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Tag: 2025 NFL season

  • Tua Tagovailoa Faces Durability Issues, Vows to Prioritize Team Over Heroics

    Tua Tagovailoa Faces Durability Issues, Vows to Prioritize Team Over Heroics

    Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is entering what could be the most important season of his career, not just for himself, but for the entire franchise.

    After missing key games last year due to injury, the Dolphins struggled, finishing with an 8-9 record — their first non-playoff season since 2020. That downturn was directly tied to Tua’s absence. When he played, Miami went 6-4. When he didn’t? A dismal 2-4.

    It’s no secret: the Dolphins go only as far as Tua can carry them — and that starts with staying on the field.

    ‘Doing Everything I Can to Stay Available’

    During offseason workouts and minicamp this spring, Tagovailoa made it clear where his head is at:

    “I’m doing everything I can to stay available for the guys.”

    That quote might seem simple, but it carries weight. It signals a shift from trying to force plays and risking injury to knowing when to walk away for the sake of long-term team success.

    Tua admitted that in the past, he may have pushed too hard to make a play when he should’ve taken a sack or thrown the ball away. Now, he says he’s more focused than ever on playing smart, protecting his body, and giving his team the best chance to win over 17 weeks.

    The Long Shadow of Injury Concerns

    Tagovailoa has battled questions about his durability since entering the NFL.

    Despite a Pro Bowl season in 2023, his 2024 campaign was rocky, both statistically and physically. He finished with a 6-5 record as a starter, missed multiple games, and faced growing scrutiny about whether he could handle the grind of a full season.

    Those concerns aren’t just external — they’re personal.

    He knows that if he wants to lead the Dolphins back to the playoffs and cement his place among the league’s elite quarterbacks, he must find consistency. And that starts with staying upright and healthy.

    Balancing Instincts with Smarts

    One of the biggest challenges for any quarterback, especially one with Tua’s talent, is learning when not to make a play.

    He’s got the arm. The mobility. The instincts.

    But sometimes, those same traits can lead to unnecessary risks, and that’s where the real growth happens.

    Tagovailoa seems to understand that now. His commitment to stepping away from dangerous situations isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of maturity. He’s embracing the idea that leadership means more than just making highlight-reel throws — it means being there every Sunday.

    What This Means for the Dolphins in 2025?

    The Dolphins built a strong roster around Tua this offseason. With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle still leading the receiving corps, and a revamped offensive line meant to protect him better, the tools are there.

    Now it’s up to Tua to hold up his end of the bargain.

    If he can stay healthy and manage games wisely, Miami could easily return to playoff contention. But if the injury bug bites again, the pressure will only grow, and the questions will get louder.

    This is his moment.

    A Season Defined by Health and Humility

    As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes are on Tua Tagovailoa — not just for how many yards he throws or touchdowns he scores, but for how well he takes care of himself.

    His vow to prioritize team over heroics may not sound flashy, but it could be exactly what turns his career around.

    And for the Miami Dolphins, that kind of mindset might just be the difference between another early exit and a deep playoff run.

  • Where Does Jalen Ramsey Stand with the Dolphins?

    Where Does Jalen Ramsey Stand with the Dolphins?

    Jalen Ramsey is still a Miami Dolphin as they enter the final phase of their offseason program. GM Chris Grier said they’ve explored trade options for Ramsey but it’s clear any move will happen after June 1 due to salary cap reasons.

    The Dolphins are just days away from that date, and while a trade seems inevitable, nothing is set in stone yet.

    Why Trading Ramsey Is Easier Said Than Done?

    Ramsey’s $21 million guaranteed for 2025 and his age (he turns 31 in October) make him a tough sell for teams looking to get him. Unless the Dolphins are willing to eat some of his salary, the market for Ramsey will be limited.

    Chris Grier didn’t rule out Ramsey being on the roster for 2025, but it’s hard to see that happening.

    Adding fuel to the fire, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s recent comments seemed to suggest he isn’t banking on having Ramsey back next season. Meanwhile, Ramsey himself has been unusually quiet on social media since posting an Instagram photo of a rotting orange next to a rotten one—a cryptic hint at his feelings about the situation.

    Who Could Want Him?

    Trading a 30-year-old cornerback with a hefty salary tag isn’t easy, especially when he’s considered high-maintenance and comes with off-field baggage. Still, there are teams that might see value in his talent:

    • Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay has expressed interest in bringing Ramsey back, though logistical hurdles remain.
    • Dallas Cowboys: Seen by some as a possible suitor, although local reporters have pushed back on that idea.
    • Washington Commanders: A young team looking to build fast — maybe a fit?
    • Carolina Panthers: New DC Ejiro Evero worked well with Ramsey in L.A., but Carolina might not be ready to contend yet.
    • Philadelphia Eagles: There’s history here, but with Vic Fangio gone and new draft picks taking shape, it seems unlikely.

    The bottom line? There’s interest, but not a ton of urgency. And any team acquiring Ramsey would need to know he actually wants to be there — otherwise, it could become a distraction.

    What’s the Realistic Value?

    Back in 2023, the Dolphins gave up a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long to acquire Ramsey from the Rams. That trade looked good at the time — especially considering Los Angeles got two first-round picks from Jacksonville for him.

    But now, with Ramsey older, more expensive, and coming off a reported “disgruntled” label, his trade value has dropped significantly. The Dolphins would likely be lucky to get back something close to what they gave up — not what the Rams received.

    His contract doesn’t help either. He’s owed $24.2 million in 2025, almost all of it guaranteed. That makes it hard for teams to absorb unless Miami is willing to take on part of the salary — something Grier hasn’t ruled out.

    What Happens After June 1?

    This is the big question. Once we hit June 1, the Dolphins will have more cap flexibility, and the pressure to make a move increases. Expect the rumor mill to heat up again — and for fans to brace themselves for more drama.

    There’s still a slim chance Ramsey ends up staying — Grier didn’t completely shut that door — but given everything that’s happened, it feels increasingly unlikely.

    Either way, this saga won’t drag on forever. Whether it ends with a trade, a release (unlikely due to guarantees), or a reluctant reunion, we’ll know more soon.

  • De’Von Achane Predicts Big Things for Dolphins in 2025

    De’Von Achane Predicts Big Things for Dolphins in 2025

    Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane is entering 2025 with big expectations. He told South Florida media recently he’s ready to take his game to the next level – and he’s not holding back on his predictions.

    A Bold Prediction for 2025

    When asked about his goals for the season, Achane didn’t mince words.

    “This year probably – every year I want to get better – so as far as my numbers-wise, as far as in the rush game, I always want to try to hit 1,000 yards and then 500 yards (receiving),” Achane said. He later added that his ultimate goal is even higher: 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards, according to David Furones of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

    Achane looked back on last season and said that while he had success, there’s still room for improvement. “I had a lot of receptions, and me watching film, I felt like I left a lot of plays on the table,” he said. “Going back and watching the year and the cut-ups, I feel like I left a lot of yards out there.”

    That desire to maximize his potential has Achane feeling confident going into 2025.

    Building on Last Season’s Success

    Achane’s 2024 was pretty good. The former Texas A&M product rushed for 907 yards on 203 carries , 6 touchdowns. He was a dual threat, with 78 catches for 592 yards and 6 touchdowns.

    But his yards-per-carry average dropped significantly from his rookie season. In 2023, Achane averaged 7.8 yards per carry , but that number fell to 4.5 in 2024.

    Despite that drop, Achane said he’s healthy and that’s the key to his growth.“Just being healthy was the main thing,” Achane said. “That’s why I was in the training room even on my off days when I wasn’t hurt. Seventeen games is a long time. I learned that from my rookie year, so in my second year I wanted to make sure I was 100% for every game. And that’s the same for this year.”

    Taking the Lead Role

    Now that Raheem Mostert is in Las Vegas, Achane is the man in the spotlight as Miami’s top running back. Last year, he played 62 percent of snaps, and that number is going to go up big time in 2025.

    “We don’t have Raheem no more, so it’s me and Alec [Ingold] now,” Achane said. “And just me being more vocal this year because I wasn’t a big talkative person last year. But I feel like as the years go by, you grow and get more comfortable.”

    Achane knows what comes with being the lead dog. He plans to mentor new teammates and share the lessons he’s learned since he got into the league.

    “I’m going to tell them the same thing everybody told me when I got in—trying to help them out,” he said.

    New Energy in Miami

    Achane thinks the Dolphins are on the cusp of something special. After missing the playoffs by a hair last year, the team is looking to prove the haters wrong.

    “I just feel like we all hear it as a team,” Achane said. “We go out there and practice every day, and we’re going to show when the season comes everybody who was saying those little remarks, to just make sure they keep the same energy.”

    He said the team chemistry and work ethic are way different than last year.

    “I feel like as a team we’re building that energy, and we’re here every day. We’re not missing days. You can see this year’s team is way different from last year’s team.”