Sport Circuit

By Ewan Jackson

Although the new NFL season remains weeks away, the off-season has brought many changes to the Miami Dolphins that has left fans questioning where the franchise stands in terms of its chances of a third and long-awaited championship. Whilst there still may be many personnel changes from now until the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2 months’ time, here is a look at why followers of the Phins should be optimistic about winning a third Vince Lombardi trophy in February of next year. 

The Offence 

In recent years the Dolphins have built an offence around speed and dynamism. With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle both having 1000+ receiving yard seasons last time out, fans will be hoping for more of the same from their two main men. Having secured the services of veteran Odell Beckham Jr alongside the talented Braxton Berrios, the Dolphins undoubtedly possess one of the best receiving corps in the NFL going into the new season. The off-season has also seen Jonnu Smith join from the Atlanta Falcons in a much-needed revamp of the tight-end room in Miami, begging the question of if the position will be utilised more in the passing game by coach Mike McDaniel. 

The Dolphins running game set the league alight last season with Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane combining for 26 touchdowns. If the duo can stay healthy for large periods of the season, we can expect the Dolphins to be towards the top of the rushing yard rankings again this time out. Then there is the most important piece to the Miami offence jigsaw- Tua Tagovailoa. The quarterback threw for over 4600 yards in the 2023/24 campaign and on his day is the perfect QB for Mike McDaniel’s offence. What continues to be questioned is the frequency of turning the ball over and whether he can guide this talented Dolphins offence through the play-offs and become the first Dolphins QB to lift the Superbowl since Bob Griese. 

The Defence 

The loss of Christian Wilkins to the Raiders represents a huge loss to the Miami Dolphins defence. Widely regarded as their best defensive player last season, the pass rusher will undoubtedly be a miss going forward to a defence that showed real promise in the latter stages of last season. First round draft pick Chop Robinson is a shrewd addition and is highly thought of by those in charge at Miami. However, the standards set by Wilkins will be tough to live up to for whoever is given the task of replacing him.  The return of Jaelon Phillips and Bradley Chubb coupled with Jalen Ramsey and Jevon Holland staying fit will be vital. The Dolphins have notes of real quality at their disposal and, if knitted together by new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, will be a real threat on both sides of the ball. 

The Coach 

Going into his third year as head coach of Miami, McDaniel will be hoping it is third time lucky as he aims to secure a first play-off win since 2000. He undoubtedly has the support of Phins fans but will be the first to admit that there is an expectancy growing at the Hard Rock Stadium. Fans of the Dolphins believe they have the right man in charge and with a supremely talented roster many will be hoping to be making the trip to New Orleans for the Superbowl in February.