Stephen Ross might not want to hear it, but it’s time for a change after the 2024 season. The Miami Dolphins’ playoff hopes weren’t dashed by injuries alone. It’s a bitter pill, but the real issue is much deeper.
The Dolphins’ troubles didn’t start with their Thanksgiving night loss to the Packers; the cracks were evident well before that. Statistics tell a compelling story, and while teams might cling to impressive quarterback ratings or rushing yards as indicators of success, the ultimate measure remains the win/loss column.
Sure, things could have unfolded differently if Tua had opted for a slide instead of a dive at Damar Hamlin early in the season. In an alternate universe, the Dolphins might have beaten the Colts, Titans, and Seahawks, making a solid stand in the AFC playoff race.
Yet, that doesn’t change the stark reality staring them in the face: the Dolphins are 1-15 in their past 16 games against teams with winning records. This is the crux of their inability to advance in the playoffs or secure the division title.
Miami currently resembles a bully that preys on weaker teams but falters against stronger opponents, earning them the unfortunate label of being “soft.” It’s a narrative they need to shake.
Consider this: the Dolphins scored an astonishing 70 points against a Broncos team that ranked among the NFL’s worst last year. Fast forward, and now they’re hoping for those same Broncos to drop a few games so they can reach the playoffs.
The question is, when will Stephen Ross acknowledge the necessity for a significant overhaul?
Firing head coach Mike McDaniel might seem counterintuitive because the team is structured around his offensive strategies, and it will likely remain so for another season. However, parting ways with General Manager Chris Grier might be the more logical step. A new GM would have an entire season to assess both the head coach and quarterback.
Ross needs to act decisively because the issue has transcended merely making the playoffs. It’s about the team’s construction, their gameplay, and their struggles against teams with winning records. Narratives about cold weather, Tua Tagovailoa’s arm strength, or a weak offensive line boil down to an inability to beat strong football teams — a flaw rooted in Grier’s staunch belief in the current roster’s adequacy.
If Ross believes in the talent on the roster, then the issue logically falls to McDaniel, who may not be preparing the team to win each Sunday. Conversely, if the roster isn’t as it should be, then Ross needs to consider letting go of Grier, the architect of the current team.
Simply put, the Dolphins aren’t measuring up, regardless of what McDaniel, Ross, and Grier say publicly. They’re not just a player away from greatness, and they can’t blame injuries for their woes.
Great teams overcome all opponents, not just the ones they should. Good teams compete with and sometimes defeat superior teams.
The Dolphins’ current inability to beat strong teams begs the question: are they just winners on paper with a fast roster?