The Dolphins can gain valuable insights from playoff teams to improve their game strategy and performance next season
Remember when Dave Wannstedt used to say, “There’s nothing wrong with punting”? He had a point. And Tony Sparano’s excitement after field goals was a clear sign of the importance of scoring.
Four out of five teams that ended their drives with a kick made it to the conference championships. They didn’t leave the ball lying around or take unnecessary risks.
No heroics, no turnovers. Just solid wins. On the flip side, three defenses that caused turnovers also advanced. The Dolphins’ defense ranked 10th in points allowed but was 26th in takeaways. That’s a big deal.
This weekend’s games were a wake-up call for the Dolphins. They need to focus on getting two starting guards. The final four teams didn’t spend big on their guards, so the Dolphins should take note.
Look at their AFC rivals. Kansas City has a mix of undrafted free agents and late-round picks on their line. Buffalo’s guards are also from the second round and free agency.
Better guard play could really help the Dolphins convert those crucial short-yardage situations. They struggled this season, only converting 11 out of 24 attempts on third and fourth down.
When you look at the best teams, they’re converting those plays consistently. Kansas City and Houston went 7 for 7 on Saturday, while Baltimore and Buffalo were 9 for 12 on Sunday.
The biggest lesson from the weekend? Takeaways matter. Detroit turned the ball over five times, while Washington didn’t turn it over at all.
Philadelphia won without any turnovers against the Rams, while Baltimore lost despite outgaining Buffalo in yards. It all came down to turnovers.
Lamar Jackson had a chance to tie the game but couldn’t convert after a couple of turnovers. Meanwhile, Josh Allen kept it simple, passing for just 127 yards but avoiding mistakes.
Buffalo ended each possession with a kick, which hasn’t always worked for them in the past. But this time, it paid off.
As the Dolphins watch the playoffs unfold, they can learn a lot from how teams like Patrick Mahomes’ and Allen’s squads handle pressure. Maybe their best plays will be enough to make a difference next season.
