From Miami Dolphins On SI · · 1m 50s
Dolphins Week 1 Mailbag: Biggest Issue vs. Raiders
Dolphins' Week 1 loss sparks debate over offensive line struggles and inexperienced team dynamics.
In brief
Dolphins' Week 1 loss sparks debate over offensive line struggles and inexperienced team dynamics. Dolphins' offensive line failed against Raiders, with inexperienced players struggling to execute plays despite minimal talent gap. Originally reported by Miami Dolphins On SI.
Dolphins fans after Week 1 loss
Dolphins fans questioned what went wrong after losing to the Raiders in Week 1.
“What was on the minds of Dolphins fans following the Week 1 loss against the Raiders”
Malik Willis' ball retention
Willis held the ball too long, possibly not wanting to check down or due to play-calling for deep throws.
“Alain, I agree with you that it seemed Malik was holding the ball too long at times”
Play-calling concerns
Check-down plays were underused, with Willis not resorting to them quickly enough.
“I do think there’s a good chance that Willis simply didn’t want to resort to the check-down too quickly”
Special teams struggles
Special teams coverage was poor in preseason and Week 1 game.
“ST coverage was bad in preseason and bad in 1st game”
Inexperienced team dynamics
Dolphins have inexperienced players struggling to work together in new offensive schemes.
“How much of what we saw today was to be expected because the team is bad, and how much of it is bad because they have a bunch of inexperienced people trying to work together in a new situation”
Offensive line performance
Offensive line failed against Raiders with no pass rush or running lanes.
“Hey Rich, the offensive line was not good against the Raiders”
Willis' patience concerns
Willis was too patient, should have run more plays to avoid pressure.
“I thought Willis was too patient, he should have run more”
Preseason reps issue
Dolphins lacked preseason reps for starters, affecting offensive execution.
“It’s fair to question the lack of preseason reps”
Special teams roster concerns
Special teams units struggled due to depth-deprived roster.
“The special teams could be bad because the back of the roster simply isn’t up to par”
Talent gap debate
Dolphins and Raiders have minimal talent gap but significant experience differences.
“No, I don’t believe there’s a huge talent gap between the Dolphins and Raiders”
Play-calling adjustments
Coaches can adjust schemes but need better blocking and tackling execution.
“The coaches always can and will tweak their scheme and game plan to get better results”
Week 1 performance grade
Dolphins earned a C- or D+ for performance with weak line of scrimmage execution.
“I’d go with a C- or D+ for the Dolphins”
Draft pick regrets
Dolphins regret not selecting Shough who threw for over 400 yards.
“I wish the Dolphins had taken Shough in that draft because he tossed it for over 400 yards”
Special teams coverage
Special teams coverage was poor due to inexperienced players and lack of depth.
“ST coverage was bad in preseason and bad in 1st game”
Offensive line improvements
Offensive line needs improvement with better blocking and tackling.
“No pass rush, no running lanes, and too much pressure on Willis”
What's next for Dolphins
Dolphins expect improvement as season progresses with more experience.
“The whole idea and point of the 2026 season is for there to absolutely be improvement as the season moves along”
The one thing
Dolphins' offensive line failed against Raiders, with inexperienced players struggling to execute plays despite minimal talent gap.
