Dolphins 2026 Preseason: Fan Panic Rises Over Shaky Secondary
Miami Dolphins Preseason Concerns: What Fans Are Worried About Most
The Big Game This Weekend
The Miami Dolphins are hosting the New York Giants this afternoon for Preseason Week 2. Think of preseason games like practice matches before the real season starts. Both teams are switching from "getting in shape" mode to "getting ready for the real games" mode.
What Dolphins Fans Are Most Worried About
Earlier this week, we asked Dolphins fans a simple question through our SB Nation Reacts survey: "What’s your biggest concern as the team prepares for the regular season?"
Here’s what nearly half of all fans said:
Important Point: The #1 concern by a landslide is the secondary — that’s the group of players who defend against passes (cornerbacks and safeties).
Why the Secondary Scares Fans
- No clear stars: Players are battling for spots, but nobody has clearly separated themselves as "the best"
- Depth problems: Not enough good backup players behind the starters
- Inexperience: Many players are young or new to the team
- Relies on pass rush: If the edge rushers (players who chase the quarterback) don’t get quick pressure, the secondary might struggle to cover receivers long enough
The Other Concerns (In Order)
| Rank | Concern | % of Votes | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1⃣ | Secondary (CBs & Safeties) | ~50% | Depth & inexperience issues |
| 2⃣ | Backup Quarterback | 32% | Quinn Ewers struggled last week vs. Commanders & is now injured |
| 3⃣ | Injuries Already Happening | 15% | Players getting hurt before season even starts |
| 4⃣ | Punting | 4% | Special teams concern |
The Vegas Odds Don’t Look Great
- Miami is a 3.5-point underdog — even though they’re playing at home
- According to FanDuel Sportsbook, oddsmakers don’t expect the Dolphins to win
-
Important Point: This might be a sign of things to come — Miami is projected to be the worst team in the AFC this year
What This Means for the Season
- Secondary must improve fast — or opposing teams will throw all over them
- Backup QB situation is messy — Ewers’ injury makes it worse
- Injury bug is early — not a good sign for depth
- Low expectations nationally — the "underdog" role might be all season
Summary
Dolphins fans are mostly worried about the defensive backfield — the cornerbacks and safeties who stop passing plays. There’s no clear starter quality, not enough depth, and many players are inexperienced. The backup quarterback spot (now complicated by Quinn Ewers’ injury), early injuries, and even punting round out the concerns. To top it off, Vegas oddsmakers have Miami as home underdogs and project them as the AFC’s worst team. Preseason Week 2 against the Giants is a chance to see if any of these issues start to get fixed.
FAQ
What is the "secondary" in football?
The secondary is the last line of defense against passing plays. It includes cornerbacks (who cover wide receivers) and safeties (who provide deep coverage and help against runs). If they fail, the other team completes big passes.
Why does the secondary need the pass rush to help them?
Covering receivers is really hard if the quarterback has all day to throw. When edge rushers pressure the QB quickly, the secondary only has to cover for 2-3 seconds instead of 5-6. More pressure = easier job for the secondary.
Who is Quinn Ewers and why does his injury matter?
Quinn Ewers is a young quarterback competing for the backup job behind starter Tua Tagovailoa. He played poorly last week against Washington, and now he’s injured — leaving the backup spot wide open and uncertain.
What does "3.5-point underdog" mean?
It means oddsmakers think the Giants will win by about 3-4 points. If you bet on the Dolphins, they’d need to either win outright or lose by 3 points or fewer for your bet to win. Being an underdog at home is unusual — home teams usually get a 2-3 point advantage.
Should fans panic about the "worst in AFC" projection?
Preseason projections are often wrong. They’re based on last year’s data, roster changes, and coaching — not actual games. Many teams surprise experts every year. The games are played on the field, not in a computer model.
What do you think? Do you agree with the poll results? Is there another position group keeping you up at night? Let us know in the comments!