Why the Miami Dolphins season wasn't a complete failure
The Season
The Dolphins finished their regular season campaign with an identical record (9-8) to the previous years’ rendition of the team. However, these dolphins felt different; the team had some pizazz to them. This team could not be considered a failure, could they? No longer the basement dwelling franchise of the AFC East, these Dolphins played with style and poise… at least for the first half of the season. So much so that their 'Franchise' QB was in the early MVP conversations. Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle led the “Phins” to an 8-3 record through November. Miami was positioned to do something for only the second time in 20+ seasons; win the AFC Least (East).
Record Scratch. Then they woke up… well some of them did, still waiting on a word from the Tagovailoa camp to determine if Tua is Phinito, bad joke drums please. Coach Mike McDaniel was able to pump some life back into an offense that was stagnant at times in 2021. Cheetah (Tyreek Hill) led the team with 119 receptions and over 1,700 yards both of which are career bests. Miami finished the regular season with a 2-4 record vs. playoff teams. With an above .500 record the Phins snuck into the AFC playoffs where they would face a familiar foe; Buffalo.
The Postseason
Entering the AFC playoffs as the 7th seed, the Dolphins were pitted against a division rival in the Buffalo Bills. Through the first quarter the teams did not belong on the same field. By the time the Dolphins touched the football in the second quarter they faced a 17-0 deficit. Rookie Skylar Thompson kept slinging the pigskin and would ultimately lead Miami to four straight scoring drives to close out the half with the Dolphins in striking distance of the Bills at 17-20 respectively. Miami would open up the scoring tally in the third quarter with a defensive touchdown. This however, would be the last time Miami had a lead in the affair as the Buffalo Bills moved on to the Divisional Round of the playoffs with a 34-31 victory.
The Offseason
Generally, when the NFL season comes to an end for a franchise, the first thing a fan can look forward to is the shiny-new toy that will be drafted with their teams first round pick. (Un)Fortunately for fans of the Phins, they are without a first-round pick in 2023 due to their decision to tamper (not Tampa… another tough joke, I know) with Thomas Edward Brady and Sean Payton during the 2019-20 season. Barring any
further trades, Miami will enter the 2023 NFL Draft with just five selections over seven rounds. Look for the Phins to add RB, LB, and OL depth with their selections as they are obvious areas of need.
The true storyline of the 2023 Offseason for Miami will be their Franchise Quarterback; Tua Tagovailoa. Can he recover from the three concussions he suffered in his 2022 campaign? Due to the Dolphins offensive line and Tua’s play style he is increasingly susceptible to unnecessary contact from his opponents. At the very least Stephen Ross and the Miami brass need to ensure that Tua is taking preventative measures on and off the field. Maybe he should give the “Q” Collar a try. Former NFL star Luke Kuechly turned to this device for help with concussions. All in all, if the Dolphins can get some consistency out of the QB position, they are set up nicely for continued success in the coming seasons.
Interested in hearing about other playoff teams? Be sure to check out our other articles below.