Ben Kuchipudi ‘25
Staff Writer

We aren’t even halfway through the NFL season, and we have already seen some wild things happen, including contenders underwhelming, bottom feeders overachieving, and quarterbacks potentially losing their jobs after the season. As the midseason as well as the trade deadline approaches, here are 5 questions people may have. 

1. Is Tua the answer in Miami?

The Dolphins shocked the NFL by going 10-6 last season, and even though they missed the playoffs, they still had high expectations for 2021 with an improved roster. Now they are currently on a six game losing streak (including a loss to a Jaguars team that lost 20 straight games) and are sitting at 1-6 on the season. This is due to an anemic offense and underwhelming defense, and it seems like Miami is starting to give up on Tua Tagovailoa just two seasons after drafting him fifth overall. They have reportedly been having discussions with the Houston Texans about disgruntled superstar Deshaun Watson, who is currently dealing with over 20 cases of sexual assault and harrassment. This seems like a last ditch effort for Chris Grier to save his job, but that may not be enough to save the season. The Dolphins’ regression is not all on Tua, and it wouldn’t be smart for Miami to dump him after two years, but Chris Grier may take the riskier move to save his job. 

Answer: As of now, no, but it’s too early to tell

2. Can the Cincinnati Bengals seriously win the AFC North?

For the first time in six years, there is hope in the Queen City. Joe Burrow is looking like a franchise quarterback, Ja’Marr Chase is the undisputed Rookie of the Year, and the Bengals are first in the AFC North with a 5-2 record after a statement win on the road against the rival Baltimore Ravens. There were doubts about this team in the offseason, the biggest one being if they would regret taking Ja’Marr Chase over generational tackle Penei Sewell, but they have no regrets as Chase is second in the NFL in receiving yards with 754, and is on pace for 1,831 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Joe Mixon has also had his best season in years and the defense has been more than solid as linebacker Logan Wilson is second in the NFL in interceptions with four. I had my doubts about this team, but I can safely say the Cincinnati Bengals are back, and maybe they can win a playoff game for once. 

Answer: Yes

3. Is this the year the Cowboys become Super Bowl contenders?

The Dallas Cowboys have been mediocre for the past two seasons, but this year looks different. After a two point loss on opening night to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they have won five straight and are on their way to an easy NFC East title. Dak Prescott hasn’t lost a step after his gruesome leg injury, Ezekiel Elliott is having a bounce back year, and the defense actually looks good with Trevon Diggs leading the NFL in interceptions with seven. The question with this team right now is not if they’ll win the division, but finally contend for the title. 

Answer: Yes