The Miami Dolphins faced a disheartening end to their season with a crushing 38-10 defeat against the New England Patriots. This loss raises significant concerns regarding the future of both head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. What began as a promising season, with expectations of 8 to 10 wins, deteriorated due to inconsistent performances and ineffective coaching strategies.
The Dolphins allowed a touchdown within the first three plays of the game, setting a troubling tone. Despite entering halftime only down by seven points, the team faltered in the second half, conceding 21 additional points and displaying a lack of urgency. This trend of poor performance following halftime has been a recurring issue throughout McDaniel’s tenure.
Numbers Highlight Systemic Issues
The statistics from the season paint a bleak picture for the Dolphins. They finished the 2025 season with a turnover differential of -4 in the third quarter, a stark indication of their inability to adjust mid-game. Furthermore, the team recorded a -103 point differential in the third quarter, showcasing persistent struggles in making necessary adjustments after halftime.
In terms of overall performance, the Dolphins allowed 424 points throughout the season, ranking as the fourth-worst in the team’s history. McDaniel’s record when trailing by seven points at halftime stands at 4-23, underscoring the team’s failure to mount comebacks. The Dolphins also ranked last in the NFL with a 44% success rate on crucial 3rd and 4th down conversions of one yard or less, further exemplifying the coaching staff’s difficulties in executing essential plays.
Bright Spots Amidst the Struggles
Despite the disappointing outcome, there were notable individual performances that shone through the gloom. De’Von Achane emerged as a standout player, finishing the season with 1,350 rushing yards and leading the NFL with an impressive 5.7 yards per carry. Achane’s dual-threat capability as both a running and receiving back has positioned him as a key asset for the future.
Additionally, kicker Riley Patterson set a new team record for field goal accuracy, completing 27 of 29 attempts for a success rate of 93.1%. Punter Jake Bailey also had a record-setting season with a net average of 42.6, contributing positively to the team’s special teams unit.
On defense, Jordyn Brooks led the league with 183 tackles, falling just short of his career high, highlighting his critical role in the team’s defensive strategies. Keeping Brooks in Miami is likely to be a priority for the new general manager.
As the Dolphins prepare for the 2026 season, they face significant challenges, including a strength of schedule rated at .542, which is among the toughest in the league. The pressure will be on McDaniel and Tagovailoa to address the issues that have plagued the team this season and to reinvigorate a franchise with high hopes for the future.
