The McDaniel one dimensional offense which solely consists of Hill Waddle. What improvements do you wanna see? Me personally, I wanna see Hill and Waddle catch more slants and screens when defenses make adjustments against the long ball. I wanna see a capable TE and compete for 5 to 7 catches a game. I wanna see our RBs with a combination of 25 touches a game.
I don't care if Hill and Waddle get the ball every play. They are clearly the Dolphins best players and top players in the entire league. What needs to be changed is taking the short passes when the defense gives them to you. Tua has to block out the noise from his first two years that he's only a two yard checkdown passer and utilize checkdowns like every other QB in the league. I'm not interested in running backs, give me a good pass catcher out of the backfield who will catch 5-6 balls and make a defender miss. Smythe is a capable short yardage tight end that could be used more too.
Not sure what dolphin games you were watching but this OLine was light years better than last year. They weren’t perfect but they run blocked well and our RBs had a lot of success when called upon. It still needs to improve and used more
That’s fine and all but this offense can be so much more dangerous using a few other weapons and if McD actually learned how to call a game
As most of us agree, it starts with better blocking. Now that the team has fired the OL coach and is looking for a replacement, hopefully that's step one. We need someone with a track record who knows what he's doing. The team has to put the right guys into the right positions to succeed, and our franchise as a whole has been absolutely awful at making anything at all out of players who aren't high first round draft picks or expensive free agents for more than a decade now. Armstead's health just is what it is, and hopefully he'll be better next season, but we have to get much better play at both guard spots. Jackson and Eichenberg will fight for the jobs, but hopefully we bring in real competition from outside and can field a consistent line most of the time. Most of the top offenses had the same five guys start nearly every game this season. That's something that's often overlooked. After that, we have to be a lot smarter about throwing the ball downfield. I know that its tempting with Hill and Waddle's speed, but forcing the ball into coverage is just a dumb move most of the time regardless. Hill made a number of spectacular plays where he grabbed the ball away from defenders way downfield this past year, but that cannot be something that you rely on to succeed, and should be something that happens a few times a year, not every other week. What we need are more passes like the one that Waddle caught at Buffalo, where he's clearly open, can catch the ball in stride and can then accelerate and run away from the defenders. And those happen when they're set up by running a more complete offense that can do everything better. Its highly perplexing to me as to why Hill and Waddle, who we absolutely know are great at slants, drags and crossing routes, were so rarely used on those plays last season. It just makes no sense. They seemed bound and determined to just throw the ball downfield, even if they were cutting off their nose to spite their face. Hopefully we see a lot more routes where those guys can use their quick speed and get open for medium length catches that have the potential to sometimes become long plays, but are highly likely to result in regular positive yardage. We need to get better in talent in RB, TE and slot WR. Right now, we really have zero players signed at those positions who we can count on in 2023. We don't really know what we have in Ezukanma yet, but even if he pans out, he's more likely an outside player. We can absolutely use that and I hope that we will, but we need a savy, tough inside route runner who can catch the tough 5-10 yard passes over and over to move the chains. Someone like OJ McDuffie or Jarvis Landry were for us in the past. I don't know that we'll be able to find long term answers at RB and TE this year, given the cap situation and lack of draft picks, so those positions might need to be temporary band aids. But they need to be players who can work within the system. And we need to get light years better at short yardage. The team was really bad at running in those situations last year, often due to blocking, yes. But the plays that they called were also head scratchers far too often. Plays that were complex, featured lots of moving parts and took far too long to develop, and were just blown up by the other defense. It felt like McDaniel kept getting greedy and trying to create a big play when all they needed were two or three yards to move the chains. And often, had they just run something basic they could have made it work. Hopefully the year of experience helps everyone, and both Tua and McDaniel can reign in the machismo and just take what's there to be had a lot more often. Even the worst teams are better at that than we are most of the time.
This is the third year off a massive rebuild with a first year head coach. OL was again a major problem with injury and underperforming. OL coach is gone so there obviously things McDaniel saw that needed improvement. I felt at times they could run the ball they were just too pass focused while not taking advantage of plays that were available. We went through a five game losing streak where the outcomes were still in play in the 4th quarter. QB injuries are a concern with both our starter back ups. That can't happen to that extent again. Whomever they bring in has to have the ability to win games and stay on the field. Having better defensive coaching and better OL coaching is already going to get us to +11 wins. Healthy/improved QB and OL play gets us to 13. I see a lot of be hopeful about this off-season and into 2023. A couple of solid free agents along with a solid draft and we move a step closer to beating the Bills for a division.
@Striking looks at this years schedule I don't see 11+ wins at all regardless of the changes I still see us as an 8-10 win team
A lot of things went wrong for us at QB, OL and CB along with deficiencies in coaching for Defense and OL and Special teams. We overcame and still made the playoffs. Don't be so down on this team. They have skill, health is the real question. I'm asking for 4-5 solid acquisitions in free agency and the draft and this team will hit that 11+ mark .
Better than 2021, means better than the worst Dolphins OL in history, including 1966. The line was bad, apart from Armistead and Connor. Common garden variety bad is not the standard we should be aspiring to. Yes the line had some moments where they did alright, but they had many more moments when technique, assignments and effort were missing.
Now that we have Fangio on board as DC, I can see a path to a 12-win season next year. Especially if he brings on board a few assistants as positional coaches who would be big improvements. Plus, we also fired the OL coach and could, potentially, make a big improvement there, though that's left to be seen. Our road schedule does look absolutely brutal next season, but so does Buffalo's. And the Bills and Patriots will only have eight home games, while we have nine, plus our home schedule looks largely workable. We'll likely have to go at least 7-2 at home next year, but if we can do than then going 4-4 on the road should be enough to get us into the playoffs, and 5-3 could be enough to win the division and get a home game.
A lot of complaining about an offense that was the best in Miami since 1996. First time the Dolphins were in the top 10 in yardage since 1996. The FIRST TIME THE DOLPHINS WERE IN THE TOP 10 in yardage since 1996! Forcing the ball to Tyreek and Waddle? That is the dumbest thing I have read in a long time. Feed the best players on the team. PERIOD! When this offense was working it was like magic and it was the first year the players were in this offense and the first year McDaniel was able to design and run his own offense. It wasn't perfect, but it was, again, the best offense since 1996.
Most productive and best aren't necessairly the same thing. And I reiterate, when your offense big plays well but little else, its only a matter of time before its ineffective. Balance is always best, and then get the ball to the play makers in ways where they can make the most out of each chance.
You’re a novice fan, you’re attracted to shiny things even if it doesn’t make sense. Earth to you, teams figured out our predictable offense, you have to make adjustments and get other personnel involved. It’s called NFL football
It was the best. Period. Since 1996. Every other offense since 1996 was mediocre at best to trash. I have been watching Dolphin football since 1985. At least every game since 1996. No offense Miami had has been close to this offense. The only thing that was stopping this offense was itself. Either a fumble, bad snap, drop pass, or someone making a bad play. The 2022 Dolphins stopped the 2022 Dolphins. The offense wasn't "big plays but little else". That is very reductive and wrong.
You have zero clue about what you are talking about. "predictable offense", did you even watch the Miami Dolphins this year? I don't think you have even seen the game, coming in and talking this trash like you have a clue as to what you are talking about. You just like to complain about nothing because you do not understand football.
Why not? They're often better at picking up blitzes and provide flexibility in play calling if they have great hands. https://www.nfl.com/videos/jeff-wilson-jr-s-key-broken-tackle-moves-chains-on-fourth-and-8
Now saying all that, I do think the offense does need a few things. #1. A right tackle. Can't rely on Austin Jackson. At the very least needs competition. #2. A left guard. Liam also can't be relied on. At the very least needs competition. #3. A tight end that can run an out route and maybe break a tackle or two. Hopefully, be decent at blocking at least. Gesicki isn't it and Symthe is not a starter. He is a fine backup, but someone I think should be the second tight end in the offense instead of the first. #4. A good all around runningback. I am mad at Ross because drafting on in the first two rounds would have been sweet. Mosert gets hurt too easily and Wilson is not good at catching out of the backfield. Both seem good at coming off the bench and being productive. I would just like a runningback like Breece Hall or McCaffery. Someone who can play well. #5. A big wide receiver: I think Gesicki does well in the jump ball and they don't really have anyone like that with him gone except for Erik and Erik hasn't shown to do anything in the regular season. It might be him, but, I don't like counting on players. The time for hope is over. Miami has a two year window for Super Bowl. They need to get it done.
Ok troll, and that what you are, you’re whole post was pointless because you didn’t understand what you were responding to.
I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree. Take away the big pass plays, most of which came from a specific effort to get the big shot and not by a shorter pass leading to a lot of YAC, and last year's offense just wasn't even good, let alone special. That doesn't mean that I'm down on them or think they they can't/won't get better this coming season, because I'm very hopeful. But there's a lot to be improved upon, and there's a massive need not only for a talent infusion on the OL, RB, TE and other WRs, but I think that both Tua and McDaniel need to work hard to mature and take the next step. It can happen, but it hasn't yet. Run the ball consistently, and not just via plays that are setup for attempts at long runs. Be willing and content to throw the ball short when the deep man is covered. Call far more pass plays where the deep man is a decoy and another reciever running a route to an open space that was vacated is the primary target Be willing and eager to take 4 yards on 3rd and 2 rather than trying to go big. Emphasize a much higher percentage of on target, easy catches on short and medium routes, and not balls that the player has to make a major body adjustment and/or leave his feet to catch. And more than anything, take what the defense is giving and make the easier play. Don't be macho. Don't be stupid. Get the first down when its there to be had. Don't get knocked out of FG range trying for a TD. Throw the ball away and punt instead of turning it over, etc.
Dupree is anything but a novice. He and I are friends and I respect him. But we disagree on this. For me, big plays should be the desert after the well cooked dinner is served, and right now the Fins are getting by on cake and ice cream alone. We need a lot more meat and potatoes. Some weeks, there doesn't even need to be any desert to win easily, like the Cleveland game last year. That was my favorite game of the season.
The thing I disagree with you most is the idea that this offense was "big play". It was a medium-play offense. It was extremely effective in the medium play. Mostly in the 15 to 30 yard range in passing plays. Mostly because it was able to use speed to create big holes in he offense and Tua was generally accurate enough to make the throws and good enough to use his eyes to make them wide open. Even if you take the 40+ yard plays away (which is not a good thing to do when discussing the offense), then the offense was still special because it was extremely good at stinging together 15 to 25 yard plays. This offense was really good and when it was humming a long, it was special. Point 1: I agree. I think they should run the ball more. They went away from the run way to much. Point 2: That didn't happen very often. It really only showed up during the 49er game where Tua just missed open receivers all game and the Charger game where the receivers were just not getting open. However, most of the time they were getting separation. Point 3: A lot of their plays were that. Tyreek and Waddle were decoys for each other a lot of the time. Point 4: I disagree 100%. maybe run more, however, their short passing game wasn't all that great. It was just easy to cover all the speed when the team is playing close to the vest. Which is why their 3rd and 6+ game was way better than their 3rd and 4- game Point 5: That is what they did, but just not short routes. Maybe they did get a lot of medium drunk, but it was working so well. Waddle just leaves his feet a lot of times when it is not necessary. I think it is to protect his body or something. Point 6: that is what they did most of the time. it looked easy. Sometimes Tua tried too much, but McDaniel is always preaching to not d too much and take what the defense is giving them. It is just set up for the defense to give them 20+ yard passes. Every advanced metric of this offense was good to great. They need to tighten things up a little, however, it is very close to being special. Just need Tua to stay healthy or get a backup who is capable of making the offense run well.
Free agency and the draft have a lot to do with next year’s outlook, plus there are a few players who will be addition by subtraction on the current roster.
Maybe to Tua it was. He's a very young man who's been under an extreme amount of pressure and criticism. It would make sense that he wants to prove his detractors wrong. But McDaniels job is to reign him in and to call smart plays and routes that best serve the overall offense. Not just the ooooh and ahhh highlights that get shown on ESPN.
It was because of Hill & Waddle. If anyone of them are open downfield they are gone. He rarely forced downfield throws into coverage unless it was to Hill.
I think we'll see an offense that's much more diverse next season. I expect Ezukunma to slide into being a productive WR3 and also believe we're going to have an actual rushing attack. Hopefully, our focus will be on building starter-quality depth in the OL, LB and DB units. Offseason will be less exciting than last year, but obtaining depth with under-the-radar moves will be key.
Yup. We need to be able to scheme against every team we face with a different game plan each week. Run against this team, pass against that one, mix it up against another. With Tua's accuracy downfield and healthy YPA, we have a team that can win by throwing fewer than 30 times per game and if we can force a safety into the box with runs and short passes, it should be a goal.
I will be honest. I do not think this offense will be less exciting this year at all. If Miami actually has a rushing attack, I think there is a good chance Miami might score 30+ 4 games in a row for the first time. Especially if the defense is better at stopping long drives, getting off the field on 3rd downs, and turnovers. 2022 was one of the worst seasons in Dolphins history when it came to getting turnovers on defense.
Football is a dynamic game. A lot of fans don't appreciate how much defense impacts offense (and vice versa). We have to get them off the field sooner. One more opponent punt per game would be enough to push our scoring average up to ~30 ppg. Similarly, one less punt per game could push our defensive analytics much higher as well. I'm hoping we find that balance.
I do not disagree with you in the sense that Miami needs to run more and especially with the lead be able to slow things down a little. However, even in the Cleveland game which did have more running Tua still threw for 8.9 yards per attempt and over 10 yards per completion. It was still an exciting offense that day. I know myself, and I appreciate the dynamic game of football. It makes me more impressed by what the Dolphins were able to do with how little the defense gave them last year.
Not being daft here, however I feel like we have said this 4-5 times over the last ten years. Im tired of having any excuses. Build your team with some depth! If you can't count on your backups to fill in for a short gap and not **** the bed you need to replace those picking the players. Every team deals with injuries, Both KC and Eagles have had major starters out for multiple games and they are in the Super Bowl. IM TIRED OF THE EXCUSES.
Light years better than last years but still bottom of the pile. That's how bad last years was. Things I'd like to see more next season... I want to see what McDaniel can do when he gets to identify some OL and TE's that he wants. Better blocking both run and pass is a must. Not only to keep Tua healthy but to give us a consistent run game. Last season the run game was boom or bust. Tua NEEDS to take the checkdowns when defences give them to him. Stop playing hero ball and stop listening to the talking heads saying he can't throw it deep. Hope the injury bug doesn't hit us as hard as specific positions as it did this year. With Fangio coming in you would hope the defence would be better, especially in the take away department. If that happens then this offence is capable of scoring 30+ points on nearly everyone. I honestly think, injuries permitting that this team is an 11+ win team next year even with what looks like a brutal schedule. They beat themselves last year more than the opponents did.
The big difference is in the details, though. In the Cleveland game, in large part due to how well they ran the ball that day, Tua was able to just be patient and get the ball to the open man. He spread it around beautifully, with five guys catching either 4 or 5 passes. Just took what was there. Play action worked well that day as well. For me, that's the blueprint, when its viable. There will of course be days when its not.
