The Miami Dolphins looked unstoppable at times throughout the 2023 season. It all came crumbling down toward the conclusion of the campaign with a disappointing finish. The goal for Miami's 2024 season should be to win a competitive AFC East before then proving they can legitimately compete with the conference's annual heavyweights in the playoffs.
Mike McDaniel's brilliant offense was humming in 2023. The high-octane Dolphins became the first NFL team since 1966 to score 70 points in a Week 3 victory over the Denver Broncos. All in all, Miami's offense finished first in total offense (401.3/game) and passing (265.5/game), sixth in rushing (135.8/contest), and second in points (29.2/game).
Miami Dolphins running G/H Counter Bluff Reverse with Jaylen Waddle at RB pic.twitter.com/bTtGMvETdz
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) April 15, 2024
The Dolphins advanced to a dominant 9-3 following a 45-point performance in Week 13. They followed up that explosive offensive showing with an extremely disappointing loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, forfeiting a 14-point lead with three minutes remaining in regulation. That shocking defeat sent the Dolphins on a disappointing course.
They were blown out 56-19 by the eventual one-seed Baltimore Ravens in Week 17. Despite having a three-game lead over their arch-nemesis Buffalo Bills with five games left, their Week 18 regular-season finale was for the AFC East title after Buffalo embarked on a lengthy win streak. The Dolphins lost 21-14, giving the Bills the division—Miami hasn't won the AFC East since 2008.
Forced to play in the wild-card round as a result, the Dolphins drew the worst possible matchup. They traveled to a freezing-cold Arrowhead Stadium for a date with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Dolphins never appeared capable of winning, ultimately dropping the game 26-7 while ensuring their league-leading winless playoff drought (2000) continued for at least another year.
That's not to say good things didn't happen for the Dolphins throughout 2023. McDaniel's offense is among the most difficult in the league to defend against. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa answered questions about his status, proving he's a legitimate face-of-the-franchise talent that could lead the Dolphins to annual relevance. Tagovailoa will soon sign an extension that makes him among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.
There have been personnel and coaching staff changes. Legendary defensive coordinator Vic Fangio proved to be a poor fit in Miami, and mutually parted ways with the organization this offseason. McDaniel named former Baltimore Ravens assistant head coach and defensive line coach Anthony Weaver as his new DC.
Weaver has been given reinforcements. With Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips both recovering from season-ending injuries, the Dolphins brought in Shaq Barrett, first-round pick Chop Robinson, and Calais Campbell to support the pass rush. Weaver won't be short on pass rushers.
Odell Beckham Jr. was signed to round out a receiving corps that already has elite speedster Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the latter of which was signed to a lucrative extension. Tight end Jonnu Smith and center Aaron Brewer are new starters on offense. McDaniel’s unit should secure another elite finish in 2024.
The Dolphins have enjoyed a quality offseason on paper, but it's their leaders who must spearhead them to greatness in 2024. McDaniel and Tagovailoa need to prove better prepared when the Dolphins encounter crucial moments in the AFC East and postseason. Miami's goals include ending their division title and postseason win droughts.
