Impressions from California | Schad

LOS ANGELES − One of the themes following Miami's loss at San Francisco was that the team will benefit from the experience of a road game, against a top opponent, in a playoff-type environment.

Another part of that theme is that some or many players may have been, according to a few coaches, pressing in the moment. It's not about trying to be perfect. It's about letting things come to you.

Tua Tagovailoa sort of pushed back on the notion that he was feeling anything other than normal in that moment. But it's a pretty good explanation for his uncharacteristic high throws and misfires in that loss.

One positive impression that I took away from Tua's outdoors media availability at UCLA this week is that he was relaxed and comfortable. Tua is letting his guard down a bit in these press briefings, and it's refreshing.

Tua is smiling. He's cracking some jokes. He's looking reporters directly in the eye. And he's taking the time to provide deeper, more insightful explanations and answers.

That's a sign of maturation. And of course it's also Tua taking a cue from his head coach Mike McDaniel, who is always, always, always himself - on or off camera.

I think it's a sign that Tua is in a good mental space entering this game against the Chargers on national television. One of the reasons Miami drafted Tua was because he was made for these moments.

We all remember what Tua did early in his Alabama career. And we've all seen how well Tua has played in general in fourth quarters since entering the NFL.

This player has a clutch gene. He can't help but feel that last week was an abberatation.

Look, the Chargers give up 372 yards a game on defense, sixth-worst in the NFL. This is an outstanding opportunity to out-shine nemesis Justin Herbert in front of a large audience that surely will include Colin Cowherd, Chris Simms, Mike Florio, Keyshawn Johnson, Skip Bayless, and, yes, Brian Flores.

I think Tua bounces back in a big way. It would be disappointing if he was anything short of very good.

A few other random thoughts:

∙ Terron Armstead is a warrior. This guy is eager to play through a serious toe injury and a serious pectoral injury. But maybe it's in his best interest to hold off another week or two? Listen, this guy means so, so much to the team. And we must respect his willingness and desire to not just shut his body down. But nobody should blame him for trying to get a little bit healthier before a return. Of course if he does elect to play this Sunday, we'll all hope it works out for the very best.

∙ The Dolphins can't rush 8 times in a game again this season. We understand game situation. We understand playing to strengths. But that is just too lopsided a disparity. There has to be at least the threat of the run in order for this offense to operate at its peak. The Chargers allow 5.4 yards per rush, worst in the NFL. This absolutely will be a bounce-back for Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson.

∙ According to Pro Football Focus, the highest-graded Dolphins defensive players are: Jaelan Phillips, Christian Wilkins, Melvin Ingram, Zach Sieler, Kader Kohou and Jerome Baker. Some of the players who are not graded highly are Raekwon Davis, Xavien Howard and Elandon Roberts. Xavien is coming on. Miami could use more impact plays and more splash plays from Davis.

∙ According to Pro Football Focus, the highest-graded Dolphins offensive players are: Tyreek Hill, Tua Tagovailoa, Connor Williams, Robert Hunt, Jaylen Waddle and Armstead. Miami may have left tackle, center and right guard settled for years. That's a great way to look at it. We'll see about left guard and right tackle. Greg Little, Brandon Shell, Robert Jones and Liam Eichenberg are not graded very highly. TIght end Mike Gesicki is PFF's 35th-ranked tight end. It's not Gesicki's fault. He'll be a Top 10 tight end elsewhere next season.

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Let's hope Sunday night is great. Talk soon!

-Joe.