For years the Miami Dolphins have been stuck in mediocrity, consistently finishing seasons in the 6-10 to 8-8 range. Last year was no exception as the team finished 6-10, but there are many reasons that the Dolphins are primed to go from worst to first in the 2020 season.
Heading into to this year, the Dolphins have a much improved team since last season. Of the Miami Dolphins 53 players on the roster last season, 21 were undrafted players. This means 40% of Miami’s roster had limited NFL playing experience and were being thrust into starting roles.
Replacing players such as Steven Parker with Byron Jones, Patrick Laird with Matt Breida and Jordan Howard, and Julien Davenport with Austin Jackson are massive upgrades and that’s not even the tip of the iceberg. The Dolphins signed and drafted enough offensive and defensive lineman to have different starters at every position.
They drafted the Crimson Tide’s star QB Tua Tagovailoa, giving the Dolphins their franchise QB. They signed former Patriots LBs Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts to strengthen the linebacking core. They even improved the secondary, adding players such as Byron Jones, Noah Igbonoghene, and Brandon Jones. The same defense that got bullied last season by the strong AFC offenses should become the aggressor this season, and the offense that was ranked 25th in the league last year has top 15 potential and talent.
Second, the Dolphins are building a great coaching staff and front office. Any coach who can inherit a team made up of mostly rookies and undrafted players would be expected to win zero games. However, head coach Brian Flores isn’t your normal coach. He was able to win 5 games and play competitively with top teams. There is also GM Chris Grier who has been able load the Dolphins up with draft picks for years and finesse a few trades for players such as Matt Breida.
The NFL is expanding the amount of teams in the playoffs, adding another wildcard team. In the weakened AFC East the Dolphins have good chance to grab 1 of those 3 wildcard spots.
Photo credit: Dolphins Wire
