The 2023 Miami Dolphins had a field day with opposing defenses for a significant part of the year. Single high safety defenses – and pretty much anything else that didn’t have two deep safeties – was ripe for the pickings for Mike McDaniel and his staff.
However, things have changed significantly in 2024, with teams employing various two high shell defensive looks against Miami’s offense in an attempt to keep Miami’s dynamic wide receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle from taking the top off of defenses.
That’s forced the Dolphins to go with a shorter, more controlled passing attack. And that’s resulted in Miami having to put together sustained, longer drives in order to move the football.
They showed on Sunday in their 34-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders that, when they’re on, they can certainly to that. Tua Tagovailoa was methodical and precise, completing 28 of 36 attempts for 288 yards with 3 touchdowns. De’Von Achane paced the Dolphins on the ground with 73 yards on 17 carries with a touchdown. Jonnu Smith led all pass catchers with a breakout game, totaling 6 catches for 101 yards with 2 touchdowns.