The Miami Dolphins find themselves in a precarious spot as we approach the closing stretch of the 2024 NFL season. While still technically in the playoff race, the mounting skepticism about their postseason chances is becoming increasingly valid.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had set an ambitious tone earlier in the week, emphasizing the team’s desire to “kill narratives” that have plagued Miami in recent years. However, after their latest setback, perhaps it’s time to shift focus to what improvements can be made as they look ahead to 2025.

Let’s dive into the latest on the Dolphins, breaking down their performance and exploring the challenges that continue to hamper their progress.

Penalties and Discipline: A Recurring Issue

One glaring issue is the lack of discipline, showcased starkly in their recent matchup. Miami found themselves on the wrong side of the referees too frequently, racking up 10 penalties.

For a game of such importance as Week 13, it was imperative to play smart and minimize mistakes. Instead, Miami’s errors proved costly, underscoring a season-long struggle to maintain discipline when it matters most.

Struggles Against Winning Teams

A particularly troubling trend for the Dolphins has been their inability to triumph over teams with winning records. This season, they stand at 5-2 against teams with .500 or worse records but are winless at 0-5 against those above .500. Losses to the likes of Green Bay, Seattle, Arizona, and Buffalo reinforce this pattern.

There’s a glimmer of hope in the remaining schedule, as only the Texans boast a winning record among their upcoming opponents. However, the critical question remains: can the Dolphins find the form needed to compete against playoff-caliber teams?

Cold Weather Woes

The Dolphins’ challenges extend to cold-weather games, where they’ve consistently struggled. Despite Tua’s bold assertion that they could overcome this hurdle, sub-40-degree clashes have not been kind to Miami. The issue isn’t purely the chill in the air; rather, it’s a combination of factors where the Dolphins come up short when faced with brisk conditions.

The Offensive Line Conundrum

There’s a curious dichotomy surrounding Miami’s offensive line. Public perception doesn’t always align with how Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel view the unit.

Yet, their recent face-off with the Packers highlighted critical weaknesses. With pressure mounting on Tua and limited success in establishing the run, it was a tough outing for Miami’s front.

The cracks were exposed against Green Bay’s staunch defense, reminding everyone that playing above their talent level sometimes isn’t sustainable.

Root Causes of Miami’s Struggles

Drilling down to the essence of the Dolphins’ issues reveals several core problems. Beyond the penalties and cold weather struggles, there’s a lack of depth across nearly every position.

Special teams have faltered, coaching decisions have come under scrutiny, and tackling remains subpar. These critical deficiencies paint a broader picture of why Miami has yet to evolve into a formidable contender.

In essence, for the Dolphins to turn potential into performance, they need to address these multifaceted challenges head-on. As the season winds down, the focus may need to shift towards foundational improvements, preparing to make 2025 a breakthrough year. Let’s see if Miami can rewrite its narratives and pave a path toward success.