Miami Dolphins Season Preview 2023-2024

The 2023-2024 Miami Dolphins have expectations for a Super Bowl run.

“God-willing, I can make it through the entire season and we can win a playoff game, we can win a Super Bowl,” Tagovailoa said (via The Palm Beach Post).

2022-2023 Results

The Miami Dolphins also came into last season with lofty expectations. They made a huge off-season trade to acquire Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs and made another trade mid-season for defensive end Bradley Chubb. Tua Tagovaloia finally looked healthy coming off his previous injuries and had a new offensive-minded head coach who believed in his abilities.

Unfortunately, concussions to Tua turned this consistent team into one of the streakiest in the league. Miami raced ahead to a 3-0 start but fell to 3-3 when Tua was forced into concussion protocol. They’d string together five straight wins in his return but dropped their next five in December. Ultimately, the Dolphins would finish with another 9-8 record, but this time clinched a wild card spot. However, with Tua back on the sidelines, Miami lost to their division rivals in Buffalo.

Key Additions

Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio

Perhaps the biggest addition for the Dolphins came off the field. Vic Fangio is one of the best defensive minds in football. He was notably a defensive coordinator for the 49ers from 2010-2015, defensive coordinator for the Bears in 2015, and head coach of the Broncos from 2019-2021. Defenses under his watch have consistently ranked in the top 10 during these tenures.

CB Jalen Ramsey

The 28-year-old cornerback from the Rams is by far the biggest on-field addition. After a disappointing stint in Miami from Byron Jones, the Dolphins were searching for another elite corner to pair with Xavien Howard. Ramsey is a three-time All-Pro with Super Bowl experience and will be a leader on this young defense.

LB David Long

Long was an underrated signing who will be an immediate contributor in Miami. The 26-year-old linebacker from the Titans started 12 games last season, logging 86 tackles and two interceptions. His numbers have improved every year and that trend could continue under Vic Fangio.

CB Cam Smith

The second-round pick for Miami has a chance to contribute early in his rookie year. Vic Fangio is known to use several defensive backs in his scheme, giving Smith an opportunity to be the third corner behind Ramsey and Howard.

RB Devon Achane

The Dolphins selected Devon Achane in the third round of the NFL Draft. Achane has a slight frame but possesses elite speed, and adds to what will be the fastest offense in the league.

Key Departures

CB Byron Jones

Byron Jones failed to appear in a single game last season and it looks like his career may be coming to an end. Jones started off well in Miami but struggled to rehab from knee and ankle injuries in 2021.

TE Mike Gesicki

Unfortunately, Gesicki looked like the odd man out in a pass-heavy offense last season. The Dolphins simply didn’t throw to their tight ends much and opted out of giving Gesicki his extension. He should contribute more in New England than he did here.

LB Elandon Roberts

The former captain of the Dolphins defense achieved career-highs in sacks and tackles last season. He leaves a hole linebacker room that will need to be filled by David Long.

Projected Depth Chart

QB: Tua Tagovailoa, Mike White, Skylar Thompson

RB: Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Devon Achane, Myles Gaskin

FB: Alec Ingold

WR: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Cedrick Wilson, Braxton Berrios, Freddie Swain, River Cracraft

TE: Durham Smythe, Tyler Kroft, Eric Saubert

LT: Terron Armstead, Kendall Lamm, Isaiah Wynn

LG: Liam Eichenburg, Robert Jones

C: Connor Williams, Dan Feeney

RG: Robert Hunt, Lester Cotton Sr.

RT: Austin Jackson, Isaiah Wynn, Cedric Ogbuehi

DE: Christian Wilkins, Emmanuel Ogbah, Zach Sieler

DT: Raekwon Davis, Brandon Pili

Edge: Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Andrew Van Ginkel, Malik Reed

LB: Jerome Baker, David Long Jr., Channing Tindall, Duke Riley, Garrett Nelson

CB: Jalen Ramsey, Xavien Howard, Kader Kohou, Cam Smith, Nik Needham, Trill Williams

S: Jevon Holland, Brandon Jones, DeShon Elliott, Verone McKinley III

K: Jason Sanders

P: Jake Bailey

PR/KR: Braxton Berrios, Cedrick Wilson

Season Outlook

Will the 2023-2024 Miami Dolphins take the leap this season?

I would be very bullish on Miami’s projection this year if the rest of the AFC East didn’t also get significantly better. Realistically, the New York Jets will be a factor while the Bills remain a powerhouse in the division, and the Patriots can always be competitive. Additionally, the rest of Miami’s schedule doesn’t look easy either. It features eight games against teams who made the playoffs last season.

While Miami once again got significantly better on paper, I’m not sure it will translate to significantly more regular-season wins. Ultimately, I believe the 2023-2024 Miami Dolphins finish 10-7 and clinch another playoff berth through the Wild Card.

The Patriots’ offensive line might be a major concern

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