There might not be another team under more pressure than the Miami Dolphins.
After a 33-8 beatdown from the Indianapolis Colts, the NFL world was already calling for the job of Mike McDaniel. Fast-forward to Week 2, the Dolphins then shot themselves in the foot by giving away a lead against the New England Patriots.
A 27-20 lead was established in the fourth quarter, as Dolphins returner Malik Washington ran a 74-yard return to the house for a touchdown. However, on the very next play, the Patriots responded with their own kickoff return touchdown.
The final score of 33-27 left the Dolphins 0-2, heading into an important matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
Miami is on a short week, as is Buffalo, but everyone expects the Dolphins to once again get beaten up. It is hard not to believe that, given the trajectory the team is currently on.
Still, there are many who believe that the Dolphins might shock the NFL world and pull off an upset win. One such person is Miami legend Dan Marino.
Marino joined SportsCenter to talk about the Dolphins, and he shed light on the idea that Miami could rebound against the Bills. In fact, he pointed to the 2024 season as a major reason why this game could go the Dolphins' way.
"You gotta have the mindset to turn it around. You got a short week. I feel like we got good players that can go in there and win a game. I think that is the message that Mike is going to send to the players ... I think last year the Dolphins lost by a field goal at the last second. We can beat them up there for sure. It's a tough task, though."
Marino points to past contests, especially in 2024. The Dolphins did lose by a field goal in their second meeting with the Bills during Week 9 and were in a much worse place by then with a 2-5 record.
They are only 0-2 now, and could easily rebound with big performances from Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Chop Robinson, and more.
Marino understands that this Dolphins team may not be as bad as they are perceived, and that is a feeling that is shared around the league. Bills star quarterback Josh Allen stated that Miami is "unpredictable," and they are "They're playing a lot better than maybe what their records show."
Despite the 0-2 start, Miami needs to find a way to notch a win, and they may be able to do so against the Bills. A quality win against a quality opponent might also stop the chatter that McDaniel needs to be relieved of his duties.
But if the Dolphins march into Buffalo and are dominated, there might be some sweeping changes in the coming days following the loss.
For more on the Dolphins and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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