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Perkins: Dolphins, who struggle defending TEs, to face three straight dangerous TEs
- Story by
- Perkins: Dolphins, who struggle defending TEs, to face three straight dangerous TEs
MIAMI GARDENS — Opposing tight ends will be a major headache for the Miami Dolphins in the next three games. Guaranteed.
These tight ends are so good that they could be bigger difference-makers than the quarterbacks, and in fact, don't be surprised if tight ends are the main factor between winning and losing in these games.
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The upcoming tight end lineup: The Detroit Lions' Sam LaPorta, Indianapolis Colts' Tyler Warren and Buffalo Bills' Dalton Kincaid.
Warren and Kincaid were Pro Bowl selections last season. LaPorta was a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie in 2023. Injuries have shortened his past two seasons or he likely would have made the Pro Bowl both years.
Dolphins linebackers Jordyn Brooks, Jacob Rodriguez and Willie Gay Jr., safeties Michael Taaffe and Dante Trader Jr., and slot cornerback Chris Johnson as well as newly-activated safety/outside linebacker Kyle Louis will be tested.
The question is whether the Dolphins (1-6) have the skill set required to defend these tight ends.
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If the Dolphins are facing bigger tight ends they need a defender with size so he can match the tight end's physicality at the top of his route.
If the Dolphins are facing a tight end who has quickness or who can run and stretch the field, they need a defender with the speed and athleticism to match that skill set.
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"I think it varies for each tight end," defensive coordinator Sean Duggan said, "but in general, just general tight ends, I think you've got to be able to have some size, but you've got to be able to run, too, and be able to sink your hips going in and out of breaks because they can do that."
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I'm aware Detroit quarterback Jared Goff has 15 touchdowns and one interception. I'm aware that Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen has 11 touchdowns passing and nine touchdowns rushing. And I'm very well aware that Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones is struggling with five touchdowns and nine interceptions. I think these tight ends could pose a bigger threat than their quarterbacks.
You know what tight ends have done to the Dolphins. If not, here's a reminder. And take special note of how many receptions they have on their targets.
The Minnesota Vikings' T.J. Hockenson torched Miami for 13 receptions and 119 yards. He had a reception on all 13 targets.
The San Francisco 49ers' George Kittle had four receptions for 80 yards and one touchdown, including a 40-yard reception. He had receptions on all four targets.
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The Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce had two receptions for 59 yards and one touchdown. He was targeted twice, and had a 48-yard reception.
The Las Vegas Raiders' Michael Mayer had six receptions. He only totaled 32 yards but he was targeted seven times, more than any other Raiders player.
The Cincinnati Bengals' Mike Gesicki had a touchdown. He ended with one reception for four yards. He was targeted twice.
Mason Taylor of the New York Jets, the son of Dolphins Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, had two touchdowns. He ended with five receptions for 62 yards. He was targeted six times.
The New England Patriots' Hunter Henry ended with three receptions for 30 yards in the first half before exiting with an injury. He was targeted three times.
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That's 34 receptions on 37 targets. It's five touchdowns in six games, and two receptions of 40 or more yards.
It's true that the Dolphins must first stop the run game and the respective running backs. Miami's reward for stopping Detroit's Jahmyr Gibbs, Indianapolis' Jonathan Taylor and Buffalo's James Cook, who all made the Pro Bowl last season, is facing its tight ends.
This three-game cycle of tight ends doesn't end the Dolphins' concerns. In Game 4 of this stretch, Miami again sees the Jets and Taylor.
"Across the league you see tight ends that can flex out as receivers, can stretch the field not only horizontally and vertically, but could sit down in zones," Duggan said. "Tight ends are a good weapon to have."
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And if you struggle to defend them, good luck to you.
