The Miami Dolphins are the league’s youngest team, fielding a roster full of rookies and second-year players trying to quickly adapt to the speed of the game and the demands of the professional level. They face a steep learning curve as they try to minimize rookie mistakes and learn from the ones they make. The team needs their veteran players to step up and carry the weight of the franchise while the younger players work to reach their potential.
Against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4, that is exactly
what happened on defense. Suddenly, the Dolphins’ pass rush was disruptive, led by defensive tackle Zach Sieler and edge rushers Chop Robinson and Josh Uche. Sieler recorded two sacks during the game, Uche added another, and Robinson dominated with 10 pressures and a sack on Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray.
Those are the performances the Dolphins need from their experienced players. Miami Herald writer Omar Kelly took a closer look at the performances from the veterans and stressed the importance of getting top-tier performances from all their veteran players:
We have seen plenty of development from the Dolphins’ first- and second-year players, which is what this 2026 season is about considering the scorched-earth rebuild the franchise began this past offseason.
Just imagine what this team could look like, how it might perform, if the Dolphins veterans got their act together…
Mistakes happen in football, especially when a team’s adjusting to a new coaching staff, new technique, hasn’t carved out an identity yet, and is working toward creating culture.
But the players that should be setting the standard are the veterans…
The Dolphins need more from the team’s mature players if the 2026 team plans to produce a win in the second quarter of the season, which is filled with winnable games considering Miami’s next four opponents — the Bengals, New York Jets on the road, and New England and Detroit at home — all struggled in the first quarter of the season.
Welcome to the Splash Zone, a collection of Dolphins stories from around the web curated for you each morning. You can check out that story and more right here:
Dolphins need team’s veterans to carry their weight – Omar Kelly, Miami Herald
Zach Sieler played one of the best games of his nine-year NFL career on Sunday, delivering his seventh multi-sack game.
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Dolphins 0-4 start to 2026
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How Dolphins Head Coach Jeff Hafley Addressed Three Key Problem Areas … And Our Take On His Takes – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
Jeff Hafley is looking for his young team to make steady progress after starting off 0-4 in the 2026 regular season
The surprising part of how Dolphins have arrived at 0-4. And Gordon/Grant/Wright – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
A six-pack of Dolphins notes on a Wednesday:
Jeff Hafley’s clear message to Dolphins: Get on board or move on – Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
Every now and then Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley says something that makes your ears perk up.
Three things moving in the right direction for Dolphins, three things that aren’t – Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
It’s good that the Miami Dolphins have shown improvement recently in areas such as the run game and pass rush. But let’s keep it real. If the improvement doesn’t eventually turn into victories, it’s devalued to the point where it’s almost useless.
Dolphins injuries
Dolphins WR Caleb Douglas (ankle) still not practicing in Week 5 – C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald
The Miami Dolphins will still be without their top wideout for the time being.
Dolphins’ Kenneth Grant returns to practice; could 2025 first-round pick play vs. Bengals? – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
The process for second-year Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Kenneth Grant to approach a return took another step Wednesday.
Dolphins’ Hafley dishes on Grant, Robinson, others. And answer on judging Willis – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
Three days after Chop Robinson had a stellar game against Minnesota, another former Dolphins first-rounder, defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, returned to practice Wednesday, hoping to raise his game after a pedestrian rookie season.
Grant’s Return Highlights First Dolphins Injury Report for Week 5, But Biggest Story Belongs to Bengals – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
Miami Dolphins CB Storm Duck has spent the first month of the regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list
Chop Robinson
Why it’s far too early for Miami Dolphins to give up on Chop Robinson – Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
It was too early to give up on Chop Robinson and if you don’t believe me, consider he had 10 pressures ― count ’em, 10 ― in the Miami Dolphins’ recent loss at the Minnesota Vikings.
Jacob Rodriguez
Four games in and Dolphins LB Jacob Rodriguez is already breaking records – C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald
Four games in and Jacob Rodriguez is already breaking a Hall of Famer’s record.
Jordan Phillips
How Miami Dolphins DT Jordan Phillips Quietly Could Become a Star (Like a Newer Tim Bowens) – Tyler Carmona, Miami Dolphins on SI
The big defensive lineman from the University of Maryland is headed into his second NFL season
Jonah Savaiinaea
Is it not as simple as left and right for Dolphins’ Jonah Savaiinaea? – David Furonaes, South Florida Sun Sentinel
All offseason, much was made of Miami Dolphins second-year lineman Jonah Savaiinaea’s move from left guard to right guard.
Dolphins at Vikings review
There’s one positive in Dolphins WR Chris Bell’s blunder vs. Vikings – C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald
It was a moment that he would probably like to forget.
Dolphins vs. Bengals preview
Five things to watch for in Miami Dolphins vs. Cincinnati Bengals – Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
The winless Miami Dolphins (0-4) host the Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in their last game before their bye week. Although Miami began the week as a seven-point underdog, this could be its breakthrough game considering Cincinnati’s injury situation.
Dolphins opponent news: Cincinnati Bengals, Week 5
Bengals Film Room: New defensive line additions doing their part – Dale Altman, Cincy Jungle
The Cincinnati defensive line has been dominant most of the season.
Zac Taylor rising up NFL Hot Seat Rankings – Patrick Carey, Cincy Jungle
After two straight losses, Taylor is facing heat again.
Bengals vs. Dolphins Injury Report: Tee Higgins and Bryan Cook DNP – Drew Garrison, Cincy Jungle
Plenty to monitor.
Ja’Marr Chase remains in NFL concussion protocol, but Colbie Young is back at practice – Jason Marcum, Cincy Jungle
Some good and bad news for the Bengals’ wide receiver room entering Week 5.
What needs to change for the Cincinnati Bengals to get their season back on track – Andrew Hines, Cincy Jungle
Zac Taylor needs to look in the mirror and realize it’s time for him to make a major change to his coaching.
Bengals Film Room: Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight play well vs. Jaguars – Dale Altman, Cincy Jungle
Can we start seeing good performances more consistently from both linebackers?
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Dolphins fan confidence poll: Week 5 – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
How are you feeling about the direction of the Miami Dolphins – Week 5 edition
Jeff Hafley remains confident in direction of Miami Dolphins – Marek Brave, The Phinsider
“We will flip this thing.”
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