Leaders Must Step Up for Dolphins

Originally posted on Dolphins Talk | By Jackson Buhler | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 9:33 AM ET

Leaders Must Step Up for Dolphins

When a team faces adversity, that is the time for veterans and leaders to step up.

Well, after week one, it is pretty clear that the 2025 Dolphins have already hit adversity.

Last year, when the team started 2-6, they had established veterans like Calais Campbell and Terron Armstead to lean on.

Now, that duo is gone.

In fact, most of the captains from last year’s squad and the 2023 tea,m which was the most successful Dolphins team in nearly two decades, are now gone.

So, where does the leadership come from now?

Especially after Miami got pummeled in Indianapolis by a final score of 33-8.

Is it Bradley Chubb, someone who has been here since 2022 and is a supposed leader of the defense?

What about Jordyn Brooks, the fierce linebacker in the middle of the defense?

How about Minkah Fitzpatrick or Tyreek Hill, arguably the two best skill players on the roster?

Or even Tua Tagovailoa, the quarterback of the franchise, who is in his sixth season with the team?

Whoever it is, they must step up fast.

We have seen the collapse of this team in the Mike McDaniel era when things don’t go as planned.

Will the same narrative exist this year?

Or will they come out in weeks to come with a renewed energy and focus?

I am not expecting this team to beat Buffalo, Baltimore, or Washington in the weeks to come.

But can they right the ship against New England, New York, Carolina, and New Orleans, and at least be competitive against the heavyweights on their schedule?

If their leaders step up, this season can still be at least worth paying attention to.

If not, the wheels might come off fast, and everyone from the GM to some of the players on the team might find themselves in a new place by season’s end.

Whatever happens from here on out depends on whether leaders emerge.

If they do, this week’s one loss will feel like it never happened.

However, if some veterans don’t step up, Miami might be preparing for the 2026 draft quicker than they wanted to.

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

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