Dolphins News: Lions Game Preview, Patriots Game Review, Trade Rumors, And Rookie Updates

The Miami Dolphins are preparing to face the Detroit Lions in Week 9, but their Week 8 loss to the New England Patriots is still being dissected. What went well and what did not work as Miami fell to 1-6 in the 2026 NFL season?

Tyler Carmona, Miami Dolphins on SI writer, took a look at the performance from each position group during the game, providing a grade for each. The wide receivers, defensive line, and linebackers all received the top grades for the week, a B for each of those groups. About the defensive line, Carmona wrote:

Josh Uche has pretty much defined serviceable this season.

He might not be keeping offensive tackles awake at night, but he generally does his job.

On a misdirection run, much of the defense followed Corey Kiner’s jet motion. Uche stayed home and was able to corral Rhamondre Stevenson. He also finished with four tackles and a third-down sack that dropped Maye for a 10-yard loss.

Chop Robinson added two sacks and showed some versatility beyond rushing the passer. On third-and-5 with 9:22 left in the first quarter, he bluffed a rush before dropping into the middle of the field, helping take away an option as Maye threw incomplete.

Robinson also had a chance to bring Maye down before DeMario Douglas’ 48-yard touchdown and couldn’t finish it.

The Splash Zone returns this morning to collect all the latest news, updates, and rumors in one place for you. Check it out that story and more below:

Dolphins Week 8 Report Card: Front Seven Earns Highest Marks – Tyler Carmona, Miami Dolphins on SI

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Dolphins vs. Lions preview

Five Things to Watch for in Miami Dolphins vs. Detroit Lions on Sunday – Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Key storylines, matchups, and tactical battles to keep an eye on when Detroit comes to town.

Dan Campbell Returns to South Florida as Lions Take on Dolphins– Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
A familiar face returns to Hard Rock Stadium as the Detroit Lions match up against Miami.

Dolphins-Lions Predictions: Will Miami Pull Off Big Upset? – Kevin Lerner, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Beat writers and analysts offer their predictions and final scores for Sunday’s matchup.

Dolphins vs. Patriots review

Chris Johnson, Drake Maye and the Miami Dolphins Sack That Got Away – Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
Reflecting on the defensive breakdown that allowed a critical escape in the backfield against New England.

Dolphins QB Malik Willis: groin issue wasn’t factor in lack of rushes vs. Patriots – C. Isaiah Smalls, Miami Herald
It’s not easy to be an NFL quarterback.

Dolphins’ Chris Johnson Addresses ‘Embarrassing’ Missed Sack Against Drake Maye – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
The defensive lineman takes accountability for the blown play that cost Miami in the trenches.

Dolphins’ Johnson and Gordon candidly reflect on their head-scratching moments – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
Two of the Dolphins’ talented young players on Wednesday attempted to explain uncomfortable, head-scratching moments during Sunday’s loss to New England.

Trade rumors

Why the Dolphins Shouldn’t Be Making Deals – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
Despite a slow start to the season and mounting trade speculation, the Miami Dolphins would be wise to stand pat rather than parting ways with key assets.

Why the Dolphins Should Think Twice About Pursuing Lamar Jackson – Jake Gibson, Miami Dolphins on SI
Weighing the massive organizational costs and roster implications of a potential blockbuster quarterback pursuit.

Dolphins rookies

Dolphins, Who Struggle Defending TEs, to Face Three Consecutive Dangerous TEs – Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Miami’s defense faces a tough stretch ahead against some of the league’s most potent tight end targets.

This Seldom-Talked-About Rookie Has Become Epitome of Dolphins’ Physical Identity – Dave Hyde, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Quietly putting together a gritty debut campaign, one young player is establishing the exact physical standard the team needs.

The Dolphins Rookie Report: which rookies shined against the Patriots? – C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald
No team in the NFL has relied more on rookies than the Miami Dolphins

Dolphins kicking

Why the Dolphins Need to Start Kicking Normally Again – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
Examining recent special teams decisions and why returning to conventional kicking strategies could benefit Miami.

ICYMI – The Phinsider News and Updates

Kadyn Proctor returns to Miami Dolphins practice – Marek Brave, The Phinsider
Barring setback, Proctor should play Sunday against Detroit.

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