MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Back in August, the general manager of the Miami Dolphins, Chris Grier, expressed optimism about the team’s potential for the season, emphasizing that he and head coach Mike McDaniel had constructed a roster aimed at competing for the Super Bowl. Grier mentioned that factors like health, luck, and team chemistry are crucial for success. “It’s been exciting to watch these guys all together. So yeah, we feel if we’re healthy and ready to go, that we have a chance to compete, which is what we always want — that chance,” he said.
As the season reaches its midpoint, the Dolphins find themselves struggling with a 2-6 record, fighting to claw their way to at least a .500 standing. The team, which boasts a wealth of experience and talent, is grappling with underperformance and injury setbacks. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa maintained his faith in the team but noted the importance of focusing solely on the upcoming games, dismissing thoughts about their dwindling playoff aspirations. “We’re not worried about anything else but the next opponent,” said Tagovailoa following a loss to Buffalo. “Playoffs, any of that, we’re not worried about that.”
Although the Dolphins were touted as having the NFL’s top offense for 2023, featuring last season’s leading receiver Tyreek Hill, alongside reliable players like Jaylen Waddle and Odell Beckham Jr., they have unexpectedly struggled to score. This season, Miami has secured wins against the Jaguars and Patriots, but has succumbed to three teams currently under .500: Seattle, Tennessee, and Indianapolis.
The season’s difficulties began with Hill’s run-in with Miami-Dade police during a traffic stop, followed by Tagovailoa suffering a concussion shortly after. This injury saw him placed on injured reserve, leading to a significant decline in the Dolphins’ offensive performance. While backups struggled during Tagovailoa’s absence, the offense managed to score more than 15 points only once, culminating in a dismal 1-3 record.
Despite substantial improvements in the past two games since his return, the Dolphins have yet to find the win column, currently sitting at 0-2 with their starter back under center. Defensive tackle Calais Campbell remains hopeful about the season, citing their positive performances despite the unfavorable record. “The problem is,” he commented, “we’ve pretty much put ourselves in the position where our margin for error is zero.”
Several aspects, however, show promise. Tagovailoa delivered an impressive performance, completing 25 of 28 passes for a career-best 89.3% completion rate with 231 yards and two touchdowns. In his return from IR, he has maintained an impressive completion percentage of 80.3%, with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Miami’s ground game has also been a source of strength, driven by young talents like De’Von Achane and rookie Jaylen Wright, who have facilitated a strong run attack.
Conversely, Miami’s propensity for mistakes continues to hinder their chances. Early season pre-snap penalties have given way to costly fumbles; a trend that has led to losses in closely contested matches. Raheem Mostert has notably fumbled twice in second halves over the past three games, directly contributing to losses by a narrow margin.
In terms of key player performance, cornerback Jalen Ramsey has been a bright spot, maintaining a 60.9% completion rate against him. Additionally, he has recorded a career-high in quarterback pressures. Campbell has also enhanced his value to the team, proving effective both on the field and as a leader, contributing two sacks and 28 tackles.
However, linebacker David Long Jr. has faced challenges this season, particularly in pass coverage, and was superseded by Anthony Walker Jr. during a recent game. Injuries have also plagued the team, as they continue to cope without star pass rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, with Phillips being sidelined due to a season-ending injury and Chubb yet to play this season.
As of now, the Dolphins find themselves with the eighth pick in the draft and a challenging schedule ahead, although four out of their next eight opponents have losing records. Their next matchup will be against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night.