The Six-Seven Miami Dolphins: How They Can Keep their Playoff Dreams a Reality

For the kids, it’s a silly funny joke, for the adults, it’s a constant question of “why, what does it even mean?” and for the Dolphins, it’s a goal. A goal to be six and seven, to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

The Miami Dolphins started the season 2-7, with many gut-wrenching losses, New England, Carolina, and Los Angeles. They were on the wrong side of an embarrassing blowout against the Browns, and they fired their General Manager Chris Grier.

After all that, the Dolphins have battled, beat the Buffalo Bills, and have rallied back to 5-7 and they want more.

McDaniel wants to retain his job as a head coach, Tua wants to find the old version of himself, De’von Achane is chasing Dolphins’ records, Jordyn Brooks NFL records, and the common goal, the playoffs, the longshot dream of a 2-7 team.

But to keep this dream alive Miami has to beat the Jets who are 0-7 against Tua Tagovailoa and look like one of the worst teams in the NFL.

So, while it should be another victory for the Dolphins, they have to stay the course, stay focused, and stick to this gameplan.

1. Miami’s new Identity: For a long time, I have been calling for Mike McDaniel to go back to his roots. His roots as a run game coordinator. Running the ball enables you to control the clock, set up the pass, and open up many offensive capabilities. Miami’s winning streak has been built on this front, Miami’s jumbo package has been one of the most successful NFL packages, and Miami has run for 197, 169, and 164 yards over the 3-game streak. Continue to run the ball against a Jets team that allows the 25th most rushing yards per game at 131.2 and open up passing lanes that enable Tua to dominate the Jets, just like he always has.
2. Anthony Weaver has figured it out: Since Week 10, Miami is leading the league in scoring defense. Miami’s defense has been the backbone of their success, giving the offense a chance every game, but there is still room to grow. Miami needs to continue to force turnovers, something the Jets are prone to as they average just over one a game. And Miami needs to contain whoever is at quarterback from extending plays which is where the Jets have been their best, hold containment and don’t let Fields (ruled out) or Taylor get outside the pocket.
3. Half time Adjustments need to improve: Miami has been an awesome first half team, and then the other team adjusts while Miami doesn’t. We saw it against Carolina, New Orleans, and throughout this whole win streak.

Hussam Patel, put together Miami’s defensive ranks in each half since the start of Miami’s stretch-

“We talk and see more of the Dolphins offense not being consistent in the 2nd half of games, but no one has mentioned how this defense falls off like the Mariana Trench in the 2nd half of games since the win streak.”

Miami in the first half ranks:

• 1st in Yards/Play
• 1st in Yards/Rush
• 1st in 1st Down per Attempt
• 1st in 3rd Down Conversion Allowed
• 2nd in EPA/Play
• 2nd in Rush Success
• 4th in Overall Success
• 12th in Pass Success

Miami in the second half ranks:

• 24th in Rush Success Allowed
• 27th in EPA/Play
• 27th in Yards/Rush
• 30th in Success Rate
• 30th in Pass Success Allowed
• 30th in Yards/Play
• 30th in 1st Down Rush% Allowed
• 31st in 3rd Down Conversion Allowed

Miami’s offense has seen much of the same struggles and Miami needs to put together a complete game in the Meadowlands to continue their miraculous march to the playoffs and be the Six-Seven Miami Dolphins.