The Miami Dolphins are looking to turn the page after a season that didn't quite live up to expectations. Head coach Mike McDaniel started the year with high hopes, eyeing the AFC East title and a deep playoff run.
With the Buffalo Bills in their sights and a bit of luck with the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens stumbling, the path seemed clear. But instead of rising to the occasion, the Dolphins found themselves struggling from the get-go.
The season kicked off with a tough loss to the Indianapolis Colts, followed by setbacks against the New England Patriots and a surging Bills team. A brief glimmer of hope came with a win over the Jets in Week 4, but three more consecutive losses left them at 1-6. By the end of the season, they finished 7-10, third in the AFC East, and McDaniel was shown the door.
A significant factor in their struggles was quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The former Alabama standout has battled concussions throughout his career, and last season was particularly rough.
Completing 260 of 384 passes for 2,660 yards, Tua managed only 20 touchdowns against a career-high 15 interceptions. Sacked 30 times, he couldn't find his rhythm or escape the relentless pass rush.
With McDaniel gone, the Dolphins are embracing a fresh start. Tagovailoa's future with the team is uncertain, and it seems likely he'll be moving on.
The Dolphins are ready for a makeover, bringing in Jon-Eric Sullivan as general manager and Jeff Hafley as head coach. Hafley, known for his time as the Green Bay Packers' defensive coordinator, is expected to reshape the team, starting with a new quarterback.
They'll likely explore both the NFL Draft and free agency to find their next leader under center.
Hafley, despite being new to an NFL head coaching role, has a reputation for connecting with players and inspiring them to give their all. To turn things around, the Dolphins will need to make strategic moves in free agency. Let's dive into three potential signings that could make a difference in Miami.
First up is Pickens, an offensive powerhouse coming off a stellar season with the Cowboys. With 93 catches for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns, he's poised to become a top target in free agency. As his rookie contract concludes, the Dolphins could make a compelling offer to bring him in as their new go-to receiver, especially after releasing Tyreek Hill.
On the defensive side, Alontae Taylor could bolster the secondary. A solid performer with 93 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 11 passes defensed last season, Taylor has the size and dependability to match up against bigger receivers. Under Hafley's defensive-minded approach, Taylor could thrive and elevate the Dolphins' defense.
Lastly, there's Dowdle, a running back who has consistently delivered with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. With 1,076 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns last year, plus his ability to catch out of the backfield, Dowdle could be a key piece in establishing a strong running game that complements Hafley's strategy of controlling the ball and the clock.
With these potential additions, the Dolphins are setting the stage for a new era, aiming to leave last season's disappointments behind and build a team that can compete at the highest level.