Welcome to the 2025 season edition of Miami Dolphins Q&A, where South Florida Sun Sentinel writers David Furones and Chris Perkins answer questions from readers.
Q: Would you guys consider keeping McD if he wins out? — @rashonbrockenbrough6009
If Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel leads this team to a 10-7 record, yes, most definitely you’d have to consider him returning. He’d practically be guaranteed to return. I say that mainly because he’d be doing four things we haven’t seen previously from McDaniel-coached teams — an eight-game winning streak (previous best is five games), defeating three playoff-caliber teams (Buffalo, Tampa Bay and New England; previous best is two in 2022), winning in December-January and winning late-season road games.
Along with that, I’d want a requirement that McDaniel moves toward more of a physical/aggressive style on both sides of the ball with more emphasis on the run game offensively. I wouldn’t favor employing the same strategy/philosophy that’s failed to win a playoff game (assuming a playoff win doesn’t happen this season).
Q: 9-7 doesn’t seem so crazy, Perk. — @deanrodriguez4746 on Dolphins Deep Dive w/Perk
It’s still ambitious to think this team could reach that mark. That would mean going into the season finale at New England, the Dolphins (4-7) would have won seven of their last eight games. As we know, the Dolphins aren’t good enough to assume a victory in any game, including New Orleans (2-9) or the New York Jets (2-9). Having said that, the games to watch in your scenario are at Pittsburgh (Monday, Dec. 15), vs. Cincinnati (Sunday night, Dec. 21) and vs. Tampa Bay (Dec. 28).
Q: This season is over, the Dolphins always are a little too late for everything, in the hunt for what? To get embarrassed? — @lennypena5587 on Dolphins Deep Dive w/Perk
Granted, there’s only a slight chance for a playoff berth. But there’s a chance, so keep playing hard and trying to win. I always want to win. I don’t favor tanking in most cases, and certainly not for the 2025 Dolphins. Finishing 8-9 or 9-8 won’t earn a playoff berth, but winning games means a team is learning winning habits. I value a playoff berth more than draft position. And even if you lose, 62-7, in the playoffs, you’d have experienced a whole lot of success and answered a lot of coaching and personnel questions on the road to the playoffs.
Q: Perk/Furones — who is going to step up outside of Waddle and Achane? Forcing them the ball is not a sustainable model. We have to scheme for another target to make teams pay. Is it Malik? Ced? Greg D? — @MrDorianSims on Dolphins Deep Dive w/Perk
Short of tight end Darren Waller (pectoral) and right tackle Austin Jackson (toe) returning from the injured reserve list, I think you’ve got what you’ve got offensively. Waller (four touchdowns in four games) will be a huge help when he does return. As we saw, he’s a playmaker. The Dolphins shouldn’t force the ball to others. Wide receiver Malik Washington and tight end Greg Dulcich both seem capable of making plays, but not yet on a regular basis such as Waddle, Achane or Waller. I don’t think wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. is ready for a major role.
Q: How do we get Stephen Ross to change his ways? — @fitzgrass on Dolphins Deep Dive w/Perk
Dolphins owner Steve Ross is loyal and likes stability. Ross told you the deal in his January statement announcing that McDaniel and former general manager Chris Grier would return for the 2025 season. “Their positive working relationship is an asset to the Dolphins, and I believe in the value of stability,” the statement said, adding continuity in leadership doesn’t mean he’s accepting the status quo.
Ross was loyal to Grier for years, and he values the stability that McDaniel has provided for three-plus seasons. I’m guessing that loyalty and stability have served Ross, a billionaire, very well in his other businesses, and that’s likely why he treasures it with the Dolphins. So, getting Ross to change ways that have served him well in other businesses would probably be tough.
Q: Do you think we will continue with a 6th lineman with our TE Waller coming back? — @RayDiaz-t3r on Dolphins Deep Dive w/Perk
Yes, I think guard-center Daniel Brunskill will continue in his role as sixth offensive lineman/tight end when Waller returns. Waller is a receiving tight end and Brunskill serves as a blocking tight end. They have different skill sets and could be on the field at the same time. But I’m sure opponents are aware that Brunskill played some tight end at San Diego State and in high school, and they know he’s capable of catching a pass.