The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Can this season's failed, would-be contenders bounce right back in 2025?

Dec 11, 2024

Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic's Bengals writer, dives into the struggles of the Cincinnati Bengals and other would-be contenders like the Cowboys, 49ers, Jets, and Dolphins. He discusses the impact of injuries, the need for strategic drafting, and savvy free agency moves. Key players like Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase showcase talent, yet roster management and financial decisions loom large. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recalibrating for a stronger push in 2025 as these teams aim for redemption.

01:38:00

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Episode guests

Paul Dehner Jr.

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Injuries to key players, particularly Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, drastically impacted the Miami Dolphins' offensive consistency this season.

The Dolphins' defense underperformed, struggling with injuries and a lack of cohesion, leading to significant issues in run defense.

Financial constraints of only $3 million in cap space for 2025 will challenge the Dolphins' front office in making necessary roster adjustments.

Despite a disappointing season, the Dolphins possess a young core that offers potential for growth if they can remain healthy and adapt strategically.

Deep dives

Injury Impact and Team Dynamics

Injuries to key players significantly impacted the Miami Dolphins' season, particularly with Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill facing setbacks. Despite a solid offensive production when healthy, Tua's absences led to inconsistent performances and disrupted the team's rhythm. Additionally, the offensive line struggled to provide adequate protection, which hindered offensive plays and allowed defenses to exploit weaknesses. The combination of these factors prevented the Dolphins from achieving their potential, resulting in disappointment as they finished below expectations.

Intro

5min

Bengals' Struggles Amid Star Performances

3min

Navigating Roster Challenges in the NFL

23min

Navigating Disappointment: Future Strategies for NFL Contenders

5min

Navigating Defensive Distress: Bengals and Cowboys Outlook

34min

Contract Decisions and Offensive Struggles

4min

Struggling to Rebound: NFL Teams' Prospects

22min

Thursday Night Football Promotions and Betting Offers

2min

In another world, the Week 14 Monday night game between the Bengals and Cowboys could've been a Super Bowl preview. In our world, it was just another game between a couple of teams that won't make the playoffs. Where did this season go so wrong for the Bengals, Cowboys and three other teams—the 49ers, Jets and Dolphins—most of the football world believed could be contenders? And can they turn things around in short order? First, Robert Mays is joined by The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. to discuss the Bengals, then Derrik Klassen hops on to tackle the other four teams on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.

Rundown

Cincinnati Bengals
Dallas Cowboys
San Francisco 49ers
New York Jets
Miami Dolphins

Host: Robert Mays

Co-Host: Derrik Klassen

With: Paul Dehner Jr.

Executive Producer: Michael Beller

Producer: Michael Beller

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Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

Follow Paul on Bluesky: @pauldehnerjr.bsky.social

Follow Robert on X: @robertmays

Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass

Follow Paul on X: @pauldehnerjr

Theme song: Haunted

Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

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