Miami has made several important offseason moves, in order to bolster the talent surrounding second year QB Ryan Tannehill and after a promising (7-9) season in 2012, many fans and experts feel that this may be Miami’s year to get back on the map with a wild card spot or even better. Here’s my opinion on the 2013 Dolphins going into training camp.
- There has been a lot of hype surrounding former University of Miami running back Lamar Miller, due to the Dolphins lack of veteran leadership at the position. Miller should get the majority of the carries early in the year to see if he can handle the load and produce viable results; however after the departure of Reggie Bush, unless something drastic takes place; and I don’t know if I can say that Miller will be the all around answer. Someone else at the position, such as RB Daniel Thomas will have to step up and play well. QB Ryan Tannehill is promising and should continue to get better especially, after the pick up of WR Mike Wallace who in the past has proved shifty enough to get by opposing defenses with ease. If TE Dustin Keller can come through in the clutch and WRs Brandon Bess and Brian Hartline can come make some great plays in the short passing game/ deep down the field, the offense could make serious strides under offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, who seems to have tons of faith in Tannehill’s ability to become the answer. In addition to the skill positions, the offensive line has undergone major changes. With the loss of former Pro Bowler OT Jake Long, young OT Jonathan Martin must step in his place and do well, but overall the unit should be strong while anchored by center Mike Pouncey and Guard Richie Cognito.
- The defensive line of the Dolphins is extremely solid with DE Cameron Wake and first round draft pick DE Dion Jordan out of Oregon; however after losing players CBs Vontae Davis and Sean Smith who we’re both above average, the Dolphins are in a rebuilding period- especially in the defensive backfield (did concentrate on this area during the draft with picks CB Jamar Taylor of Boise St and CB Will Davis of Utah St). At LB Super Bowl Champion LB Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler are both very physical players, and should be able to put up some great numbers as this unit will be above average. Overall, the defense needs a few more stars and some luck before one can say that they will be vastly improved from last season, when they ranked 21st in the league in terms of total defense.
Bottom Line: Overall due to the fact that it is both QB Ryan Tannehill and head coach Joe Philibin’s second seasons, with skilled players on both sides of the football; Miami will go from a (7-9) squad in 2012 to a winning record in 2013.
Arrivals:
Franchise tagging DT Randy Starks
Re-signing of WR Brian Hartline
Signing LB Philip Wheeler
Signing Dannell Ellerbee
Signing DB Brent Grimes
Signing WR Brandon Gibson
Signing TE Dustin Keller
Signing WR Mike Wallace
Departures:
LB Kevin Burnett
RB Reggie Bush
LB Karlos Dansby
TE Anthony Fasano
OT Jake Long
CB Sean Smith
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