NFL Notebook Week 8: Midseason awards, Trade Deadline dud and more

By Zach Cohen | Oct 30, 2019

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Nick Bosa #97 and Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers react after sacking Kyle Allen #7 of the Carolina Panthers (not pictured) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins walks off the field after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 28, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Tank For Tua? Not So Fast

The tank rolls on. In perfect Miami fashion, the Dolphins provided a slimmer of hope by going up 14-0 to start Monday Night Football against the Steelers, only for that hope to be ripped away in a 27-14 loss.

The Dolphins had an interesting dilemma because, if they won, not only would they have prevented a potential winless season, but a win would have made the Steelers pick higher in the NFL Draft. (The Dolphins own that pick from the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade.)

Consequently, a Miami win could have guaranteed a second selection in the top 10. Alas, the Dolphins “Dolphin’d” and are still on the fast track to a top pick.

It’s no secret Miami is eyeing an elite, franchise quarterback in this year’s draft, though I’m not sure there is one. Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young is the best player in the draft and could impact a team akin to J.J. Watt’s impact on Houston.

I’d say the Dolphins are better than the Bengals now and I can’t wait for their matchup in Week Sixteen. Especially with the benching of Andy Dalton (on his birthday), it’s not crazy to think Cincinnati could own the first pick instead of Miami. Obviously, this is all speculation at this stage in the season, but my early thinking leads to Chase Young being the best pick for the Dolphins, not a quarterback.

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