The Phinsider
Miami defeated a winless Jets team last week.
What did they do against a 1-win Panthers team this week?
Wait.
We do know.
They lost.
The most interesting aspect of the Fins for this game was guaranteed to be how the offense operated without wizardly wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Their initial drive started out well. They moved the ball consistently and continued converting 3rd downs (apparently coming into the game at 49%, which was good for 2nd in the NFL, which is also a stat that I’d have never bet on the Dolphins to ever possess and one that they, of course, instantly ruined). Alas, after going downfield to the revitalized Darren Waller for 34 yards, the play calls went purely horizontal until a sack ended any chance for a touchdown.
Ol’ Riley Reliable still knocked his kick through, though. So that was nice.
Michael McDan’s [in]ability to adapt is the real story of the game and likely the rest of his probably truncated tenure in Miami.
Early on, it looked like he hadn’t really learned. As the game progressed, he did a better job of mixing up play calls, committing to the run, and pushing the ball downfield, particularly on 3rd downs. He got other pass catchers involved, even targeting tight ends like Julian Hill and Tanner Conner. They went so far as to convert a 4th and 5 quite handsomely.
Then, after going up 17-0, the offense began flailing around like a headless fish, just like we’re all accustomed to.
On one hand, the balance was great to see. On the other, there were a lot of plays with pre-snap motion and pseudo razzle dazzle that the Panthers defense stonewalled, despite being not very good.
I know that the balanced and varied approach, especially without Hill, is the way of the road, but I’d feel a little more encouraged if all of the eye candy produced more consistent results against a bad opponent.
And if the offense scored enough points to win.
Though, this one sits squarely on the shoulders of some other severe underperformers:
Coming into the year, the Dolphins had one of the league’s most fearsome fronts, at least in theory. In practice, for the first few weeks, they looked like they were still practicing.
I’m not sure if it’s growing pains for the new rookies in the middle, regression of the veterans, inadequate schemes, or a combination thereof, but the front seven should dominate an offensive line like Carolina’s. That is, at least, if they’re actually anywhere near as good as they’re supposed to be. Which I’m starting to think they aren’t.
Let us not pulleth punches. Bryce Young is not a good quarterback. He could still become one, but he isn’t one today. Even if C.J. Stroud falls back some in Houston, taking Young over him will haunt the Panthers...
