Dolphins‘ Offense Stalls, Raising Questions About Team Building & Future Outlook
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – The Miami Dolphins are facing early-season struggles despite a coaching staff brought in to maximize quarterback Tua Tagovailoa‘s potential, prompting scrutiny of foundational team decisions.Through the first three games, the Dolphins’ offense is demonstrably underperforming, raising concerns about the long-term viability of the current approach.
The team’s offensive woes aren’t simply a matter of early-season adjustments. The Dolphins currently rank last in the NFL in rushing attempts per game, 31st in red zone appearances, and 31st in first downs gained via the run. They also sit at 30th in point differential. This paints a picture of an offense heavily reliant on a passing game that isn’t consistently delivering, despite being designed to set Tagovailoa up for success.
Coaches mike McDaniel and Frank Smith, both arriving in 2022, have structured an offense intended to leverage Tagovailoa’s strengths. NFL Next Gen Stats indicate the 27-year-old quarterback is projected to succeed on 68.9% of his passes – the third-highest rate in the league – emphasizing short, fast throws and simplified reads. However, the execution isn’t translating to results.
The Dolphins’ inability to establish a running game is contributing to a lack of offensive balance.They currently rank last in the league in time of possession, averaging just over 25 minutes per game. This puts added pressure on a defense that, while a separate issue, isn’t receiving sufficient support from the offense.
Team decisions dating back to player selection and coaching hires are now under the microscope. The current situation suggests a pattern of choices that are hindering the team’s progress. While the coaching staff continues to provide opportunities for Tagovailoa, the underlying issues impacting the team’s performance may require a more fundamental reassessment of the Dolphins’ overall strategy. The window for course correction may be narrowing as the season progresses.
