For the longest time, the Miami Dolphins have been considered one of the lower tier teams in the NFL. Between the retirement of Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Marino in 1999 and the start of the 2016 NFL season, the Dolphins had only made the playoffs three times. However, the Dolphins seem to have hit their stride. The Dolphins would end the 2016 regular season with a 10-6 record and would make the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
The Offense
Through the draft, the Dolphins have built a solid young core of potential stars. In 2012, the Dolphins took Quarterback Ryan Tannehill with the 8th overall pick in the draft. The organization took a huge gamble taking Tannehill, who had spent much of his college career as a Wide receiver rather than Quarterback. Tannehill has a cannon for an arm and great athleticism. Under the direction of second-year head coach Adam Gase, Tannehill may blossom into the franchise QB the team has been searching for since Marino.
This year, Tannehill will have the best receiving core the Dolphins have had for some time. DeVante Parker has had injury issues, but with his size and speed has the potential to become the no. 1 receiver on the roster. Julius Thomas, who arrived in Miami via trade from Jacksonville, should add a solid option at the Tight end position. Returning receivers Kenny Stills and Jarvis Landry looks to improve on their 2016 seasons. Landry, who led the team in receptions (94) and receiving yards (1,136), also led the league in receiving yards from the slot per Pro Football Focus.
He led the NFL in receiving yards from the slot in 2016.
Is there a better WR from the slot than @MiamiDolphins WR @God_Son80? pic.twitter.com/LGiRSbWSfR
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) June 5, 2017
Last season, Running back Jay Ajayi exploded onto the scene. With career highs in rushing yards (1,272), rushing attempts (260), yards per carry (4.9), and touchdowns (8), Ajayi looks to become the running back of the future. Ajayi has the potential to become a star in the NFL. He will be able to share the load with Tannehill and create a balanced attack on offense.
The Defense
Though the offense did not live up to expectations, it was the defense that fell flat. With players such as Ndamukong Suh, Cameron Wake, and Kiko Alonso, one would think the Dolphins would have a top 10 defense. However, this could not be farther from the truth.
As a whole, the Dolphins defense was 18th in points per game (23.8), 29th yards per game (382.6), 15th in passing yards per game (242.2) and 30th in rushing yards per game (140.4). It is a wonder how this team even made it into the playoffs with defensive numbers like these. With all the money that has gone into this defense, better numbers should be expected.
Conclusion
It is time for the Dolphins to come together as a whole and step up their game. It is time for Tannehill to step up and become the leader this team needs. If this does not happen, then the Dolphins will fall into the trap of mediocracy that so many other teams have become accustomed to. There can be no more excuses.
