The Miami Dolphins have encountered difficulties across all three aspects of their game at various junctures this season, but their special teams unit, particularly the kicking game, has emerged as a consistent concern throughout their 2026 campaign. These ongoing issues have prompted public dissatisfaction, even from within the team's ranks.
Miami Dolphins' Persistent Kicking Struggles
The Miami Dolphins' 2026 season has been marred by persistent issues in their special teams, especially concerning field goal kicking. Early in the season, kicker Riley Patterson missed two out of nine field goals and one out of six extra points across the first five games. His inconsistent performance led to his release, and the team subsequently brought Zane Gonzalez back into the fold. However, Gonzalez's return has not entirely resolved the problem, as he too has contributed to the team's kicking woes. These repeated failures have drawn considerable attention and frustration, impacting critical moments in games and highlighting a significant weakness in the Dolphins' overall performance. The team's inability to secure reliable kicking has become a recurring theme, necessitating ongoing adjustments and compounding pressure on the special teams unit.
The team's kicking struggles became particularly evident when Zane Gonzalez, after being re-signed, missed a crucial 38-yard field goal at the end of the first half during a recent game against the Detroit Lions. This latest miss followed his earlier failure to convert one out of three field goal attempts in the preceding week. The cumulative effect of these missed kicks has been a source of growing annoyance for fans and team members alike. De'Von Achane, the Dolphins' running back currently sidelined due to a torn ACL, publicly expressed his frustration on social media following Gonzalez's Week 9 miss. His comments underscored the palpable disappointment surrounding the team's special teams performance, indicating a shared sentiment of discontent over these critical errors. The recurring nature of these issues suggests a systemic problem that the team has yet to effectively address, continuing to undermine their efforts on the field.
Player Discontent and Future Kicking Solutions
The consistent underperformance of the Dolphins' kicking unit has led to visible frustration among players, most notably from injured running back De'Von Achane. His public comments on social media reflect a broader sentiment within the team that these missed opportunities are detrimental to their success. Such open expressions of dissatisfaction from a key player emphasize the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for a resolution. The ongoing issues have created a challenging environment, with players feeling the impact of squandered scoring chances and the potential influence on game outcomes. This internal discontent further amplifies the pressure on the coaching staff and management to find a stable and reliable kicking solution for the remainder of the season.
The situation with Zane Gonzalez, who was elevated from the practice squad, has reached a critical point. The recent missed field goal against the Detroit Lions marked his third and final elevation, indicating that the Dolphins are now compelled to seek a permanent replacement for the kicker position. This necessity arises from the NFL's rules regarding practice squad elevations, which limit how many times a player can be called up. Consequently, the team will likely be actively searching for a new kicker in the coming days, exploring various options to bring in a player who can provide the much-needed consistency and reliability. The urgency of this decision is underscored by the team's ongoing struggles and the potential impact on their competitive standing, making the selection of a new kicker a top priority for the Dolphins' front office and coaching staff.