Miami Dolphins
South Beach Swag
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The decision-makers in Miami must be after my heart.
They’re building an offense that can score from anywhere on the field with big-play ability and game-changing speed that is both fun and exciting.
It got even more explosive with this year’s draft addition of Devon Achane, their new third-string running back.
The problem is the Dolphins ran the ball less than every team in the NFL last year except for one (the Buccaneers). Teams who dominate run the ball well.
For Miami, this standing has to change. Mike McDaniel came to Miami with a reputation of being a run game specialist; he needs to put that into action.
The Dolphins also ranked in the bottom third offensively on third-down conversions in a league that is all about matchups and third downs.
A healthy QB1 should help the conversion rate improve, but that’s a big ask with Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history. What would make me sleep easier as a Dolphin decision-maker is the addition of Mike White as QB2.
I am a believer in White’s skill and mindset. This is a big upgrade over Teddy Bridgewater. In all likelihood it’s not a question of whether he will play, but when?
On the other side of the ball the defense has undergone another serious facelift. Playmaking but undersized David Long was signed from the Titans to play inside linebacker, and salary cap-heavy defensive back Jalen Ramsey was added for a discount from the rebuilding Rams.
The Fins’ blitz rate was third most in the league in 2022, and they played some form of man coverage 39 percent of the time, second most in the league.
They are taking on much risk for the results they received: 24th in points allowed per game, 24th in stopping opponents on third downs and 28th in QB rating allowed (95.3).
Combine these bottom-feeding numbers with a turnover margin of minus -7, and the Dolphins were lucky to get in the playoffs last year. They gave up 113 more points than the Bills for the season. If that doesn’t improve, they are going nowhere.
A large concern across the board is the depth and quality of the offensive line protecting Tua Tagovailoa. An O-line that can’t open up running lanes remains a concern for any pro team.
The Miami Dolphins have a Super Bowl-caliber roster with health at quarterback and a more potent rushing attack, so improved play from this new unit is paramount.
Isaiah Wynn was a smart signing; he can fill in capably if/when Terron Armstead misses time again while also competing with Liam Eichenberg to start at left guard.
The Dolphins need right tackle Austin Jackson to take a step forward this season and consistently protect Tagovailoa’s blindside. If he does that, Armstead stays healthy for a majority of the year and the low-cost additions of Wynn, Dan Feeney and Cedric Ogbuehi bolster the depth to withstand injuries, this team is capable of winning the AFC East and making serious noise in the playoffs.
With only four picks in this past April’s draft, the message is clear — the Dolphins are built for “right now.” Why not add free agent Dalvin Cook?
There are still open ends to be excited about as we enter the season. This is a giant year for team builders in South Beach.
Swimming Forward
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Miami Dolphins are having a season better than most people would have expected before the season started.
They were 3 – 3 with starter Ryan Fitzpatrick. They won two consecutive games with him and were second place in the AFC East. Kind of a strange time to bench him for rookie Tua Tagovailoa.
The last time we saw Tagovailoa his final season at Alabama was cut short due to a devastating hip injury.
It was so bad we don’t even factor in the broken nose he also suffered on that play. That injury was so bad it could possibly end his football career so it’s impressive the fifth overall pick has kept battling.
The biggest factor for this QB change is the potential for a high 2021 draft pick.
They traded disgruntled tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Houston Texans and they will have their first-round pick.
The Texans are 1 – 6 and heading for a terrible season. The front office probably wants to find out now if Tua is the answer. If not, they might have an opportunity to Draft Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields.
Let’s recap Tua’s first start. I didn’t think they did him any favors with letting him play against the Los Angeles Rams.
As you know LA has super star defensive tackle Aaron Donald and corner back Jalen Ramsey. Not very quarterback friendly. Miami shocked us with an upset win, 28 – 17. Delving deeper though we see Tua was not the reason.
Tagovailoa completed 12 of 22 pass attempts for 93 yards and 1 touchdown.
Those sound like 1970’s stats. He also had one fumble. The Rams had 471 total yards and Miami only had 145 yards.
They also had 31 first downs and the Dolphins only had 8. The difference in the game was turnovers and special teams.
Los Angeles had 4 turnovers and Miami had 2. Miami scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery. They also returned a punt for a touchdown.
Here’s some of what Tua had to say about his first start. “I don’t think I played to the standard of what this offense is capable of. There were certain plays where I could have stepped up and made the right throw, made the right decision. But I’ve heard it many times from the guys in the locker room: I’s good that we still came out with the win. Aside from that, thank God we’ve got a good defense, so when we do start to string good plays together, we know that we can be able to make plays and then get the ball back and continue to try to do the same.”
Tua also added, “It was fun just being able to go out there and play a full 60-minute game now. Being that it was my first start in the NFL. We really faced a really good defense. I’m proud of what we’ve got to do offensively, but I do know that there’s still a lot of things we need to correct come Monday. But you can’t say that this defense isn’t really good — they’ve got [Michael] Brockers, they’ve got Aaron Donald, they’ve got [Taylor] Rapp, Jalen Ramsey and all these other guys — and not expect to be stopped a good amount of times. That’s just not realistic.”
Miami is now 4 – 3 but they won’t have a winning record for long. The next game is at Arizona. Kyler Murray is playing very well and living up to being the first overall pick in 2019.
I hope Tua can continue to improve because he’s on a very short leash.
