The Miami Dolphins began the 2025 NFL season in the same fashion as they ended the 2024 NFL season — as an embarrassment to their fanbase.
After waiting many long months to see how the Dolphins would respond to a disappointing 8-9 finish in head coach Mike McDaniel’s third year, Miami came out and showed why many supporters of the franchise predicted he would be the first coach fired on the year. While some pushed back on that idea, Sunday’s loss did not give those fans any ammunition when debating the ones who want to see heads roll.
The Dolphins were outcoached, outplayed, and outclassed in their 33-8 defeat at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts — and if the team doesn’t go back to the drawing board in order to figure out how to mask their numerous warts, 2025 could prove to be a very long and painful year for a team that just a couple of years ago had Super Bowl aspirations.
GOOD
Patriots and Jets also lose, keeping Dolphins from being basement-dwellers alone
After a loss as demoralizing as the one the Dolphins took on Sunday, there’s not much good to be gleaned from their performance. So instead, we’ll look elsewhere in the division to find a silver lining.
After a back-and-forth clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New York Jets ultimately fell by a score of 34-32 thanks to a 60-yard field goal from Steelers kicker Chris Boswell.
Elsewhere in the AFC East, the Patriots were bested by the visiting Las Vegas Raiders in a rain-soaked contest that ended with a 20-13 score in favor of the guys in silver and black.
BAD
Dolphins pass defense allows Colts quarterback Daniel Jones to look like best passer on the field
Tua Tagovailoa had a horrible day for the Dolphins — more on that later — but what made Tagovailoa’s struggles even more frustrating was the fact that former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was making Miami’s defense look like Swiss cheese all afternoon.
Jones finished the day with 22 completions on 29 attempts for 272 yards and a touchdown throw. He had a 115.9 passer rating. Honestly, Jones’ numbers were good, but they would have likely been even better had the game been a close one, as Indianapolis played a conservative game in the second-half after taking a 20-0 lead into halftime.
The Dolphins tried to cobble together a hodge-podge group of cornerbacks — signing veterans Jack Jones and Rasul Douglas late in training camp. Well, it was too-little, too-late for Miami and their total lack of urgency at the position may be the coup de grâce on the 2025 season if they continue to play like they played against the Colts for the rest of the year.
UGLY
Tua Tagovailoa a turnover-machine in defeat
Let’s face it — Tua Tagovailoa looked like one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the league during Week One.
The 27-year-old ended the game sitting on the bench in favor of newcomer Zach Wilson, but before that, he managed just 114 measly yards on 14 completions. He threw one touchdown — a checkdown to De’Von Achane on 4th and goal from the 11-yard-line that was ultimately inconsequential to the final outcome. He also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble — putting an exclamation mark on what was a horrid day for Tagovailoa.
He finished the contest with a vomit-inducing 51.7 passer rating.
Tagovailoa has had better days — obviously. He and coach Mike McDaniel will need to go back to the drawing-board if they plan on the quarterback playing watchable football in 2025, let alone winning a game or two. Buckle up, folks. This could be a very, very long season.
___
The Dolphins’ 2025 season began with a dud in Indianapolis, Indiana on Sunday. Their 33-8 loss has fans wondering if it’s time for a complete tear-down and rebuild. Can the team dig deep and find the intestinal fortitude to let their loss to the Colts be a minor speedbump to start the year, or will their complete decimation on Sunday be a harbinger for things to come this season? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter at @MBrave13. Fins up!
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