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Miami Dolphins Schedule Presents Rare Opportunity

Miami Dolphins

The difference between a successful and disappointing NFL season can often be razor thin. Teams often win and lose games by the slimmest of margins; sometimes the ball bounces your way, and sometimes it just doesn’t. The Miami Dolphins have suffered their fair share of misfortune throughout the 2024 season. From injuries and close losses, the season has been filled with “what if’s” but as the days get shorter, the Dolphins have a shot to flip their season around.

Miami Dolphins Schedule Presents Rare Opportunity

A Schedule that Eases Up

When Miami takes the field against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 17, they’ll do so as big favorites. More importantly, it’s the start of a final eight-game stretch that currently ranks as the fourth easiest in the league. After the Raiders, the Dolphins face the Patriots, Packers, Jets, Texans, 49ers, Browns and Jets again to culminate their campaign. The toughest games as it stands now are against the Packers, Texans and 49ers. Currently, Miami sits just one game back in the loss column of the AFC’s final playoff spot.

While Miami is just 3-6 on the season, they’ve been competitive. In their previous three contests before beating the Rams, the Dolphins were either tied or held the lead in the 4th quarter of each game. Two of them ended in losses on last-second field goals. The competitive play finally resulted in a victory over the Rams, and now their remaining opponents currently have a combined win-loss record of 30-49.

Offense is Regaining its Form Under Tua

Miami recently saw starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa return to action and immediately saw an offensive resurgence. Without their signal caller, they averaged a league low 10 points per game. In three games since his return, they’ve scored 77. The offensive line has protected well and paved the way in the run game. Miami currently has the ninth ranked rushing attack in the league and a balanced attack should only help the offense function efficiently.

While Miami will most likely remain a pass heavy team, the focus on the run game has been a breath of fresh air. It’s helped them become a tougher team. An unintentional benefit created out of necessity in Tagovailoa’s absence, but one that can serve them well long term. A new identity is one thing, but Tua has Miami’s offense believing in itself again and slowly trying to regain it 2023 form.

Miami Dolphins Defense is Leaving its Mark

Miami’s defense has taken some time to settle in under new Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver, but it’s starting to leave its mark on the season. It dominated in its coming out party against the Rams in L.A. The Dolphins notched four sacks, two turnovers and didn’t allow a touchdown to one of the leagues most explosive offenses. Led by Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell up front, the defensive line is setting the tone in Miami. Rookie Chop Robinson has elevated his game recently and turned his quarterback pressure stats into sacks the last two weeks. The five highest graded players in their Week 10 victory were all defenders and Miami held the Rams to 3-12 on third down, 0-3 in the red-zone and disrupted Matthew Stafford all night.

The Dolphins didn’t have much room for error when they played the Rams, but they played their first game this season in which it felt like they had control from start to finish. They’re finally starting to play complimentary football, and it showed up in the nick of time. A favorable schedule, mixed with a team that’s coming together when it matters most, means that while many may have given up on Miami after their inauspicious start, their season may actually just only be getting started.

Main Photo Courtesy of Gary A. Vasquez – 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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