Slow starts for the Miami Dolphins not everything it appears to be

Written by Matthew Cannata | Twitter: @PhinManiacs
Much has been made about the Miami Dolphins starting slow in the first half. However, this talk isn’t everything it appears to be. This is because through their first five games, the Dolphins have scored three times on their opening possession. In Week 1 vs. New England, RB Lamar Miller capped a four-play 15-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown reception. In Week 4 at Oakland (London), K Caleb Sturgis converted a 41-yard field and, most recently, in Week 6 vs. Green Bay, Sturgis connected on a 48-yard field goal to conclude the team’s opening possession. Miami’s 60 percent scoring rate on their opening drive is tied for the fifth-highest in the NFL.

While they may have success putting points on the board in their first drive, the problems should instead be pinpointed to the drives following the initial one in which plays are no longer scripted. Players and coaches have said that they don’t know what the magic button is or why they are struggling so perhaps they need to take a look at the lack of adjustments that are being made once teams start calling plays based on the feel of the game.