FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla- Last Sunday, the Miami Dolphins dropped to 0-3 against teams with a .500 or better record. These are four factors that have contributed to their losses and hopefully are worked through during the bye week.
Penalties
In the games against the Bills, Eagles, and Chiefs, the Dolphins have averaged eight penalties per game. Against all other opponents, the Fins average 5.8. Many of these penalties have resulted in third and long situations, making it harder to push the ball down the field. The common factor with those three teams is an elite defensive line that can get to the quarterback. If Miami wants to compete, they need to clean up the mistakes.
Offensive Line
I stated in my last point that those three teams have elite defensive lines. Miami has been decimated by injuries on their offensive line this season. Isaiah Wynn is now on IR, Connor Williams has been dealing with a groin injury, Terron Armstead just returned from a knee issue, and Robert Hunt is now on IR with a hamstring injury. According to Pro Football Focus, Miami has the number one offensive line pass blocking efficiency grade in the NFL. Those numbers are skewed from the games against subpar competition. Tua has been sacked an average of 3.5 times per game against teams with a winning record.
Slow Starts
Miami has struggled to get going in the first half of these games. The high-powered offense is only averaging eight points in the first half against these opponents. The only game they were able to put up more than 10 points in the first half was against Buffalo. By then, it was already a 31-14 deficit. Games against the Cowboys, Ravens, and Bills remain on the schedule, so it doesn’t get any easier.
Injuries
The bye week could not have come at a better time for Miami. Like I mentioned earlier, injuries are starting to pile up for this team. Not only is the offensive line banged up, but skilled positions and the defense are suffering as well. Jaylen Waddle has had to come out of the games against the Eagles and Chiefs before returning. Another key playmaker, DeVon Achane, is still on IR but is slated to return after the bye week. The same can be said about some of the guys on the defensive side. The Fins just got back their new star cornerback Jalen Ramsey after he tore his meniscus before the season. Before that, guys like Xavien Howard, Jevon Holland, Brandon Jones, and Jaelan Phillips have all been injured and missed time at some point this season.
3rd Down Efficiency
Currently, the Dolphins rank 16th in third down efficiency. If you dive deeper and look at those three games, they are a combined 10 for 33 (30.3%). That simply will not work against stiffer competition and especially later in the season. Penalties have played a big part along with untimely sacks. McDaniel and company will look to clean this up during their bye week.