COACH SPEAK BRIAN FLORES
Dolphin Digest|October 2020
Head coach Brian Flores offers his thoughts on a wide variety of topics, including the practice squad, his cornerbacks-turned safeties, rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s first NFL game, and more
COACH SPEAK BRIAN FLORES

Q. What is the philosophy on using practice squad spot young players as opposed to older guys who can be stashed in case you have COVID issues?

BF: Chris (Grier) and I and the scouting staff and the coaching staff, we’ve had several conversations about the practice squad. We want to develop all players, whether they’re practice squad or on the active roster. The development of players is important to myself, Chris and everyone in this organization. So I would say that’s kind of the thought process first and foremost. You can develop veteran players also, so we’re not saying that they’re not developmental players, but for the most part anyone who we feel like can help this team whether they’re developmental players, whether they’re a veteran ... if they can help this team, we’ll take a look.

Q. How important is it going forward for WR Preston Williams and QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to kind of re-establish the connection they had at the beginning of last year?

BF: I think it’s important to establish a connection with quarterbacks and all of the receivers, not just one in particular. That’s something that you build that rapport in practice, and hopefully it shows itself in the game. That’s why we go out there and practice. We’ll do that again today and try to establish that rapport with ... you mentioned Preston, but it’s the same with really all of the receivers, the backs, the tight ends. It’s the same thing defensively as far as guys playing together, the same thing in the kicking game. It’s something that you build over the course of time and through practice and we’ll continue to do that.

This story is from the October 2020 edition of Dolphin Digest.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 2020 edition of Dolphin Digest.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DOLPHIN DIGESTView All
Q&A with Miami Dolphins Legend Richmond Webb
Dolphin Digest

Q&A with Miami Dolphins Legend Richmond Webb

I was lucky enough to interview the legend, Richmond Webb. For those Dolphins fans who live under a rock, Webb is one of the greatest Miami Dolphins players ever and their greatest left tackle of all time.

time-read
10+ mins  |
October 2021
To do list
Dolphin Digest

To do list

GAME PLAN

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2021
Putting the pieces together
Dolphin Digest

Putting the pieces together

Analyzing the 53-man roster

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2021
You're in Safe Hands with the Dolphins Safeties
Dolphin Digest

You're in Safe Hands with the Dolphins Safeties

After an off-season where the Miami Dolphins had daily drama surrounding who would be the quarterback, which coordinator was really calling the plays, and does their number one pick have a limp, went into Foxborough and did something they’ve only done once since 2008.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2021
Xavien Howard worth every penny
Dolphin Digest

Xavien Howard worth every penny

The Miami Dolphins were in the news daily during the offseason, but it was mainly regarding starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2021
Head coach Brian Flores talks about the Raekwon Davis injury, beating New England Week 1, Tua Tagovailoa, Noah Igbinoghene and more
Dolphin Digest

Head coach Brian Flores talks about the Raekwon Davis injury, beating New England Week 1, Tua Tagovailoa, Noah Igbinoghene and more

COACH SPEAK

time-read
9 mins  |
October 2021
Offensive line an early season concern
Dolphin Digest

Offensive line an early season concern

PARTING SHOTS

time-read
1 min  |
October 2021
Jaylen Waddle is as advertised
Dolphin Digest

Jaylen Waddle is as advertised

The 2021 first-round pick has been a bright spot for the Dolphins

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2021
Can Miami tackle their tackle issues?
Dolphin Digest

Can Miami tackle their tackle issues?

The Miami Dolphins currently have a 2020 first-round pick, a 2021 second-round pick, a 2019 second-round pick, and a player who has started 56 games for them over the last four seasons to choose from at right and left tackle.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2021
AROUND THE AFC EAST
Dolphin Digest

AROUND THE AFC EAST

The race for the AFC East crown gets started

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2021