Signs of Growth: What’s Shining for the Dolphins This Preseason

Signs of Growth: What’s Shining for the Dolphins This Preseason

Two games into the preseason, the Miami Dolphins have offered fans plenty of reasons to feel optimistic. While August football never tells the whole story, specific trends and standout performances are worth noting — and could set the tone for the 2025 regular season.

One of the most encouraging developments is Miami’s commitment to the run game. Head coach Mike McDaniel, long praised for his creativity in scheming plays, seems determined to establish balance on offense. Through two preseason contests, the Dolphins are running the ball early and often, which not only sets up play-action but also gives the offensive line a chance to assert itself.

While Jaylen Wright still leaves more to be desired, the rest of the backfield has looked strong, with multiple runners showing the burst and vision needed to keep the chains moving.

Rookie Ollie Gordon II, in particular, has looked electric every time he touches the ball. Whether this commitment to the run will hold up in crunch-time situations once the season starts remains to be seen. Still, it’s refreshing to watch McDaniel prioritize a more physical, sustainable approach.

Special teams have also been a surprising bright spot — an area that has too often been a sore subject for Dolphins fans in recent years. Punter Jake Bailey looks rejuvenated, consistently flipping the field with booming kicks that pin opponents deep.

Just as encouraging are the punt return efforts, which have added a spark Miami hasn’t enjoyed in quite some time. A dangerous return game is not only exciting but can swing field position in a heartbeat. This detail often makes the difference in tight games.

Another positive takeaway is the level of competition brewing in key position groups. The edge rusher rotation looks deeper than expected, with players like Grayson Murphy and Derrick McLendon making strong cases for roster spots.

The same goes for the wide receiver room, where talent battles are heating up beyond the prominent top names. It’s a good problem to have: while Miami will inevitably lose some capable players to the waiver wire, the fact that the roster is overflowing with potential contributors is a testament to the front office’s roster construction.

Depth wins games in the NFL, and the Dolphins seem to be in much better shape compared to years past.

Lastly, the backup quarterback situation is showing real progress. A year ago, the lack of dependable depth behind Tua Tagovailoa was a glaring weakness. Zach Wilson remains the likely QB2, but Quinn Ewers has shown poise and was the better quarterback in the second preseason game.

If he delivers another standout performance in the preseason finale, the conversation could get interesting — though McDaniel is unlikely to stray from Wilson for now.

Regardless, the simple fact that Miami has multiple competent options at backup is a major improvement from last season.