The Dolphins are sticking with QB Tyler Huntley as the offense continues to struggle without Tua Tagovailoa

Associated Press

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — In the fourth quarter of Monday night’s 31-12 loss to the Titans, cameras captured Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill angry and screaming on the sideline.

It was another quiet game for Hill in a frustrating season for the Dolphins. They are 1-3 with the NFL’s worst scoring offense. They’ve been outscored 86-25 in their last three games and haven’t found an answer to how to turn things around with franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve because of a concussion.

“I would expect (Hill) to be visibly upset with someone,” coach Mike McDaniel said after the game. “He’s a leader and wanted to do everything he could to make sure the outcome wasn’t like that.”

The Dolphins finished Monday with just 184 total yards, including just 78 yards through the air, making them the league’s best passing offense in 2023. Hill had just 23 yards receiving and caught 4 of 7 targets from Tyler Huntley, Miami’s third starting quarterback in four weeks.

After signing on Sept. 17, Huntley had less than two weeks to get comfortable with one of the NFL’s most complicated offenses, but the Dolphins seemed out of step under him.

McDaniel said Monday afternoon that Huntley will start against the Patriots in Week 5 as quarterback Skylar Thompson is dealing with a rib injury.

The lack of chemistry between the former Baltimore Ravens quarterback and his new receivers showed. He missed Hill on several big occasions, including when he overwhelmed Hill with an 80-yard touchdown pass just before halftime.

“I just had to work on getting to them on time and getting more reps,” Huntley said. “That’s the only way we can build if we get more reps.”

McDaniel acknowledged there were limitations to the play-calling strategy because Huntley was new to the offense. He also hinted that significant changes could be afoot to add some spark to the team.

Monday’s performance wasn’t much different than the Dolphins’ offense in the last three games. Before Huntley’s 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, Miami had not reached the end zone in 10 quarters.

“Everything is on the table,” McDaniel said. “You can’t say the offense is good or – for me, I haven’t really been in a situation like this where we haven’t had back-to-back productions like that, so you really have to open your mind to really everything.” Things.”

What works

The Dolphins’ defense has held opponents to 23.8% on third downs in 2024, the best mark in the NFL. Miami limited the Titans’ number of field goals until midway through the third quarter, when running back Tyjae Spears took a direct snap from 7 yards for a touchdown. Miami also scored a touchdown in the final minute of the game.

What needs help

Procedural issues need to be clarified. After being marred by pre-snap penalties in Week 3, the Dolphins were assessed five illegal shift penalties on Monday, with several players not being used at the snap.

McDaniel said he would consider dialing back some of the pre-snap movement and shifts.

“It’s one of the first things I know we can control,” McDaniel said. “These guys can’t get on their feet quick enough. … The movement part of our offense is something that our players have been good at in the past and used to create advantageous situations, but I mean, you just can’t do the same thing over and over again. You have to be fully prepared when guys aren’t able to do something in the moment of truth.”

Stock up

LB Emmanuel Ogbah had an interception on the Titans’ first drive in which he grabbed the ball and held it between his knees. It was his second career interception.

Inventory reduced

Play calling. The recipients. The running game. The offensive line. Miami’s offensive front continues to struggle with run blocking, which has contributed to the Dolphins’ average of 3.6 yards per carry. De’Von Achane averaged 7.8 yards per carry last season, his grade was 1.5 on 10 carries entering Monday night, and brought his average to 3.1 in the first four games the Dolphins have played barely moved on the ground.

Hill and Waddle have had their least productive stretch since Hill joined the Dolphins in 2022 – the duo, who led the NFL in production last season, have combined for 22 catches and 190 yards since Week 1. Both had a dropped pass on Monday.

The Dolphins brought in veteran tight end Jonnu Smith in the offseason in hopes of adding more power to this unit, but Smith has barely been used in the passing game over the past four games. He played 25 snaps but was only targeted once.

Injuries

Help could be on the way for the offense as receiver Odell Beckham Jr.’s practice window opens Wednesday to return from the unable-to-play list. … McDaniel said he doesn’t expect LB Jaelan Phillips to play Sunday after leaving Monday’s game with a knee injury. The team is still waiting for more details on the severity of the injury, McDaniel said.

Key numbers

12.5% ​​– The Dolphins’ third down conversion rate in the last two games without Tagovailoa.

15.4% – The Dolphins’ fourth down conversion rate this season.

Next Steps

Tagovailoa will remain in the concussion protocol when Miami faces New England on Sunday. After that, the Dolphins have a bye week and travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts. Tagovailoa could return the following week on October 27 against Arizona.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL