The New England Patriots reclaimed their AFC East crown in 2025 after a half-decade hiatus. In their magnificent 2025 campaign, the team finished 5-1 in the division, sweeping the Jets and Dolphins. While beating the Jets twice was to be expected, the Dolphins have historically been a source of trouble for the team.
The Patriots could not say that they had beaten Tua Tagovailoa until Week 2 of last season, when they claimed a 33-27 win over the Dolphins in Miami, with Milton Williams sealing the deal with a fourth-down sack.
After Tagovailoa was benched, a Quinn Ewers-led squad was battered in Week 18 by a score of 38-10. The team released Tagovailoa this offseason, and Ewers was traded during the team's final roster construction.
Despite an overhaul of the quarterback room, the coaching staff, and much of the roster, the Dolphins appear to be among the league's worst teams before they even step on the field.
Dolphins practice is over. The Dolphins offense was a disaster. They were so bad Malik Willis got the team together for a talk midway through. It didn’t help.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) August 25, 2026
The Dolphins are amid a long rebuild
It shouldn't surprise anyone that the Dolphins are struggling, but this season could prove disastrous. The team shipped out several veterans this offseason as they prepared to build for the future.
Tagovailoa, as mentioned, was traded, but so were star wideout Jaylen Waddle and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb were also released.
New head coach Jeff Hafley brought over Malik Willis from the Packers, signing him to a massive three-year deal worth just shy of $70 million. In four seasons, Willis has appeared in only 22 games.
After totaling one touchdown and five turnovers in two seasons with the Titans, he finished 70/89 for 972 yards and 6 passing touchdowns over the last two years with the Packers. He added 42 carries for 261 yards and a trio of touchdowns on the ground.
Malik Willis' support is weak
Willis' support, except for star running back De'Von Achane, is among the worst in the league. The team traded serious threat Tutu Atwell back to the Rams for Jarquez Hunter, whom they later released and signed to the practice squad, adding other players off waivers.
Jalen Tolbert and Malik Washington are the top veteran wideouts, while the team added a pair of receivers in the top 100 of this year's draft.
Caleb Douglas of Texas Tech and Chris Bell of Louisville will each have the chance to contribute early given the lack of talent in South Florida. Bell is particularly interesting, as he was a projected top-40 pick before slipping all the way to No. 94 following a November ACL tear.
In 11 games last season, Bell managed 72 catches for 917 yards and 6 touchdowns: 6.5 catches and 83.3 yards per game.
Former third-round selection Greg Dulcich was targeted in eight of nine games for the Dolphins in 2025, with 40+ yards in five of those eight. He totaled 222 yards and a touchdown from 16 catches across the final five games of the year, catching nearly 88% of his targets during that time.
Running backs Ollie Gordon and Jaylen Wright will both play minimal roles, while rookie tight end Will Kacmarek has yet to prove himself as a receiver.
The Dolphins' offense has potential in players like Willis, Achane, and Bell, but it offers little surefire talent. If the Patriots can bottle up Achane, they shouldn't have much trouble sweeping them for the second straight season.
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