Miami’s Missing Piece: The Search for a Third Playmaker
The Miami Dolphins find themselves riding a two-game winning streak. However, the most recent victory was anything but pretty, and it could be a precursor of what’s to come. The Washington Commanders entered the matchup with one of the worst defenses in the league, yet the Dolphins managed only 16 points in a game that went into overtime. That raises an uncomfortable question: has the offense become predictable again — not just to fans, but to opposing defenses?
Everyone knows Miami is going to feed De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle as much as possible. And because everyone knows it, the Dolphins must develop a counterpunch. That counterpunch has to come from someone not named Achane or Waddle. Forcing the ball to those two stars isn’t sustainable — not when opponents can sell out to limit them without fear of a third option making them pay. If the Dolphins want any hope of making a run, they need another playmaker to emerge. More importantly, Mike McDaniel needs to scheme that player open.
McDaniel has already shown a willingness to evolve. Recently, leaning into six-offensive-lineman sets, expanding the run-game variations, and incorporating more creative misdirection concepts have helped buy the offense some breathing room. But creativity alone won’t fix the core issue. Miami needs someone defenses must respect.
There are candidates. Malik Washington has shown the most chemistry with Tua Tagovailoa, and that matters — especially in a timing-based offense. Tua trusts him and seems comfortable going his way when the first two options are taken away. Washington’s quickness and reliability could be exactly what this offense needs as a pressure valve.
Greg Dulcich, though newer to the system, is becoming another intriguing option. He may not be Darren Waller, but he doesn’t have to be. He’s providing a dependable relief route, working soft zones, and showing the run-after-catch ability Miami has desperately lacked at tight end. If his role continues to grow, Dulcich could quietly become a crucial piece for this offense to lean on.
Tajh Washington and Cedrick Wilson Jr. also remain in the conversation. Both have shown flashes — Tajh early in the season, and Wilson at various points in previous years developed some chemistry with Tua. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was a notable red-zone threat in Tennessee’s offense before arriving in Miami, though his time here has yet to amount to much. But he’s still a potential option to get going for this offense.
And that’s where McDaniel comes in.
His system is built on stressing defenses horizontally, vertically, and mentally. But without a third playmaker to divert attention, the architecture collapses inward. Miami needs someone who forces defensive coordinators to hesitate — even for a split second. Someone who punishes single coverage, finds the soft spot, or breaks a tackle when the offense desperately needs it.
Whoever steps up — whether Washington, Dulcich, or a newcomer to the spotlight — could determine how far the Dolphins go from here. Because if this team wants to make a run, it can’t keep being a two-man show.
