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Is the Dolphins Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

Originally posted on Dolphins Talk | By Raffi Derderian | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 9:24 AM ET

Is the Dolphins Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

We are days away from the start of the 2025 football season. The rosters are set, and Miami Dolphins fans are ready, or perhaps dreading, the upcoming season. So, the question is, after a tumultuous offseason, is the Dolphins’ glass half full or half empty?

Most football experts aren’t predicting much for the Fins, generally around .500 for the season. Fans of the team are generally pessimistic about 2025 as well. Twenty-five years without a playoff win will do that to a fan base.

So, what is the state of the Dolphins? Do the pluses outweigh the minuses? The team certainly has several important concerns. They also have a lot going for them.

Offensively, the tandem of Hill/Waddle is still considered one of the best in the league.

Tua is a very polarizing player. Fans are split on his talent.

Regardless, one can’t deny that when he is there, the Dolphins are a much better team. This is his fourth year in the McDaniel system, and he is the master at running it.

Hopefully, he is fully committed to staying healthy. If so, this offense can put up points. The running back room is upgraded with Ollie Gordon. With Wright out, Gordon is certain to see action.

The offensive line, a sore spot for many years, is solid. Not elite by any means, but if this unit stays healthy, it can do the job. Unfortunately, the drop-off from the starters to backups is significant. Adding former player Kendall Lamm is a big plus, but the depth here is still poor.

A solid line will improve Miami’s mediocre running game from last season.

This could be a key element to a successful season.

Defensively, the weakest spot is the secondary. The addition of Minkah Fitzpatrick is a boost. Rookie Jason Marshall impressed everyone at camp and preseason. Hopefully, he can be a breakout player for the team. Rasul Douglas and Ju Ju Brents were recently signed to shore up a weak cornerback position and provide a veteran presence. This certainly helps, but this unit will really need to step up. Again, the depth here is a serious concern.

On the defensive front, Miami has the talent to wreak havoc on opposing teams. Many have said this unit has the potential to be one of the best in the league, even with the loss of Calais Campbell. Rookies Kenneth Grant and Zeek Biggers are looking solid so far. Edge rushers (where there is much quality depth), Chubb, Phillips, and Robinson are a force to be reckoned with. At linebacker, Willie Gay has been a dominant force since his signing. With the recent addition of Matt Judon, opposing quarterbacks will have their hands full.

Outside of the roster, a few things are working in Miami’s favor. The 11^th easiest schedule in the league will help. Outside of the Buffalo Bills, there are only four teams left that had a winning record last year. The season starts with the Colts and Patriots. They are both winnable games. They could start 2-0 before the Bills game in week 3.

The team seems fed up, (finally) with the “soft” narrative. They drafted big physical players, a sign of a change. General Manager Chris Grier has finally admitted this year is a soft reset. He was most certainly referring to the team culture. Mike McDaniel will hopefully begin to hold players accountable.

So, is it half full or half empty? Either way, the 2025 season is now upon us. Let’s go Fins!!!

This article first appeared on Dolphins Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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