Miami Dolphins: Preseason Panic Mode 2021 Schedule Edition

The Miami Dolphins were firmly in the driver’s seat at one point last season. For the most part, they controlled their own destiny and had they won the last game of the season, they would’ve been in the playoffs. There’s a good chance they’ll be in a similar position this year.

From Profootballtalk.com

Week 1: 9/12 at Patriots, 4:25 PM, CBS
Week 2: 9/19 vs. Bills, 1 PM, Fox
Week 3: 9/26 at Raiders, 4:05 PM, CBS
Week 4: 10/3 vs. Colts, 1 PM, CBS
Week 5: 10/10 at Buccaneers, 1 PM, CBS
Week 6: 10/17 at Jaguars, 9:30 AM, CBS
Week 7: 10/24 vs. Falcons, 1 PM, Fox
Week 8: 10/31 at Bills, 1 PM, CBS
Week 9: 11/7 vs. Texans, 1 PM, Fox
Week 10: 11/11 vs. Ravens, 8:20 PM, Fox/NFL Network/ Amazon
Week 11: 11/21 at Jets, 1 PM, CBS
Week 12: 11/28 vs. Panthers, 1 PM, Fox
Week 13: 12/5 vs. Giants, 1 PM, Fox
Week 14: BYE
Week 15: vs. Jets, date, time, and TV TBD
Week 16: 12/27 at Saints, 8:15 PM, ESPN
Week 17: 1/2, at Titans, 1 PM CBS
Week 18: 1/9, vs. Patriots, 1 PM, CBS

Home Stretch

Despite the challenge of this year’s schedule, the Miami Dolphins have a pretty favorable run towards the end of the season. With the majority of their remaining games being at home or against warm weather teams, they’ll be less likely to get bruised up due to rougher weather late in the season.

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Challenging Start

The Dolphins will be on quick notice just how well their season will go opening up against the Patriots and then AFC East champions the Buffalo Bills. They’ll also face the Raiders who will be looking for a rematch, the Colts who are turning it around, and the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. From there it gets a little bit easier, but how many wins is a comfortable start to the season? If they go into week 6 with less than three wins is it time to start smashing the panic button?

Hot Seat?

Just how long will quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s leash be? The Dolphins have stated that’s their guy, then went out and took a veteran to back him up. The difference is, there will be no challenge from Jacoby Brissett to take over for the Dolphins in-game as Ryan Fitzpatrick did. However, if Tua struggles it will highlight just how much Brian Flores’ tenure needs a proven quarterback. If he can’t get them there without at least a capable QB, how long will his leash be?

The Miami Dolphins have a favorable schedule down the stretch but if they can’t prove they belong early in the season, forget their chances in the postseason should they even make it.