Dolphins News: Rebuild Working, Lions Game Review, Trade Deadline Updates

The Miami Dolphins lost their seventh game of the 2026 season, having won just once this year. It has been a rough season according to the record, and we all know you are what your record says you are, but in the Dolphins case this year, they may be a little more than that 1-7 record.

The Dolphins are a rebuilding team, and this year’s losses are understandable for a team that completely tore down its roster and is relying heavily on rookies and other younger players to build a foundation for the future. The 2026 season is not the goal for the Dolphins’ front office and coaching staff. They are more concerned about making Miami a consistent threat year after year in the AFC playoffs, rather than making a one-year splash.

The Dolphins are playing a physical style of football this season. They have matched up with some of the league’s top teams. They are also seeing flashes of potential from younger players who may promise a brighter future. The rebuild seems to be working.

The Palm Beach Post’s Joe Schad agrees that, despite a 1-7 record, the Dolphins are proving on the field that the rebuild is working:

“A lot of stuff that we started off the year doing, we’re not doing anymore,” [quarterback Malik] Willis said [after Sunday’s game].

Miami has the youngest team in the NFL and at times, it shows. But on this day, first-round cornerback Chris Johnson had his first career interception and second-round linebacker Jacob Rodriguez had his first career sack…

The Dolphins have not quit and that’s way more important than their record.

Miami is 1-7 and yet the Dolphins are optimistic. Fans should be, too.

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

Dolphins’ rebuild is working despite 1-7 record, and proof is on field – Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
The Miami Dolphins may be the most optimistic, positive, encouraged 1-7 team in pro sports history and I’m all for it.

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Dolphins vs. Lions review and grades

Malik Willis Report Card: Grading the Quarterback in Dolphins’ Loss to Lions – Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
Evaluating quarterback Malik Willis’ performance, struggles, and key mistakes in Miami’s Week 9 defeat against Detroit.

Miami Dolphins Week 9 Instant Takeaways: Time for New Specialists, Suggestions for Offense – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
Breaking down the immediate takeaways from the Dolphins’ 19-9 loss, including necessary changes on special teams and structural tweaks for the offense.

Instant Analysis: Detroit Lions 19, Miami Dolphins 9 – Kenny Rosarion, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Quick post-game reactions and breakdown as the Dolphins fall short against a top-tier Detroit squad at Hard Rock Stadium.

Dolphins offense sputters as Lions pull out 19-9 victory + more takeaways – C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald
They didn’t allow a big play. They kept the NFL’s top-ranked offense under 300 yards. And they didn’t allow arguably the best running back in football to rush for 100 yards.

Dolphins-Lions Postgame Notes and Observations – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Key roster notes, snap counts, and injury updates coming out of the Dolphins’ Week 9 home matchup.

Dolphins Contain High-Powered Lions Offense, But Fail to Find End Zone in Loss– Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
While Miami’s defense put up a resilient effort against a potent opponent, the offense stalled repeatedly in a 19-9 defeat.

Five Instant Overreactions to the Dolphins-Lions Matchup – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
Separating panic from reality following Miami’s second straight loss.

What pleased, disturbed Hafley in loss to Detroit, as Dolphins fall to 1-7 – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
The Dolphins, in year one of a rebuild, again played a very good team competitively on Sunday before succumbing, 19-9 to Detroit, dropping Miami to 1-7.

Trade Deadline

Miami Dolphins brace for NFL trade deadline: ‘I’ve loved my time here’ – Eric J. Wallace, The Palm Beach Post
As the clock wound down on the Miami Dolphins’ 19-9 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Nov. 8, another clock started ticking for some of the franchise’s most familiar veterans.

Dolphins vs. Colts preview

The challenge judging Willis and the emotional conflict now for Dolphins fan base – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan was asked before the season if it would be difficult to judge Malik Willis with such an inexperienced, unproven supporting cast.

Despite rumors, it appears the Colts will have Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback against the Dolphins:

Dolphins Injuries

Perkins: Dolphins QB Malik Willis’ Groin Ailment Could Be a Major Problem – Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
An look into Malik Willis’ lingering injury issues and how his physical limitations are impacting the offense.

Former Dolphins

Riley Moss and Jaylen Waddle ruled out against Panthers with concussions – Christopher Hart, Mile High Report
Cornerback Riley Moss and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle have been ruled out of the rest of the Panthers game due to concussions.

ICYMI – The Phinsider News and Updates

NFL trade deadline 2026: Miami Dolphins rumors, updates, and moves – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. Eastern.

Lions vs. Dolphins final score, immediate winners, losers, reactions – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
The Dolphins came up short as they tried to go toe-to-toe against the Detroit Lions and the NFL’s top offense.

Lions vs. Dolphins preview: 5 questions with Pride of Detroit – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
Who are the Lions? To get a better idea of the Dolphins’ Week 9 opponents, I turned to Pride of Detroit.

Dolphins without Jaylen Wright as inactive lists for Lions game released – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
The Dolphins will be without their primary kick returner against the Lions.

Lions vs. Dolphins Week 9: Start time, TV coverage, streaming options, odds, injury updates, more – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
The Miami Dolphins welcome the Detroit Lions to Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. What do you need to know to watch today’s game?

Dolphins fan confidence remains high despite losses – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
Miami Dolphins fan confidence slips some in Week 9, but remains high overall.

The Feed Post of the Day

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