The Dolphins' offense is at a crossroads-Shut out again

BALTIMORE -- The Miami Dolphins were shut out in Week 4 behind quarterback Jay Cutler. They also were shut out Thursday night 40-0 by the Baltimore Ravens, with backup Matt Moore under center.

If there was a lesson to be learned, it is that Miami's offense has deep-rooted issues that cannot be fixed by one player. Many fans pointed to Cutler's struggles as the reason the Dolphins' offense has suffered. And Cutler certainly had his issues, such as holding the ball too long and inaccurate throws.

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However, Moore didn't fix the offense with a magic wand and his backyard style of play. Moore, who is very aggressive, threw two pick-sixes that gave the Dolphins no chance against the Ravens. He was erratic, and so was Miami's offense.

"We never expected the game to turn out like this," Moore said. "This one really stings. We have to figure some stuff out, and I have to figure out some stuff."

Two different quarterbacks. Two various styles of play. Same offensive struggles for Miami (4-3).

More often opponents are focusing on reducing the run game led by Pro Bowler Jay Ajayi, who had 13 carries for 23 yards against the Ravens. The Dolphins often seem lost when they rely on the pass, whether it's Moore or Cutler throwing the ball. On Thursday night, Moore's 44 pass attempts produced just 176 yards and two interceptions returned for touchdowns.

The Dolphins shouldn't just self-scout the Ravens game. They need to study what the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets also did against them earlier this season -- Miami has scored only six points combined in its three losses. That is unacceptable for a team with plenty of talented skill players.

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"Whatever play is called, we have to go out and execute our assignment," Dolphins guard Jermon Bushrod said. "It sucked that we couldn't get anything going."

Miami's defense has been mostly good this season, but the group has given up 68 points in the past two weeks. The defense is the primary reason the Dolphins have four wins. But when this side of the ball struggles, the offense must pick up the team.

In many ways, the Dolphins are fortunate to be 4-3. This is a team with a lot of faults and it has had to overcome plenty of adversity. Miami won't be a playoff team for the second year in a row if its offense cannot turn things around.