Miami Dolphins 2024 Preview

The Miami Dolphins are coming off back-to-back playoff appearances, finishing 2023 with an 11-6 record. Expectations are high as the team looks to build on that success in 2024.

With an exciting offense and a defense that’s undergone some key changes, the Dolphins are poised for another competitive season. But can they break through in a tough AFC East?

Let’s dive into the key insights for the Dolphins’ upcoming season.

Key Insights and Team Overview

The Dolphins have kept their core offensive weapons intact while making some strategic changes on defense. Here’s what you need to know:

Offensive Outlook

Quarterback Stability:
- Tua Tagovailoa: Tua had another solid year in 2023, throwing for 29 touchdowns and over 4,000 yards. His connection with the dynamic duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle remains the cornerstone of the Dolphins’ high-powered offense.
Wide Receiver Duo:
- Tyreek Hill: Hill was the league’s top wide receiver in 2023, racking up 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns. He’s the engine that drives Miami’s offense, and his ability to stretch the field opens up opportunities for everyone else.
- Jaylen Waddle: Despite missing three games, Waddle still topped 1,000 yards. His speed and agility make him a perfect complement to Hill, giving the Dolphins one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the NFL.
New Additions:
- Odell Beckham Jr.: Beckham joins the Dolphins after a season with Baltimore where he put up over 560 yards. While he’s not the player he once was, OBJ adds depth and experience to the receiving corps, providing Tua with another reliable target.
- Jonnu Smith: The Dolphins also upgraded at tight end, bringing in Jonnu Smith from Atlanta. Smith had over 500 yards last season and is expected to be a key contributor, especially in the red zone.
Running Game:
- Raheem Mostert: Mostert was a Pro Bowler in 2023, rushing for over 1,000 yards and leading the league with 18 rushing touchdowns. His 4.8 yards per carry average shows he’s still got plenty of juice left.
- Devon Achane: Achane was a revelation last season, averaging 7.6 yards per carry in limited action. If he can stay healthy, he’ll form a formidable one-two punch with Mostert.
Offensive Line Consistency:
- Four Returning Starters: The Dolphins’ offensive line was one of the best in the league last year, giving up just 31 sacks. With four starters returning, including tackles Terron Armstead and Austin Jackson, the line should continue to provide solid protection for Tua and open lanes for the running game.

Defensive Changes

Pass Rush Adjustments:
- Loss of Christian Wilkins: Wilkins’ departure is a significant blow to the Dolphins’ defensive front. He was a key part of a unit that racked up 56 sacks last season, third-most in the NFL.
- Additions: The Dolphins brought in veteran Calais Campbell, who had 6.5 sacks last season. They’re also counting on Bradley Chubb, who led the team with 11 sacks, and a healthy Jaylen Phillips, who could be poised for a breakout year after an injury-shortened 2023.
Linebacker Corps:
- David Long Jr.: Long led the Dolphins with 110 tackles last year and returns as the anchor of the linebacker corps.
- Jordan Brooks: The Dolphins upgraded the linebacker position by adding Jordan Brooks from Seattle. Brooks has posted 100+ tackles in three straight seasons and brings a strong presence in both run defense and pass rushing.
Secondary Revamp:
- Departures: The Dolphins lost several key players in the secondary, including cornerback Xavien Howard and safeties DeShon Elliott and Brandon Jones.
- New Faces:
  - Jordan Poyer: Poyer, coming over from Buffalo, brings experience and leadership, although his coverage skills showed some decline last year.
  - Kendall Fuller: Fuller is a bit of a gamble, as he struggled in Washington last season, giving up eight touchdowns and a passer rating over 110.
  - Jaylen Ramsey: Ramsey remains a lockdown corner, holding opposing quarterbacks to a mid-60s passer rating when targeted. His presence should help stabilize the secondary.

Season Outlook

The Dolphins have the talent to compete at a high level, but they’ll need to improve their performance against winning teams to take the next step. Here’s a breakdown of their potential floor and ceiling for 2024:

Win Total Floor: 9 Wins
- Why? The Dolphins struggled against quality opponents last year, going 1-6 against winning teams. If they can’t solve that problem and the defense takes a step back, a 9-8 season is possible.
Win Total Ceiling: 12 Wins
- Why? If Tua continues to thrive, the offense stays healthy, and the defense gels quickly, the Dolphins could reach 12 wins. This would be a significant achievement in a tough division.

Final Thoughts

The Miami Dolphins have all the pieces to be a playoff contender again in 2024. Their offense should remain explosive, and the additions on defense could help them shore up some weaknesses. However, the key to their season will be how well they perform against top-tier competition and whether their revamped defense can hold up against the pass.

Key Points Recap

Tua Tagovailoa returns with one of the best receiving duos in the league: Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Odell Beckham Jr. and Jonnu Smith are key new additions to the passing game.
The running game remains strong with Raheem Mostert and Devon Achane.
The offensive line is mostly intact, providing stability and protection.
The defense has undergone significant changes, with key losses and some important veteran additions.
Win total projection: 9 to 12 wins, depending on how well they adjust to new personnel and perform against tough competition.

Get ready, Dolphins fans—it’s going to be an exciting season!

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