The Miami Dolphins suffered their seventh loss of the 2026 season to the Detroit Lions, losing with a final score of 19-9. Despite some big moments, the team could not get the job done.

Miami continues to play some tight games, but that has not translated into multiple wins this season. 

Here is a look at went right and what went wrong in the Dolphins Week 9 loss. 

Defense

There is something to say about how the Dolphins' defense has continued to grow every week. It was going to be difficult to stop the NFL's top offense, but that was mostly the case.

Miami brought in three sacks, got an interception, and held the passing offense to under 200 yards.

The Lions also went 3-for-12 on third down attempts. There was a lot to appreciate about the physical nature of how the Dolphins' defense played, but it was not enough to outlast Detroit.

Rookies Continue to Shine

The Dolphins' rookie talent continues to show why the investment in their play this season has been the most important thing.

Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez brought in 10 total tackles, seven solo, and one sack. Cornerback Chris Johnson brought in his first interception as a pro, and Caleb Douglas brought in 70 yards on six receptions.

The bones of what the organization is building is clearly evident, and the rookie talent getting this many snaps will lead to a much better future.

Pass Rush Is Working

After only securing four sacks through the first five games, the Dolphins' pass rush has come alive in the last three games.

Miami picked up two sacks against the New York Jets in Week 7, three sacks against the New England Patriots in Week 8, and three sacks against the Detroit Lions in Week 9. 

Josh Uche and Chop Robinson have started to settle in, and the defense continues to be a bright spot. 

Malik Willis

Malik Willis has had some up-and-down play in 2026, and Week 9 may have shown that the groin injury he is nursing is impacting him in a significant way. 

Many times the quarterback was flushed out of the pocket, only to run slowly and barely pick up the first down. There were also times when he simply could not evade pressure and went down.

Willis ended the day with 128 yards and one interception on 13-for-25 attempts. More is needed.

Offensive Playcalling

The overall offensive play and playcalling against the Lions were simply not good enough. One instance of this was the Dolphins running the ball on 3-and-11. 

Douglas had a strong game, but the rest of the pass catchers were mostly ineffective. The plan should have been to capitalize on the weaker Lions secondary with more shots downfield or even use some trickery with crossing routes.

Offensive Line Penalties

It was yet another game where the Miami offensive line did not play well enough and continually got hit with holding calls. Pre- and post-snap penalties are one way to stall drives, and the Dolphins had plenty.

Willis was sacked three times as well, which is not something that is going to help this ailing offense.

Cleaner play needs to happen if the Dolphins want a chance to keep pace with the upper echelon teams in the NFL.