Fansided

NFL: Grading Each Team’s First Half

By Brad Rowland

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) celebrates with wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) and quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) celebrates with wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) and quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Dolphins

I was in on the Dolphins, at least to a point, in the preseason, and they’ve made me look reasonably smart. Miami has had one of the stingier defenses in the AFC, allowing just over 20 points per game, and with an offense that appears to be coming into its own behind Ryan Tannehill and Lamar Miller, the future is looking brighter.

The Dolphins have suffered some high-profile injuries, namely to Knowshon Moreno, but with only Buffalo standing between them and the number two spot in the AFC East, that goal is looking very attainable. It would be encouraging to see a little more from Tannehill at this stage, but given his weapons outside of Mike Wallace (who has been solid this season with five touchdowns in seven games), it is tough to foresee a massive jump.

There is nothing terribly exciting about Miami, but given where they were a year ago in the midst of the Richie Incognito/Jonathan Martin fiasco, I think the Dolphins brass is fine with this.

Grade: C+

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