The Miami Dolphins entered the 2024 NFL season with high hopes, but those dreams have quickly turned into disappointment. Coming off a strong 2023 campaign, the Dolphins were poised for a deep playoff run. However, concerns lingered over their tendency to collapse late in the season. Unfortunately for Miami, their downfall began much earlier this year.
In Week 2, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered his third diagnosed concussion, sending shockwaves through the team. Without their leader, the Dolphins struggled to regain their footing. Tagovailoa’s absence has led to a steep decline in the team’s performance, and their once-promising season is now in jeopardy. The Dolphins have plummeted in power rankings and are now reeling after an embarrassing loss on Monday Night Football to the Tennessee Titans.
One of the key areas of concern has been Miami’s run defense. Last season, the Dolphins boasted the seventh-best run defense in the NFL, allowing fewer than 120 rushing yards per game. However, this year, that number has ballooned to 119.5 yards per game, placing them 16th in the league. While they have yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season, their defense has struggled to stop teams in crucial moments. Running backs Zach Charbonnet and James Cook both found the end zone multiple times against Miami in recent weeks.
The Dolphins have allowed seven rushing touchdowns so far, tied for the second-worst mark in the league. This alarming trend has been a major factor in their early-season struggles. Despite this, analysts like Marcel Louis-Jacques argue that Miami’s slow start stems more from offensive issues than defensive shortcomings. The absence of Tagovailoa has left a void that the Dolphins have been unable to fill, as backup quarterbacks have failed to generate consistent offensive production.
Still, there is hope for Miami. If they can tighten up their run defense and find a way to stabilize their offense, the Dolphins may be able to stop their downward spiral. But for now, after the humiliating loss to the Titans, Miami’s season is teetering on the edge. The pressure is mounting for the team to turn things around before it’s too late.
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