Can the Offense Take it to Another Level?

[SF Dolphin Fan]

After 14 games, we know what to expect from the defense.

On the other hand, the offense has been up and down kind of searching for its identity and sorting through the walking wounded. Maybe Miami found that this Sunday with a running game that seemingly came out of nowhere.

It was the most rushing yards allowed by New England all year and the 22nd highest single game total in Dolphins history. Strange considering the Patriots had to be expecting a heavy dose of ground control.

Anyway, to my original question. Is there another level this offense could reach as Miami makes a surprising postseason run?

 

[greasyObnoxious]

i'd like to say yes with a conviction, but where would it come from?

there's only so much one can do schematically

 

[Shula Fan]

We all hope so

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

i'd like to say yes with a conviction, but where would it come from?

there's only so much one can do schematically

Unless this newfound run game continues, I tend to agree with you. It's been nice seeing Bowden emerge somewhat and the offensive line is starting to really come together.

Some of those running lanes yesterday were a sight to behold.

 

[claytonduper]

If our offense can change in-game strategies, run or pass heavy, based on what the defense allows we could be hard to shut down completely. Execution must be at a high level. After winning the next 2 games we will need a strong running game to mitigate weather conditions and clock control in the playoffs.

 

[Namor]

It’s going to be what it is now...no speed to take the top off...medium stuff has small windows...amazing .what we’ve accomplished considering talent level on O...
Defense will HAVE to continue to get turnovers and score occasionally.
This is the way!!!

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

If our offense can change in-game strategies, run or pass heavy, based on what the defense allows we could be hard to shut down completely. Execution must be at a high level. After winning the next 2 games we will need a strong running game to mitigate weather conditions and clock control in the playoffs.

No doubt. That running game is huge in the playoffs.

Say what you will about New England, but even in a down year they usually stop the run. And they had to know that was Miami's strategy with Parker, Williams, Grant and Gesicki out of the lineup.

Which made the 252 rushing yards quite an accomplishment. Is that simply an anomaly, or a prelude of things to come?

This offensive line was knocking New England off the ball pretty consistently.

 

[Rev Kev]

Uhh execute the fake ST plays without penalty?

 

[BennySwella]

100% yes... Next year.

The offense can get better game by game this year because Tua is getting better game by game. Which will improve the run game and pass game due to all the rpo.

This offense is not great but it starts with the running game. If we can find a way to run the ball effectively, we have a good enough qb to make our group of scrappers at wr be able to win games. Can you imagine Burrow or Herbert with these WR's? I guarantee there would be way more interceptions thrown by this point in the year.

 

[Stoobz]

Well, we should be able to have another nice run outing against the Raiders. They are near the bottom in run defense.

 

[NorthernFin]

If our offense can change in-game strategies, run or pass heavy, based on what the defense allows we could be hard to shut down completely. Execution must be at a high level. After winning the next 2 games we will need a strong running game to mitigate weather conditions and clock control in the playoffs.

I am still hoping (dreaming?) of the day we run the offense we want, no matter what the defense does. They adjust to us, not the other way around. In the 70's we ran over people no matter what the D put forth. In the Marino years we passed against anybody we wanted to.
Once this O-line really starts to gel, I think we can get there again. We use the RPO and run, P/A, throw deep, etc. Put that with our almost elite Defense, we are talking perennial playoff team.

 

[TuaClockSomewhere]

At this point in the season, you generally are who you are. With that said, I do think Miami’s situation is unique and there’s reason to be optimistic that the offense can continue to improve.

1. Rookie QB gaining experience. Tua “looks” more and more comfortable each week. You won’t see it in the box score, but he looks more and more confident in his reads, pocket presence, and overall command each time he takes the field. Reason to believe he will continue to improve in the next 2+ weeks.

2. Run game beyond NE. I don’t believe Miami is going to be as successful in the run game as they were against NE moving forward. Remember, Cam Akers also torched this NE defense the week prior. However, to the naked eye, it seemed Miami transitioned to a more zone oriented run approach against NE and it paid off. This is something I’ve been waiting for all year. We aren’t built to play power football. Pulling Kindley, Flowers, etc., and asking Gaskin, Ahmed, Brieda to play in that scheme isn’t playing to your strength. With the success Miami had this past weekend with a zone attack, I have to imagine we’ll see more of that moving forward. Even if Chan stumbled upon it as a coincidence (copying LAR), let’s hope it sticks. We won’t go for 200+ every week, but it will add a much needed dimension to this group.

3. Health/WRs. Can Preston & Gesicki return? Will DVP be 100% or close to when he gets back? Having Preston and DVP back alone would pay massive dividends with the emergence of Bowden. Miami’s bread and butter is short, quick passing game. Even if it’s just for a handful of back shoulder fades a la Arizona game, having those 2 perimeter options can raise the ceiling of this offense significantly

 

[Mach2]

I am still hoping (dreaming?) of the day we run the offense we want, no matter what the defense does. They adjust to us, not the other way around. In the 70's we ran over people no matter what the D put forth. In the Marino years we passed against anybody we wanted to.
Once this O-line really starts to gel, I think we can get there again. We use the RPO and run, P/A, throw deep, etc. Put that with our almost elite Defense, we are talking perennial playoff team.

I like the sentiment, but that's not how it works against good defensive teams these days.

The OC identifies weaknesses, and gameplans accordingly.

Sure, against inferior teams you can just manhandle them, but at some points in a playoff run, you have to outscheme opponents.

 

[Danny]

After 14 games, we know what to expect from the defense.

On the other hand, the offense has been up and down kind of searching for its identity and sorting through the walking wounded. Maybe Miami found that this Sunday with a running game that seemingly came out of nowhere.

It was the most rushing yards allowed by New England all year and the 22nd highest single game total in Dolphins history. Strange considering the Patriots had to be expecting a heavy dose of ground control.

Anyway, to my original question. Is there another level this offense could reach as Miami makes a surprising postseason run?

Tbh, I think we're about where we can be with the players we have. Add two WR's and a RB in the off season and the offense can take off.

 

[circumstances]

Once we get healthy (Parker back, Gesicki back, etc.), I expect our offense to be more consistent, and to score more points.

This season.