Why the Dolphins Will Need More from Tua Down the Stretch
The Miami Dolphins are riding high on a four-game win streak, and there’s no secret as to why - their ground game has been electric. Week after week, Miami’s rushing attack has been the engine of the offense, chewing up yardage and keeping the chains moving. But as good as it’s been, there’s a looming question hanging over this team: what happens when the run game gets slowed down?
That’s where Tua Tagovailoa comes in - or, more accurately, where he needs to come in.
It’s been a tough season for the Dolphins quarterback. The rhythm, the confidence, the sharp decision-making we’ve seen from him in past seasons just hasn’t been there.
Whether it’s timing, mechanics, or just a lack of comfort in the pocket, something’s been off. And while the Dolphins have managed to win without needing Tua to carry the offense, that luxury won’t last forever.
At some point - maybe against a playoff-caliber defense, maybe in a tight December game - Miami’s run game is going to hit a wall. And when that happens, the spotlight will shift squarely onto Tua.
Can he make the key throws? Can he extend drives with his arm?
Can he be the guy who elevates the offense when the ground game isn’t enough?
Right now, that’s a fair concern. The Dolphins don’t just need Tua to manage games - they’ll need him to win one eventually.
Dolphins Tight Ends: A Familiar Face Returns
The Dolphins are getting a second chance with a young tight end who slipped away earlier this season. It’s rare in the NFL to get a mulligan on a developing talent, but that’s exactly what Miami has here. The player is officially back in the fold, and while he may not be a major contributor right away, it’s a low-risk, high-upside move that could pay off down the stretch.
Offensive Line: The Unsung Heroes Behind Miami’s New Identity
Let’s talk about the Dolphins’ offensive line - a group that wasn’t exactly dripping with preseason hype. In fact, this unit entered the year with more questions than answers. But fast forward to now, and they’re the backbone of Miami’s new run-first identity.
It’s a bit of an identity crisis, sure - the Dolphins were supposed to be a pass-happy, high-flying offense. But instead, they’ve become a team that leans on physicality and control at the line of scrimmage. And it’s working.
At the heart of that transformation is rookie guard Jonah Savaiinaea. Early in the season, Savaiinaea looked like a work in progress.
But the coaching staff stuck with him, and now he’s showing why they believed in his upside. One coach put it perfectly: Jonah’s got a hammer in his toolbox - he just had to learn when to swing it and when to hold back.
That balance is starting to show up on tape.
Butch Barry: The Coach Behind the Trenches
While the players deserve plenty of credit, don’t overlook offensive line coach Butch Barry. Now in his third year with the Dolphins, Barry has quietly become one of the most important figures in Miami’s offensive resurgence. He’s not just coaching technique - he’s building trust, confidence, and cohesion in a unit that’s playing its best football of the season.
Barry’s fingerprints are all over this run game success. From the way the line handles zone blocking to the timing of their pulls and double-teams, it’s clear this is a well-coached group. And Barry’s ability to connect with his players - to understand who they are and how they respond - has been just as important as the X’s and O’s.
De’Von Achane: Banged Up but Battling
Running back De’Von Achane has been the breakout star of the Dolphins’ offense, but he’s also been dealing with a rib injury that’s forced him to test different forms of protection ahead of this week’s game against the Steelers. All signs point to him suiting up on Monday Night Football, but it’s clear he’s not at 100%.
Still, even a limited Achane is a problem for defenses. His burst, vision, and ability to hit the edge make him a threat every time he touches the ball. The Dolphins will need him, especially with the Steelers’ physical front seven waiting on the other side.
The Bottom Line
The Dolphins have found a groove with their run-first approach, and it’s worked beautifully during this win streak. But the NFL is a league of adjustments. Defenses will eventually load the box, dare Tua to beat them, and force Miami to pivot.
If the Dolphins want to make real noise in the postseason, they’ll need more from their quarterback. The run game has carried them this far. Now, it’s time for Tua to show he can carry his share of the load too.