SerpApi.Org
A new era for the Miami Dolphins has arrived.
When training camp practices begin next week, there will be several new faces around Miami Gardens, including first-year head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan.
Like several other teams, the Dolphins will enter the season with uncertainty at a few positions.
Sports Illustrated's Eva Geitheim released one burning question for each team, and whether Malik Willis can succeed after signing a three-year, $67 million contract in March is at the top of the list.
“Malik Willis has finally received his opportunity to be a starting quarterback, but his supporting cast might be the worst in the NFL,” Geitheim wrote. “Outside of running back De’Von Achane, there are no proven weapons on the offense. No receiver on the Dolphins has recorded more than 610 yards in a season, and Willis will have to rely on unproven commodities as he looks to make his case to be a long-term starter.”
Malik Washington and Miami's unproven receiver group
Miami's offense surrounding Willis leaves a lot to be desired. Malik Washington, Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert are expected to be the team's three starting receivers, but they have combined for just 268 career receptions, highlighting the lack of proven production in the Dolphins' receiving corps.
Bobby Slowik must fix Miami's offense
There are also concerns about the Dolphins' offensive line. Left tackle Patrick Paul and center Aaron Brewer, who earned second-team All-Pro honors, are coming off excellent seasons. However, Kadyn Proctor, whom the Dolphins selected 12th overall in the NFL Draft, will move from left tackle, where he played at Alabama, to left guard. Jonah Savaiinaea will also shift to right guard after allowing eight sacks while playing left guard as a rookie.
Geitheim's concerns aren't limited to the players on the Dolphins' offense. She is also skeptical of Bobby Slowik's return as an NFL offensive coordinator for the first time since being fired by the Houston Texans following the 2024 season.
“Slowik previously called plays for the Texans for two seasons, and while he was praised for Stroud’s rookie-season success and considered a head-coaching candidate, he also took the brunt of the blame and was fired after Stroud’s sophomore slump,” Geitheim wrote. “He will look to rebound while calling the offense for a Dolphins team lacking playmakers outside of Achane.”
Slowik is expected to bring a more physical brand of offense to a Dolphins team that played a finesse style under former head coach Mike McDaniel. He also wants to tailor the scheme to Willis' strengths while minimizing his weaknesses.
“It’s always a balance,” Slowik said during the offseason. “We have some core beliefs and fundamentals that we really want to make sure we do. I believe in keeping the defense off balance. I believe in running the football, skewing as close to fifty-fifty on first and second down as you can.
“There are core tenets that are always going to be there, and then everything beyond that, you really are working within your scheme to fit the guys you have. Some of that has to do with the quarterback. Some of that has to do with the running backs. Some of that has to do with the offensive line, tight end, and receivers. That's all the way across the board, so it's always a work in progress.”
