Dolphins Football Is Back: What We Learned from Miami’s Preseason Tie with Chicago
Dolphins football is officially back. Today, Miami opened its 2025 preseason against the Chicago Bears, ending in a 24-24 tie. A handful of starters, including Tua Tagovailoa and De’Von Achane, played the opening drive before giving way to backups, as is common across the league. Preseason may not count in the standings, but it’s critical for roster battles. It gives young players a chance to earn a spot, and it forces coaches and the front office to make tough decisions on the final cuts. Here are three things Dolphins fans learned from the preseason opener and how they could impact the roster moving forward.
Dolphins Linebacker Room Looks Elite
Heading into 2025, Miami’s linebacker group was already one of the team’s biggest strengths. After a strong 2024 from Jordyn Brooks and the midseason addition of Tyrel Dodson, the Dolphins doubled down by signing former Saint and longtime Chief Willie Gay Jr. Brooks sat this one out today, but Dodson made his presence felt early with tight pass coverage and a drive-ending tackle. Gay, meanwhile, notched a sack—assisted by defensive tackle Benito Jones, and showed why he’s a classic “old-school” linebacker. Former Buccaneer K.J. Britt, signed for depth, also impressed with a pass breakup and three tackles. If they stay healthy, Miami’s linebackers could be one of the NFL’s top units in 2025, a group that quietly flew under the radar last season.
Goal-Line Offense Still a Concern
One of Miami’s biggest weaknesses in 2024 was short-yardage and goal-line execution. The Dolphins converted just 15 of 34 attempts inside three yards and ranked second-worst in the league on third-and-one, with a 55% conversion rate. The lack of a true power back was a major reason why. To address it, Miami brought in Alexander Mattison and rookie Ollie Gordon. Yet, against the Bears, the problem lingered. On the opening drive, Tagovailoa marched the team downfield, only for Miami to stall at the one-yard line. Four straight runs from second-year back Jaylen Wright came up empty. Later, Zach Wilson led another goal-line series that took three plays before Mattison finally punched it in. The Dolphins are banking on new offensive line additions James Daniels and Jonah Savaiinaea, along with a deeper backfield, to fix the issue. But Sunday showed there’s still work to do.
Rookie RB Ollie Gordon Makes His Case
Miami might have found a gem in sixth-round pick Ollie Gordon. The former Oklahoma State standout led the nation in rushing in 2023, 1,732 yards, 21 TDs, before a quieter 2024 season. Gordon is widely known as a bruising downhill runner with vision, patience, and elite after-contact production, one of the main reasons he was so dominant. In his NFL debut, Gordon showed flashes of his college dominance.
In one half of action, Gordon totaled 72 yards — 33 on the ground over eight carries, plus a goal-line touchdown. He also made a clutch 19-yard catch on fourth-and-five to keep a late drive alive, and nearly broke free for a game-winning score on a last-second lateral from tight end Chris Myarick. His big day came in the shadow of a concerning moment: Alexander Mattison exited in the fourth quarter with a concussion and shoulder/neck soreness. If Mattison’s injury lingers, Miami’s running back depth will be tested. Gordon’s performance may have fast-tracked his role in the offense, giving the Dolphins a physical weapon who can contribute immediately.
