Perfect72
It's Only Happened ONCE!
How would you describe the Miami Dolphins' offense after four games?
Inconsistent? Sputtering? Lacking identity?
The Dolphins have struggled with third-down conversions, scoring points and staying on the field for overall snaps.
There is a lot to fix, but the team has a 10-day break in between games after Thursday's 22-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Here are five suggestions to improve Miami's offense:
No. 1: Slow down the tempo
The Dolphins probably aren't going to take my suggestion to slow down the offense, but they should. This would fundamentally go against a lot of core principles Miami has in place of dictating tempo and keeping the defense on its heels. However, the Dolphins' no-huddle and half-huddle offense hasn't worked. If anything, the constant three-and-out and inability to convert on third downs -- they were 2 of 11 against Cincinnati -- has benefitted the opponent. For now, the Dolphins would be better off huddling and slowing things down to help with time of possession and help keep the defense off the field.
No. 2: Move the pocket, use Tannehill's mobility
Tannehill's pocket presence is a weakness. It's been that way for four-plus years. Tannehill struggles with avoiding and feeling the rush and protecting the ball. One thing that could help is to move the pocket. Get Tannehill on the run to use his solid athleticism. He's often able to keep his accuracy on the run, which is an asset. The Dolphins have these plays in their offense. The downside is moving the pocket cuts off half the field and only gives Tannehill a couple of passing options per play instead of the full field.
No. 3: Shorten the running back rotation
I was confused when the Dolphins kept five running backs on their 53-man roster after the preseason. I've been even more confused with Miami using a four-tailback rotation on offense. Neither running back can get in a rhythm with sporadic carries. Gase even admits that it's a challenge to keep up with which running back is in the game and calling the right play to suit that player. This is a classic example of making things more complicated than necessary. The Dolphins should cut their tailback rotation in half and go with two players at the position. Whether it's Arian Foster and Jay Ajayi, or Ajayi and rookie Kenyan Drake, pick a duo and stick with it.
No. 4: Get the ball in DeVante Parker's hands
The Dolphins don't have a lot of game-breaking talent on offense, but Parker is one of the few players dynamic enough to change a game. The Dolphins need to make it a point to get their 2015 first-round pick the football. Parker has the ability to make plays on all three levels and should get the ball on screens, intermediate and deep passes. He had just three targets, two receptions and 20 yards. Parker should be in the range of 7-10 targets per game.
More at LINK: http://www.espn.com/blog/miami-dolphins/post/_/id/23039/five-ways-to-fix-the-miami-dolphins-offense
Your thoughts....
Inconsistent? Sputtering? Lacking identity?
The Dolphins have struggled with third-down conversions, scoring points and staying on the field for overall snaps.
There is a lot to fix, but the team has a 10-day break in between games after Thursday's 22-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Here are five suggestions to improve Miami's offense:
No. 1: Slow down the tempo
The Dolphins probably aren't going to take my suggestion to slow down the offense, but they should. This would fundamentally go against a lot of core principles Miami has in place of dictating tempo and keeping the defense on its heels. However, the Dolphins' no-huddle and half-huddle offense hasn't worked. If anything, the constant three-and-out and inability to convert on third downs -- they were 2 of 11 against Cincinnati -- has benefitted the opponent. For now, the Dolphins would be better off huddling and slowing things down to help with time of possession and help keep the defense off the field.
No. 2: Move the pocket, use Tannehill's mobility
Tannehill's pocket presence is a weakness. It's been that way for four-plus years. Tannehill struggles with avoiding and feeling the rush and protecting the ball. One thing that could help is to move the pocket. Get Tannehill on the run to use his solid athleticism. He's often able to keep his accuracy on the run, which is an asset. The Dolphins have these plays in their offense. The downside is moving the pocket cuts off half the field and only gives Tannehill a couple of passing options per play instead of the full field.
No. 3: Shorten the running back rotation
I was confused when the Dolphins kept five running backs on their 53-man roster after the preseason. I've been even more confused with Miami using a four-tailback rotation on offense. Neither running back can get in a rhythm with sporadic carries. Gase even admits that it's a challenge to keep up with which running back is in the game and calling the right play to suit that player. This is a classic example of making things more complicated than necessary. The Dolphins should cut their tailback rotation in half and go with two players at the position. Whether it's Arian Foster and Jay Ajayi, or Ajayi and rookie Kenyan Drake, pick a duo and stick with it.
No. 4: Get the ball in DeVante Parker's hands
The Dolphins don't have a lot of game-breaking talent on offense, but Parker is one of the few players dynamic enough to change a game. The Dolphins need to make it a point to get their 2015 first-round pick the football. Parker has the ability to make plays on all three levels and should get the ball on screens, intermediate and deep passes. He had just three targets, two receptions and 20 yards. Parker should be in the range of 7-10 targets per game.
More at LINK: http://www.espn.com/blog/miami-dolphins/post/_/id/23039/five-ways-to-fix-the-miami-dolphins-offense
Your thoughts....
