2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 11-6, Loss in Wild Card Round at Kansas City Chiefs (26-7)

It was a difficult end to the season as the Miami Dolphins traveled to Kansas City to play the eventual Super Bowl champs on a night where it was -30 degrees. The regular season was a success. The Dolphins started with three straight wins and 5-1 overall. The high-water mark was 9-3 after scoring 45 points against the Washington Commanders. Miami blew a division lead and lost to the Buffalo Bills 21-14 in the season finale.

2024 Miami Dolphins Season Preview

Offense

Key Additions: TE Jonnu Smith, OT Jack Driscoll, C Aaron Brewer

Key Losses: OG Robert Hunt, C Connor Williams, WR Cedrick Wilson

The offense was not an issue for the Dolphins last season. The offseason trade for Tyreek Hill paid off and the Dolphins boasted one of the best receiving duos in the league. Miami locked up Tua Tagovailoa long term and will feature a similar group heading into a 2024 season that the team hopes ends in an AFC East title.

Tagovailoa put up big-time numbers with 4,624 yards and 29 touchdowns while completing 69.3% of his passes. Hill was worth every dollar of his contract as he totaled 119 catches, 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns. Jaylen Waddle also eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark and earned a lucrative contract extension. The tight end position was a weak point for the offense and Miami added Jonnu Smith. This is not the biggest upgrade in the world but Smith provides a bit more pass-catching ability from what the team had last year. He is also a strong blocker along the line. This is important with some injury issues up front.

Of course, it begins with Terron Armstead. He is an elite left tackle but has struggled with injuries during his career. He will be back in his spot as the anchor on the left side. Austin Jackson will counter Armstead on the right side. Along the interior line, guards Robert Jones and Isaiah Wynn missed 20 out of a possible 34 games last season. Robert Hunt is gone so guards will have to tap up. Connor Williams also dealt with injuries last season and he will be replaced by Aaron Brewer at center.

The Dolphins injuries up front impacted the offense when it mattered most. If they can remain healthy, this will be a dynamic offense once again.

Defense

Key Additions: DT Calais Campbell, DE Chop Robinson, DT Neville Gallimore, DT Benito Jones, DE Shaq Barrett, CB Kendall Fuller, S Jordan Poyer, LB Anthony Walker, LB Jordyn Brooks

Key Losses: DE Andrew Van Ginkel, DE Emmanuel Ogbah, DT Christian Wilkins, CB Xavien Howard, CB Eli Apple, S Jerome Baker

The injuries impacted the Dolphins defensively as well. It was a unit that had great expectations after the addition of Jalen Ramsey but he missed the beginning of the season with a torn meniscus. Jaelen Phillips suffered a torn Achilles in Week 12 and this was a major loss.

Miami was thankful for Bradley Chubb, who totaled 11 sacks. Andrew Van Ginkel also stepped up in a big way but will be in Minnesota this season. To replace losses, the Dolphins used their first-round pick on Chop Robinson out of Penn State. He is expected to make an impact right away. Shaw Barrett also improves the edges for Miami.

In the secondary, the Dolphins added Kendall Fuller, who has been an effective cornerback for years in Washington. He will play opposite Ramsey and all of a sudden, the Dolphins have an intriguing duo on the outside. Jordan Poyer was the other major addition in the secondary. He is not the player he used to be but a veteran presence along the last line of defense is extremely important.

Miami is hoping this defense can compete just enough and make it count when the offense explodes. That will be the case as Miami can outscore opponents but will have to step up defensively.

Schedule

Week 1: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 2: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 3: at Seattle Seahawks

Week 4: vs. Tennessee Titans – Monday Night Football

Week 5: at New England Patriots

Week 6: BYE WEEK

Week 7: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 8: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week 9: at Buffalo Bills

Week 10: at Los Angeles Rams – Monday Night Football

Week 11: vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Week 12: vs. New England Patriots

Week 13: at Green Bay Packers – Thursday Night Football

Week 14: vs. New York Jets

Week 15: at Houston Texans

Week 16: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week 17: at Cleveland Browns – Sunday Night Football

Week 18: at New York Jets

Record Prediction: 11-6