Dolphins Adjust Formations Ahead of Patriots Matchup
The team shifts to new personnel packages following a successful Sunday victory over the Jets.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Football
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Dolphins fans saw the team adjust its offensive strategy this past Sunday, leaning into new personnel packages and formations to secure a win against the New York Jets. The shift included more 12 personnel groupings and offset alignments designed to create better leverage on the field.
Why it matters
Modifying offensive formations is the teams primary method for countering defensive adjustments, a strategy that helps the Dolphins maintain their positive rushing differential. Keeping that momentum is vital as the team prepares to face the New England Patriots this coming weekend.
The Dolphins currently gain 4.6 yards per rushing attempt compared to the 3.8 yards they allow on defense. Rookie Kadyn Proctor, drafted 12th overall in April, currently holds a 31st-place ranking out of 74 guards evaluated by Pro Football Focus.
The players
Michael Taaffe
The 23-year-old Dolphins safety recorded a key interception in the victory over the New York Jets.
Kadyn Proctor
Selected 12th in the 2026 draft, the rookie guard currently ranks 31st among 74 NFL guards in Pro Football Focus standings.
The details
The coaching staff shifted to 12 personnel groupings and implemented offset backfield formations during Sunday's game to disrupt the Jets' defensive schemes. These tactical tweaks allowed the team to gain better angles on running plays. Fans can look for these personnel packages to potentially carry over into the matchup against New England next Sunday.
Timeline
Kadyn Proctor was drafted 12th overall by the Dolphins in April 2026.
The Dolphins defeated the New York Jets on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The Dolphins play the New England Patriots this upcoming Sunday.
Beyond the 305
Professional football teams increasingly rely on the Pro Football Focus player grading system to calibrate their internal personnel decisions. The Dolphins are following this industry-wide trend to benchmark the growth of draft picks like Kadyn Proctor against the league's top 74 performers.
Fans watching at Hard Rock Stadium or on local broadcasts should keep an eye on how these formation adjustments hold up against the Patriots' defensive front this weekend. The team's ability to maintain that 4.6 rushing yardage clip will be the main metric to watch for the Sunday game.
The takeaway
Watch the team's use of 12 personnel packages this Sunday to see if these leverage adjustments become a permanent staple of the playbook. A win against New England would solidify the momentum gained during last week's victory over the Jets.
Further reading
For more on the latest team developments and analysis, visit the Miami Football section.
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