The Miami Dolphins’ 30-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving night has reinforced the growing belief that the team isn’t tough enough to compete at a high level. Once again, they faltered in a big game, with a slow start that put them in a massive hole. Despite a solid performance from Tua Tagovailoa, the team’s overall softness on both sides of the ball became glaringly evident, especially in their inability to run the ball and missed tackles on defense.
The Dolphins’ struggles have been building for years, with their lack of physicality particularly exposed in matchups against strong teams. The running game, a supposed strength under coach Mike McDaniel, has been anemic, averaging just 63.25 yards per game since their Week 9 loss to the Buffalo Bills. On defense, missed tackles and poor execution allowed the Packers to gain extra yards and finish with a season-high 174 yards after the catch.
This isn’t just a one-game issue for Miami. The team’s inability to win battles in the trenches, lack of physicality in the running game, and missed opportunities on defense are recurring themes that have defined the Dolphins under McDaniel. Despite their success against weaker teams, Miami has struggled to match up against playoff-caliber opponents, with a 3-9 record in such games when Tua is healthy. The team has doubled down on speed and skill players but has failed to address the need for more physicality and tougher players on both sides of the ball.
With another playoff-caliber team dismantling the Dolphins, the question remains whether the franchise will make the necessary changes to get tougher and compete when it matters most.
The Dolphins’ performance against Green Bay left much to be desired, particularly in terms of how they approached physical matchups. Miami’s offensive line has been a constant source of frustration, particularly against stronger defenses. With key lineman Austin Jackson sidelined for the season, the Dolphins’ O-line has been unable to create the push needed to establish a consistent running game. Against the Packers, Miami’s running backs managed only 39 yards on 14 carries, a stat that highlights the struggles of an offense that’s supposed to rely on speed and motion to make up for its lack of physical dominance.
The poor performance on offense, combined with defensive shortcomings, allowed Green Bay to build a commanding 24-3 lead at halftime. Miami’s defense, meanwhile, missed 20 tackles, resulting in the Packers’ offense gaining yards after the catch and exposing holes in the secondary. While the Dolphins managed to make some adjustments in the second half, outscoring the Packers 14-6, it was a case of too little, too late.
Tua Tagovailoa’s individual effort has often been one of the few bright spots for the Dolphins. In this game, he finished 37-of-46 for 365 yards and two touchdowns. Despite a few missteps, such as taking sacks and missing a few easy throws, he was the only reason the Dolphins were in the game at all. However, the inability of the rest of the team to perform in key moments highlighted a larger issue: Miami lacks the toughness and physicality necessary to compete with the league’s best.
The Dolphins have been criticized for their small, speed-based skill players who struggle when the game becomes a battle of physicality. Players like Tyreek Hill and De’Von Achane excel in space, but when forced to grind out tough yards or fight for extra yardage, they’ve often been outmatched by more physical teams. The same can be said about their offensive line, where most players are designed to operate in open space rather than dominate the line of scrimmage. Miami’s failure to adapt to different styles of play has made them susceptible to teams that can impose their will, especially in tough conditions like cold weather games.
On the defensive side, the Dolphins have similar issues with their inability to tackle effectively in high-pressure situations. Missed tackles by key players like Jalen Ramsey, who usually excels in this area, allowed Green Bay to gain valuable yards after the catch. The Packers capitalized on this poor tackling to extend plays and maintain drives, while the Dolphins struggled to make key stops when needed most.
This loss to Green Bay only adds to the growing concern that Miami is failing to address its weaknesses in the offseason. Despite recognizing their deficiencies last year, the Dolphins doubled down on their speed-based strategy, adding more skill players without addressing the need for physical upgrades in the trenches or the secondary. Their failure to sign more physical guards or improve the safety position has left the team vulnerable in key moments.
The road ahead for the Dolphins seems fraught with difficulty. With another playoff-caliber team exposing their weaknesses, Miami must now face the reality of whether their approach is sustainable for long-term success. The narrative about the team being “soft” has been proven true once again, but the question remains: can the Dolphins make the necessary changes to get tougher and become legitimate contenders, or will they continue to be outmuscled in the big moments?
As Miami prepares for the rest of the season, the pressure will mount to make the necessary adjustments. Will they embrace physicality and toughness, or will they continue to rely on their speed and skill players to carry them? The answer to that question could determine whether this team can truly compete for a championship or remain stuck in a cycle of disappointing performances when it matters most. The clock is ticking for the Dolphins, and they need to decide if they’re willing to adapt before it’s too late.
