Dolphins' upset over Patriots would change the perspective on rest of season
The Miami Dolphins have a history of getting off to slow starts and then getting hot. A win over the Patriots, though, shouldn't get fans overly optimistic.
Latest news and updates about the Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have a history of getting off to slow starts and then getting hot. A win over the Patriots, though, shouldn't get fans overly optimistic.
The Patriots drop to around the 10th spot in the latest power rankings after a 30-24 loss to the Chicago Bears, ending their three‑game winning streak. Drake Maye threw for 321 yards, two touchdowns and his eighth interception of the season, while the defense couldn’t stop Caleb Williams’ late 4th‑down conversion. Turnovers remain a major issue, with New England tied for the league’s second‑worst differential at –7. Despite the setback, analysts remain optimistic, noting edge rusher Gabe Jacas’ impact and the team’s 4‑3 record. The Pats head to Miami next week, aiming for a decisive win against the 1‑5 Dolphins.
Greg Dulcich emerges as a low‑risk Week 8 fantasy streamer after posting a career‑high 5 catches for 86 yards in Miami’s 28‑25 win over the Jets. He led the Dolphins in receptions, yards and targets (five), averaging 17.2 yards per catch and snapping 42 of 65 offensive plays. Through six games he has 18 receptions for 213 yards but no touchdowns. With a similar target load against New England, he could provide modest TE upside in deeper leagues, though his role remains secondary in a spread passing attack.
Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton says wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. needs more offensive snaps after his limited Week 7 showing against Arizona—two catches for 53 yards, a three‑yard rush, and 103 kickoff return yards. At 24, Mims has 7 catches on 11 targets for 82 yards through five games, but no touchdowns, and his snap share remains low. Payton’s push could expand his role ahead of the Sunday matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, especially if Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle stays out with a chest injury. Fantasy owners in deeper leagues may view Mims as a speculative waiver with down‑field upside and return value, but he isn’t a reliable starter yet.
After five games, Miami Dolphins fans debate Malik Willis’s future. The rookie threw a two‑point conversion in a 31‑24 loss to Cincinnati on Oct. 11, but his 68.4 passer rating is the lowest among quarterbacks with at least four starts. Fans criticize his reliance on deep throws, slow decision‑making and accuracy issues, while noting his athleticism and occasional scrambling. Contributors argue the Dolphins must either adjust play‑calling to short, high‑percentage passes and bolster the run game, or start seeking a new starter via draft or free agency for next season. The consensus leans toward treating Willis as a stop‑gap and prioritizing a long‑term solution at quarterback.
Seven weeks into the 2026 season, rookie offensive lineman Walter Rouse is finding his footing after a whirlwind trade from the Vikings to the New England Patriots. The 6‑foot‑6, 322‑pound former Oklahoma tackle, a sixth‑round pick in 2024, has already stepped in as a right guard in Week 3 against Jacksonville, filled in at left guard versus the Jets in Week 6, and earned his first start against the Bears. With starters Greg Van Roten, Mike Onwenu and Alijah Vera‑Tucker on IR, Rouse could see significant snaps against Miami this Sunday. He says he’s becoming more comfortable at guard and is embracing a "next‑man‑up" mentality, preparing as if he were a starter.
The New York Jets emerge as the top beneficiaries of the Indianapolis Colts’ recent trades of All‑Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckler to the San Francisco 49ers. By owning the Colts’ 2027 first‑round pick, the Jets could see their draft position jump as Indianapolis struggles at 2‑5. Analysts like Ian Rapoport and Ari Meirov note the move boosts New York’s rebuild, giving them three first‑rounders for 2027. The Jets, also 2‑5, look to rebound against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn keeps Jarvis Brownlee’s benching "in-house" while lamenting the team's 7‑game slump, praising the locker‑room spirit despite a recent loss. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson downplays the Week 7 defeat to the winless Dolphins, saying he’ll work with Geno Smith to make bigger plays. Over in New England, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel hints that guard Greg Van Roten and safety Dell Pettus could return from IR, notes guard Alijah Vera‑Tucker isn’t out for the season, and admits cutting punter Bryce Baringer was tough but may revisit the position if needed. Vrabel leaves the trade‑deadline activity open, promising a pragmatic approach.
Jerry Jones tells Dallas sports radio that giving former quarterback Troy Aikman a "major, significant role" with the Cowboys is "very possible." With ESPN seemingly moving on from Aikman's Monday Night Football duties after Joe Buck's recent contract extension, the three‑time Super Bowl champion has expressed interest in returning to the organization that made him famous. Jones praises Aikman's football knowledge and work ethic, noting the idea isn’t ruled out despite no concrete plans yet. The timing aligns with Aikman's recent consulting stint with the Miami Dolphins and his past speculation about an NFL front‑office career.
Rookie Miami Dolphins wideout Caleb Douglas earns his second NFL Pepsi Rookie of the Week nod after a stellar Week 7 showing against the New York Jets. Returning from an ankle injury, Douglas catches two passes for two touchdowns, including a 63‑yard strike that sealed the win on October 25, 2026. He joins quarterback Malik Willis, also nominated for a weekly award, as Miami looks to build around a potential future star drafted in the third round.
Dolphins Hall of Famer Dan Marino snaps at a fan who already received his autograph, saying, “Dude, you got one,” and refusing a second signature. The clip reignites the debate over fans versus profit‑driven autograph hounds, a point echoed by former NFL player Andrew Fillipponi on X. Marino, a nine‑time Pro Bowler and 2005 Hall of Fame inductee now serving as a Dolphins advisor, has a history of turning away signature requests, highlighting the tension between athletes and memorabilia collectors.
After T'Vondre Sweat suffered an injury in the New York Jets' Week 7 loss to the Dolphins, an opportunity presented itself for rookie DL Darrell Jackson Jr.
The Phinsider reports that the Miami Dolphins snapped a winless start to the 2026 season with a 28-25 victory over division rival New York Jets on Oct. 25. In response, SB Nation Reacts launches a fan survey asking whether supporters believe the rebuild is on track and how many total wins they predict for Miami this year. Readers are invited to vote on confidence and projected win totals, with results to be posted later in the week.
Three head coach options for the New York Jets to replace Aaron Glenn in 2027.
The NFL has announced television network changes for two upcoming Detroit Lions games against the Dolphins and Buccaneers.
During a street‑side autograph session, Dolphins legend Dan Marino set a firm limit on fan requests, telling a collector seeking a second signature, “Dude, you got one… F— that s—.” He continued signing for other fans, including a camouflage mini helmet and a jersey, while supporters defended his blunt stance. The viral video, posted by Rizzy Balboa on October 27, 2026, sparked comments praising Marino’s no‑nonsense attitude. The article also recaps his career (1983‑1999, nine Pro Bowls, 1984 Super Bowl run) and his 2025 update on recovering from a liver condition diagnosed in 2007.
The Miami Dolphins weren't getting enough from Malik Willis over their first five games, but the light finally came on in Week 7 against the Jets.
During their week‑long bye, the Chargers remain the NFL’s only winless team after the Dolphins beat the Jets. Pro Football Focus grades show a stark contrast: the defense boasts 15 players with scores of 60.0+, led by edge rusher Akheem Mesidor (75.8) and linebacker Troy Dye (75.5), while the offense has just 10 such players and quarterback Justin Herbert sits among the bottom five at 44.5. Top offensive performers are WR Ladd McConkey (74.4) and OT Joe Alt (73.7). On the downside, OT/G Trey Pipkins (37.1) and CB Rodney Shelley (26.9) rank as the poorest grades.
The New York Jets slump to 2-5 under second‑year coach Aaron Glenn, with a recent 28-25 loss to the winless Miami Dolphins sparking fan fury. WFAN host Tommy Lugauer urges a revival of former head coach Rex Ryan, who led the Jets to two AFC Championship games from 2009‑2014, arguing he could restore stability. Critics, including Mike Greenberg, demand Glenn’s dismissal after an 0‑8 record in AFC East games. The Jets face the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 1, leaving their coaching future in doubt.
As Week 8 approaches, the New England Patriots focus on getting injured players off IR and back onto the active roster before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Key updates include LB José Ramírez joining the practice squad, OL Jacob Rizy and P Bryce Baringer released, and rookie CB Karon Prunty (hamstring) returning to practice. Offensive linemen Alijah Vera‑Tucker and Ben Brown (knee) are nearing full health, promising better protection for rookie QB Drake Maye. The team’s next matchup is against the Miami Dolphins, with coaches and analysts weighing the impact of lingering injuries and potential trade targets like OL Kevin Zeitler. The article also lists podcasts, video breakdowns, and national NFL news surrounding the Patriots.
Week 8 fantasy quarterback rankings highlight Josh Allen as the clear top pick, returning after a Bills bye with 1,504 passing yards, nine TDs and 240 rushing yards in six games. Drake Mayen (NE) and Joe Burrow (CIN) also offer strong upside against Miami and Tennessee, respectively. Bye weeks for the Texans, Saints, Giants and 49ers remove several options, while Brock Purdy and C.J. Stroud sit out, prompting managers to consider sleepers like Jacoby Brissett (ARI) – who throws 40+ passes a game – and Kyler Murray (MIN), whose rushing upside could swing his value. The article breaks down each QB’s recent performance and matchup before the critical stretch of the fantasy season.
The Black Shoe Diaries breaks down every Penn State Nittany Lion on a 2026 NFL 53‑man roster, highlighting active players and those on IR. Notable names include Saquon Barkley (Eagles), Mike Gesicki (Bengals), and Joey Porter Jr. (Cowboys), each with recent game stats—Barkley posted a rushing TD, Gesicki a TD catch, and Porter logged a pass breakup. Rookies are italicized, and the list spans from the Cardinals (Blake Gillikin) to the Washington Commanders (Odafe Oweh). Supplemental standouts feature Chop Robinson’s sack for Miami and Kevin Winston Jr.’s 14 tackles for Tennessee.
The Miami Dolphins finally break their winless streak with a 28‑20 victory over the New York Jets on October 25, 2026, snapping a 2‑5 season for New York. The offense erupts for 360 yards—its fourth‑most against the Jets this year—and scores its second‑highest point total allowed by the Jets, while a late 3:24‑minute drive capped by a fourth‑and‑1 "Tush Push" conversion seals the win. Defensive highlights include a top‑10 showing in run defense, though the pass unit still surrenders a high completion rate and several big plays. The win is celebrated as a morale boost against a hated rival, though consistency remains a question.
Sportsnaut updates its 2026 NFL quarterback rankings ahead of Week 8, highlighting a dramatic rise for rookie Caleb Williams and second‑year J.J. McCarthy as they leap into the top five. At the opposite end, Cam Ward (Titans) sits at 32 after a 20‑of‑31, 181‑yard outing marred by his fifth straight interception, while Justin Herbert (Chargers) drops to 30 amid a winless start, career‑low 59.4% completion and more picks than touchdowns. The list also notes Tanner McKee’s modest improvement for the Eagles, Daniel Jones’s sack‑heavy loss to the Vikings, and Malik Willis’s post‑bye breakout for Miami. The rankings weigh each QB’s recent game performance against season trends, promising plenty of debate among fans.
The Miami Dolphins' 2027 draft plans are so far into the future that no one has a clue as to what they will do, but surely it comes down to two players.