The Miami Dolphins made the NFL playoffs in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, which gave their long-suffering fans hope for 2024, but instead of building on that success, the team fell backward.
They went 8-9 and missed the playoffs, and a big reason for that lack of success was Tua Tagovailoa’s third diagnosed concussion as a pro player, which forced the quarterback to miss four games early in the schedule.
But the Dolphins also have some roster holes, and ESPN analyst Mina Kimes revealed one area where they have to improve.
“The offensive line! I don’t care that your QB throws the ball in 2.25 seconds. … You are not going to win football games, in January, if you can’t run the ball better. And you can’t run the ball better if you don’t invest in that offensive line, particularly on the interior,” Kimes said, via FinsXtra.
🎥 Mina Kimes on the Miami Dolphins: “I don’t care that your QB throws the ball in 2.2 seconds… you are not going to win football games, in January, if you can’t run the ball better.” (@ESPNNFL) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/ewDjCvlmE4
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) February 20, 2025
Pro Football Network ranked the Dolphins’ offensive line 26th this season, and it was a factor in them finishing 21st in rushing yards, tied for 23rd in rushing touchdowns and tied for 27th in yards per rush attempt.
De’Von Achane is one of the game’s more explosive young running backs, and though he ran for 907 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, he could use some help to unlock his full potential.
With Tagovailoa vulnerable to concussions and head injuries, investing in a very strong offensive line has to be a big priority for Miami this offseason.
The Dolphins have five-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Terron Armstead, but he will be 34 years old next season, and Austin Jackson is coming off of knee surgery that limited him to eight games in 2024.
The AFC isn’t getting any easier, and the Dolphins will have to have a strong offseason if they are to win their first playoff game since the 2000 campaign.
