The Miami Dolphins haven't shied away from making changes to their roster despite the difficult start to the 2024 season.
running back Raheem Mostert has scored just three runs in the last two weeks, tight end Durham Smythe is averaging a goal per game after finishing third on the team in scoring last year, and David Long Jr. finished just two months after his Appointment dismissed captain of the defensive team.
“I think it’s been the same pattern every season,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday afternoon. “One thing I'm very open about with players: As soon as they walk in the building, as soon as we start talking about projected lineups or positions within a position group, I think it's important for people to know that they're in that Nothing belongs to the world.
“Playing time is determined by the players on the field and the best players have to play and that's my job to enforce that. “I don't look at anyone having lost something, I look at who has earned the chances. “
Beneficiaries of that philosophy include De'Von Achane, who already has 168 touches this season after finishing his rookie year with 130, and linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., who moved into the starting lineup over the past three weeks.
“I think it's important for players in general – not just for themselves – but for teammates to want to have the teammate who most deserves that situation by their side,” McDaniel said. “Honestly, everyone who is rooting for the Dolphins relies on me to make the tough decisions, no matter what the ifs and buts are, you have to do what’s best for the team.”
More recently, the Dolphins turned to undrafted rookie Storm Duck to play extensively against the Las Vegas Raiders with Kendall Fuller out of action instead of relying on 2023 second-round pick Cam Smith.
“If Cam Smith completely beats Storm Duck tomorrow and we feel comfortable with what we’re doing, he will definitely beat Storm Duck,” McDaniel said. “Everyone is very aware of it. I think it's very important to get the best out of people so that they realize that it's about what they do in accordance with what they have done. They can dictate current and future conditions.”
