Miami Dolphins: 3 major takeaways from Week 3 vs. Raiders
By Jeremy Klump
2. The Co-OC experiment has failed, and it is only Week 3
My biggest concern for the Miami Dolphins offense in 2021 was their co-offensive coordinator situation. It is always nice to be right, but in this instance, I wish I was wrong. However, I was right.
The co-offensive coordinator dynamic is a failure, and it is only Week 3.
And it isn’t just a small failure either. Last night, it was on full display just how bad and dysfunctional the dynamic is. Eric Studesville and George Godsey are the co-offensive coordinators, with quarterbacks coach Charlie Frye also having a big say in the dynamic.
I would argue that all three are to blame, but you also have a big problem when you have three guys to blame. Miami has no identity on offense, and it could directly reflect having too many people having too much input. Miami needs an Alpha in the room who decides what Miami is going to do and how they are going to do it.
The play-calling was so bad on Sunday that I would not be surprised to see Brian Flores change play-callers for however many times that would be now. Miami ran a double smoke screen in their own end zone that resulted in a safety. And yes, Jacoby Brissett should have thrown the ball to the middle of the field, but he should not have had the option to throw a screen either.
Then there is the usage of No. 6 overall pick Jaylen Waddle. I will go on record saying that Waddle is Miami’s best player on offense. He is incredible. The only thing holding him back is the Miami play-caller. Waddle broke an NFL record on Sunday. He had the lowest receiving yard total for any non-running back to have 12 or more catches (via Shawn Coleman). YIKES! They only sent Waddle on drags and screens, and it was hard to watch. He is not a gimmick player; he is a DUDE that needs the ball in his hands.
The last thing was the wildcat on the 1-yard line. Miami drives all the way down the field and then lines up in wildcat on first and goal. I do not think I would have hated it as much if they did not have Jakeem Grant in at receiver for it instead of Waddle. That is atrocious.
Just as atrocious as the co-offensive coordinator dynamic.