Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is determined to bounce back after a challenging 2024 season, during which he recorded career-low statistics. With just 744 yards and two touchdowns on 58 receptions, Waddle struggled to make an impact as the Dolphins started the season with a disappointing 2-6 record. Now he is taking the hint and getting ready to flip that page and take his offensive game to another level.
Waddle’s play last season was not up to par, and he’s been the first to admit it. “Last season was definitely the year that I didn’t want as an individual,” he stated, reflecting on the difficulties he faced. He pointed out that one area in particular needed immediate improvement: his hand-eye coordination.
To rectify these shortcomings, Waddle has been collaborating on an almost daily basis with the Dolphins’ new wide receivers coach Robert Prince. This partnership has been a challenge but a valuable one, and Waddle understands why it matters. He shared how when he leads training sessions, he starts with the basics. He knows that he needs to work on his timing, getting smoother in and out of his breaks.
Waddle signed a three-year, $84.75 million extension booked in the top-10 last offseason. This deal will pay him as the 10th-highest paid receiver in the NFL. This financial safety net does not eliminate the pressure to be successful. Head coach Mike McDaniel highlighted this by saying Waddle has continued to teach his teammates who he really is throughout camp.
Waddle’s season got off to a shaky start, but he exploded onto the scene in the latter half of the year. Starting in Week 10, he rattled off an incredible 390 receiving yards in only five games. That resurgence, along with Mateo’s continued improvement, has made him optimistic as 2024 approaches.
In that never-ending quest to get better, Waddle has learned Prince’s tough loving approach to be effective, albeit not always pleasant. “The meeting room, you’ve got to be on your P’s and Q’s because he’ll ask you something from two weeks ago,” Waddle noted. He appreciates the tension that Prince further injects into their meetings for example. He commented, “RP brings a different kind of energy into the space. He’s challenging us to perform better on the field and off.
Waddle has developed a special chemistry with QB Tua Tagovailoa over the last season or two. Together, they diligently practice and improve their on-field chemistry. This connection is especially important for Waddle’s success, given that he dealt with the inconsistency of quarterback play that hampered his overall production a year ago.
Looking toward the upcoming season, Waddle is ready to become more well-rounded. Now, he is focused on maximizing his potential. We wish him the best and look forward to seeing him realize those goals. We know he’ll work hard to see them through. “After watching the film, definitely a lot of hand-eye (coordination). I feel like I’m trying to move without the ball too much,” Waddle remarked, emphasizing his self-awareness and readiness to improve.
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