MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins, previously noted for their explosive offense last season, have adapted their strategy this year. Their dynamic offense revolved around making big plays, contributing to their ranking as the league leader in both 10- and 50-plus yard plays. With speedy receivers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, alongside their agile running backs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, the team thrived on quick strikes.
This season, however, the Dolphins have shifted their focus as defenses have been targeting them explicitly to limit those explosive plays, often employing two deep safeties. Instead of relying solely on high-octane scoring, Miami has embraced longer, methodical offensive drives. This was evident during their recent game against the Las Vegas Raiders. “This is something we’ve discussed since the offseason,” remarked head coach Mike McDaniel. “With an eye on how we can win critical games, it’s essential to adapt based on the challenge in front of you.”
In their victory against the Raiders, Miami exhibited efficiency, orchestrating three drives that surpassed 14 plays and exceeded seven minutes in duration. They also had another impressive drive that spanned 10 plays over 5 minutes and 44 seconds, with three of their four drives resulting in touchdowns. Although the Dolphins managed only seven possessions in the game, their efficiency highlighted a significant evolution in their approach led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa, who tops the NFL with a remarkable 73.4% completion rate, showcased his adaptability, completing 28 of 36 passes for 288 yards against the Raiders while successfully distributing the ball to nine different receivers. “I think the evolution of my play as a quarterback stems from not forcing deep passes if they aren’t available,” he explained. “Instead, I prioritize taking the checkdowns, lending our runners opportunities to make plays. This approach can function similarly to a run play.”
Yet, the flip side of this new offensive style has resulted in reduced touches for Hill and Waddle, who are facing more double coverage this season. Consequently, both players are experiencing their least productive seasons to date. Hill recorded 61 receiving yards and a touchdown, marking his first back-to-back games with touchdowns this year, while Waddle managed just two catches for 37 yards.
The extra attention given to the Dolphins’ star receivers has inadvertently created opportunities for other players. Achane has emerged notably, leading the team with 46 receptions and 122 carries. In the recent game, he rushed for 73 yards on 17 carries and caught four passes for an additional 32 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown run. Tight end Jonnu Smith has also become a vital offensive asset, making nine catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns over the last two games. “Sustained drives reflect our style of football,” Smith stated, affirming Miami’s offensive identity.
Looking ahead, Coach McDaniel aims to balance the efficient ball control with more big plays, which have been challenging to achieve lately. The Dolphins managed only one 50-yard play in the game against Las Vegas. “Big plays are crucial for winning,” McDaniel said. “Executing plays consistently at shorter distances is difficult. If a defense opts for a strategy focusing on preventing long gains, we must capitalize on sustained drives, pushing them to take risks.”
In their recent outing, Miami converted eight of 12 third downs and both fourth-down attempts, pushing their third-down success rate to an impressive 56% during their current two-game winning streak. However, despite this offensive success, the defense faced criticism, particularly regarding their performance on third downs, allowing the Raiders to convert 57%. “We need substantial improvement in that area,” expressed safety Jevon Holland.
Among individual performances, tight end Jonnu Smith saw a notable increase in stock after catching two touchdowns, including a 57-yard score, and reaching a career-high 101 receiving yards—all on six catches. This performance established Smith as the first Dolphins tight end to achieve such a feat since the NFL merger in 1970. Conversely, cornerback Cam Smith, a second-round draft pick in 2023, played limited snaps (just eight), with undrafted rookie Storm Duck stepping up in his absence. Smith has allowed a concerning 12 of 15 catches for 134 yards in coverage this season.
Injury updates show running back Raheem Mostert exited early due to a hip injury, limiting his play for the remainder of the game.
Key statistics from the matchup include that the Dolphins scored over 30 points for the first time this season, their highest tally since December 17, 2023, against the Jets. Additionally, with their latest victory, the Dolphins reached a significant milestone of 500 franchise wins, becoming the 19th organization in the NFL to achieve this landmark.
Next, Miami will host the New England Patriots on Sunday, having previously defeated them in Week 5 with Tagovailoa sidelined.