Miami Dolphins: Midseason Grades – Offense (2021)
The 2020 season was exactly what Miami Dolphins fans were looking for when they asked for a turnaround. However, 2021 has not been to kind in South Florida. Looking back on the first 10 games the Dolphins have played, here’s how ugly it’s been:
Offense – Passing (C)
Tua Tagovailoa has been inconsistent, to say the least. In his rookie season, he had bright spots where he really shined as well as times he was benched in favor of veteran leadership. Fast forward to 2021 and he’s still wildly inconsistent. On top of a rib injury and now a finger injury, his criticisms coming out of college are starting to show. Backup Jacoby Brissett is struggling just the same. Maybe it’s time for Miami to invest some money and figure out how to help struggling quarterbacks excel.
Offense – Rushing (F)
The Dolphins only get an F here because there’s no grade lower. Their philosophy that running backs are a dime a dozen in today’s NFL isn’t paying off, at no fault to the running backs. Poor line play upfront and abandoning the run is mostly to blame. Of course, they could be calling run plays and in an RPO offense, the quarterback is making the adjustment. However, the Dolphins remain one-dimensional and therefore predictable on offense which is leading to their struggles.
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Offense – Receiving (C-)
This unit was one of their strengths going into the NFL season. The Dolphins should have had Devante Parker, Will Fuller, and rookie Jaylen Waddle. Fuller has barely laced up his cleats for Miami. Parker’s had his bright spots but he too can’t stay healthy. Jaylen Waddle has been the most consistent of the bunch. They continue to have to rely on the back half of their receiver roster to take the field week in and week out. Despite making plays, you can’t expect the same productivity from your 4, 5, and 6 guys as the ones who are your starters.
Offense – Blocking (D)
Another unit that would be failing if not for the slight adjustment and improvements. Despite their struggles now, they were much worse to start the season. The Dolphins have a lot of moving pieces along the line and will go through growing pains. Their offensive line should highlight their offseason if they wish to improve other areas on the field. With the right 5 up front, it will fix their sputtering offense.
Offense – Kicking (A-)
The Miami Dolphins continue to have one of the better kickers in the NFL. There have been rare misses, but this unit is one of the strengths of the team right now. In 2020, the defense and special teams won the battle of field position which often lead to maintaining a lead. Having a kicker who can consistently put points on the board even with the offense struggling is a relief. If they can start strengthening their defense and winning the field position battles, turning the season around won’t be far behind.
The Dolphins are struggling in 2021 but the sky isn’t falling yet. This is what you get when you have a young team with little veteran leadership. The talent is there, it just needs to develop faster than Dolphins fans lose their patience. Each unit has potential, but their mental mistakes are holding them back.
Rick ODonnell aka Caveman Rick has many years covering the Miami Dolphins, Sports, and all sorts of movies and television.
