For a considerable stretch of the season, the Miami Dolphins positioned themselves as the dominant force in the AFC, boasting a 5-1 record as they entered Week 7 and standing at 11-4 with just two games remaining, holding the coveted number-one seed in their grasp.
However, the Dolphins’ postseason aspirations were hampered by a notable Achilles’ heel – their inability to secure victories against formidable opponents.
Five of their six regular-season losses came at the hands of playoff-bound teams, and their lone win against a team with a winning record failed to propel them into postseason success.
The season concluded on a disappointing note with a road loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in challenging frigid conditions.
Despite achieving four consecutive seasons with a winning record, the Dolphins find themselves in a disheartening predicament with no playoff wins to show for it.
To compound matters, the recent Wild Card win by the Detroit Lions over the Los Angeles Rams has extended Miami’s playoff win drought to a staggering 23 years, marking the longest in the NFL.
As the franchise grapples with this postseason setback, crucial decisions loom on the horizon in the offseason. One of the pivotal choices revolves around the future of star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who enters the final year of his rookie deal, carrying a substantial $23 million cap hit, reflecting a notable $14 million increase from the 2023 season.
In addition to the quarterback dilemma, the Dolphins face the challenge of retaining key players set to enter free agency. While these free agents may not carry the same star power as Tua or Tyreek Hill, their contributions as integral, unsung heroes have significantly impacted the Dolphins’ success.
As the offseason unfolds, attention turns to four players the Dolphins must prioritize re-signing.
Christian Wilkins, a defensive tackle, played a pivotal role in the success of the Dolphins’ defense, ranking third on the team with an impressive nine sacks and contributing 23 quarterback hits.
Under Wilkins’ influence, the Dolphins also stood out by allowing the fourth-fewest yards per carry, showcasing his importance in anchoring the defensive line.
Another indispensable defensive asset is Andrew Van Ginkel, an outside linebacker who emerged as one of the most underrated defensive players in the NFL this season. Despite playing only 66% of possible snaps, Van Ginkel amassed six sacks, 19 quarterback hits, and eight passes defended, earning a stellar Pro Football Focus Player Grade of 91.1, placing him in the “Elite” category.
Alongside Andrew Van Ginkel, Van Ginkel stands as a critical defensive cornerstone for the Dolphins.
On the offensive front, the center Connor Williams played a crucial role in the Dolphins’ success, contributing to an elite offensive line. While explosive skill players like Tyreek Hill and Raheem Mostert often grab the headlines, the offensive line led the NFL with an impressive 5.1 yards per carry and eight runs of 40-plus yards.
In the passing game, this offensive line exhibited remarkable prowess, conceding the fewest quarterback hits in the NFL and allowing the third-fewest pressures.
As the Dolphins navigate the complex decisions of the offseason, the fate of these key players will undoubtedly shape the team’s trajectory in the coming seasons, determining whether they can transform regular-season success into meaningful postseason victories.
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