Ahead of the 2024 season, the Miami Dolphins touted a shift in team culture as a top priority. However, linebacker Bradley Chubb, who missed the season due to a torn ACL, admitted that those claims were more rhetoric than reality.
Speaking candidly, Chubb stated, “We were lying, honestly,” asserting that the team lacked genuine commitment and cohesion. While there was some effort to change, Chubb said it was superficial—players didn’t truly connect or go the extra mile for one another. This self-reflection sets the tone for the Dolphins’ attempt to reboot their approach heading into 2025.
Injuries, Decline in Performance, and Renewed Hope for a Stronger 2025 Mindset
The Dolphins’ 2024 campaign ended with a disappointing 8-9 record, their first losing season since 2019. Injuries plagued key players like Chubb, Terron Armstead, and Tua Tagovailoa, while the team’s offensive production dropped dramatically.
The Dolphins slipped from second in scoring and first in total offense in 2023 to 22nd and 18th, respectively. Their road performance was especially troubling, finishing 3-6 away from home. Adding to the turbulence, star wide receiver Tyreek Hill exited the season finale prematurely, capping a season of injuries and inconsistency.
Bradley Chubb Sparks Cultural Reckoning As Dolphins Aim to Rebuild Locker Room TrustDespite the setbacks, Chubb believes the offseason leading into 2025 has a different energy. He acknowledges that similar optimism was expressed last year, but insists this time the players are genuinely embracing a collective mindset.
Chubb emphasizes the team’s new approach to accountability and commitment, even if success isn’t guaranteed. He makes it clear that the change must come from within the roster, not from head coach Mike McDaniel, highlighting that player buy-in is the key difference this year.
Veteran Departures, Lingering Instability, and a Culture Shift Still Seeking Traction
The Dolphins continue to see significant roster turnover, with veteran leaders like Calais Campbell and Armstead now gone. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey appears to be on the verge of a trade, signaling further instability. Despite having a high-priced, talent-rich roster, the team has struggled to convert potential into postseason success, having failed to win a playoff game since 2000.
These changes cast a shadow over the team’s culture reset, suggesting that rebuilding chemistry and identity remains a work in progress.
Coach Mike McDaniel downplayed Chubb’s retrospective criticism, stressing a focus on the future rather than revisiting 2024’s failures. He brushed off the past, indicating that the path forward is more important than assigning blame. Echoing this sentiment, Chubb reiterated that true change depends on player accountability and responsiveness to coaching.
It’s not about McDaniel altering his style, but about players truly internalizing his message and executing it with purpose. Whether this cultural shift will finally take hold remains to be seen, but for now, the Dolphins are determined to move forward with clarity and unity.
