It was another brutal game for the Miami Dolphins offense even after a change at quarterback. After joining the team less than two weeks ago, Tyler Huntley was named the starting quarterback against the Titans in Week 4 in the hopes that he could spark some life into the offense. Unfortunately for he and the Dolphins, it was more of the same.
When head coach Mike McDaniel was asked about potential changes to the offense, he said his mind is open.
“Yeah, everything is on the table,” McDaniel said. “You can’t argue the offense is good. To me in a situation like this, I hadn’t really been in one where we haven’t had production consecutively like this so you really have to open your mind to all things.”
Huntley completed 14 of his 22 passes for just 96 yards and it was obvious throughout the game that he hasn’t adapted to the timing of McDaniel’s system. Huntley is a much different quarterback than Tua Tagovailoa in terms of skillset, and the Dolphins offense didn’t seem to do enough to accommodate those differences.
Huntley previously earned starting experience filling in for the Baltimore Ravens’ offense which is largely centered around Lamar Jackson’s elite mobility. On Monday night, Huntley led the Dolphins in the rushing department with 40 yards and a touchdown on eight attempts.
On the Dolphins only touchdown drive, Huntley recorded a big 20-yard scramble that set the Dolphins up at the Tennessee 23-yard line. He finished the drive off by punching it in from the goal line.
When McDaniel states that “everything is on the table,” it’s hard to envision him not considering making Huntley’s mobility a focal point to open up the passing game. Then again, it’s possible Skylar Thompson will have a chance to earn the starting job back to get the team back to McDaniel’s scheme.
Regardless, this offense has some of the most talented players in the league with wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle along with De’Von Achane as a duel threat running back. It would seemingly need just a couple adjustments to start functioning at a high level once again.
“There was a tremendous disconnect between preparation and execution,” McDaniel said after the loss last night. “On the field, that’s not even close to good enough, so you just have to go back to the drawing board and assess very critically.”
No matter the changes McDaniel is considering, all eyes will be on him in Week 5 against the Patriots. Can he tweak his offense enough to get the best results from his players? He must make these adjustments quick before this season falls further out of control.
