The Miami Dolphins have started their 2023 season 5-2. Many may gripe about the fact that Miami hasn’t beaten a “good” team. Some are calling the Dolphins “frauds”. But to be a fraud, you have to claim to be something that you’re not. Since the beginning of the season, the team has been adamant about focusing on their progression and not what others think. There’s a lot of nuance missing when talking about the losses Miami received.
For one, they were both on the road and against good teams. Everybody wants to point out the fact that Miami’s wins have come against sub-five-hundred teams, but let’s consider that there was a time when Miami couldn’t even beat bad teams and lost games they had no business losing to. Miami is taking care of business against worse teams, which is a sign of maturation. They’re not taking teams lightly, no matter their record.
Another point is the number of key players missing in those two losses. I’m aware that all teams deal with injuries, and it’s low-hanging fruit to use it as a reason for losing games, but when your key injuries are on your Offensive line and secondary, it’s sure to take a toll on the team’s performance. Nevertheless, great teams find a way to win regardless.
As a Miami Dolphins fan, it would be remiss to give up on this team or think less of them. This team is still one of the best in the league, and they haven’t scratched the surface of their potential. Their defense is finally coming together, and what a perfect time to do it since All-Pro defensive back Jalen Ramsey is returning. The return of Ramsey isn’t just an addition personnel-wise, but you’re adding another on-field, dynamic leader who has been where Miami wants to go. Jalen Ramsey being in the line-up will have more of an impact than people realize.
We’ve also been getting better linebacker play from David Long Jr. & Jerome Baker. The defensive line is finally getting the quarterback, and it looks like Vic Fangio is finally calling to the strengths of his personnel. Despite the disappointing losses to Buffalo and Philadelphia, you should still be excited as a Miami Dolphin fan for the strides this defense has taken and will take.
The offense has looked pedestrian against premier teams, but this is a resilient team, and they will figure everything out. Personally and professionally, Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa are known to bounce back and persevere through adversity. With ten games left of the regular season schedule, I’d be willing to bet that we have seen the worst, and even with the historic numbers, we have not seen the best of those two or this offense.
Soon, they’ll have a healthy offensive line, and rookie sensation De’Von Achane will return to the line-up to add another element to this offense. You also have to factor in the potential red-zone target, Chase Claypool. Once he gets acclimated to the playbook, he will make an impact.
In addition to the players returning from injury and the Dolphin’s lone newcomer, we still haven’t factored in that the trade deadline is in less than two weeks. Chris Grier is always on the prowl, looking to make this team better; who knows what impactful acquisition will be made? All we know is that Jason Sander’s contract was restructured; they must be making room for something. If a move is made, it may not bring in a huge name, but when you have a roster with this much talent, sometimes a small move can cause a ripple effect. Miami could be missing one small piece to bring it all together.
The two losses were a letdown, and the nagging injuries are irritating; you must see the bigger picture. This team has had early success but has struggled in December and January; in other words, they’ve fallen short in games when it really counts. This team is fighting for more than moral victories and bragging rights; they’re preparing themselves for the final dance. By the looks of it, they could have the opportunity to be at full strength when December rolls around, and I have a feeling that the fraud accusations will cease.
