The Miami Dolphins showed signs of life against the Kansas City Chiefs — keeping the deficit to just one score until a late touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes to Travis Kelce sealed their fate. Unfortunately, “keeping it close” doesn’t amount to a hill of beans in the win/loss column. However, like head coach Jeff Hafley has preached since he took the job in Miami, this year isn’t necessarily about winning or losing — it’s about showing growth, building a solid foundation and getting better every
time the team takes the field.
I believe they did that against the Chiefs.
So, whose stock is up and whose stock is down after week three’s loss to Kansas City?
FINS UP
Our Fins Up player from Miami’s week three loss is rookie receiver Chris Bell. Fellow standout rookie Caleb Douglas sat out this week’s game due to an ankle injury, giving Bell an opportunity to shine. He did just that — nabbing four receptions for a team leading 67 yards receiving — nearly 1/3 of quarterback Malik Willis’ 210 yards passing.
Bell’s quick return to action following a late-season ACL tear last November while playing in college at Louisville is nothing short of astounding. He’s shown flashes of the player who was talked about as a late first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft prior to his knee injury, and as he continues to work his way back to full strength, the Dolphins will continue to benefit from his solid play.
I don’t think we’re too far away from Bell’s first touchdown grab as a member of the Miami Dolphins. Can he find paydirt this weekend against the Minnesota Vikings? Stay tuned!
FINS DOWN
Through no fault of his own, running back De’Von Achane earns this week’s Fins Down designation. On just his third carry of the game against Kansas City, Miami’s electric running back went down with a seemingly innocuous knee injury. Unfortunately, it was anything but.
Achane wouldn’t return to the game — further hampering Miami’s already wounded rushing attack. The Dolphins would amass just 46 yards rushing from players not named Achane or Malik Willis for the rest of the tilt against the Chiefs.
Following the loss, Hafley said the early outlooks regarding Achane’s knee “do not sound very optimistic.” Those are not the words any Dolphins’ fan wants to hear when it comes to the team’s most dangerous weapon.
