Raheem Mostert calls last two years “B.S.,” says Dolphins’ playoff win drought has to end

May 29, 2024

MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert is tired of the “B.S.”

Entering his 10th NFL season — many of which came during a successful tenure with the San Francisco 49ers — Mostert is used to winning.

But for an NFL veteran who was one game short of a Super Bowl ring in 2019, simply ending the regular season as the top offense in the league doesn’t mean a thing if it doesn’t translate into more.

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“For me, personally, I want to win a championship,” Mostert said. “I want to go after one and I want to get past the first round. These past two years have been B.S. in my own view. It’s all about breaking that cycle.”

Miami appeared to be on a fast-track for postseason success last year when late-season injuries struck.

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (31) rushes for a few yards as New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) closes in during the second half of an NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, October 8, 2023.

Mostert himself was frequently listed on an injury report that included star players Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Xavien Howard, Jerome Baker, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and others during the final stretch.

And injuries can’t always be helped. They’re part of the game. But there’s more to Mostert’s frustration than just that.

“It’s a reflection of pretty much everything we’ve been going through,” he said. “Injuries, guys going down, guys not feeling comfortable, guys not feeling in the right position, guys and coaches not working on the same page towards the end of the year when it does really matter.”

Dolphins in midst of 24-year playoff win drought

Fielding questions after Tuesday’s organized team activities, Mostert was reminded that it’s been 24 years since the Dolphins have won a playoff game, the longest streak in the league.

“Twenty-four,” he said with a tone of shock. “That’s crazy. I’m not used to that, and it’s apparent that’s the accustomed thing around here. But we’re trying to fix that. We’re trying to change it up. We’ve got to do everything we possibly can to change it. Everybody has to be on the same page.”

Miami Dolphins Raheem Mostert (31) celebrates with his teammate fullback Alec Ingold (30), after Ingold scored a touchdown on a pass from Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1), left, against the Cleveland Browns during NFL action Sunday November 13, 2022 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

After Miami blew out Washington 45-15 during the first week of December, its Thursday night loss to Tennessee left many fans puzzled.

When the team defeated Dallas two weeks later, the ship seemed to be righted  until the Dolphins lost the next two before limping into a wild-card playoff against Kansas City.

“I’d rather take an 0-8 start to making it to the playoffs and making it to the championship round and getting past that point,” Mostert said. “We’ve got to break that mold, the drought for not winning a playoff game.”

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Following an offseason of question marks, the Dolphins find themselves looking to shed the reputation of ‘being a regular-season team’ circling above their collective heads.

“Whether you’re a second-, third- or fourth-year guy or even a nine- or 10-year guy, you’ve still got to find your beliefs and what you truly aspire to achieve,” Mostert said. “I’ve played at the highest level. I lost a championship and it sucks.

“Once you get that hunger and that desire, and once you’ve been there before, you want to get back. That’s all I can think about right now.”