Tua Tackles Defensive Challenges as Dolphins Seek to Reignite Their Passing Game
The Miami Dolphins are facing a familiar foe this season: opposing defenses that are increasingly crowding the middle of the field. This strategy aims to stifle the passing game orchestrated by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and head coach Mike McDaniel, who rely heavily on quick, timed throws. As the season unfolds, it’s becoming clear that this approach has been effective, and Tagovailoa is well aware of the adjustments teams are making.
Defenses Pack the Middle
Tagovailoa recently acknowledged the trend, stating, “I would say that’s the style that teams have played us in, and they’ve found a lot of success.” The Dolphins have had to adapt, moving their focus to throws outside the numbers and utilizing check-downs to navigate the defensive pressure. “As you see, we had to throw outside of the numbers this past game and then the check downs; we try to find ways to maneuver guys,” he explained.
However, this isn’t a new issue for Miami. Last season, the Dolphins struggled when defenses took away the middle, notably during two games against the Chargers and 49ers. The question lingers: why is Miami still grappling with this defensive strategy?
Evolution of Offensive and Defensive Strategies
As Miami has attempted to evolve its offensive scheme, defenses have responded in kind. The Dolphins have found some success with their running game in 2023, which has been missing in previous years, but defenses have also improved their tactics to counter Miami’s core passing game. Tagovailoa elaborated, “It’s not your normal Tampa 2, it’s not your normal quarters deal. It’s guys staying inside, allowing our guys to break outside… They’re just literally packing the middle.”
This sentiment echoes the thoughts of senior passing game coordinator Bobby Slowik, who emphasized the need for the team to concentrate on their post-snap execution rather than merely reacting to defensive schemes. Unfortunately, this season, the Dolphins have struggled to implement these solutions effectively.
Horizontal Stretching and Its Challenges
Miami has always aimed to stretch defenses horizontally, particularly in the running game, but they have leaned into this strategy in their passing game as well. The team has deployed various screens and quick throws to players like De’Von Achane, which serve to pull defenses sideline to sideline and prevent them from congesting the middle. The Dolphins demonstrated this approach, finding success with plays that allowed Achane to make moves in open space.
Despite attempts to target more out-breaking routes to dynamic receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, when the game reached critical moments, Miami still struggled to dissuade the Patriots from crowding the middle of the field. Tagovailoa noted the complexity of this challenge, stating, “Every game is going to have its own challenges depending on the flavor of the DC and what they want to do to combat what we’ve done.”
Exploring Solutions Amidst Limitations
While incorporating more out-breaking routes might seem like a straightforward fix, it’s not without its complications. Tagovailoa’s arm strength and the physical attributes of receivers like Waddle and Hill limit the effectiveness of contested catches outside the numbers. Although capable of making some of those throws, relying on them consistently poses a significant challenge, especially given the time required for such routes to develop. This is further complicated by ongoing concerns regarding the offensive line’s health and performance.
If a quick solution existed, the Dolphins would likely have implemented it by now. The need for a change in personnel to diversify offensive options is evident, but with the season underway, that option is no longer on the table.
Complementary Football as a Key to Success
One potential remedy lies in playing better complementary football. Revitalizing the running game could ease the pressure on the passing attack and encourage defenses to abandon their two-high safety looks. However, this requires a steadfast defense that can avoid allowing multi-score deficits early in games.
The Dolphins’ path to revitalizing their passing game may hinge on their ability to stabilize their defensive performance while rekindling a successful running game. This crucial process will begin with their upcoming Thursday night showdown against the Buffalo Bills.
