Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said the offense will retain core elements associated with Mike McDaniel while adding different ways to attack opposing defenses. During a media availability on Sept. 10, Slowik emphasized high effort, physical play and the ability to respond to adversity as the team prepares for Week 1.
“The scheme is the scheme, there’s going to be some different stuff, but the style of play to me is always going to be the starting point,” Slowik said. He described the Miami Dolphins offense as a young group with many rookies and said the staff will evaluate how players handle road crowd noise, defensive adjustments and difficult moments during the game.
Miami Dolphins seek efficiency and balance
Slowik said the offense wants to move forward, gain yards and keep defenses uncertain. That approach could involve runs, passes, screens, reverses and other plays designed to challenge defensive expectations. The offense also is preparing for pressure, front movement, linebacker movement and blitzes.
“We want to be efficient, we want to make sure we’re moving forward, we’re gaining yards, but we want to keep the defense off balance,” Slowik said. He noted that a loaded box can create opportunities for the running game, while passes and other changes can give the offense different answers.
Malik Willis’ role will depend on the game
Slowik said Malik Willis’ use as a runner will be determined by the game situation. The coaching staff is emphasizing how Willis can protect himself and when he should slide or go out of bounds, while also teaching the players around him how to protect the quarterback.
“Malik Willis is our quarterback. So we need to win the game and we’re going to do everything we can to win the game. We also need to make sure he stays healthy,” Slowik said. He praised Willis’ speed, pocket movement, footwork, accuracy and ability to throw from multiple arm angles.
Slowik also identified De’Von Achane, J-Wright and Bonner as Miami Dolphins players who can run, while saying Willis is among the team’s fastest players. He said Willis has shown a strong feel for navigating the pocket and creating enough space to make throws.
Chris Bell continues to rebuild football conditioning
Chris Bell has made progress since he was cleared to return and activated on Aug. 17, according to Slowik. The receiver remains more than a month behind players who participated in offseason practices and training camp, so continuing to regain football conditioning remains important.
Slowik described Bell as explosive and aggressive, with good change-of-direction ability. He said Bell is much further along than he was when coaches first saw him after his return, but the receiver is still working to get his legs under him and sustain his conditioning.
Offensive line enters Week 1 in a good position
Slowik said the offensive line is in a good position entering Week 1 despite having a rookie, a second-year guard and a third-year tackle. He stressed the importance of continuity and staying healthy, particularly early in the season, because moving players in and out can make it more difficult to build consistency.
Slowik said Brew and Pat Paul are helping lead the group and have done a good job bringing teammates along in the running game and in protection. He said the unit is confident in its progress entering the season.
The Miami Dolphins also are preparing newcomers to potentially play while Will Kacmarek deals with an injury. Slowik said the tight ends are adjusting to differences in scheme, technique and run blocking, while Greg Dulcich has made significant progress and is developing as an all-around tight end.
Miami Dolphins prepare for Maxx Crosby and adversity
Slowik called Maxx Crosby an elite all-around player and said every player on the field must know where No. 98 is at all times. He said Crosby’s pass-rushing ability and run defense make him difficult to neutralize, even when the offense designs ways to limit his impact.
“Everybody on the field, it doesn’t matter what position you are, you need to know where 98 is at all times,” Slowik said. He added that the offense must limit Crosby’s influence, recover when a play goes wrong and move on to the next snap.
Slowik said the mental response will be especially important for a young offense. Players must flush mistakes, maintain their intensity and rely on teammates to support one another when someone struggles.
“Our play style, our effort and our ability to do that and stay together is what’s going to wind up deciding the game on Sunday,” Slowik said.
Source: Original report