Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2015 regular season. Today, the Miami Dolphins.
2014 in a nutshell: Despite continued progress from young quarterback Ryan Tannehill, the defense struggles and Miami finishes 8-8 for the second consecutive season.
Why 2015 could be different: Tannehill should be even better, left tackle Branden Albert should be back from injury and they added perennial All-Pro Ndamukong Suh on defense.
Major additions: Suh, wide receivers Kenny Stills, Greg Jennings and DeVante Parker, tight end Jordan Cameron and cornerback Brice McCain.
Major losses: Defensive tackle Jared Odrick, tight end Charles Clay, guard Shelley Smith and wide receivers Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline.
Breakout watch: With Wallace and Hartline gone, the rookie Parker still injured and Jennings beyond his prime, they’ll look for Stills — whom they acquired from New Orleans in the offseason — to step up big-time in his third NFL season. Same for 2014 second-round receiver Jarvis Landry.
Position to watch: They can’t take the next step forward until the line gets its act together. Tannehill has been sacked a stupid 104 times the last two years and Pro Football Focus graded them 31st in terms of pass-blocking efficiency in 2014. Can Albert get and stay healthy? Can rookie fourth-round pick Jamil Douglas hold it down as a starter at left guard? What about 2014 second-rounder Ja’Wuan James at right tackle?
Prediction: No reason they shouldn’t be better on both sides of the ball, but they still aren’t a 10-win team in the strong AFC East, which is actually looking stronger than ever. They’ll win eight or nine games.
