The Miami Dolphins are turning their attention to a Week 8 interconference football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta. Miami enters the matchup with a 1-6 record, but players and coaches said they remain focused on improving one day and one game at a time.
Running back De’Von Achane said the Dolphins are focused on the opportunity in front of them rather than their record. “It doesn’t matter what the record is – we’ve got a game on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, we’ve got to go out there and play 100 percent. It doesn’t matter what the record is, we’re going to go out there and give 110. We’ve just got to keep working. The record isn’t where we want it to be, so it’s just another opportunity to get a win in the ‘W’ column,” Achane said.
Miami Dolphins Evaluating Every Area
Head coach Mike McDaniel said Miami is assessing how it uses its players and handles different situations. The evaluation includes offensive formations, motion and defensive coverage while the Dolphins work to put players in positions that fit their strengths.
“I think you try to lean into what players are good at, and then you’re trying to assess where the failures are coming and why. If you’re asking your players to do something that they’re incapable of, you make sure to specifically when you have a team that’s really focused on getting right and ending a streak of losses, you make sure the players are empowered. You take a critical look at quite literally everything and if you need to be under center in pistol, in gun, if you need to motion more to get guys open, to motion less, if you need to play more zone defense, if you need to play more man defense – all things, without revealing a competitive advantage, all things are assessed for sure,” McDaniel said.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said the Dolphins have not lost confidence. Tagovailoa said the team is close to showing what it can do but must put all of its elements together.
“I wouldn’t say there’s any losing of the confidence. I think the confidence comes from within but then also the confidence comes from what you know you can do, what I’ve done in the past. I think we’re this close to being able to go out there and show what we’ve said we’ve wanted to do, but we’ve just got to be able to put them all together. I think that’s what it is. I don’t think I’m the only one that has that kind of confidence, I think there’s a lot of guys in the locker room that have that, too,” Tagovailoa said.
Coordinators Point to Rookie Development
Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said defensive tackle Kenneth Grant has looked more relaxed in practice and has continued to develop his technique and fundamentals. Weaver said Grant’s growing confidence has helped him play more freely.
“It started two weeks ago and you saw it in practice where he just seemed more relaxed out there. He kind of let the pressure fall off and just went out there and played football. When you start to gain confidence, particularly as a young player and then you pair that with the technique and fundamentals that’s been continually growing throughout, you start to see games like that. There’s going to be a lot of good games ahead for Kenneth Grant just because of who he is and how he works,” Weaver said.
Offensive coordinator Frank Smith also discussed the development of offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea. Smith said the Dolphins are seeing progress while continuing to address the individual plays that need to improve.
“I think whenever you look at any player, are you seeing signs of progress and growth? If you’re not seeing signs of progress and growth, then you have to evaluate why are you pushing the decisions you’re doing. We are seeing development and growth, it’s just having it to the play here and there that you can feel that that’s where we need to get the improvement, but overall you can see the growth,” Smith said.
The Miami Dolphins will play the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in Week 8, with the game taking place in Atlanta. The Dolphins-Falcons Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield is available wherever podcasts are provided.
Source: Original report