The Dolphins begin the 2024 season this Sunday, September 8 (1 pm) with an attractive duel against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium, after the NFL opening game this Thursday, September 5 (8:20 pm) between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs, who are defending their title.
Despite playing at home, it won’t be an easy match for the Miami squad, quite the contrary, as the Jacksonville team is a tough nut to crack.
They have already proven their credentials by winning their three preseason games against tough rivals such as the Chiefs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Atlanta Falcons.
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They have not faced each other since 2021, so they are two completely different squads, although this is not the first time that the quarterback duel between Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence has occurred.
“I think they stand out because of the way they come out with the ball, how they play with compatible technique and fundamentals, and their relentless effort,” said Mike McDaniel.
“It’s a very talented group that is playing hard together, that’s what I see in the videos.”
The Dolphins will play again on Thursday, the 12th, when they host the Buffalo Bills of quarterback Josh Allen, in a much tougher matchup where first place in the Eastern Division is at stake.
The Buffalo team has defeated Miami in the last four games and has become their rival to beat, even though Aaron Rodgers’ Jets are currently there.
The Dolphins will then play against the Seahawks, Titans, Patriots, Colts, and Cardinals, games they must win despite the fact that three are away games (Seattle, New England, and Indianapolis), and then visit the Bills in their most difficult game, along with the next one against the Rams at Hard Rock Stadium.
By that point, halfway through the season, they could be 7-2. Next up are the Raiders, Patriots, Jets, and 49ers at home and the Packers, Texans, Browns and Jets on the road.
The 49ers are the third-strongest team of the season so Miami could win the division with a good 13-4.
The key for the Dolphins is to stay healthy and the team is expected to initially rely on its powerful offensive line led by Tua, two elite wide receivers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and two of the best running backs in the league in Raheen Monster and De’Von Achane.
“We’re all excited. We’ve got a lot of weapons, and a lot of key players on this team. Everybody’s on the edge of their seats waiting for this moment,” Hill said.
“I’m very excited. This is the best team we’ve had since we’ve been here and a great time to be a Dolphins fan. I’m healthy, fine, 100 percent. I want to be able to win games and do something special here in Miami.”
Last season, injuries spared Tua but hampered this fantastic four. If all five are healthy this season, the third stint for young coach Mike McDaniel will be unforgettable.
The team will then rely on its defensive line, once it has adjusted to the plan of its new coordinator Anthony Weaver especially after the addition of star linebacker Bradley Chubb, currently on the injured list.
Tua, Hill, Waddle, Monster, Achane, plus cornerback Jalen Ramsey and probably safety Jevon Holland should be on their way to another Pro Bowl season and Miami could get past the first round of the playoffs and contend for a title, which has fans dreaming, especially the younger ones who have never seen them win a crown.
The immediate growth of five selected rookies will also be important for this, the other two are on the injured list (IR).
From that quintet, Chop Robinson is expected to shine on defense and Jaylen Wright on offense. Malik Washington could be the star of the Dolphins’ offense from day one.
Likewise, linebacker Mohamed Kamara and offensive tackle Patrick Paul have already shown that they are ready, while wide receiver Tahj Washington and safety Patrick McMorris, currently on injured reserve, are recovering.
Saying that the Dolphins are ready to be champions is just a dream, but saying that they are raising great expectations this season and that it could be their best campaign is something real.
It’s all about banishing the ghost of injuries once and for all.
