It’s been a quarter of a century since the Dolphins They have not won a game in the playoffs. The last time was in December 2000. Since then they have qualified for the postseason five times.
When a new campaign begins, the optimism of the team Miami reaches the top and everyone says that this time it will be different.
Will it be 2024?
At least this time the team is led by a coach who has led them to the playoffs consecutively for the last two seasons.
Mike McDaniel made his debut as head coach of the squad in 2022, leading them to the postseason and repeating in last year’s season.
The team now appears to be better assembled, more experienced, with an explosive attack and a solid defense. Everything suggests that the Dolphins should go far this year.
“We’re all very excited,” said team star Tyreek Hill. “We have a lot of weapons and great talent. We’re all looking forward to this moment. This is our best team since I’ve been here.”
Hill joined the Dolphins in March 2022 after agreeing to a four-year, $120 million contract. He was coming off a Super Bowl win with the Kansas City Chiefs and is one of the most fantastic wide receivers in the NFL.
According to Hill, the work done by the Miami squad in the summer gives much hope.
“Our quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has done a tremendous job of communicating exactly what he wants from us,” Hill said. “Mike (McDaniel) has given him the keys to the car which allows us to play with freedom.”
Hill clarified that the freedom that the coach gives them is to develop creatively with everything they have been practicing during training camp.
The Dolphins have the oldest average age in the NFL for the upcoming season and Hill said that adds wisdom, experience and knowledge to the team.
“Players like Terron Armstead and Calais Campbell are so knowledgeable and passionate about the game that they give people confidence,” Hill said. “Jordan Poyer brings a different mentality to the defense, and I bring a different level to the offense.”
The wide receiver added that it is very important to have experienced people on the team, as well as young players, and the secret is knowing how to combine them.
“Jalen Ramsey contributes different things to the whole group,” Hill added. “Not just to the defense and that’s vital.”
The fact that the Dolphins have extended their coach’s contract until 2028 and have secured three key players, Tua, Hill and Jaylen Waddle, for an investment of more than 400 million dollars, reveals the franchise’s interest in having stability.
“Extending McDaniel is the right decision,” Hill added. “I read a comment on Twitter the other day (X) that said every time the Dolphins extend their coach’s contract they fire him the following year. I hope they change their strategy this time.”
Home start
For his part, McDaniel said that for now he is only thinking about preparing the battle plan for the opening game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 8 at Hard Rock Stadium.
“You have to be very careful with the Jaguars defense,” McDaniel said. “They are consistent, relentless and have a great repertoire to shut down the opposing offense. This is a very talented group that plays hard together.”
Fullback Alec Ingold also has high expectations for the 2024 Dolphins.
“From top to bottom we have a great team,” Ingold said. “You just have to be patient. And deliver when the opportunity presents itself. We have the guys for that.”
Linebacker David Long Jr. said there are no limits for the team this season.
“We talk about it every day,” the linebacker said. “There are multiple elite players. There is no ceiling for this group. We have to go out and attack. And help each other.”
Unlike other years, the Dolphins are confident that the stars have aligned once and for all. Now they just need to put those good vibes on the field.
