Miami Dolphins’ Surprising Resurgence
The Miami Dolphins have made a remarkable turnaround lately, winning four of their last five games. As they prepare to face the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium this Sunday, the Dolphins are riding a three-game winning streak, bringing their record to 5-7. While it may be too late for a genuine playoff push, the team has discovered a winning formula that has reinvigorated their season.
Key Contributors to the Winning Streak
A significant factor in this resurgence has been the electrifying performance of rookie running back De’Von Achane. His play has drawn comparisons to the Dolphins’ glory days with Ricky Williams, providing the team with a dynamic presence in the backfield. However, the Dolphins’ success is not solely attributed to Achane’s contributions; a deeper look reveals a specific strategy that has driven their offense.
Offensive Strategy: Rushing Success
Miami’s offensive game plan hinges on one pivotal statistic: 30 rushing attempts. The Dolphins have achieved this benchmark five times this season, and astonishingly, they have won every game in which they reached that number. This trend underscores the importance of a strong ground game in their overall strategy.
30 Rushing Attempts: 5-0 record when hitting this mark
In addition to their rushing success, the Dolphins’ defense has also played a crucial role. The magic number for takeaways this season is two. Miami has managed to secure at least two takeaways in five games and boasts a 4-1 record in those situations, with the lone defeat coming at the hands of the Carolina Panthers.
2 Takeaways: 4-1 record when achieving this
The Dolphins have accumulated 14 takeaways this season, with seven of those coming in their last three victories against the Buffalo Bills, Washington Commanders, and New Orleans Saints.
Playing with the Lead
Another common thread in the Dolphins’ victories is their ability to play from ahead. In their five wins, they have trailed only once—against Washington, when they were down 13-6 heading into the fourth quarter. This advantage allows them to lean heavily on their ground game, controlling the clock and dictating the pace of the game.
Navigating the Fine Line
The Dolphins’ current winning streak is particularly impressive considering their earlier struggles, having started the season at 2-7. The team recently parted ways with General Manager Chris Grier, but the timing of their resurgence seems coincidental rather than causal. Nonetheless, their recent victories have not come without challenges. Miami narrowly escaped defeat against the Commanders and the Saints, both of whom have struggled this season with a combined record of 5-19.
While the win against Buffalo was noteworthy, the Dolphins have yet to demonstrate the kind of dominance that would instill confidence in their ability to sustain this streak. A decisive win akin to the New England Patriots’ 33-15 victory over the New York Giants would have bolstered their momentum.
The Challenge Ahead: Passing Game Concerns
Despite the success in the running game, the Dolphins face challenges in their passing attack, primarily due to the struggles of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Since the injury to star receiver Tyreek Hill, the passing game has faltered, with Tagovailoa posting a passer rating of just 74.4 over the last seven games—far below the standards expected of him.
As the Dolphins continue to rely on their run-centric offense, there will inevitably come a time when they will need more from their passing game. Achane’s contributions have been significant, yet sustaining high rushing yardage—over 160 in each of their last three games—will be difficult as the season progresses.
Looking Forward
The return of tight end Darren Waller, who made his comeback against New Orleans, could provide a much-needed boost to the passing game. For the Dolphins to maintain their winning trajectory, they must find a way to balance their offensive attack and improve their passing efficiency. With the final stretch of the regular season approaching, the Dolphins will need to adapt and evolve if they hope to secure a spot in the playoffs.
