For much of 2023, the Miami Dolphins seemed to be one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL, led by first-year head coach Mike McDaniels.
Finally, major injuries on both sides of the ball during the season forced the Dolphins to approach the playoffs with a weakened squad, and despite an amazing (11-6) regular season record, they were routed by the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wildcard Round of the NFL playoffs.
While the Dolphins are most known for their dynamic players at key skill positions like as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill, offensive lineman Terron Armstead plays an important part in the Miami attack, protecting his quarterback while blocking to open up openings in the running game.
Armstead, who is in Orlando enjoying the Pro Bowl with several of his teammates, believes the club is on the right track with a Super Bowl at the top of their thoughts.
“Our expectations are at an all-time high and that’s exactly the environment and situation you want to be in,” he told reporters. “I don’t want to be in a situation where six victories equals — no, no. It’s Super Bowl or nothing. That was not the expectation when I signed with Miami; it is now. So, I believe our trajectory is on track, and all we need to do now is finish the job.”
Still, after an injury-plagued season, Armstead is contemplating all possibilities heading into 2024, even if it means stepping away from the game he loves.
He was on the Dolphins’ injury report 13 out of 17 weeks this past regular season and missed seven games. Though the five-time Pro Bowler’s level of play hasn’t taken a hit, his body certainly has, and it’s led to him pondering retirement.
The 32-year-old said Friday at Pro Bowl Games practice that he hasn’t made a decision yet, though. Since the Dolphins’ season ended in an AFC wild-card loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, he’s been focused on getting better in body and mind before making the anticipated determination.
“Just taking time away from the game,” Armstead told NFL.com. “It was a long season, up-and-down season for myself, physically. Getting away coming out of the playoff loss to the Chiefs, I haven’t even started that process. I’ve just been resting, recovering and enjoying family.”
Terron Armstead has three seasons left on his five-year, $75 million pact with the Miami Dolphins.
