Dolphins mid seasonish review
The 2022 Miami Dolphins sitting at 7-3, are off to their best start since 2001. Who could have predicted this? I for one, you can check out my preseason prediction here.
The team has been very streaky, winning their first 3 games, losing the next 3, and following that up with a 4 game win streak.
So far this season has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Multiple games have gone down to the last drive. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa started off the season hot until a concussion not only put his season in doubt, but his career. Winning games in a fashion Dolfans not seen since Marino era.
As the Dolphins are on their bye week, Miami sits a top the AFC East and 2nd place in the conference. If the Chiefs lose this weekend, Miami may sit in 1st place through week 11.
With a chance to take a break from suspense of Miami Dolphins football game I wanted to look at some pleasant surprises and disappointments of the season so far.
Surprises
Tua Tagovailoa: I have tried to maintain an objective analysis of Tua through his first two seasons. As much as I wanted him to be the franchise quarterback, there were still question marks headed into this season (and no I am not referring to his arm strength). I always thought he was going to better than Tannehill (he has a much more natural feel for the game), but with a lack of coaching, talent, and belief how could we expect him to reach his potential. I believed he was the best quarterback on our roster last year and this year.
Tua has not only proved to be an adequate starter, but the potential to be an All-Pro. In 8 starts this year, Tua is 7-1, with his lone loss in the week 4 as did not finish the game.
Tua is putting up elite numbers:
118.4 passer rating (leads NFL)
82.7 QBR (Leads NFL)
9.1 yards per attempt (Leads NFL)
283.1 yards per game(Ranks 3rd)
71% completion percentage (Ranks 2nd)
A 6 : 1 touchdown to interception ratio (18:1)
2nd in average completed air yards (8.1) only behind Jameis Winston
They eye test is very telling also. Tua’s arm strength is better than last year. He is throwing with anticipation, accuracy, while quickly progressing through reads. Is it okay to compare him to Drew Brees?
Of course this would not be possible without the players and coaching Miami surrounded Tua with. Highlighted by players such as Tyreek Hill and Terron Armstead, and first year head coach Mike McDaniel. You can actually check out the complete coaching makeover I wrote about back in March.
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle: These guys play a huge role in Tua’s year 3 jump but what surprised me is Miami’s use of their two star receivers. Why was there even an argument about the best receiving duo headed into this year?
Hill was the fastest player to reach 1,000 yards receiving and might become the first receiver to have 2,000 yards receiving in a season. Waddle is tracking to total almost 1,500 yards. In total Hill and Waddle account for 134 receptions, 2026 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
Both players are exceeding expectations. Most believed McDaniel’s offense was going to be lead by the running game. He created an offense built around the teams best players. I believe the offense as a whole is still learning and getting more comfortable with the running scheme while adding Jeff Wilson has clearly added a new dimension.
Chris Grier: I also wrote about Miami and Chris Grier going all in in 2022. They added a new layer to this before trade deadline. Grier traded for Bradley Chubb and Jeff Wilson improving two keys parts of the team. In two games Wilson has taken over as the lead back and while Chubb is making his presents felt along the defensive line.
Disappointments
Miami’s defense: It is difficult to judge Miami’s defense as their secondary has built dealt multiple blows. Starting safety Brandon Jones and nickel corner Nik Needham are lost for the year with injury. Back up corners Mackensie Alexander and Trill Williams were placed on injured reserve during the preseason. All of this while starting cornerback Byron Jones is still recovering from and offseason achilles injury.
Miami’s defense ranks 22nd in points allowed, giving up 24.1 points per game. Passing yards per attempt they rank 23rd while total yards coming in at 22nd, allowing 239.8 yards per game.
The opening drives for the Dolphins defense has been frustrating. They have given up a touchdown in 5 of 11 games putting Miami behind the 8 ball to start the game.
I think defensive coordinator Josh Boyer is trying to figure out the best way to call the defense. With so many injuries in the secondary you can not expect the guys they have now to press like Miami did the last two years. The addition of Bradley Chubb should allow Miami to drop more players in coverage and still be able to pressure the quarterback.
Miami’s defense is tied for 27th in forced turnovers with only 8. A far cry from the past few seasons when Miami ranked tops in that takeaways. On the positive side Miami is tied for 8th in giveaways.
I’ll remain optimistic the group will improve headed into the last part of the season.
Jason Sanders: In his first 4 seasons Sanders missed 4 extra points on a total of 137 attempts. This year he has missed 3 on 30 attempts. Prior to his contract extension Sanders went 36 for 39 on field goals in 2020, including 8 of 9 from 50+ yards. Over the last 2 seasons he is 2 of 9 from 50 yards. It hasn’t necessarily happened yet, but it’s only a matter of time before a miss costs Miami a game.
It pains me to say it, but Miami should bring in try out kickers.
Season outlook: Miami is positioned to win at least 10 games this year. To make the play offs comfortably 11 wins is key number, while a minimum of 12 will be needed to win the division.
I am still maintaining the position that Miami needs to win a play off game before we consider them being back.