South Florida

Five storylines that brought the Miami Dolphins to this point

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

The curated articles highlight several key storylines shaping the Miami Dolphins' current state. They collectively focus on the team's offseason adjustments, player health, signings, and important dates for the coming season. One piece discusses how the pressure mounts on Coach Mike McDaniel and GM Chris Grier amidst potential changes. It questions player contracts and team culture while emphasizing the necessity of strengthening the offensive line.

Another article reveals the Dolphins' 2025 schedule, noting five prime time games and international play, call attention to timing as a significant factor. The draft strategy features prominently, with a focus on late-round picks succeeding. Ollie Gordon's performance emerges, and rookie Jason Marshall Jr.'s defensive role garners attention. Lastly, preseason injuries, training concerns, and lineup expectations are also addressed, underscoring season preparation complexities. Coach McDaniel remains centered on player readiness despite injury risks as the team heads into a defining season.

Miami Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier (left) speaks to the media as Head Coach Mike McDaniel looks on during an end-of year press conference at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Miami, Fla. By D.A. Varela

NO. 1: COTE: HEAT ON MCDANIEL, GRIER AS MIAMI DOLPHINS ENTER WHAT COULD BE YEAR OF MASSIVE CHANGE | OPINION

Miami Dolphins target offensive guard their biggest need as free agency nears and the scouting combine leads to the NFL Draft. But Fins have larger issues in an offseason portending a year that could see massive change | Published February 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Greg Cote

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) prepares to pass the ball to wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) during the second half of their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. By David Santiago

NO. 2: THE MIAMI DOLPHINS 2025 SCHEDULE REVEALED WITH FIVE PRIME TIME GAMES

The Dolphins’ five prime time games will come against the Bills, Jets, Commanders, Steelers and Bengals. | Published May 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

Miami Dolphins safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (9) works during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Florida, Sunday, August 3, 2025. By SAM NAVARRO

NO. 3: DESPITE INJURY CONCERNS, MANY DOLPHINS BELIEVE PRESEASON REPS ARE ‘INVALUABLE’

James Daniels used to hate preseason. | Published August 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Kenneth Grant (90) works during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Florida, Saturday, July 26, 2025. By SAM NAVARRO

NO. 4: GRANT, SAVAIINAEA ON WHERE THEY STAND. AND THE DOLPHINS’ FIRST INJURY REPORT

With the blossoming of rookie running back Ollie Gordon II and the emergence of rookie Jason Marshall Jr. | Published September 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II (31) catches a pass during drills before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, August 23, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 5: WRIGHT/SANDERS INJURY NEWS, A TANTALIZING THIRD-DAY DRAFT HAUL, DOLPHINS THOUGHTS

A six-pack of thoughts and injury updates in the wake of the Dolphins’ 14-6 win against visiting Jacksonville on Saturday in the preseason finale for both teams: | Published August 24, 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.