MIAMI DOLPHINS
2024 Record - 8-9-0
Head Coach - Mike McDaniel
2024 Offensive Rank - (18th overall) - 325 YPG; Passing - 220 YPG (15th), Rushing - 105 YPG (21st); SCORING - 20.3 PPG (22nd)
2024 Defensive Rank - (4th overall) - 314 YPG; Passing - 211 YPG (9th), Rushing - 103 YPG (9th); SCORING - 21.4 PPG (10th)
Key Additions for 2025 - Minkah Fitzpatrick (DB), Kenneth Grant (rookie - Michigan), K.J. Britt (LB), Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (WR), Alexander Mattison (RB), Pharaoh Brown (TE), Willie Gay, Jr. (LB), Zach Wilson (QB)
Key Losses for 2025 - Calais Campbell (DL), Terron Armstead (OL), Rob Jones (OL), Kendall Fuller (DB), Anthony Walker, Jr. (LB), Emmanuel Ogbah (DL), Jordan Poyer (DB), Jalen Ramsey (DB), Jonnu Smith (TE), Jevon Holland (DB)
OFFENSE - Tua Tagovailoa is back for his sixth season as quarterback. In 2024, he missed six games with concussion issues and injuries and had 2,867 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions. If he cannot stay healthy, quarterback Zach Wilson is in training camp. The top wide receivers are Tyreek Hill (81 receptions, 959 yards, six TD), Jaylen Waddle (58, 744, two TD) and former Tennessee Titan Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who had 32 receptions for 497 yards and nine touchdowns last season. The tight ends are Pharaoh Brown and Tanner Conner. De'Von Achane led the Dolphins in rushing last year with 907 yards (4.5 YPC) and scored six touchdowns while also grabbing 78 passes for 592 yards with six more touchdowns. Alec Ingold (fullback) and Alexander Mattison (420 yards, 3.2 YPC, four TD and 36 receptions for 294 yards and one score with the Raiders) are also on hand to aid the rushing attack.
DEFENSE - Defensive tackle Zach Seiler (10 sacks) leads the front line and Kenneth Grant (rookie-Michigan) and Benito Jones look to be the other anchors. Linebackers include Jordyn Brooks (143 tackles), Tyrel Dodson (three interceptions), Jaelan Phillips and Chop Robinson (six sacks). In the secondary, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick comes over (via trade) from the Steelers and he had 96 tackles last year. Safeties Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu and corners Kader Kohou (two INT) and Ethan Bonner are also on hand. The Dolphins only had ten interceptions last season.
OUTLOOK - It could be a do-or-die season for head coach Mike McDaniel this year after Miami missed the playoffs last season amid chaos involving Tyreek Hill, who was at the center of several controversies, which still persisted as training camp started. Aside from the drama, the Dolphins have talent and the key will be keeping (QB) Tagovailoa on the playing field and getting the deep passing game back on track. The Dolphins showed they can score points (496 points in 2023 season for 29.4 PPG) and need to get back to the strategy and execution that was successful. The running game was adequate and De'Von Achane will be the primary back.
The defense has several new faces this season as many veterans left in the off-season and it might take time for the new faces to make an impact as the Dolphins defense was in the top ten last season. Improving the pass rush will need to happen (only 35 sacks last year) as well as forcing turnovers. In 2024, the Dolphins were a minus-5 in takeaways. The AFC East appears to be the Buffalo Bills title to lose, but a wild card spot could happen again if things come together and the team stays focused. It's looking like a crap shoot season in Miami for sure. However, the Dolphins could also drop to the basement as the New York Jets and New England Patriots appear much improved heading into this season.
2025 SCHEDULE
Week One - at Indianapolis
Week Two - vs. New England
Week Three - at Buffalo
Week Four - vs. N.Y. Jets
Week Five - at Carolina
Week Six - vs. L.A. Chargers
Week Seven - at Cleveland
Week Eight - at Atlanta
Week Nine - vs. Baltimore
Week Ten - vs. Buffalo
Week Eleven - vs. Washington (Madrid, Spain)
Week Twelve - BYE
Week Thirteen - vs. New Orleans
Week Fourteen - at N.Y. Jets
Week Fifteen - at Pittsburgh
Week Sixteen - vs. Cincinnati
Week Seventeen - vs. Tampa Bay
Week Eighteen - at New England
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