Rasul Douglas Emerging as a Key Piece for the Dolphins’ Defense
When the Dolphins brought in Rasul Douglas, head coach Mike McDaniel knew they were getting a quality football player. What he didn’t anticipate was just how quickly Douglas would become a foundational piece of Miami’s locker room culture - and a vocal leader in a defense that’s finding its identity.
“I was confident in his tape,” McDaniel said. “But I didn’t realize how much of an impact he’d have as a first-year guy in our building.”
That impact has gone well beyond the stat sheet. Douglas has not only brought physicality and ball-hawking ability to the Dolphins’ secondary, but he’s also helped reestablish the team’s internal standard - especially after a tough outing against Cleveland earlier this season. According to McDaniel, Douglas was one of the loudest voices in the room when it came time to reset the tone.
“He’s right there with our core guys,” McDaniel added. “One of the driving forces in how we’re motivated every day.”
And the play on the field? It’s been some of the best of Douglas’ career.
Whether it’s breaking up passes or stepping up in run support, he’s been consistently disruptive. For a defense that has dealt with its share of ups and downs, having a veteran like Douglas step in and instantly raise the bar has been a huge win.
“I knew he was a ball player,” McDaniel said. “I just didn’t know how much he could help shape the team we’re trying to build.”
Colts Face Key Offseason Decision with Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones’ stint with the Colts may have been short-lived due to injury, but it left a strong impression. Now, with the quarterback rehabbing from a torn Achilles, Indianapolis faces a pivotal decision this offseason: bring him back, or let the market dictate his next move.
There’s a real possibility Jones returns to the Colts on a short-term deal - something in the one- to two-year range. That would give both sides a chance to see how he bounces back while maintaining continuity at the position.
But there’s also chatter around the league that Minnesota could make a move, potentially bringing Jones in as insurance behind rookie J.J. McCarthy.
Still, the Colts aren’t out of the picture. In fact, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes the injury won’t take Jones out of the running for a longer-term deal. There’s even talk that the franchise tag could be in play if negotiations stall - a sign that the Colts aren’t eager to let him walk without a fight.
Fowler also noted that both sides appear motivated to find a solution that works for everyone. The Colts liked what they saw from Jones before the injury, and Jones, coming off a major setback, may be looking for some security. It’s a mutual interest that could pave the way to a deal.
The key variable? Rehab.
The Colts are expected to monitor Jones’ recovery closely over the next few months. If they believe he can be a productive starter for the next three to four years, they may not hesitate to lock him in now - even if that means paying market value for a player they believe in.
Stefon Diggs Battled Through Pain for the Patriots
Stefon Diggs hasn’t looked quite like himself in recent weeks, and now we know why. The Patriots wide receiver revealed he’s been playing through a hip flexor strain and a contusion - injuries that clearly limited his explosiveness but didn’t keep him off the field.
“I’m great,” Diggs said. “Had some pinching in my hip, like around my hip flexor, and then in the game, I got kneed in the same spot.
So it was my hip flexor and a contusion. I was [messed] up for like a week, for real.
But I was still playing.”
Diggs toughed it out, continuing to suit up despite the pain. That kind of grit doesn’t always show up in the box score, but it matters - especially on a Patriots team that’s been searching for consistent offensive production.
The good news? The worst of it seems to be behind him. Diggs says the pain has mostly subsided, and with some extra time off, he’s focused on rebuilding strength and getting back to full speed.
For a player who thrives on sharp cuts and sudden bursts, being healthy again could make a big difference down the stretch. And for the Patriots, getting a fully operational Diggs back in the lineup could be a much-needed spark.