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Who’s Stepping Up Amid Dolphins Win Streak

The Dolphins are in the midst of a win streak that has breathed new life into their season. A few key performances have made it possible.

The Miami Dolphins find themselves in a unique spot after playing ten games. They currently hold a record of 4-6, but are in the midst of a two-game winning streak, and with a very manageable schedule, expectations are growing in Miami. What once felt like a season doomed to be lost due to key injuries, and close losses early, suddenly has new life. And as Miami aims to continue their win streak and stay in playoff contention, there are a few key reasons for the turnaround in South Florida.

Who’s Stepping Up Amid Dolphins Win Streak

Tua Tagovailoa

There’s no better place to start than the Quarterback position when looking at any win streak. It’s the most important and highly scrutinized position in professional sports and few are critiqued as heavily as Tagovailoa. His four-game absence due to injury derailed the Dolphins in a hurry. Miami employed the league’s number one offense in 2023 and averaged a paltry 10 points per game this season without their signal caller. A complete 180.

Since Tagovailoa’s return, however, the offense has begun to find its groove again. Miami’s averaging nearly 28 PPG with Tagovailoa under center the last four games and he’s been impressive in multiple facets.

His stats are just one avenue that jumps off the page though. He’s been clutch as well. Since his return against the Arizona Cardinals, the Dolphins have converted third downs at a 60% clip, the best in the league over that stretch. They’re also scoring at an incredibly high and efficient rate.

And last, but not least, Miami’s lefty has thrived under pressure this season.

Simply put, the Dolphins need Tagovailoa to see success on offense. He’s their linchpin, and the Dolphins’ turnaround occurring with his return is no coincidence.

Jonnu Smith

The Dolphins signed Smith before free agency kicked off in March in what was a very quiet move. Despite that, there was hope that Smith could step up as another big weapon in Miami’s already potent offense, and recently, that’s coming to fruition. He had his biggest game of the season in their Week 11 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, catching six passes for 101 yards and two TDs, but he’s been steadily getting more involved as the season’s gone on.

The Dolphins needed someone to step up as defenses committed to taking away Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The lack of a consistent third option is what’s caused the offense to stall in the past. Smith has claimed that role this season and allowed Miami’s attack to deploy a more methodical, time-consuming approach. Something that’s boded well for Miami and provided another wrinkle for defenses to game-plan for.

Chop Robinson

Before the Dolphins began to flip the narrative of their season around, there were a few players who needed to step up for it to happen. Chop Robinson was one of them, and he’s risen to the occasion. After losing Jaelen Phillips to a torn ACL and while still awaiting the return of Pro-Bowl edge rusher Bradley Chubb, Miami needed a pass-rushing spark. They drafted Robinson for that reason and he’s beginning to come into his own. His burst off the line always jumps off the screen, but recently his impact has been palpable. The rookie has two sacks over the last three weeks and has made life difficult on offensive lines.

The Dolphins have brought consistent pressure from all over their defense throughout the season, but outside of the combo of Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell, little had been consistently effective. Robinson has been rounding into a form, and it’s a boon for the defensive unit.

Offensive line

The Dolphins offensive line has been much maligned for years. Before the season started, Miami GM Chris Grier joked that the media was “more worried about the offensive line than we are“, turns out, he may have been right. Left Tackle Terron Armstead and Center Aaron Brewer have been two of the best at their positions in multiple categories this season, and they’ve been leaders in a unit that’s flown under the radar.

They’ve been adaptable as well. After losing starting Right Tackle Austin Jackson for the season, the Dolphins started Kendall Lamm against the Raiders and All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby. Crosby didn’t record a sack, pressure or QB hit all game. A testament to the versatility Miami has at its disposal.

The season is a long way from over and the Dolphins still have work to do to get to where they want to be, but the impressive performances across the board have set the tone and laid the groundwork to a path for claiming a playoff spot. Something that seemed out of reach just two short weeks ago.

Main Photo: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Phil Van Pelt

Phil Van Pelt

Phil Van Pelt currently calls the Treasure state (Montana) home, but is originally from South Florida. He's always remained loyal to his hometown squads and is a diehard Miami Hurricanes, Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, Florida Panthers and Inter Miami fan.

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