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Dolphins Expect Cardinals to Be a Major Challenge in 2026

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 17:42 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Florida, Arizona, UNITED STATES

Miami Gardens, FL - February 8th, 2026 - Miami Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier offered a revealing glimpse into the team's 2026 season preparations during a media briefing Friday, signaling a potential shift in competitive landscapes within the NFC. While acknowledging current strengths, Grier pinpointed the Arizona Cardinals as a team the Dolphins anticipate will pose a significant challenge, a surprisingly bold assessment given the Cardinals' recent struggles.

The Cardinals, fresh off a disappointing 4-12-1 season, underwent a major coaching change in January, bringing in Drew Petrino to replace Jonathan Gannon. Grier expressed optimism regarding Petrino's impact. "They've got some talented players, and I think Drew is a good coach," Grier stated. "I think they'll be better than they were last year. We expect to compete with them." This statement goes beyond simply acknowledging the Cardinals' potential; it frames them as a key measuring stick for the Dolphins' success next season. It suggests Miami's front office sees a parallel trajectory for both franchises - a rebuilding phase culminating in legitimate playoff contention.

This focus on the Cardinals isn't isolated. Analysts are already noting a trend of improvement in the NFC West. The Rams are expected to rebound, the 49ers remain perennial contenders, and the Seahawks are undergoing a strategic rebuild. Placing the Cardinals in the same competitive tier as these teams highlights the Dolphins' perception of a rapidly evolving division and conference. The Dolphins, consistently a playoff threat in recent years, are clearly preparing for a more arduous path to the postseason. The NFC is shaping up to be a gauntlet, and Miami intends to be ready.

Beyond the divisional outlook, Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel addressed the intriguing case of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Malik Willis. After a difficult 2023 campaign, Willis remains a player with considerable upside, and the Dolphins appear to be monitoring his progress closely. While not a direct competitor currently, understanding the potential of opposing quarterbacks is crucial for game planning. McDaniel emphasized Willis' raw talent. "He's got a lot of talent," McDaniel explained. "You see that. He's a big, strong kid who can make a lot of plays. He's just gotta keep working on the little things." This assessment hints at a belief within the Dolphins organization that Willis could blossom into a productive NFL starter, potentially becoming a future opponent they need to strategize against.

Furthermore, the Dolphins' internal discussions touched upon the Cardinals' new offensive coordinator, Matt LaFleur. LaFleur, previously a highly successful head coach with the Green Bay Packers, brings a proven track record of offensive innovation to Arizona. His arrival significantly elevates the Cardinals' offensive potential. Grier and McDaniel likely spent considerable time analyzing LaFleur's schemes and how they might impact the Cardinals' ability to compete. This focus on an opposing coordinator signifies a deep-dive approach to preparation, aiming to identify and exploit potential weaknesses in the Cardinals' attack.

Finally, Grier addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Despite rumors of a potential trade, Grier remained firm in his commitment to the veteran defensive back. "He's a good player, and we want him here," Grier asserted. "We'll see what happens." This statement, while not entirely dismissing the possibility of a trade, effectively cools down the rumors and reaffirms Ramsey's importance to the Dolphins' defensive scheme. Ramsey's leadership and playmaking ability are considered vital to the team's secondary, and parting with him would require a substantial return. The Dolphins clearly value his experience and contributions, particularly as they navigate a more challenging NFC landscape.

In conclusion, Grier's comments paint a picture of a Dolphins team proactively preparing for a more competitive 2026 season. The Cardinals are viewed as an emerging rival, Malik Willis's development is being tracked, and Jalen Ramsey remains a cornerstone of the defense. The Dolphins are not simply resting on their past successes; they are actively analyzing the league landscape and positioning themselves for a sustained run of contention.