NFL Week 4: Analyzing the AFC East

Andrew Innerarity-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins – Offense

Overall offense: 19

Passing offense: 10

Rushing offense: 27

The Dolphins have fielded a top-ten passing attack so far in the 2015 season, but it would be that much better if the ground game found its legs. Only three backs have carried the ball for Miami this season—Lamar Miller, Jonas Gray and Damien Williams—and they have produced a measly 176 yards and no touchdowns.

Gray has been the most efficient back, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. But he’s received the ball just nine times, so it’s hard to point to the Notre Dame product as the solution to the ‘Phins running problems.

Rishard Matthews is on pace for a career year. Through three games, he’s caught 16 balls for 262 yards and three touchdowns. His yardage and touchdown total lead all Dolphins wideouts. In fact, not a single Miami receiver has caught a touchdown except Matthews (tight end Jake Stoneburner and running back Williams were responsible for the other two).

Jarvis Landry continues to be the possession receiver on this team, as evidenced by his team-leading 24 receptions and weak 9.6 yards per reception average. Both Landry and Matthews have snagged 11 first-down passes, which is worth noting.

Things won’t be easy for Ryan Tannehill and the gang against a superb New York Jets secondary in Week 4. Darrelle Revis will pretty much erase one of the Dolphins’ weapons, which means that either the running game or Tannehill’s right arm will have to pick up the slack.

Next: Dolphins’ defense