The Miami Dolphins Have More Than a Quarterback Problem

On Monday night, the Miami Dolphins fell 31-12 to the previously winless Tennessee Titans, and in doing so, they became the first NFL team since the infamous 2017 Cleveland Browns to go through the first four games of a season without ever holding a lead. With a record of 1-3, Mike McDaniel's squad finds itself in troubled waters, grappling with far more than just inconsistent quarterback play. The Dolphins' offense sputtered throughout the night, accumulating only 184 total yards and converting a mere two out of 12 third downs. Their lone touchdown came late in the fourth quarter, long after the game had already slipped away.

While quarterback play is often the focal point in today's NFL, Miami's issues stretch well beyond the signal-caller position. Fullback Alec Ingold, a 2023 Pro Bowler, emphasized this, saying, “The quarterback is obviously a very important piece of that puzzle, but we need 10 other guys to be performing and executing.” His statement sheds light on a systemic problem within Miami’s offensive unit, where the dysfunction seems to be widespread. The Dolphins’ offensive woes were on full display against the Titans.

Tyler Huntley, making his first start as quarterback, struggled mightily. His stat line of 14 completions on 22 attempts for 96 yards and a fumble epitomized the team’s offensive ineptitude. Miami’s dynamic playmakers, such as Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, were effectively neutralized, combining for just eight catches and less than 60 total yards. For Hill, his four catches for 23 yards tied his fewest receiving yards since joining the Dolphins. It's a glaring sign of the struggles the offense is facing.

The running game was similarly ineffective. De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright, Miami’s lead backs for the game, combined for a mere 47 yards on 17 carries, stifled by Tennessee’s defensive front. The offensive line, a unit that has been a point of concern in recent seasons, was overmatched and allowed constant pressure. Huntley’s struggles were exacerbated by the lack of protection, but even beyond the quarterback position, the offense lacked rhythm and failed to execute critical plays.

Coach Mike McDaniel, known for his creative offensive mind, expressed frustration with his team’s performance. "That [performance] is not even close to good enough," McDaniel said in the aftermath of the defeat. He acknowledged that while there were factors at play, including Huntley’s inexperience and an "abbreviated" playbook, those were not excuses for such a lackluster showing. "There will be things that will change; hard to say what those things are.”

There definitely is a need for it," McDaniel added, indicating that personnel adjustments or even scheme changes could be on the horizon. Miami’s problems are not isolated to the offensive side of the ball. Their defense, particularly against the run, was porous. The Titans ran at will, overpowering Miami's front seven, and the defense couldn’t get off the field when it mattered most. Whether through missed tackles or an inability to shed blocks, Miami’s defense looked overmatched and worn down.

The disconnect between preparation and execution was palpable, as McDaniel alluded to after the game. “There was a tremendous disconnect between preparation and execution,” he remarked, suggesting that the team’s struggles on both sides of the ball stemmed from deeper systemic issues. The defense, expected to be a stabilizing force, has failed to live up to expectations. Like the offense, it now faces mounting pressure to improve.

The Dolphins entered the season with high hopes, believing that even in the absence of Tua Tagovailoa, who has been out with a concussion since Week Two, they could rely on their offensive firepower to keep them competitive. Yet, through four games, the Dolphins have yet to show the explosive potential that was supposed to define this team. Alec Ingold’s comments reflect the mood within the locker room—accountability is needed across the board. "It's a performance-based industry," Ingold said.

"The quarterback is obviously a very important piece of that puzzle, but we need 10 other guys to be performing and executing." He acknowledged that the team must "attack this uncomfortable moment" and confront its struggles head-on. If Miami fails to address its offensive dysfunction and defensive shortcomings, the promise of the preseason will quickly turn into disappointment. For now, the Dolphins’ issues run much deeper than just the quarterback position—they’re systemic, and time is running out to fix them.