Another NFL season has come and gone. With that, each player has another year under their belts, and each player has another year notched off their career. Now, the endless cycle of fan opinions regarding these players circulates, and now new players have earned “underrated” and “overrated” titles. With that in mind, here are three of the most underrated NFL players from this past season.
Photo Courtesy of Kevin Cox/Getty Images
Tyler Allgeier
Tyler Allgeier was selected in the fifth round of the NFL draft last year by the Falcons. With a draft selection that late, and Cordaralle Patterson already on the roster, his expectations were understandably small. However, Patterson suffered some injuries this season, which gave a ton of playing time to Allgeier. He did not waste a second.
Allgeier never really got the credit he deserved for what was a fantastic rookie season. He finished his rookie season with 210 attempts, which came out to an astounding 1,035 yards, good enough for nearly five yards per carry. Allgeier put together an impressive rookie season, and has a bright future ahead of him.
Tyson Campbell
Tyson Cambell had an up-and-down rookie season. He was impressive at times, but was rocky at others. Campbell used his first off-season to work on his game. That paid off in major ways in 2022.
Campbell finished the season as the sixth-best overall cornerback, and the sixth-best coverage grade by Pro Football Focus. He earned an 81.9 overall grade, and an 81.5 coverage grade. Campbell really came on as the season has came to an end, and was been a large part of the reason the Jaguars got so far this season.
Jaelan Phillips
Jaelen Phillips is the third, and final, young guy on this list. Phillips didn’t do much of anything in his rookie season, bringing low expectations into his sophomore campaign.
Phillips would go on to have an excellent second season, as he finished the season graded as the sixth best edge defender by Pro Football Focus. In his second season, Phillips lodged nine sacks, and a very impressive 44 hurries. Phillips made some stark improvement and finished the season as one of the most underrated NFL players.
The Miami Dolphins have had a roller coaster of a season to say the least. Each time they have seemingly pulled away from Wild Card contention, they completely neutralized their winning streaks, and are now sitting at 8-8 with a game to go.
There is still a chance to make the playoffs, which will lie in the hands of Skylar Thompson against the New York Jets. If Miami can win (along with a Patriots loss to the Buffalo Bills), they will secure their first playoff berth since 2016.
However, it is clear that there are underlying issues within this franchise, many of which need to be solved this offseason in order to maximize the potential of the Mike McDaniel regime. Thus, here are some potential solutions to the issues the Miami Dolphins face this offseason.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Doug Murray
The Josh Boyer Problem
When the Dolphins hired Mike McDaniel, they maintained a supreme confidence in their defensive coaching staff from the Flores regime. It was clear that they saw that unit as the catalyst for their back to back winning seasons, and that faith extended to defensive coordinator Josh Boyer.
That faith, however, seems to have been misplaced. With similar talent to Miami’s opportunstic units of the past, the Dolphins’ defense has fallen off a cliff. They rank 27th in points per game and are 30th in takeaways. That’s a far cry from their significant successes in those areas over the past two seasons.
Their pressure numbers have also clearly been lacking. Despite trading for Bradley Chubb, they are middle of the pack in sacks. Along with this, they have been unable to gain pressure without blitzing. With a pass rushing duo as promising as Jaelan Phillips and the aforementioned Chubb, the volume of blitzes and schemed pressures called by Josh Boyer has been dumbfounding.
The bottom line is that Miami needs a new defensive coordinator. There is simply too much talent along the defensive front to struggle the way they have. Some have suggested switching to a 4-3 scheme, which makes sense with the personnel on the roster.
Phillips and Chubb can play strictly on the edge, with Sieler and Wilkins wreaking havoc on the interior. The potential change is a more natural fit for their skill sets, and would limit mismatches in crucial situations.
Either way, it’s clear that it’s time to make a change on the defense. Moving on from the final Flores holdover may be that step.
The Quarterback Conundrum
The end of the season has been catastrophic, regardless of playoff success, and the simple fact is that the quarterback play has not been up to par over the last month or so.
Following a five game winning streak where Miami didn’t play a single top ten defense, the Dolphins faced a tough December. It’s safe to say that the team, and specifically the quarterback, didn’t make the most of it.
Dolphins’ fans biggest fears were realized as, against Miami’s toughest stretch of opponents, Tua Tagovailoa absolutely collapsed. He threw less than 60% completions against the 49ers, Chargers, and Bills, as Miami lost all three. Then, in a Christmas day game against the Packers, Tagovailoa threw an interception on each of the offense’s three fourth quarter drives. It was later discovered that he suffered a concussion prior to those interceptions, but that only adds onto the concern over the “injury prone” label.
Miami is now playing their final games of the season with backup quarterbacks. Although they spent significant capital on Teddy Bridgewater, it’s clear that it hasn’t panned out. He has been unable to win any games to this point, and has been injured himself at times this season. With Tagovailoa bound to miss significant time, it’s important to secure a high level backup, and Bridgewater hasn’t been that.
The Quarterback Solution in the Miami Dolphins 2023 Offseason
This leaves two potential solutions, one of which is much more aggressive than the other. The first is to draft a young quarterback to back up Tua Tagovailoa. It’s clear that pursuing backups such as Jacoby Brissett and Bridgewater hasn’t worked. Thus, a rookie would not only potentially be more effective, but cheaper with a higher ceiling. This quarterback class has some depth, and Miami could bring in a young backup to excel in ways Bridgewater has failed.
The second path is far more controversial.
There are several starter-level quarterbacks rumored to be moved this offseason. Tom Brady and Derek Carr are expected to be free agents, while there are rumors of Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson being on the move as well.
It’s undeniable that Tua has improved this season. Miami’s offense sat atop the league for significant stretches with him at the helm. However, when you combine the injury history and consistent drop off against high-level opponents, it’s not a stretch to say that it may be in the Miami Dolphins’ best interest to be aggressive this offseason.
The Dolphins are likely squandering away the first year of a three-year Super Bowl window. Talents like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle don’t come around often, and outside of a historic comeback, their first year will have all been for not.
Miami must ensure that the next two years are different, and without a first round pick, they can’t secure a top flight quarterback prospect. Despite this, there are options available who provide a ceiling and consistency that Tagovailoa lacks. Miami has the chance to go from good to great, and Stephen Ross is tired of watching his years of spending be unfulfilling.
Photo Creit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The Chris Grier Dilemma
The last of the potential moves would be the biggest, and it involves general manager Chris Grier.
Grier has been with the organization dating back to 2000, even predating owner Stephen Ross. He has continued to rise up the organization, becoming Ross’ right hand man and general manager in 2016.
Despite his rise, however, the Dolphins haven’t won a single playoff game in the last twenty years. The team seemingly finds themselves in the same position year-in and year-out, and Grier remains a constant. It was his recent work, however, that may be the final straw.
When the Miami Dolphins decided to go for a full rebuild in 2019, they positioned themselves for a crucial 2020 offseason. They held five picks in the first two rounds of that draft, including three firsts. Their haul? Tua Tagovailoa, Austin Jackson, Noah Igbinoghene, Robert Hunt, and Raekwon Davis.
The 2020 Blunder
The last two have been solid, with Hunt proving this season that he can be a cornerstone of Miami’s line. However, it’s the first round picks, Tua, Jackson, and Igbinoghene where the missteps are clear.
While the verdict on Tagovailoa is unclear, the same can’t be said about Justin Herbert. Taken only one pick later, Herbert has vastly outperformed his 2020 colleague. The last pillar of the Tua-Herbert debate was the idea that Herbert couldn’t win big games. That has now fallen with Herbert’s Chargers clinching a playoff spot and Miami on the outside looking in yet again.
Jackson and Igbinoghene are a similar story. Both have underperformed to their draft slot, with the latter struggling to see the field at all. While Jackson has started, his production has lacked, and this year he has been unable to stay healthy.
Thus, in arguably the most important draft in franchise history, Miami selected the following:
The wrong quarterback, a below average right tackle, a cornerback who doesn’t see the field, an above average right guard, and a starting caliber nose tackle.
This simply isn’t going to cut it for Grier, who is now seeing the successes of talents of like Justin Herbert, Justin Jefferson, and Jonathan Taylor (all of which were available with Miami’s respective first round picks).
It’s not unheard of for a team to keep a coach and hire a new general manager. That may very well be the path if Ross decides to move on from Grier.
The Bottom Line on the Miami Dolphins Offseason
No matter what Ross ends up doing, it’s clear that a change needs to be made. Miami can ill afford to squander the Super Bowl potential of the high-end talent on this roster. Tyreek Hill may very well be the best Dolphin since Dan Marino, and his presence must be capitalized on.
It likely won’t be as drastic as firing a general manager, but there are reasonable changes to make. Time after time, Stephen Ross has seen his teams come up short and December and January. He holds the power to ensure that this time is the last and that the Miami Dolphins’ Super Bowl hopes are realized. That starts with this offseason.
Following an eventful day three in which the Miami Dolphins made three picks and signed 14 undrafted free-agents, the NFL draft has officially come to a close.
For a team that believes they’re in win-now mode, Miami used the event to fill some of their holes. Linebackers Channing Tindall and Cameron Goode hope to satisfy one of Miami’s biggest needs, while wide receiver Erik Ezukanma and quarterback Skylar Thompson seem like icing on the cake for solid units.
However, Miami still has some needs, and is entering yet another stage of free agency. As of 4 PM on Monday, teams no longer forfeit potential compensatory picks by signing free agents. Furthermore, more teams are putting the finishing touches on their roster, filling holes that went unsolved in the draft. The Dolphins are no different, and there are a few free agents I expect Miami to have interest in.
Akeim Hicks
A report has surfaced saying the Dolphins have been in contact with two big names along the defensive line. Carlos Dunlap and Akeim Hicks have reportedly been on the phone with Miami, and the latter is rather intriguing.
Following the hiring of new head coach Matt Eberflus in Chicago, the incoming scheme didn’t match the 32-year-old, but it doesn’t mean he’s washed up. Hicks has long been a leader in Chicago’s locker room, and is a stalwart up front. His speed-to-power conversion is freakish for someone of his size, and it has long benefited those playing alongside him. Namely, Khalil Mack wrapped up opposing QBs for 36 sacks in four years with Hicks at his side.
Miami could use a space-eater like Hicks, and his ability to free up opportunities for others would be huge for Miami’s other rushers. Second year pass rusher Jaelan Phillips is in for a big second year. Another freak along Miami’s front could make it even bigger.
Hicks’ size also benefits Miami’s run game, which has been inconsistent over the last couple of seasons. While they beat up on the bad teams, they’ve been gashed by Buffalo and Tennessee in seasons past. Having another interior defensive lineman in rotation with Zach Sieler, Raekwon Davis, and Christian Wilkins would certainly give that unit a boost.
Miami is on the lookout for play-makers across their defensive line. Along with the aforementioned Dunlap and Hicks, they have been in contact with former Chief Melvin Ingram. They brought him in on a visit for the second time in the last year, and did so for good reason.
Ingram, after being on the Chargers for nine years, was another casualty of a regime change. When Los Angeles brought in Brandon Staley, Ingram moved on, playing games for the Steelers and Chiefs last year.
Melvin Ingram, who is working out with the Dolphins today, is a natural playmaker.
Check out his ability to get off the line quickly and force this fumble against the Broncos last season. pic.twitter.com/pkud2OyQdQ
While it didn’t correlate to a high sack total, Ingram had 11 quarterback hits last season, and is still a productive rotational pass-rusher. Miami is set with Phillips and Emmanuel Ogbah up front, but could still use some bodies for late in the season. It’s important to keep players fresh, and there’s no such thing as too many pass rushers.
He may not be in his prime, but Ingram can still make plays in a limited role. I expect Miami to remain in contact with him, and he fits well on a team ready to win now.
JC Tretter
Miami’s offense is a stark contrast from last season. Their receiving corps was statistically one of the league’s worst last year. However, after the acquisitions of Tyreek Hill and Cedrick Wilson, that unit has become a strength.
They also shored up the left side of their offensive line, signing Terron Armstead and Connor Williams. However, there is still one hole, at what some would argue is one of the most important positions.
Miami struggled mightily at center last year, and while Michael Dieter has improved, he hasn’t reached where the team had hoped. There is a veteran in J.C. Tretter, however, who would be a major improvement.
“People don’t understand that he did not miss a game and battled like crazy.”
JC Tretter fought through injury to never miss a snap this season, and that didn't go unnoticed by his teammates.
Tretter has been one of the league’s better centers for years, performing at a high level under Kevin Stefanski, who runs a similar zone run scheme to Mike McDaniel. His ability to move in space is top-notch, and is only matched by his IQ. His ability to identify fronts could help out Tua, who has struggled with interior pressure early on in his career. Adding someone who you don’t have to worry about up the middle would make his life much easier.
Why hasn’t he signed? It’s been rumored that he’s looking to join a contender, which some would argue Miami is. Also, he may want a substantial contract, and being the president of the Player’s Association makes his negotiation significant to the rest of the league. However, Miami has roughly $20 million in cap space and can afford to make a move.
The Bottom Line on Miami Dolphins Free Agents
Miami is looking for proven commodities who can help them win now. They believe they have the team to compete, and want veterans as the last couple pieces.
Each player offers a different element to this team, whether it’s Hicks’ space eating, Ingram’s pass rushing, or Tretter’s blocking, but each is vitally important to a playoff team.
The Miami Dolphins will almost certainly add more free agents, these three would certainly be a strong fit.
The Miami Dolphins, winners of seven straight, will participate in the playoffs if they win their next two games. This comes after Miami lost seven in a row in a slew of injuries, disappointments, and lack of chemistry.
Now, as they found their groove, many look for players and units to credit. Tua Tagovailoa has looked much improved from last year, rookies Jaylen Waddle, Jaelan Phillips, and Jevon Holland look like stars in the making, and the defensive backfield looks just as deadly as last year.
Although, a name that needs some recognition is Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler. The fourth- year pro, while only having two sacks, has generated eight pressures, per Pro Football Reference, and has been a stalwart in the run game.
Being in rotation with the likes of Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis, Sieler has only appeared in over 50 percent of snaps in five of Miami’s 15 games. Those snaps, however, have been productive. Sieler has excelled at holding his gaps, stopping the run, and making timely hits on opposing quarterbacks, and his all-22 from the last few weeks shows exactly that.
Although Pro Football Reference only registers eight pressures, Sieler has been impactful and timing on that end. His ability to get off blocks quickly and get after the quarterback has complemented edge rushers Emmanuel Ogbah and Jaelan Phillips nicely. While also having two sacks, he has been able to set up for teammates and make impact plays.
As shown on this play against the Giants, the game appears easy for Sieler at times. His combination of speed and power, as shown here, gets him into the backfield in time to influence the throw.
By batting the linemen’s hands to the side, he allows himself to use his unusual speed. He is then able to pull away from the guard and pursue his target. His impressive closing speed is enough for Mike Glennon to put up a dangerous throw, which nearly is intercepted by Jevon Holland.
A Simple Move
Although simple, he thrives in his ability to keep offensive linemen from getting their hands on him. With quick slaps, he is able to remain untouched and keep his forward momentum. The perfect combination of these two factors was on display on Monday Night Football against the Saints.
On this play, shown below, Sieler takes an outside route to the quarterback. To avoid contact with the guard, he runs outside of him. With his quick get-off and speed, he’s able to do his quick swat away and leave him in the dust.
As Zach Sieler fan club president, I find it only right to show you this footage. pic.twitter.com/v5bvxCCC1E
Although it doesn’t register as a sack for Sieler, he was able to pressure Book out of the pocket, and into a sack for his teammate. While his big plays don’t always show up on the stat sheet, they leave the same impact.
Run Stopper
Although sacks and pressures are typically more flashy, Zach Sieler makes the Dolphins run defense fun to watch. His combination of speed and power that I referenced earlier show up even more on run plays. His ability to maintain gap integrity while stopping playmakers in the backfield is one not found in many interior defensive linemen.
Highest run defense grades among Interior DL since Week 8
PFF rates Zach Sieler among the top IDL’s at run stopping.
Sieler’s game against the Carolina Panthers is one that perfectly displays his run defense in action. On this play, his goal would typically be to push McCaffrey out to the edge, while allowing linebackers to come up and make hits on the cutback lanes. What he ends up doing, however, is much more impressive.
Zach Sieler might be the most underrated player in the league right now. Consistently a factor in limited snaps. pic.twitter.com/lUKxS532YF
He starts by getting outside, as he typically does, when he notices McCaffrey cut back in. Without losing his place, he is able to swallow him up for a loss on the play. He does so by throwing the lineman completely out of the play, which shows just how much power he has to disengage.
Counters
Another impressive part of Sieler’s run defense has been his implementation of counters into his game. On film, it is clear that he likes to go outside, which is typically to the left, and he has found a way to use that to his advantage.
On this play from his great performance against the Giants, he sells that he’s going outside, getting the lineman to leave his backside unprotected. In doing so, this allows Sieler to use a swim move to get back inside and stuff the run, potentially preventing a big play.
With limited snaps, linemen don’t have much tape to check out on Sieler. Thus, when they find a trend, it becomes much more important to identify and stop it. If not, Sieler will find a way to ensure they’re wrong every time.
High Effort Plays
In a Brian Flores defense, it’s clear that the fundamentals are preached as necessary for playing time. The coach who once dedicated a wall to the phrase “takes no talent” looks for players who show their love for the game on the field. It’s clear through his high motor that no Dolphins player exhibits that more than Zach Sieler.
As a lineman, it’s typically your job to get into the backfield and make stops like the ones I’ve shown thus far. However, Sieler works far outside his responsibilities, such as on this play shown below.
Sieler recognizes that New York is running a screen to Saquon Barkley, and he is able to, from his IDL spot, get over to the back, track him down, and stop him for only a short gain. His speed is on display here and it’s truly fun to watch.
Sieler uses his great motor to get out on the screen.
Sieler typically finds himself around the football, which is a common trait among star defensive players, and a prime example of that is Miami’s game vs. Carolina.
Here, he is able to see that Cam Newton is passing his way, perfectly timing his jump and getting his hands in the air to bat the ball down.
The most impressive part about his timing on this play is that he gets Cam to throw it there and gets his hands up late enough. Although, they still get up in time to make the play.
Knowing Your Responsibility
This last play, which is one of my personal favorites this year, comes against the Jets. After noticing that a reverse is coming, Sieler sees Zach Wilson begin to slip out.
In the eyes of many, Zach Sieler, Miami’s most underrated player, is starting to see some of the respect he deserves, and it starts with his effort on plays like this.
Unlike everyone else on the field, he sees Wilson slip out, and gets over from his tackle spot to make a play. pic.twitter.com/Vu3NCHZVjs
Realizing that his responsibility is the quarterback, Sieler disengages and takes off. As the receiver lets the throw go, Sieler is tracking down Wilson to the end zone. With impressive closing speed, he is able to get his hands up and knock the ball down.
Without Sieler’s high football IQ and effort, this play very well may have resulted in a touchdown.
The Bottom Line
Zach Sieler, although not regarded as a top defensive lineman, has far exceeded expectations set by fans and the Dolphins coaching staff.
His ability to defend the pass and run, while always giving 100 percent has been special to watch, and it pops on film every week.
It will be interesting to see how the former seventh-round pick continues to improve, but it’s clear that his story is just beginning to unfold.
For the fourth week in a row, the Dolphins have found themselves as winners. This time, Miami won in decisive fashion vs the Panthers, with a final score of 33-10.
This game brought hope to Dolphins fans, and for good reason. This game showed the formula many thought they would at the beginning of the season. A combination of stellar defense and opportunistic, ball-control-based offense has gotten Miami wins over the last four games.
When watching the All-22 tape on NFL Gamepass, it was clear that Miami’s plan is starting to work out, and here are five things that stood out when watching the film for Dolphins vs Panthers.
Fantastic Phillip Lindsay
Following being waived by the Houston Texans, running back Phillip Lindsay was claimed by the Miami Dolphins, who were looking for another back to complement young guns Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed.
Coming off a short week, it was uncertain if Lindsay would play, but, as he explained, he was quick to get into the facility and study the playbook.
It was clear that the hard work, even in minimum snaps, has paid off. The two-time thousand-yard rusher showed, even with a below-average OL, why he was so successful in Denver.
First Lindsay run, and the burst is already the best on the roster. He’s gonna get a lot of run the next few weeks. Just pops on film.
Side note: every offensive play looks the same pre-snap. They love their pistol looks. pic.twitter.com/N9U3B4Ch3A
Above all other traits, his burst and awareness have stood out. Other backs, especially Myles Gaskin, seem to wait for holes to develop. This, although valuable with a good OL, becomes an issue when there isn’t time to sit back.
Lindsay, on the other hand, is constantly moving. Even when the hole isn’t there, his feet are always driving forward, raising his floor on yards to gain. Even when he gets tackled early in the play, his forward momentum keeps him from losing yards.
Phillip Lindsay has noticeably more burst than any back on this team, and he definitely needs to see the field more in the coming weeks. pic.twitter.com/3I2FWAJJbn
Along with this, his pass blocking is a thing of beauty. On QB Tua Tagovailoa’s 57-yard pass to Jaylen Waddle, Lindsay makes up for OT Liam Eichenberg, who got beat on the play. Coming out of the backfield, he demonstrated textbook blocking, attacking the rusher and providing his quarterback a throwing window.
Somebody stop Jaylen Waddle!
The part of this play that hasn’t been talked about enough is Phillip Lindsay.
After Liam Eichenberg gets beaten (badly), Lindsay goes out and performs a textbook block, attacking the edge and giving Tua the time he needed to make. an accurate throw pic.twitter.com/udwhW2Yiqr
Phillip Lindsay’s block opens up the throw to Waddle.
The Tuscaloosa Connection
Throughout college, Tua Tagovailoa found success in getting the ball out quickly in the RPO game, typically to his track team at wide receiver. The Dolphins, after drafting Tua thought that the best way to maximize the young quarterback was getting his collegiate teammate, Jaylen Waddle.
Through the first few games of the season, it was apparent that Tua and Waddle had chemistry, the level of which was unknown.
Now, however, as the season progresses, we can see that the 2nd year quarterback is significantly more comfortable with Waddle than any other receiver.
Throughout the game vs the Panthers, Tagovailoa targeted Waddle on a variety of looks, including several tightly contested looks, which contradicted notions on Tua coming out of college that he was unwilling to make risky throws.
Tua looks much more comfortable throwing to Waddle than anyone else.
An out route 20+ yards on air looks like pitch and catch with Waddle, who has a good ability high point the ball, which he displays here. pic.twitter.com/6dMCHpJTF4
More impressive, however, was the ability that Tua and Waddle have to know when the ball is coming out, and where. Tua, through repetition and natural chemistry, consistently throws the ball to Waddle before, or as, he’s coming out of his break. A prime example of this is the touchdown between the two.
Excellent Anticipation
When Tua releases the ball on a curl route, Waddle has yet to turn around and has three defenders near him. The ball was not only thrown early, but also put in a perfect spot for the rookie to make the play. That anticipation was a trait Tua was praised for at Alabama, and it seems Waddle is bringing it out now.
Here’s the view of where Waddle is when Tua planted his back foot.
3 defenders in the area, and Tua lets it fly.
This is anticipation at it’s finest, and why Miami took him #5 overall.
This was not the only instance of this chemistry, however, as the aforementioned 57-yard play showed the duo’s promise as well.
Following the Lindsay block, Tua put the ball right in the middle of the field as Waddle made his break. Knowing his ability to move after the catch, his throw gave Waddle ample room to work, even with a safety coming down.
Tagovailoa and Waddle connected nine times for 137 yards and a touchdown, and this game looked promising for the duo.
However, Dolphins fans and media alike had seemed to forget about the first-round pick, Jaelan Phillips. Coming out of UM, Phillips was regarded as a potentially elite pass rusher with a deep bag of tricks. This left Miami fans excited when he fell to them at the 18th pick.
Despite the hype, however, Phillips had failed to produce by all simple counting stats. While it seemed that he was getting close, he was rarely able to get home. Dolphins fans became frustrated, and it seemed that the optimism for Phillips faded as it grew for Waddle and Holland.
When the Dolphins took on the Panthers, all of it started to come together.
Coming out Party
Against an offensive line ranked among the worst in the league, Phillips was able to tally three sacks, a pass deflection, and a pressure leading to an INT.
Here, Phillips was able to get inside (where he wreaked havoc), and force Walker out of the pocket, which leads to a Needham INT.
Jaelan Phillips creates a pressure leading to an INT.
The numbers, however, weren’t as impressive as the tape on the plays themselves.
In particular, his work from the inside, with Emmanuel Ogbah on the edge, was spectacular. With Ogbah taking an outside route, Phillips was often left 1-on-1 with a guard. His combination of size and speed left these guards in the dust, and him in the backfield at will. With a skill-set as refined as Phillips’, it will be very difficult to stop him without tackle help.
Jaelan Phillips + Emmanuel Ogbah on the same side = hell for opposing QBs.
These concerns lingered into the season, as Miami’s offense was dwelling near the bottom of the league. Many were calling for the jobs of Studesville and Godsey, and Miami had lost seven straight.
However, they seemed to have found their stride in the winning streak, both of which continued on Sunday.
Operating out of heavy pistol sets with lots of pre-snap motion, Miami was able to create misdirection. The threat of motion-man Albert Wilson stressed defenses to his side, while Jaylen Waddle and Durham Smythe were able to find soft spots in coverage.
Miami’s play calling is vastly improved.
Here, they use this Wilson motion (which is now their base) to open up the slant underneath to Waddle, on threat of a potential Wheel or Flat. pic.twitter.com/2d8uQerwld
Miami goes underneath to Waddle off the Wilson motion.
Miami also used these looks to create counters from a play they love to run: the wheel to Albert Wilson.
Against both the Jets and Ravens, Miami teased this formation, running a deep wheel route to Wilson in both games. It was clear Miami wanted defenses to pick up the idea, and I had clamored on Twitter for counters.
Those wishes came to fruition on Sunday, as Miami ran almost their entire offense out of this formation. This base set led to several different runs, short and intermediate passes. With the Panthers expecting the wheel route, Miami was able to catch Carolina off guard and tear them apart underneath.
This jet motion has pretty much become Miami’s base, and they run so many different plays out of it. Pre-snap motion on a majority of plays, as we see more of a modern offense. pic.twitter.com/9aILjzmbNT
Miami runs their motion based pistol offense and gets a first down.
The offense will still need to improve over the coming weeks, but they are trending up during the most important stretch of their season.
Area Of Improvement
Even in a 23-point win, there were areas of the team that were less than ideal. One that stuck out was the offensive line.
On three separate occasions, Miami’s offensive lineman gave up pressures or bad snaps that ruined potential scoring drives.
On separate drives, Jesse Davis and Liam Eichenberg were beaten badly, leading to crucial sacks on Tua and then punts.
I understand that it’s Brian Burns, but as @HussamPatel put in an article, Liam Eichenberg doesn’t get low enough, and struggles to go out and attack edge rushers.
The other drive, before the half, contained one of Austin Reiter’s several bad snaps. After going too low, Tua was unable to recover the snap, and Carolina turned a potential Miami FG into one of their own.
The OL can’t keep collapsing on 3rd down. It’s almost like they’re thinking about it too much. One of them just blows an assignment every time. Waddle gets wide open, but the snap is in the dirt and Tua has to get it out too quickly. pic.twitter.com/MyNRZ0C982
If Miami is to continue their streak, eliminating drive-ending mistakes is crucial, and those start with the OL.
The Bottom Line
The Miami Dolphins are showing signs of life, and are only two games below 500. With games against the Giants and Jets upcoming, Miami has a chance to contend for a playoff spot.
Whether it’s too late is yet to be determined, but Miami has continued to improve over the last month. The tape continues to get better, and Miami looks like the team we envisioned back in August.
The coming weeks will be the most telling, and it will be exciting to see if Miami can complete the miraculous comeback season.
