What Separates the Miami Dolphins from the NFL’s Elite Teams

The Miami Dolphins have consistently been a competitive team in recent years, but they haven’t been able to break into the upper echelon of the NFL’s elite franchises. What separates them from the league’s best? Several key factors highlight the gap between the Dolphins and perennial contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens.

Another postseason, another reminder of what the Miami Dolphins are lacking. For years, the Dolphins have been told they need to be more physical, especially in the trenches. Yet, season after season, they fall short in the areas that matter most when the stakes are highest. If this year’s NFL playoffs have made anything clear, it’s that true contenders are built in the trenches. Until the Dolphins follow that blueprint, they’ll remain on the outside looking in.

Baltimore Ravens: Winning with Power

The Ravens are a prime example of what Miami lacks. Baltimore’s offensive line creates lanes for Derrick Henry, wearing down defenses over four quarters. They don’t just rely on Lamar Jackson’s MVP-level play; they dictate games with a physical identity that starts in the trenches.

Key Stats:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 187.6 (1st in the NFL)
• Offensive Line Sacks Allowed: 23 (4th in the NFL)
• Defensive Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 80.1 (1st in the NFL)

Kansas City Chiefs: The Defensive Line Wins Championships

While Patrick Mahomes is the face of the franchise, the Chiefs’ defense has been just as crucial to their postseason success. Their ability to generate pressure and disrupt opposing offenses has been game-changing, as seen in their dismantling of Houston’s offensive line in the Divisional Round.

Key Stats:

• Team Sacks: 39 (18th in the NFL. 10 Sacks through two playoff games.)
• Opponent Rushing Yards Per Game: 101.8 (8th in the NFL)
• 19.2 Opponent Points Per Game (4th)

Philadelphia Eagles: The Gold Standard in the Trenches

The Eagles’ success starts up front. With one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive lines, they’ve allowed Saquon Barkley to rack up 2,000 rushing yards while keeping Jalen Hurts upright. Their defensive front has been equally imposing, controlling the line of scrimmage and shutting down opposing rushing attacks.

Key Stats:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 179.3 (2nd in the NFL)
• 17.8 Opponent Points Per Game (2nd)
• Defensive Sacks: 41 (13th in the NFL)

Buffalo Bills: A Division Rival Built in the Trenches

The Bills have crafted a team that wins in the trenches. They rank in the top 15 in both rushing offense and defense, giving Josh Allen a reliable foundation. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage is a major reason why they continue to contend, while Miami continues to struggle.

Key Stats:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 131.2 (9th in the NFL)
• 1.9 Takeaways Per Game (3rd in the NFL)
• Defensive Rushing Yards Allowed: 115.5 (12th in the NFL)

Where the Dolphins Fall Short

Miami’s deficiencies in the trenches are well-documented. The offensive line has been a revolving door of injuries and inconsistency, while the defensive front has lacked depth, often getting pushed around by more physical opponents. Even before injuries hit, the Dolphins struggled against teams that played with power. When Terron Armstead was down, the offensive line became a liability, leaving Tua Tagovailoa and others exposed to constant pressure.

On defense, the Dolphins showcased the ability to stop the run allowing only 103.7 yards per game. Yet this season Miami could not tackle, create pressure (35 sacks, 27th in league), create turnovers (0.9 per game, 27th), and ultimately gave up too many big plays.

Additionally, the safety position has become an area of concern for Miami’s defense. The Dolphins have not had a consistent, ball-hawking safety capable of disrupting the passing game. Their safeties have combined for only 0 interceptions, 0. The Dolphins were often gashed deep down the field and suffered numerous miscommunications enabling big plays.

Overall, Anthony Weaver has been a great fit for Miami and maintaining him for this upcoming season is a huge win for the Dolphins. Get him “his” guys and see where he takes this defense.

Mike McDaniel has brought a dynamic offensive system to Miami, turning the Dolphins into one of the league’s most explosive teams. However, his system relies on speed and finesse, which can struggle against more physical teams in the playoffs. If Miami wants to compete with the NFL’s elite, McDaniel must evolve his philosophy to emphasize physicality—especially in the trenches. His offensive creativity is an asset, but without a strong foundation up front, it won’t be enough to push the Dolphins to championship contention.

A Strong Defense Moving Forward

Despite struggles in the trenches, the Dolphins’ defense showed promise this season. Under defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Miami’s defense took strides, ranking among the league’s better units in several key categories. With Weaver returning, continuity on that side of the ball should provide a major boost. If the Dolphins can provide him with better playmakers—especially in the trenches and secondary—the defense has the potential to take another significant leap forward.

Key Defensive Stats:

• Total Yards Allowed Per Game: 314.3 (4th in the NFL)
• 6th Ranked Red Zone Defense (49.09 touchdown percent)
• 21.4 PPG Allowed (1oth)

How Miami Can Catch Up

To close the gap with the NFL’s best, the Dolphins must overhaul their approach to roster construction.

1. Invest in the Offensive Line
   With Terron Armstead potentially retiring, Miami has only two reliable starters in Aaron Brewer and Austin Jackson (who has injury concerns of his own). The Dolphins must prioritize acquiring linemen who bring toughness and durability, both in free agency and the draft.
2. Rebuild the Interior Defensive Line
   With multiple free agents at the position, Miami must add run-stuffers and versatile pass rushers. Pairing another dominant presence alongside Zach Sieler would strengthen the defensive front, especially with the return of Bradley Chubb(?), Jaelan Phillips, and Chop Robinson on the edge.
3. Commit to a More Physical Running Game
   The Eagles and Ravens have shown that a strong ground attack sets the tone. Miami has electric playmakers like De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright, but they need a cohesive, physical offensive line to maximize their potential.
4. Draft and Sign Players with a Physical Identity
   Speed and skill matter, but the Dolphins have leaned too heavily on finesse players. It’s time to prioritize toughness and durability, targeting players who can withstand the grind of an NFL season. This will not only help Miami address their tackling issues, but their injury issues, and mental mishaps.

Conclusion: The Path to Becoming a Contender

The Dolphins aren’t far from contention, but their lack of physicality continues to be their Achilles’ heel. The NFL’s elite teams—Baltimore, Kansas City, Philadelphia, and Buffalo—have laid out the blueprint for success. They dominate the trenches and impose their will on opponents. Until Miami follows suit, they will remain second-tier in the AFC.

If Chris Grier and the Dolphins are serious about taking the next step, they must commit to building from the inside out. Skill position talent can only take a team so far. To win in January and beyond, Miami must start winning where it matters most—in the trenches and in the basics of football.