NFL
By: Rick O’Donnell
The Miami Dolphins seem to be in a never-ending cycle of turning fans’ opinions around one season only to let them down the next. So far, the Mike McDaniel era has shown just how much the Dolphins are capable of, but still can’t seem to get to the next level. When you look back at what went wrong and how they haven’t moved on from it, it all boils down to one thing, arrogance.
Take the front office for instance. During a press conference last season, Dolphins GM Chris Grier was asked about the offensive line and his response (with a smirk) was something along the lines of “I think you’re more worried about it than we are.” Where did the Miami Dolphins struggle last season? Running the football and protecting the quarterback. Maybe they should’ve been more worried about the offensive line than protecting feelings and having blind faith.
What else doomed the Miami Dolphins? Injuries to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa were probably the largest setback. Yet, that again boils down to arrogance. Now Tua is a competitor, we all know that. He wants to be out there and he wants to win. However, a QB with a history of injuries should not be the guy running headfirst into Damar Hamlin and trying to get the ball across the goalline without protecting himself. Sure, you want the glory and to put your team ahead, but the need to prove you’re “that dude” against a division rival set the team back the whole season.
Trust in your team and that you’d have the next one if you didn’t get in on that play. If they don’t get in, trust that your kicker will make the field goal. You don’t have to be the savior on every play. Live to play another down.
Two games in the Mike McDaniel/Tua Tagovailoa are complete opposites but ruined the Dolphins as far as competing goes. Tua’s first nig comeback against the Baltimore Ravens a few years ago and the 70-point smackdown of the Denver Broncos.
The Ravens game proved that Miami could stick in a game, play their style of football, and do what’s necessary to overcome a deficit. The absolute beatdown of the Denver Broncos proved that they had the power to score at will even with their backups. Both games installed a sense of cockiness that the Dolphins haven’t been able to live up to and that’s the problem. For them to play that style of football they need their entire team to be healthy, and that seldom happens.
Then there’s this offseason. They went out and signed some free agents but most of their moves seemed unilateral and only filled a role not upgraded a position. I get why they signed these players as the team needs depth and consistency but if the goal is to only get better through the draft, they better hit home runs with each pick, again something that seldom happens.
Miami has plenty of faith in their playmakers, as they should. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are a great duo of talented WRs who can make plays. Yet Miami hasn’t brought in a dynamic playmaker to take the pressure off of them in the form of a third WR. Waddle and Hill are great, but arrogance pokes its head out once again. How many games do the Miami Dolphins have to play where Hill, Waddle, or both have subpar games against division rivals and playoff teams? There have been times when they’ve shrunk in those big moments.
If Miami went out and picked up a playmaker in the passing game with a big body to take away 50/50 jump balls, it would shift some focus away from their speed guys. Yes, that type of player exists in tight end Jonnu Smith, but what about when they need extra protection from their TE position, who’s the guy who goes out while he stays back and blocks?
Throw all that together and that’s where the Miami Dolphins are struggling, they think they have all the answers. Yet, watching them play is like watching an episode of LOST, the more answers you get, the more questions that pop up. This team is nearing the peak of the mountain but just can’t seem to get over the top. Until they swallow their pride and admit they’re not quite where they need to be, speed and health won’t solve all their problems.
