The Miami Dolphins Are Underdogs and That Might Be An Advantage

Originally posted on Dolphins Talk | By Dorian Sims | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 10:01 AM ET

The Miami Dolphins are entering the 2025 season with more questions than praise. Despite the playmakers still in place on offense and the talent returning to the defense, national analysts have already started counting them out, especially when it comes to the secondary.

Some have even labeled Miami’s defensive backfield as the worst in the NFL. But if history has shown us anything about the Dolphins, it’s that they tend to thrive when expectations are low. That underdog energy might be exactly what this team needs.

One of the more intriguing developments this offseason was the surprise reunion with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. His return brings veteran leadership and elite instincts to a secondary desperate for consistency. While the cornerback room may lack a savvy veteran like Jalen Ramsey, it’s filled with hungry, overlooked players. Kader Kohou has proven to be excellent in the slot and has the potential to hold up outside if needed.

Add in promising young players like Storm Duck, Isaiah Johnson, B.J. Adams, Ethan Bonner, Jason Marshall Jr. (who was just drafted), and, of course, everyone’s favorite, Cam Smith, and there’s a real upside. On top of that, there’s still time to add a proven veteran to solidify the unit further.

The real X-factor, though, is Miami’s pass rush. With Jaelan Phillips returning from injury, Bradley Chubb looking to bounce back strong, and rookie Chop Robinson flashing explosive potential, the Dolphins may not need an elite secondary; they just need one that can hold up long enough for the front seven to dominate. Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has already proven he can lead a top-ten unit without relying heavily on takeaways. If he can flip that script and help this defense generate turnovers, Miami might have one of the league’s most disruptive defenses.

Offensively, the conversation starts in the trenches. The Dolphins’ offensive line has long been a weak point.

Still, if the interior, particularly the guard positions, can provide stability and start moving people in the run game, this offense could return to its early 2023 form. We’ve already seen how dangerous this unit can be when Tua Tagovailoa has time and running lanes are open. A resurgence up front could unlock the full potential of one of the NFL’s most explosive units.

The key, as always, will be health and consistency. Tua knows he has to stay available. With Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and a deep running back group still in place, the firepower is there. Add a schedule that appears favorable at first glance, and it’s not hard to imagine Miami winning 10 or more games—especially if they embrace the chip on their shoulder.

In the end, the Dolphins don’t need the media’s approval. They just need belief in-house. If they start hot, then it can help keep everyone on track. And if they can avoid becoming one-dimensional on offense, they have a chance to be a real threat this season.