The Miami Dolphins have the longest current drought in the NFL when it comes to a team’s most recent playoff win, last earning a postseason victory during the 2000 season.
In the wake of the Buffalo Bills’ stunning trade of Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, FS1’s Kevin Wildes explained on Wednesday why the Dolphins have a golden opportunity to end the dry spell during the 2024 playoffs.
Wildes added that if things don’t work out for Miami this year, they “never will.”
Bills cleaning house.
Patriots rebuilding without GOAT coach.
Jets are not only the Jets but they have a QB who hasn't thrown for 300 yards in his last 23 games.
If it doesn't happen for the Dolphins this year, it never will.— Wildes (@kevinwildes) April 3, 2024
The Diggs trade is far from the only loss that Bills Mafia have dealt with this offseason. Buffalo has also said goodbye to fellow wideout Gabriel Davis, center Mitch Morse, linebackers Leonard Floyd and Tyrel Dodson, cornerback Tre’Davious White and safety Jordan Poyer, among others.
Elsewhere in the AFC East, the New England Patriots have missed the postseason each of the last two campaigns and their 4-13 finish in 2023 was the group’s worst record since before Bill Belichick took over as head coach in 2000.
The Pats offseason began with one of the biggest headlines of the winter and spring, as Belichick was let go and replaced by former All-Pro linebacker Jerod Mayo.
While the Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since January 2021, the New York Jets haven’t even qualified for the tournament since the 2010 campaign. That’s the longest drought in the NFL.
Gang Green’s trade for four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers last April rejuvenated a tortured fan base, giving them high expectations heading into the fall. Rodgers’ torn Achilles just four snaps into his Jets career all but ended the team’s playoff aspirations.
Miami released star cornerback Xavien Howard this offseason but picked up Poyer in mid-March when the Bills cut bait. The Dolphins also return nearly all of the main players on their electric offense from last season, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, his pair of stud wideouts (Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill), a two-headed rushing attack with De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert and Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead.
There’s no way to talk around it anymore.
If the Dolphins don’t win the AFC East now, it would be a complete disappointment and epic failure.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) April 3, 2024