Last season, the Miami Dolphins faced scrutiny regarding their toughness, discipline, and accountability as they transitioned into the off-season.
During the lead-up to the 2025 season, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has implemented new training activities, including sprints and up-down drills, which are different from previous routines. He has addressed attendance issues from last season and introduced fines that are publicly displayed on the team meeting board to enhance accountability among players. This represents a new level of accountability aimed at encouraging better punctuality and responsibility. We will observe in September whether these measures have been effective.
On the field, the Dolphins rely on Tua Tagovailoa performing at his highest level. This begins with effective pass protection to enable receivers such as Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to advance down the field, creating the explosive plays that were absent in previous seasons.
The Dolphins make me cry, the offseason has commenced for the Miami Dolphins
Last offseason, Tagovailoa focused on martial arts training to improve his falling technique. Throughout the season, this training was evident until he was involved in an awkward situation where he lowered his head in an attempt to gain extra yardage in the red zone. When Tua is healthy, the Dolphins tend to perform at a high level, demonstrating strong production on the field. Consequently, the value of the backup quarterback for the Dolphins remains significant in maintaining team performance.
Miami’s performance significantly depends on Tagovailoa’s health, as the Dolphins exhibited a notable improvement with their franchise quarterback on the field last season. Over the past three seasons, including the playoffs, Miami has achieved a record of 25-17 when Tagovailoa is the starting quarterback, compared to a 3-8 record with other quarterbacks.
The Dolphins need to address the replacement of Terron Armstead on the offensive line. Improving the running game from last season is a priority, and recent camp performances from De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright have been encouraging. Achane has expressed his goal of reaching 1,500 rushing yards this season, demonstrating his potential to serve as the primary running back for the first time in his career. Wright has returned as a more skilled player with notable improvements as a pass catcher.
Will Hill be traded? While this may not be a particularly bold prediction given how last season concluded, if Miami’s performance declines rapidly—and this is a possibility—it would be logical to consider trading Hill midway through the season. Doing so could maximize the return, especially if the team is unlikely to contend in the latter half with an aging player.
The front seven has frequently been discussed regarding their durability. If players such as Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, and Chop Robinson can stay healthy, the Dolphins are positioned to have one of the most effective pass rushing units in the NFL this season. Including defensive linemen Zach Sieler and Kenneth Grant, along with versatile linebackers Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, and Willie Gay Jr., the core of Miami’s defense is well-equipped to generate pressure on quarterbacks and excel in run defense.
The primary area of concern is the secondary behind the defensive front seven. While Miami is familiar with Minkah Fitzpatrick’s contributions, the secondary has undergone significant changes from the previous season with the trade of Jalen Ramsey. Second-year undrafted free agent Storm Duck is expected to start alongside Jack Jones at cornerback, and the unit as a whole remains relatively unproven. However, the Dolphins have expressed confidence in their defensive approach, emphasizing that their success begins with the performance of the front line.
The Dolphins finished last season with a 8-9 record. They have the potential to qualify for the playoffs with nine wins; however, an 8-9 record would result in a repeat of their previous season.
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