Can the Dolphins reach Super Bowl LVII next season?

By: Jake Rajala

The Miami Dolphins have arguably made more glamorous off-season additions than any other NFL team. There are countless NFL critics and Dolphins followers that believe the new-look Dolphins could be the next surprise AFC team to compete in the big dance. With that enunciated, I’m going to untwine why the Mike McDaniel – Tua Tagovailoa sandwich and their impressive weaponry could compete in the big dance next season.

I am speed – Lightning McQueen

The Kansas City Chiefs second MVP in Super Bowl LIV was arguably WR Tyreek Hill. The Chiefs were down 20-10 halfway through the fourth quarter and the former blistering fast WR made a clutch catch on 3rd and 15 from Patrick Mahomes. The utterly obvious target on 3rd and 15 still made the catch and saved the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

All in all, one or two explosive plays are hard for any elite defense to prepare for and they make a big difference in the post-season. Outside of Hill being a routine playoff threat, Ja’Marr Chase really helped Cincy in the recent post-season, Percy Harvin was unstoppable in Super Bowl XLVIII, and Jacoby Jones was the Baltimore Ravens x-factor in their last Super Bowl journey.

Strength of schedule

The Dolphins should feel ecstatic about their 2022 competition, as they carry the 21st most difficult schedule next season. Meanwhile, the LA Rams have the most difficult schedule and the reigning AFC Champions Buffalo Bills have the 12th most challenging schedule in 2022. The Dolphins will also not only play the NY Jets twice in the season, but they should feel confident against the NE Patriots (as the Phins swept the Pats last season). If the Dolphins can win five games in their division, while squashing countless weak opponents, the Dolphins could have a nice seat in the post-season.

The demise of Kansas City and Tennessee

The Chiefs had the most gifted QB in the NFL last season and the Tennessee Titans claimed the 1 seed in the AFC last season. The Chiefs sent their best weapon (Hill) to the Dolphins and they also lost the Honey Badger. Outside of the fading Chiefs, I am quite confident the Titans will not repeat as the one seed in the AFC. The Titans lost AJ Brown and Derrick Henry’s ability is moving further away from his OPOY version. It does make sense that the Bills (aka not the Chiefs, Titans) are listed as the common betting favorite to win Super Bowl 57. Perhaps the ascending AFC team in Miami with an improved QB and familiarity against BUF could be the next unsung AFC Champion.