For the 2021 Miami Dolphins all is not lost; help could be on the way
By Kevin Hood
The last accessible item that can be changed to improve the 2021 season for the Miami Dolphins is coaching. There are too many snaps where Miami players have mental mistakes that lead to a poor play with damning consequences.
Whether it is Jesse Davis watching the defender lined up in front of him take out his quarterback, Austin Jackson double-teaming a guy already blocked by the left guard allowing a pro bowl pass rusher to go free, or Jacoby Brissett throwing the ball in his endzone to a guarded Jaylen Waddle for an easy safety that led to significant momentum swing for a Las Vegas team that was down but 14.
Coaching situational football should be the continuous theme to improve over the coming weeks. Miami’s coaching staff has shown a poor offensive game plan to help cover up apparent flaws and called plays where there is no chance at a positive play. But with two new offensive coordinators, this coaching staff is developing just as much as the players on the field.
Miami showed a much better ability to move the ball downfield compared to weeks 1 and 2 but still needs help continuing drives. The run blocking improvements were a welcomed change, but not breaking 100 yards passing until the end of the 3rd quarter was a troubling sight.
Similarly, Miami’s once elite 3rd down defense seemed to be a considerable liability so far this season. Solid plays on early downs have led to false hope as Miami is being beaten on 3rd downs at an alarming rate. Lack of consistent pass rush and an exposed soft middle in the defense has allowed other teams to convert on over 59 percent of their 3rd down attempts.
In all, the Miami Dolphins are aware of their glaring issues. This front office can and probably will address the many problems facing this young team. With help from the coaching staff, Miami has a chance to close the small gap in the race for the AFC East. Only a single game back, this season is far from over.