What Did Wild Card Weekend Teach Us About the Dolphins?
Credit: Jasen Vinlove via Imagn Images
The NFL Wild Card Round this past weekend was thrilling, full of big plays and standout performances. But as a Miami Dolphins fan, it was hard not to compare these playoff teams to the current state of the squad in Miami Gardens. While the Dolphins sat on their couches watching the playoffs, a few glaring issues became crystal clear — ones the team must address if they want to be playing meaningful games next January.
Miami Needs a Reliable, Durable Quarterback
Watching quarterbacks like Josh Allen, C.J. Stroud, and others lead their teams this weekend highlighted a crucial factor: durability matters. Every winning QB in the Wild Card round started 15 or more games, and four of them started all 17. They also were all among the league leaders in key statistical categories.
Meanwhile, Tua Tagovailoa missed six games this season. As talented as he is, Tua’s availability — or lack thereof — has been a consistent concern. It’s disheartening to see backups step in repeatedly in Miami while watching these durable quarterbacks sell out for first downs and pop up as if nothing happened. A QB’s ability to stay on the field is vital, and the Dolphins need to find a solution to keep Tua healthy or reevaluate their options entirely.
Smart Coaching Wins Close Games
Wild Card weekend also showcased the importance of sharp in-game coaching. From clock management to knowing when to throw the challenge flag, the best coaches made decisions that impacted the outcome of games. Unfortunately, this is an area where Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has struggled.
McDaniel is a brilliant offensive mind, but his game management leaves much to be desired. Questionable red flag challenges, frequent late-game timeouts due to poor clock management, and play calls like a short pass on 3rd-&-Long have plagued the Dolphins in recent history. To succeed in the postseason, McDaniel must tighten up his decision-making and learn to capitalize on critical moments, especially against teams Miami should beat.
Health in the Trenches is Non-Negotiable
The Wild Card winners had another thing in common: dominance in the trenches. Offensive and defensive line play set the tone for their victories, which is another area where Miami comes up short. The Dolphins’ offensive line has been inconsistent for years, made worse by injuries to key players like Terron Armstead.
When your top linemen miss as much time as your starting quarterback, it’s nearly impossible to build chemistry or sustain success. Relying on backup players week after week is not a winning formula. Player health begins with offseason preparation, proper nutrition, and sound training. Miami’s training staff may need an overhaul to ensure the team can stay healthy and competitive throughout the grueling NFL season.
Looking Ahead
Stephen Ross has announced that general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel will return for the 2025 season, but unless these issues are addressed, the Dolphins risk another season of underwhelming results.
Dolphins fans deserve more than just flashes of brilliance — they deserve a team that can sustain success and compete with the best. The Wild Card round revealed what winning teams have: reliable quarterbacks, smart coaching, and dominant trench play. If Miami can’t shore up these weaknesses, another year of disappointment could be on the horizon. Here’s hoping the organization takes the lessons of this postseason to heart.
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