Miami’s performance against Minnesota gave me a mix of encouraging signs and areas that still need work. Here are my six biggest takeaways:
1. The Interior Offensive Line Stood Out Despite a Difficult Day at Tackle
Miami’s tackles struggled against two elite defensive ends. Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson faced a difficult assignment, and their struggles affected the offense’s ability to operate comfortably.
Inside, I thought Aaron Brewer, Jonah Savaiinaea, and Kadyn Proctor were dominant overall. That distinction matters when evaluating the line: the edge issues shouldn't overshadow how well the interior three played.
2. Hafley Made a Noticeable Effort to Prevent Chunk Plays
I noticed a clear effort from Jeff Hafley to keep Minnesota from generating chunk plays. Miami’s defensive approach seemed focused on making the Vikings sustain drives rather than letting them create quick scoring opportunities.
That puts an emphasis on disciplined coverage and reliable tackling. I liked the intent, although evaluating how consistently Miami executed it requires looking beyond the defensive approach itself.
3. Will Kacmarek Took on a Larger Role
Will Kacmarek’s playing time was one of the most noticeable personnel changes. His snap share increased from 41% against Kansas City to 62% against Minnesota, while Greg Dulcich’s fell from 70% to 51%.
Kacmarek actually played fewer total snaps, 24 compared with 30, but Miami ran only 39 offensive plays against Minnesota. He became a bigger part of the offense proportionally and moved ahead of Dulcich in playing time. His blocking and how Miami uses him are worth watching going forward.
4. Willis’s Footwork Remains My Biggest Concern
Malik Willis had happy feet against Brian Flores’s defense. Given the pressure Minnesota brings, that was expected, but it is still the main issue I want to see him improve.
There is a difference between moving to escape pressure and letting the threat of pressure disrupt your mechanics. Willis needs to become more consistent at settling his feet and throwing from a balanced base when the opportunity is there. At times, Willis's feet are good, and he looks like a premier quarterback, but there are also moments when you have to shake your head in confusion.
Improved footwork should help his accuracy. The next step is maintaining those mechanics when the defense makes him uncomfortable.
5. Ollie Gordon Needs Consistent Touches to Build Momentum
I want to see Ollie Gordon get consistent touches throughout the game. Like many larger backs, I think he benefits from opportunities to establish a rhythm and build momentum.
Gordon played 56% of Miami’s offensive snaps, down from 84% against Kansas City, with Jaylen Wright playing 31%. Those percentages show the change in the rotation, but snaps alone do not tell us how often Gordon received the ball.
My concern is the distribution of his touches. I want Miami to give him opportunities throughout the game to get going, while still finding ways to involve Wright.
6. Miami Created Pressure With Four Rushers
Generating pressure with four was an encouraging defensive takeaway. Miami’s stunts got home, and Chop Robinson and Joshua Uche showed they could generate push by converting speed into power.
That matters because it allows Miami to pressure the quarterback while keeping seven defenders in coverage. It also complements Hafley’s effort to prevent chunk plays.
I want to see Chop and Uche build on this performance. Their ability to threaten with speed and then drive blockers backward gives Miami more ways to win up front.
Miami’s performance against Minnesota gave me a mix of encouraging signs and areas that still need work. Here are my six biggest takeaways:
1. The Interior Offensive Line Stood Out Despite a Difficult Day at Tackle
Miami’s tackles struggled against two elite defensive ends. Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson faced a difficult assignment, and their struggles affected the offense’s ability to operate comfortably.
Inside, I thought Aaron Brewer, Jonah Savaiinaea, and Kadyn Proctor were dominant overall. That distinction matters when evaluating the line: the edge issues shouldn't overshadow how well the interior three played.
2. Hafley Made a Noticeable Effort to Prevent Chunk Plays
I noticed a clear effort from Jeff Hafley to keep Minnesota from generating chunk plays. Miami’s defensive approach seemed focused on making the Vikings sustain drives rather than letting them create quick scoring opportunities.
That puts an emphasis on disciplined coverage and reliable tackling. I liked the intent, although evaluating how consistently Miami executed it requires looking beyond the defensive approach itself.
3. Will Kacmarek Took on a Larger Role
Will Kacmarek’s playing time was one of the most noticeable personnel changes. His snap share increased from 41% against Kansas City to 62% against Minnesota, while Greg Dulcich’s fell from 70% to 51%.
Kacmarek actually played fewer total snaps, 24 compared with 30, but Miami ran only 39 offensive plays against Minnesota. He became a bigger part of the offense proportionally and moved ahead of Dulcich in playing time. His blocking and how Miami uses him are worth watching going forward.
4. Willis’s Footwork Remains My Biggest Concern
Malik Willis had happy feet against Brian Flores’s defense. Given the pressure Minnesota brings, that was expected, but it is still the main issue I want to see him improve.
There is a difference between moving to escape pressure and letting the threat of pressure disrupt your mechanics. Willis needs to become more consistent at settling his feet and throwing from a balanced base when the opportunity is there. At times, Willis's feet are good, and he looks like a premier quarterback, but there are also moments when you have to shake your head in confusion.
Improved footwork should help his accuracy. The next step is maintaining those mechanics when the defense makes him uncomfortable.
5. Ollie Gordon Needs Consistent Touches to Build Momentum
I want to see Ollie Gordon get consistent touches throughout the game. Like many larger backs, I think he benefits from opportunities to establish a rhythm and build momentum.
Gordon played 56% of Miami’s offensive snaps, down from 84% against Kansas City, with Jaylen Wright playing 31%. Those percentages show the change in the rotation, but snaps alone do not tell us how often Gordon received the ball.
My concern is the distribution of his touches. I want Miami to give him opportunities throughout the game to get going, while still finding ways to involve Wright.
6. Miami Created Pressure With Four Rushers
Generating pressure with four was an encouraging defensive takeaway. Miami’s stunts got home, and Chop Robinson and Joshua Uche showed they could generate push by converting speed into power.
That matters because it allows Miami to pressure the quarterback while keeping seven defenders in coverage. It also complements Hafley’s effort to prevent chunk plays.
I want to see Chop and Uche build on this performance. Their ability to threaten with speed and then drive blockers backward gives Miami more ways to win up front.
