EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Giants are expecting the unexpected from the Miami Dolphins when the teams square off tomorrow in MetLife Stadium.
The 3-10 Dolphins are purportedly playing this season with an eye on next year. Since Sept. 1, they have accumulated future draft choices by trading starter tackle Laremy Tunsil, wide receiver Kenny Stills, linebacker Kiki Alonso and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. They made 15 roster transactions last week. When Miami started 0-7, speculation was rampant that not only would it conclude the season without a victory, but would do so happily, because it would guarantee the franchise the first overall choice in the NFL Draft.
But first-year head coach Brian Flores had other ideas. He constantly challenges his players. The Dolphins use odd formations, trick plays and unexpected personnel groupings. In the past seven games, they've used onside kicks, fake field goals and punts, reverses and double passes. In part because foes often don't know what's coming, Miami won three of five games before losing to the Jets last on a 44-yard field goal as time expired.
"Hats off to them," Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher said. "They're searching for whatever they can do on a week to week basis just to compete, to try to find a way to win. I have a lot of respect for that."
Eli Manning, who will make his second consecutive start, and the Giants' offense have a good idea what they'll see. Flores spent 15 years with the Patriots organization and is true to his New England roots. Deploying the NFL's youngest defense, he is a frequent and creative blitzer. He has numerous versatile players who line up in different spots, which often creates difficulty in identifying who will be coming after the quarterback prior to the snap.
Offensively, the Dolphins average league-low rushing totals of 67.3 yards a game and 3.3 yards a carry. Their leading active rusher is 37-year-old quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, with 186 yards. Bettcher said that will not prompt him to divert from the traditional emphasis on first stopping the run.
"You can't allow them to start chunking you off in the run game and getting you down on your toes, and then all of a sudden, they're throwing the ball behind you," Bettcher said. "You still have to play."
The Dolphins force their opponents to do that by often using trickery. They'll line up players in unusual places. They'll run flea-flickers, end-arounds anything else they can think of to move the ball.
"These guys, they're very creative with what they're trying to do in the run game," Bettcher said. "They're in a wildcat, then they're pulling tackles, whamming, trapping interior linemen with tight ends behind the line. You still have to go play those downs, those run downs, whenever those 20-25 runs are going to show up in the game. You still have to go defend them and knock them out."
The Dolphins have used the wildcat – a direct snap to a running back – eight times in the last seven games with an average of 7.0 yards a carry.
"There's some creative stuff," Bettcher said. "Some people are pretty basic with the run scheme that they use when they do that stuff. These guys are running some real option stuff and doing a good job of it."
That includes Fitzpatrick, who is tied for the team lead with three rushing touchdowns.
"I've gone against him multiple times," Bettcher said. "He is tough, he's fearless, he will throw the ball anywhere at any time. You have to defend the full field. As we all know, he's going to extend some plays. He does a good job. It might look like early in the down he drops his eyes, but he sees the field as he's moving and tries to deliver it down the field."
The Dolphins' special teams are also creative. On Dec. 1 vs. Philadelphia, Miami used a play it called "Mountaineer Shock," in honor of center Dan Kilgore's alma mater, Appalachian State. They bunched five players on the left side and four on the right. Kilgore snapped to punter Matt Haack, who stepped to his left and flipped a pass into the end zone that was caught by kicker Jason Sanders.
A two-time AFC Special Teams Player of the Week this season – an award he didn't win after kicking a franchise-record seven field goals last week – Sanders recovered his own surprise onside kick vs. Buffalo on Nov. 17.
"It's one of those deals where they keep you on your toes," Giants special teams coach Thomas McGaughey said. "They do a good job of that, that's for sure.
"You give your players a set of rules and they just have to follow the rules. That's kind of how you handle it, because you don't know what you're going to get. You have to expect the unexpected. You just have to follow the rules. We give them a set of rules, and the rules match up with basically everything that they could possibly do."
Given what's happened this season, the Dolphins might still come up with something they haven't previously shown.
View rare photos of the all-time series between the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins
Doug Kotar of the New York Giants goes flying as he is upended by Miami's Curtis Johnson in the third period at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, Sept. 12, 1977. Kotar managed to advance the ball for a first down. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Mercury Morris (22) of the Miami Dolphins against New York Giants at Yankee Stadium in New York, Dec. 10, 1972. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Larry Csonka of the New York Giants is stopped after a two yard gain in the first quarter of NFL exhibition game at Giants Stadium against the Miami Dolphins, Sundays, Sept. 11, 1977 in East Rutherford. The tackle is made by Dolphins Vern Den Herder and Bob Baumhower (73), right. (AP Photo/RFS)
Miami Dolphins safety Mike Kezlowski takes to the air against New York Giants Tom Mullady in the fourth period of exhibition game. The Dolphins won the final exhibition game of the NFL pre-season 24-3 at Giants Stadium on August 26, 1983 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) reacts to a touchdown scored in the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins in East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 24, 1990. (AP Photo/Bobeto Matthews)
Running back Rodney Hampton of the New York Giants becomes airborne as he runs over Bryan Cox (51) of the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Fla., Dec. 5, 1993. Also pictured is Jarrod Bunch (33) of the Giants. (AP Photo/Wayne Fleisher)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) unloads a pass during third quarter action against the Miami Dolphins in Miami, Dec. 5, 1993. (AP Photo/Hans Deryk)
Miami Dolphins Ricky Williams(34) in action against the New York Giants on October 5, 2003 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Dolphins beat the Giants 23-10.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
Miami Dolphins runningback Ricky Williams is upended by New York Giants' Omar Stoutmire, right, and Kenny Holmes during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 5, 2003, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Miami Dolphins Sam Madison(29) in action during a game against New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on October 5, 2003. The Dolphins beat the Giants 23-10 . Sam Madison played for 12 years with 2 different teams and was a 4-time Pro Bowler.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants qb Eli Manning calls signals against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
FILE New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) is tackled by Miami Dolphins' Channing Crowder (52 ) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London on Oct. 28, 2007. Jacobs and his Giants teammates face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Nov. 11. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Miami Dolphins QB Cleo Lemon (17) scrambles against the New York Giants Kawika Mitchell (55) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants Sam Madison (29) breaks up a pass intended for the Miami Dolphins Derek Hagan (82) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Michael Strahan (92) recovers a fumble by the Miami Dolphins Cleo Lemon (17) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) drags tacklers against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) runs for yardage against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) is hit by Miami Dolphins Michael Lehan (22) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) drags tacklers against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Fred Robbins (98) bears down on Miami Dolphins QB Cleo Lemon (17) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Miami Dolphins Cleo Lemon (17) passes against the New York Giants during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Reuben Droughns (22) runs against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora (72) pulls down Miami Dolphins' Jesse Chatman (28) during the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants' Sam Madison (29) contests the ball with Miami Dolphins' Derek Hagan in the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants' Fred Robbins (98) tackles Miami Dolphins quarterback Cleo Lemon (17) in the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore, center, is sacked by New York Giants' Justin Tuck (91) and Mathias Kiwanuka (94) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 20-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' quarterback Eli Manning (10) signals to his offense during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin talks with Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Miami Dolphins defensive back Jimmy Wilson (27) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith, rear, tackles New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) talks with New York Giants defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (99)m during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) recovers a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass under pressure from Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (93) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015 in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Giants defeated the Dolphins 31-24. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) makes a call during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs the ball ahead of Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (90) and outside linebacker Quinton Coples (98), during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) winds to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs off the field during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning (10) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball past Miami Dolphins defensive end Avery Moss (93) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Jomal Wiltz (33) tries to stop New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) holds on to the ball as he gets past Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2019, file photo, Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks to pass under pressure from New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) in the second half of an NFL football game, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants have placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams. The Giants announced the move Monday, March 16, 2020.(AP Photo/Adam Hunger, Fle)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball in the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Miami Dolphins free safety Adrian Colbert (36) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball as Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) holds on in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball as Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) holds on in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Oshane Ximines (53) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants QB Eli Manning (10) and RB Saquon Barkley (26) during a week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants WR Sterling Shepard (87) during a week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Saquon Barkley (26)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Elerson Smith (94)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Giants vs. Dolphins Broadcast Info: TV channel, Radio Station and Live Stream.
