MIAMI GARDENS – When questioned his thoughts on the Miami Dolphins’ historic begin to the season, coach Mike McDaniel lifted his eyebrows and smirked.
“Mission completed,” McDaniel said sarcastically. “We had the full time, the whole offseason, that was our objective – was output soon after five video games.”
Miami has totaled 2,568 yards of offense – the most by any NFL staff by means of 5 online games. But McDaniel understands the Dolphins (4-1) have not arrived at their ceiling, and ongoing enhancement is necessary if the group wants to make a deep playoff operate.
“All that signifies is that men and women are heading to give you their best shot,” McDaniel stated, “and you’d greater proceed to function and progress in your recreation if you’re heading to be glad simply because you are going to have a bullseye on your back.”
Through their 31-16 acquire above the undermanned New York Giants on Sunday, the Dolphins had some offensive miscues that could be a issue against a harder opponent – like the Eagles, Chiefs or Charges, all of whom are on the agenda.
Tua Tagovailoa experienced two interceptions, just one of which was returned 102 yards for a landing. He also threw for 308 yards and two scores. The Dolphins had 524 yards of total offense and averaged just about 10 yards per engage in.
“If we just stuck with our approach and we trapped with our principles for every engage in, I imagine things had been heading seriously smooth,” Tagovailoa reported. “There had been just periods where by we have been misaligned, factors did not engage in in the composition of our offense and points just obtained out of hand with some plays.”
McDaniel has recurring the worth of progress from just one game to the up coming, and the Dolphins confirmed improvements on defense just after a weak efficiency against Buffalo past Sunday.
Miami did not let an offensive landing and constrained the Giants to 85 yards speeding.
“We came collectively as a defense and we instructed every single other that we had to participate in as 1,” linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel stated. “Participate in as a staff and all people do your work so when you can appear out and put pressure on the quarterback and get DBs participating in intense. We ended up really shutting down receivers, that’s what it is all about.”
What’s Operating
Stability on offense. Miami’s run game was inconsistent last 12 months, but this season the Dolphins are wearing teams down with their No. 1-rated rushing offense.
Rookie De’Von Achane had 11 carries for 151 yards and a landing in opposition to the Giants.
“You don’t just be expecting that for the rookie to arrive up and execute the way I have been executing,” Achane mentioned. “So I just hope that I can continue to keep it up.”
His accomplishment opens up even extra possibilities for the Dolphins’ strong passing recreation. Tyreek Hill had eight catches for 181 yards and a touchdown.
WHAT Demands Enable
Turnovers have been an situation the earlier two months. Right after fumbling two times in a 7 days 4 reduction at Buffalo, the Dolphins experienced three giveaways Sunday. Also, pre-snap penalties were an issue for the second straight match.
Inventory UP
The defensive front. Miami took gain of a banged-up Giants offensive line and completed with 7 sacks and 14 quarterback hits. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins experienced probably his best video game of the period, and deal with Zach Sieler had two sacks, three quarterback hits and a few tackles for loss.
Stock DOWN
Rookie cornerback Cam Smith. Following a solid education camp, it appeared that Miami’s 2nd-round choose could be a big contributor, specifically with Jalen Ramsey hurt and Nik Needham operating his way back from an Achilles tendon tear. Smith has scarcely observed the area and only obtained action on specific groups Sunday.
Accidents
McDaniel said Monday that Achane is being evaluated for a knee harm. … LG Isaiah Wynn left in the fourth quarter with a neck injuries.
Key Range
500 – The Dolphins have topped 500 yards of complete offense 3 occasions this period.
Following Actions
The Dolphins will host the winless Carolina Panthers subsequent Sunday, which could present an prospect to clean up their problems in advance of their Sunday night time showdown at Philadelphia on Oct. 22.
