An overperforming Dolphins defense is being failed by their coaches at halftime
The Miami Dolphins' defense is outperforming expectations, but its disastrous third-quarter numbers reveal a troubling problem with Jeff Hafley's coaching.
Latest news and updates about the Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins' defense is outperforming expectations, but its disastrous third-quarter numbers reveal a troubling problem with Jeff Hafley's coaching.
The Miami Dolphins, sitting 1-6 after a Week 8 loss to the New England Patriots, receive a detailed position‑group grading from SI’s Tyler Carmona, with the wide receivers, defensive line and linebackers each earning B‑grades. Highlights include Josh Uche’s solid fourth‑down sack and Chop Robinson’s two sacks and versatile play. Trade chatter surrounds linebacker Brooks as the deadline approaches, while former ‘72 defensive lineman Bob Heinz passes away at 79. The piece previews the upcoming Week 9 showdown against the Detroit Lions and links to additional Phinsider coverage.
The Chicago Bears blast the Seattle Seahawks 34‑17 on Monday Night Football, with rookie QB Caleb Williams delivering a solid 24‑of‑34, 247‑yard passing performance, one touchdown and no interceptions. His TD‑INT ratio improves as Dak Prescott overtakes Jared Goff in the league chart, while the Bears edge closer to the franchise single‑season scoring record after adding 95 points in the last three games. Running backs Rome Odunze and Luther Burden are on track for 1,000‑yard seasons as the Bears eye tough matchups against the Buccaneers, Saints, Lions, Jaguars and Dolphins.
The Detroit Lions travel to Miami for Week 9, hoping to extend their three‑game winning streak against a struggling Dolphins squad that sits 1‑6. Quarterback Malik Willis, the new starter, has thrown six TDs and five interceptions while scrambling for 225 yards and three rushing TDs, but a porous offensive line (second‑worst pass‑block grade) has led to 21 sacks. Running back Ollie Gordon has been the bright spot, posting 408 yards and a team‑high four rushing TDs. Defensively, Miami ranks near the bottom in sacks, run defense (31st) and tackling, allowing the league‑best 76.9% completion rate. Injuries include RB De’Von Achane (IR) and G/T Kadyn Proctor (concussion).
Ahead of Week 9, Pride of Detroit asks fans two key questions: will the Lions defeat the 1‑6 Miami Dolphins and are they confident in the team's direction? Riding a three‑game win streak and favored by a -7 point line from FanDuel, Detroit looks poised to extend the run after recent victories over the Packers and Vikings. The fan confidence poll has fluctuated this season, currently hovering near 80%, and the outlet invites readers to vote in the weekly SB Nation survey.
The Patriots clinched a 24‑19 win over Miami in Week 8, prompting a key offensive line shake‑up. Walter Rouse started at left guard but was replaced at halftime by Ben Brown, who finished with 34 snaps (57%) and is now the likely starter while Alijah Vera‑Tucker recovers. The line otherwise stayed intact, with Matt Pryor anchoring right guard. Rookie Eli Raridon logged a career‑high 92% of tight‑end snaps after Hunter Henry left with a foot injury. On defense, Carlton Davis returned from a neck injury, playing 63 of 65 snaps, while newcomer Jaylen Reed saw his first significant snap share of the season. The full snap‑count report details every player’s participation in the 31:09 offensive and 26:33 defensive units.
The Dolphins have rookies contributing everywhere, including the top three players on the team's defensive snap count chart.
The Miami Dolphins have not been linked to trading Chop Robinson, but maybe they should be. Robinson offers a lot of upside for another team.
Mike Vrabel is still backing the second-year kicker after missing another field goal against the Dolphins this weekend.
Start em or sit em? Fantasy football start or sit decisions can be excruciating. While it feels great to make the right call and cruise to fantasy glory, it hurts just as much when you have someone erupt while on ... read more »
The Miami Dolphins mourn former defensive lineman Bob Heinz, who died in California on Oct. 31 at age 79. Heinz was a key part of the franchise’s historic 1972 perfect season, starting 11 games—including all three playoff matches—and contributing to the No‑Name Defense that allowed just 12.2 points per game en route to a 14‑0 regular‑season (17‑0 overall) record. Drafted 37th overall in 1969, he played eight seasons in Miami before finishing his career with the Washington Redskins in 1978, tallying 11.5 sacks in 122 games. The team issued a heartfelt statement on X, and former teammate Larry Csonka honored the 1972 legacy on social media.
The Daily Norseman’s SB Nation Reacts survey asks Vikings fans if a quarterback change is overdue after a 15-10 win over the Miami Dolphins exposed offensive woes and a recent loss to Detroit ended the team’s unbeaten streak. With the NFC North lead still at stake and a Monday night clash against the Buffalo Bills looming, fans are urged to weigh in on Kyler Murray’s performance and the feasibility of a trade before the deadline. The poll also gauges overall confidence in the Vikings as the season tightens.
The Phinsider teases the Dolphins' Week 9 clash with the 5‑2 Detroit Lions, inviting fans to predict defensive leaders (tackles, interceptions, touchdowns) and offensive standouts (receiving yards, touchdowns, rushing totals). After recent wins over the Jets and a near‑upset of the Patriots, Miami faces a tougher home battle at Ford Field. Readers are encouraged to share their projected stat lines and MVP picks for both sides of the ball in the comments.
Former Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Bob Heinz, a key member of the legendary "No-Name Defense" that powered the NFL’s only perfect season, dies at 79. Heinz passed away on October 31, 2026, in Fresno, California, a death confirmed by his son and reported by Dolphins reporter Joe Schad. He played for Miami from 1969‑1977, starting eight games during the 1972 championship run and winning back‑to‑back Super Bowls (VII and VIII) while also appearing in Super Bowl VI. Over 100 NFL games, he recorded nine sacks and helped cement the Dolphins' dynasty under Don Shula.
Greg Bedard of BostonSportsJournal.com joins the show and opens the hour discussing his takeaways from the Patriots win over the Dolphins on Sunday.
The latest AFC notes reveal Bills lineman Spencer Brown admitting he used heavy medication to play through back pain, with NFL approval, after a tough loss in Los Angeles. Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley stresses that the team must learn from blowing a lead against the Patriots and keep improving. Meanwhile, Jets coach Aaron Glenn says he isn’t worried about his job, but emphasizes the need to fix the passing game and avoid third‑down penalties as the squad looks to win nine more games. The updates come from NBC Sports, ESPN and NFLTradeRumors.co, published November 3, 2026.
The Washington Commanders claim undrafted rookie RB Robert Henry Jr. off waivers from Seattle on Nov. 3, 2026, after he spent a brief stint on the Seahawks' active roster. Henry, a Texas‑San Antonio product who shone in the preseason, joins a backfield already featuring Austin Ekeler and Rachaad White, offering slashing potential despite still developing ball security and pass protection. The move coincides with Jeremy McNichols' foot injury, prompting questions about depth. Meanwhile, the Commanders released sixth‑round rookie Kaytron Allen, who was promptly picked up by the Dolphins.
DeMario Douglas and Kyle Williams scored long touchdowns against Miami, while Efton Chism III led New England in receptions. All […]
Sharp Football Analysis rolls out its Week 9 waiver wire guide, highlighting quarterbacks Malik Willis (Dolphins) and Michael Penix (Falcons) as top adds, both available in over 80% of ESPN leagues. Running backs Mike Washington (Raiders), Chris Rodriguez, Tyler Allgeier and Seth McGowan lead the RB list, while wide receivers Antonio Williams, Adonai Mitchell and Jordyn Tyson top the WR picks. Tight end options include Greg Dulcich and Eli Raridon. The article notes deep‑cut targets and directs readers to FAABLab for bid strategies, skipping kickers and defenses.
Miami has lost a member of one of the greatest teams in NFL history.
Detroit will be short-handed defensively against the Dolphins.
The Patriots rally to a 24‑19 victory over the Dolphins, with Drake Maye and Rhamondre Stevenson igniting an injury‑laden lineup. In the Greg Bedard podcast, they break down the win, recap injury updates on Mack Hollins, Hunter Henry and A.J. Brown, and analyze the running‑back depth after Lan Larison’s promotion, raising questions about TreVeyon Henderson’s mysterious illness and future. The hosts also preview the upcoming home clash with Green Bay and outline the Patriots’ top five trade‑deadline priorities, naming possible outbound players. Highlights include Maye’s elite second‑half TD to Kyle Williams, offensive‑line performance, and a “three up, three down” recap of the game.
The Miami Dolphins are once again at the center of speculation about a Lamar Jackson trade, but it would undermine their patient approach.
Blake Corum extends his scoring streak, ripping a 23-yard TD in the Rams’ 24‑9 win over the Chargers and finishing with 73 rushing yards. Fellow Wolverines Josaiah Stewart (six tackles, one sack) and Josh Wallace (four tackles) also contribute on defense. In Detroit, former Michigan linebacker Josh Metellus leads with 13 tackles and a pass breakup as the Lions hand Minnesota a 19‑15 loss. The roundup also notes other ex‑Wolverines making impacts this week, from Ben Bredson’s guard start in Tampa Bay’s shutout to Josh Uche’s sack for Miami, highlighting the Wolverines’ league‑wide presence in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season.
The Phinsider rips the officiating and sloppy play that kept the Miami Dolphins from beating the New England Patriots on Nov. 1, 2026. After two “half‑games” the Dolphins fell short despite a hard‑fought effort, with Patriots’ DeMario Douglas scoring a TD. Writer decries biased calls—labeling a controversial first‑down as a “Deux et Machina” moment—and laments the team’s inability to gain short-yardage runs, while praising modest O‑line improvements. Special‑teams woes, including a missed field‑goal, also hurt Miami. The piece blends frustration over NFL referees with a gritty look at the Dolphins’ on‑field shortcomings.