This Stat Encapsulates Dolphins’ Early-Down Struggles in 2025

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This Stat Encapsulates Dolphins’ Early-Down Struggles in 2025

Originally posted on Dolphins Talk | By Jesse Cinquini | Last updated Jul 26, 2026 8:15 PM ET

This Stat Encapsulates Dolphins’ Early-Down Struggles in 2025

It was a struggle on offense all year long for the Miami Dolphins, as they boasted one of the worst-scoring offenses in the NFL, and a big reason for that was because of their early-down ineptitude. The Dolphins consistently got little of anything going on first and second downs and, as a result, found themselves in third-down holes that were tough to dig out of.

One stat probably encapsulates the Dolphins’ woes in first and second downs better than any other, and that’s their average to-go distance on third down. Out of the 32 teams in the NFL, only six teams found themselves in bigger third-down holes on average, as Miami’s average to-go distance was 7.3 yards. Analytics wiz Warren Sharp did the math in an X post.

shortest avg to-go distance on 3rd down:

1. Rams (5.7)
2. Bills (6.2)
3. 49ers (6.4)
4. Packers (6.4)
5. Ravens (6.5)
6. Saints (6.5)
7. Cowboys (6.6)
8. Falcons (6.7)
9. Patriots (6.7)
10. Steelers (6.7)
11. Chargers (6.7)
12. Chiefs (6.8)
13. Panthers (6.8)
14. Broncos (6.8)…

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) July 26, 2026

Unfortunately for the Dolphins, for as bad as their offense was a season ago, they’re even worse on paper in that respect heading into 2026. With the exception of running back De’Von Achane, there’s no real proven star playmaker on the roster, as the Dolphins got rid of all of theirs from last season via the trade market and releases.

The Dolphins lack a true WR1 as well, and it’s unclear where they’re gonna get consistent offense from outside of Achane and quarterback Malik Willis, who’s been handed the keys to lead the offense.

Miami’s early-down offense was undoubtedly one of the NFL’s more ineffective a season ago, and all signs point to a similar story playing out in 2026. Points and yardage will once again be quite hard to come by in a season that will feature plenty of losses along the way.

But making the most of early-down opportunities should be a priority for this new regime under head coach Jeff Hafley for years to come, and hopefully it’s something the Dolphins will be great at at some point.

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

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