The Miami Dolphins are inching closer to the first pivotal moment in their next chapter as an organization. There’s been plenty of posturing publicly with reports of what Miami’s intentions are this winter — between the contract of QB Tua Tagovailoa and the job status of head coach Mike McDaniel.

The Miami Dolphins struck gold in free agency in 2024. The team landed tight end Jonnu Smith, who made the Pro Bowl while also securing a roster cornerstone level talent on either side of the ball via center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Jordyn Brooks.

After benching Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins handed the offense to rookie Quinn Ewers, who struggled in his first start during a 45–21 loss to the Bengals. Did the ugly defeat serve a larger purpose, and what’s Miami’s goal for the final two games of 2025?

Atlanta beat Arizona 26-19, which keeps them in the 10th spot at 5-10 on the season. The Falcons traded their first rounder to the Rams during last year's draft, which means Los Angeles would've moved in front of Cincinnati if the Falcons had lost.

Tua Tagovailoa has been benched and is officially inactive, serving as the emergency third quarterback. MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins host the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 21. This game was moved from a night game by the NFL.

The Dolphins’ loss ensured their second consecutive losing season, and they found out rookie QB Quinn Ewers still has a long way to go before he can compete for a starting job.

The Pittsburgh Steelers moved to 8-6 on the season and continue to hold firm atop the AFC North with a 28-15 victory over the Miami Dolphins (6-8) on Monday night. While the win moves Pittsburgh one step closer to the playoffs, the loss officially eliminates Miami from postseason contention.

Joe Burrow hit the former Dolphin on a 17-yard strike to cap the spectacular showing from Cincinnati's offense. It was "something I'd been waiting for for three years" after leaving the team in free agency for the Patriots in 2023. He played his first six NFL seasons down south after Miami took him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft