Miami Dolphins
Offense
Ryan Tannehill has progressed each of his first two NFL seasons, and the addition of former Eagles offensive coordinator Bill Lazor may propel the quarterback in 2014. Tannehill threw for more yardage in 2013 than Nick Foles did in Philly, but he did not have a touchdown-to-interception ratio as good as Foles did. Lazor will need to help Tannehill cut down on the turnovers.
One way to do so is increasing the role for Lamar Miller, who failed to live up to the hype in his second season. Miller has a LeSean McCoy-like skill-set, and so far has earned rave reviews this summer. He and wideout Mike Wallace need to be better incorporated in the offense to increase the big plays downfield.
Defense
Miami’s D has a chance to turn some heads this season. The addition of Cortland Finnegan opposite the re-signed Brent Grimes gives the unit a solid 1-2 at corner, plus Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon up front is as good a duo in the division.
The issue with the Dolphins was their rush defense. Dannell Ellerbe has to prove he’s as good as the contract the team gave him last offseason. Their pass D was a middle-of-the-pact unit, meaning those role players — Finnegan and safety Louis Delmas — must rediscover their rhythm.
Outlook
It seems like the Dolphins are destined to be a .500 team, again, which doesn’t bode well for Joe Philbin keeping his job for the 2015 season. Tannehill must continue to develop into an NFL passer by getting better chemistry with Wallace and getting Miller into space. But it won’t be so easy with a suspect offensive line.
The Dolphins are not a playoff team, but aren’t a pushover either. There are some quality pieces in place, but some major question marks as well. If those question marks perform well, their fate can change.
