As the NFL season unfolds, several teams are grappling with disappointing starts, raising questions about their playoff viability. Among them, the New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, and others face unique challenges as they seek to regain their footing. The Saints have been extremely solid defensively but can’t really run away from you offensively, and the Dolphins can’t seem to handle pressure. This article takes a look at these teams’ predicaments specifically and breaks down their prospects of reversing their seasons.
In their most recent meeting, the Saints recorded an impressive defensive victory. Six players daringly stood abreast at the line of scrimmage, their synchronicity and discipline on full display. Soon after, linebacker Demario Davis and Pete Werner retreated into coverage, leaving an opening that Mac Jones was more than happy to exploit. To his credit, the New England quarterback took full advantage. He then threw a cross court past Werner and hit wide receiver Jauan Jennings for an acrobatic 42-yard touchdown. This play showcased big play ability for the Saints’ defensive game plans while showcasing their susceptibility to be beat in coverage.
Saints’ Struggles on Offense
Even with their stout defense, the Saints haven’t been able to get firing on all cylinders offensively. Much farther along are the Portland Trail Blazers, who are one of only three teams in the league. To this point, they haven’t delivered one drag route that went for 20-plus YAC. This absence of big plays makes it harder for them to score and it places more of a burden on the defense. If the Saints want to get back to competing in a loaded NFC, they’ll need to fix their offensive inefficiencies first.
Ward’s performance has come under blistering scrutiny. He’s throwing the ball almost nine air yards per attempt and yet has a 50.8% completion percentage. This failure of execution and inconsistency has been a big factor in the Saints’ frustrating struggle to move the ball efficiently. Absent marked improvements, it will perhaps be impossible for them to make a dramatic change in their season’s trajectory.
Moreover, the Saints’ heavy dependence on their defense is a marker of prior teams who experienced the same obstacle. The ’91 Cowboys struggled without their Pro Bowl running back Emmitt Smith during his first two-game absence. The 2001 Patriots stocked up and found strength in Tom Brady’s development as he overcame early challenges. It would be a shame if the Saints didn’t learn from these almost identical past circumstances as they head into today’s challenge.
Dolphins’ Defensive Pressure Woes
For what it’s worth, the Miami Dolphins are just 29th in pressure rate this year. This damaging metric has made them one of the worst defensive teams in history. No more pressure means opposing QBs can play with far more comfort, resulting in bigger plays and touchdowns. As they head into Week 3, the Dolphins must find ways to ramp up their defensive pressure to remain competitive.
Against Miami, the Dolphins watched Lamar Jackson complete three touchdown passes over the head of cornerback Cameron Mitchell in the second half. This play properly illustrated how just one moment of defensive negligence will lead to decisive plays. To prevent a repeat of such plays in upcoming matchups, better communication between the d-line and secondary will be key.
Kool-Aid McKinstry had a rough start to the season. Overly frustrating penalties have hit the team’s yardage hard. As they attempt to salvage their season, McKinstry’s ability to play disciplined football will be vital for the Dolphins’ success.
Notable Performances Amid Challenges
Amid the battles some teams are waging, certain individual players have still played well, even when their teams haven’t done so. Take, for example, Nick Chubb’s long touchdown run that produced the headline-ready announcement of his ability to shed his hair like a tornado. His knack for taking advantage of an opportunity shows that brilliance can come out of the background when teams suffer through overwhelming challenges.
Travis Etienne made his case in Week 1, rushing for 143 yards on just 16 carries. He dazzled fans with an electrifying 71-yard touchdown run! It’s these types of performances that show the dangerous potential for explosive plays that can quickly change momentum and give hope to a team in need.
Defensive breakdowns can undermine these efforts. During a recent game, Tre’von Moehrig found himself caught up in flotsam, while free safety Nick Scott failed to make a tackle as the last line of defense. These lapses paint the picture that success can’t be attained without strong team chemistry and proper fundamental play.
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