The Miami Dolphins finished their 2023 campaign with an 11-6 record and made the postseason for the second time in as many years under head coach Mike McDaniel. Unfortunately, it came to an end with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round.
While other teams are in the midst of their playoff run, it’s time to do some reflecting on the team in South Florida.
Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be reviewing and evaluating different positions for the Dolphins in 2023. Today, we’ll wrap up with the specialists.
LS Blake Ferguson: B+
It’s hard to judge a long snapper, but Ferguson didn’t appear to make any major mistakes throughout the season. He didn’t have any egregious snaps that resulted in missed kicks or poor punts.
Miami even gave him a three-year extension prior to the start of the year. That’s a pretty good 2023 campaign.
K Jason Sanders: C+
With how potent Miami’s offense was for a long stretch of the season, Sanders was called upon to take just 28 field goals in 2023, his lowest mark since his rookie season in 2018.
He made 85.7% of his field goals, which was his third-best, single-season mark. However, it was 18th in the NFL in 2023.
This may have been a step in the right direction, but there’s still a question as to whether or not Sanders is the best option for the team long term.
P Jake Bailey D+
Miami opted to move on from Thomas Morstead and go with the much younger Bailey at punter in 2023, and it wasn’t the team’s best decision.
Bailey ranked 29th in yards per punt (45.7), 24th in net yards per punt (40.7) and 16th in punts downed inside the 20-yard line (37.7%).
The former All-Pro struggled with consistency throughout the season, and it could lead to him being one-and-done with the Dolphins.
