Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepare for a challenging test against Miami Dolphins’ dynamic run game
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves in a pivotal moment as they gear up to face the Miami Dolphins this Sunday. While technically they might not need this win to secure their place in the NFC South, a victory is essential for the Bucs. After enduring a disheartening stretch of six losses in their last seven games, they need to restore their confidence and prove they can still compete in the NFL.
The Dolphins, sitting at a modest 6-9, may not strike fear into the hearts of many. They recently suffered a tough defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals and are set to play without their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, relying instead on backup Quinn Ewers. However, Miami’s running game, led by NFL Pro Bowler De’Von Achane, remains a formidable challenge that the Buccaneers must contend with.
Dolphins’ multifaceted running attack
Head coach Todd Bowles of the Buccaneers is acutely aware of the impending challenge posed by Miami’s multifaceted run game. He has lauded Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as one of the finest offensive minds in the league, particularly when it comes to run schemes. “He does a great job of scheming it up to where everybody knows what they’re doing,” Bowles noted, emphasizing McDaniel’s knack for orchestrating angle blocks and effectively utilizing his running backs on the periphery.
Miami’s run game is distinguished by its heavy reliance on outside zone concepts, with 133 attempts recorded this season, according to SumerSports. This strategy aims to stretch defenses horizontally, creating gaps that allow running backs to exploit the edges of the line. While it’s not mandatory to run strictly on the perimeter, the Dolphins have an arsenal of speedy players capable of taking advantage of outside runs, including Achane, who clocked an impressive 4.32 seconds at the NFL Combine and averages 5.61 yards per attempt on outside zone plays.
Innovative personnel groupings enhance offensive versatility
What truly sets Miami apart is the unpredictability in their run game personnel. McDaniel employs a variety of formations, often utilizing two running backs and one or two tight ends, contributing to a dynamic and adaptable offensive scheme. This season, he has orchestrated 111 attempts in 21 personnel (two running backs, one tight end) and 41 attempts in 22 personnel (two running backs, two tight ends). Even more intriguingly, the Dolphins have executed 27 plays in 20 personnel (two running backs, no tight ends), achieving a remarkable 7.26 yards per attempt in those scenarios.
The creativity in alignment is just as noteworthy. Consider one particular play where McDaniel aligned tight end Julian Hill and fullback Alec Ingold parallel to quarterback Quinn Ewers, with Achane positioned directly behind them. The right side of the offensive line pulled left, while the left side and center pulled right, misleading the defense with a fake handoff to Achane, ultimately leading to a substantial gain on an end-around to wideout Jaylen Waddle.
Bucs’ defensive strategy to counter Dolphins’ strengths
For the Buccaneers, the task ahead is clear: they must effectively neutralize Miami’s innovative run game. Bowles understands that stopping Achane and his fellow backs will require disciplined play and a keen awareness of Miami’s schemes. The Buccaneers’ defense will need to rely on their ability to read plays quickly, maintain their gaps, and tackle effectively in open space.
As they prepare for this crucial matchup, Tampa Bay knows that success hinges on their willingness to rise to the occasion against a Dolphins team that, despite its struggles, boasts one of the most creative run games in the league. The stakes are high, and the outcome of this game could set the tone for the remainder of their season.
