The season is coming. The DNA of Sports editorial team offers you an update on the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. Today, the Miami Dolphins. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
Four consecutive seasons with a positive record, two playoff appearances in the same period, and a great sense of unfinished business. As the 2024 season approaches, the Miami Dolphins must take a step forward and (finally) win the franchise's first playoff game since 2000.
Many believed that the 2023 season would be the right one. It had started perfectly, including an explosive victory over the Denver Broncos and successes against weaker teams. Unfortunately, the adage “strong against the weak and weak against the strong” stuck to them all year. After losses to the Bills, Eagles and Chiefs, the Dolphins approached the final stretch with a surprise disappointment against the Titans.
The Bills' hot breath was then beginning to be felt, and a heavy disappointment against the Ravens (19-56) in week 17 put them against the wall. Miami then went to Buffalo to win the division… Without success. The rest was of the same ilk. Ranked second, the Dolphins fell heavily in Wild Card against the Chiefs (7-26) in hellish conditions (what's more for Floridians)… They would have to wait a little longer for the victory in the final phase.
Last season: 11 wins – 6 losses, 2nd in AFC East
Off-season movements
Notable Arrivals: Odell Beckham Jr. (WR), Aaron Brewer (C), Jordyn Brooks (LB), Calais Campbell (DE), Kendall Fuller (CB), Jonnu Smith (TE), Jordan Poyer (S), Marcus Maye ( S)
Re-signings: Emmanuel Ogbah (EDGE)
Draft: Chop Robinson (EDGE), Patrick Paul (OT), Jaylen Wright (HB), Mohamed Kamara (EDGE), Malik Washington (WR), Patrick McMorris (S), Tahj Washington (WR)
Notable losses: Christian Wilkins (DT), Andrew Van Ginkel (LB), Jerome Baker (EDGE)
Construction site on defense. The big loss of the offseason is undoubtedly Christian Wilkins. The imposing DT will now make the Raiders' good days, and the Dolphins only signed Calais Campbell to strengthen the line. To complete the front 7Miami sent Jerome Baker to Seattle in exchange for Jordyn Brooks. Different profiles, with a pass rusher who goes against a linebacker rather oriented run stopper. Further back, the backfield has been completely reworked… Or almost. 3 of the 4 starters will be new faces for the 2024 season. Exit Xavien Howard, Brandon Jones and DeShon Elliott. Welcome to Kendall Fuller, Jordan Poyer and Marcus Maye, known and experienced players.
On offense, Odell Beckham Jr.'s name is making headlines, but the receiver will be relegated to a third role. An addition that could nevertheless do a lot of good for Miami's offense, as could that of Jonnu Smith (see below). They are complemented by the selection of three playmakers offensive in the draft. The bomb Jaylen Wright completes the running back committee, while the two Washingtons give depth to the receiving corps. Still a little speed in this attack that certainly did not lack it.
Miami Dolphins 2024 All-Star Team
Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa – Running back: Raheem Mostert – Receivers: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Odell Beckham Jr. – Tight End: Jonnu Smith – Offensive Line (left to right): Terron Armstead, Isaiah Wynn, Aaron Brewer, Robert Jones ,Austin Jackson
Defensive Line: Zach Sieler, Neville Gallimore, Calais Campbell – Linebacker: Jaelan Phillips, Jordyn Brooks, David Long Jr., Bradley Chubb – Cornerback: Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller – Safety: Jordan Poyer, Jevon Holland
The strong point(s): An explosive attack
Led by a top-10 quarterback, the NFL's most explosive player, and a No. 2 receiver at No. 1 level, the Dolphins' aerial attack is supercharged. This well-oiled trio accounted for 59.9% of the yards gained in the air last season (2,813 yards). The problem? No other Miami receiver has exceeded 40 receptions since 2020. So, in order to reduce this hegemony, the Dolphins have not skimped on spending. First with the arrival of Odell Beckham Jr.. After several injuries and a mixed stint in Baltimore, the superstar still has the qualities to represent an effective third threat. Secondly, with the addition of Jonnu Smith. Author of a successful season in Atlanta (582 yards, 3 TDs), he arrives to overtake Durham Smythe at tight end. A multiplication of threats.
In this fast-paced attack, the running game is also a factor. The two-headed chimera of Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane is one of the most efficient in the league. They accumulated 1,812 yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground last year, with a frightening average of 5.81 yards per carry. The veteran Mostert has until now been the majority of the balls, but the now second-year player Achane should take a more important place in the committee. They will now be supported by third-round rookie Jaylen Wright. Author of a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash this year, he will not be out of place in this all-speed game.
On the other side of the field, the aerial defense also looks great. The names speak for themselves: Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller on the outside, Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer in the backfield. They will also be supported by a more than decent pass rush. Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb start in pole position, but Emmanuel Ogbah and the rookie duo Chop Robinson/Mohamed Kamara will also have their say in the rotation. Enough to bring some juice and put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks… The backfield quartet is just waiting for that.
Weak point(s): Trench warfare
If the offensive game was able to work so effectively last season, tackles Austin Jackson (RT) and especially Terron Armstead (LT) are no strangers to it. On the contrary, the interior of the Dolphins offensive line is not up to par. To compensate, Miami recruited ex-Titan Aaron Brewer at center. The 26-year-old player will be valuable on the ground, but his contribution to the passing game remains to be proven. He will be surrounded by a duo of guards to choose from among Isaiah Wynn, Robert Jones and Liam Eichenberg. If the duo is not yet defined, it is unfortunately not because each of these men shines. We are heading more towards a default choice that is not reassuring.
The Dolphins seem armed in the air defense, but the same cannot be said against the run. Orphaned by Christian Wilkins, the squad seems largely weakened by this single loss. A technical and mental leader, Wilkins had the ability to occupy several defenders on his own, opening the game for his partners. It is therefore up to Zach Sieler to take on the heavy task of making him forget. A risky bet, because even if the player is coming off his best season (with 10 sacks and 1 interception), there is no guarantee that he will be able to maintain this level by being more closely monitored. A reason for hope, however? The arrival of Jordyn Brooks, a specialist in run defense, in the front 7 from Miami.
X Factor: Keeping Fit
The 2022 and 2023 seasons have been marked by injuries to key players. On both sides of the field, the Miami Dolphins have had to deal with numerous losses: Tua Tagovailoa, Raheem Mostert, Emmanuel Ogbah, Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Jerome Baker… The list of starters who have been injured over the last two ends of the season is impressive. Without their offensive leader (in 2022) and without their pass rush (in 2023), the Dolphins have not held the tide and have lost twice in the Wild Card stage.
In a very competitive division, every detail will count. Avoiding injuries will be a big detail.
Player to watch: Tua Tagovailoa (QB)
With a lucrative new contract under his belt, it's time for Tua Tagovailoa to lead the Miami Dolphins to the top. After finally putting together a full healthy season, while maintaining the level of play from his exceptional 2022 campaign, he's enjoying a third consecutive season with the same head coach (McDaniel), offensive coordinator (Frank Smith) and quarterbacks coach (Darrell Bevell).
Well aided by his duo of receivers Tyreek Hill/Jaylen Waddle, Tagovailoa threw for 4,624 yards last season. Now even more richly endowed, with 4 targets that would be the envy of the other 31 quarterbacks in the league, Tua has all the cards in hand to have a record season. The expectations will be as high as the amounts of his contract, it's up to him to justify these numbers and lead Miami to the top.
Miami Dolphins 2024 Schedule
Jaguars, Bills, @Seahawks, Titans, @Patriots, rest, @Colts, Cardinals, @Bills, @Rams, Raiders, Patriots, @Packers, Jets, @Texans, 49ers, @Browns, @Jets
A calendar in two chapters. First a mild start, with affordable matches that should allow the Dolphins to gain confidence… Before a complicated second half: double-headers against the Jets and the Bills, trips to Houston and Cleveland, reception of the 49ers. It would seem that everything will be played out again in December.
The audio preview of the podcast
In summary
This 2024 season is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the Miami Dolphins. While Tyreek Hill (30 years old) and Jalen Ramsey (29 years old) are reaching maturity, others like Terron Armstead could hang up their boots at the end of the year.
The first goal will be to win the tough AFC East by beating the Bills and Jets, in order to avoid another road trap. For the rest and with such a dynamic attack, the sky seems to be the limit.
