The Miami Dolphins were, at one point this season Super Bowl favorites and exhibited the most dominant offense in the NFL. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, the once-dominant offense has statistically cooled off after their red-hot start.
Miami Dolphins Disappointing Offensive Skid
In the past four games, the Dolphins have not been able to put up impressive numbers. While still ranked number one in the NFL, the Dolphins offense has only scored 18.7 points per game in the last 4 games. While the Dolphins are still first in the AFC South, they have gone 2-4 in that span and squandered a dominant lead over the second-place Bills at 6-5. It may be important to note, however that two of those losses came to the Chiefs and Eagles, widely considered to be the two best teams in the NFL.
Miami Dolphins Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s Tough Stretch
While he was the favorite to win the NFL Most Valuable Player Award, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has dropped to fourth in the odds at this point in the season. Tagovailoa remains number two in quarterback rating to San Francisco 49ers system quarterback Brock Purdy but his dominant numbers have cooled, and he has been forced to rely substantially more on his pocket passing and decision-making.
Tyreek Hill’s OPOY Push
While the offense has been stifled over the course of the past month, wide receiver Tyreek Hill has been the most consistent part of this struggling offense, pacing the league in receiving yards and touchdown receptions. At this point in the season, Tyreek Hill is still the statistical favorite to win the AFC Offensive Player of the Year Award.
Dolphins Weakened Rushing Attack
Part of what has made this offense special has been the elite speed that Head Coach Mike McDaniel has assembled, including wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, as well as running backs Raheem Mostert and Devon Achane. The running backs particularly have been exception leading the Dolphins to the second-ranked rushing attack in the NFL. The last four games, however have been different, with Achane finding himself on injured reserve and Mostert failing to eclipse 100 rushing yards in a game. With Achane returning to the fold this past week, the Dolphins will look to improve down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Where do the Miami Dolphins go from here?
Miami is expected to finish the season against a mixed bag of teams with expected wins against the New York Jets two times, Washington Commanders, and Tennessee Titans. They will play some tough games against the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Dallas Cowboys. The main criticism of the Dolphins so far this season has been their poor offensive performances against elite teams, so look to see Head Coach Mike McDaniel focus on breaking the stigma against these teams while the Dolphins look to finish the season at least 11-6.