The rulebook changes suggested the league was targeting “cheat motions” for 2024. That’s what a source familiar with the situation said, specifically mentioning the tactics of the Dolphins, 49ers and Rams.
But since then, there has been a flurry of unwatchable comments and reports from the perspective of officials and head coaches who have visited training camp that suggest nothing has changed in terms of pre-snap aggressiveness. . But Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel seems to acknowledge that change is coming.
It arrived on Monday night.
Miami’s offense committed five illegal shift fouls, including three on the same drive. McDaniel addressed the matter Tuesday.
“The players aren’t ready early enough,” McDaniel said, via Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. “So you have to look at that amount. You try to give players an advantage with things like motion, but if you can’t do that, then you have to get out of there. Because plays that don’t work. Because it doesn’t exist.” They are not even given a chance to start. ”
The question is, are the referees conducting it differently, or are the players executing it differently?
“Yeah, they harp on a lot of the movements that we do. . . . So they really value that in the league,” receiver Jaylen Waddle said. “So it’s something we have to adapt to.”
Adjustment is the key. The Dolphins must adapt to the calls of officials.
“The movement part of our offense is something our players have been good at and used to create advantageous situations, but we can’t keep doing the same thing,” McDaniel said. spoke. “If players can’t execute in critical moments, they have to adjust completely.”
That’s the key. Knowing the rules and knowing what will raise the flag, but not doing it. Even if the end result neutralizes what was once an advantage for the Dolphins and other teams.