The offensive problem that befuddled the Dolphins against the Panthers without Tyreek Hill is no different than the one they've struggled solving with him

"I think what they were doing was, within their quarters, they were just stacking that middle (of the field), and then they were getting some depth as well with their linebackers, allowing for us to not to have those plays (that worked in the first half)," Tagovailoa said. "Or, if we were allowed to, it would have to be a perfect ball, and a certain person would have to be in those areas as well. A bigger body for a catch like that...we just had to check it down."

Dolphins receiving output vs. the Panthers in Week 5 without Tyreek Hill

• WR Jaylen Waddle: 6 receptions for 110 yards, one touchdown
• TE Darren Waller: 5 receptions for 78 yards, one touchdown
• RB De'Von Achane: 6 receptions for 30 yards, one touchdown
• TE Julian Hill: 4 receptions for 22 yards
• TE Tanner Conner: 2 receptions for 16 yards

If this sounds familiar, it should. This has been the book on defending the Dolphins' offense with Waddle and Hill. Defenses have been daring Miami to run the ball with consistency and challenging Tagovailoa to throw down the field outside the numbers.

They couldn't do either against Carolina down the stretch. It's ironic in a cruel way. Miami's biggest betrayal of scheme and execution on Sunday afternoon against Carolina was the same problem that they haven't solved, even with Tyreek Hill on the field. And Waddle secured the kind of long touchdown that has eluded Hill for so long in the process.

And so it goes. Miami's offensive line, play-calling, and Tagovailoa's limits as a passer will need to shoulder the blame on this day. But at least they'll do so without the crutch of knowing that Hill's absence caused the fatal errors — as he's not been a part of that solution for years, either.

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