MIAMI -- The Miami Dolphins' offense is known for its versatility and explosive plays, but as they gear up for the upcoming season, they are aiming to rely less on the deep ball and focus on extending drives and sustaining their offensive momentum.

Since coach Mike McDaniel's arrival in 2022, the Dolphins have been a force to be reckoned with, boasting the most offensive plays of 50 or more yards in the NFL (21) and ranking sixth in explosive plays. However, star wide receiver Tyreek Hill expressed the need for the team to adapt their strategy and focus on staying on the field for longer periods.

Hill acknowledged the team's tendency to heavily rely on big plays, stating, "For us, it's either boom or bust. We're one of those teams that if we don't have the long ball, it's like, 'Ah hell, here's [going to be] a long game.' We can't do that every game unfortunately." Hill emphasized the importance of extending drives, aiming for sustained, methodical possessions rather than relying solely on explosive, one-play scores.

The Dolphins have indeed shown their ability to make big plays, with Hill himself accumulating five receptions of at least 50 yards over the past two seasons. However, Hill's desire to shift the team's focus stems from a newfound perspective on individual goals versus team goals. Last season, he publicly expressed his ambition to attain 2,000 receiving yards but now sees that as a "selfish" mindset, aiming instead to contribute to the team's success and ultimately make a deep playoff run.

Coach McDaniel welcomed Hill's philosophical development, applauding his willingness to prioritize team goals. "As he evolves as a man, it's cool to hear that that's his viewpoint on it," McDaniel stated. He sees Hill's change in perspective as a powerful statement from a leader within the team.

The Dolphins' offense has showcased its prowess, ranking seventh in points per drive and the percentage of drives that end in scores. However, statistics also reveal the need for improvement in sustaining drives, as the team ranks 18th in average time of possession per game and 21st in average plays per drive since 2022.

The team's commitment to evolving their offensive approach is evident in their training camp practices, where fullback Alec Ingold's touchdown catch on a wheel route demonstrated the potential for utilizing various playmakers on the field simultaneously.

As they head into the upcoming season, the Dolphins aim to continue the explosive plays that have become their trademark but with a greater emphasis on sustaining drives and moving the ball in multiple ways. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle summed it up succinctly, saying, "One-play drive, 11-play drive. We can do it all. We're going to try to do it all."

With an offense brimming with talent and a renewed focus on sustaining drives, the Dolphins are poised to make waves in the upcoming NFL season and strive for a coveted Super Bowl appearance.