It can’t get any worse for the Dolphins, right?

It Can’t Get Any Worse, Right?

At 1–6, the Dolphins are not only losing games, they’re losing direction. From the opening kickoff of Week 1, Miami’s season has felt off-balance. The offense, once considered the team’s strength, has sputtered with alarming inconsistency. Drives frequently stall before midfield, and red-zone trips have too often ended in field goals or turnovers. Defensively, the Dolphins have struggled to get off the field, surrendering chunk plays and failing to force key stops.

The result is a team that looks flat, frustrated, and outmatched. Opponents have dictated the tempo in nearly every game, and the Dolphins have shown little of the explosive energy that defined their recent years of playoff contention. The media’s doubts heading into the season focused on whether this roster could compete in a stacked AFC East. So far, those doubts have been justified, and perhaps even understated.

Injuries have only deepened the team’s struggles. Key starters on both sides of the ball have missed time, forcing younger players into larger roles before they’re ready. The offensive line has been shuffled weekly, disrupting rhythm and timing. On defense, communication breakdowns and missed assignments have plagued a unit that once prided itself on aggressiveness. The combination of instability and frustration has created a perfect storm for a franchise searching for answers.

This week’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons offers another test, but also a rare opportunity for redemption. The Falcons are facing their own uncertainty at quarterback, with veteran Kirk Cousins expected to start in place of injured Michael Penix Jr. Cousins hasn’t seen much game action this season, which could create some early timing issues within Atlanta’s offense. Miami’s defense must take advantage of that by applying consistent pressure and tightening up coverage in the secondary. A strong defensive start could set the tone for a team in desperate need of confidence and control.

No one expected the 2025 Dolphins to be Super Bowl contenders, but few anticipated a collapse of this scale. A loss to Atlanta would all but extinguish any remaining hopes of salvaging the season. A win, however, could restore a sliver of confidence, something to build on amid the disappointment. For Miami, this isn’t just another regular-season game. It’s a gut check. The team’s pride, professionalism, and future direction are on the line. If the Dolphins are going to turn things around, it has to start now.