The Miami Dolphins fought back late, but lost by decision 15-10 to the Minnesota Vikings. Let’s overreact to the fourth straight loss to start the Jeff Hafley era.
It’s time to rebuild the special teams unit
For the third time in four weeks, Miami was dominated in the third phase. The Dolphins gave up several big returns to Myles Price and missed three of their own kicks.
In a game that was ultimately decided by a single score, having the worst special teams group in the league will prevent moral victories from translating into material victories. The unit is sloppy, constantly moved around and hasn’t shown any redeeming qualities outside of a nice comeback from Jaylen Wright in Week 1.
It can be argued that continuity will help this group over time, but Miami’s offense and defense don’t seem as out of place as its kicking game, despite also being made up of many new players. This unit seems much worse than the rest of the team, and gathering everything you can in this part of the list seems like the best way to go.
Miami needs Caleb Douglas back ASAP
The Dolphins passing game was horrible against Minnesota. Malik Willis finished 9 of 17 for 85 yards, and the team went 2 of 9 on third downs. Their biggest play, an out-of-structure touchdown from Malik Willis to Chris Bell, was wiped off the board due to the rookie running out of bounds before making the catch.
Outside of Malik Washington who made a few good plays in space and finished with 67 yards, the receiving corps looks razor thin. Bell and Kevin Coleman Jr. missed a crucial moment of developing chemistry this offseason, but were thrust into essential roles in the absence of Caleb Douglas.
Douglas’ return would not only readjust the pecking order, but also add much-needed size and verticality to an aerial attack that seems to insist on pushing the ball deep down the field multiple times per game.
The 2026 draft class is a huge success
Week after week, Miami watches its recruits find increased comfort, and several of them had a major impact on this game.
Jacob Rodriguez was everywhere, recording 18 total tackles, while Kadyn Proctor set up some big runs from Ollie Gordon. Michael Taaffe, Chris Johnson, Chris Bell and Will Kacmarek also had individual moments that showcased their potential.
Everyone has missed assignments, and the overwhelming amount of youth on this team is a major factor in Miami’s 0-4 record, but in a season where the team is looking for flashes, they’ve certainly gotten them so far.
Defense is improving quickly
The defensive woes of Week 1 seem like a distant memory compared to the most recent exhibition we had against Minnesota. The team recovered its first four sacks of the season, held Minnesota to zero touchdowns and held strong in the background for the majority of the game.
The top four had their best game of the season. Chop Robinson and Josh Uche have made an impact, and the interior duo of Zach Sieler and Jordan Phillips appears to have settled in, with both making highlight plays.
The last two drives have been tough, as Minnesota iced the game on the back of TJ Hockenson, but Jeff Hafley and Sean Duggan make this unit play hard and consistent, and their rise has held Miami together in their last two games.
They don’t know how to win
For as many individual high points as there were in this match, there were just as many low points. For example, after Miami’s only touchdown, they allowed Minnesota to lose over eight minutes, and after rallying to force a field goal, Jaylen Wright struggled to find a kick, holding back Miami’s offense for its potential comeback.
This has been one of the major stories of this season. Penalties inside the opponent’s territory, flags canceling game-changing plays, and crucial clock and personnel gaffes running late. These moments are expected from a young team, but their quantity and timing are becoming unacceptable. Whether it’s just youth or a potential coaching issue, it’s something that needs to be resolved as quickly as possible.
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