Let's be blunt, the New Orleans Saints' offense, particularly their red-zone execution, has been a frustrating mess. Going into a Week 13 matchup against a Miami Dolphins team that is finding its defensive footing, the Saints and rookie QB Tyler Shough cannot afford to rely on the aerial fireworks that simply aren't going off. The only viable path to a road upset lies in embracing the physical, grinding, and often "ugly" run game.

The Imperative: Running the Football

Miami's defensive resurgence has been real, but their fundamental weakness remains their run defense, ranking among the worst in the league in yards allowed per game. This is the obvious, glaring opportunity for the Saints' offense, despite their own struggles running the ball (currently among the league's worst in rushing yards per game) and the unfortunate injury to Alvin Kamara.

Attack the Weakness: This isn't about running until the offense is suddenly elite, it's about forcing the Dolphins' hand. With Kamara out, Devin Neal and the versatile Taysom Hill must carry the load.

Shough's Role  in Zone Read Execution: This is where Shough earns his stripes. His mobility must be weaponized through zone read concepts to keep Miami's defensive ends honest and create space for the running backs. Every successful handoff or keeper that gains four or five tough yards is a moral victory that compounds over a game.

Time of Possession: Miami's offense, spearheaded by the explosive De'Von Achane, thrives on tempo. The Saints' offense needs to be a ball-control unit. Long, methodical drives that eat clock and tire out the Dolphins' defense are essential to keep Tua Tagovailoa and Achane off the field.

The Critical Area: Red Zone and Turnovers

The Saints have the worst red-zone touchdown scoring percentage in the NFL. Against the Dolphins, settling for field goals won't cut it. This is a must-fix area.

Commit to Touchdowns: Inside the 20, the Saints must simplify and commit to a scoring mindset. This means utilizing personnel packages that maximize the team's physical players like Juwan Johnson and Taysom Hill. No more overthinking it. The run plays designed for maximum push and use Hill in a situational quarterback role if necessary to punch it in.

Protect the Ball: The Dolphins have been prone to turnovers this season, but the Saints cannot afford to be generous. For Shough, this means taking the safe check-down when the deep shot isn't there and valuing possession above all else. Every drive must end in a kick—either a punt, field goal, or extra point. A turnover in their own territory against a high-powered Dolphins offense is a death sentence.

The Opinionated Takeaway

The Saints (2-9) are significant underdogs for a reason. To steal a win from the (4-7) Dolphins, they cannot try to win a shootout. Tyler Shough must be a game manager first and an aggressor second. The Saints' offensive line has to find a way to perform above its ranking, and the run game, however limited by personnel, must be the engine. This is a game where the Saints need to win by making it ugly, physical, and a slog, minimizing opportunities for the Dolphins' speed to take over.