Dolphins' Path to Playoffs: Overcoming Early Season Struggles

The Miami Dolphins have made a significant comeback from their early season struggles, improving from a 1-5 record to just one game away from achieving a .500 record. As they head into a crucial matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football, the Dolphins are looking to build on their recent momentum.

In Week Fourteen, Miami secured a decisive victory over the New York Jets, winning 34-10, matching their largest win margin of the 2025 season. The Dolphins dominated on the ground, out-rushing the Jets 239 yards to 65.

Second-year running back Jaylen Wright stepped up as the lead back after DeVon Achane left the game with a rib injury, recording 107 rushing yards on 24 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, and scoring a rushing touchdown.

This performance marked Wright's best outing of the season, greatly helping the team's offensive efforts. However, not all news is positive; wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikinhe has struggled significantly, failing to catch a pass since November 9th against the Buffalo Bills, and has only 11 receptions for the season.

His lack of production is jeopardizing Miami's chances of a mid-round compensatory pick in the upcoming draft. The Dolphins will need to rely heavily on their running game and make strategic decisions regarding their receivers as they push for a playoff berth, especially with the Steelers looming on the schedule.

The report from The Phinsider highlights the importance of the upcoming game as Miami seeks to keep their playoff hopes alive.