Miami’s 27-24 loss to Carolina laid bare a fragile run defense and a stagnant offense, inflaming the franchise’s rebuild narrative. Jordyn Brooks and Zach Sieler spoke with authenticity as the defense was carved for 234 rushing yards on 30 attempts through three quarters, while the offense flashed a brief spark from Tua Tagovailoa to Jaylen Waddle.

The questions surrounding GM Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel intensified as a pattern of missteps and soft play emerged. With a looming evaluation of identity and accountability, fantasy managers should watch for roster churn, internal rotations, and how quick the Dolphins pivot to more fundamental toughness in the weeks ahead.

Carolina roared back from a 17-0 hole behind a monstrous day from Rico Dowdle, who piled up 206 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown as the Panthers ran for 239 yards overall. The surge erased a slow start (5 rushing yards in Q1) and flipped the script against a Dolphins run defense that struggled all day.

Miami fought back with a late TD from Jaylen Waddle and a pair of near-hero plays from Tua Tagovailoa, but Carolina’s defense clamped down late and Raleigh-style clock-killing runs sealed the win. Darren Waller provided a spark for the Dolphins in the first half, while Waddle flourished with 110 receiving yards on six catches.

Miami couldn’t sustain its ground game (14 carries for 19 yards) and the defense yielded big rushes that kept the Panthers in control. The result stacks more questions about the Dolphins’ run defense and protection as the league pivots to a clash with the Chargers, who’ll bring a similar test on the ground.

On the horizon, the Chargers visit the Dolphins in a game shaped by injury updates: Slater out for the year, Alt dealing with a high-ankle sprain, and Mekhi Becton sidelined by a concussion. Jim Harbaugh’s run-first instincts get a nod here as teams search for balance after a week of dramatic comebacks.