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  • Dolphins Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson Back Together

    Dolphins Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson Back Together

    As the Miami Dolphins kick off their 2025 training camp earlier than most teams, they’re also diving headfirst into one of the more intriguing aspects of their preseason schedule: joint practices with two familiar faces — Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson.

    Campbell, who spent time as Miami’s interim head coach in 2015, will return to face his old team — this time on the opposing sideline as head coach of the Detroit Lions. Alongside him, former Dolphins offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, now calling plays for Detroit, will share the field with the franchise that helped launch his coaching career.

    The connection between these two and the Dolphins isn’t just professional — it’s personal.

    And with both now leading the Lions’ explosive offense, their return to Miami’s radar brings added intrigue.

    The Dolphins’ Joint Practice Strategy

    Joint practices have become an essential part of NFL preseason prep, offering players high-level reps against fresh competition, and the Dolphins are leaning in.

    Their full joint practice schedule includes:

    • August 8: vs Chicago Bears in Lake Forest, IL
    • August 13: vs Detroit Lions in Allen Park, MI

    These sessions come just ahead of preseason games and serve as key moments to test chemistry, evaluate depth, and fine-tune game plans before Week 1.

    For Miami, facing off with the Bears first and then the Lions gives them early exposure to different defensive schemes — and a chance to measure themselves against two rising teams in the NFC North and AFC.

    But beyond X’s and O’s, there’s a deeper story here.

    How Campbell and Johnson Built Their Legacies

    Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson didn’t just work together in Miami — they built something real.

    Campbell was named the Dolphins’ interim head coach in 2015 after spending years as a player and assistant coach in South Florida. Though he didn’t get the permanent job, he left behind a culture of energy, accountability, and grit.

    Johnson, who served as Miami’s tight ends coach and later quarterbacks coach, quickly became known as one of the league’s brightest young minds. His ability to develop Tua Tagovailoa during the QB’s early years earned him praise across the league and eventually led to his rise as Detroit’s offensive coordinator.

    Now, they’re not just back in the Dolphins’ world — they’re doing battle against them.

    And if last season is any indication, Miami should take notice.

    Why This Reunion Carries Weight

    The Dolphins’ upcoming matchups aren’t just another set of preseason games — they’re a reunion with two figures who played pivotal roles in shaping the current direction of the franchise.

    While both have moved on, their fingerprints remain all over the organization, especially in how the offense is built around timing, tempo, and quarterback development.

    Head coach Mike McDaniel spoke about the emotional side of the matchup:

    “It’s always good to see those guys again. They were part of our family. Now they’re on the other side, but we respect what they’ve done.”

    That respect is mutual.

    Campbell recently reflected on his time with Miami:

    “I learned a lot being in Miami. That opportunity changed my path. I’ll always appreciate that.”

    Strategic Scheduling: Midwest Momentum?

    With the first joint practice against the Bears in Lake Forest, Illinois, followed by a session with the Lions in Allen Park, Michigan, some fans are already speculating whether the Dolphins will stay in the Midwest for extended preparation.

    Given the open date from August 6–19, it’s possible.

    Staying in the region could give the Dolphins a focused environment to drill new concepts without distractions, and let players acclimate faster to the intensity of live contact.

    It also means facing off with two teams coached by former Dolphins staff — a dynamic that adds emotional stakes to an otherwise routine preseason event.

    Commitment to Culture and Community

    The Dolphins continue to emphasize fan engagement and team cohesion as they approach training camp.

    Free public access to early workouts at training camp shows the team’s investment in connecting with supporters, many of whom remember when Campbell roamed the sidelines and Johnson worked with the likes of Tua and DeVante Parker.

    Fans are excited. Players are locked in.

    And for Campbell and Johnson?

    This won’t feel like just another stop on the NFL calendar.

    It’ll feel like coming home — even if only for a few days.

    Final Takeaway: More Than Just Practice — It’s Personal

    The Miami Dolphins’ decision to hold joint practices with the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions isn’t just strategic — it’s symbolic.

    It reflects the NFL’s interconnected coaching tree, the impact of mentorship, and the evolving identity of a franchise still chasing its next chapter of success.

    And for fans?

    Seeing Campbell and Johnson square off with their old team offers a rare glimpse into the past, while setting the stage for what could be a defining season in the present.

    Because in football, rivalries don’t just form on the field.

    They’re made through shared history and hard-fought growth.

  • Dolphins Fans Share Their Thoughts on Mike McDaniel

    Dolphins Fans Share Their Thoughts on Mike McDaniel

    As Mike McDaniel prepares for his fourth season as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, fans are still trying to figure out what kind of leader he really is.

    After three full seasons — and a rollercoaster ride of wins, losses, injuries, and drama — Phinhead Nation has spoken. And their voices are loud, clear, and varied.

    Some still believe in him.

    Others think it’s time to move on.

    Let’s break down what real Dolphins fans are saying.

    “He’s a Nice Guy — But That’s Not Enough”

    One fan, LSC20&Olney, voiced a common concern:

    “He seems like a genuinely nice guy… unfortunately, this is professional football.”

    That sentiment was echoed by many who feel McDaniel lacks the toughness and commanding presence needed to control a locker room filled with high-profile personalities.

    There were questions about whether McDaniel would be better suited for college or high school, rather than managing NFL egos and navigating pressure-packed games.

    From Breath of Fresh Air to Fading Magic

    Fan JMWOracle remembers the excitement around McDaniel when he first took over:

    “Mike McDaniel was a breath of fresh air when he arrived.”

    But after watching the offense stall against playoff-level defenses and the team struggle to adjust mid-game, that optimism faded.

    “The other teams caught on to the offense, and the Kansas City playoff game exposed it,” they added.

    McDaniel’s reliance on Tua Tagovailoa early in his tenure — and then limiting his reps during the 2024 preseason — also drew criticism.

    Fans want progress, not repetition.

    And so far, some feel like they’re seeing more of the same.

    “Next Man Up” Mentality

    Another fan, Mrcogburn, summed up the mood in just two words:

    “Next man up.”

    That blunt take reflects growing frustration among those who believe McDaniel hasn’t elevated the team beyond what was expected from his innovative offense and quirky personality.

    It also signals a shift from the early days of hype and hope to a harsher reality check.

    Too Much Flash, Not Enough Firepower

    Fan JKBMia pointed to what many consider McDaniel’s biggest weakness:

    “Creativity has faded, and he hasn’t commanded the respect from the entire locker room.”

    While McDaniel’s style brings attention, some fans worry he’s too soft, too inconsistent, and not enough of a leader to push the team past its annual roadblocks.

    “Flores was too strict, MMD is too loose,” they said.
    “I assume without a playoff win, he’ll be gone after this year.”

    The “Do-Or-Die” Season

    For many, the 2025 season will define McDaniel’s legacy in Miami.

    Fan tvegas897 put it plainly:

    “Gonna find out what Mikey’s made of this year… This year is critically important. If there isn’t massive improvement, the question will answer itself.”

    With rising expectations and pressure to deliver real results — not just flashy plays — McDaniel is entering a make-or-break phase.

    This isn’t just about style anymore.

    It’s about substance.

    Is It Time to Let Go of the Gimmicks?

    Fan SlayerNation1 offered one of the most detailed critiques of McDaniel’s approach:

    “Mike would be a great story but it would be trying to recreate the Greatest Show on Turf.”

    They criticized McDaniel’s reliance on gimmickry — from orange jerseys to unconventional meetings — calling them distractions rather than culture-building tools.

    “You don’t need to be a wordsmith to be an effective communicator. You can be a Dan Campbell type for this job.”

    This view highlights a growing divide between those who appreciate McDaniel’s uniqueness and those who want a tougher, more traditional leadership style.

    Learning from Mistakes – Or Repeating Them?

    Fan Dolphster gave McDaniel credit for having potential — but questioned whether he’s learning from his missteps.

    “I don’t think he will make the changes necessary, so he probably won’t be the guy.”

    The main critique here is about adaptability.

    Can McDaniel evolve his play-calling?

    Will he delegate more and focus on leadership?

    Is he willing to make tough calls — even if it means stepping out of his comfort zone?

    Those answers may decide his fate.

    Can He Be the Head Coach Without Doing Everything?

    Fan gertdoggy believes McDaniel needs to step back from being involved in every detail:

    “I wish he would give up the play calling duties and just concentrate on being a head coach.”

    This comment points to a broader concern — that McDaniel tries to do too much himself, instead of trusting his coordinators and staff to carry weight in critical moments.

    “If we go into halftime struggling and come out exactly the same way, something’s wrong.”

    Many fans agree: the Dolphins aren’t adjusting fast enough, and that’s a reflection of leadership.

    Still No Clear Identity

    Fan Phin is the Word argued that despite all the time McDaniel has had to grow, the team still lacks direction:

    “We’re still mulling this ‘is he the guy’ question after all this time.”

    His concerns centered around:

    • An offense built around an unreliable QB situation
    • Inconsistent adjustments during injury absences
    • A lack of long-term identity

    “That tells you everything you need to know.”

    Final Takeaway: A Divided Fanbase With High Stakes

    The verdict on Mike McDaniel is far from unanimous.

    Some fans still believe in his vision, especially how he helped develop Tua early on and brought energy to a franchise in need of change.

    Others, however, are losing patience.

    They want discipline, better clock management, smarter in-game decisions, and above all, playoff success.

    And if none of that comes this year?

    Then the writing may already be on the wall.

  • Dolphins Insider Labels De’Von Achane as ‘Fastest Man on the Roster’ After Tyreek Hill’s 100m Record

    Dolphins Insider Labels De’Von Achane as ‘Fastest Man on the Roster’ After Tyreek Hill’s 100m Record

    Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane is already making headlines this offseason — not for stats or carries, but for his blazing speed, which has earned him a unique title from a respected insider.

    According to Omar Kelly of MiamiHerald.com, Achane continues to hold the unofficial crown of being the fastest man on the roster, even after wide receiver Tyreek Hill recently broke his 100-meter sprint record.

    “This is my second straight offseason Achane has gotten this honor, and it’s not surprising considering he’s faster without pads than anyone else on the roster,” Kelly wrote.
    “His ability to catch passes and get upfield is eye-opening.”

    Kelly also acknowledged the elephant in the room: whether the 5-9, 188-pound back can handle short-yardage situations and maintain durability over a full NFL season.

    Still, there’s no denying what Achane brings to the table:

    • Explosive acceleration
    • Open-field elusiveness
    • Dual-threat capability as both a runner and receiver

    And with veterans like Jeff Wilson Jr. and Raheem Mostert now gone, Achane is set to take on an even bigger role in 2025.

    Tyreek Hill Sets New Personal Best

    Just when you thought Tyreek Hill couldn’t get any faster, he proved otherwise.

    On June 13, during a casual 100-meter race, Hill clocked in at 10.15 seconds, beating his previous best of 10.12 seconds set in 2012.

    That kind of speed isn’t just impressive — it’s historic.

    As one of the fastest players in the league, Hill’s wheels are a constant threat on offense. But despite his elite sprinting credentials, Kelly still believes Achane holds the edge within the Dolphins’ locker room, especially in game-ready conditions.

    “He’s faster without pads than anyone else on the roster.”

    That statement speaks volumes about how the coaching staff views Achane’s explosiveness and readiness to strike at any moment.

    Coach McDaniel Praises Achane’s Growth

    Head coach Mike McDaniel has been high on Achane since Day One — and now, he’s seeing the young back buy into the system more than ever.

    During the team’s recent offseason program, McDaniel praised Achane’s work ethic and understanding of the offense:

    “I see a guy that understands a broader picture… Your independent success is helped by collective success.”

    McDaniel also highlighted how Achane’s competitiveness translates into leadership:

    “The first person they’re going to answer to if they drop something or get gloved when running a route is De’Von Achane because he’s going to be a quick trigger.”

    That’s high praise — and shows that Miami sees Achane not just as a gadget player, but as a core piece moving forward.

    A Bigger Role for Achane in 2025

    With the departure of Jeff Wilson Jr. and Raheem Mostert, the Dolphins are leaning heavily on Achane to step up.

    Last season, he showed exactly why:

    • 907 rushing yards
    • 6 rushing TDs
    • 592 receiving yards
    • 6 receiving TDs

    Those numbers aren’t just good — they’re elite production for a third-round pick.

    Now, with expanded responsibilities, Achane has a chance to become a feature back — or at least the closest thing the Dolphins have to one.

    If he can build on last year’s performance and stay healthy, 2025 could be his breakout campaign.

    Final Takeaway: Speed Wins — and Achane Has Plenty of It

    While the debate over who is truly the fastest Dolphin may never end, one thing is clear:

    Achane’s speed stands out — and it matters.

    From explosive runs to big catches downfield, his pace changes games. And with Tyreek Hill continuing to defy age and physics, the Dolphins now have two players capable of stretching defenses vertically and horizontally.

    For fans hoping to see more of Achane next season, the signs are promising.

    And for opposing defenses?

    They better get used to chasing No. 21 — because he doesn’t slow down for anyone.