The 0-3 Dolphins Need to Reset Expectations for the Rest of the Season

The 0-3 Dolphins Need to Reset Expectations for the Rest of the Season

The Miami Dolphins have just lost, once again, to the Buffalo Bills, 31-21. Virtually everyone thought the Fins were going to get blown out, especially with a Vegas spread of -12.5. After losing horribly to the Colts and then the Patriots, most fans expected very little from their team for Thursday night football.

The game was not a blowout, and the Dolphins played a solid game on both sides of the ball. Entering the 4th quarter, they were down by one touchdown and were clearly in a position to win the game. A penalty by Zack Sieler (roughing the punter) gave the ball back to the Bills (déjà vu of Matt Judon doing the same thing against the Colts) and allowed Josh Allen to lead a drive for a touchdown.

Then a Tua interception that killed the opportunity to tie the game. Done, and here we are at 0 and 3.

Let’s be honest. Did anyone really think they were going to win? No, everyone expected an embarrassing loss. This is arguably one of the top 3 or 4 teams in the league. Miami is not even close. So, a respectable loss is really the best fans were hoping for. The fact that they almost pulled off a huge upset is reason to not give up on 2025.

In all likelihood at 0 and 3 they aren’t going to the playoffs. But there are still lots of reasons they can gain respect around the league.

The first game of the year was bad; you can’t sugarcoat it. But the Colts are, right now anyway, a better team than many thought. The Dolphins may have been caught off guard by this. The Patriots game was winnable for sure, but the Fins did play much better than the previous week. And now they gav the elite Bills an excellent run for their money.

This Miami team has only one player from 2024 on its offensive line right now. Two others are out on injuries, Austin Jackson and James Daniels. It takes time for an o-line to develop. The defense has two rookies, Grant and Phillips, on either side of Sieler. The secondary is at best weak. Improvements will be made on both sides of the ball.

In the next four weeks, Miami will play the Jets, Panthers, and Browns, all of whom are winless. The rest of the schedule has some games that are very winnable.

So, the playoffs are probably a pipe dream.

However, there could be some great games for Dolphins fans to watch ahead. They’ll have to put the Super Bowl dreams away for another season.