Locked On Dolphins Hit - Quick Takes on the Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins enter Week 2 as heavy underdogs against the San Francisco 49ers, but this game could stay competitive longer than expected. Both teams started slowly in Week 1, and if Miami can eliminate negative plays and establish De’Von Achane early, the Dolphins have a path to hanging around.

Wes Goldberg predicts the shape of Dolphins-49ers before making his final score pick. Achane tops 120 total yards, Brock Purdy throws an interception and Miami keeps things interesting early—but San Francisco’s talent eventually takes over. Final prediction: 49ers 34, Dolphins 17.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWiz...

The Miami Dolphins face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, and Sunday should answer whether Miami’s ugly opener was simply rust or a sign of bigger problems. Jeff Hafley’s team has to eliminate negative plays, get much better up front and find a way to establish De’Von Achane early.

Wes Goldberg goes 4 Downs on Dolphins-49ers: Is the defensive line under the most pressure? Can Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell and Malik Washington exploit San Francisco’s secondary? And what early sign will tell us whether the game is going Miami’s way—or about to get out o...

The Miami Dolphins face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, and Malik Willis, De’Von Achane and Caleb Douglas headline the biggest things to watch on offense. Can Willis turn his mobility into a weapon, can Douglas prove his Week 1 breakout was real and will Miami finally give Achane 20-plus touches?

Wes Goldberg also breaks down the defensive matchup, beginning with Christian McCaffrey and San Francisco’s rushing attack. With Chop Robinson in concussion protocol, Miami needs more from Zach Sieler and the defensive line while Jacob Rodriguez and Jordyn Brooks must fill gaps. Plus: can Jeff Hafl...

The Miami Dolphins are 13.5-point underdogs against the San Francisco 49ers, so what has to happen for Miami to keep this game competitive? It starts with getting De’Von Achane at least 20 touches, forcing Brock Purdy into multiple turnovers and eliminating the negative plays that destroyed Miami in Week 1.

Wes Goldberg breaks down three keys for the Dolphins to cover the spread. Bobby Slowik already wants Achane more involved, Jeff Hafley’s defense forced two turnovers against Las Vegas and Malik Willis has to avoid another five-sack performance—especially with Nick Bosa waiting in Week 2.

Host...

The Miami Dolphins face a massive Week 2 test against the San Francisco 49ers, and five questions could define whether Miami looks any better than it did in the season opener. Jeff Hafley is under pressure, De’Von Achane needs more opportunities and Chop Robinson desperately needs a bounce-back performance.

Wes Goldberg breaks down how Miami can get Achane more involved after just 11 carries against Las Vegas, why avoiding negative plays has to be the priority and what Robinson needs to show after a quiet Week 1. Plus, what would actually make us feel better about the Dolphins’ direction—even i...

Malik Willis showed flashes in the Miami Dolphins’ Week 1 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, but there were also clear areas for improvement. His rushing touchdown showed the athleticism Miami wants to weaponize, while the deep passing game and overall game management remain concerns.

Wes Goldberg grades Willis’ first start of the season after he finished with a 66.9 passer rating and struggled to connect on throws 20-plus yards downfield. Jeff Hafley remains confident in his quarterback, but Miami needs Willis to clean up the delay-of-game issues, hit more easy throws and become more consistent managing the offense.

The Miami Dolphins lost their season opener, but Week 1 still produced several encouraging performances from their young core. Jacob Rodriguez piled up 14 tackles, rookie receiver Caleb Douglas delivered a historic debut and Patrick Paul impressed in pass protection.

Wes Goldberg breaks down five silver linings from the loss, starting with Rodriguez and rookie corner Chris Johnson on defense. Plus, Michael Taaffe looked comfortable in his opportunities, Douglas tied a Dolphins record with 94 receiving yards in his debut, Malik Willis flashed as a runner and Paul produced one of the best pass-protection performances among tackles. Miami has plenty...

The Miami Dolphins looked unprepared in their Week 1 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, and Wes Goldberg believes Jeff Hafley may have made his first major mistake as head coach: not giving the starters enough preseason snaps. Miami committed costly mistakes, struggled defensively and looked like a team playing its preseason opener instead of a regular-season game.

Wes revisits his Dolphins-Raiders predictions to explain where he was right and very wrong. The running game mattered, but Miami underestimated Ashton Jeanty, overestimated the impact of Brock Bowers’ absence and didn’t get enough from Chop Robinson, Zach Sieler or t...

The Miami Dolphins opened the season with a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, and the biggest problem wasn’t one player—it was the negative plays. Eight penalties for 61 yards, sacks, missed opportunities and costly mistakes repeatedly knocked Miami off schedule.

Wes Goldberg breaks down the biggest takeaways from Week 1, including why the Raiders played the exact kind of physical, disciplined game Miami wanted to establish under Jeff Hafley. Ashton Jeanty carried 23 times for 102 yards while De’Von Achane managed only 36 yards on 11 attempts. If the Dolphins want a new identity, there’s plenty to fix.

The Miami Dolphins’ Week 1 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders could come down to two battles: Miami’s offense against Maxx Crosby and Jeff Hafley’s defense against Kirk Cousins. The Dolphins need De’Von Achane and the running game to keep Crosby from taking over Sunday.

Wes Goldberg breaks down how Malik Willis can survive the Raiders pass rush, why Miami’s offensive line might actually have an advantage in the run game and the one statistic that could determine the outcome: Achane’s rushing yards. Plus, with Brock Bowers out, can Chop Robinson, Zach Sieler and Miami’s...

The Miami Dolphins just got two major Week 1 updates before facing the Las Vegas Raiders. Brock Bowers is expected to miss Sunday’s game after undergoing a meniscus procedure, while Dolphins rookie receiver Chris Bell will start with no limitations on his snap count.

Wes Goldberg breaks down why Bowers’ absence could dramatically change Jeff Hafley’s defensive game plan against Kirk Cousins and give Miami’s young secondary some relief. Plus, Bell has gone from rehabbing a torn ACL to earning a starting job alongside Caleb Douglas. There’s no redshirt year—the Dolphins need their rookie recei...

The Miami Dolphins open the 2026 NFL season against the Las Vegas Raiders, and four questions could determine whether Miami starts 1-0. Jeff Hafley enters his first game as an NFL head coach under pressure, while rookie receiver Chris Bell gets his first chance to prove he can become a legitimate weapon for Malik Willis.

Wes Goldberg goes 4 Downs for Dolphins-Raiders: Who faces the most pressure? Which rookie matters most? Is Miami’s secondary actually as concerning as it looks? And what’s the formula for a Dolphins win? It starts with De’Von Achane, the running game and wi...

The Miami Dolphins released their first Week 1 depth chart, and rookies Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell are listed as the starting outside receivers alongside Malik Washington. Bell passing veteran Jalen Tolbert is one of the biggest surprises as Miami prepares to face the Las Vegas Raiders.

Wes Goldberg breaks down everything we learned from the Dolphins depth chart, including Dante Trader Jr. and Zayne Anderson starting at safety, Kyle Louis’ interesting designation and at least eight rookies positioned for significant roles. Plus, Miami appears committed to keeping Malik Washington on both kick and punt returns despite his gr...

The Miami Dolphins are relying heavily on rookies in 2026, and six of them need to make an immediate impact. Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, Kadyn Proctor, Will Kacmarek, Jacob Rodriguez and Chris Johnson could all play important roles beginning with Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Wes Goldberg breaks down why Miami needs Douglas or Bell to emerge as a weapon for Malik Willis, how Proctor and Kacmarek could help establish the Dolphins’ run-first identity, and why Rodriguez and Johnson have enormous responsibilities on Jeff Hafley’s defense. Miami wants to draft and develop—but these rookies won’t have m...

Are the Miami Dolphins rebuilding, tanking or doing something else entirely? Miami has stripped down its roster, moved on from expensive veterans and embraced young players—but its commitment to Malik Willis and De’Von Achane suggests this isn’t a traditional tank job.

Wes Goldberg explains the difference and offers a better description for what Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley are doing: a bookkeeping cleanup. The Dolphins are clearing bad salary, resetting the budget and using this season to discover which positions and players belong in their long-term plans. It’s a rebuild—even if Miami doesn’t wa...

How will the Miami Dolphins decide if Malik Willis is actually their quarterback of the future? GM Jon-Eric Sullivan says the evaluation won’t simply come down to wins, passing yards or touchdowns—it’s about whether Willis can play quarterback soundly and eventually “tilt the field” in Miami’s favor.

Wes Goldberg breaks down exactly what the Dolphins need to see: good decisions, quick processing, accuracy, getting the ball out on time, using his athleticism and—most importantly—protecting the football. But there’s another level Willis must reach to become more than a stopgap: can he force opposing...

The Miami Dolphins are heading into Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, and it’s time to answer four of the biggest questions surrounding the roster. Is Miami’s front seven becoming a legitimate strength? Is safety the Dolphins’ biggest weakness? And what should we make of Malik Willis vs. Kirk Cousins?

Wes Goldberg goes 4 Downs before the season opener, breaking down Chop Robinson, Zach Sieler, Jacob Rodriguez and Miami’s improving defensive front. Plus, concerns about the Dolphins’ inexperienced safeties, why the Raiders matchup could be closer than expected and a surprisingly encouraging Week 1 injury report.

Malik Willis has to deliver for the Miami Dolphins in 2026 because the quarterback depth behind him remains a major question. After moving on from Quinn Ewers, Cam Miller and Mark Gronowski, Miami rebuilt its backup QB room with Kyle McCord and Brady Cook—but can either keep the Dolphins afloat if Willis goes down?

Wes Goldberg explains why Willis’ performance and availability could determine Miami’s season. Plus, the Dolphins finally know their Week 1 opponent at quarterback: Kirk Cousins will start for Las Vegas instead of rookie Fernando Mendoza. What does that matchup mean for Jeff Hafley, Chop R...

The Miami Dolphins are voting on their 2026 team captains, and several choices feel obvious—but there could be some surprises. Aaron Brewer, Zach Sieler and Jordyn Brooks appear to be locks, while quarterback Malik Willis has a strong case to join Miami’s new leadership group.

Wes Goldberg makes his Dolphins captain predictions and considers who could represent special teams, including Riley Patterson and Malik Washington. Plus, which players could emerge as surprise selections? De’Von Achane wants the responsibility, while Patrick Paul and rookie Dante Trader are intriguing dark-horse candidates as Jeff Hafley establishes a new leader...

Miami Dolphins rookies Jacob Rodriguez and Kyle Louis could become two of the most important players on Jeff Hafley’s defense. Rodriguez has already won the starting MIKE linebacker job, while Miami is experimenting with Louis at safety—one of the Dolphins’ biggest positions of need.

Wes Goldberg explains why Miami’s actions say even more than its praise for Rodriguez after the Dolphins cleared his path to a starting role. Plus, could Louis’ versatility provide an unexpected answer for Miami’s inexperienced secondary? If both rookies hit, a defense featuring Jordyn Brooks, Zach Sieler and Chop Robinson sud...

The Miami Dolphins roster is set for Week 1, and there are two things to love—and two major concerns. De’Von Achane, Malik Willis and Miami’s rebuilt offensive line could give the Dolphins a clear identity in the running game, while Jordyn Brooks and rookie Jacob Rodriguez headline an intriguing linebacker group.

Wes Goldberg breaks down why those two areas could become legitimate strengths for Jeff Hafley’s team. But the Dolphins’ inexperienced secondary could threaten the entire defense, while questions on special teams remain. Here’s what Miami got right, what could go wrong and what it tell...

The Miami Dolphins have the NFL’s youngest roster, and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan wants to keep it that way. Miami’s rebuild is embracing young, inexpensive talent, draft picks and development rather than relying on expensive veteran free agents.

Wes Goldberg examines why youth isn’t simply a temporary consequence of rebuilding—it’s becoming the Dolphins’ organizational philosophy. Could more veterans eventually be replaced by younger options? Plus, Sullivan says he likes draft picks and points to Green Bay’s history of developing quarterbacks behind established starters. Could Miami eventually draft a young QB to develop behind Malik W...

The Miami Dolphins aren’t done rebuilding their roster. Miami claimed eight players off waivers, including QB Brady Cook, TE Justin Joly and three defensive backs, as GM Jon-Eric Sullivan continues to reshape the team around Malik Willis.

Wes Goldberg breaks down the Dolphins’ latest additions, why Sullivan completely overhauled the backup quarterback room, and what his comments reveal about Miami’s new roster-building philosophy: draft, develop, stay young and keep churning. Plus, why the Dolphins believe Kyle McCord and Brady Cook give them a better quarterback room.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pc...

The Miami Dolphins have finalized their 53-man roster, with several surprising decisions at running back, wide receiver, linebacker and quarterback. Ollie Gordon, Jaylen Wright and multiple receivers made the cut, while Cam Miller, Jarquez Hunter and Tyrel Dodson headline the notable players left off.

Wes Goldberg breaks down the biggest makes and misses without simply reading the entire Dolphins roster. What does keeping six receivers tell us about Miami’s offense? Why did both Gordon and Wright survive? And with Dodson gone, the Jacob Rodriguez era officially begins at MIKE linebacker as Miami continues leaning heavily into it...

The Miami Dolphins completely rebuilt their quarterback room in less than 48 hours, moving on from Quinn Ewers, Cam Miller and Mark Gronowski before trading for Kyle McCord. Miami essentially turned Ewers into McCord while resetting the entire depth chart behind starter Malik Willis.

Wes Goldberg breaks down how GM Jon-Eric Sullivan pulled off the rapid overhaul and why McCord is an intriguing fit. The former Ohio State and Syracuse quarterback wins with quick processing and anticipation, and he’s reunited in Miami with Kevin Patullo, who worked with him previously. Is McCord enough at QB2, or should Mi...

Miami Dolphins training camp is over, and Chop Robinson takes home MVP while Jonah Savaiinaea earns the award for biggest leap. Both young Dolphins could play major roles in determining whether Miami’s offensive and defensive lines become legitimate strengths this season.

Wes Goldberg explains why moving Savaiinaea back to right guard has unlocked his game after a difficult rookie year and how rookie Kadyn Proctor could help stabilize the other guard spot. Plus, Robinson looks like a much more complete defender after improving against the run, potentially giving Jeff Hafley a breakout starter along Miami’s defe...

The Miami Dolphins traded wide receiver Tutu Atwell to the Los Angeles Rams for running back Jarquez Hunter, and the move says a lot about GM Jon-Eric Sullivan’s rebuilding strategy. Instead of simply cutting Atwell, Miami turned a fading roster asset into another young player with upside.

Wes Goldberg breaks down why Hunter is an intriguing addition after flashing in the preseason and producing at Auburn. More importantly, the trade reveals how confident the Dolphins are in rookie receivers Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell and Kevin Coleman Jr. Actions speak louder than training-camp praise—and Miami just made...

Tua Tagovailoa is returning to Miami as the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback, and Dolphins fans have to decide how they’ll welcome their former QB. Despite the ugly ending, Wes Goldberg explains why Miami Dolphins fans shouldn’t boo Tua in his return.

But Tua’s situation in Atlanta raises another fascinating question. With Michael Penix Jr. working his way back, could Tua’s starting opportunity already be disappearing? Wes examines Tua’s struggles since leaving Miami and what they might tell us about former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel. Plus, why Friday night could potentially be Dolphins fans’ fina...

The Miami Dolphins rebuild doesn’t need a winning season to prove it’s headed in the right direction. For Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley, success in 2026 should be measured by rookie development, building complete position groups and proving Miami has the right foundational players.

Wes Goldberg explains what he needs to see from the Dolphins this season, starting with a 13-player rookie class that could produce several Week 1 starters. Can Miami solidify its offensive line or linebacker room? And most importantly, can De’Von Achane, Aaron Brewer, Jordyn Brooks and Chop Robinson prove they’re legitimate building...

Malik Willis has a chance to prove he can be the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback of the future, but passing stats and wins won’t tell the entire story. The Dolphins need Willis to perform in critical situations, establish himself as a leader and develop dangerous chemistry with De’Von Achane.

Wes Goldberg identifies three things he needs to see from Willis this season before buying into him as Miami’s long-term starting quarterback. Can Willis execute on third down, respond under pressure and become a weapon in the Dolphins’ rushing attack? Plus, how should we define success for a rebu...

Miami Dolphins QB Cam Miller should be Malik Willis’ backup—and that’s my strongest Dolphins hot take right now. With the Dolphins evaluating their quarterback depth before Week 1, Miller has shown enough improvement to make a legitimate case for Miami’s QB2 job.

Wes Goldberg answers Dolphins mailbag questions, starting with why he believes Miller deserves the backup quarterback role. Plus, how much does it actually matter that Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem spoke to the Dolphins? Wes explains why he’s normally skeptical of motivational speakers—and why conversations with players have changed his mind about the im...

The Miami Dolphins ran just 36 offensive plays against the New York Giants, and that number explains the biggest problem with their ugly preseason loss. The Dolphins need preseason reps to evaluate their roster, but Miami’s offense couldn’t stay on the field long enough to give players meaningful opportunities.

For the Big Number, Wes Goldberg explains why 36 matters more than the final score. Miami needs to make difficult decisions about the bottom of its 53-man roster, and that requires actual game tape. Against Atlanta, staying on the field could be crucial to getting those evaluations right.

Miami Dolphins fans are fed up after another humiliating preseason blowout, but is the real issue the lack of starter action? Frustration mounts as Jeff Hafley’s new-look squad plays its first home preseason game without giving supporters even a glimpse of stars like Malik Willis and the starting offensive line. Many, especially longtime fans who can only afford preseason tickets, feel shortchanged by seeing only backups on the field.

The debate rages: Are joint practices now more important than preseason games themselves? With key reps happening behind closed doors against the Giants—and with Miami’s lack o...

The Miami Dolphins wide receivers might be much better than expected despite ESPN ranking the group worst in the NFL. Kevin Coleman Jr., Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell are giving Miami legitimate reasons for optimism after an otherwise brutal preseason loss to the Giants.

Wes Goldberg breaks down Coleman’s spectacular one-handed catch and why the Dolphins could have multiple rookie contributors at receiver this season. Plus, Cam Miller showed meaningful improvement in his second preseason appearance, completing 6 of 11 passes and making plays with his arm and legs. Has Miller actually moved ahead of Quinn Ewers for Mi...

The Miami Dolphins’ depth is officially a concern after an ugly 26-3 preseason loss to the New York Giants. Miami was outgained 390-102 and ran just 36 offensive plays, raising serious questions about the bottom half of the Dolphins roster.

Wes Goldberg explains why it’s too early to call this a depth crisis—but why GM Jon-Eric Sullivan should aggressively work the waiver wire as NFL roster cuts approach. Malik Willis, De’Von Achane and Chop Robinson provide reasons for optimism at the top, but Miami needs more NFL-caliber talent behind its starters, especially after Trey Moore’s injury.<...

De’Von Achane is becoming the centerpiece of the Miami Dolphins offense, and his 70-yard touchdown run against the Giants showed exactly why. With Malik Willis adding a rushing threat and Miami emphasizing physical blocking, Jeff Hafley and Bobby Slowik could build one of the NFL’s most dangerous rushing attacks around Achane.

Wes Goldberg explains why Miami’s offensive identity could be Achane and Willis rather than its unproven receivers. Plus, Achane ranks No. 26 on the NFL Top 100 after leading the league with 5.7 yards per carry. Can the Dolphins star establish himself as a top-five NFL runnin...

Miami Dolphins vs. New York Giants preseason action will provide a major test for the Dolphins offensive line against Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux. After Miami’s pass protection struggled badly during joint practice, all eyes are on Austin Jackson and the Dolphins O-line.

Wes Goldberg breaks down the two things that actually matter in this preseason matchup. Beyond the offensive line, forget the final score and focus on Miami’s depth. Which players outside the established starters can learn from the joint practice, respond in the game and prove they deserve a spot on the...

The Miami Dolphins offensive line struggled badly against the New York Giants pass rush during Thursday’s joint practice, with Brian Burns saying the Giants “dominated” Miami up front. But should Dolphins fans actually be worried about the offensive line and Malik Willis’ protection? 

Wes Goldberg breaks down the difficult test Patrick Paul, Austin Jackson and Miami’s young offensive linemen faced against Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Jeff Hafley wanted his players challenged without hiding them schematically, making these reps an important measuring stick. Plus, Willis explains why Miami would have had more pass-protection answers available i...

Miami Dolphins QB Malik Willis has a message for anyone worried about the Dolphins’ wide receivers: “You get a name by working hard and putting it on tape.” After ESPN ranked Miami’s WR room last in the NFL, Willis is betting on competition, opportunity and the Dolphins’ young talent to prove the doubters wrong.

Wes Goldberg breaks down whether Miami’s anonymous receiver room can outperform expectations and which Dolphins could become household names this season. From Chop Robinson and Caleb Douglas to first-round pick Chris Johnson, Miami may not have many established stars—but it has several yo...

Miami Dolphins position battles are coming into focus, with Trey Moore and several young players making strong cases for major roles. The Dolphins depth chart could feature rookie starters at linebacker while a young group of wide receivers emerges as the foundation of Miami’s revamped offense.

Wes Goldberg breaks down why Moore appears positioned to start, how Miami is using his versatility and why Jacob Rodriguez could join him in the Week 1 lineup. Plus, Kevin Coleman Jr., Chris Bell, Caleb Douglas and Malik Washington are separating themselves in a crowded Dolphins receiver battle. Is Miami’s yout...