Miami Dolphins 2023-24 NFL Season Recap

Miami Dolphins NFL Season Recap

One only has to point to the shocking 28-27 home loss to the Tennessee Titans as to the exact moment in time that the Miami Dolphins 2023-24 NFL betting season came to a close. Sure, Mike McDaniel’s squad went on to play three more regular season games after that, but they were all for naught. In falling to the Titz as near two-touchdown home favorites, it cracked the door open for Buffalo to swoop in and steal the AFC East title right from what was then a pretty sturdy grasp. When the time came to close the rivalry out at home against the Bills in Week 18, it became a reality after Josh Allen and his mates rattled off 14 unanswered second half points to secure a fourth straight division title and the home game in the wild card round that came along with it as the AFC’s No. 2 seed. This allowed for Buffalo to remain at home to oppose the Steelers and force the Fins to the road in Arrowhead where the team would combat the defending champions in frigid Arrowhead.

So instead of getting the advantage of hosting a team in their own house with Mother Nature not impeding the offense from strutting its stuff, Tau Tagovailoa and Co. attempted to unleash their aerial attack in negative degree temps and the wind howling against a Chiefs defense that was locked in from the opening kick. Because of it, Miami combined for 264 total yards amidst a terribly called game from McDaniel that saw the offense only run the ball 18 times against the weak link of Kansas City’s defense. Due to getting nothing done on second and third down, the offense was routinely in third and long situations which resulted in a horrendous 1-of-12 showing. Miami went for it six time son fourth down! This allowed Patrick Mahomes and his mates to dominate the time of possession battle which in turn saw the defending champs waltz their way to the dominant 26-7 win and cover as 4.5-point favorites per the closing NFL betting lines.

The defeat was just another stark reminder of how not ready the Dolphins are at this point of the rebuild to compete with the best of the best. Though the Fins ultimately went on to win 11 regular season games and cover the NFL odds at a 10-7 clip, only one of those triumphs were secured against a team that punched a ticket to the second season. They barely got the job done ousting the Dallas Cowboys at home 22-20 as short 1-point favorites. In the other four games played against postseason entrants, Miami went a bankroll killing 0-4 SU and ATS losing by an average of 21.5 points per game with the 48-20. The 56-19 losses to the Bills and Ravens respectively mucked up the average margin of defeat. The other two losses came by 14 points to the Eagles and a touchdown to the Chiefs in Germany. All four of those defeats were incurred on the road again showing just how important that loss to the Titans truly was.

In the end, it was still a successful season with the Dolphins exceeding their 9.5-game season win total (11), finishing second in the AFC East standings (+230), and punching a ticket to the playoffs (-105) a second straight year. One can only be left wondering how the year would’ve shaped up had the injury monster not targeted Miami Gardens late with it shelving a number of pertinent defensive contributors in the forms of Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, and Andrew Van Ginkel. Not to mention Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle being shells of their former selves due to persistent nagging injuries.

Miami Dolphins 2024 Offseason

After having just four picks in last year’s NFL Draft, the Dolphins will have six this time around which includes the No. 23 pick in the first round per Tankathon. While many an NFL bettor and die-hard Fins fan will want GM Chris Grier to look at possibly replacing Tua after the stinker put forth in the wild card round – as well as in numerous other big games - I can’t envision upper management going that route after the season he just put forth. He just got elected to his first Pro Bowl after throwing for a career-high 4,624 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. While the 14 interceptions thrown were also the highest of his four-year career, 2023-24 marked the first time he was under center for all 17 regular season games as well as the playoff game. The front office would be wise to let next season playout and then go from there. If it can get a veteran onto the roster, so be it. Either way, it should still be “Tua Time” in 2024-25!

I don’t foresee a big splash in free agency like last year when Miami plucked Jalen Ramsey off the Rams roster. This time around, it’s possible they make moves to shore up either side of the ball with big name players on expiring contracts. Think of guys ike Zack Martin, Khalil Mack, and Carlton Davis. In terms of the draft, Miami should look to bolster the lines on both sides of the ball; especially the interior of the O-Line.

Miami Dolphins Schedule & Results

The Miami Dolphins were a 1966 American Football League expansion franchise. Since their inception, they have shared the same AFC East Division with the New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills.

Miami drafted exceptionally well from the day the franchise opened for business. Players such as quarterback Bob Griese and running backs Jim Kiick, Larry Csonka, and Mercury Morris formed a strong nucleus. Wide receiver Paul Warfield later came over and was a Hall of Famer. But the most important acquisition was head coach Don Shula. Shula arrived in 1970 and got the Dolphins into the playoffs that year. By 1971, the Dolphins were AFC Champions. In 1972, Miami turned in a 17-0 perfect championship season, the only one in NFL history.

From 1970 through 2001, the Dolphins were perennial playoff contenders. But since 2002, Miami has made the playoffs only twice.

Of course, Miami is known for former quarterback Dan Marino re-writing the record book in a sensational career.

Owner Stephen M Ross bought the team in 2008 and has been one of the least effective owners in the NFL. After head coach Brian Flores was fired in January 2022, he accused Ross of offering to pay him to lose games. As of yet, Ross has not sued Flores for defamation of character. And heading into training camp, there was no news to the contrary.

Following a 2022 playoff campaign under then-rookie head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins are focused on a bright future.

Miami Dolphins Past Seasons (2000)

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