Miami Dolphins: 1 storyline for each game on the 2022 schedule

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: (L-R) Xavien Howard #25, Nik Needham #40, and Jerome Baker #55 of the Miami Dolphins celebrate and interception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: (L-R) Xavien Howard #25, Nik Needham #40, and Jerome Baker #55 of the Miami Dolphins celebrate and interception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Miami Dolphins Storylines Weeks 7 & 8

Week 7: vs. Steelers

It may not be the most important game of the season for the Dolphins, but the Week 7 game against the Steelers may be the “Must Watch” contest of the season.

The game will take place on October 23rd, and will be just the fourth appearance for Miami on Sunday Night Football since 2006. While it will be the second night game for them on the season, this is the game that will have all eyes of the football world on the Dolphins.

Not only will it be the premiere primetime game for the Dolphins in 2022, but it will be a payback game of sorts. Much maligned defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick will be playing against his original team for the second time, looking to capitalize on the two interceptions he had in the first match-up. Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores will be on the opposing sideline as well, and both sides will be looking to get the upper hand after the ugly (and ongoing) breakup.

Week 8: @ Lions

There isn’t a whole lot of history between the Dolphins and the Lions, as they have only met six times since the turn of the century, including just three times since 2006. There isn’t a lot of player movement between the two, either, making legit storylines a bit hard to come by.

But everyone recognized Dan Campbell, the now-second year head coach of the Lions. One of the few coaches who looks like he could still strap on a set of shoulder pads and hit the field, Campbell has things moving in a positive direction for Detroit, though the sample size is small. They will play host to Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins on October 30th, the team for which Campbell got his start in the coaching ranks.

When the Dolphins fired Joe Philbin in 2015, it was Campbell who was promoted from tight ends coach to interim head coach, leading Miami to a respectable 5-7 record to close out the season. His departure from South Florida was long enough ago that there is no “payback” to be had or rivalry to renew. But the Dolphins had better not overlook Campbell’s team come Week 8, as some are calling for them to be the surprise team in 2022.