Are the Dolphins looking at a losing season or a playoff season in 2025? Here's what our Joe Schad learned this summer.
MIAMI GARDENS — What I learned in the Miami Dolphins' third preseason game is that the NFL preseason should be two games.
OK, OK, that's harsh.
We understand and respect there were eight or 10 players desperately clawing for four or five roster spots at the back of Miami's 53-man roster.
But it's time: A regular season of 18 games and a preseason of only two.
The Dolphins played many starters and the Jacksonville Jaguars played none and the result doesn't matter.
You could argue Miami's four preseason joint practices with the Lions, Bears and Jaguars were far more beneficial and significant in the grand scheme of things.
So what did I learn? Here's the good and the bad, folks:
The good: This team has better chemistry, following the departure of players like Jalen Ramsey, Jevon Holland and Odell Beckham, Jr.
The bad: This team does not clearly have more or even as much talent as the 2024 group. It's going to have to win by doing the little things better.
The good: The Dolphins have upgraded at backup quarterback, guard and safety.
The bad: Miami's offensive line shows flashes. Patrick Paul and Jonah Savaiinaea have big upside and James Daniels is an improvement. But Miami needs Austin Jackson back and they need their starters to stay healthy. There was too much pressure allowed overall throughout the summer. And the backups are a concern.
The good: Breakout star? Look no further than Chop Robinson, the second-year edge player. And he should be positively influenced by the addition of yet another quality veteran pass rusher, Matthew Judon.
The bad: The Dolphins have a big concern at cornerback. Storm Duck is a more solid player than anyone could have imagined. But Jack Jones can be erratic. Jason Marshall, Jr. is unproven. Mike Hilton hasn't played much for some reason. Cam Smith has never put it all together. Does GM Chris Grier have a CB up his sleeve?
The good: The Dolphins must run the ball more and more effectively this season in order to make the type of offensive bounce-back Mike McDaniel envisions. But when under fire, will McDaniel stay committed to establishing the run - or revert back to using the short pass game in place of the run?
The bad: The preseason came and went and not only did tight end Darren Waller not play a preseason snap, he didn't even take a real practice snap. What is going on there? Is he capable of making the type of impact Jonnu Smith did for Miami last season?
The good: The Dolphins have some quality leadership, despite the departures of consummate pros Calais Campbell and Terron Armstead. Who do we believe will fill voids? Jordyn Brooks, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Aaron Brewer, Austin Jackson and, yes, Tua Tagovailoa.
The bad: Tyreek Hill, who needs to be Miami's best player, has been injured and, as we know, has been a negative off-field distraction. If Hill does not regain form, he will certainly be a trade deadline candidate. That's absolutely a worse-case scenario. Have Hill and Tua patched up their relationship enough that it doesn't impact on-field production? We'll see.
The conclusion: The predictions for the Dolphins season are all over the place. Some national publications have gone as low as 5-12 or 6-11. According to Las Vegas, the Dolphins are most likely to finish 8-9 or 9-8. Odds are also heavily stacked against the Dolphins making the postseason in the deep AFC.
There have been red flags this summer. But also some positive indicators. Anyone who says they know exactly how this is going to go is lying.
Best case scenario? We see it like this: Tua Tagovailoa stays healthy, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle regain form, Miami's running game improves behind an improved offensive line, Miami's pass rush group is among the best in the NFL and also stays healthy. It's a lot of ifs, but if the ifs go the right way, yes, Miami is capable of a 10-win season and a postseason bid.
But we can't make that promise. No one can.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins' preseason ends. Here's the good, bad and my current expectations | Schad
Category: Football
