Miami Faces Detroit in First Meeting Since 2022
The Miami Dolphins will face the Detroit Lions on Sunday for the first time since the 2022 season, a matchup that highlights the divergent paths of two franchises that were once aligned in their developmental stages.
At the start of that previous meeting, both teams were in the early phases of rebuilding. The Lions have since progressed from those initial struggles to become perennial contenders, reaching the doorstep of the Super Bowl in 2023 and securing the No. 1 seed in the playoffs in 2024.
Parallel Draft Strategies and Foundational Picks
The comparison between the two teams often centers on their draft philosophy, particularly regarding offensive line talent. The Lions selected tackle Penei Sewell with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 draft, a move that came just one selection after the Dolphins bypassed him to select wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
Through the first seven games of the 2026 season, Kadyn Proctor is viewed as a foundational piece for Miami's offensive line similar to Sewell’s role in Detroit. Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley selected Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor as their first draft pick, signaling a commitment to building from the trenches.
The Lions built their foundation with later picks including Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. This approach allowed Detroit to accumulate talent around its core, creating a roster depth that propelled them into contention.
Current Roster Construction and Future Goals
The Dolphins secured their first victory of the 2026 season against the New York Jets in Week 7, marking a turning point in their early campaign. The team's first draft class under Sullivan and Hafley includes Chris Johnson, Jacob Rodriguez, and Caleb Douglas, adding young talent to the roster.
Looking ahead, the Dolphins aim to solidify the quarterback position with Malik Willis or a draft pick in 2027 or 2028. This long-term planning mirrors the patience Detroit showed during its rebuild, though Miami is now attempting to accelerate its timeline for success.
Cultural Shifts and Coaching Connections
The coaching landscape has also shifted significantly since the last meeting. Lions head coach Dan Campbell served as interim head coach of the Dolphins in 2015, a tenure that predates his current role by over a decade.
Despite this historical connection, the current dynamic is defined by the cultural differences between the two organizations. Lions player Josh Uche stated, "I think it starts with the head coach. The energy he brings, no toxicity, it's just all football. All ball, all details, all discipline" regarding Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley.
This emphasis on detail and discipline contrasts with the earlier struggles of Campbell’s first team, which started the 2021 season 0-10-1. The Lions' evolution from that winless start to a perennial contender provides a blueprint that Miami is now attempting to replicate under its new leadership.
Alain Poupart is the publisher/editor of Miami Dolphins On SI and has covered the team since 1989 for outlets including Dolphin Digest, The Associated Press, and the Dolphins team website. His long-standing coverage provides context for how these current developments fit into the broader history of the franchise.