The Miami Dolphins kicked off their season with an impressive 20-17 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. The game saw stellar performances from key players such as Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, De'Von Achane, Calais Campbell, Jaelan Phillips, Jalen Ramsey, Jevon Holland, and Jason Sanders, who all made crucial plays for the Dolphins.

One belief shared by many coaches, including coach Mike McDaniel, is that "The Tape Don't Lie." According to McDaniel, game footage remains a reliable source for evaluating performance over time. Following a thorough review of Sunday's film, several noteworthy observations emerged.

With approximately seven minutes remaining in the game, fullback Alec Ingold delivered a game-changing 6-yard run up the middle to convert a third-and-1 play. Later in the game, with just a minute left, Ingold once again displayed his prowess with a 2-yard run up the middle to convert another crucial third-and-1 situation. Coach McDaniel humorously acknowledged that these conversions may not have been met with great excitement since the Dolphins already boast the best short-yardage conversions in the league.

Last season, Miami's offense struggled on 3rd-and-1 and 4th-and-1 situations. However, their commitment to being more physical paid off in the season opener, with the offensive line delivering solid performances. Left tackle Terron Armstead and right tackle Austin Jackson showed strength and effectiveness, while center Aaron Brewer impressed despite limited practice time due to a broken hand. Liam Eichenberg exhibited a mix of strengths and weaknesses, excelling in the run game but yielding to pressure on a sack. Robert Jones did not have his best outing, drawing a couple of penalties, but overall, the offensive line's performance on Sunday was an improvement over previous seasons.

Although much has been made about Tua Tagovailoa's weight loss, reportedly shedding 14 pounds, and increased mobility, it is also important to highlight his efforts in refining his throwing mechanics during the offseason. Tua's arm strength has progressively improved each year, aided by his recovery from a devastating hip injury. Now, with enhanced mechanics, Tagovailoa demonstrated better torque and an effortless appearance when throwing long balls. This, combined with the speed and talent of players like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, adds a new dimension to Miami's offensive game plan.

De'Von Achane, who has shown promise as Miami's top running back this season, could also emerge as their clear number three receiver. Similar to Tyreek Hill's successful transition from running back to receiver, Achane's versatility as a receiver gives Coach McDaniel numerous formation possibilities. The combinations of backs and receivers seem endless, offering exciting options for the Dolphins' offense.

As the season progresses, the Dolphins may face a challenging decision on whether to offer safety Jevon Holland a long-term contract. One undeniable aspect is Holland's exceptional clutch play on the field, making him an invaluable asset to the team.

With a strong opening victory and several standout performances, the Miami Dolphins demonstrated their potential for a successful season. The team will look to build on this momentum as they continue to refine their strategies and capitalize on the talents of their key players.