The Miami Dolphins suffered a resounding 33-8 loss to the Colts, leaving analysts and fans alike questioning the team's performance. ESPN's Dan Orlovsky aptly summarized the game as a "total mess" on both sides of the ball. A deeper dive into the snap counts and Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades reveals a concerning picture.
The most alarming trend is the continued regression of the Tua Tagovailoa-Mike McDaniel partnership. Since Christmas Day 2023, the Dolphins' record with Tagovailoa at the helm has plummeted to 6-9, a stark contrast to their 25-14 record in the previous period. Tagovailoa's struggles are evident in his 14 interceptions and eight fumbles during this slump. Against the Colts, he managed a paltry 114 passing yards, resulting in a dismal 51.7 passer rating—second-worst in the league. His yards per attempt have also significantly decreased from a league-leading 8.9 in 2022 to a mere 5.0. Tagovailoa himself acknowledged the poor performance, expressing his intent to review the game film with his teammates.
The offensive line's performance was equally concerning. While left tackle Patrick Paul and center Aaron Brewer shone, earning top PFF grades, injuries significantly hampered the team's efforts. James Daniels and Austin Jackson both left the game early with injuries, forcing replacements onto the field. Rookie left guard Jonah Savaiinaea struggled, receiving the worst PFF grade among heavy-usage offensive players.
Despite the offensive struggles, rookie running back De'Von Achane stood out, playing 35 of the Dolphins' 48 offensive snaps and producing an impressive 7.9 yards per carry. His touchdown brought his season total to 10, a remarkable feat for a rookie running back. However, the limited offensive snaps overall suggest a struggle to move the ball effectively.
On the defensive side, while Jordyn Brooks (14 tackles) and Tyrel Dodson (13 tackles) delivered standout performances, the pass rush was underwhelming. Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, and the rest of the defensive line generated only five pressures and one sack.
A surprising development was rookie Dante Trader Jr.'s significant playing time, exceeding expectations and earning a strong PFF grade. Conversely, Elijah Campbell did not see any defensive snaps, a notable omission.
The game's outcome highlights numerous areas needing immediate attention. From addressing Tagovailoa's struggles and offensive line instability to improving the pass rush and overall offensive efficiency, the Dolphins face significant challenges as they navigate the rest of the season. The team's coaching staff and players will undoubtedly need to critically examine these issues to improve future performance.
---
Originally published at: https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article311913363.html
