As Dolphins rise, Saints strive to stop freefall

The Miami Dolphins are finally headed in a positive direction.

The Dolphins (4-7) were one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL when they lost seven of their first nine games.

But then they routed the Buffalo Bills 30-13 on Nov. 9, beat the Washington Commanders 16-13 in overtime in Madrid and now come off their bye week looking for a third consecutive win when they host the New Orleans Saints (2-9) on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Fla.

"The only way that you start a season with more losses than wins and then win games after that is guys learn, guys don't quit and guys are focused on the right stuff," Miami head coach Mike McDaniel said. "I think we've learned a lot in all of that."

The Dolphins have won consecutive games for the first time this season, but McDaniel said continued improvement will remain a week-to-week challenge.

"What lessons have we learned that we are going to apply to the Saints?" he said. "That will be the story for the remainder of the season. How well we focus on each individual opponent will have a direct correlation on our won-loss record."

McDaniel said the leadership and focus on improvement from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been "absolutely necessary and monumental for our team."

"The whole team has to keep moving with confidence in one direction," McDaniel said. "I think our team's growth in confidence and growth in style of play is a direct reflection and can be attributed to what Tua is doing."

What running back De'Von Achane has done has been important, as well. Achane, who had 120 rushing yards and 45 receiving yards against the Commanders, is averaging 115.5 yards from scrimmage.

New Orleans has a similar dual-threat running back in Alvin Kamara, but he will be out against the Dolphins because of a lingering sore ankle and a knee injury that knocked him out of a 24-10 home loss to the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday.

The absence of Kamara could further weaken an offense that didn't score a touchdown against the Falcons and hasn't reached the 20-point mark in any of the past six games.

"That's not the formula," said head coach Kellen Moore, who's also the offensive play caller. "We have to run the ball consistently well on first and second down and get in more favorable third downs. We have to finish drives with touchdowns. That's the most important factor. We've had moments. It's just about consistency, which will determine our ability to sustain it over the course of a game."

The Saints are last in the NFL in percentage of touchdowns scored in the red zone. They made three trips into the red zone against Atlanta and came away with a total of three points.

"You're not going to win when you don't score any touchdowns with the opportunities that you have," rookie quarterback Tyler Shough said. "Scoring is difficult and when you have an opportunity it becomes even more important to take advantage. It leaves a sour taste in your mouth when you can't finish."

The offense's failures were exacerbated by Blake Grupe missing two of three field-goal attempts, leading to his release Tuesday.

New Orleans signed Cade York to the practice roster, joining Charlie Smyth, who has yet to kick in an NFL game, in a competition to see which kicker will be active Sunday.

In addition to Kamara's injury, leading wide receiver Chris Olave (back) is questionable after missing practice Thursday and being a limited participant Friday. Rookie running back Devin Neal (ankle), who is Kamara's primary backup, and starting right tackle Taliese Fuaga (ankle), were limited in practice Wednesday but both are set to play.

For the Dolphins, tight end Darren Waller (pectoral), offensive tackle Austin Jackson (toe), defensive tackle Benito Jones (ankle) and cornerback Rasul Douglas (foot/ankle) are all considered questionable.

--Field Level Media