Dolphins Q&A: What’s next step of evolution in Mike McDaniel’s offense?

In this week's Dolphins Q&A, readers ask about getting the TE more involved in the offense, the red-zone passing game, a possible expansion to Tua's jiu-jitsu and a prediction vs. the Bills in the finale.

Here’s the latest installment of our Miami Dolphins Q&A, where South Florida Sun Sentinel writers David Furones and Chris Perkins answer questions from readers.

Q: Year 1, Mike McDaniel developed Tua. Year 2, we’ve really seen the run game evolve. Year 3, do we finally get our TE and add another element to this offense? — @Jumpman389 on X

That could be a reasonable next step for the offense to take. 

It almost feels akin to LeBron James’ development in his prime within his years in Miami with the Heat. One offseason, he improved the 3-point game. Another, he got in the post and worked on his skills on the low block. Then, it was maximizing his free-throw percentage to make opponents pay when they put him on the line.

However the tight end is utilized in the offense, though, priority No. 1 is for this player to be able to run block. That’s why Mike Gesicki didn’t last in this scheme. Contrarily, that’s also why Durham Smythe is a favorite of McDaniel, offensive coordinator Frank Smith and tight ends coach Jon Embree. He’s a huge key to the effectiveness of the perimeter run game, which is part of that Year 2 evolution you speak of.

Smythe, by the way, tied a season high with four receptions last Sunday against the Jets, going for 32 yards on those.

Still, there has not been a touchdown from Smythe or any tight end — be it Julian Hill, Tyler Kroft or anyone else — this season. So that definitely is an area where this offense can stand to add some production.

Especially for a team that has had its passing struggles in short-yardage situations by the goal line. That was one thing Gesicki did provide last season in the red zone that this offense has been lacking in 2023.

But the Dolphins were good at punching the ball into the end zone on the ground last week, and a big reason they don’t have many opportunities for tight ends in the end zone is that a lot of touchdown passes are long ones to Tyreek Hill and, last Sunday, to Jaylen Waddle.

Q: Can we start running the corner fade in the end zone with taller receivers. Is Chase Claypool not playing related to poor practice? — @ScottG305 on X

This falls in line with the last question, and undrafted rookie tight end Julian Hill could be an option for such routes.

Claypool is someone I’ve wanted to see in such a role. McDaniel often alludes to a package the team has for him that it never gets to. Claypool got some snaps late in Sunday’s 30-0 blowout against the Jets, but still not seeing the field in meaningful reps, even when Tyreek Hill is out.

McDaniel has alluded to Cedrick Wilson Jr. earning his reps over Claypool due to what he shows in practice.

Q: Do you think the Dolphins will hire a full time Ju-Jitsu instructor to work with the whole team, to try and cut down on injuries— @DRDOCSF on X

That’s an interesting thought. I’m not sure how well the muscle memory of jiu-jitsu rolls and other actions involved in the martial art would translate to protection at other positions.

At the quarterback position, for Tua Tagovailoa, it has worked wonders, and you see constant examples of him going into a roll at even the slightest shove that’s sending him to the ground.

Players at other positions, like running backs and pass-catchers, they’re always fighting for extra yardage through tacklers, but maybe the training could have helped Hill’s ankle in some way when he was brought down on the tackle out of bounds in the Tennessee game.

There have been several examples of offensive linemen getting rolled up on at the legs. Maybe there are some instances where training could have helped, but it’s possible a lot of those were just inevitable based on the awkward positions blockers are put in.

Q: The football gods have decided Bills v Fins is going to be for the division. Who do ya got? Assuming Rob Hunt, X, Reek, Jevon and Deshon are back. — @Mkjelly1 on X

It sure looks to be that way, unless the Dolphins beat both the Cowboys and the Ravens the next two weeks or the Bills slip up against either the Chargers or the Patriots. This is another example of how badly Miami screwed up by collapsing at the end of that Monday night game against the Titans.

As strong as the Bills are rolling right now and despite the momentum they would carry into that game, I would like the Dolphins in that home finale, especially if it’s for the AFC East. This Miami team remembers the sour taste the 48-20 loss Oct. 1 in Orchard Park left and will be committed to turning the tables on its division rival.

Have a question?

Email David Furones, or tag @ChrisPerk or @DavidFurones_ on X (Twitter).