It did not take a 28-27 loss to realize the Dolphins were not utilizing their offensive assets correctly. The loss to the Titans on Monday night is just the most recent reminder.
Offensive Assets for Dolphins Are Not Being Utilized Correctly
The Dolphins have a “track team” as most commentators point out nearly every time the Dolphins play. They have switched their offensive game plan this season to a more run-focused approach. This was done for two reasons. The first being that two of their four top running backs were also college track athletes. The second is to better protect the health of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. That is not to say the Dolphins do not air the ball out to another former college track star, in Tyreek Hill. They do get the “Cheetah”, the ball and let him do what he does best. However, watching the 28-27 loss to the, now, 5-8 Tennessee Titans, exemplifies the fact that the Dolphins are not utilizing their offensive assets, correctly
The Running Backs
Yes, Raheem Mostert has tied the Dolphins all-time-record for rushing touchdowns in a season with 16 (Tied with Ricky Williams). Mostert and Devon Achane did combine for 28 carries for 143 yards, six catches for 28 more, and two touchdowns. But how many plays was each of those players on the field simultaneously? The Dolphins are likely keeping both players safe, in case one is injured, the other can step in. Compelling argument. But if you have four running backs on your roster, capable of gaining consistent, positive yardage, why not use a split backfield, formation? It does not have to be Mostert and Achane. It could be any combination of those four backs (Mostert, Achane, Ahmed, Wilson). Keeping one back on the field the majority of the time does not work the way it did; the Dolphins must adapt.
Wide Receivers
It did not help that Tyreek Hill missed a portion of the first half with an injured ankle, in the loss to Tennessee. That aside, why are so many roster spots being used on receivers who rarely get the ball thrown to them? Yes, Braxton Berrios stepped in while Hill missed the first half. However, why is a variation of the Wildcat, not being used with all that speed from both the running backs and wideouts? Why is the jet sweep and more motion not being used? Again, Deebo Samuel has become such an integral part of a 49ers offense that is hitting on all cylinders right now. Even if they do not want to use Hill or Waddle like Samuel is used, why not another receiver?
QB 3
The Dolphins only have two quarterbacks on the active roster; Tagovailoa and Mike White. Skylar Thompson has been relegated to third-string/emergency QB status. A mobile and agile quarterback, Thompson has the speed and mobility necessary to employ a deceiving and effective Wildcat formation. Yet, roster spots are being taken up by four running backs. Two of those four rarely see the field right now, even though they should see more of it. Roster spots are also being occupied by receivers who rarely see the ball thrown their way. Why not give Thompson a chance (and some confidence) by allowing him to come in for a few plays a game in a Wildcat formation?
The Offensive Line
It has been the team’s biggest downfall; an offensive line that cannot stay healthy and be effective. Terron Armstead was inactive for the game against Tennessee. Guard, Robert Hunt was also inactive. Also, on IR is tackle Isaiah Wynn, who has had a quadriceps injury since October. Connor Williams also left the game against the Titans with a knee injury and is done for the year. Granted the reserves on the offensive line were able to allow Mostert to hit pay-dirt twice. A piecemeal offensive line, however, will not get Miami far in the playoffs.
Takeaways
The Miami Dolphins are not utilizing their offensive assets correctly. There is a very vanilla and simplistic feel to the offensive strategy. When teams know that the Dolphins are only going to utilize one back at a time, and only throw to receivers, named Hill or Waddle, it is an easily countered strategy. If there is a lack of creativity (for lack of a better phrase, trick plays), then an element of surprise does not exist. A huge part of the 49ers success is how they utilize Deebo Samuel and take advantage of both his and Christian McCaffery’s speed. Mike McDaniel coached under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco. However, it looks as though McDaniel may have forgotten the recipe both he and Shanahan created that had, and continues to lead to the 49ers, success. Here’s hoping McDaniel realizes the offensive assets he has, and how to correctly utilize those assets.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
