We spoke with SB Nation’s Dolphins blog about the Patriots’ Week 5 opponent.
The New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins are Spiderman-pointing-at-another-Spiderman-meme-ing their way into Week 5. Both teams are 1-3, have lost three straight games, and are dealing with significant injury woes on both sides of the ball.
Safe to say, we might be in for a treat this Sunday.
To get a better understanding of what Miami brings to the Week 5 matchup, though, we exchanged questions with Kevin Nogle of Pats Pulpit’s sister site The Phinsider — the SB Nation community for all things Dolphins.
Here is what he told us about the upcoming game.
1. Outside of Tua Tagovailoa’s injury, why have the Dolphins struggled the past three weeks?
This might become the theme in our discussion, but I really feel like head coach Mike McDaniel is trying too hard to prove he is a great offensive mind. Rather than sticking with what works, he is trying to throw new wrinkles into the offense and it is not working right now. Teams are trying to force the Dolphins into not looking toward Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and Miami is playing right into that plan.
There have been way too many passes at or behind the line of scrimmage this year. When they are taking deep shots to third tight end Tanner Conner rather than Hill or Waddle, it is strange. Miami needs to get back to attacking the middle of the field with Hill and Waddle, using their speed to create the space needed for the passes, and then let them do the work by creating yards after the catch.
Finally, starting running back Raheem Mostert sidelined has also been a problem. Yes, everyone loves De’Von Achane’s production and explosiveness, but Miami’s offense was designed this year to use Mostert in the backfield as the primary runner and then bring in Achane either to add a different dynamic or as a receiver. Mostert appears set to return this week, which may allow the Miami offense to create different looks and get back to some of what works.
2. How can Mike McDaniel put QB Tyler Huntley in position to succeed?
Remind the receivers that they are supposed to catch the ball? I posted during the game last week that maybe the switch to a right-handed spin on the ball is throwing off the receivers. It was a joke as we continued to watch catchable passes hit the ground — but at this point, maybe it was not a joke.
Seriously, though, I think the main thing is just getting Huntley more comfortable with the offense. McDaniel’s offense is complex, including lengthy verbiage for his play calling. It still is a problem sometimes for Tagovailoa, with the play clock running down as he gets the call into the offense. Huntley was only with the team 13 days before he started the Monday night game. He has to get comfortable with the offense, make sure he understands the timing of the motions and the routes, and he has to build some chemistry with the receivers.
Getting the run game started — and letting Huntley use his legs to make plays — will also be a big benefit to the offense’s success.
3. Miami’s run game hasn’t been as effective through four weeks as it has in recent seasons. What’s behind that?
Since we already talked about Achane and Mostert, I will turn to the other side of that discussion. Miami’s offensive line has to create space for the running backs. They have some really strong moments, but they are also allowing penetration and not clearing holes for the runners. Adding Mostert back into the lineup could be the catalyst that sparks the run game, but it will not be enough if the offensive line does not also improve their play.
4. How has Anthony Weaver looked in his first season as the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator?
The defense has actually been pretty good, despite the 1-3 start to the year. Fans have complained about the defense, but that is probably just a byproduct of complaining about the team in general at this point. The Dolphins are sixth in the league in total defense, fifth against the pass, but they are allowing an average of 25.8 points per game as well.
Losing linebacker Jaelan Phillips for the season, the second straight year he has suffered a season-ending injury, will force the team to adjust how they pressure the quarterback. Safety Jordan Poyer, who injured his shin in the collision with Phillips’ knee, has been ruled out for this game, leaving a hole in the defensive secondary. The Dolphins defense has to make adjustments this week if they want to continue to be a top-10 defensive unit.
The biggest single thing the Dolphins can do to assist the defense is to start scoring on offense and win the field position game. Giving the defense a chance to breathe on the sideline, not have to defend a short field, and allow them to play with a lead — something Miami has literally not had for a single in-game second this year — would greatly benefit a unit that has been playing well.
5. What must Miami do to win this game? What likely happened if they lose?
Step one. Show up. It does not feel like the Dolphins offense has shown up lately, and they are playing from behind immediately. They have to show up. That is not to say just being there will give them a win over the Patriots, but they have to be there and look more like the 2023 Dolphins offense if they want to have a chance.
I know teams always struggle when they lose their starting quarterback, but I have never seen a team that goes from being the top offense in the league to not being able to complete passes like Miami has done this season. Hill and Waddle have to step up and be difference makers. Mostert and Achane need to put their stamp on this game. Someone needs to take some of the pressure off Huntley.
On defense, stack the box against the Patriots’ rushing game and force quarterback Jacoby Brissett to prove he can beat them through the air. So far, Brissett has looked like the journeyman backup quarterback that has bounced from team to team and the Dolphins can take advantage of that. Stuff the run and keep New England from finding a rhythm there. Trust the secondary — even without Poyer — to do their job.