Concerns Remain For Miami Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel
In a preseason finale that felt more like a mandatory dress rehearsal than a high-stakes showdown, the Miami Dolphins secured a 14-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the win pushes their preseason record to an undefeated 2-0-1, one might think that Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel left Hard Rock Stadium with cautious optimism mixed with nagging concern. The starters saw the field, but the performance against a Jaguars team resting 37 players was far from the dominant display McDaniel had hoped for.
For McDaniel, this preseason was about fine-tuning an engine that sputtered to an 8-9 finish last season. The pressure is on, and while a preseason win is still a win, it is the underlying currents of the game that tell the real story as the regular season looms.
A Mixed Bag For Mike McDanielÂ
The first-team offense, led by Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, had a rocky start. The first two drives ended in frustrating three-and-outs, with the offensive line struggling to contain Jacksonville’s backups. Tagovailoa was under constant duress, getting sacked twice and hurried on other plays, disrupting the rhythm that is so crucial to McDaniel’s scheme.
The breakthrough finally came on the third possession, but it required a gutsy fourth-down call to keep the drive alive. The highlight was a 25-yard touchdown pass to Malik Washington, who turned a short screen pass into a spectacular score by making a defender miss in the open field. Tagovailoa finished 4-of-8 for 49 yards and that lone touchdown. While the drive ended in points, the inconsistency against second-string defenders leaves a significant question mark over the offense’s readiness for Week 1.
A Terrifying Pass Rush Emerges
If the offense left fans feeling anxious, the defense provided a jolt of pure adrenaline. From the very first snap, the pass rush looked like a force to be reckoned with. Chop Robinson announced his presence immediately, winning a race to the quarterback against veterans Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips for a sack on the game’s first play.
This relentless pressure was a theme throughout the night. The defensive front lived in the Jaguars’ backfield, harassing their quarterbacks and disrupting plays before they could develop. For a team with some uncertainty in the secondary, a dominant pass rush could be the great equalizer. Saturday’s performance was a thrilling preview of what this group is capable of, and it might just be the identity of the 2025 Dolphins defense.
Standout Performances Offer Hope
Amid the uneven team performance, several individuals made a strong case for significant roles this season. Washington was electric every time he touched the ball. His touchdown catch was a moment of individual brilliance, and he also shone on special teams with a couple of nifty punt returns. Washington looks poised for a breakout year and could be the perfect third option behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
In the backfield, rookie Running Back Ollie Gordon II continued to impress. With De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright nursing injuries, Gordon handled the workload and looked every bit the part of an NFL-ready back. He ran with power and vision, turning potential losses into positive gains and showing reliability in pass protection. He finished with 43 yards on just eight carries, solidifying the confidence that he can contribute immediately if called upon.
Final Thoughts
As the Dolphins now turn their focus to the regular season opener, McDaniel and his staff have plenty of film to dissect. The win was secured, and the team escaped major injuries, which is always the primary goal of the preseason.
However, the sloppy execution on offense is a clear area for improvement for McDaniel. The ferocity of the pass rush and the emergence of young playmakers like Washington and Gordon, however, provide a powerful dose of optimism. This team has the pieces, but whether they can put them together consistently will be the story of their 2025 season.
