Dolphins’ Jaelan Phillips Reflects on Missed Opportunity, Trade Rumors

MIAMI GARDENS — In a challenging moment for the Miami Dolphins, linebacker Jaelan Phillips expressed deep regret over a missed sack opportunity that could have changed the course of their game against the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday. The play, which saw Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert evade Phillips’ grasp, led to a critical 42-yard completion to wide receiver Ladd McConkey. This set up a game-winning field goal, leaving Miami with a disappointing 1-5 record for the season.

Following the game, Phillips faced significant backlash on social media, prompting him to delete the X app from his phone. He shared that he received “all types of crazy messages” regarding the missed tackle, acknowledging the emotional toll it took on him. “It’s definitely hard,” he remarked at his locker on Wednesday. “That’s something where it’s disappointing as hell, and I’d do anything to have that back.”

Phillips recognized that had he successfully completed the sack on a second-and-10 play, the Dolphins would have forced the Chargers into a challenging third-and-long situation. Instead, the defense allowed a long kick return to begin the possession, compounding their struggles.

Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver provided immediate support to Phillips on the sideline after the play. Weaver, a former defensive lineman himself, empathized with Phillips, recalling his own experiences of missing pivotal plays. He reminded the young linebacker, “The result of the football game never hinges on one play. We had multiple opportunities to win that game throughout.”

Head coach Mike McDaniel also commented on Phillips’ mindset since the incident, stating, “Sometimes, you can be your own worst enemy when you really want to do well and then you don’t.” McDaniel emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence and continually improving, despite setbacks.

Weaver further analyzed the play, acknowledging that while the pass rush was effective, Herbert demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure. “You’ve got to tip your hat off to the quarterback,” he noted. “He stood there in the pocket, stood firm, and must have hands like Shaq because he just didn’t fumble the ball the first time.”

Phillips, a former standout at the University of Miami and a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has experienced a tumultuous start to his professional career, battling injuries that sidelined him for significant portions of previous seasons. This season, he has recorded one sack and 17 tackles, alongside 11 pressures, indicating his potential to impact games.

Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Phillips said he has not revisited the play since it occurred. “I had a great rush, put myself in position to make the play, but just slipped off,” he explained. He remains focused on using the experience as a learning opportunity, stating, “The mindset I’m having is I missed it that time, but maybe it’s a playoff game or maybe it’s the game to get into the playoffs and I have that opportunity again, I’m going to be better trained for it this time.”

As the Dolphins navigate a difficult season, Phillips finds himself at the center of trade rumors ahead of the November 4, 2023 trade deadline. An ESPN report suggested a potential deal with the Detroit Lions that could yield a fourth-round selection for Miami.

Regarding the speculation, Phillips remarked, “I can’t do anything about that. All I can do is focus on improving, getting better every day and putting good stuff on film.” He expressed his commitment to the team, highlighting his emotional investment in the Dolphins organization. “Ideally, I would love to just be able to do my job and help this organization out, and whatever plays out, plays out.”