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Special Teams Need to be Special for Fins in 2025

Originally posted on Dolphins Talk  |  By Jackson Buhler  |  Last updated Jul 1, 2025 9:01 AM ET

When was the last time the Dolphins made a great play on special teams?

I, myself, am trying to remember.

Other teams in the NFL will routinely make a game-changing play in the third phase of the game when it is needed most.

Whether it is a blocked field goal, blocked punt, huge punt or kick return, these are much needed.

They can give a team a huge boost and a jolt of energy.

Under Darren Rizzi, Miami changed field position and changed the game with their special teams.

In the past few years, these instances have been few and far between.

Even the reliable Jason Sanders has let them down.

And do not even get me started on the poor punting that Miami endured with Jake Bailey.

Maybe things will change, though, in 2025.

Along with a presumed new punter in Ryan Stonehouse, the team also added Craig Aukerman, who was with the Tennessee Titans.

Aukerman has a strong reputation around the league with his special-teams units.

If he can bring some of that with him to Miami, it can make the difference for the Dolphins in tight games.

Most games in the NFL are decided by one score.

Think of all the games lately where Miami was one play from grabbing the lead or holding on in a close game.

Remember the Buffalo game last year on the road?

What if Miami blocks that 60-yard field goal and sends the game into overtime?

With Aukerman’s focus on the third phase and adding someone like Zeek Biggers who had a knack for blocking kicks on that college level, that could change the trajectory of this team.

There should be a bigger emphasis on the return game as well.

We might finally see the team put Tyreek Hill back there to return punts and kicks and certain situations.

Along with him, Malik Washington should be able to do more damage in year two with the organization.

Either way, Miami’s special teams should be more special in 2025.

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

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