Can Dolphins’ offense find ways to succeed aside from big plays by Tyreek Hill? | Countdown to camp
With the 2023 NFL season fast approaching, the South Florida Sun Sentinel takes a look at 10 storylines to watch for in a 10-part series ahead of the Miami Dolphins’ first day of training camp, which is set for July 26.
The Dolphins, thankfully, didn’t experience life without All Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill last season. He played all 18 games, including the wild-card round of the playoffs, establishing franchise records for receptions (119) and receiving yards (1,710).
Despite that good fortune, one thing the Dolphins and coach Mike McDaniel should look to accomplish during training camp, joint practices and preseason games is developing the offense beyond Hill.
You’ll recall the offense ended last season on a seven-game downward spiral, the first three of those with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa healthy and playing the best of his career, and all seven with Hill amid the best season of his career.
Defenses figured out it’s worthwhile to commit heavy resources and various techniques to limiting Hill’s effectiveness because the Dolphins had few other offensive options. That idea will likely be an early-season blueprint for Dolphins opponents in 2023.
The Dolphins averaged 20.9 points per game in their last seven games (all in December and January) after averaging 25.6 points per game in their first 11, a decline of almost a touchdown per game.
In those final seven games Hill had a modest 39 receptions for 546 yards (14.0 yards per reception) and three touchdowns.
The Dolphins’ 1-6 record in those final seven games wasn’t totally because of Hill’s reduced numbers. Tagovailoa’s four-game absence and injuries to various other key players (left tackle Terron Armstead and edge rusher Bradley Chubb, to name two) were also major factors.
Regardless, Hill’s reduced production limited the offense greatly and the Dolphins had no other options for consistently moving the ball aside from the big play.
Picturing the Dolphins offense without Hill, the probable future Hall of Famer, is more traumatic than picturing the offense without Tagovailoa, which was a reality for five and half games last season.
For the record, Hill says he should be better this year than last year because he’ll have a deeper understanding of the offense.
“Last year I was just out there balling, you feel me?” Hill said during minicamp. “I was just out there just using all athleticism. Like, ‘Here, Tua, I’m going to be here and we’re just going to do that.’
“So this year should be a crazier year not only for me, but also for the other wideouts.”
Hill, whose speed and skills make him nearly indefensible, had 170 targets last year, which ranked third in the NFL. His 119 receptions ranked second as did his 1,710 receiving yards. He was the target on about 30% of the team’s passes and had roughly 40% of the team’s receiving yards.
Everything offensively revolved around Hill, which raises the question whether this offense could be effective without Hill or with a limited Hill.
The Tagovailoa to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle connection would be the No. 1 offensive option in that case and it would certainly get respect from defensive coordinators.
Tagovailoa, whose biggest asset is his accuracy, had a league-best 105.5 passer rating to go along with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season.
Waddle had 1,356 yards receiving, his second 1,000-yard season in his two-year career. Waddle was also healthy for all 18 games last season.
Without Hill, Waddle stands alone as the No. 1 offensive playmaker, which is fine.
But who would be No. 2? Or No. 3?
If a defense doesn’t have to respect/fear Hill, there’s not much threatening about the Dolphins offense, a unit that ranked 24th in third-down conversions last season with Hill on the field for every game.
The run game, led by running backs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr., won’t earn much respect from defensive coordinators even though Mostert and Wilson averaged 4.9 and 4.7 yards per carry last season, respectively.
The Dolphins were tied for 25th in rushing at 99.2 yards per game last season and 31st (second-to-last) in rushing attempts. And the Dolphins bring back pretty much the same offensive line and same running backs as last season, with the notable addition of running back DeVon Achane, the speedy third-round pick from Texas A&M.
The Dolphins don’t have a receiving threat at tight end, where Durham Smythe, an accomplished blocker and capable receiver, leads the way.
Slot receiver Braxton Berrios is reliable, but not threatening.
Perhaps wide receiver Robbie Chosen, a reclamation project of sorts who still must earn a roster spot, could become somewhat of an offensive threat, returning to his glory days with the New York Jets.
So, without Hill on the field, or with Hill in a reduced role, you wonder how the Dolphins would consistently move the ball and score aside from big plays.
Perhaps we’ll get some answers in training camp, joint practices and preseason games.
Previously addressed
Which areas will we see tangible improvement from second-year Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel?
What will Vic Fangio’s Dolphins defense do better than Josh Boyer or Brian Flores’?
What constitutes a successful season for Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa?