Miami Dolphins offense needs to step up against Packers
By Austin Ramos
The Miami Dolphins posted a season low in week 9 vs the New York Jets at home with 168 total yards of offense. Before it was 172 in week 2 at the New England Patriots. So what gives?
The Miami Dolphins have averaged 300 plus or so yards per game a majority of the season and those 2 specific outings Miami doesn’t even pass 200 total yards. With quarterback Brock Osweiler only throwing for 139 yards and 15 completions out of 24 attempts but sacked 4 times for a total loss of 35 yards and 3 of them being on 3rd down. The Jets ran obvious blitz plays and Miami just had no answer for them what so ever. The Green Bay Packers will see this and know now to follow that type of scheme.
Miami also had costly penalties when they got in field goal range where they had drives that had potential then they completely stalled after a penalty for 10 yards would set them back and they have to gain 20 yards to just continue the drive. That can not happen in week 10 when facing a Green Bay team led offensively by Aaron Rodgers that can score pretty much as he pleases. Getting non fulfilling drives like the 3 and outs so often it is not what Miami wants to happen in this upcoming game on Sunday.
Miami will need to run the ball early and often, and effectively to continue drives. They also need to get the ball to their play making receivers like Parker, Grant, Stills and Amendola. Last week they combined for 8 total receptions on 12 targets. Miami is involving Kalen Ballage more and more on offense. They had him be the wildcat qb on a play that would’ve gone for a first down but was called back do to a holding, but he also got 2 catches out of the backfield and could use his speed to his advantage similarly how we use Kenyan Drake.
Now here are some injuries on the offensive side of the ball.
QB, Ryan Tannehill is most likely going to be out with his shoulder capsule injury to the very least after the BYE week, he is listed as doubtful.
OT, Ju’Wuan James has a strained patellar tendon in his right knee, He is listed as questionable.
OT, Laremy Tunsil has a knee injury but is said to not be too serious, He is listed as questionable.
TE, A.J. Derby has been dealing with a foot injury early on in the season and should be back on the field anytime soon this season, he is listed as questionable.