2014 Record: 8-8
2015 Non Division Opponents: NFC East, NFC South, San Diego, & Baltimore
2014 in review: For the second season in a row, a December swoon knocked the Dolphins out of a playoff opportunity. Miami was 7-5 after a Monday night win against the Jets on December first, but then proceeded to lose 3 of four down the stretch to finish 8-8. Ryan Tannehill showed enough promise that the Dolphins signed him to a $96 million extension, so the time is now for the Dolphins.
2015 Offseason: Miami landed the biggest fish (pardon the pun) of the offseason, signing Ndamukong Suh away from the Detroit Lions. The Lions were the number 3 defense in the NFL last season, and the first against the Run. Suh was a huge part of that. By plugging him in the middle the Dolphins are set on the defensive line. Miami wasn’t done either; they signed Louis Delmas to be their new strong safety. On the offensive side, they traded Mike Wallace away for peanuts, but this was an addition by subtraction move since Wallace and Tannehill did not see eye to eye. Veteran Greg Jennings was signed and they traded for Wide Receiver Kenny Stills. They lost Charles Clay, who was always a solid contributor, but replaced him with Jordan Cameron, who is an upgrade. The Dolphins feel this could be the year they make the leap, and they stocked up for it.
2015 Draft: Without a glaring need on their roster the Dolphins went BPA in the draft this year and came away with some nice pieces for the future. DeVante Parker and Jordan Phillips will both back up at WR and DT, respectively and get some spot duty. But anything the Dolphins get from them will be a bonus.
Player on the hot seat: Tannehill has to continue to grow, but the position on the hot seat is at Running Back. Lamar Miller needs to prove he can be an every down back in the NFL. Behind him are Damien Williams, LaMicheal James, and rookie Jay Ajayi. Miami has high hopes for this season, one of their running backs have to step up.
Players you want on your fantasy team: Tannehill is an intriguing option after the big QB’s are off the board. There’s something to be said about loading up on skill positions and taking a chance on him. He has weapons. Jordan Cameron is a must draft, as is Kenny Stills. I like Jarvis Landry more than Greg Jennings as well.
Season Prediction: It’s playoffs of bust for the Dolphins this year, and I don’t think they are going to bust. They just have to finish the job. Their last three games are against San Diego, Indianapolis, and New England, so another December collapse could happen. But they’ve learned from the past. This is the year they take the next step. SFTB prediction 10-6.