Well, Dolphins fans, it seems like the injury bug has finally decided to take a vacation – just in time for a showdown with the New England Patriots. The Dolphins are looking healthier than they have been all year, with only Jordan Poyer ruled out for sure.
But don’t start planning the victory parade just yet. While a nearly full-strength roster is a beautiful sight, the Dolphins still have some serious work to do if they want to conquer their AFC East rivals.
Defense Needs to Step Up
Let’s be real, folks. Miami’s offense has been about as exciting as watching paint dry. They’re currently ranked dead last in total offense, and while the Patriots aren’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard either (sitting at 31st), the Dolphins’ defense needs to dictate the outcome of this game.
Anthony Weaver’s unit has been decent, but they’ve struggled to force turnovers. Against a quarterback like Jacoby Brissett, who’s not exactly known for taking risks, creating those game-changing plays is crucial. If the Dolphins want to win this one, they’ll need to rattle Brissett and force him into some costly mistakes.
McDaniel: Time for a Game Plan That Works
Now, let’s talk about Mike McDaniel. Look, I like his energy, and his commitment to the run game is admirable.
But let’s be honest, so far this season, he is being outcoached by everyone he faces. He needs to find something that works and stick with it.
“Whatever preparations we were doing in practice was not transferring to the games,” McDaniel admitted earlier this week.
That quote should be a wake-up call. It’s one thing to have a fancy playbook; it’s another to execute it effectively. McDaniel has to coach smarter, especially when it comes to field position.
Punting Isn’t a Bad Word
McDaniel seems to think that every fourth down is a chance to channel his inner riverboat gambler. Remember that quote about being confident they can pick up the first down no matter where they are on the field?
While that aggressiveness can be exciting, it’s also led to some questionable decisions. They can’t afford to do that anymore, and McDaniel needs to start punting the ball.
Especially against a team like the Patriots, who are known for their defensive prowess, winning the field position battle is paramount.
The Final Word
The Dolphins are getting healthy at the right time, and that alone gives them a fighting chance in this divisional matchup. But if they want to pull off the upset, they’ll need more than just a clean bill of health.
They need their defense to step up, their coach to make smarter decisions, and maybe, just maybe, rediscover some offensive firepower. Get ready for a nail-biter, folks!