2015 NFL Preview: Dolphins look to surge through AFC East with Suh in tow
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Miami Dolphins
| 2014 Record | 2014 Finish |
|---|---|
| 8-8 | 3rd in AFC East/11th in AFC |
A promising campaign came apart at the worst time, as the Dolphins dropped three of four games in December. In spite of the harrowing ending, quarterback Ryan Tannehill made drastic improvements to his game, resulting in the best statistical output of his career. Lamar Miller's breakout season also provided the offense with some much-needed stability.
Highlight of 2014
Brent Grimes robbed Detroit's Calvin Johnson of a surefire touchdown reception in a 20-16 Week 10 loss. It was one of the defensive plays of the year, and propelled Grimes to his third Pro Bowl appearance.
Preseason Power Ranking - #14
Ndamukong Suh will make a difference, but the Dolphins will only go as far as Tannehill - and the offensive line in front of him - takes them. More ...
2015 Season Outlook
Head Coach: Joe Philbin
Off. Coordinator: Bill Lazor
Def. Coordinator: Kevin Coyle
After signing Suh, the Dolphins made it clear they were no longer content masquerading as a mediocre team. Miami could send three defensive players to the Pro Bowl, with Suh and Cameron Wake among the best at their positions, and strong safety Reshad Jones developing into a genuine star. Tannehill improved in every major statistical category and is armed with a multitude of weapons to carry the team deep in the playoffs.
The Dolphins play two teams that sported winning records last year through their first eight games. However, Miami's back eight is a Murderers' Row, playing only two sub-.500 clubs down the stretch. It's imperative that Miami gets off to a hot start if it's to capitalize on its exorbitant potential.
Key Additions
- DT Ndamukong Suh
- WR Greg Jennings
- TE Jordan Cameron
- WR Kenny Stills
- WR DeVante Parker (1st round)
- RB Jay Ajayi (5th round)
Key Departures
- WR Mike Wallace
- TE Charles Clay
- DT Jared Odrick
- LB Dannell Ellerbe
- WR Brian Hartline
- WR Brandon Gibson
Miami bolstered its roster by making a number of astute signings on offense. Tannehill is armed with many weapons that ought to propel the Dolphins to the top of the AFC East. Suh was a colossal coup for the Dolphins, and could elevate the front seven to unforeseen heights. Don't sleep on the Dolphins, as the perennial AFC East afterthought could seriously challenge for a Super Bowl berth if all goes right.
Bold Predictions
Jarvis Landry will lead the NFL in receptions. As a rookie, Landry finished 17th in the league with 84 catches in 2014. Over the second half of the season, he averaged nearly seven receptions per game, which would put him on pace to challenge for the league lead if he can maintain it over a full 16-game schedule. - Justin Boone
Jay Ajayi will replace Lamar Miller as the starting running back. Miller led the Dolphins in rushing yards in each of the past two seasons, but the team's fifth-round selection of Ajayi suggests he may not be in the team's long-term plans. If Ajayi can stay healthy and put together a strong preseason, he could emerge as the team's starter sooner than expected. - Caitlyn Holroyd
Dolphins advance to AFC Championship Game. Both Miller and Tannehill remarkably improved in 2014, and the Dolphins made a number of signings to improve their offense. Led by Suh and a talented but under-the-radar secondary, Miami is poised to make a deep playoff run, and will end up one step away from the Super Bowl. - Arun Srinivasan