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The Miami Dolphins offense has struggled at the start of their first two games, eventually finding a rhythm, but not until they are already in a hole. The games against the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots both saw Miami playing catch-up most of the game. This week, against the Cleveland Browns, the team will be looking to end that trend, and they may have the exact weapon to do it:
Jarvis Landry.
The Seahawks and the Patriots worked hard to keep Landry covered. Their efforts have him leading the league in receptions heading into Week 3.
The Browns will now look to keep Landry under control. They probably will not have even the “success” the Seahawks and Patriots had.
According to Pro Football Focus, “Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry has recorded 3.07 yards per route run when lining up in the slot this season, the highest mark among slot receivers. With Arian Foster hurting, the Dolphins’ passing game is especially important, and Jarvis Landry has remained their top weapon. Most of the time against the Browns, he will be facing Tramon Williams, who is playing in the slot this year after spending most of his career as an outside cornerback. When Williams has been targeted in the slot, he’s allowed an NFL passer rating of 135.0, sixth-highest for slot cornerbacks.”
The Dolphins offense is finding their rhythm in the new system established by Adam Gase this offseason. They are not finding it early in the game, but they are finding it. That rhythm has come from the inclusion of wide receivers DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills, tight ends Jordan Cameron and Dion Sims, and the trio of running backs in Foster, Jay Ajayi, and Kenyan Drake. IF those players can all begin producing in the first half this week, Landry could prove to be the biggest beneficiary. He has the relationship needed with Ryan Tannehill, he is playing a position where he excels, and he will be playing against a cornerback who is struggling against slot receivers.
This could be a huge week for Landry - and it could be exactly what Miami needs to jump start their season.