Miami Dolphins' Red-Zone Problems, and How to Fix Them

The overall message at Miami Dolphins practice is, "we are moving on to the Houston Texans." The players and coaches have responded to all questions about the Patriots with that universal message. The defense will bounce back and return to the type of play we became accustomed to last season. The offense is also deflecting questions about the Patriots game. The question that needs to be answered, whether internally or publicly, is how will this team score when in the red zone? 

The Dolphins unveiled their offense under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. While the result was not one that the Dolphins would have liked, the new offense showed promise in its debut. Gone are the days where the Dolphins would play you three yards and a cloud of dust at a time. Daboll's offense is more wide open, attacking and versatile. Chad Henne completed five passes that went 25 yards or more against the Patriots, a feat that took him four whole games to complete last year. 

The Dolphins had some success in the red zone. Reggie Bush showed the versatility he and his position can have in the offense by touching the ball 20 times, rushing 11 times and catching nine passes. Bush even got into the end zone on a two yard pass out into the flat. Henne ran in a touchdown from the nine-yard line and also threw a touchdown to Brian Hartline form the 10-yard line. While all of the Dolphins scores came from inside the end zone they lack a power runner and running game needed to be consistent down on the goal line. Twice late in the game, with the score still close, the Phins failed to punch it in on the goal line. Once they settled for a field goal and turned the ball over on downs a play before Tom Brady hit Wes Welker for 99 yards and a score. 

Bush has never proven in his career that he can be an every down back or a goal line back. He was neither in New Orleans. Due to injury he was forced to carry the load against the Patriots in Week 1 with Lex Hillard. The coaches have not shown any confidence in Hillard as a ball carrier. Charles Clay and Daniel Thomas both missed the first week due to injury, but both are expected to return to action in Week 2. This will take the load off of Bush and give the Dolphins a more conventional goal line back in the 6'1'' 228lb Thomas.  

Chad Henne hasn't shown touch on any of his passes and has not shown an ability to throw a quality fade pass to any of his receivers in the red zone. There has also been miscommunication between Henne and his receivers. A miscommunication between Henne and Brandon Marshall almost caused an interception in the end zone. Getting on the same page with his receivers will not only result in passing touchdowns but open up running lanes for Bush and the other backs.

By minimizing the mistakes and getting on the same page in the red zone passing game, the Dolphins will not only score more on passes, but it will force defenses to remain honest and allow Bush and Thomas some lanes to run through. Look for the addition of Clay and Thomas to open the Dolphins offense in the red zone and let them trade in field goals for touchdowns.