Author: Hal Habib, Palm Beach Post

Brian Flores, fired by the Dolphins on Monday, is already getting looks elsewhere in the NFL and will interview with the Bears.

The Dolphins, formerly 1-7, have seized command of their playoff fortunes behind a defense playing playoff football, as the Saints learned Monday.

Deshaun Watson is Houston’s problem. It should stay that way until his legal issues are settled. Doubly so with Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa warming up.

Dolphins coach Brian Flores said Tua Tagovailoa continues to be “in a good deal of pain” but could play Sunday against the Raiders.

Playing without six wide receivers, Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa still carved up the Falcons, looking like the dangerous quarterback he was at Alabama.

Michael Palardy is about to make his home debut as the Miami Dolphins punter 20 minutes from where he was a substitute teacher and student.

Bobby Ussery crossed the finish line first in the Kentucky Derby before a drug test wiped out the win. He says Bob Baffert will endure the same fate.

The Dolphins own the No. 6 overall pick in next week’s draft, but general manager Chris Grier said he would be open to moving again.

All the Miami Dolphins had to do was win at Buffalo on Sunday, and they would make the playoffs. Instead, they were demolished by the Bills 56-26.

Ryan Fitzpatrick produced more FitzMagic as he led the Dolphins to a roller-coaster win over the Raiders after replacing Tua Tagovailoa.