As a longtime Kyle Shanahan retainer, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has a master’s degree in using a varied and explosive run game to set up big-time passing plays. It looked like the Dolphins were slow-rolling the Buffalo Bills through the first quarter, when running back Raheem Mostert gained 101 yards on the ground on only eight carries, while quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made his first touchdown against San. continued the struggle. Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers in the last two weeks.
With 12:48 left in the third quarter, and the Bills up, 21-13, the run threat gave Tagovailoa the look that any quarterback with two ridiculously speedy receivers (like the Dolphins have in Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle) absolutely love.
The Dolphins had Waddle in the inside slot and Hill in the outside slot against Buffalo’s two-deep look. It was a 3×1 set up with receiver Trent Sherfield on the right, and tight end Mike Gesicki attached to the formation on the left.
Mostert was in the backfield, which added a helpful complication to Buffalo’s defense.
Pre-snap, you’re asking linebacker Tremaine Edmonds to maintain depth in coverage to safety Jordan Poyer, which tells me the pre-snap plan was to flip from two-high to single-high, with Poyer on the run. Had crashed in to help along. ,
He was gone when his feet hit the ground! @D1__JW
: #MIAVsBUF But @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream NFL+ on https://t.co/OppdDaKY2o pic.twitter.com/tdhvjv5Y2i– NFL (@NFL) December 18, 2022
When Poyer came down, and safety Dummer Hamlin was staying deep on the other side to monitor Hill, there was no one to cover Waddle deep… and that, folks, is a big mistake.
Poyer, one of the best safeties in the NFL, did his best to recover. But as they say, speed kills.
Jaylen Waddle reached a top speed of 21.11 mph on his 67-yd TD reception, his fastest as a ball carrier this season.
🔹 Air Yards : 25
🔹 Target Separation: 6.5 yards
🔹Completion Chances: 60.1%#MIAVsBUF , #finsup pic.twitter.com/V0V5FGBgBh— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 18, 2022
