Thoughts, recap, outlook as Dolphins round the first quarter of the season
Overall: The team sits at 3-1 through the first four games of the year. I think we all would have taken this when we first laid eyes on the schedule. At one point Miami was ranked as #1 in several Power Ranking polls, including ESPN. All three wins have come in different way, and I wouldn't blame on lack of identity. Each game called for a different game plan and scripts that were altered by plays. You would have liked to see the defense avoid giving up big plays or a more balanced offense. But fact of the matter was this was a difficult four game stretch, you just have to take the wins against quality teams.
Tua Tagovailoa: Through 4 ( or 3.5 if you want to be picky) games Tua has thrown for 1,035, 8 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Coach McDaniels offense and Miami’s weapons at receiver has allowed Tua to flourish. It’s a shame he is injured as a fan group we all would have liked him out there the entire season. The play that knocked him out you is a bit frustrating as he could have easily avoided that hit by throwing the ball away. The Dolphins should be fine with Tua as their next 7 game stretch is the easiest part of their schedule.
Concerns: Miami’s pass defense ranks 31st in yards allowed right now. Although they have faced Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson but regardless it is somewhat concerning. They have lacked a pass rush and given up too many big plays. Xavien Howard, Miami’s best corner is responsible for two of those. The run defense so far has been solid, they rank 11th in this category. Points per game, the Dolphins are in the middle of the pack ranking 16th, while 3rd down defense percentage is 30th.
The Dolphins inability to run the ball so far. I feel like I need to put an asterisk on this one, the way the Baltimore and Buffalo games played out prevented Miami from running the ball. As it stands now, Miami is rushing for 69.3 yards per game, which ranks 29th. As I mentioned the team shouldn’t fall behind early in games against most of the upcoming opponents. With Teddy Bridgewater in the lineup I would expect them to run the ball at a slightly higher clip.
The next seven opponents are the NYJ, Vikings, Steelers, Lions, Bears, Browns, & Texans. Miami has the ability to go 7-0 through this stretch but if they win a minimum of 5 you are looking at 8-3 football team headed into the final third of the season.
As Miami enters this stretch lets hope Byron Jones and Tua are back sooner rather than later. Miami could use their second best corner, as the blitz heavy team has been playing quite soft on the back end so far this year.
What’s the deal with Mike Gesicki? Miami second best offensive weapon in 2021 has a total of 71 yards through 4 games. Coaches and Gesicki have said all the right things, but unless something changes I could see the team parting ways with him before the trade deadline.