The Key’s to a Miami Dolphins Victory in Carolina

Coming off of their first win of the 2025 season and the loss of their biggest superstar, the Miami Dolphins will look to stay on track as they travel to Bank of America Stadium to take on the Carolina Panthers.

For the Dolphins it’s about making a statement and getting their season back on track and for the Panthers it’s about responding and finding some consistency following two interesting football games.

So here are three keys to victory for the Miami Dolphins.

1. Run the Ball: I have repeated this key each and every week of the Miami Dolphins season. And now with Tyreek Hill out it is even more important. The Miami Dolphins most talented offensive weapon is their tailback (Devon Achane) and the offensive line has done much better in run blocking versus pass blocking. Running the ball will enable the Dolphins to follow their success from last week in the play action game and help alleviate this offensive line. The Dolphins are top 10 in yards per attempt, but bottom 5 in rushing yards per game. Establish the run, control the clock.
2. Pressure Bryce Young: Bryce Young has yet to show that he can be a top quarterback in this league. He struggles under pressure, turns the ball over, and will be without his top back this week (Chuba Hubbard). For the Dolphins, the pass rush that everyone raved about in the offseason has been nonexistent. Last week the Patriots got 4 quarterback hits and one sack on Young in their 42-13 rout. On top of pressuring Bryce Young, it will be essential for the Dolphins to contain first round pick Tet McMillan, the only true game changer the Panthers have.
3. Get Malik Washington Involved: Malik Washington can do it all, and without Tyreek Hill I expect him to benefit most. Washington has been seen on punt/kick return, in the receiving game, and in the rushing game, even lining up in the backfield. Washington is dynamic and throws a good wrinkle in there, making it hard to contain the Dolphins offense.

Some other keys:

• Win the turnover battle. The Dolphins generated their first turnovers last week and look, they won the game.
• Time to let McDaniel and Tua shine. Without Tyreek, the Dolphins offense loses the over-the-top explosiveness, but this offense is still talented and could benefit in a way without Tyreek.

Miami will look to their next man up without Tyreek Hill and should be able to handle an inferior opponent. That being said it’s the NFL, and on any given Sunday, anyone can come out on top.