Let’s start by establishing the origin of this idea with McDaniel. In 2023, the Miami Dolphins faced a challenge against top Defenses. One that seemed impossible to overcome considering their 1-6 record against top .500 teams.

One could argue the 18 injured starters were the major concern. One could even point to the 2.8 second time to throw for Tua dropping to 2.1 with one specific injury to Connor Williams at center, week 4.
I would say that the most difficult element to overcome was not having a Safety Valve or big body contested catcher that has the athletic ability and IQ to set up defenses. How can you have the best vertical stretch with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and not be able to take advantage of the under routes!? That’s a lot of real estate waisted… 🤦♂️

Insert 12 personnel, 2 Tight ends and a Running back pulling the coverage inside. 21 personnel does the same except it’s 2 backs and a single tight end. But here’s the kicker. Jonnu Smith, Julian Hill and Tanner Conner can all play the H-Back role! The multiplicity mixed with the potential for motions give the defense a lot to consider. Tight Ends that can line up on the edge and motion back then slip out, all the while forcing the defense to concern themselves with Hill and Waddle’s big play ability, could be deadly 💀
In short, 2 highly versatile TE’s can be on the field at one time. And they can threaten from anywhere 😱
(Btw, I’ve called this move for 2 years, better late than never!)

We did see glimpses of the effort to move into 21 personnel in 2023! Erik Ezukanma was supposed to be a big body contested catcher with speed enough to line up in the H-back role. Injuries killed the opportunity. We tried Chris brooks as a fullback… Injured immediately. 🤕 Durham Smythe is a great Tight End 2, but he lacks the athletic ability to assume this role. The 2024 preseason was vanilla play calling, but I think it’s safe to say 12 and 21 personnel seems obvious based on the TE usage.
FYI, this scheme also helps with inside run leverage which was another huge problem of the Dolphins in 2023.
So why the attempt at 21 and 12 personnel? When you have Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle but no time to throw, you must threaten other areas of the field in order to keep the defense guessing. Otherwise your offense is easily figured out! Especially when the main attempt at threatening the under is moving your star player into an obvious bubble screen in pivotal 3rd and 4th down situations 👀

So next time we play a game against the top defenses that can throw Tyreek and Waddles timing in routes, remember that we now have a highly versatile leverage in an area of the field untapped by the top passing offense in the NFL in 2023… 💪
…And this is before speaking on the affect of De’Von Achane’s new focus on catching out of the backfield! Stay tuned… 👀
TDR (ThatDolphinsRealtor)
Will the Dolphins TE room be key contributers this season?
Most Definitely
No chance!
Comments