Miami Dolphins Open Training Camp with Key Questions Looming Large
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – As the Miami Dolphins commence training camp at the Baptist Health Training Complex, a palpable sense of anticipation hangs in the air, tinged with the weight of unanswered questions. Head Coach Mike McDaniel is acutely aware of the stakes: the Dolphins haven’t tasted playoff victory in nearly a quarter-century, a drought that casts a long shadow over the franchise’s aspirations.
The 2024 season ended on a disappointing note, largely attributed to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s significant injury absences due to concussion and hip problems. His health is paramount. A full 17-game season from Tagovailoa, a feat he achieved in his record-setting 2023 campaign, is crucial for any hope of postseason success. However, his performance in challenging weather conditions, particularly in December road games against the New York and Pittsburgh, and the season finale in Foxborough, remains a significant concern.
The running back position presents another area of uncertainty. With the departure of veteran Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane steps into the lead role, a considerable responsibility for a player still establishing himself in the NFL. The Dolphins’ abysmal performance in short-yardage situations last season necessitates a solution. The team has addressed this weakness by signing veteran Alexander Mattison and drafting the speedy Ollie Gordon II from Oklahoma State. Jaylen Wright, a second-year player who showed promise in last August’s preseason, also presents a potential asset.
The defensive secondary is arguably the most significant question mark. The trade of Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers, along with tight end Jonnu Smith, leaves a gaping hole in the Dolphins’ defensive strategy. The remaining cornerbacks – Kader Kohou, Kendall Sheffield, Artie Burns, Cam Smith, Ethan Bonner, Jason Marshall Jr., Storm Duck, Isaiah Johnson, Ryan Cooper Jr., BJ Adams, and Ethan Robinson – face the daunting task of filling Ramsey’s shoes. The upcoming roster cuts to 53 players will further intensify the competition and uncertainty. This largely unproven group faces a formidable challenge in a division dominated by Buffalo Bills star quarterback Josh Allen.
The Dolphins are also banking on the return to peak form of pass-rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb. Phillips has been hampered by lower-leg injuries in consecutive seasons, prematurely ending his campaigns. Chubb, meanwhile, hasn’t played since tearing his ACL, meniscus, and patellar tendon in his right knee on December 31, 2023, against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Dolphins’ high expectations are inextricably linked to the urgent need to translate promise into tangible results. Training camp will be a crucial period for addressing these key questions and determining whether the Dolphins can finally break their playoff drought.
