Third and final part of the pre-Jets Miami Dolphins On SI mailbag:

From UKFinFan:

Do you think we can get the racing game back on track?

There’s no reason to think it can’t happen, but history has told us not to expect too much in the long run. So maybe not 188 yards like the Dolphins got against the Patriots in Week 12, but I would definitely expect the running game to pick up a bit – and that’s even with Raheem Mostert dealing with a hip injury.

From John Flora:

Why doesn’t Miami use the 6 OL more on short runs?

Hi John, This is a fabulous question and one that was asked directly to CO Frank Smith this week, and he said that fundamentally it doesn’t fit with what the Dolphins are doing offensively with their outside zone system, especially because it might require an offensive lineman to block a 9-technique defensive lineman, which which would be challenging from an athletic point of view. I’m not sure why the Dolphins can’t fit something different in for a play here or there, but it’s above my pay grade (as the saying goes).

From Angry Guy:

Can the Dolphins finally stop Freeman McNeil?

Ha! That’s a good thing. Actually, I think I’d be more worried about Wesley Walker. Oh, for those unfamiliar with what’s going on here, Angry Guy brought up a Jets running back from a long time ago and I countered with a Jets wide receiver from a long time ago.

From Voo Doo Dolphin:

What’s your best argument for firing Grier…and your best argument for keeping him?

I examined the Chris Grier situation in depth in a recent column that I suggest you check out, But the Reader’s Digest version is my best argument for keeping him is that the Dolphins have made the playoffs each of the last two seasons and had a chance to become the AFC’s No. 1 seed when they went to Baltimore in Week 17. So it’s not like they were THAT far away last season. The best argument against Grier is that he had immense capital – both draft picks and the finances to go after high-priced veterans – when the rebuild began in 2019/20 and we’re still waiting for that elusive playoff victory.

From Dan P:

The Dolphins continue to get the same results in big moments. “Reasons” or “Excuses” aside, do you have the feeling that McDaniel still has the trust of the players in the locker room?

Hey Dan, yes, I absolutely believe McDaniel still has the trust of his players. He is universally loved for the way he treats players and he is also highly respected because of his football sense. McDaniel also supports his players whenever he speaks to the media, which also goes a long way in keeping the locker room clean. I have yet to see any indication that anyone isn’t playing hard for him, which is the first sign of a coach who has lost the locker room.

From Prichett54:

Alain- I would like to know why my father allowed me to be a Dolphins fan in New York while everyone else in my family is a Giants fan and has celebrated 3 Super Bowls in my life and my last playoff victory playoffs dates back 25 years. Let me know if you have an idea. THANKS.

Hello, if I had to guess, your dad probably became a football fan in the 1970s, when the Giants weren’t very good (no playoff appearances between 1964 and 1981) and the Dolphins were a powerhouse in the NFL, so he adopted a team that could actually win. And then it stayed with him and he passed it on to you. I would love for you to get back to me and tell me if I’m right.

From Chris Larrondo:

Why did the Dolphins waste their throwbacks on such a lackluster performance?

Hi Chris, I personally love that the Dolphins did it this year, with the water jerseys for the home game against Buffalo and the white jersey for the road game against Green Bay. I suppose they could have gone with the white throwbacks at home for the Tennessee night game, but that would have been too close to the Buffalo game for my liking and it’s not like they did well either played that evening.

From the Dragonstone Fire Chief:

My question is really about the offseason. There’s not much we can do for this year. Too many parts are needed.

I don’t know what the question is, but the Dolphins will definitely need help at a lot of spots for next season. Off the top of my head I’m thinking G, WR, backup QB, IDL, LB and S.

From Sam:

We know Ross usually fires people too late and will have a lot of loyalty to Grier. But let’s say Miami loses a few more games. Will having the longest playoff winless streak be a factor in his decision to keep McDaniel/Grier for next year? Surely he must hate it more than anyone?

Hey Sam, yeah, Stephen Ross can’t like the playoff win drought, although it’s unclear how much it bothers him since he stopped talking to the media a few years ago (and no, the broadcast does not count). Above all, Ross wants his team to go in the right direction and be relevant, and where the season ends will be determined in part by what happens over the next five games. If the Dolphins finish, say, 9-8 or 8-9, I’m not sure I’d expect any significant changes. If he falls to 6-11, which I don’t expect, then maybe all bets are off.