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Biggest Week 2 Miami Dolphins overreactions... or not? Let's talk Tua, Skylar, OL, D

MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins were steamrolled by their AFC East rival, the Buffalo Bills, 31-10, on national television Thursday night.

And Tua Tagovailoa is concussed again.

Other than that...

There are times in the NFL when we really do overreact to things, the day after a game.

But on this Friday, it's really not an overreaction to worry about Tua's health.

Let's talk about Tua, but also a bit about what happened in this debacle of a game.

Let's overreact, or not, on this Overreaction Friday:

Tua Tagovailoa's concussions are concerning

Overreaction? No. Obviously no. We don't know yet how severe any symptoms are. We don't know yet how long Tua will be out. We do know what the Dolphins knew, which is that they signed their franchise quarterback to a long-term contract despite his injury history, including concussions. That's not Tua's fault. In fact, other than not sliding last night, which I'm sure he wishes he did, he's done everything he can to prevent this. But this is a traumatic situation for all involved. Tua's health is paramount here.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 12: Head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins embraces Tua Tagovailoa #1 after leaving the game with an injury during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 12: Head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins embraces Tua Tagovailoa #1 after leaving the game with an injury during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Playoffs are out if Skylar Thompson is in

Overreaction? Probably no. But this one is not definite. Yes, the AFC is brutal. Yes, Thompson's career statistics are not overly impressive. No, he's nowhere close to the player Tua is. The running element gives Thompson a chance. The arm strength gives Miami a chance. Skylar has at least started a playoff game for Miami. And, let's be honest. Mike McDaniel's system is very, very quarterback friendly. The more live game reps Thompson gets, and we don't know how many that will be, the more likely it is he puts up at least league-average performances.

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Miami needs a #3 receiver

Overreaction? No. But perhaps that receiver is on the roster. Miami can only hope. The Dolphins probably shouldn't be throwing in key spots to Chase Claypool, Grant DuBose and Robbie Anderson, but those were the targets on three of Tua's last four interceptions (the last interception was on an attempted throw-away). Will OBJ or Malik Washington return to health and fill that role? Is tight end Jonnu Smith the answer? Why hasn't Braxton Berrios been a factor?

Miami Dolphins lose to Buffalo Bills, 31-10; Tua Tagovailoa suffers concussion

The Dolphins' OL is a concern

Overreaction? No. A shoulder injury to Terron Armstead is a concern. A shoulder injury to Robert Jones is a concern. A shoulder injury to Liam Eichenberg is a concern. But beyond that, Miami's offensive line struggled in pass protection and the run game on Sunday. This was a not a good one. Can the Dolphins rebound? Well, sure. But the losses of center Connor Williams and right guard Robert Hunt and an injury to guard Isaiah Wynn are being felt.

Miami run D a concern

Overreaction? No. It's only two games in, but at the moment, Miami is tied for 20st in rushing yards allowed per attempt on defense. This year, it's 4.5 per rush. Last year, it was 3.8. Who's absent? Well, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is with the Raiders. And nose tackle Raekwon Davis is with the Colts. The Dolphins will need people like Benito Jones, Zach Sieler, Emmanuel Ogbah, Jordyn Brooks and David Long to excel against the run in future weeks.

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Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins Overreaction Friday after Bills loss, Tua concussion