Earlier today, I posed an intriguing question to the community-
Which player(s) have emerged as the most frustrating disappointments this season, and which player(s) have surprised everyone positively during the initial five games?
Here are some of your insightful thoughts and responses to today’s question-
Dolphster expresses a positive outlook on what veteran player Calais Campbell has brought to the team this season.
Calais Campbell has been a delightful surprise, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level despite his age. It’s inspiring to witness his passion and energy on the sidelines, where he displays considerable fire and commitment. You can truly sense that he is dedicated to this team, not just collecting a paycheck, which is refreshing to see in today’s game.
finfanfromsiam shares similar sentiments about Campbell but expresses disappointment in Jalen Ramsey, who, after becoming the highest-paid cornerback in the league, is expected to perform better.
For me, the biggest surprise has been Campbell, with a nod to Ogba. I underestimated how much Calais had left in the tank. Conversely, my most significant frustration is Ramsey. Given his status as one of the highest-paid cornerbacks, he has been burned far too often this season. Furthermore, I want to highlight McDaniel, who has made some questionable play-calling decisions to date.
Alley Gator appreciates Jonnu Smith‘s contributions but is disappointed with Robert Jones‘ performance thus far.
Pleasant Surprise: Jonnu Smith. I initially thought Mike McDaniel was trying to replicate the San Francisco offense that George Kittle executes so well, but after a few seasons with Smythe, I was skeptical about the impact of Smith on this version of the Shanahan offense. However, after the game against New England, I finally see a glimmer of hope. Let’s hope this momentum continues.
Disappointment: Robert Jones. I was hoping my initial impressions were wrong and that Grier and McDaniel saw something in him that I didn’t.
Additionally, it’s disheartening to see Connor Williams starting at center for Seattle on a budget-friendly contract. Initially, it was believed he would command around $10 million, but an injury reduced him to about $2 million. Why didn’t we make a stronger offer? If we had, we could have had Brewer playing left guard instead of Jones.
MIAMI235 is pleased with Ogba and calls for several other players to elevate their performances.
Ogba… keep bringing it for us! I’m surprised, but I always knew he could. Cam Smith and Ez, where are you guys?
Miami7 provides a comprehensive list of disappointments and surprises.
Disappointments:
Tyreek Hill
Tagovailoa
Julian Hill
Eichenberg
Poyer
Holland
Chop
Kamara
McDaniel’s coaching
Fuller (a bit – pre-injury)
Phillips (injury)
OBJ (injury? Whatever is going on with him—he ISN’T helping)
DANNY CROSSMAN
Surprise/Approval:
Calais Campbell
Ogba
Seiler
Wright
Bailey
heatforlife is dissatisfied with several of the team’s supposed stars.
The most frustrating players for me have been Achane and Waddle; the most unexpected has been Brooks and Ogba. Calais has been great his entire career.
Spok507 expresses dissatisfaction with the offensive stars but shares the sentiment of many regarding Ogba‘s performance.
The biggest disappointment for me has been most of the offensive players. Hill, Waddle, Tua, and others all received their contracts, yet they haven’t lived up to expectations. However, I believe the most significant disappointment is tight end Julian Hill. It’s a mystery why he’s even on the field unless they are trying to draw penalties. Use Smith, Conner, Smythe, but let’s keep Hill on the bench to reduce those holding and illegal motion penalties.
My biggest surprise isn’t really a surprise to me—Emmanuel Ogbah. I understand why they had to release him due to salary cap reasons, but I was disappointed because I believe he’s one of those players who comes through when needed the most. I was thrilled when they re-signed him, and I’m grateful to see him making impactful plays and proving his worth. It seems like Fangio didn’t know how to utilize Ogbah properly (similar to several of our defensive players), and Ogbah is clearly working hard to demonstrate his abilities.
SlayerNation1 insists on seeing the players who received new contracts live up to their expectations. This seems like a very reasonable demand!
The most frustrating could be any player or head coach who enjoyed a new contract. However, Tua stands out as particularly disappointing. I supported him all offseason, believing he had grown and that this would be the year he would excel against stronger teams.
Unfortunately, just four days into the season, all of his betes noires are on display for everyone to see:
– Psyched out by primetime
– Psyched out by BUF
– Weak arm on primetime display
– Major injury proneness
– Playing with severe caution carried over from late 2023
There will be no lectures on how some of the interceptions are not Tua’s fault. I believe interceptions are a quarterback stat as they accumulate over time when you factor in should-have-been interceptions that a quarterback gets away with because they are dropped. Tua has experienced those as well.
A pleasant surprise that aptly summarizes the season so far is Jake Bailey. If your punter is your biggest surprise, you have some issues to address.
*McDaniel has been just that on the coaching side—unprepared, uncontrolled, and somewhat detached both on the sidelines and at the podium.
tpl hopes to see more from Odell Beckham Jr.…
I’d have to say OBJ. He showed nothing against the Patriots. Julian Hill is a close second. Why the coaches play him at all is beyond me when you have Conner and Hayden Rucci.
Alpha6 is pleasantly surprised by Tyus Bowser‘s impact.
Disappointment: Odell Beckham Jr. – Receiver – sidelined and ineffective.
Surprise: Tyus Bowser – linebacker – has made an instant impact. I’m looking forward to seeing more from him as the season progresses.
heatforlife echoes the sentiment of others regarding Hill and expresses frustration over his contributions to the offense.
Julian Hill is undoubtedly the most frustrating player, period.
Louie the lobster anticipated poor performance from the offensive line.
Ogbah and Campbell have been pleasant surprises.
Poyer and Walker have been disappointments.
I had very low expectations for the offensive line, so they are performing exactly as I anticipated.
daytonadolfan resonates with the rest of us regarding team performance.
Campbell, Ogba, and a commendable mention for Seiler! Ramsey, while proficient at rushing, has been underwhelming as a cornerback. I truly expected him to grab some interceptions this season.
There is a strong consensus on the need for improvement. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read and respond to today’s question. Join us tomorrow and Monday night for our game live threads, and we will return mid-next week with our inquiries leading up to the Dolphins’ next game.
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