The Miami Dolphins got a surprising vote of confidence from the most unlikely of places
The Miami Dolphins got a fresh vote of confidence from a very surprising place on Wednesday.
There are just some outlets in the media that don’t jive with certain people, players, or franchises. The Miami Dolphins have certainly have their fair share in recent years.
But the team’s new direction and new leadership gives the Miami Dolphins a chance to turn the page and start fresh. It seems to have done the trick — at least for one pundit who hasn’t often had glowing reviews for the Dolphins efforts in recent years. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio and Chris Simms have had ample criticism for Miami throughout the Mike McDaniel era. But they both gave (varying) votes of confidence to the Miami Dolphins in 2026 as a team “under the radar”.
Mike Florio and Chris Simms of Pro Football Talk offer a notable endorsement for the Miami Dolphins
“I was sold by Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley when we talked to them in the offseason about the culture. About the vision they share for the players they’re looking for…there were too many moments in recent years where guys just didn’t care. Guys who had the ‘captain’ on their jersey. They got it because of past on-field performances, not because of true leadership qualities and capabilities.
Everybody just assumes they’re going to suck because they got rid of all of their best players, and it’s a bunch of rookies who are going to be playing. And a lot of people don’t think Malik Willis is going to be good. I think they’re in a position where…(Miami) can seize upon this idea that no one is giving them any chance, any respect, any attention, any credit. And they can surprise some people.”
— Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk on the Miami Dolphins as an under the radar team
Welcome aboard, Mike! It’s great to have you! Florio’s colleague, Simms, was more measured, stating he still had some questions about the roster. But as a whole, he really likes the foundation that the Miami Dolphins are laying.
If Florio ends up being right about the Dolphins, one would have to imagine the support for Miami’s leadership will only grow into next offseason. But if the Miami Dolphins ultimately do struggle, the question will be how long the Dolphins will stay in everyone’s good graces. This regime deserves time to sort things out amid the dramatic reset. But patience, as has been proven time and time again, isn’t anyone’s specialty in the NFL.
For now, we’ll take the vote of confidence by some of Miami’s historical critics.
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