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Miami Dolphins training camp opening: 5 reasons for optimism

Miami Dolphins training camp opening: 5 reasons for optimism

Yahoo6 days ago
MIAMI GARDENS ― The Miami Dolphins are opening training camp on Tuesday July 22, and there are plenty of concerns.
But we're not here to talk about culture and cornerbacks and injury risk and about just how long y'all have lived without a Dolphins playoff win.
We're here today to talk about and think about the bright side of life.
What if the Dolphins could manifest wins and good fortune?
Perhaps these words will assist.
I officially present five reasons for Miami Dolphins optimism.
Miami Dolphins optimism entering training camp
Miami Dolphins still have Pro Bowl talent
The Dolphins have a player on offense and a player on defense with a total of 13 Pro Bowl appearances.
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill (8 Pro Bowls) and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (5 Pro Bowls) have been at the top of their craft in the recent past.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, edge rusher Bradley Chubb, tight end Darren Waller, fullback Alec Ingold have all been Pro Bowlers.
Potential future Pro Bowlers include running back De'Von Achane, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and defensive tackle Zach Sieler.
The Dolphins are hoping the results are better than the sum of their parts in 2025, but make no mistake — there is still enough talent to make the playoffs.
Tua Tagovailoa's play should be good enough
Tua Tagovailoa has led the NFL in passing yards, completion percentage and passer rating.
If Tagovailoa stays healthy, he can perform at or close to a level of AFC stars Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert.
Tagovailoa is about to begin his sixth season. But this also his fourth consecutive season with coach Mike McDaniel, so there are no excuses.
Tagovailoa should have complete and total command of the offense and in the locker room and on the field as a matured leader.
Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver returns
The Dolphins are very fortunate that standout defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver was not hired away as a head coach this offseason.
Weaver, a rising star, helped the Dolphins to 4th in the NFL in yards and 10th in points last season. Weaver had a good plan and has the respect of players.
Did you even know the Dolphins had the NFL's 4th-ranked defense last season? Yes, they've lost Jalen Ramsey, Jevon Holland and Calais Campbell. Minkah Fitzpatrick and Kenneth Grant are a good way to start in filling voids.
There were improvements by Weaver over Vic Fangio and Josh Boyer, each of whom lasted only one season. Operating the same defense for a second consecutive season should be a plus.
Dolphins' depth at WR, RB and edge rusher
The Dolphins have obvious concerns at cornerback, defensive line and tight end.
It would appear they've improved at guard and backup quarterback. James Daniels, Jonah Savaiinaea and Zach Wilson should be positive additions.
But in particular, Miami's talent and depth at wide receiver, running back and edge rusher are near the top of the league.
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle had setbacks in 2024, but are poised for bounce-backs and should be assisted by Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Malik Washington, Tahj Washington and/or Dee Eskridge and/or Erik Ezukanma.
De'Von Achane had a setback in 2024 but should return to rookie form and be assisted by Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon and Alexander Mattison.
If healthy, the trio of Bradley Chubb-Jaelan Phillips-Chop Robinson could be as dangerous as any in the league and could ease some pressure on the corners.
Mike McDaniel still smart and creative; pledging adjustments
The Dolphins don't have a playoff win in three seasons under Mike McDaniel.
But McDaniel's 8-9 setback was mostly a result of Tagovailoa's injuries and a bad chemistry mix on the roster.
McDaniel has always been, and will always be, transparent. He knows the Dolphins need to run the ball more and run it better.
McDaniel knows he needs players to be more locked in from the first training camp practice and has pledged to hold them accountable.
McDaniel didn't become dumb overnight. McDaniel is still a bright, sharp offensive mind. And a high percentage of players appreciate that he treats them with respect and is determined to find the best ways to help them and the team succeed.
McDaniel deserves this chance to right the ship. With at least a one playoff win in the 2025 season, he will have put things back on course.
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Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins: 5 reasons for optimism entering training camp
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