The Maimi Dolphins quarterbacks are battling a series of injuries, and the wildcat formation would be a creative way for the team to right their quickly sinking ship. The franchise, which had Super Bowl dreams during the offseason, now finds itself tied with the New England Patriots for the worst record in the AFC East (1-2).
How the Wildcat Formation Could Save the Miami Dolphins Quarterbacks
The tragic series of concussions that star quarterback Tua Tagoviloa has suffered, including the retirement rumors surrounding his most recent injury, have completely derailed the offense. This combined with a seemingly botched preseason quarterback battle has left an inept Skylar Thompson under center.
In two appearances, Thompson is averaging an abysmal 5.7 yards per attempt. As a result, stars Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have become afterthoughts. And head coach Mike McDaniel’s once genius system is under heavy scrutiny. Perhaps recently signed former Pro-Bowler Tyler Huntley can provide a boost as Tua recovers. However, the club is desperate for answers.
The Wildcat’s History
Perhaps now is as good a time as ever to seriously consider breaking out the historic wildcat formation that Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, and the Dolphins made famous. As a refresher, this unique formation from the late 2000s features a running back under center without a traditional quarterback on the field. The running back then initiates an option-heavy ground attack.
The goal is to catch opposing defenses off guard with the unconventional system. It also opens the door for offensive production without placing pressure on the club’s established signal caller.
Here’s a refresher of the wildcat’s potential from the Dolphins’ famous victory over the Patriots in 2008.
Why it Would Work Now
Thompson looks lost. Huntley, a career backup himself, has barely had a chance to learn McDaniel’s loaded playbook. And backup Tim Boyle has thrown for a pathetic four touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his six-year NFL career.
Tua’s importance to the franchise has never been more evident. However, the offense needs help as he takes much-needed time to recover.
Instituting the wildcat, even for a few sporadic plays, would help take pressure off the Dolphins quarterbacks moving forward. Picture a world where De’Von Achane lines up beside a veteran like Raheem Mostert and/or Jeff Wilson Jr. With Hill and Waddle on the outside, the field with be loaded with elite speed and playmaking potential.
McDaniel could snap the ball to either runner, initiate a Georgia Tech-like option offense, or even run reverses with either receiver. If it successfully catches the opponent off guard, the team can get as creative as they like. If it doesn’t accomplish positive momentum, Miami can easily revert to a traditional play style. At the very least, implementing the wildcat would assuredly force opposing defenses to be mindful of stopping the run, which would open new passing lanes for Huntley and company.
For the record, neither Achane nor Mostert have any passing attempts in their NFL careers. The wildcat should not be a crutch. However, the door is wide open for the Dolphins to rewrite their season and steady their record as they await the return of their injured star.
Main Photo: Joe Nicholson – USA Today Sports
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