Fins Up, Fins Down | Week Nine

Hey, remember way back when the Dolphins lost to the Ravens by a score of 28-6 on Thursday Night Football? In some respects, that loss feels like a lifetime ago. Since then, general manager Chris Grier and the club decided to “mutually part ways,” EDGE rusher Jaelan Phillips was offloaded to the Philadelphia Eagles in a trade that netted the Dolphins a 2026 third-round selection in return, and rumblings have started about quarterback Tua Tagovailoa potentially being benched in order to secure more losses in 2025 to procure a higher first round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft — even though head coach Mike McDaniel claims the goal is still to win as many games as possible.

Okay, so back to that Ravens loss for one final time.

This week’s Fins Up figure is not a player, but instead owner Stephen Ross. Ross finally did what many fans have been clamoring for since… well, since a very long time ago. The Miami Dolphins owner finally relieved Chris Grier of his duties — duties that have neglected to secure a playoff win for the Miami Dolphins since Grier joined the club as an area scout in 2000.

Ross was loyal to a fault in regards to his general manager, Grier — and that loyalty has cost the Dolphins dearly, as the once storied franchise sets out on yet another rebuild effort with no cap space, few building blocks, and a whole lot of agony and frustration in a tired fanbase.

So, yes, this may be more of a Bronx cheer than an actual round of applause, but here’s to you, Mr. Ross!

Mike McDaniel checks in as this week’s Fins Down personality — and with former general manager Chris Grier getting the boot, many wonder if McDaniel is the next to go. Recent reports have stated that Ross wants to let this season play out in hopes that McDaniel can keep his locker room playing strong despite everything that is crumbling around the team. Ross believes in Mike McDaniel and wants to see a future where he is at the helm of a successful organization once more, but if things go even further south this season, Miami’s current head coach could become their former head coach in short order.

Two weeks ago against the Atlanta Falcons, Miami dominated their opponent on the ground after rolling out a jumbo package that featured offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill checking in as the de facto tight end multiple times throughout the game. Last Thursday against the Ravens, McDaniel started the game doing the same with Brunskill, but quickly abandoned the idea after an injury to power running back Ollie Gordon II forced the young player from the game.

That left the Dolphins with just one running back — the slight of stature De’Von Achane. Whose fault was that? You guessed it… Mike McDaniel’s. Inexplicably, just a few short days after running all over Atlanta, Miami’s coach decided to play Thursday’s game against Baltimore with just two active backs — deeming second-year player Jaylen Wright a healthy scratch for the contest.

Sometimes McDaniel just can’t get out of his own way. Sigh…