Miami loves to through the football, but they must run to beat the Jets
If the Dolphins want to walk out of a divisional slugfest with a win–their first of the season, the gameplan is simple — run the football. It’s not sexy. It won’t flood highlight reels. But against the Jets a heavy, confident rushing attack is the cleanest path to control the clock, keep the opposition’s offense off the field, and take some of the load off Tua because it looks like he needs it.
We’ve begged for it and the need to run the football is clear.
But will McDaniel run the football and stick with it? History says no, but if the past repeats and the Dolphins lose, then McDaniel might be history as the Phins head coach.
Tampa rushed 34 times to help Baker out
The single most effective way to both the opposing team’s possessions and wear down a defense is to run the football. Tampa had a beat-up offensive line, much like the Dolphins, and they churned out 34 carries with their top two backs averaging only 2.5 yards per carry. Baker added 44 to pad the average, but mostly, Tampa ran the football to move the game along and keep the Jets honest.
You can bet with the best pay per head that Mike McDaniel needs to finally learn this lesson, or he could find himself losing to the 0-3 Jets.
Divisional games are won by teams who look like they want the contact. Running the football signals patience, control, and a willingness to punish. That can wear down a Jets front over four quarters and swing late-game situational football in Miami’s favor. Establishing an intent to run gives the Dolphins a psychological edge a big bruising running back Ollie Gordon is just the guy to do it.
So, what should Miami do on Sunday? A few practical prescriptions:
- Commit to a higher run rate early. Aim for 25–32 rush attempts, not 15–18. Start physical and stay physical.
- Lean on interior play — power concepts, inside zone and heavy personnel in short-yardage and early-down sequences to get push.
- Use sub-packages that favor two-tight end sets and a bell-cow back to grind third downs into manageable distances.
- Be willing to take the clock and settle for points. Field goals on long drives beat turnovers or quick three-and-outs.
- Adjust mid-game: if the Jets stack the box, punish them with play-action and vertical shots; if they don’t, keep pounding.
The recipe has been clear for a long time…and time is running out for McDaniel
Toughness is an identity that this McDaniel regime has lacked and sorely needs.
Will he finally figure it out or run himself out of this franchise with a pass happy loss?
The Dolphins’ path to a win their first game runs through the line of scrimmage — literally. If McDaniel wants to win and keep his job for another week, he’d better finally run the damn ball and beat these Jets in Prime Time.
Go Phins!!!