Dolphins Look to Build Momentum After Bye Week
The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for their Week 13 matchup, aiming to extend their winning streak to three games. Fresh off a bye, the team is hopeful to maintain the positive trend that has often followed their bye weeks in recent years. This season marks a notable contrast, however, as the Dolphins head into this break with a 4-7 record—their worst since the 2019 season, when they entered the bye at 0-4 during a year of rebuilding.
Recent Bye Week Performance
Historically, the Dolphins have demonstrated resilience coming off a bye, holding a 21-15 record in such games. Between 1990 and 1995, they achieved an impressive seven consecutive victories following bye weeks, a streak that highlights their ability to regroup and refocus.
This year, the Dolphins find themselves in familiar territory, as they are set to play at home following the bye for the sixth time in seven seasons. Past opponents in this scenario have included notable teams like the Washington Football Team in 2019 and the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this season.
Timing of the Bye Week
This bye is particularly late in the season, being the second-latest in franchise history, following the 2021 bye that occurred in Week 14. It’s also the fourth time in five seasons that the Dolphins have had their bye after Week 10, showcasing a pattern that could affect their late-season performance.
Historical Context
In terms of streaks, the Dolphins’ longest winning run surrounding a bye is a remarkable seven-game stretch achieved in 2021. This eclipsed the previous six-game streak from 2016, which featured two wins before the bye and four following it.
Interestingly, the NFL experienced two byes during the 1993 season, a rare event that adds context to the Dolphins’ scheduling history. The franchise has also faced unusual circumstances in the past, such as weather-related postponements that resulted in two Week 1 byes—in 1992 and 2017.
Coaching Changes and Post-Bye Debuts
The Dolphins have seen their share of coaching transitions, with interim head coaches making their debuts in post-bye games. Dan Campbell took the reins in 2015, while Jim Bates led the team in 2004, both during pivotal moments in franchise history.
As the Dolphins prepare for their next game, the focus remains on building on their recent successes and navigating the challenges that come with a less-than-ideal record. The upcoming matchup will be crucial for the team’s aspirations as they seek to turn their season around and gain momentum heading into the final stretch.
