MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel reviews the 34-10 victory over the New York Jets and looks forward to the game in Pittsburgh against the Steelers.
Highlights:
How is RB De’Von Achane, who left the Jets game?
RB De’Von Achane, who left the Jets game with a rib injury: “There will be treatment. There may be some rest during the course of the week but I know he’s highly motivated to play. And we’re benefiting of an extra day before the (Monday night) game.”
“He was very clear during the game that if I needed him, he could go out there, however it was uncomfortable. It felt better today.”
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Achane had an MRI.
The injury occurred when he was hit upon making the reception and then he fell on the ball out of bounds on the last play.
How are rookies coming along?
On second-round pick Jonah Savaiinaea, a guard, as well as the development of other rookies this season: McDaniel says it’s a major reason why he got into coaching, to instruct.
“It will be the reason you win or lose football games.”
Takeaways play critical role in winning streak
On the role of takeaways in the past few games:
“It’s brought up so often because it’s one of the causations rather than a correlation (to winning).”
Offensive line ‘a gigantic part’ of the win streak
McDaniel tipped his cap to the offensive line’s play of late. On the play of LT Patrick Paul:
The Dolphins were counting on Paul to succeed “an established leader on our team,” meaning Terron Armstead.
“We’ve really relied upon his growth.”
Also on the OL, Andrew Meyer’s window to be activated will open this week.
How have Dolphins become a run-first team?
On the run-first mentality of the Dolphins: “It’s the least-attractive headline you can imagine: Intentional, deliberate work.”
How has the defense made such major strides?
To what does McDaniel attribute the major improvement defensively over the course of the season?
“It’s very similar to the offensive line conversation. It’s not any one thing.”
Run fits, for example, can main the difference between third-and-manageable and third-and-long.
“When your front seven is defeating blocks at a high tick,” McDaniel said, “then guys are less predisposed for run-action fakes. Then maybe they get a little more reroute and eligibles don’t get down the field. And then they’re throwing in contested zones. So I think it’s all connected … to high effort, strain, a style of play that’s violent in nature. And a game of inches that lead to touchdowns vs. field goals.”
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: De’Von Achane injury update, Miami Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel talks ribs
Reporting by Hal Habib, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
