Introduction to the Dolphins’ Reeling Season
The 1972 Miami Dolphins made history by going 17-0, and this record remains unbroken. However, the 2025 Miami Dolphins are struggling, with a 1-4 record after their 27-24 loss to Carolina. The team’s lead slipped away, and it seems their season is slipping away as well.
The Need for Urgency
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel emphasized the need for urgency, stating, "The bottom line is you have no time to waste. There’s no egos that can be involved. It has to be a collective mission to correct things, and it has to be urgent with no time to waste." Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa also expressed the need for urgency, saying, "No one wants to start the season 1-4. … We’ve got to figure this out. We’ve got to figure this out now."
Opportunities Ahead
The Dolphins have an opportunity to turn their season around with their next four games against the Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Baltimore. None of these teams are currently better than 3-2, making a change in fortunes possible. McDaniel met with owner Stephen Ross after Sunday’s loss, and both expressed frustration with the team’s performance. McDaniel sees things on tape that can be fixed and believes the team needs to focus on doing rather than talking.
What’s Working
The offense has scored at least 21 points in each of the last four games, which is a positive sign. This is the first time since 1988 that the Dolphins have scored at least 21 points in four straight games and managed exactly one win in that span.
What Needs Help
The rushing defense is a major concern, with the Dolphins allowing 871 yards on the ground through five games. This matches a franchise worst, and the team is being outgained on the ground by 92 yards per game. The Dolphins need to improve their rushing defense to have any chance at a postseason push.
Stock Up
TE Darren Waller is a bright spot for the Dolphins, catching all five passes thrown his way on Sunday for 78 yards and his third touchdown in two games. The team needs to find ways to get him involved more in the second half of games.
Stock Down
CB Jack Jones had a tough game, with a holding call and a pass interference penalty that cost the Dolphins dearly. These blunders are the sort of mistakes that a team with no wiggle room can’t afford.
Injuries
The Dolphins lost more depth on Sunday, with LB Tyrel Dodson entering concussion protocol and CB Cornell Armstrong Jr. set to miss time with a hamstring injury.
Key Stat
The Dolphins were 211-8 all-time in games where they led by 17 or more points, while the Panthers were 3-113 all-time in games where they trailed by 17 or more. However, the Panthers were able to come back from a 17-0 deficit on Sunday.
Next Steps
The Dolphins host the Chargers on Sunday, and this game provides an opportunity for the team to turn their season around. The game also features a matchup between Tagovailoa and Chargers QB Justin Herbert, who were drafted one spot apart in 2020.
Conclusion
The Miami Dolphins are facing a tough season, but they have the opportunity to turn things around with their next four games. The team needs to focus on urgency and making corrections to their performance. With the right mindset and improvements, the Dolphins can still make a push for the postseason.
FAQs
Q: What is the Dolphins’ current record?
A: The Dolphins are 1-4 after their loss to Carolina.
Q: What is the main concern for the Dolphins?
A: The rushing defense is a major concern, with the Dolphins allowing 871 yards on the ground through five games.
Q: Who is a bright spot for the Dolphins?
A: TE Darren Waller is a bright spot, catching all five passes thrown his way on Sunday for 78 yards and his third touchdown in two games.
Q: What is the next game for the Dolphins?
A: The Dolphins host the Chargers on Sunday.
