Top Takeaways: A Missed Opportunity To Change The Narrative
Nov 5, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany, ; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) hands off to running back Raheem Mostert (31) against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter during an NFL International Series game at Deutsche Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
While most people were still drinking their morning coffee, the Miami Dolphins squared up against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. With all of their wins coming against teams with losing records, the Dolphins looked to end that narrative, but ultimately, came up about 31 yards short. Going into their bye week at 6-3 is far from a season ending travesty, but they clearly have work ahead to fully maximize their potential.
Let’s go over some of the top takeaways from the tough loss.
Slow Starts need to be addressed
The Miami coaching staff needs to get the team firing on all cylinders much earlier in the games. This is critical when facing the top teams in the NFL. They cannot expect different results when going down, 14 to Philly, 17 to Buffalo, and 21 to Kansas CIty.
While this team has proved to be mentally tough and resilient, they are not built to overcome large deficits against physical defenses. The bye week is sorely needed and some self-reflection will hopefully get this talented roster back on track.
Lack of discipline is a problem
Miami is in a 6-way tie the most penalized team in the NFL with 54 through 9 games. In the past 5 games, offensive penalties have wiped out positive yardage and, at times, critical plays. Whether its holding, illegal formation, or illegal downfield player these need to be addressed, and quickly.
Offense is not sustainable against physical defenses
When Miami is matched against zone, 2 deep defenses, which allows them to dictate the play and timing, their execution and firepower is unmatched. But as soon as the opposition figures out ways to disrupt their timing, it all seems to fall apart, and quickly.
Whether it is keeping a tight end in for a checkdown, or a running back sneaking out of the backfield, etc. Coach McDaniel and his staff need to be able handle defenses that have the ability to take away their strengths.
Stop abandoning the run
Sure, the entire offense struggled mightily in the first half, but only calling 5 running plays in 2 quarters will generally never lead to winning/balanced football.
The backs were not finding the holes, or getting yardage, but they were also keeping the defense on the field for longer than needed and barely using any clock.
The propensity to give up on the run too early continues to be this team’s achilles heel. Missing De’von Achane is a big, but Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson are a more than adequate tandem. Miami needs to learn how to commit to the run when things are difficult or they will continue to struggle to compete with the NFL’s elite.
Tua not quite there, yet?
There probably isn’t a nicer guy, that people want to see achieve more, than Tua Tagovailoa. There are times where he looks invincible. There are also times where you are left scratching your head and wondering. The accuracy, for the most part, is impressive every game, but the ability to read defenses seems to be catching up to him as teams gather more game tape. It seems as of late his confidence is shaken. High pressure situations with the defense closing in have caused confusion and mistakes.
Credit goes to coach McDaniel for getting Tua to where he is now as compared to his first 2 years. But now Tua needs to to work to address this his holes. With his talent, Tua can be a very successful quarterback in this league, but the rest of this season we need to see some improvements in these areas.
Defense is taking form
Outside of the opening drive, and one other, the Dolphin’s defense consistently played at a high level. They held one of the more prolific offenses in football to little success.
Holding Patrick Mahomes to 185 yards and All-Pro Travis Kelce to a measly 3 catches for 14 yards should be a recipe for a victory. The defense really came to play and seems to be getting better with each passing week.
As the injured players get healthy, you can see the potential of what a Fangio led unit can achieve. If they can avoid injury, the defense looks ready to put their stamp on entering the top 10 in the NFL.
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