Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26), quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17), and wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) watch from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Chiefs defeated the Dolphins 34-15. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Bill Lazor and the coaching staff are committed to fixing the Dolphins' third-down issues. Lynne Sladky AP Photo
Although the Miami Dolphins have improved in nearly every area of the game since Dan Campbell took over, they have yet to fix one problem: third-down offense.
They're currently the league's second-worst team in terms of third-down efficiency on offense, converting just 27.2 percent of the time. Much of that can be attributed to falling behind the chains and having to convert on long third-down attempts, but it has to be fixed regardless.
Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor and the coaching staff are committed to changing their ways on third down.
"We had a lot of work to do last night," Lazor said Thursday, via Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald. "I'm just telling you the truth, we've got to get it right."
There's a reason why some of the best teams have success on third down -- both on offense and defense. If the Dolphins fail to improve their third-down conversion rate, they'll likely continue to struggle to sustain drives. In turn, opposing offenses will find themselves on the field more often, which wears down Miami's defense.
"When know we're at our best when we can run and pass both on first and second down," Lazor said. "And our best third-down games have been when we haven't been in them."
Sure, avoiding third downs is always a plus, but it's not always possible. Plays are going to fail on first and second down and the Dolphins need to figure out a way to make up for that on third.
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