Miami Dolphins Face Uncertainty Heading into 2025 Season
The Miami Dolphins are entering a pivotal 2025 season filled with question marks after failing to make the playoffs in Mike McDaniel’s third year as head coach. After consecutive playoff appearances in his first two seasons, the Dolphins stumbled in Week 18 against the New York Jets, losing 32-20 and ensuring their first losing season since 2019. This defeat left a sour taste and triggered an offseason of significant change and uncertainty.
One of the biggest blows to the team was the retirement of long-time left tackle Terron Armstead. Armstead’s departure leaves a massive hole in the offensive line, forcing the Dolphins to find a replacement and potentially overhaul their entire line. His leadership and skill will be sorely missed, adding pressure on the coaching staff to quickly find a viable solution.
Adding to the uncertainty are the trade rumors surrounding two of the team’s biggest stars: wide receiver Tyreek Hill and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. While Hill appears likely to stay with the team, the situation with Ramsey is much more fluid. The Dolphins reportedly began exploring trade options for Ramsey weeks before the 2025 NFL Draft, signaling a potential shift in the team’s defensive strategy.
If Ramsey departs, the Dolphins’ secondary will be significantly weakened. His presence provided a veteran leader and top-tier talent, and his absence would leave a gaping hole at cornerback. Without Ramsey, the Dolphins would need to rely on younger, less experienced players to step up, which could lead to significant vulnerabilities in pass coverage.
On the offensive side, the situation is slightly more optimistic, but still contingent on several factors. The Dolphins possess an explosive offense with the potential to score points in bunches. The dynamic receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle remains a major threat to opposing defenses. Their speed and ability to make big plays provide a constant challenge for defensive coordinators. DeVon Achane also offers a potent rushing threat, adding another dimension to the Dolphins’ attack.
However, the success of the offense hinges largely on the health of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa has a history of injuries, including concussions, which have caused him to miss significant playing time. Last season, a concussion forced him to sit out four games, highlighting the fragility of the Dolphins’ offensive foundation. If Tagovailoa were to go down again, the team would have to rely on backups like Zach Wilson and Quinn Ewers, neither of whom inspires the same level of confidence.
Furthermore, the offensive line, already weakened by Armstead’s retirement, will feature three new starters. This significant turnover raises concerns about the unit’s ability to protect Tagovailoa and create running lanes for Achane. The success of the offense will depend on how quickly these new players can gel and perform at a high level. If the offensive line struggles, Tagovailoa will be under constant pressure, and the running game will be stifled.
The Dolphins’ schedule in 2025 is considered to be the ninth-easiest in the league, according to Sharp Football Analysis. This gives them a decent opportunity to accumulate wins and stay in the playoff hunt. However, the relatively easy schedule doesn’t guarantee success, as the Dolphins will still need to perform well against their opponents.
One of the biggest concerns heading into the 2025 season is the state of the Dolphins’ defense. Last season, the defense ranked ninth in EPA (Expected Points Added), a strong indicator of overall performance. However, with the potential loss of Ramsey and the departure of safety Jevon Holland to the Giants, the defense is likely to regress. Holland’s departure creates another hole in the secondary, further compounding the issues created by Ramsey’s potential trade.
The lack of experience and proven talent in the secondary could lead to significant problems defending against opposing passing attacks. The Dolphins will need to find ways to generate pressure on quarterbacks and force turnovers to compensate for their deficiencies in coverage. Otherwise, they could be vulnerable to high-scoring offenses.
USA TODAY Sports is projecting the Dolphins to finish with a 7-10 record in 2025. This prediction reflects the uncertainty surrounding the team and the potential for both success and failure. While the Dolphins have the offensive firepower to be competitive, their defensive weaknesses and concerns about Tagovailoa’s health could ultimately hold them back.
The Dolphins face a tough home schedule in 2025, with games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Baltimore Ravens. These games will be crucial in determining the team’s fate. If the Dolphins can win a majority of these home games, they will have a good chance of exceeding expectations. However, if they struggle at home, their playoff hopes could be dashed.
Ultimately, the 2025 season will be a test of Mike McDaniel’s coaching abilities and the Dolphins’ ability to overcome adversity. The team will need to find solutions to their defensive problems, protect Tagovailoa, and capitalize on their offensive talent. Whether they can do so remains to be seen. The Dolphins are a polarizing team with the potential to surprise or disappoint. Their performance in 2025 will depend on a complex interplay of factors, including player health, coaching decisions, and opponent strength. The upcoming season promises to be an eventful one for the Miami Dolphins and their fans.
