Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Breaking down the Miami Dolphins new offensive scheme

By Mathis Gaglione

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 02: Head coach, Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 02: Head coach, Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Saints quarterback Drew Brees signs autographs before NFL NFC wild-card playoff football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018 in New Orleans. New Orleans won 31-26.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees signs autographs before NFL NFC wild-card playoff football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018 in New Orleans. New Orleans won 31-26. /

What NFL QBs have run the WCO?

We’ve seen quarterbacks with limitations, some really, really good ones, run this type of offense. Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and even Drew Brees, who Dolphins QB, Tua Tagovailoa was compared to coming out of college, were super effective in this offense. For quarterbacks that don’t have the strongest arms but are super accurate and can process things quickly, this is the offense for them. The WCO limits the deep passes needed to run the system, as well as routes outside the numbers that QBs without elite arm strength may have trouble making.

YAC & “Choice Routes”-

Oct 10, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ross Cockrell (43) defends Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) catch during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ross Cockrell (43) defends Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) catch during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Receivers with good hands that don’t mind going over the middle of the field are necessary for the WCO to work. Most receivers that excel in this offense are smaller and quick, that can work well in space and short yardage situations. Receivers typically love playing in this offense because they are given more opportunities in the open field, and are able to have input on what routes they run on certain plays. These routes are called, “choice routes”.

Receivers can have up to three options on what route they can run on certain plays. The 49ers ran these concepts a ton on third down last season. The WRs would have three options at the top of their routes, cut inside, cut outside, or sit in the zone, all based upon the defenders leverage. The quarterback is in charge of recognizing the defensive look, and reading the choice made by the receiver. This sometimes causes confusion and makes it look like the receiver ran the wrong route. Communication must be spot on to limit these types of mistakes.

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