Bobby Slowik: Dolphins Offense Must Stop Beating Itself

Bobby Slowik: Dolphins Offense Must Stop Beating Itself

Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik believes his offense is making progress, but through the first two games of the season, one problem has consistently gotten in Miami’s way: the Dolphins themselves.

Speaking with reporters this week, Slowik discussed Malik Willis’ continued development, Miami’s red-zone struggles, the offensive line, the team’s injured receiving corps, and how the offense can continue expanding as the season progresses.

Perhaps Slowik’s biggest concern is what happens once Miami crosses midfield.

According to Slowik, the Dolphins are at or near the top of the NFL in penalties and sacks once they cross the 50-yard line. Those negative plays have made an already difficult task significantly harder when Miami gets into scoring territory.

“We got to get out of our own way,” Slowik said. “You can’t go backwards once you start crossing the 30.”

Slowik specifically pointed to how dramatically the offense’s chances change when a manageable goal-to-go situation suddenly becomes third-and-goal from 10 yards or farther away. Miami had red-zone passing opportunities last week, but protection, route execution, and getting the football to the open receiver all need to improve.

Slowik Still Expanding the Offense Around Malik Willis

The Dolphins haven’t shown everything they plan to do with Willis.

Slowik explained that offensive development is a process and compared it to moving through steps in order rather than trying to skip ahead. While there are similarities between Miami’s offense and what Willis previously ran in Green Bay, this remains a different system.

Willis did a good job learning it during OTAs and training camp, according to Slowik, but regular-season football presents additional situations and reactions that take time to master.

“We’re on our way getting to where we want to be,” Slowik said. “I think we’ll be just fine.”

That includes potentially taking greater advantage of Willis’ legs.

Slowik said Miami had multiple designed opportunities for Willis to run in Week 1, even though the quarterback only pulled the ball and ran on one of them. Slowik acknowledged that Miami wants to use the advantage created by Willis’ athleticism while also being mindful of the hits its quarterback takes.

Offensive Line Showing Improvement

Slowik also sounded encouraged by the progress of Miami’s offensive line.

Austin Jackson struggled at times in the opener, but Slowik took some responsibility for putting Jackson in difficult one-on-one situations during the fourth quarter. He thought Jackson and the entire offensive line played better the following week.

“I thought everybody across the board last week was better,” Slowik said.

Slowik was particularly complimentary of Kadyn Proctor‘s development. Proctor had five or six knockdowns in the opener, although Slowik joked that sometimes he was knocking down the wrong defender. Against San Francisco, Proctor cleaned up his assignments while maintaining the same physical style.

Jonah Savaiinaea has also taken a step forward, particularly in the running game. Slowik noted that Savaiinaea looks stouter in pass protection than he did last season and held up well when matched against Nick Bosa.

The message for Miami’s young offensive line is simple: keep improving.

“Let’s keep growing. Let’s keep getting better every week,” Slowik said.

Kevin Coleman Jr. Giving Miami More Options

With injuries creating uncertainty at wide receiver, rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. could see his role continue to expand.

Slowik called Coleman a “pleasant surprise” and praised his competitiveness, speed, separation ability and willingness to block.

Perhaps most importantly, Coleman has shown the ability to play multiple receiver positions. Slowik said Coleman is the one rookie receiver Miami has asked to learn every position, and he expects that versatility to result in more opportunities as the season continues.

Slowik also discussed Jalen Tolbert, describing him as a reliable, big-bodied receiver with good hands who isn’t afraid to contribute as a blocker in the running game.

The bigger issue with Miami’s injuries at receiver isn’t necessarily changing the playbook. Slowik said the coaching staff knows the available players and understands their strengths.

Instead, the challenge is developing chemistry with Willis.

NFL quarterbacks often have to release the football before receivers have fully revealed what they’re doing. Slowik pointed to Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce as an extreme example of the type of chemistry that develops through repetition and time.

Miami needs Willis and his receivers to develop their own version of that trust so they can play confidently and “let it rip” on game day.

Establishing the Dolphins’ Offensive Identity

One of the most encouraging themes from Slowik’s comments was the physicality he saw from Miami against San Francisco.

Slowik praised Aaron Brewer, Proctor, Patrick Paul, the receivers and De’Von Achane for continuing to battle and finish plays. He said the offensive standard doesn’t change based on the score or how much time remains in the game.

Miami’s final offensive play against San Francisco was a 77-yard touchdown, and Slowik noted that the protection had to hold for roughly five seconds while Willis went through his progression and the receivers continued running at full speed.

“We were scrapping,” Slowik said. “That’s just who we want to be.”

That mentality appears to be a significant part of what Jeff Hafley and his coaching staff are attempting to establish in Miami.

Two games into the season, Slowik isn’t presenting the Dolphins offense as a finished product. Quite the opposite.

The offensive line is developing. Willis is still growing within the system. Young receivers are taking on larger roles, and the coaching staff is gradually expanding what it asks its players to do.

But if Miami wants that progress to start translating into more points, Slowik made the immediate priority clear.

When the Dolphins get into scoring territory, they have to stop beating themselves.