5 Questions for a Dolphins Reporter: Is Tua's injury the only problem in Miami?

The New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins are making a Spiderman-on-another-Spiderman meme heading into Week 5. Both teams are 1-3, have lost three games in a row and are dealing with significant injury issues on both sides of the ball.

It's safe to say we're in for something special this Sunday.

However, to better understand what Miami brings to the Week 5 matchup, we traded questions with Kevin Nogle of Pats Pulpit's sister site The Phinsider – SB Nation's community for all things Dolphins.

Here's what he told us about the upcoming game.

1. Aside from Tua Tagovailoa's injury, why have the Dolphins struggled over the last three weeks?

This could become the topic of our discussion, but I really feel like head coach Mike McDaniel is trying too hard to prove he's a great offensive mind. Instead of sticking with what works, he's trying to throw new wrinkles into the offense, and that's not working right now. Teams are trying to force the Dolphins not to look to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and Miami is following exactly that plan.

There have been far too many passes at or behind the line of scrimmage this year. If they take deep hits on third tight end Tanner Conner and not Hill or Waddle, that's weird. Miami needs to attack with Hill and Waddle back in the middle of the field, use their speed to create the space needed for passes, and then let them do the work creating yards after the catch.

Finally, it was also a problem that running back Raheem Mostert had to go offside. Yes, everyone loves De'Von Achane's power and explosiveness, but Miami's offense this year was designed to use Mostert in the backfield as the primary runner and then bring in Achane, either to add a different dynamic or as a receiver. Mostert appears to want to return this week, which could allow Miami's offense to create a different look and get back to some things that were working.

2. How can Mike McDaniel put QB Tyler Huntley in position to succeed?

Do you remind receivers to catch the ball? I posted during last week's game that switching to a clockwise rotation of the ball may result in receivers being thrown off. It was a joke as we continued to watch catchy passes hit the ground — but at that point, maybe it wasn't a joke anymore.

But seriously, I think the most important thing is just getting Huntley more comfortable with the offense. McDaniel's offense is complex, including long language for his play call. It's still a problem for Tagovailoa at times as playing time runs out when he gets the call to go on offense. Huntley had only been with the team for 13 days before starting Monday night's game. He needs to familiarize himself with the offense, make sure he understands the timing of moves and routes, and he needs to build some chemistry with the receivers.

Starting the running game — and allowing Huntley to use his legs to make plays — will also be a big advantage to the success of the offense.

3. Miami's running game hasn't been as effective over the last four weeks as it has been in recent seasons. What's behind it?

Since we've already talked about Achane and Mostert, I'll turn to the other side of this discussion. Miami's offensive line needs to make room for the running backs. They have some really strong moments, but they also allow penetration and don't create holes for runners. Mostert's return to the lineup could be the catalyst for the running game, but it won't be enough if the offensive line doesn't improve its play as well.

4. What did Anthony Weaver look like in his first season as the Dolphins' defensive coordinator?

The defense was actually pretty good, despite the 1-3 result at the start of the year. Fans have complained about the defense, but that's probably just a byproduct of the complaints about the team in general at this point. The Dolphins rank sixth in the league in total defense and fifth in passing, but also allow an average of 25.8 points per game.

The loss of linebacker Jaelan Phillips for the season, the second in a row in which he suffered a season-ending injury, will force the team to adjust pressure on the quarterback. Safety Jordan Poyer, who suffered a shin injury in the collision with Phillips' knee, is out for this game, leaving a hole in the defensive secondary. The Dolphins defense will need to make adjustments this week if they want to continue being a top-10 defensive unit.

The biggest thing the Dolphins can do to help the defense is to score points on offense and win the field position game. Giving the defense a chance to breathe on the sideline, not having to defend a short field, and allowing them to play with a lead – something Miami literally hasn't had a single second of the game this year – would give a unit, who does that, played well.

5. What does Miami need to do to win this game? What is likely to happen if they lose?

Step one. Turn up. It doesn't feel like the Dolphins' offense hasn't been showing off lately, and they're playing from behind right away. You have to show up. That doesn't mean they can get a win over the Patriots through their presence alone, but they need to be there and look more like the 2023 Dolphins' offense if they want to have a chance.

I know teams always struggle when they lose their starting quarterback, but I've never seen a team stray from the league's top offense and be unable to complete passes like Miami did in this one season has done. Hill and Waddle must take power and make a difference. Mostert and Achane have to put their stamp on this game. Someone needs to take some of the pressure off Huntley.

On defense, you'll master the Patriots' fast-paced game and force quarterback Jacoby Brissett to prove he can beat them through the air. So far, Brissett has looked like the veteran backup quarterback who has bounced from team to team, and the Dolphins can benefit from that. Fill the run and prevent New England from finding a rhythm there. Trust the secondary – even without Poyer – to get the job done.