Locked On Dolphins Hit - Quick Takes on the Miami Dolphins

Malik Willis delivered another solid performance for the Miami Dolphins, but against New England, solid wasn’t enough. Willis played mostly clean football, showed improved accuracy and made several impressive throws under pressure, including a third-down strike to Greg Dulcich that kept a touchdown drive alive.

Wes Goldberg gives Willis a B on his weekly quarterback report card and breaks down his best throws, two costly misses to Caleb Douglas and the biggest area for growth. Willis’ floor appears to be rising, but Miami needs him to become more aggressive at the right moments and consistently create the...

Chop Robinson was the biggest silver lining from the Miami Dolphins’ 24-19 loss to the New England Patriots. Robinson recorded two sacks and two tackles for loss against Drake Maye, giving him four sacks in six games and continuing a breakout stretch as one of the NFL’s most disruptive young pass rushers.

Wes Goldberg breaks down why the production finally matched Robinson’s advanced metrics. He entered the game with an elite pass-rush win rate and one of the league’s best pressure rates. Robinson still needs to consistently finish those pressures, but Miami may have found so...

The Miami Dolphins led the New England Patriots 13-3 at halftime before losing 24-19, but Wes Goldberg doesn’t believe this should be framed as Miami simply blowing a double-digit lead. The Dolphins played mostly clean football, Malik Willis avoided many of the costly mistakes that plagued him earlier this season and Miami held its biggest lead of the year.

So what changed? Explosive plays. New England hit touchdown passes of 43 and 48 yards, while Miami couldn’t generate enough answers until Kevin Coleman’s late catch. In a close game between two young quarterbacks, Drake Maye made the ex...

The Miami Dolphins are seven-point underdogs against the New England Patriots, but Wes Goldberg expects a much closer game than the spread suggests. Miami has scored on three of its last four opening possessions, Malik Willis is coming off his best game and New England has struggled to consistently turn offensive production into points.

Wes lays out his expected game script, including pressure on both quarterbacks, explosive scrambles and Miami hanging around into the fourth quarter. The Patriots still have the unit he trusts most in the matchup, but the prediction is close: New England 27, Miami 23—with th...

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots could come down to quarterback play, turnovers and whether Miami’s young secondary can survive another major test. Malik Willis is coming off his best performance of the season, but now he has to prove he can repeat it against a tougher Patriots defense.

Wes Goldberg goes 4 Downs with the biggest questions before kickoff: Can Willis stay clean? Will Kadyn Proctor and JuJu Brents be available? Can Miami pressure Drake Maye without exposing the secondary? And which team wins the turnover battle? With New England sitting at minus-seven in turnover differential, Mi...

Drake Maye has been highly productive for the New England Patriots, but the Miami Dolphins have an opportunity to exploit the mistakes that have held this offense back. New England ranks seventh in total yards but only 19th in scoring, and Maye’s aggressiveness creates chances for turnovers.

Wes Goldberg breaks down Miami’s defensive plan: Chop Robinson has to create pressure, Jacob Rodriguez must account for Maye as a runner and the secondary cannot allow explosive plays over the top. With only five takeaways all season, the Dolphins need to balance aggression with discipline and finally crea...

Malik Willis is coming off his best game as the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback, but now he has to prove the offensive breakthrough against the Jets wasn’t a fluke. New England owns a top-10 defense, plays one of the NFL’s highest rates of man coverage and has a talented defensive front led by Elijah Ponder, Christian Barmore and Milton Williams.

Wes Goldberg breaks down how Miami should attack the Patriots: establish Ollie Gordon and the run game, keep Willis decisive, use his mobility against man coverage and protect the football. The biggest number this week might not be...

Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley was asked about potential trades before the deadline—and he didn’t close the door. With Zach Sieler, Austin Jackson and Joshua Uche among the veterans generating speculation, Miami could face some difficult decisions as it continues building for the future.

Wes Goldberg reacts to Hafley’s comments and the latest trade chatter before breaking down two important injury situations. Kadyn Proctor and JuJu Brents are in concussion protocol, potentially testing Miami’s depth at offensive line and cornerback at exactly the wrong time against New England.

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The Miami Dolphins face the New England Patriots, and once again the matchup may come down to quarterback play. Malik Willis is coming off his best performance of the season, but now he has to prove he can build on it against Drake Maye and a talented Patriots defense.

Wes Goldberg breaks down why Willis’ mobility could matter against New England’s man coverage, how Miami can use motion and quick throws to create easier opportunities and why turnovers could decide the game. If the Dolphins can compete with a Patriots team coming off a Super Bowl appe...

Zach Sieler has been one of the most discussed Miami Dolphins trade candidates, but moving him before the deadline may be far less likely than some expect. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, says there have been no trade discussions, while Jeff Hafley continues emphasizing Sieler’s leadership and value to Miami’s young roster.

Wes Goldberg explains why Sieler’s goal-line play against the Jets perfectly illustrated his importance. Rebuilding teams need draft picks—but they also need good veteran players capable of showing young teammates how to win. The real question is what kind of draft compensation would ma...

Malik Willis delivered his best performance as the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback in their first win of the season, earning an A on Wes Goldberg’s weekly QB report card. Willis was decisive against pressure, protected the football and repeatedly made the right play instead of forcing something bigger.

Wes breaks down Willis’ best moment—the 63-yard touchdown to Caleb Douglas—his biggest missed opportunity and the numbers behind his breakout game. Willis went 10-for-13 for 176 yards and a touchdown when blitzed, converted crucial fourth downs and finished without a turnover. Now the question is whether he can do it cons...

The Miami Dolphins’ first win was about more than finally getting into the win column. Six games into the season, Miami is beginning to identify legitimate building blocks on both sides of the football, from Ollie Gordon and Kadyn Proctor to Jacob Rodriguez and Chris Johnson.

Wes Goldberg breaks down the young core emerging around the Dolphins. Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell are flashing at receiver, Aaron Brewer and Proctor give the offensive line a foundation and Gordon could eventually pair with De’Von Achane. Defensively, Rodriguez, Jordyn Brooks, Jordan Phillips and others are giving Miami something tang...

The Miami Dolphins finally have their first win of the season, beating the New York Jets behind Malik Willis’ best performance as Miami’s quarterback. Willis played faster and more decisively, Caleb Douglas delivered explosive plays and Ollie Gordon rushed for 103 yards against a strong Jets run defense.

Wes Goldberg breaks down why this win mattered beyond the standings. Miami’s young players stepped up, the offense finally showed balance and Jeff Hafley’s team got proof that its preparation and development can actually lead to results. For a rebuilding team that desperately needed something to believe in, this...

The Miami Dolphins finally face an offense with a clear weakness they should be able to exploit. Geno Smith has played efficient football for the New York Jets, but he has already been sacked 19 times behind an offensive line that ranks near the bottom of the NFL in sack rate allowed.

Wes Goldberg breaks down Miami’s defensive game plan: stop a mediocre rushing attack on early downs, force Geno into obvious passing situations and finally unleash the pass rush. But the Dolphins also have to account for Garrett Wilson and New York’s dangerous multiple-tight-end packages, espe...

The Miami Dolphins may need Malik Willis to win through the air against the New York Jets. New York ranks among the NFL’s best defenses against the run but is much more vulnerable against the pass, creating a fascinating test for Miami’s struggling quarterback.

Wes Goldberg breaks down how the Dolphins should attack an aggressive Jets defense that loves to blitz but gives up opportunities underneath. Miami needs Willis to get the ball out quickly, hit Malik Washington and Chris Bell in space and avoid becoming too committed to the running game. This might be Miam...

The Miami Dolphins are starting to get healthier coming out of the bye, and several important rookies could soon return or take on larger roles. Caleb Douglas is practicing again, Kyle Louis has opened his practice window and Kenneth Grant continues working his way back.

Wes Goldberg explains why rookie development matters almost as much as wins for an 0-5 rebuilding team. Can Chris Bell sharpen his route running? Can Jacob Rodriguez improve in coverage? Can Michael Taaffe and Chris Johnson take another step in the secondary? And can Kadyn Proctor eliminate some of his rookie mistakes...

The Miami Dolphins come out of the bye at 0-5, and Sunday against the New York Jets might be their best opportunity yet to finally win a game. New York is 2-4, ranks just 17th in offensive EPA and has one of the league’s least efficient rushing attacks.

Wes Goldberg breaks down why this matchup finally gives Miami some advantages. The Dolphins’ improved run defense can force Geno Smith into obvious passing situations, creating opportunities for the pass rush and favorable field position. Is it technically a must-win? Maybe not. But after the toughest opening stretch in f...

The Miami Dolphins replaced struggling kicker Riley Patterson with Zane Gonzalez, but the move matters for more than field goals. For a rebuilding team constantly talking about competition and accountability, Miami finally backed those words up with action.

Wes Goldberg explains why Gonzalez doesn’t even have to become a long-term solution for this move to matter. Patterson wasn’t playing well enough, so the Dolphins made a change. That sends a message across the roster: rebuilding doesn’t guarantee anyone patience forever. If you want to keep your role in Miami, you still have to perform—and that...

The Miami Dolphins haven’t won a regular-season game in nearly 300 days, while the rest of South Florida sports is thriving. The Hurricanes are No. 1, the Miami Heat are opening another highly anticipated season and the Florida Panthers have never been more popular. So is Miami still a Dolphins town?

Wes Goldberg examines whether decades without a playoff win are starting to reshape South Florida fandom—especially for younger fans who have never experienced meaningful Dolphins success. The Dolphins still have enormous history and support, but this rebuild carries stakes beyond the standings. Miami has to make sure...

The Miami Dolphins got encouraging news coming out of the bye, with rookie receiver Caleb Douglas returning to practice on a limited basis. Miami badly needs more explosiveness at receiver, and Douglas gives the offense a true outside threat who can separate, create after the catch and win at the catch point.

Wes Goldberg also breaks down other injury updates involving Kyle Louis, Trey Moore and Kenneth Grant before reacting to Jeff Hafley’s message to the team. At 0-5, Miami doesn’t just need schematic fixes—it needs confidence. Hafley’s job this week is making sure the...

The Miami Dolphins come out of the bye at 0-5, and the New York Jets may be exactly the opponent they need. New York hung around against New England but showed defensive vulnerabilities Miami should be able to attack, including blown coverages and opportunities in the running game.

Wes Goldberg reacts to the biggest stories from the weekend and explains why he believes Miami is the better-coached team in this matchup. Plus, NFL firing season has started, the Dolphins and Chargers are among the last winless teams, and pressure is building around struggling coaching staffs across the...

Malik Willis hasn’t looked like the Miami Dolphins’ long-term answer at quarterback, but that doesn’t automatically mean Miami has to spend its next first-round pick on one. With prospects such as Arch Manning, Dante Moore and Darian Mensah in the conversation, the Dolphins must decide whether this roster is ready for a major quarterback investment.

Wes Goldberg continues 4 Downs by examining whether Miami could instead add an elite talent elsewhere and keep building the foundation. Plus, Caleb Douglas’ expected return after the bye could reshape the receiver room and give the Dolphins a better evaluation of Willi...

The Miami Dolphins are 0-5, the NFL trade deadline is approaching and veterans Zach Sieler and Austin Jackson could become fascinating trade candidates. Sieler is 31, under contract through next season and could have value to a contender while Miami continues stockpiling draft picks.

Wes Goldberg goes 4 Downs during the bye week and asks whether Jon-Eric Sullivan should consider moving one of Miami’s longest-tenured players. Plus, could Austin Jackson draw interest despite his struggles? Trading him could allow Kadyn Proctor to move to right tackle while Jarrett Kingston or DJ Campbell gets an opportunity inside.

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The Miami Dolphins defense has quietly become one of the more encouraging parts of the team. Miami has developed one of the NFL’s better run defenses, Jacob Rodriguez leads the league in tackles and the Dolphins held Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins below 100 combined receiving yards. But one major problem remains: getting off the field.

Opponents have converted 30 of 58 third downs, including Cincinnati going 9-for-13. Wes Goldberg explains why Miami needs more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, what Chop Robinson still has to prove and whether Kenneth Grant’s return after the bye can help unlock the pa...

The Miami Dolphins enter the bye with one of the NFL’s worst offenses, ranking near the bottom of the league in scoring, yards and EPA per play. Malik Willis has struggled, but Miami’s problems go beyond the quarterback: receivers aren’t consistently getting open, communication mistakes continue and the tight ends have provided little impact.

Wes Goldberg explains how the Dolphins can use their successful running game to make life easier on Willis. More play action, more RPOs and more aggressive passing on first down could create easier opportunities. Coaching can help—but eventually Miami’s young of...

Jacob Rodriguez has quickly become the biggest bright spot of the Miami Dolphins’ rebuild. The rookie linebacker leads the NFL in tackles through five games, continues to break rookie marks and already looks like one of the most important building blocks on the roster.

Wes Goldberg explains why drafting Rodriguez at No. 43 may already be the best decision of Jon-Eric Sullivan’s first year running Miami’s front office. Linebacker wasn’t necessarily the Dolphins’ biggest need, but Rodriguez is a perfect example of why rebuilding teams should prioritize talent over positional fit. Find great players first. Figure out...

The Miami Dolphins are 0-5 with the NFL’s worst point differential, one of the league’s lowest-scoring offenses and major problems on both sides of the ball. But are they actually the worst team in football? Wes Goldberg compares Miami with the winless Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers using scoring, EPA, turnovers and overall roster performance.

Then comes the bigger question: How should Dolphins fans feel about this season? If the goal was immediate wins, it’s been a disaster. But if this rebuild is about evaluating Malik Willis and identifying long-term pieces, Miami may alread...

The Miami Dolphins enter the bye winless, but their 0-5 record doesn’t tell the entire story. Miami has faced opponents with a combined 20-4 record, the defense has improved every week and the running game has remained productive even after losing De’Von Achane.

Wes Goldberg gives his pre-bye report card and explains why he’s focused on subtraction rather than adding more to the scheme. The Dolphins need to eliminate negative plays in the red zone and clean up repeated special teams mistakes. Malik Willis still has to improve, but Miami’s biggest path toward becoming...

Malik Willis has struggled through five games as the Miami Dolphins’ starting quarterback, ranking last among full-time starters in passer rating, completion percentage, touchdown passes and passing yards per game. But Jeff Hafley isn’t considering a change—and Wes Goldberg thinks that’s the right call.

The important part of Hafley’s answer isn’t simply “Malik is our quarterback.” It’s that Miami has played only five games. Willis is operating with three rookie receivers, a rookie tight end and without De’Von Achane. The Dolphins need to simplify the offense, speed up his processing and finally weaponiz...

The Miami Dolphins lost again, but their running game provided one of the most encouraging performances of the season. Miami rushed 34 times for 217 yards and two touchdowns, while rookie Ollie Gordon continued to look like a potential long-term piece with 88 yards on 18 carries.

Wes Goldberg breaks down what he liked and didn’t like from Dolphins-Bengals, including Malik Willis’ scrambling, Chris Bell’s 26-yard reverse, Josh Uche forcing a fumble and another encouraging performance from Dante Trader Jr. On the negative side: Willis struggled badly, Jacob Rodriguez was targeted in coverage and Miami’s special teams problems continue...

Malik Willis delivered his worst performance of the season in the Miami Dolphins’ loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, raising major questions about his future as an NFL starting quarterback. Willis completed just five passes and threw two interceptions in the first half while repeatedly missing open receivers and holding the ball too long.

Wes Goldberg breaks down why this performance felt different from Willis’ previous struggles and what comes next. Miami has limited weapons and little competition behind him, so Willis will get more opportunities. But after five games without an above-average performance, the clock is ticking on h...

The Miami Dolphins are 0-4 and facing what may be their best chance yet to earn their first win of the season against the Cincinnati Bengals. But injuries to Kenneth Grant, Caleb Douglas, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins could dramatically reshape Sunday’s matchup.

Wes Goldberg goes 4 Downs on Dolphins-Bengals, including why Miami is under enormous pressure to finally win, the matchup between Aaron Brewer and Kadyn Proctor against Dexter Lawrence, and whether Malik Willis can bounce back after another frustrating performance. Plus, what should we make of Kevin Coleman saying he’s been open more often...

Miami Dolphins edge rusher Chop Robinson is coming off one of his best performances, recording 10 pressures, a sack and four quarterback hits. Jeff Hafley’s response? Do it again. With Joe Burrow expected to throw heavily for Cincinnati, Robinson has another major opportunity to prove he can become a consistent difference-maker.

Wes Goldberg breaks down the Dolphins’ defensive game plan against Burrow and a Bengals receiving corps dealing with uncertainty around Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Miami’s secondary and linebackers will be tested by Cincinnati’s quick passing game—but all those dropbacks also give Robinson ano...

The Miami Dolphins may have their best opportunity yet to unleash Malik Willis against the Cincinnati Bengals. Miami has to stay on the field after running only 37 plays against Minnesota, and that starts with Ollie Gordon, the running game and converting third downs.

Wes Goldberg breaks down why Cincinnati’s heavy use of man coverage could create a perfect opportunity for Willis to become a major rushing threat. The Bengals play man at one of the NFL’s highest rates, leaving defenders with their backs turned to the quarterback. If Willis can survive the pass rush and atta...

The Miami Dolphins’ offensive line faces a major challenge against Cincinnati’s defensive front, and that matchup could determine whether Miami can finally establish its offense. The Bengals are stout up front, can create pressure and bring one of the better run defenses the Dolphins have faced.

Wes Goldberg explains why Miami’s offensive line is under the microscope before turning to several important injury updates. Kenneth Grant returned to practice for the first time this season, Caleb Douglas doesn’t appear likely to play, Ja’Marr Chase is in concussion protocol and Tee Higgins is expected to practic...

Jeff Hafley delivered a blunt message to the Miami Dolphins as their difficult season continues: If you’re not ready for the journey, go talk to the front office. Hafley says this adversity will reveal which players Miami can actually trust to be part of its future.

Wes Goldberg breaks down Hafley’s challenge to the locker room and why this stretch could become an important part of the Dolphins’ rebuild. Miami is trying to identify the players who will stay in the boat when things get difficult—and Hafley remains adamant that the Dolphins will eventually flip this thi...

The Miami Dolphins are 0-4, and the possibility of an historically bad season is becoming harder to completely dismiss. But could hitting absolute rock bottom actually be the best thing for the organization?

Wes Goldberg explains why he’s willing to embrace the possibility of 0-17—not simply because it would secure the No. 1 pick, but because sometimes an organization needs a season bad enough to force meaningful change. Miami still has winnable games ahead, including Cincinnati before the bye, so an 0-17 finish remains unlikely. But if rock bottom is what finally changes the direction of the...

Malik Willis struggled again for the Miami Dolphins, completing just 9 of 17 passes for 85 yards and earning another disappointing quarterback grade. While Willis flashed his playmaking ability on a spectacular would-be touchdown to Chris Bell, he also missed four open receivers and continues to struggle seeing the entire field.

Wes Goldberg goes to the film for his weekly Malik Willis QB Grade, evaluating his decision-making, execution and best and worst plays. Willis gets a D overall, with his biggest growth opportunity becoming clear: process his reads faster, improve his field vision and consistently find the open receiver.

Wes Goldberg reveals what he liked and didn’t like from the Dolphins’ loss to Minnesota, including an improving defense, Ollie Gordon’s breakout performance and another difficult game for Malik Willis.

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The Miami Dolphins are 0-4 after falling to the Minnesota Vikings, but this might have been their most encouraging loss yet. Miami successfully dragged the game into the mud, played field-position football and covered a 10.5-point spread — but penalties, third-down struggles and an inability to finish once again cost them.

Wes Goldberg explains why the Dolphins played the game they needed to play, even as Malik Willis and the offense struggled to make the decisive plays. Then, is Miami’s defense actually becoming… good?

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