RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe defensive line works with a coach during Miami Dolphins Training Camp on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, at Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Alie Skowronski/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
This past week, I asked the following question:
Which side of the ball, offense or defense, will be the unit more likely to carry or be the overall strength of the 2026-2027 version of the Miami Dolphins, and why?
Below are some of your thoughts and answers-
PA phinphan seems wildly over-optimistic, which I always appreciate even when unrealistic.
I am hoping the offense and defense take turns carrying the team all the way to the playoffs and beyond. 20- 0 record. Undefeated times two.
Educated money believes that an improved O-line and a run-heavy scheme will allow the offense to lead the way this season.
to me, this is obvious it’s the offense. Our Oline is pretty good and so is our backfield also Malik Willis is a running quarterback so as you know a running game can wear down any defense if they can manage to pick up first downs consistently and wear down the clock as well that would be a very good offensive strategy & the defense can be fresh and with this young group they’ll be able to make some plays hopefully and this is all based on the fact, “if our new coaches can actually coach” that’s what everything boils down to for me.
MiamiItaliano says it will be the defense.
Defense shoulders the load
Phoenix6 believes it will be the defense that will, in turn, set things up for the offense to be successful.
Which side of the ball, offense or defense, will be the unit more likely to carry the team?
I’d say, Defense the Special Teams.
Those two units, especially Defense, is what will give this Offense more chances, by putting them in good positions.
Also in keeping opponents’ score down, keeping the Offense in play to win the games.
Why do you feel so?
Defense is key to winning…. & winning by the Defense is all about championships.
UpInPensacola believes it comes down to offense and special teams, as field position still matters.
As I have mentioned several other times, special teams and defense are the keys.
The game needs to be played in the opposition’s end of the field as often as possible. Special teams scoring. Defense getting the team ahead in take aways. Give the offense a greater chance of success.
FFFL66IBA&O sees it going to the defense based on how aggressive they have looked thus far in camp.
I’m going with Defense. All the training camp reports I have been reading highlight an aggressive defense under our new leadership forcing fumbles and intercepting passes.
I’m hoping our offense will soon be catching up and not be so Offensive…
SuperG! says In Hafley we trust!
I have more faith in Haf running the defense than Slowik running the offense. With that said, I think the defense carries the team.
SlayerNation1 is, I think, giving the nod to special teams.
Well… it is the National Soccer League so of course, Kickers and Punters will carry the team… and right behind them will be the other contingent of people who are also “never-been” football players…. The Analytics Department
… in third place will be the real athletes …the Social Media Department
Eventually, We shall get to actual professional tackle football players e.g. Achane.
This is a pervasive NSL problem, not just Miami’s problem.
phinette23 is at the very least HOPING that the defense steps up.
I hope the defense carries the day, but I don’t know if it’s capable of doing so. The lack of depth in the secondary worries, as does our ability to stop the run. Our coaching staff will be earning their paychecks this year. The schedule is brutal.
Mrcogburn says the weight of this season will fall on the shoulders of our new head coach.
The head coach must absolutely carry this no-name team.
And he seems convinced he can. If he doesn’t wear capri pants on game day, I’d say things are looking up.
MIAMI235 agrees with Mrcogburn.
Neither…. The Head Coach has to.
Diggity Dankster says it starts and ends in the trenches.
Quarterback is the most important position. Everybody will be watching him. But the lines will carry the team. If they run like they have been saying, the offensive line will carry the offense. The defensive line will set the tone for the defense.
Well, that’s our selection of comments for this evening. It seems as if the sentiment among at least our fans here is that the day will be carried by the defense. Here’s to both sides of the ball and even special teams surprising all of us fans and even the media (who, for the most part, expect Miami to either be the worst or near the worst team in the NFL this coming season) this season. As always, thank you to each of you who takes the time to answer our Phinsider Question Of The Day.
Please be sure to join us tomorrow evening for our first NFL live game thread of the offseason with the NFL’s Hall of Fame Game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals kicking off at 8:00 PM EST.
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