It is make or break for the current regime.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Miami Dolphins enter with a shrinking margin for error.
After consecutive playoff appearances without postseason victories and then missing the playoffs altogether last season, the pressure is mounting. Not just on head coach Mike McDaniel or quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but a front office that has failed to deliver a playoff win in 25 years!
All eyes are once again on Tua. Now in his sixth NFL season, the former first-round pick is at the heart of Miami’s playoff ambitions.
He is coming off another injury-ruined season and the questions about his performance against top defenses and durability remain unanswered.
If he can lead this team to a division title or a playoff win, it may finally silence his critics and unite a fanbase.
Offensive firepower remains elite
The Dolphins return their signature explosive offense, built around speed and timing but with a potential new power back in Ollie Gordon.
Tyreek Hill, entering his age-32 season, remains one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers. Jaylen Waddle continues to emerge as a true WR1 candidate and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is a new red zone target.
Tight end production is a problem and Darren Waller has to remain injury-free and productive to compensate for the loss of Jonnu Smith.
The backfield is deep, with De’Von Achane probably sharing duties with Ollie Gordon II, complemented by sophomore running back Jaylen Wright when fit.
If the offensive line can remain healthy – and that is a big if – and provide Tua with consistent protection, Miami will be among the NFL’s highest-scoring teams in the league again.
A revamped, high-risk defense
On defense, the Dolphins are still adjusting to coordinator Anthony Weaver’s system. The aggressive scheme is designed to pressure quarterbacks and create turnovers, but it also leaves the secondary vulnerable if the front seven does not deliver.
That Dolphin front seven could well be in the top five units in the NFL. Again, much depends on players staying healthy but an edge mix of Chubb, Phillips and Robinson, with Sieler at DT, will give opposing teams nightmares.
Miami also needs big years from unheralded players like cornerback Storm Duck and veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Some talent is there, but cohesion will be crucial.
Prediction
In a loaded AFC featuring the Chiefs, Ravens, Bengals, Bills and Chargers, simply making the playoffs is not easy. For the Dolphins, the bar in 2026 is clear: win at least one playoff game.
I foresee an 11-6 record, second in the division and a Wild Card berth.
Success will depend on keeping Tua healthy – he wins 64% of the games he starts – and whether the defense can make stops when it matters most.
Anything short of a playoff win would be viewed as another wasted season and would almost certainly see both the GM and head coach depart, and another rebuild begin.
