The Miami Dolphins’ 700-yard, 70-point performance early in the 2023 season was certainly one of the most impressive feats in NFL history.
“This isn’t compared to anything that I’ve seen or been a part of,” quarterback Tua Tagovailoa stated after the game. Running back De’Von Achane added, “70 points is crazy—our stats are like video game-type stuff… I’ve never been on this side of it.”
It was an impressive and memorable outing, and one the Broncos surely wish to forget. It was also the only time a team has ever put up 700 yards and 70 points in the same game. Unfortunately, the Dolphins played the Buffalo Bills the following week and were handed their first loss of the 2023 season. This was a humbling reminder that this is a week-to-week league.
The loss to Allen and the Bills kickstarted the team’s abysmal 1-6 record against winning teams by the end of the season and started a theme of “only being able to beat losing teams.” Adding further fuel to the fire was that the team failed to secure a playoff win for a second consecutive year under HC Mike McDaniel—the first of which came at the hands of their division nemesis, Bills, and, most recently, in the sub-zero temperatures of Arrowhead Stadium.
After the season, McDaniel said, “We didn’t get the results we wanted.” Although he added, “We feel good about our process, but everything has to be really evaluated.”
Due to the car crash-type finish to the season last year, losing four of their previous six games—including an embarrassment at Baltimore (56-19) and blowing a fourth-quarter lead in the AFC East title game at home against Buffalo—the progress made under McDaniel thus far might be at risk of going overshadowed. Of course, Mike McDaniel lifted the Dolphins out of a five-year playoff drought in his first season and has brought the team to back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since 2001.
So, let’s move forward…
This season will show whether the Dolphins are genuinely going to stick around as a consecutive playoff team and possible Super Bowl contender. First of all, Tagovailoa’s contract situation will be another hurdle for a team that was already juggling its salary cap this offseason. Nevertheless, everything has been looking up since McDaniel took over the reins, and it’s fair to say their Super Bowl window is just opening, as long as last season’s collapse wasn’t the beginning of a different trajectory.
This offseason, the Dolphins have made several moves, including letting defensive tackle Christian Wilkins go to the Raiders and guard Robert Hunt to the Panthers. Other roster losses include cornerback Xavien Howard, linebacker Jerome Baker, pass rusher Andrew Van Ginkel, defensive tackle Raekwon Davis, and safety Brandon Jones.
Of course, the Dolphins also added players, including linebacker Jordyn Brooks, cornerback Kendall Fuller, tight end Jonnu Smith, center Aaron Brewer, defensive lineman Calais Campbell, pass rusher Shaq Barrett, and one of the most well-known wide receivers in the sport, Odell Beckham Jr. The club also notably added rookie pass rusher Chop Robinson in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.
All in all, the Dolphins are going to look a bit different this year. However, with signature speedsters Hill, Waddle, Mostert, and Achane still in the mix and a serious chip on their shoulders to boot, it’s safe to say the team will be playing each game with more to prove than ever before.
