Buffalo Plus Podcast: What They're Saying in Miami about Bills vs Dolphins with Will Manso

Date: October 30, 2024
Host: Mike Catalana (Buffalo Plus)
Guest: Will Manso (Sports Anchor/Director, WPLG Miami)

Episode Overview

This episode provides an insider’s look at the Miami Dolphins from the perspective of Miami sports anchor Will Manso as the struggling 2-5 Dolphins prepare for a pivotal game against the 6-2 Buffalo Bills. The discussion centers on the Dolphins’ season woes, injuries, key players, and head coach Mike McDaniel’s challenges, as well as how this crucial matchup is viewed in Miami. The conversation also touches on issues surrounding Tua Tagovailoa, veteran leadership, and the perception of the Bills in the AFC landscape.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Dolphins' Season: "It's a Season Saver"

• Desperation Mode:
  • The Dolphins stand at 2-5, facing what Manso calls a "season saver" against the Bills.
    • "It's not an exaggeration to say that it is a season saver. This is the way you turn it around. Like it takes something jarring to turn around a season." (00:00, 21:49)
• Lack of Complimentary Football:
  • Miami hasn’t played complimentary football—when one unit (offense, defense, or special teams) plays well, another lets the team down.
  • Example: The offense scored 27 points last week, Tua played turnover-free, but the defense fell apart late.
    • "When you're a bad football team, you find a way to lose games." (01:20)
• Talent vs. Results:
  • The roster has playmakers (Tua, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Devon Achane), but injuries and inconsistencies have undermined results.

2. The State of the Team & Fan Sentiment

• Hope and Probability:
  • Despite the struggles, Manso believes there’s a slim path to the playoffs, but it would require an almost miraculous turnaround starting with the Bills.
    • "Now you're facing Buffalo... it's almost desperation. It's going to take a Hail Mary type miracle play." (03:00)
• "Same Old Dolphins" Narrative:
  • Fan frustration is mounting; the phrase "same old Dolphins" comes up as they struggle to close out games or overcome adversity.

3. Tyreek Hill: Trade Deadline & Future

• No Move Expected:
  • Despite NFL trade buzz, there’s no sense Tyreek Hill wants out or that the team wants to move him. He’s happy in Miami and is central to the team's “win-now” approach.
    • "Tyreek likes it here... He's had some of his most productive seasons... He's happy here... The window for them is now." (04:54)

4. Offensive Game Plan vs Buffalo

• Running Game as Key:
  • Manso advocates a shift to a run-oriented strategy, citing success when running backs get volume carries:
    • "Sometimes Mike McDaniel has to... get away from the sexy offense... and just give the ball to Devon H... Raheem Mostert... Jalen Wright." (06:40)
  • This strategy would control the clock and keep Josh Allen off the field.

5. Tua Tagovailoa, Concussions, and Public Perception

• Player’s Choice & Support:
  • Manso and Catalana both affirm that Tua, having medical clearance, should not be dictated to by outside voices regarding retirement.
  • Tua is tired of being "the face of concussions" and seeks to be seen simply as a football player:
    • "He doesn't want to be the face of concussions... Every single football player has the same risk when they take the field." (08:59)
• Team & League Respect:
  • Teammates and NFL peers respect and root for Tua; concerns about his size and risk profile are noted, but most simply want him to stay healthy.
  • Tua's likability and leadership are highlighted as strong positives, both on and off the field.

6. Mike McDaniel's Status

• Job Security & Pressure:
  • Miami gave McDaniel an extension through 2028 prior to the season, aligning him with Tua.
  • The organization’s belief remains strong, though some fans are souring after the poor start:
    • "I don't think anyone in the organization is jumping ship on Mike McDaniel..." but acknowledges this is his first true test of adversity. (13:45)

7. Defensive Keys: Veterans & Underrated Players

• Jordan Poyer:
  • His impact has been more intangible—leadership, experience—but the constant defensive shuffling has limited his on-field effect so far.
    • "It's been really hard for Jordan Poyer to make any kind of significant impact... as the season goes on, the leaders... have to be the veterans." (15:45)
• Calais Campbell:
  • Even late in his career, Campbell has made tangible plays and brought veteran presence to the defense.
    • "There are stretches of games where he's all over the field... Perfect addition to this team..." (17:23)
• Jalen Ramsey:
  • Still elite, impacting games both in coverage and as a run blitzer/playmaker.
    • "He's still one of the best corners in the NFL... He's having, to me, a Pro Bowl type season." (18:36)
• Zach Seiler (Sealer):
  • The Dolphins' "underrated star," making Pro Bowl-caliber contributions until an untimely injury.
    • "There was slowly momentum building to say, hey, this guy is a Pro Bowl type player... Unfortunately, he gets hurt..." (19:59)

8. Importance of the Bills Game

• Defining Moment:
  • This matchup is "the way you turn it around" for Miami; a win gives hope, a loss likely dooms their playoff ambitions.
  • Running the ball, controlling tempo, and playing turnover-free are keys for Miami.
    • "They have to find a way, Mike. It's as simple as that... it would save their season." (21:49)

9. Buffalo Bills from a Miami Perspective

• View of Buffalo:
  • Manso is effusive in praise of Josh Allen, calling him a top-two or three player in the entire NFL and says nothing surprises him about Buffalo’s resilience despite roster turnover.
    • "As long as you have Josh Allen, you're going to be one of the most competitive and best teams in the NFL." (23:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Will Manso on Dolphins Needing to Beat Buffalo:
  • “It's a season saver. This is the way you turn it around. Like it takes something jarring to turn around a season.” (00:00, 21:49)
• On Miami's Chronic Inconsistency:
  • “When you're a bad football team, you find a way to lose games. And right now the Dolphins at 2 and 5 are a bad football team.” (01:20)
• On Tua and Concussion Concerns:
  • "He doesn't want to be the face of concussions... Every single football player has the same risk when they take the field." (08:59)
• On Mike McDaniel Facing Adversity:
  • “This is the biggest adversity he's had to face... And I think that organization and the team wants to see how he handles it.” (13:45)
• Praise for Josh Allen:
  • "As long as you have Josh Allen, you're going to be one of the most competitive and best teams in the NFL." (23:32)

Key Segments with Timestamps

• [00:00] – Season-defining importance of the Bills game for Miami
• [01:20] – Dolphins’ chronic inability to play complimentary football
• [03:00] – Miami’s playoff path and desperation
• [04:54] – Tyreek Hill’s status and no intention to be traded
• [06:40] – Advocating for a ground-heavy attack against the Bills
• [08:59] – The Tua concussion narrative and player agency
• [13:45] – Mike McDaniel’s job security amid season adversity
• [15:45] – Jordan Poyer’s impact (and lack thereof) in Miami
• [17:23] – Calais Campbell’s veteran role and contributions
• [18:36] – Jalen Ramsey’s play and versatility
• [19:59] – Zach Seiler: Miami’s unsung defensive star
• [21:49] – The must-win nature of the Bills game for Miami’s season
• [23:32] – Outside view on the Buffalo Bills and Josh Allen

Summary

This episode unpacks both Miami’s internal struggles and hopes going into a pivotal matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Will Manso provides unique perspectives on Miami’s culture, personnel, and desperation, while voicing admiration for Buffalo’s sustained excellence built around Josh Allen. The takeaways: Miami’s season is on the line, the locker room still supports its stars and coach, but the team must overcome injuries, inconsistency, and a tough Buffalo squad to remain relevant in the AFC race.