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DAVIE, Fla. -- While the Miami Dolphins' defense, headed by expensive free agent Ndamukong Suh, is taking a lot of heat, the offense is not setting the league on fire either. It showed promise in training camp, but sputtered in its final preseason appearance and has been a factor in the team's disappointing descent to a 1-2 record as they prepare to meet the New York Jets Sunday in London.
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The Dolphins' rushing offense is tied for 27th (72.7 yards per game), the passing offense is 10th at 272 yards per game, but that's out of necessity, and the scoring offense is 27th at 17 points per game.
Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor expects improvement.
"Not good enough right now," Lazor acknowledged. "And I think the biggest area, big picture what we're really not producing well enough in is normal situations -- first and second downs, second and normal. Especially at the beginning of the game when the game is still like what you want the game to be."
There are some reasons, but every team copes with these setbacks.
Left tackle Branden Albert (hamstring) remains a question when it comes to if he will be ready to play this week.
Albert, who was limited in Wednesday's practice, was recovering from two torn ligaments in his right knee when he took the field for the opener and went off the field because of a concussion scare.
Albert left the field twice against Jacksonville, once for a right hand injury and then for the left hamstring injury that kept him sidelined.
There was a school of thought that Albert should rest until after the bye week.
But it appears that won't be the case, and it also appears the Dolphins' offense needs Albert badly.
Not only is the 2013 Pro Bowl selection among the team's top players regardless of position, he might be the most important player on the offensive line.
Wide receiver Rishard Matthews (16 receptions, 262 yards) has been the most pleasant surprise with two 100-yard receiving games and a team-leading three touchdowns.
Matthews, a 2012 seventh-round pick, has won a starting job over Greg Jennings and Kenny Stills, and he's allowed Miami to take its time bringing rookie wide receiver DeVante Parker (foot) back to the field.
Matthews, a standout in training camp, and fellow wide receiver Jarvis Landry (24 receptions, 230 yards) have provided the Dolphins a capable 1-2 punch at their position.
But the passing game, which has allowed seven sacks, is still struggling. Miami averages 6.95 yards per attempt, 18th in the NFL and only slightly better than last year's 6.86 yards per pass.
Parker, the rookie first-round pick from Louisville, doesn't yet seem ready to be fully utilized. Parker is still recovering from June surgery on his left foot to replace a screw. He has four receptions for 49 yards, but said he thinks he'll get a bigger share of the load Sunday against the New York Jets.
Right tackle Ja'Wuan James had a strong performance last week against Buffalo defensive end Mario Williams, probably one of the best of his young career.
James, the 2014 first-round pick, didn't allow a tackle and allowed only one quarterback hit.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill (five touchdown passes, three interceptions) has an 85.5 passer rating, which is 17th in the NFL.
Tannehill had a good training camp and preseason, and his numbers through three games aren't bad, but he still hasn't showed the ability to carry his team.
If the running game continues to sputter, more responsibility falls on Tannehill.
Running back Jonas Gray (nine carries, 49 yards) could see more action against the Jets.
Gray seemed to run downhill against Buffalo in his Dolphins debut last week, and Miami, which is tied for 27th in rushing (72.7 yards per game) could use a boost.
Gray was limited in Wednesday's practice due to a calf ailment
Tight end Jordan Cameron (10 receptions, 151 yards), who was limited in Wednesday's practice, was low-key last week with three receptions for 16 yards when he was battling a groin injury, but Miami needs him this week.
If he's slowed, that position takes a huge step backward because it's questionable whether Dion Sims (concussion), who has missed the last two games, will be ready, and behind him is Jake Stoneburner.
