Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said the offense must improve its execution after allowing five sacks in its Week 1 game involving Malik. Slowik said the breakdowns involved multiple factors, including play calls, pass protection, routes and decisions about when to release the ball.
“We need to clean up the football a lot,” Slowik said during his media availability Sept. 17. He also acknowledged that the offense is still integrating several young players and newcomers to the scheme, increasing the urgency for the group to improve quickly.
Slowik wants quicker execution without limiting Malik
A reporter referenced Malik’s average time to throw as typically higher than three seconds and his depth of target as approximately 13.5 yards. Slowik said those figures reflected a combination of downfield concepts and Malik’s ability to extend plays with his mobility, scrambling and off-schedule throws.
Slowik said the Dolphins need to execute their quick-game concepts more effectively while preserving the traits that make Malik valuable. The offense is working to identify opportunities to get the ball out quickly without taking away Malik’s freedom to create when a play develops outside its original structure.
“I do not want to take away what Malik’s good at. I think that’s what makes him special,” Slowik said. The offensive line is emphasizing extended protection on some pass plays, with players asked to strain for five, six, seven or eight seconds to support Malik’s ability to make plays off schedule.
Slowik said the Dolphins also need to improve their run-game assignments, pass protection, throwing decisions and run identifications. He said the offense wants to run through the offensive line and De’Von, who had 14 touches in the game.
“We do not want to leave a game with Achane only having 14 touches. We definitely want more than that, without a doubt,” Slowik said.
Young Miami Dolphins players provide energy while assignments remain a focus
Slowik said the young and new players showed talent, effort, competitiveness and physicality, but the group must become more precise with its assignments. He said the team is still learning how to play together within the system and that he also must coach better when the offense fails to execute.
Kadyn recorded five knockdowns, and Slowik praised the energy and physical style he brought to the game. Slowik also said Kadyn must improve his assignments after occasionally finishing blocks on defenders other than those assigned to him.
Caleb drew praise for becoming more consistent during training camp and the preseason before making plays in the game. Slowik said Caleb contributed as a receiver and in the run game, while the receivers showed physicality and effort. Chris Bell recorded a knockdown approximately 15 yards down the field.
Will Kacmarek played 14 offensive snaps. Slowik said the Dolphins want to balance Kacmarek’s snaps more evenly with Greg’s snaps, noting that the distribution became skewed as the game progressed.
Miami Dolphins prepare for Nick Bosa and San Francisco 49ers challenge
Slowik described Nick Bosa as one of the best pass rushers the Miami Dolphins will face during the season. He compared the preparation for Bosa with the challenge presented by Maxx Crosby, saying both are elite players who affect games in different ways.
Slowik said the challenge extends beyond Bosa to the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive front, Fred, Dre Greenlaw, a young linebacker, two cornerbacks and two safeties. He said Bosa also affected the run game in Week 1, particularly on the front side of runs, which makes the Dolphins’ blocking and communication especially important.
“We got to get better. We got to get better fast,” Slowik said. He described the Dolphins as a hungry group, particularly among their young players, and said his responsibility is to channel that effort in the right direction.
FSB Take
Slowik’s comments point to a broad offensive correction rather than one isolated problem. The Miami Dolphins need cleaner assignments, more dependable protection and faster execution while continuing to use Malik’s mobility and off-schedule ability. The team also wants more opportunities for De’Von as it prepares for the challenge posed by Nick Bosa and the San Francisco 49ers.
Source: Original report