Tough Times for the Miami Dolphins: Analyzing the Early Season Struggles
The 2024 season has been anything but smooth for the Miami Dolphins. With Tua Tagovailoa sidelined due to a concussion, the team has faced significant challenges on multiple fronts. While Tagovailoa’s health is a glaring issue, it’s far from the only problem weighing down the team early in the season.
Lack of Player Contributions
One of the most concerning issues for the Dolphins has been the inability of players to step up and make significant contributions. Fans and analysts have quickly pointed fingers at some of the team’s highest-paid players, which is understandable. Given their financial investments, those athletes are expected to deliver results on the field. However, the struggles run deeper than just a few underperforming stars.
Struggles of Recent Draft Picks
The Dolphins’ recent draft classes have also raised eyebrows due to a lack of immediate impact, which has compounded their current problems. Early expectations often focus on how recent draft picks can support the current roster, and unfortunately, results have been lackluster. Most notably, recent picks have failed to show up as playmakers.
Among the latest draft class, the notable exception has been De’Von Achane, a third-round pick in 2023. Achane has made a name for himself as a productive player over the past two weeks, especially in the absence of fellow running back Raheem Mostert. While Achane’s efforts are commendable, they highlight how dire the situation is when one player shines amid a sea of mediocrity.
The 2024 Draft Class: Future Considerations
Looking back at the 2024 NFL draft, it was evident that the Dolphins’ choices seemed more focused on long-term potential than immediate impact. While teams often hope for quick returns from their drafts, it was unrealistic to expect significant contributions from second-round pick Patrick Paul and fourth-round pick Jaylen Wright due to their depth chart placement behind established veterans.
The selection of Chop Robinson at 21 showed some foresight, considering Bradley Chubb’s potential cap casualty next season. However, the need for immediate contributions at the outside linebacker position has not materialized, as Chubb began the season on the PUP list.
Inactive Players and Missed Opportunities
It becomes more pronounced when considering Miami’s depth chart. Channing Tindall, a former second-round pick, has found himself inactive for every game. Positioned fifth at the inside linebacker spot, Tindall’s absence from the field is felt more acutely when one contemplates his potential contributions.
Similarly, Cam Smith, another top selection from the 2023 draft, remains on injured reserve. With just 20 defensive snaps in his rookie season under former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, he now faces doubts about his ability to contribute effectively once eligible to return. Such situations only add to the frustration of a team desperately needing reinforcements.
Missed Opportunities from Previous Drafts
The draft missteps don’t end with the current season. Diving deeper into recent drafts, Missed opportunities abound. The player chosen right after Tindall in 2022, Leo Chenal, has become a key starter for the Kansas City Chiefs and a linchpin in their formidable defense. These comparisons turn into uncomfortable reminders for the Dolphins, especially when considering players who have excelled while Miami has struggled.
It’s important to approach draft mistakes with perspective; every team has its share of regrets. However, the glaring gaps left by these past decisions raise questions about the overall strategy of the Dolphins’ front office as they’ve prioritized star trades over sustainable roster building.
Impact of High-Profile Trades
The Dolphins’ eagerness to acquire stars like Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, and Jalen Ramsey came at a cost. While these players have shown their prowess when healthy, the lack of recent draft capital due to high-profile trades has left the Dolphins vulnerable. This offseason, the team forfeited a third-round pick to move up in the 2022 draft, along with a first-round and another third-rounder due to tampering sanctions.
When times are tough—as they currently are for Miami—it’s easy to overlook those sacrifices. However, the reality is that those very trades now serve as a double-edged sword. With key players struggling or unable to perform, the Dolphins find themselves clutching their one-win record and a palpable feeling of uncertainty.
The Need for Collective Effort
The Dolphins currently face a crucial juncture where a collective team effort is essential to overcome adversity. The void left by absent contributors magnifies the wait for players to step up from various draft classes. Critical positions like third wide receiver remain unresolved, which is evident when comparing to other teams that have successfully integrated their younger prospects into meaningful roles.
As they navigate the rest of the 2024 season, the Dolphins will need to rally as a unit and hope some of the raw potential from previous drafts surfaces to provide the much-needed spark that can change the course of their campaign.