NFL playoffs: How your team can make it
AFC. East. Miami Dolphins. 3. player. 59.
In the first two years of the Joe Philbin experience, the Dolphins have gone 8-8 twice. Both of the December swoons have been especially frustrating, with Miami seemingly falling apart down the stretch. However, 2015 brings a new dawn to South Beach and maybe has a playoff berth in the offing.
Miami was typically active in the offseason. Dolphins general manager Dennis Hickey signed defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to the largest contract for a defensive player in NFL history, paying him $118 million over six years. Hickey also completely revamped the receivers, cut
ting Brandon Gibson and Brian Hartline, and trading Mike Wallace to the Minnesota Vikings. Hickey also traded for receiver Kenny Stills from the New Orleans Saints and signed Greg Jennings before drafting DeVante Parker in the first round.
Ultimately, the success of this season rests on the capable right arm of Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill was signed to a four-year extension in May and for good reason. Last year, Tannehill eclipsed 4,000 yards for the first time in his career while posting a 66.4 completion percentage and 27 touchdown passes. With Tannehill playing like a borderline Pro Bowler, the Dolphins not only should be in playoff contention, but should compete for the AFC East title.
Although the division is tougher with the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets improving, the New England Patriots are severely hurt by the four-game suspension to Tom Brady. Miami has to take advantage of New England’s misfortune and get out in front. The Dolphins have a ton of talent and are now faced with the proposition of putting it all together.
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