This is a critical year for many teams trying to get back toward playoff contention after taking a step down last season.
The Miami Dolphins took a significant fall from the 2023 season, where they finished with an overall record of 11-6, to the previous season, where they finished 8-9. Injuries and coaching philosophies are real measures to blame for the team's misfortunes.
The team is looking to be healthier this 2025 season but there are still fans that are overly concerned about the Dolphins' ability to contend in the AFC East. The Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots improved their roster this offseason.
On Thursday's appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Hollywood actor, author, and Miami Dolphins fan Josh Gad talked about the Dolphins' chance this 2025 season to contend for a divisional title. Gad likes head coach Mike McDaniel but is concerned that other teams have caught up to his schemes.
Miami Dolphins Fan @joshgad on The Rich Eisen show talks about being a Dolphins fan and his thoughts on Mike McDaniel. pic.twitter.com/pnHWuiBDD2
— DolphinsTalk.com (@DolphinsTalk) March 14, 2025
"I actually think he's an outstanding coach who's going to continue to blossom. I just wish some of the plays weren't as cute as they are. It appeared obvious to me that everybody in the league figured us out last year and I think you need to be able to adapt and I think he will. I think this season is going to be, hopefully, X's and O's again and just getting back to the basics a little bit."
Miami's offense plummeted in production from the year before. The Dolphins were 22nd in the league in points per game (20.3) compared to the 2023 season, where they were ranked second (29.2), only behind the Dallas Cowboys. A portion of the production fall was due to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missing six total games.
Dolphins fans like what they see in McDaniel. If the team can't adjust their schemes, however, McDaniel is going to be the first to blame.
Related: Dolphins Get Help in Defensive Line in Latest NFL Mock Draft
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This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM.