Can this season's failed, would-be contenders bounce right back in 2025?
Dec 11, 2024
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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.
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.
Defensive Cohesion and Issues
The Miami Dolphins' defense has shown flashes of quality but has ultimately underperformed due to injuries and lack of cohesion. Jalen Ramsey's presence was meant to elevate the unit, yet injuries and inconsistency among younger players left a gap in performance. The team has struggled with run defense, often allowing opponents to find success against them. With several key players nearing the end of their careers and others being inexperienced, the collective struggles have led to a less impressive defense than anticipated.
Offensive Philosophy and Playcalling
The Dolphins' offensive philosophy has raised questions throughout the season. While they demonstrated a quick pass approach, the team seemed overly reliant on certain key plays, impacting versatility. Under Mike McDaniel, the offense initially thrived but lost its groove as teams adapted to their schemes. The mix of injuries and a lack of adaptability in playcalling hindered their ability to exploit opposing defenses effectively, resulting in inconsistencies throughout the year.
Financial Constraints and Future Decisions
Heading into the offseason, the Miami Dolphins face financial constraints that complicate their decision-making process. With only $3 million in cap space projected for 2025, they must carefully consider roster adjustments. Balancing the need for immediate improvements while managing contracts of aging players will be a challenge for the front office. The upcoming offseason is crucial for the Dolphins as they navigate potential restructures and free agent signings that could impact their competitive window in the coming years.
Playoff Aspirations and Team Identity
The Dolphins entered the season with high hopes for a playoff push, but their identity and synergy were hampered by injuries and internal issues. Despite the presence of star players, the lack of cohesion has left fans questioning the direction of the team's offense and defense. As they work to reestablish themselves as playoff contenders, identifying a clear team identity will be essential to their success. Moving forward, the Dolphins will need to leverage their talent while addressing gaps to realize their ultimate goal.
Potential for Growth and Development
Despite the disappointing season, many believe the Dolphins have the potential for growth moving forward, given their young core players. Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, if healthy, have the capability to facilitate a high-powered offensive unit. In addition, emerging talents like Jaylen Waddle and defensive anchors could form the base of a competitive squad. The ability to stay healthy and strategically add talent through drafts or trades will shape their outlook heading into 2025.
Coaching Challenges and Future Direction
As the Dolphins evaluate their coaching staff and overall direction, there will likely be discussions about Mike McDaniel's approach. While he has showcased promising playcalling abilities, the effectiveness of the offense has declined under escalating pressure. The team may consider bringing in additional coaching support to enhance overall performance and strategic depth. As the Dolphins plot their course towards regaining competitiveness, addressing coaching dynamics will be a key component of their offseason strategy.
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.
