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Dolphins’ Offensive Struggles Continue in 0-4 Start
The Miami Dolphins have lost their first four games.
They have had trouble scoring, including just 10 points against Minnesota.
Their offense also had very little time with the ball in that game.
Rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez made a team-high 18 tackles and helped the defense limit Minnesota to 15 points.
Running back Ollie Gordon scored Miami’s only touchdown and ran for 100 yards.
Coach Jeff Hafley says the team must keep improving and find players who are ready to work through a difficult season.
Miami plays Cincinnati next Sunday.
Miami fell to 0-4 after a 15-10 loss to Minnesota on Sunday.
The Dolphins have scored 13, 13, 10 and 10 points in their first four games.
Miami managed 85 passing yards, its lowest game total since December 2010.
Rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez recorded 18 tackles, a Miami rookie record since tracking began in 1994.
The Dolphins face Cincinnati at home Sunday before a bye week for both teams.
- Who
- The Miami Dolphins, coached by Jeff Hafley, and the Minnesota Vikings.
- What
- Miami lost 15-10, extending its record to 0-4 amid ongoing offensive struggles.
- Where
- The loss was at Minnesota; the Dolphins return home to play Cincinnati.
- When
- Sunday; Miami’s next game is Sunday.
- Why
- Miami struggled to move the ball and score, managing 85 passing yards and 10 points.
Reasons for concern
Signs of progress
Offensive outlook
Reasons for concern
Miami is 0-4, averages an NFL-worst 11.5 points per game and had only 85 passing yards against Minnesota.
Signs of progress
Quarterback Malik Willis said the team is competing and improving, and Ollie Gordon produced 100 rushing yards against Minnesota.
Defensive performance
Reasons for concern
Minnesota tight end T.J. Hockenson caught all 13 passes thrown his way for 119 yards.
Signs of progress
Miami allowed just one touchdown across 16 possessions against Kansas City and Minnesota, excluding a kneel-down, and gave up no touchdown against Minnesota.
Season expectations
Reasons for concern
The Dolphins’ losing start and season-ending torn ACL for leading running back De’Von Achane add to the team’s challenges.
Signs of progress
Coach Jeff Hafley says the team can improve now and is focused on identifying players to build around for better seasons ahead.
Key facts
- Dolphins record
- 0-4 after four games
- Result
- Lost 15-10 at Minnesota
- Points in first four games
- 13, 13, 10 and 10
- Passing yards against Minnesota
- 85, Miami’s lowest in a game since Dec. 10, 2010
- Jacob Rodriguez
- 18 tackles, the most by a Miami rookie since official tracking began in 1994
- Ollie Gordon
- 100 rushing yards on nine carries and Miami’s only touchdown
- Next game
- Home against Cincinnati (2-2), before both teams’ bye week
Quotes
Jeff Hafley
First-year head coach of the Miami Dolphins
“I told the guys very clearly that this was going to be a tough journey that we’re all on. And I told them that if they weren’t up for it, then go talk to (general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan).”
livemint.com
Malik Willis
Miami Dolphins quarterback
“You hate the feeling of continuing to get better without actually gaining wins on the win column.”
livemint.com
Sources
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