Miami Dolphins' Mike Gesicki after 3 target, 0 catch game: 'We got a win.'

MIAMI GARDENS — Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki had three targets and zero catches in Miami's season-opening win at New England.

"At the end of the day, we won a football game at a place that we haven't won a football game too many times in the past couple of years," Gesicki said Thursday. "So that was good and I'm exciting to move on in Week 2."

The Dolphins probably used fellow tight end Durham Smythe on 38 snaps, as opposed to Gesicki's 21, because the game plan called for an emphasis on blocking.

"There is situation, matchups – there is a lot that goes into it," Dolphins coach Brian Flores said. "They had the ball 36 minutes in the game, so we didn’t really have that many offensive snaps. There is a lot that goes into it. We’ve got a lot of different groups. Mike is in on a number of them. He’s not in on some."

Gesicki was one of the top receiving tight ends in the NFL in 2020.

He is not panicking.

"There were times last year, times in 2019, times in 2018, where there were also games I didn't get the ball," Gesicki said. "It's just how this thing goes. We have a 17-game season. There is a lot of football left to be played. I'm sticking with my routine. I feel like some people are ready to damn throw in the hat on everything. It was week one."

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The Dolphins drafted Jaylen Waddle and signed Will Fuller, who is slated to make his Dolphins debut on Sunday against the Bills. There is every possibility the acquisitions could impact Gesicki's targets and catches.

"You have to go in with an open mind and be ready to execute when your name is called," Gesicki said.

As for blocking, it is generally accepted now that Gesicki is more of a big receiver than an in-line tight end. And that's not a knock on Gesicki. Blocking has never been his strength and never will be. That does not minimize his effectiveness as a tight end.

"When my name gets called, I'm going to throw my helmet in there," Gesicki said of blocking. "I'm going to go in there and not just ruin the play. That's the perception of me in terms of run blocking. But if you know anything about me, I could literally care less about what anybody says about me."

When the Dolphins faced the Bills at Hard Rock Stadium early last season, Gesicki was dominant. He posted 8 catches for 130 yards with one touchdown.

On Thursday, Gesicki complimented Bills defensive players Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde, Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano and Taron Johnson. He added that he needs to be able to identify the coverages, which are often disguised.

"Game plans always change," Gesicki said. "So to compare it to how I was successful last year it's different. Some of the schemes are different. Even that game, different quarterback (Ryan Fitzpatrick), I mean, everything is different. My biggest thing is be ready when that ball comes your way. You have to be ready to make a play."

Miami co-offensive coordinator George Godsey knows that targets, carries and touches are going to vary from week to week.

"We have a lot of depth at the running back position, the tight end position and at the receiver position," Godsey said. "There is only one ball out there."

Sunday's game

Bills at Dolphins

1 p.m, Fox