Thompson is not likely to test Seattle deep which should mean Woolen and Witherspoon can be a more physical style closer to the line of scrimmage.
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Miami is also probably going to be without running back Raheem Mostert due to an injury. Mostert led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2023 with 18. De'Von Achane gives Miami quality as well, of course, and he is a perfect fit in the Dolphins scheme. Though Miami struggled overall offensively in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills, Achane still had over 150 total yards of offense.
The point is that if Woolen and Witherspoon do their jobs, or if the Dolphins lose Hill or Waddle to injury during the game, then if Seattle can limit Achane the Seahawks should have an excellent opportunity to win and move to 3-0. Even with Skylar Thompson playing quarterback for the Dolphins, Week 3 will be the Seahawks' biggest test defensively to begin the 2024 season.
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