How Will Dolphins Respond? 5 Keys for Miami in Seattle

As the Miami Dolphins prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks, they do so in the wake of a brutal home loss to Buffalo—a game where nearly everything that could go wrong, did. With starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa now on injured reserve, the Dolphins find themselves at a crossroads. Here are five ways Miami can mitigate Tua’s absence and gain an edge against Seattle.

1. Skylar Thompson’s Command

The Dolphins’ offense boasts star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but it will be Skylar Thompson throwing them the ball. While Thompson has shown promise, Sunday’s matchup against Seattle will be a true test of his mettle. He must lean on Hill, Waddle, and speedster  De’Von Achane to exploit Miami’s offensive strengths and keep the momentum alive. A lackluster performance from Thompson simply won’t cut it for a team that enters the game as underdogs.

2. Jalen Ramsey vs. DK Metcalf

Last week, DK Metcalf showcased his explosive talent, torching the Patriots’ secondary. This week, he poses yet another formidable challenge for Jalen Ramsey, who will need to bring his A-game. Fortunately for Miami, Ramsey has a solid track record against Metcalf. With the Dolphins’ secondary still searching for its first interception of the season, forcing a turnover against Geno Smith could be pivotal.

3. Pressuring the Quarterback

Last week’s keys to victory emphasized the importance of making Josh Allen uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the Dolphins failed to do so, allowing him too much time in the pocket to escape and do what he does best. With a backup quarterback at the helm and dwindling confidence in the offense, the spotlight now shifts to Miami’s defense, particularly the pass rush. Against Seattle, getting to the quarterback is essential for regaining control of the game.

4. Mike McDaniel’s Playcalling

Is Mike McDaniel the offensive genius his peers claim him to be? This week will certainly test that theory as he navigates the challenges of having Thompson under center. McDaniel must be creative and strategic, tailoring his game plan to exploit Miami’s strengths while compensating for the loss of Tua. His ability to adapt will be a telling reflection of his growth as a head coach and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

5. Limiting Turnovers

Last week, Tua’s three turnovers—including a pick-six—proved costly. While some of those mistakes were beyond his control, this week, Miami must prioritize ball security. The Dolphins can’t afford to give away possession, especially in a matchup where every point counts.

As the Dolphins travel to Seattle, they face a number of challenges. However, with the right adjustments, there remains an opportunity to make a statement. It will be important to see how they respond.

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