Despite offseason efforts to perk up offense, Dolphins sputtering again this year

Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) grabs a pass as Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) applies pressure during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter) (The Associated Press)

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) cannot make a catch on a pass thrown by quarterback Ryan Tannehill as Carolina Panthers free safety Mike Mitchell (21) defends during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Panthers defeated the Dolphins 20-16. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (The Associated Press)

The Miami Dolphins' offense is underwhelming and underachieving even though they invested heavily in upgrading the unit last offseason.

Their yards per play and per game are lower than in 2012. While defense has kept the team in almost every game, the Dolphins are 5-6 and struggling mightily to stay in the race for the final AFC playoff berth.

Heading into Sunday's road game against the New York Jets, Miami is the only team to score less than 28 points in every game this year. In last week's 20-16 loss to Carolina, the Dolphins managed only one touchdown and were shut out over the final 31 minutes.

Coach Joe Philbin concedes it's hard to win scoring in the high teens and low 20s every week. He says the Dolphins "have to score more points."

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