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    • Why didn’t the Miami Dolphins get TE Jonnu Smith more involved?
    Enterprise

    Why didn’t the Miami Dolphins get TE Jonnu Smith more involved?

    Idris Bevan Posted on

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    MIAMI GARDENS – If Jonnu Smith catches a touchdown pass against the New England Patriots on Sunday, he would be the first Miami Dolphins tight end to reach the end zone in 620 days.

    There was a time, just a month ago, when it seemed common to see Smith in the end zone. Coming off his best season with the Atlanta Falcons, he talked eagerly about finally being with a team that didn’t underutilize his diverse skill set, even showing hints of his versatility in the preseason.

    Was it just a joke? Four games into the season, Smith has just nine receptions for 78 yards. His role in a jet sweep that seemed so promising in August? It wasn’t called once in September. As if that wasn’t enough to cause frustration, the Dolphins are 1-3 and no one has stepped up to fill the gap as the third target of an offense stuck in the park.

    More: Miami Dolphins open roster spot, possibly for Odell Beckham Jr.

    In short, returning to the region where he played college ball (at FIU) still hasn’t turned out the way he hoped. But Smith refuses to sulk.

    “It’s more frustrating where we are as a team right now,” he said Friday. “Because of course you want to continue to help the team in as many ways as possible. And of course everything also brings with it opportunities. I just want to continue to make sure I’m ready. Ready to go. Ready for further execution.

    “…I’m not here to fill out the stat sheet. I’m here to help the team win games.”

    The last touchdown by a Dolphins tight end was a 7-yarder from Skylar Thompson to Mike Gesicki in the 2022-23 Wild Card Game at Buffalo. The tight ends were ruled out all of last season.

    “That didn’t happen in 2023?” Smith said. “Well, it will happen in 2024. It’s going to happen.”

    Despite the appearance that Smith could be effective in the hybrid H-back role, he has no rushing attempts and just 13 targets this season. Last year he was targeted 70 times, including 50 balls for 582 yards.

    Coach Mike McDaniel said with the offense struggling to stay on the field, opportunities across the board have diminished.

    McDaniel said the question he has to ask himself is: “How can I give him opportunities within the game plan, how can I take advantage of those, and ultimately if we stay on the field, everyone’s chances increase.” I think that is the main thing. A lot of guys can get more involved when they play in plays. Maybe they’re not at the point of attack yet, but everyone’s implementation of everything will help create more opportunities, just like I’m doing a better job.”

    Smith is optimistic about the trip to New England. It is the second start in a row for quarterback Tyler “Snoop” Huntley. McDaniel said this week that Huntley has shown added confidence because everything he does in Miami’s system is no longer a first for him.

    “Snoop is coming in and adjusting really well,” Smith said. “It’s not the easiest crime to understand.”

    After Sunday, the Dolphins have a bye before facing the Colts on Oct. 20 in Indianapolis. Smith just wants to make sure they win in New England to avoid going into the Colts game in a 1-4 hole.

    “We need to fill that win column,” he said.

    Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on social media @gunnerhal. Click here to register.

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    Idris Bevan
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