Remaining Season Questions Loom for the Miami Dolphins

As the Miami Dolphins enter the final stretch of the 2024 NFL season with a 8-3 record and a narrow lead in the AFC East, a series of pressing questions have emerged to cloud their championship aspirations. Remaining Season Questions Loom for the Miami Dolphins isn’t just about minor concerns—it’s about fundamental uncertainties that could determine whether the Dolphins win their first division title since 2008 or falter in the playoff race. From the sustainability of their high-octane offense to the consistency of their defense, every unresolved question carries weight for a team that has shown flashes of brilliance but also frustrating lapses. For fans and analysts alike, these looming questions have turned the Dolphins’ remaining schedule into a crucial test of their ability to compete with the NFL’s elite.

Remaining Season Questions Loom for the Miami Dolphins begins with the most urgent uncertainty: Can their offense maintain its historic pace against tougher competition? Through 11 weeks, the Dolphins rank first in the NFL in total offense (420 yards per game) and scoring (32 points per game), led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s career-best play (3,400 yards, 28 touchdowns) and the dynamic wide receiver duo of Tyreek Hill (1,200 yards, 8 touchdowns) and Jaylen Waddle (950 yards, 6 touchdowns). But their remaining schedule includes matchups against top-tier defenses like the Baltimore Ravens (ranked 3rd in total defense) and the Buffalo Bills (ranked 7th), teams that could disrupt their passing attack. Critics point to the Dolphins’ tendency to struggle against physical defenses—they scored just 17 points in a Week 6 loss to the Ravens—and question whether their offense can adapt when opponents limit Hill and Waddle’s deep threats. “The Dolphins have been great against average defenses, but the real test is ahead,” said former NFL defensive back Charles Woodson. “Can Tua make plays when the pocket collapses? Can they run the ball effectively enough to keep defenses honest? Those are the questions that will define their season.”

Remaining Season Questions Loom for the Miami Dolphins delves into the second major concern: Will their defense fix its late-game lapses? The Dolphins’ defense has been a mixed bag this season, ranking 12th in total defense but struggling to close out games. In three of their eight wins, they allowed opponents to tie or take the lead in the fourth quarter, relying on last-minute offensive heroics to secure victory. Most notably, in a Week 10 win over the New England Patriots, they surrendered a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter before Tagovailoa threw a game-winning touchdown pass with 20 seconds left. The issues stem from inconsistent pass rush (they rank 18th in sacks) and occasional breakdowns in the secondary, particularly when defending tight ends and slot receivers. With upcoming games against tight end Mark Andrews (Ravens) and slot receiver Stefon Diggs (Bills)—if Diggs returns from injury—the Dolphins’ defense will face even more pressure to improve. “Closing games is a skill, and right now, the Dolphins don’t have it,” said NFL analyst Mike Florio. “If they can’t fix their late-game issues, they’ll be one-and-done in the playoffs, no matter how good their offense is.”

Remaining Season Questions Loom for the Miami Dolphins highlights how the Miami Dolphins’ key players’ health could derail their momentum, especially at running back and on the offensive line. Running back Raheem Mostert, who has rushed for 850 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, has been limited in practice the past two weeks with a knee injury, and backup De’Von Achane is still recovering from an ankle sprain that sidelined him for four games. If Mostert misses time, the Dolphins’ run game—already inconsistent (ranked 16th in rushing yards per game)—could become a liability, forcing them to rely even more on their passing attack. On the offensive line, left tackle Terron Armstead has missed three games with a shoulder injury, and his backup, Austin Jackson, has struggled to protect Tagovailoa’s blind side, allowing four sacks in Armstead’s absence. “The Dolphins’ offense is built around keeping Tua upright and having a balanced attack,” said former NFL offensive lineman Joe Thomas. “If Mostert and Armstead can’t stay healthy, their whole system falls apart. The Miami Dolphins need these guys on the field if they want to compete for a Super Bowl.”

Remaining Season Questions Loom for the Miami Dolphins explores whether the Dolphins can handle the pressure of a tight AFC East race, especially with upcoming games against the Bills and Patriots. The Dolphins currently lead the Bills by one game in the division, but they face Buffalo twice in the final six weeks (Week 12 and Week 17) and New England once (Week 15). These games aren’t just about winning the division—they’re about seeding in the playoffs, as the AFC’s top seed (currently held by the Ravens) is still within reach. However, the Dolphins have a history of folding under pressure in division games: they’ve lost four of their past six matchups against the Bills, including a 24-21 loss earlier this season. “The AFC East is the toughest division in football, and the Dolphins haven’t proven they can dominate it,” said former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly. “Beating the Bills twice in a row isn’t easy, especially with the Bills fighting for their playoff lives. The Miami Dolphins need to show they can win the big games when it matters most.” The pressure is especially high for head coach Mike McDaniel, who is in his third season with the Dolphins and still searching for his first playoff win.

Remaining Season Questions Loom for the Miami Dolphins wraps up with the biggest question of all: Are the Dolphins truly a Super Bowl-caliber team, or are they just a regular-season success story? They’ve dominated weaker opponents, but they’ve struggled against the NFL’s top teams (1-2 against teams with winning records), and their defense has yet to prove it can stop elite offenses for a full 60 minutes. Additionally, Tagovailoa’s history of concussions remains a concern, as any injury to him would likely end the Dolphins’ championship hopes. However, there are reasons for optimism: their offense is one of the most explosive in NFL history, McDaniel has proven he can adjust his game plan, and Hill and Waddle are capable of taking over any game. “The Dolphins have all the pieces to win a Super Bowl—they just need to put it all together,” said Woodson. “The remaining six weeks will answer that question once and for all. Can they fix their defense? Can they stay healthy? Can they win the big games? If the answer to those questions is yes, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with. If not, they’ll be another team that falls short.” Remaining Season Questions Loom for the Miami Dolphins is more than just a list of concerns—it’s a countdown to the moment when the Dolphins will either cement their legacy or face another disappointing end to the season. For fans in Miami, the next two months will be a rollercoaster of hope, anxiety, and anticipation as they wait to see if their team can finally live up to its potential.