Downward Dolphins

(Image via Phinsider.com)

By: Lucas Kochevar

The Miami Dolphins are one of the more confusing teams in the league in terms of trajectory. The Dolphins are coming off a disappointing season after they missed the playoffs for the first time under wunderkid coach Mike McDaniel. The young coach came to the Dolphins to help Tua Tagovailoa rise to his billing as a top pick. McDaniel elevated Tagovailoa's play and helped him get paid, but now they’re facing a weird path forward to being contenders. 

To start the offseason, the Dolphins had to navigate one of the weirder trade requests of all-time. Star receiver Tyreek Hill has long been a loud participant on social media and didn’t help his case when he tweeted out numerous odd things from “It’s time for me to go coach” to peace sign emojis. The Dolphins GM and Hill have refuted any word about an official trade request, but it’s in the air. Now that training camp has opened, the media has been able to ask the guys about these offseason shenanigans and Tagovailoa’s take on the matter seems to be the most mature move he’s made as a starter. 

Essentially, Tagovailoa stated his honest opinion that trust has to be regained with the star and held him to a standard that he deems is the “Dolphins’ standard.” Outside of dealing with Hill, the Dolphins have made odd moves. The offensive line has long been the issue for Miami and they thought they solved it when they signed OT Terron Armstead. Instead, he was banged up throughout his deal and retired this past offseason. To fill his hole and potentially clean up this offensive line, they decided to sign James Daniels, coming off an achilles injury, and Larry Borom, a swing tackle. 

Other odd moves they made include trading away pro bowler Jonnu Smith for Minkah Fitzpatrick and then trading for then-retired tight end Darren Waller. Fitzpatrick returns to Miami in hopes to return to form as he’s regressed over the years. Waller is another odd move as he’s been an odd cat and hurt since he’s been traded from the Raiders a couple seasons ago. He hopes to add to the Dolphins offense alongside Hill and Jaylen Waddle. 

All these moves don’t inspire a ton of confidence, especially in a conference that is just loaded with quality teams and guys I could see jumping the Dolphins. If Cam Ward comes out strong, I think the Titans can jump them. If Trevor Lawrence bounces back and Travis Hunter pops out, I can see the Jags jumping them. If Mike Vrabel can elevate his talent and Maye makes a step, I can see the Pats jumping them. 

These are just a couple quick teams I can envision as better squads than Miami. The Dolphins are likely under pressure in their own building more than the national sense, but pressure is pressure regardless. The Dolphins will be an intriguing team to watch over the year.