Darren Waller’s Injury Sends Shockwaves Through Dolphins Offense
The Miami Dolphins are facing a significant setback as tight end Darren Waller has been placed on injured reserve, a move that could dramatically alter the team’s offensive dynamics. Waller’s pectoral injury, sustained during a game against the Cleveland Browns, will sideline him for the foreseeable future, forcing the Dolphins to rethink their offensive strategy.
Waller’s Impact Before Injury
Waller’s contributions to Miami’s offense were noteworthy, even in a limited four-game span this season. He recorded 10 receptions on 12 targets for 117 yards and four touchdowns, proving to be a reliable target in the red zone. His presence was felt as a potential game-changer, and his absence now raises questions about how the Dolphins will adapt.
Shifts in Personnel Packages
Under head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins have primarily utilized 11 personnel packages, featuring one running back and one tight end. This strategy accounted for about 49 percent of their snaps this season, according to Pro Football Focus. However, Waller’s return allowed the team to diversify its formations, integrating more 12- and 22-personnel looks—configurations that involve multiple tight ends on the field.
In the three weeks leading up to Waller’s injury, there was a marked increase in these formations. Of the 36 plays run in 22 personnel, 33 occurred after Waller’s return in Week 4, while 20 of the 25 plays from 12 personnel were executed during that same period. This diversification not only added unpredictability to the Dolphins’ offense but also improved their running game, as defenses had to account for larger bodies on the field.
Evaluating the Alternatives
Now, the Dolphins face a critical decision: should they plug another tight end into Waller’s role or abandon these new formations altogether? Historically, the Dolphins have tended to revert to more predictable strategies when faced with such challenges. A case in point was their Week 1 loss to the Colts, where the team attempted to use Tanner Conner in a similar capacity after Waller was sidelined. The results were lackluster, with the team utilizing 12 and 22 personnel on only 15 percent of snaps, a significant drop-off from their recent trends.
Blocking is not Waller’s forte, yet his dynamic receiving ability set him apart from other tight ends. Conner’s performance highlighted the challenges of replicating Waller’s impact. Following Waller’s injury, usage of the two-tight-end scheme plummeted to below two percent in the subsequent weeks, with the Dolphins failing to utilize these formations effectively against the Bills.
The Red Zone Dilemma
Waller’s absence will also be felt in the red zone, where all four of his touchdowns were scored within ten yards of the end zone. His height and athleticism made him a formidable target in tight spaces. While Nick Westbrook-Ikhine could potentially fill this role, he has not been utilized in that capacity by the Dolphins. Furthermore, Greg Dulcich, who has been promoted from the practice squad, deserves an opportunity to showcase his abilities in two-tight-end sets before any drastic changes are made.
The Dolphins now find themselves at a crossroads as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The challenge lies in balancing their established strategies with the need for innovation in the wake of Waller’s injury. As they navigate this period of adjustment, the effectiveness of their offensive game plan will be put to the test.
