NFL: Projecting final records for all 32 teams
By Brad Rowland
Miami Dolphins
The 2013 season in Miami was marred by the offensive line turmoil (remember Jonathan Martin? Richie Incognito?), and decisively, the front office overhauled that crew in a hurry. The Dolphins acquired tackle Brandon Albert to be a cornerstone piece, drafted a tackle in the first round, and changed out three of the five starters. In addition, the organization invested heavily in new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor to bring tempo and a system conducive to growth for quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and there is reason for optimism on that side of the ball.
Defensively, the Dolphins were very average (17th in DVOA) last season, and they invested in safety Louis Delmas and cornerback Courtland Finnegan while losing an impact defensive tackle in Paul Soliai to Atlanta. To be frank, this group looks the same or worse on paper this season, and the organization is banking on an offensive overhaul to carry them.
I’m buying in.
Tannehill takes a step forward, Knowshon Moreno proves to be a shrewd signing, and the Dolphins finally get top-end production from Mike Wallace under a new regime. Playoffs? Maybe.
The Pick: 9-7