Dolphins’ 0-3 Hole: Five Tactical Shifts Mike McDaniel Must Make to Salvage the Season

The Miami Dolphins find themselves in a familiar yet troubling position—sitting at 0-3 after devastating losses to the Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, and Las Vegas Raiders. With the franchise’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread and coach Mike McDaniel facing mounting pressure, Miami desperately needs tactical adjustments to turn their season around.

The Dolphins have struggled on both sides of the ball through their first three contests. Offensively, they’ve managed just 56 points total while surrendering 97 to opponents. Tua Tagovailoa has thrown four interceptions against five touchdown passes, completing 69.7% of his attempts for 575 yards. Perhaps most concerning is Miami’s inability to establish any rhythm, averaging just 18.7 points per game—ranking 25th in the NFL.

As Miami prepares for their crucial Monday Night Football clash against the New York Jets, bettors looking to capitalize on potential turnaround narratives should consider different promotional incentives such as the DraftKings promo code to maximize their opportunities on what could be a season-defining contest for both AFC East rivals.

1. Unleash the No-Huddle Attack

McDaniel must immediately implement more no-huddle packages to help Tagovailoa find his rhythm and prevent opposing defenses from making adjustments. The Dolphins quarterback has historically thrived in uptempo situations, and the no-huddle approach could mask some of the offensive line’s protection issues that have plagued Miami early this season.

Through three games, Miami has converted just 19 of 35 third-down attempts (54.3%), a concerning drop from their previous efficiency. The no-huddle can create shorter third-down situations and keep Tagovailoa in advantageous down-and-distance scenarios where his quick release becomes an asset rather than a necessity.

2. Target Cleveland’s Secondary Vulnerabilities

While the Browns boast the league’s top-ranked defense allowing just 204.3 yards per game, they’ve shown exploitable weaknesses in their pass coverage. Cleveland has registered only one takeaway through three games, suggesting their secondary might be ripe for exploitation by Miami’s speed merchants Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Hill has managed 198 yards on 15 receptions through three games despite the offensive struggles. The Browns’ tendency to focus on stopping the run (they rank third in sacks with 11) could leave favorable matchups in the secondary, particularly if McDaniel can devise quick-hitting routes that neutralize Cleveland’s pass rush advantage.

3. Maximize De’Von Achane’s Efficiency

Despite Miami’s overall offensive woes, De’Von Achane has maintained respectable production with 147 yards on 30 carries (4.9 yards per attempt). However, McDaniel isn’t maximizing Achane’s explosive potential that made him a standout rookie in 2023 when he averaged 7.8 yards per carry.

The key lies in getting Achane more touches in space and utilizing his receiving ability. Last season, Achane caught 87 passes and proved equally dangerous as a pass-catcher. With Miami’s offensive line struggling in pass protection, screens and swing routes to Achane could provide the quick-hitting plays needed to control tempo while leveraging his game-breaking speed.

4. Address Third-Down Defensive Breakdowns

Miami’s defense has been historically poor on third down, allowing opponents to convert at alarming rates. Against Buffalo, the Bills converted 10 of 15 third-down attempts, including several crucial third-and-long situations that kept drives alive. The Dolphins rank 32nd in total defense, surrendering 435 rushing yards and 715 passing yards through three games.

McDaniel and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver must implement more aggressive third-down packages, potentially bringing additional pass rushers to create pressure while disguising coverage looks. The current passive approach has allowed opposing offenses to methodically move down the field, contributing to Miami’s -5 turnover differential.

5. Establish Early-Down Running Identity

Perhaps the most glaring tactical error in McDaniel’s approach has been abandoning the running game in favor of his preferred passing concepts. Through three games, Miami has rushed just 48 times compared to 89 passing attempts—a concerning imbalance for a team that claimed to prioritize physicality during the offseason.

The Dolphins must commit to establishing Achane and the ground game early in drives, particularly against a Browns defense that has shown vulnerability against the run despite their overall statistical dominance. Cleveland allowed 155 rushing yards to Quinton Judkins in their recent victory over Green Bay, suggesting opportunities exist for a more balanced offensive attack.

McDaniel’s willingness to adapt his system will ultimately determine whether Miami can salvage their season. The talent exists—Tagovailoa, Hill, Waddle, and Achane form a formidable offensive core—but the tactical deployment must evolve. With the Jets looming on Monday night, followed by challenging matchups against Carolina and the Chargers, the Dolphins cannot afford to wait any longer for these adjustments.

The franchise’s playoff drought threatens to extend into a fourth consecutive season without these immediate tactical shifts. McDaniel’s reputation as an offensive innovator hangs in the balance, making Week 4 not just about ending the losing streak, but proving his system can adapt when adversity strikes.