A year ago, the Miami Dolphins were on the brink of securing a playoff berth, while the San Francisco 49ers were gearing up for a Super Bowl run. Fast forward to this Sunday, and both teams find themselves struggling with disappointing 6-8 records as they prepare to meet.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged the frustration shared by both teams. “It’s been a trying year. But in no way, shape, or form do I expect anything but their best,” he said.
Miami’s challenges this season stem largely from a decline in offensive performance. Last year, the Dolphins boasted one of the league’s top passing and rushing offenses, averaging 265.5 yards through the air and 5.1 yards per carry. In contrast, they are currently averaging just over 222 passing yards (14th in the NFL) and a mere 3.9 yards per carry, ranking them sixth-worst in rushing offense. Issues with the offensive line and self-inflicted penalties have hindered their progress. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill emphasized the importance of execution, noting that many promising drives have been derailed by mistakes such as false starts and holding penalties.
The 49ers have also faced difficulties, particularly with their run game. Since their bye week, they have struggled to surpass 75 rushing yards in three games, including a recent matchup against the Rams where they averaged just 3.3 yards per carry. “Whenever you don’t get first downs, whether it’s running or passing, you’re not going to have many runs,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan, highlighting the team’s failure to establish a rhythm.
Additionally, the 49ers have seen a drop in production from star player Deebo Samuel. Over the last five games, he has managed only 101 receiving yards and is averaging just 2.8 yards per carry, a significant decline from his previous seasons. Shanahan remains confident in Samuel’s abilities, attributing the struggles to the overall performance of the team rather than any loss of explosiveness.
McDaniel, who previously worked on Shanahan’s staff, is wary of underestimating the 49ers. “The NFL is hard. Success breeds tough times ahead,” he remarked, noting that no team takes the 49ers lightly.
On the defensive side, the 49ers welcomed back linebacker Dre Greenlaw last week after he missed ten months recovering from an Achilles injury. Greenlaw made an immediate impact, recording eight tackles in the first half and energizing his teammates. “I love giving inspiration by going out to play,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tyreek Hill stirred speculation among Dolphins fans with a social media post suggesting he might consider a coaching career after his playing days. He quickly clarified that he was not hinting at a desire to leave Miami, expressing his commitment to the team and organization. Hill’s production has dipped significantly this season, with only 805 receiving yards so far. If he fails to reach 1,000 yards in the remaining three games, it would mark his first season below that threshold since 2019.
As both teams look to salvage their seasons, Sunday’s matchup promises to be a crucial test for each side.
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