As the Miami Dolphins prepare for another offseason focused on adjustments and development, the team stands at a pivotal moment. Following a narrow miss of the postseason in 2024 with an 8-9 record, the Dolphins enter the 2025 offseason filled with optimism yet facing critical questions regarding their future.

Wide receiver Tyreek Hill has drawn attention by asserting that the team must incorporate more “dogs” into the roster to effectively compete at the highest level. In contrast, his teammate, running back De’Von Achane, has voiced a strong disagreement with this viewpoint, providing an alternative perspective on the team’s current situation.

Tyreek Hill’s remarks and their potential consequences

Tyreek Hill, recognized for his exceptional playmaking skills, has been a pivotal figure in the Dolphins’ offense since his arrival in Miami. His remarkable abilities and leadership have established him as one of the NFL’s most formidable wide receivers. Consequently, when Hill recently articulated his view that the Dolphins require more “dogs” on their roster to be competitive in 2025, his comments garnered significant attention.

Hill’s assertion regarding the need for more “dogs” implied that he perceived a deficiency in players capable of elevating their performance in critical moments. By “dogs,” he likely referred to individuals possessing a fierce competitive nature, resilience, and the capacity to thrive under pressure—qualities often found in the league’s top competitors.

His remarks suggested that he believed the current Dolphins roster might lack sufficient attributes to mount a serious playoff challenge.

In contrast, De’Von Achane, the Dolphins’ promising second-year running back, offered a different perspective. While Hill’s comments hinted at a need for additional talent, Achane contended that the team already has the essential components. He expressed confidence in the current roster, highlighting that success hinges on achieving the right synergy and ensuring all players are aligned.

Achane stated, “We got dogs, we just need more people to bring it out, you know what I’m saying?” He emphasized that the team from the previous year would not be the same as the current one, suggesting that lessons learned from past shortcomings should guide their approach this season.

Achane’s viewpoint underscores a belief in the inherent potential within the team. He acknowledged that although the Dolphins did not meet their objectives in 2024, they possess the talent to compete effectively, provided they can learn from previous mistakes and avoid repeating them.

The Challenges Facing the Dolphins in 2024: A Team at a Crossroads

The Dolphins commenced the 2024 season with considerable optimism, driven by a dynamic offense that included Hill, Achane, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. At their peak, this unit exhibited the capability to dominate the scoreboard and instill apprehension in rival defenses. Nevertheless, the season unfolded as a narrative of inconsistency.

The team faced a challenging start, recording a 2-6 mark largely due to Tagovailoa’s injury, but as the season advanced, the Dolphins began to show improvement, particularly as their offensive cohesion developed. Despite this late-season revival, they could not surmount their earlier difficulties and ultimately fell short of playoff contention.

This disappointment, along with their struggles to finish games, proved frustrating for both players and coaching staff. Achane articulated this frustration, acknowledging the team’s potential for better performance that remained unfulfilled in time. He expressed regret that their progress came too late to salvage the season, emphasizing that an earlier resolution could have significantly improved their outcomes.

Achane’s acknowledgment of the team’s development, despite its tardiness, suggests a belief that Miami is on the cusp of greater achievements. Even in the absence of a playoff appearance, the Dolphins showcased their potential to be a formidable team when fully healthy and focused.

Opportunities for Growth: Achane’s Insights on the 2024 Season.

As the 2025 season approaches, Achane is acutely aware of the team’s strengths and the areas that require enhancement. Having made a notable impact on the Dolphins’ offense last year with 592 receiving yards and six touchdowns, he recognizes the potential for his own growth.

In reflecting on his second season, Achane acknowledged that he missed several opportunities and left plays unexecuted. Despite his progress as a dual-threat back, he believes there are still significant achievements to pursue in his upcoming third season. 

Achane expressed a strong desire to improve, particularly aiming to surpass the 1,000-yard rushing milestone, which he feels was within reach last year. His ambition for personal development is clear, and he believes that achieving this goal would not only fulfill his aspirations but also contribute positively to the Dolphins’ overall performance as they strive for success in 2025.

The Importance of Consistency: A Crucial Element in Realizing the Dolphins’ Potential

One of the significant issues affecting the Dolphins’ 2024 season was their struggle for consistency, especially on the offensive side. Although Hill, Waddle, and Tagovailoa displayed moments of exceptional performance, there were periods during the season when the offense failed to function effectively.

This lack of consistency ultimately limited the team’s ability to compete with the top teams in the league. As Achane pointed out, the Dolphins possess the necessary talent to perform at a high level; the challenge lies in their inconsistent execution during critical moments.

If Miami can maintain player health, minimize errors, and elevate their performance throughout the season, they have the potential to be serious contenders. Additionally, the growth of players like Achane is crucial, as he is positioned for a breakout season.

His versatility in both the running and passing game makes him a valuable asset for Miami’s offense. Continued development and increased productivity from Achane would provide the Dolphins with another significant weapon to enhance their already formidable skill set.

Expert Editorial Comment

As the Dolphins gear up for the 2025 season, the team finds itself at a pivotal juncture. Tyreek Hill‘s call for more “dogs” suggests a need for additional talent on the roster, while De’Von Achane‘s viewpoint instills optimism that the current squad possesses the necessary capabilities for success.

The key will be achieving consistency, fostering growth, and steering clear of the errors that hindered their performance in 2024. With Achane, Hill, Tagovailoa, and Waddle all set to return, the Dolphins have the potential to emerge as a formidable contender in the AFC.

If they can harmonize their efforts and maintain their health, 2025 may be the year Miami finally advances further into the playoffs.The foundational elements are in place; the onus is now on the team to perform effectively when it counts.