Three Miami Dolphins Overreactions — and Three Underrated Takeaways

The Miami Dolphins are 0-5 after Sunday’s 31-24 loss to Cincinnati, so frustration is justified. Still, the distinction between a fair conclusion and an overreaction matters as Miami enters its bye week.

Overreaction No. 1: The late comeback proves Miami has turned an offensive corner. The Dolphins scored 14 fourth-quarter points and finished with a season-high 24, but Cincinnati led 28-10 before Miami’s rally. Malik Willis threw two interceptions, lost a fumble and produced only 114 net passing yards. The offense showed fight, not proof of a complete transformation.

Overreaction No. 2: Willis cannot help this team. His passing performance was poor, but his legs remain a real weapon. Willis rushed eight times for 74 yards, including a 39-yard gain, and scored Miami’s final touchdown. Jeff Hafley’s staff must reduce Willis’ difficult reads and use movement, play-action and designed runs. The quarterback is not currently a dependable dropback passer, but he still can be useful in a narrower structure.

Overreaction No. 3: Miami’s defense was completely overwhelmed. Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes, yet Cincinnati finished with 307 yards and only 190 through the air. The Dolphins forced a turnover and generally limited the running game. The bigger failures came on third down, in the red zone and on Ja’Marr Chase’s 45-yard touchdown.

Underrated No. 1: Miami may have found its offensive identity. The Dolphins ran for 217 yards at 6.4 yards per carry. Ollie Gordon II gained 88 yards and scored, while Willis, Chris Bell and Malik Washington added explosive runs. That formula can travel.

Underrated No. 2: Kevin Coleman Jr. earned a larger role. Coleman caught three passes for 30 yards, scored his first NFL touchdown and made a 23-yard catch on the final drive. His seven targets show the coaching staff already is testing his readiness.

Underrated No. 3: Miami was efficient in several important areas. The Dolphins converted seven of 13 third downs, scored on all four red-zone possessions and recorded 23 first downs. Those numbers normally support winning football.

The central lesson is uncomfortable but useful. Miami is not as far away as 0-5 suggests in every phase, yet its mistakes occur in the most expensive moments. Until turnovers, special-teams breakdowns and red-zone decision-making improve, encouraging statistics will remain footnotes to losses.