Miami drops to 1-5 after a 29-27 loss to the Chargers, spotlighting a locker-room rift that Tua Tagovailoa says undermines leadership and preparation. Players reportedly skipping or arriving late to players-only meetings heighten concerns about accountability and discipline as the season spirals.

The captaincy saga adds fuel: Tyreek Hill was left out of the six-man group, hinting at tensions after Hill’s comments about possibly leaving. With McDaniel under scrutiny and a string of losses to start the year, the Dolphins face a fragile culture ahead of a tough schedule, even as a Week 4 win over the Jets provides a brief lift. Fantasy angles hinge on whether leadership issues blunt the offense or simply create volatility in target shares and game flow.

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.

Miami’s interior line is a work in progress as Zach Sieler anchors the push and rookies Kenneth Grant and Jordan Phillips absorb the NFL pace. Run defense has struggled against Jets and Bills, but second-half steadiness hints at growth.

McDaniel leaves the door open for Wilkins while banking on the rookies. For fantasy, track snap splits and rotation vs the Panthers—early-season growth could stabilize the run defense and boost weekly ceilings for the Dolphins.

Miami’s defense answered the bell with a violent ball-security focus, turning the Jets’ opening push into a trio of fumbles and a pivotal early turnover. Jack Jones sparked the night with a forcing punch on Braelon Allen, while Tyrel Dodson, Jaelan Phillips and Dante Trader Jr. piled on with takeaways. Weaver’s scheme and drills paid off, even as the run defense showed vulnerabilities. The win sets up a fast-start challenge against Carolina while the unit eyes more disruption and improved frontline play.