Miami Dolphins: 5 Things They Need To Prove In Week 1
The Miami Dolphins need to come out swinging in 2021. With the success of the Buffalo Bills as of late, and everyone back on the Patriots bandwagon, Miami can’t afford to be mediocre. Immediately out of the gate the Dolphins need to make a stand.
Tua Tagovailoa Is Their Guy
If the Miami Dolphins want to be taken seriously, then they need to show off their second-year QB. Big plays, fast-paced, and high scoring should be their go-to. They don’t need to go on a deep dive in their playbook, but right off the bat, they should be trying to quiet the Deshaun Watson talk. Between those rumors and falling in the shadows of Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert, Tua needs to put his name on the map as well.
They Can Win In Foxboro
The Dolphins always seem to split the series with the New England Patriots. They’ll get blown out on the road, but will win the later games at home. Miami needs to go out and prove they can win on the road against a division rival. There are not many tougher places to win than Gillette Stadium.
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The Howard Drama Was Worth It
The distraction all offseason was whether or not they could work out a deal for top corner Xavien Howard. Miami tiptoed around it but Howard kicked the door down when he expressed his displeasure in Miami. If they go out and have a shut-down defense, then the cat and mouse game will make sense. If they go and get blown out, then it will prove to be an unwelcome distraction that wasted time and potential future resources.
Big Plays Are In The Playbook
There’s no secret in today’s NFL, you have to be able to score in bunches to win. Top teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills are pushing the top of the AFC because every time they touch the football they’re in danger of scoring. Miami needs to dial it up to 11 and not win a 17-14 nail-biter. If drives continue to stall, it will reflect greatly on what their games against playoff-caliber teams will look like.
They Can Be Consistent
Miami has cut down the mental mistakes under Brian Flores as well as costly penalties which has to lead to a quick turnaround. However, this team was supposed to be built for long-term success. Should the Dolphins regress this season it could mean trouble. There’s been a lot of movement in the organization and the team has to show they’re getting better each year or it will all be for nothing. Miami needs to prove they’re not a one-year fluke and that they’ll be contenders each year.
There are still plenty of questions that need to be answered about this Miami Dolphins team. Will they finally overcome New England in week 1?
Rick ODonnell aka Caveman Rick has many years covering the Miami Dolphins, Sports, and all sorts of movies and television.
