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Dolphins Q&A: What are best ways to attack Chiefs? Why so much Eli Apple at corner?

David Furones, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
·4 min read

Here’s the latest installment of our Miami Dolphins Q&A, where South Florida Sun Sentinel writers David Furones and Chris Perkins answer questions from readers.

Q: If Connor Williams and Terron Armstead are healthy, is the heavy run package the best way to soften up the KC D? — @bahearn121 on X

That might be the move regardless. The Chiefs are No. 19 against the run and are second against the pass.

There’s also potential rain in the Frankfurt forecast, but Deutsche Bank Park has a retractable roof.

I would expect Connor Williams takes the next step in being able to start this Sunday after he was active but didn’t play, only available in the event of an emergency in the win over the Patriots.

It might be a tough ask to have Terron Armstead come back and play in a game of this magnitude in his first week eligible to come off injured reserve. He’s traveling with the team, so expect the Dolphins to open his practice window up, but it’s tempting to have him get, in essence, three weeks before his first game back if you let him rest this weekend and then get the bye before returning for the Nov. 19 home game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Right guard Robert Hunt’s availability is vital, along with Williams, as you want the interior of the offensive line to be as strong as possible against Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones. Miami already won’t have starting left guard Isaiah Wynn.

So I’d like to see coach Mike McDaniel go to the run plenty, but you also know he has to get the ball to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle — and Hill will be extra-motivated playing against his former team.

Q: Write about the Ramsey vs Kelce matchup. — Keith McClendon on X

Okay, pump the brakes a second.

Yes, Jalen Ramsey has the ideal stature and physical tools for a defensive back to counter Chiefs All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce’s pass-catching abilities, but it still is just his second game back.

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Granted, he did look really good in his first game back, and even exceeded the snap limitations he was supposed to have set, albeit while Patriots quarterback Mac Jones avoided him much of the game and then was intercepted when he finally did throw his way.

Ramsey is versatile enough to take on that matchup and has taken on various assignments when he played for the Los Angeles Rams. But Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio told me a couple of weeks ago he wouldn’t have Ramsey doing much of the “star” role stuff in the defense early on in his return.

That said, give Kelce a taste of Ramsey. Line him up on Kelce at varying points. Give him different looks.

I think safety Jevon Holland will be instrumental in containing Kelce, along with various brackets with multiple defenders in zone coverages.

Then, maybe you don’t give the Chiefs that much tape of Ramsey on Kelce and you can bring that out much more in a potential playoff meeting later on.

Q: I’m tired of us laying an egg against good teams: First the Bills and then the Eagles. Do we finally win one this time against the Chiefs? — Chris Bustin on X

I do indeed have the tables being turned in this one. I’m picking the Dolphins to beat the Chiefs in Germany.

I think this team has learned from those past two experiences against stout competition, has a better idea of what it takes and will just be in a better place personnel-wise for this one.

It also helps that the Dolphins don’t have to go to Arrowhead and get KC on a neutral site.

Q: Mine really is a two-parter. What is the deal with Eli Apple constantly getting snaps when he seems to be underperforming, yet gets the playtime. Do we not have other options? What about Cam Smith? Second, any spots you’re looking forward to seeing in Germany? — Cooper on X

Categorize this as “won’t be a problem for too much longer.” If Xavien Howard comes back to play against the Chiefs, the Dolphins can finally debut their base look of him and Ramsey opposite each other and Kader Kohou in the nickel. Plus, maybe Nik Needham can become the dime defensive back.

But Smith clearly hasn’t earned the trust of Fangio in practice to play over Eli Apple, who, for his shortcomings, at least isn’t giving up big plays over the top like we saw Smith do in the preseason. It seems like Fangio believes Apple will be in the right position more often than Smith.

As far as Frankfurt, I’m coming into the trip a bit blind regarding what to do in the city. I know about the food and the beer in Germany, so I’m excited about that. Dolphins coverage will consume much of my time, but any readers who have recommendations, send them my way!

Have a question?

Email David Furones, or tag @ChrisPerk or @DavidFurones_ on X (Twitter).