Tua-McDaniel Connection Main Reason For Miami Dolphins Offense Improving
I remember the off-season question series of articles I wrote for Miami as if I just finished them yesterday. The one I dreaded the most, the Tua Tagovailoa article, now feels completely different. The Miami Dolphins offense has exceeded the expectations I had for it in the first half the season. The connection of quarterback and coach Mike McDaniel has proven to be a major reason why the offense looked so much.
For all Brian Flores did for Miami’s defense he never wanted Tua. Their relationship clearly hurt Tua’s development. Many analysts pointed out that this phone call from McDaniel to Tua seemed pretty standard. Its what you expect a new coach to say to his quarterback, they told us. Maybe, but Tua still needed to hear it. It now begs the question as to why the team refused to build around him sooner.
McDaniel looked at the strength’s of his quarterback and tried to scheme open receivers in the middle of the field. Two fast receivers, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, make his play calling easier. They run wide open often, getting plenty of separation. Still Tua’s growing confidence allows him to make throws like the one discussed at 7:03:
Would Tua have the opportunity to make that throw last year? Probably not and that is due to the coach, his scheme, his lack of confidence in Tua. There are several other obvious factors as well, two of which immediately come to mind, and are being touted by some as the new Marks Brothers.
Hill And Waddle Are Remaking Dolphins Offense Completely
Tyreek Hill came to the Dolphins telling everyone Tua was the most accurate quarterback in the NFL. His speed and ability to get open certainly have helped make life easier for Miami’s starter. Put that together with trying to cover Jaylen Waddle as well and you understand why the Dolphins have been a pass-first offense thus far this season.
As the top past catching duo in the league continues to attract more coverage and go up against better corners at the end of the season other receivers must step up. Mike Gesicki, Trent Sherfield, and Cedrick Wilson all will have opportunities to make plays. The running backs also look to figure into the passing game more as well. Eight different Miami players caught a pass Sunday against the Browns. Given that receivers, other than Waddle and Hill, will see one on one coverage it becomes essential for Tua to continue to make good reads and not force the ball to his top two receivers.
Line Biggest Improvement Of Offense
While all the excitement this offseason around Tyreek Hill’s signing, there were two offensive line signings that were just as important. Terron Armstead and Connor Williams have helped the Dolphins’ line improve from 32nd last year to 19th in the latest Pro Football Focus rankings. Tua’s quick release has not hurt either, but for Hill and Waddle to have the opportunities to get open for big plays the line needed veteran help. Almost all of Miami’s linemen were 25 or younger last year. A Pro Bowl left tackle and a top third of the NFL guard, now a center, automatically made the biggest weakness of the team better.
While the line is clearly better than last it still has room to improve. McDaniel’s wide zone run blocking takes time to learn. This past Sunday against the Browns was the first time Miami appeared to run the ball the effects throughout the entire game. If the line can continue to improve its running blocking the Dolphins’ offense truly might become unstoppable.
Miami’s Running Game Still Has Plenty Of Room To Grow
Miami scored thirty or more points in three straight games for the first time since 2009. This is despite the fact that the running game is 29th in yards so far this year. 195 yards on the ground against the Browns shows that the Dolphins may finally have found the right combination of backs.
The Bradley Chubb trade deadline pickup will be discussed in the next midseason article, but there was another acquisition that was not as heralded. Jeff Wilson Jr., traded to Miami for a fifth-round pick from the San Francisco 49ers, rushed for 17-119 Sunday. He showed the ability to be a physical, tackled runner, with good speed as well. Together Raheem Mostert’s ability to stretch runs and bounce outside the team now has a combo that works well together. Not only that but both are former 49ers who knew McDaniel’s system well. Both, along with fullback Alec Ingold, how they can be part of the passing game as well.
Plenty of analysts ask how Miami’s offense will fare once the weather turns colder. The answer has to be that the running game will be to the point that the Bills’ and Patriots’ defenses cannot ignore it. If those defenses play more nickel and dime coverages then the Dolphins will struggle to throw in the colder conditions. The best way to continue to see Waddle and Hill run free, and Tua stay upright, is for the RPO and play action to be effective. That works and is a bigger part of the game plan if the running game is effective.
Bottom Line On Miami Dolphins Offense At The Bye Week
Its easy to see that Miami’s offense is better than it was the last two years. A coach who believes in his quarterback. A confident quarterback making better throws. More talent at every level of the offense: backs, receivers, and the offense all upgraded before and during the season. The offense is the biggest reason analysts think the Dolphins have a chance to make the Super Bowl.
The scary thing is that Miami has room to grow offensively, particularly in running the football. If the lines run blocking continues to improve as they become more familiar with McDaniel’s scheme then Wilson and Mostert will have more days like this past Sunday. More games like the Browns game could fuel a deep playoff run. Fans already love McDaniel and if he can help the Dolphins win playoff games in his first year they may throw him a parade.
Get the latest sports news via Fantom Sports Industries. Follow us on Twitter via @Fantom_sports. Like us on Facebook via Fantom Sports Industries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel via Fantom Sports. Subscribe to our Newsletter! Shop Fantom Sports Industries Merch.
Invest in your favorite athletes like stocks with “Prediction Strike!” Use code FANTOM when you sign up!