MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins’ opener in opposition to the Colts in Indianapolis will solely rely for one recreation amongst 17 to be performed within the common season.
However it’s going to really feel prefer it means a lot extra for Dolphins followers.
It’s the primary alternative for the franchise to redeem itself from a disappointing 8-9 file in the course of the 2024 season. Will probably be the primary pattern of proof of whether or not Miami’s offseason pivot from huge spending to constructing via the draft once more can produce fast outcomes. And onlookers get their first reply as to whether or not quarterback Tua Tagovailoa can spark his reference to huge receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and if the run recreation can successfully help in that effort.
All of it comes collectively because the Dolphins look to begin their 2025 season with a win in Sunday’s 1 p.m. kickoff at Lucas Oil Stadium.
“I don’t assume something that’s occurred earlier than this 12 months issues to this group,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel mentioned. “We’re going to should go earn, the arduous means, a win from a group that desires to win as unhealthy as we do.”
Miami has gained its previous 4 openers, the previous three whereas beneath the tutelage of McDaniel and all 4 with Tagovailoa the beginning quarterback.
Indianapolis hasn’t gained a Week 1 recreation prior to now 11 seasons, 10 losses and one tie.
“Hopefully, they see these information,” McDaniel quipped, “they usually’re similar to, ‘Yeah, we stand no likelihood; we’re simply going to take a knee each play.’ ”
The Dolphins traveled to Indianapolis final 12 months and misplaced an unpleasant 16-10 determination that proved pivotal towards their failure to make the playoffs by season’s finish.
It was with out Tagovailoa, who was pressured to take a seat out for a fourth and closing recreation on account of his placement on injured reserve to get well from a concussion. A mixture of Tyler “Snoop” Huntley and Tim Boyle performed quarterback that October afternoon in Indianapolis.
“It’s at all times a wrestle while you’re not in a position to be on the market together with your guys you’re employed countlessly, you’re employed tirelessly with,” Tagovailoa mentioned, “and simply can’t do something to assist however cheer them on or have communication with them on the sideline. I’ve mentioned it many instances, however I actually can’t be placing the group in that scenario.”
As Tagovailoa goals to remain wholesome for a full season for the second time in his profession, his first shot comes in opposition to a well-recognized face in longtime Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard, who debuts for the Colts after enjoying 102 regular-season and postseason video games with Miami however being out of soccer in 2024.
“I’ve received a variety of respect for (Howard),” Tagovailoa mentioned. “He was actually ‘The Final of the Mohicans.’ Once I received in, he was the OG once I received in right here, so I’ve received a variety of respect for him and I believe he was the longest-(tenured) Dolphin that I can keep in mind since being right here.”
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Tagovailoa appears to rekindle his on-field rapport with Hill and Waddle after a down 12 months final season. Together with Howard, the Colts added cornerback Charvarius Ward within the offseason and have a good nickel in Kenny Moore.
Whatever the precise defensive backs, a giant motive neither Hill nor Waddle reached 1,000 receiving yards final season for the primary time as Dolphins was a spike in two-high security shell protection opponents performed in 2024. It’s one thing new senior passing recreation coordinator Bobby Slowik, who struggled as Houston Texans offensive coordinator final 12 months, famous has been occurring throughout the NFL.
An efficient floor recreation will help manipulate the Colts protection to get out of these coverages and respect the run by bringing a security into the field.
The Dolphins will characteristic a mix of speedy third-year operating again De’Von Achane and rookie energy runner Ollie Gordon II after shedding veteran signing Alexander Mattison to a neck damage within the preseason and having second-year tailback Jaylen Wright out early with an ailing knee. Achane himself has been hampered by a calf damage in current weeks, however it gained’t preserve him off the sector Sunday.
Gordon brings an added ingredient of physicality within the run recreation that’s wanted. It’s one thing Miami additionally hopes to get from new starters on the offensive line: second-year left sort out Patrick Paul, rookie left guard Jonah Savaiinaea and veteran proper guard James Daniels, who’s questionable with an ankle damage.
The Colts have physicality of their very own the Dolphins have to be cautious of. They’ve a powerful left aspect of the offensive line with perennial All-Professional guard Quenton Nelson and budding left sort out Bernhard Raimann, and operating again Jonathan Taylor is among the hardest to convey down within the league.
Tackling, which may generally be troublesome in a Week 1 recreation, will probably be important.
“Our coaches at all times say, ‘They’ve but to create a participant who can run with out his legs,’ ” linebacker Jordyn Brooks mentioned this week.
Miami linebackers coach Joe Barry was happy to seek out out Brooks was repeating one among his fundamental educating factors on assault Taylor.
Stopping the run would be the first key for the Dolphins protection, earlier than their unproven secondary is put in opposition to quarterback Daniel Jones and his proficient receiving trio of Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and Josh Downs in a passing recreation that additionally has rookie tight finish Tyler Warren within the combine.
Sunday additionally marks the regular-season debuts for quite a lot of Dolphins rookies anticipated to play pivotal roles.
“It’s their first NFL recreation, not simply of the 12 months,” McDaniel mentioned, “with a packed stadium that’s solely cheering when the outcome doesn’t fall in your favor. That’s a distinct environment.”
Gordon, Savaiinaea, first-round choose and defensive sort out Kenneth Grant and cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. ought to all be huge elements in Sunday’s recreation with an opportunity fellow rookies in defensive tackles Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers additionally rotate in.
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