There is no set approach to the bye week in the National Football League, as some players choose to get away from their city and others just want to do nothing. The Miami Dolphins are split down the middle.

Quarterback Matt Moore is going across the country back to his home state of California to catch up with family and wide receiver Brian Hartline is headed up to Ohio to do the same. Rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill has gotten into such a good rhythm on the field that if he had his way he’d probably strap it up and play another game Sunday, but his Pro Bowl left tackle, Jake Long, has some better advice.

“Just get as much as rest as you can because this second half of the season, with 10 games, it gets long,” he said. “So the main thing is to get rest, take a couple of days and just get away from everything, not think about football and just relax. When you come back you’ll feel like a new man, you’re fresh and you’re ready to finish the second half of the season.”

In previous years, Long would go back to Michigan either to watch his younger brother play in a college football game or simply hide out in the woods and do some hunting or fishing. This time around he has chosen to stay in South Florida and follow his own advice by relaxing.

Left guard Richie Incognito insists the bye comes at a perfect time for the team because Miami is 3-3 and coming off of two straight victories, with a key divisional game at the New York Jets looming a week from Sunday. He is looking at it as an opportunity to do some self-scouting and look at what improvements he and the rest of the offensive line can make in the running game.

Wide receiver Davone Bess and linebacker Karlos Dansby also are staying put instead of traveling this weekend, taking these four days to get in some much-needed family time. Bess has two young kids and some of his family from California flew in to visit.

“The biggest thing is getting off your feet mentally and physically because for the rookies they have pretty much an entire college season waiting for them over the last 10 games,” Bess said. “Take advantage of this time, be smart and come back with the right mindset. But we need to enjoy this time off with our family and friends, rest a little bit, get some massages and make it work.”

Bess admitted that he would likely be glued to the television Sunday when the Jets take on the New England Patriots in an AFC East showdown, especially since it’s a chance to scout his next opponent. Dansby, however, said he might tune it in for a bit but he’d rather go outside and play with his son.

There are also some big college football games of interest this weekend that should draw the interest of players like center Mike Pouncey, rookie running back Lamar Miller and rookie defensive end Olivier Vernon. Pouncey’s Florida Gators are hosting South Carolina and former Florida head coach Steve Spurrier tomorrow at The Swamp, while Miller’s and Vernon’s Miami Hurricanes are hosting in-state rival Florida State at Sun Life Stadium.

“I’m going to try to be in the stands for that game,” Vernon said. “That’s a big game and a big rivalry game. UM’s a young team, Florida State has a good offense and defense so it’s going to be a good one. They’re going to come down here and try to give us their best, but I’ve got faith in UM. I’m still going to rest, kick back, watch all of the college games and enjoy some time with my family.”

As much as Pouncey wants to be in Gainesville for that SEC showdown, he promised his girlfriend a trip to Jamaica so he has to hold out hope that their hotel gets ESPN.