Latest news with #PatrickPaul
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami Dolphins LT Patrick Paul: 'I don't feel any pressure' protecting Tua Tagovailoa
MIAMI GARDENS — There can be no question after last season that moving forward, the fortunes of the Miami Dolphins revolve around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. If he's doing an interview, chances are even Tagovailoa is going to hammer home the point that he must stay healthy. At the top of the list of players in charge of making that happen: Patrick Paul. It's a lot of pressure on a second-year left tackle — unless you ask Patrick Paul. 'No, I don't feel any pressure,' he said. All it could take is one edge rusher blowing past Paul for the Dolphins' season to go up in flames, yet Paul doesn't feel the heat? 'I've always been this confident,' he said. 'It just comes from my parenting. My dad is a very confident man and that's a guy I look up to, so I learned from him and I know what I can do.' Tua Tagovailoa knows he must make smart decisions Paul, who arrived as Miami's second-round pick last year, does not protect Tagovailoa's blind side, as you'd expect for most any other NFL quarterback. Since Tagovailoa throws left-handed, his blind side is protected by right tackle Austin Jackson. But because many of the league's top pass rushers line up on the defense's right side, that puts the onus on Paul as well as Tagovailoa himself. "Is this the right thing to do in the heat of the moment where I've got to make a split decision on should I go for the first down, should I not, should I do this on fourth down, should I not?" Tagovailoa said. "And then given the circumstances, right — is it to go to the playoffs, is it to win a must-win game. You've got to throw all of those in there. But I think the most important thing is I've got to be more selfless instead of being selfish and I'm thinking this is what the guys want from me." Paul has the advantage of recently retired Terron Armstead serving as his mentor last year. Even with Armstead on the team, Paul appeared in all 17 games, starting two at left tackle and one on the right side. As if that weren't enough of a learning experience, he said he spent the offseason studying tape of 'probably every single tackle for all of the 31 other teams.' That's before he even stepped onto the training camp practice field, where every day he faces the trio of Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and Chop Robinson. Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is looking forward to turning all three loose on quarterbacks at the same time. There's no reason to think it's a just smokescreen to throw off offensive coordinators. Paul knows, since he has to go against them daily. 'Oh, shoot,' he said. 'We're getting after it every single day and it's going to be fun.' Paul has the size for the job. At 6-feet-7 and 326 pounds, he stands out even among fellow offensive linemen, who aren't exactly petite. So imagine what it's like when he's out in public. 'A lot of it is curiosity,' he said. 'They're like, 'Oh, what does he do for a living?' They'll just look at you and see you're big. Most people don't say anything, but if they do, they'll just ask if you play any sports.' He does, matter of fact. Happily. 'I love this game and I love everything that it brings,' Paul said. 'That has always been my dream. So every day I come in and I'm excited. It's like Groundhog Day.' This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Patrick Paul ready to protect Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami Dolphins embark on 11-day Midwest trip with goal to 'bond' and 'whip on' Bears, Lions
LAKE FOREST, IL ― The Miami Dolphins have arrived in the Midwest and they're not going anywhere for 11 days. It's a team practice, a joint practice with the Bears, a preseason game with the Bears, straight to Detroit, joint practices with the Lions and a preseason game with the Lions. "Get out of this heat," Dolphins offensive tackle Patrick Paul said back in Miami. Well, sort of. It may reach into the high 80s and 90s in their northern sojourn. What do they say, it's not the heat, it's the humidity? For the Dolphins, this trip is a chance to lean into a key offseason objective: They have pledged to be closer as a team in 2025. "We've got some things lined up with our rookies and then lined up with the veterans and the rookies and our coaches to go out there and find some time to spend with each," quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said. "Whether that's eating, whether that's going and seeing a movie, whatever that looks like.' Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips sees great value. "Cool team bonding," Phillips said. "We're going on an 11-night road trip, so we're going to be in the hotel with each other every single day. So I think it's a great thing for a lot of reasons.' Miami Dolphins will joint practice vs. Chicago Bears Friday, Aug. 8 The Dolphins' first test against another team will come against the rebuilding Bears on Friday, Aug. 8, at Halas Hall. Chicago media and fans were in a frenzy about a recent very physical practice as well as the continued ups and downs of quarterback Caleb Williams. "Joint practices are fantastic for a multitude of reasons," Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. "But first and foremost, I think you're trying to see – it's the best opportunity to give the guys a chance to make the team." Miami Dolphins roster, depth chart, impacted by joint practice There may be about 10 roster spots that could legitimately be won at this point. We're particularly looking at third quarterback, fifth wide receiver, eighth and/or ninth offensive linemen, fourth tight end, fourth and/or fifth defensive linemen, seventh and/or eighth edge/linebacker, sixth cornerback and punter. Last year, Miami held out all 22 projected starters from the preseason opener. What this tells us is that the joint practices are actually more valuable and often more competitive. "What am I looking to get out of it?" Paul, the left tackle, said of practicing with the Bears. "To whip on them, to compete and have fun and show what we've been working, show what we've been building here for these past three weeks.' Miami Dolphins news: Will Tyreek Hill play? What's his injury? We'll see if wide receiver Tyreek Hill (undisclosed injury) practices or plays against the Bears after missing a recent practice. He did travel to Chicago. Quarterback Zach Wilson says he's preparing for this week as if it is a regular-season game week. Tagovailoa says facing different looks in practice is invaluable. McDaniel, predictably, said he's looking for fundamentals, technique, discipline and strain. Joint practices can reveal a lot about a player and a team. We've seen players and teams be exposed and/or rise to the occasion. Nobody wants to be embarrassed in either one-on-one drills or 11-on-11 team drills. "That competitive spirit, I'll be looking forward to," McDaniel said. Fantasy football strategy: Top 6 Miami Dolphins players depth chart revealed: What we learned Rookie Watch: How are Kenneth Grant, Jonah Savaiinaea doing in training camp? Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@ 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' long trip to Chicago, Detroit could expose weaknesses
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
3 breakout candidates for the Dolphins offense in 2025
The Miami Dolphins are in the early days of training camp, with rookies already reporting and the rest of the team set to join next week. As Miami heads into the 2025 season with a more youthful approach, several second-year players appear poised for breakout campaigns. These sophomores will need to step up if the Dolphins hope to build a solid foundation moving forward in a season that could be classified as a soft reset: LT Patrick Paul Arguably the most pivotal of these second-year players is left tackle Patrick Paul. Tasked with replacing recently retired future Hall of Famer Terron Armstead, Paul's performance will be key in determining whether the Dolphins' offense resembles its elite 2023 version or repeats last season's struggles with consistency and production. The offensive line has long been a point of scrutiny in Miami, even during Armstead's tenure, and Paul's development remains a major talking point entering 2025. Drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft, the Dolphins envisioned him as Armstead's eventual successor. While Paul showed flashes of potential in relief appearances last season, the offensive line's success may hinge on the progress he made in the offseason. In limited action as a rookie, Paul earned a 55.8 pass-blocking grade, a 41.0 run-blocking grade, and an overall score of 44.9, according to Pro Football Focus. Those numbers highlight the challenge ahead as he transitions into a full-time starting role. RB Jaylen Wright Another veteran no longer on the roster is running back Raheem Mostert, who is now with the Las Vegas Raiders. With De'Von Achane firmly established as Miami's lead back, his increased involvement in the passing game could create opportunities for second-year runner Jaylen Wright. Although Wright had an inconsistent rookie campaign, he demonstrated flashes of promise. His most notable performance came in Week 5 against the New England Patriots when he stepped in for a concussed Achane. Wright carried the ball a season-high 13 times for 86 yards, averaging 6.6 yards per attempt. He is still seeking his first NFL touchdown, though. Wright projects as more of an inside runner, complementing Achane's dynamic ability as a perimeter threat and receiving weapon. In a recent appearance on Up & Adams, Wright expressed confidence in his potential breakout, telling host Kay Adams: 'I just really feel like, and I know I can be a top RB in this league. I feel like just my skill set, my ability, and the system I'm in, it sets me up to be great.' Ideally, Wright can fill a role similar to what Mostert held in 2023, allowing Achane to maintain his dual-threat effectiveness while preserving him from excessive inside carries. Wright's bigger frame could make him an ideal candidate for those tougher runs. WR Malik Washington After a slow start to his rookie season, Malik Washington emerged as a promising complementary weapon behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Debuting in Week 4, Washington made his initial impact on special teams but significantly boosted his offensive production over the final four games of the year. Through his first 10 games, Washington averaged just 1.6 targets, one reception, and 5.4 receiving yards per contest. From Weeks 15 to 18, however, his numbers jumped to 5.0 targets, 4.0 catches, and 42.3 yards per game. A pivotal moment in Washington's season came in Week 14 against the New York Jets, when his 45-yard kickoff return late in the fourth quarter set up a game-tying field goal. The Dolphins eventually won in overtime, 32-26. Washington finished his rookie campaign with 26 receptions for 223 yards and a 72.2 percent catch rate, which climbed to 80 percent over his final four appearances. He added five carries for 25 rushing yards, including his lone touchdown, an 18-yard run in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams. As a returner, Washington averaged 30.7 yards per kickoff return and 7.4 yards per punt return, showcasing his versatility and value to Miami's special teams' unit. This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: 3 breakout candidates for the Dolphins offense in 2025
Daily Mail
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Miami Dolphins star Terron Armstead reveals terrifying reason he was forced to retire at just 33
Terron Armstead's recent retirement was a sadly straightforward decision for the former All-Pro. 'I literally couldn't walk,' Armstead told Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson on the Nightcap podcast. Still just 33, Armstead played 72 percent of the snaps at left tackle for the Miami Dolphins last season before announcing his sudden retirement in April. He had been among the best left tackles in football with the Dolphins and, prior to that, the New Orleans Saints. But a 12-year career, while short for nearly any other line of work, is relatively long when it comes to the NFL. As a result, Armstead barely practiced in 2024 and was instead prescribed pain killers with the aim of getting him ready to play each and every week. Now entering his mid-30s, Armstead explained he was no longer willing to put his body through that routine. 'I've been dealing with a knee [issue] since my third year in the league,' Armstead said. 'I didn't see a practice field at all, and not because I didn't want to or the Dolphins just wanted me to rest. I literally couldn't walk. 'After a game on Sunday, I wouldn't be able to walk on my own, under my own power, until Wednesday, Thursday. So I was only able to play under the pain meds. I couldn't put any pressure on my knee, so it was like, I can't keep doing that to myself.' Dolphins are in the midst of a difficult offseason as 23-year-old Patrick Paul is being counted upon to replace the veteran Armstead at left tackle. Furthermore, wide receiver Tyreek Hill ended the regular season by removing himself from the season finale against the New York Jets, but now claims he wants to stay in Miami. 'I've got to prove myself,' Hill told reporters last month at organized team activities. 'This OTAs, training camp, I got to prove myself. I've got to show up different. The mindset´s got to be different.' Then there is cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who is sitting out of this week's mandatory minicamp in order to force a trade out of Miami. The 30-year-old Ramsey signed a three-year extension in September. He is guaranteed $25.1 million in 2025, $4 million of which the Dolphins have already paid him as part of a signing bonus. He earned his seventh Pro Bowl nod last season.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dolphins' Patrick Paul Confident in Replacing Retired Pro Bowler
Dolphins' Patrick Paul Confident in Replacing Retired Pro Bowler originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Miami Dolphins have been intentional about beefing up the line of scrimmage over the last two years. Advertisement This offseason they drafted three defensive tackles and in the 2024 draft they picked edge rushers Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara. They also took a 6'7" behemoth left tackle, Patrick Paul, from the University of Houston in the second round of last year's draft. With four-time Pro Bowl LT Terron Armstead heading into his twelfth season, there is a good chance that they had an inkling he would be retiring soon. Well, Armstead announced his retirement on X just a few weeks before the 2025 NFL Draft, paving the way for Paul to step into a starting role. According to Isaiah Smalls II at the Miami Herald, the second-year lineman is extremely confident in his ability to become a key contributor. Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Patrick Paul (52) walks on the field during joint practice with the Washington Commanders at Baptist Health Training Navarro-Imagn Images "I'm built for this," Paul said. "I've always been ready for the moment, and that's why I play football: to compete at the highest level." Advertisement Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel called the second-year lineman's confidence a "huge accelerator," also noting Armstead's mentorship from last season as a potential catalyst. "There's a piece of him too – when you have a player like 'T-Stead' invest in you, you want to bear fruit of that investment," McDaniel said. Smalls II went on to highlight multiple other reasons Paul believes he is ready to make a jump. "After an offseason in which Paul made a point to work on his body, dropping from 332 to 320 pounds, in addition to studying the playbook, the left tackle said he feels more mature. The best part? Paul has been able to maintain his strength and speed despite his slimmer frame." Small II wrote. Advertisement It seems safe to say that the Dolphins will be relying heavily on new starters like the young left tackle to step in and make a difference. After all, they also signed guard James Daniels and right tackle Larry Borom. Related: Jaelan Phillips Predicted to Have Make-or-Break Season for Future in Miami This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
