The Miami Dolphins are very much an enigma - hard to pin down in terms of team personality, and even more so in terms of offensive identity. This could - could - be a boon to the porpoises of South Beach - it could be a shroud or a veil, hiding their intentions. They could attack opponents in an amoebic manner - never giving sure notice of where or when they'll strike, an amorphous mass of opportunism.
But instead, the Dolphins seem simply like a team unsure of themselves - unsure of whom they are in the here and now, and unsure of whom they want to become. Of course, like every football team, they have the burning desire to win the ultimate goal - the Super Bowl - but before they can do that, they must first determine who they are and how they'll get there.
The matrix of this identity issue may very well be a "rocky" and, altogether, strained relationship several players have with first-year offensive coordinator, Bill Lazor, Jeff Darlington of NFL.com reported.
During involved conversations with four players (and text exchanges with multiple others), all parties made it clear that Lazor's relationship with the players is currently rocky. His abrasive tenor with several starters has worn thin on some, and an inconsistent identity on offense is internally magnifying the issue.
Lazor, who spent last season with Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles, was brought to Miami to simultaneously nurture the development of young quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and aid in Miami's deployment of a speedy spread offense, utilizing many of the concepts he gleaned from Kelly last season.
As much as the Dolphins have shown offensive potential lately (Ryan Tannehill's passer rating is right at 100 over the past six games), and as much as first-year offensive coordinator Bill Lazor also seems to be progressing, there is nonetheless a growing rift between several players and Lazor, according to sources.
The Dolphins have played well recently, both offensively and defensively - they're seventh in the league in rushing yards and second and tenth respectively in opponent passing yards and opponent rushing yards, according to ESPN - and the offense seemed to be rounding into form.
But a step back against the Detroit Lions last week in a 20-16 loss has caused emotional fabric within the team to fray.
With an important game against the Buffalo Bills tonight, who beat them handily, 29-10 in Week 2 this season, it's time for the Dolphins to finally find their identity, and either assert themselves or fade from the playoff picture.
