Dolphins Extend Winless Streak to Five Games After 31-24 Loss to Bengals

Key points

• The Dolphins dropped to 0-5, marking their fifth straight loss under head coach Jeff Hafley.
• Cincinnati's Joe Burrow completed 23 of 32 passes for 190 yards and four touchdowns, exploiting Miami's deep coverage scheme.
• Miami's special teams unit committed multiple errors, including a missed extra point and a short kickoff that resulted in a penalty.
• Ollie Gordon II had a strong performance, contributing to 188 rushing yards and two touchdowns over the last two weeks.
• The Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins played through injuries, with Chase scoring a touchdown on a key third-down play.

Background

The Dolphins have struggled since the start of the 2026 season, failing to secure a win in their first five games. Previous analyses noted concerns about the team's offensive line and defensive consistency, while the Bengals have been navigating a challenging schedule with key players managing injuries.

How outlets are covering it

Sports Illustrated's Dolphins On SI emphasized the Dolphins' special teams failures and the need to simplify the passing game for Malik Willis, while also highlighting Ollie Gordon II's potential as a lead back. The Phinsider focused on fan reactions and the team's overall struggles, noting the impact of the Bengals' top wide receivers being banged up. The Cincinnati Bengals' official site highlighted the team's resilience, with head coach Zac Taylor praising the effort of players like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, who played through injuries, and quarterback Joe Burrow acknowledging the need for improvement despite the win.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' winless start raises questions about the team's direction and the effectiveness of their coaching staff. The Bengals' ability to win despite mistakes and injuries suggests a resilient team that can compete in tight games. The performance of Ollie Gordon II and the struggles of Malik Willis will be crucial for the Dolphins' future success.

What to watch

The Dolphins will have a bye week to regroup and address their issues, while the Bengals will prepare for a game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Dolphins' ability to improve their special teams and offensive consistency will be key to their future performance.