South Florida

What we were saying about the Miami Dolphins before a tough season started

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

These articles focus on the Miami Dolphins entering a pivotal season centered on health, defense and accountability.

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, left, and Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, right, on the field before the start of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguar s at Hard Rock Stadium. By Al Diaz

NO. 1: KELLY: ARE DOLPHINS BEING DELUSIONAL ABOUT A REBUILD? | OPINION

It’s time Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel stopped denying that Dolphins are rebuilding. | Published April 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Kenneth Grant (90) runs through drills at Dolphins rookie minicamp at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, May 9, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 2: ‘THE TONE-SETTERS.’ WHY THE DEFENSIVE LINE COULD BE THE DOLPHINS’ GREATEST STRENGTH

‘We’ve got to set the tone every day,’ first-round pick Kenneth Grant added.  ‘Every day in practice, every game, whatever it is – we’re the tone-setters.’ | Published May 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) sets up to pass during team practice at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. By David Santiago

NO. 3: KELLY: SETTING REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS FOR DOLPHINS OFFENSE | OPINION

Dolphins owner Steve Ross told everyone in the organization that the ‘status quo’ won’t do, but what are reasonable expectations for Miami’s offense? | Published May 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) on the sidelines during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars during an NFL football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday, September 8, 2024. By Al Diaz / Miami Herald Staff

NO. 4: KELLY: TEN PRESSING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DOLPHINS OFFENSE | OPINION

Find out what questions the Dolphins offense must address to deliver a winning 2025 season. | Published July 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

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. 5: 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 quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) and Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) react after a play in the first half of their NFL game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. By David Santiago

NO. 6: THE 2025 SEASON IS MAKE-OR-BREAK. LUCKILY, THE DOLPHINS HAVE HISTORY ON THEIR SIDE

The stakes for the 2025 Miami Dolphins cannot be higher. | Published September 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and chairman of the board/managing general partner Stephen M. Ross on the field before the NFL game against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Monday, September 29, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 7: KELLY: NO MORE EXCUSES FOR THESE DOLPHINS. EITHER PUT OUT, OR GET OUT | OPINION

Can we be frank about the rest of the 2025 Miami Dolphins season? | Published October 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

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.