Miami Dolphins blame youth for 1-7 start after loss to Lions

The Miami Dolphins are frustrated with their 1-7 record and say they can no longer use youth as an excuse after a 19-9 defeat by Detroit on Sunday.

Rookie wide‑receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. told reporters the team “wants to win” and is “super frustrating” when close games end in loss, insisting the “young guys” excuse is no longer valid.

Veteran linebacker Jordyn Brooks said the squad showed more composure at halftime, entering the second half trailing only 6‑3 against a strong Detroit side, but still fell short.

Miami held the Lions’ top‑ranked offense to field goals until the third quarter, yet committed 11 penalties for 87 yards and went 0‑for‑3 in the red zone, contributing to the loss.

Despite a solid defensive effort – three first‑half sacks by Chop Robinson and Josh Uche – offensive struggles persisted. Quarterback Malik Willis completed 13 of 25 passes for 128 yards and an interception while battling a nagging groin injury, and the offensive line incurred five holding penalties.

Rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez described the season as “never had a season like this” and urged the team to find a way to win without relying on youth as an excuse.

Special teams also faltered, with punter Bradley Pinion’s fake‑punt pass succeeding but kickoff and field‑goal attempts suffering mishaps, including a missed kick by recent practice‑squad signing Zane Gonzalez.

Source: ABC News. Photo: Kaio Murilo / Pexels.