Monday night is a "get out of the basement game" between the 0-3 Miami Dolphins and 0-3 New York Jets, who share residence in the AFC East cellar.
Both offenses have struggled to sustain consistency through three weeks. With the Jets implementing a new system and quarterback Justin Fields missing time due to a concussion, New York's issues are somewhat expected. The Dolphins, however, have been an epic flop.
The Dolphins have averaged 18.7 points per game and 281.7 total yards per game in 2025, both outside the top 20 in the NFL. Miami has generated its lowest PPG, total YPG, passing YPG (192.0), rushing YPG (89.7) and fewest first downs per game (15.7) since Mike McDaniel became the head coach in 2022.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa shouldered the blame for the offensive struggles.
"I'm not playing up to the standard that I've played in years past, and knowing the standard that I can play to," Tagovailoa said Thursday, via the Miami Herald. "It starts with me. Offensively, I have to get our [offense] going, and the defense has to feed off that.
"I wouldn't say I've been playing my best football yet."
From 2022-24, Tua averaged 269.2 passing YPG, 8.1 passing yards per attempt and a 102.5 passer rating. He generated three straight seasons with a 100-plus passer rating from 2022-24 (longest in Miami history).
The QB is still completing short passes at a 69.7 clip, but the big plays have been few and far between. His 6.5 yards per attempt would be second-lowest of his career, behind only a nine-start rookie campaign.
Through three weeks, Tagovailoa has tossed four interceptions, tied for second-most in the NFL. He's one of three QBs (Joe Flacco, Trevor Lawrence) with an interception in each of his first three games.
Tua has generated fewer than 150 passing yards in two of his three games in 2025.
Two aspects that typified McDaniel's offense in previous years -- explosive plays and a dynamic run game -- have been noticeably lacking. Miami's 33.1% run percentage in 2025 ranks 31st in the NFL and is the lowest under the coach.
The offensive line struggles, coupled with getting behind early in games, have caused some of the issues in Miami, but it's clear they need more from their $200-million quarterback.
"It's not an easy task to be in his shoes, but I'm very happy with where his mind is at and where his focus is at because if he was a weaker-minded individual..." McDaniel said Thursday before trailing off. "It's tough for any quarterback during any losing streak. He's focused on being 1-0 against the New York Jets and that's why I know he's capable."
Facing a Jets defense that has allowed 31.0 points per game and has had trouble tackling at times could be the panacea for what ails the Dolphins.
