Chris Perkins: Recent history suggests Dolphins headed for memorable opener

Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel on Sep 8, 2026

Published in Football

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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The start of a new era is always exciting, even if expectations are low, which is the case for the 2026 Miami Dolphins as they head into Sunday’s season opener at Las Vegas.

The start of a new era, in this case the Dolphins era of coach Jeff Hafley, is reminiscent of the start of other eras or seasons for a variety of reasons. Good or bad, these opening games have frequently been memorable for one reason or another in the past decade or so.

In 2022, the Mike McDaniel era began with much pomp and circumstance when the first-time coach defeated legendary New England coach Bill Belichick, 20-7, in a season opener that followed the Patriots training at Palm Beach Atlantic University during the week in an ill-fated effort to acclimate to the oppressive South Florida humidity.

Hardcore fans also will remember that as the game in which several cars caught fire in the parking lot at Hard Rock Stadium in the first half due to a tailgater’s carelessly placed grill.

In 2019, the coach Brian Flores era began with a resounding thud as the Dolphins were trounced, 59-10, by Baltimore. The Dolphins would eventually fall to 0-3 that season by a combined score of 133-16 before dropping to 0-7. But they won five of their last nine to finish 5-11.

In 2016, the coach Adam Gase era began with a road trip to Seattle that resulted in a 12-10 loss. That was a game that featured running back Jay Ajayi left at home after he sulked about Arian Foster being named the starter.

But the more noteworthy event was four players — Foster, wide receiver Kenny Stills, linebacker Jelani Jenkins and safety Michael Thomas — kneeling during the national anthem to protest social injustice. Stills became known for kneeling during the anthem that season.

In 2012, the coach Joe Philbin began, probably appropriately enough, with rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill throwing three interceptions as the Dolphins lost to Houston, 30-10.

Expanding the picture into the start of a mini-era things changed around the 2015 Miami Dolphins when Dan Campbell took over midseason for Joe Philbin.

The Dolphins became more physical and aggressive, and, although they finished with a 6-10 after starting 1-3, they seemed to enjoy football again.

It was a fresh start, and a needed restart.

Going beyond the start of a new era, there have also been some memorable Dolphins season openers recently.

In 2024, wide receiver Tyreek Hill was detained by law enforcement outside of Hard Rock Stadium before kickoff of the opener against Jacksonville, a 20-17 Miami victory.

In 2018, the opener against Tennessee, a 27-20 Dolphins victory, lasted seven hours due to two lightning delays.

In 2017, the scheduled season opener against Tampa Bay was postponed due to Hurricane Irma. And although Miami won the de facto opener at the Los Angeles Chargers, 19-17, the Dolphins had an assistant coach scandal that involved the coach sending a video to a woman that wasn’t his wife, and the coach snorting a powdery white substance. The game also involved newly acquired Dolphins linebacker Lawrence Timmons’ inexplicable absence.

Nothing along those lines is expected Sunday when the Dolphins visit the Raiders.

Most likely the biggest feeling for the Dolphins will be getting back on the field for a regular season game.

“It feels good to finally get out there to play football again,” defensive tackle Zach Sieler said.

But recent Dolphins history tells us most likely the game will be memorable for one reason or another.

“I say season opener is a season opener,” center Aaron Brewer said. “But it’s a new group. We’ve got a young team and new coaching staff. And so I’d say it [means] a little more, but it’s still the first game of the season. And you know me, nobody is believing in us right now, and so I love that. I know I love doubters, I love haters, and so I put that on my back and walk with my chin high.”

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