South Florida

How did the Dolphins look before the season started? Take a look at the pressure

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

The articles below share a focus on the Miami Dolphins' pre-season status, emphasizing the pressure on the team to deliver better results. They're examining Tua Tagovailoa's availability, cornerback issues, and the ongoing culture shift.

In the article about the Dolphins' training camp, the focus is on Tua Tagovailoa's health and his role as a franchise quarterback. The piece highlights the importance of the team's revamped offensive line to protect him and discusses replacing tackle Terron Armstead with Patrick Paul. Another article emphasizes Miami's dire cornerback situation amidst the league’s competitive passing environment. It underscores concerns about Miami's decisions in addressing cornerback and offensive line depth, specifically mentioning the need for continuity in these positions. The opinion from Kelly outlines the Dolphins being in "survival mode." It discusses owner Steve Ross' demand for a playoff game win in the 2025 season, highlighting financial constraints and potential player releases to create cap space. This piece connects the internal and external pressures on the team's management to make swift and effective decisions in this critical season.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks to the runners participating in the 5k race during the 15th Dolphins Cancer Challenge at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. By SAM NAVARRO

NO. 1: KELLY: DOLPHINS AREN’T THE ONLY NFL TEAM IN SURVIVAL MODE | OPTION

Contending NFL franchises and desperate ones often conduct business differently. Allow us to explain who is who this offseason. | Published February 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel speaks to linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) during warmups at mandatory minicamp at the Baptist Health Training Complex on June 11, 2025 . By AL DIAZ

NO. 2: WITH DOLPHINS TRAINING CAMP SET TO BEGIN TUESDAY, THE CLOCK IS TICKING

Coach Mike McDaniel has gone 28-23 since joining the Dolphins in 2022 yet his regular-season success has not extended to the playoffs. | Published July 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) sets up to pass during football practice at the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility in Coral Gables, Florida, on Thursday, July 31, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 3: COTE: HOW THE DOLPHINS AND CANES CAN ENSURE SUCCESS IN 2025 | OPINION

Across the globe, across cultures, we like our calendar and its seasons to represent something bigger than a number of days. | Published July 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Greg Cote

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) walks off the field after suffering a concussion in a play against the Buffalo Bills in the second half of their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. By MATIAS J. OCNER

NO. 4: COTE: DOLPHINS CAN BE SURPRISE TEAM — IF TUA FINALLY PROVES HIMSELF | OPINION

How good is the Miami Dolphins’ starting quarterback? | Published August 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Greg Cote

Miami Dolphins cornerback Storm Duck (36), cornerback Kader Kohou (4) and safety Patrick McMorris (32) huddle on the field during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Florida, Saturday, July 26, 2025. By SAM NAVARRO

NO. 5: BAD DECISIONS ON TOP OF BAD LUCK? HERE’S WHERE DOLPHINS HOPE THAT’S NOT THE CASE

It takes some special concoction of bad luck and bad decisions to go nearly a quarter century without a playoff win. | Published September 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.