The Miami Dolphins entered the 2025 season already under pressure from their fan base after an uninspiring 2024 campaign in which they went 8-9 and missed the playoffs for the first time in two years. The offense was disjointed and poorly organized, and the defense was porous.
If Sunday’s performance against the Indianapolis Colts is any indication, things in 2025 are not looking much better. The Dolphins went on the road and were blown out 33-8 by a Colts team that has faced criticism for its quarterback situation, from the stalled development of Anthony Richardson to Daniel Jones becoming the starter. The result only highlighted the contrast between Miami’s struggles and the expectation that head coach Mike McDaniel could restore the Dolphins’ high-flying offense.
What is Wrong With the Dolphins?
The Colts’ win over the Dolphins ended the league’s longest active opening-day drought — a skid that spanned 11 games — and gave Indianapolis its first 1-0 start since 2013.
A Dolphins legend blasted Miami after the game. Hall of Fame running back Larry Csonka criticized the Dolphins for being “Unprepared. Uninspired. Unacceptable.”
Unprepared. Uninspired. Unacceptable. #MIAvsIND #UnFiltered #FinsUp
— Larry Csonka (@Larry_Csonka39) September 7, 2025
The Dolphins were abysmal. Their offense gained 43 yards, while the Colts ran 43 plays. Tua Tagovailoa completed 14 of 23 passes for 114 yards with two interceptions and lost a fumble on one of the three sacks he took.
The Dolphins ran for just 78 yards, with De’Von Achane leading the team with just seven carries for 55 yards. Achane did score a touchdown through the air, but it didn’t matter much as it came in the fourth quarter with the Dolphins down 30-0.
The much-hyped wide receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combined for eight catches and 40 yards with no touchdowns.
The defense was even worse. Indianapolis gashed them for 156 yards on the ground and another 262 yards through the air while dominating time of possession 38:43 to 21:17.
The game was so frustrating for the Dolphins that Hill had a sideline meltdown during the first half. This moment made its way to social media, sparking speculation that he could be on his way out within weeks.
All is well in Miami. Mike McDaniel: 49ers Senior Advisor by Thanksgiving. pic.twitter.com/f9szdFmQvy
— Ollie Connolly (@OllieConnolly) September 7, 2025
The loss will only fuel speculation that McDaniel could be fired unless a dramatic turnaround happens in the next few weeks.
Either way, the Dolphins have a lot of work to do before their next game, when the New England Patriots visit Sunday, Sept. 14, at Hard Rock Stadium at 1 p.m. ET.
