Fansided

NFL 2015: Five new teams that will make playoffs

By Matt Verderame

Oct 19, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 11, 2015; Davie, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh smiles while answering questions from reports at Doctors Hospital Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2015; Davie, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh smiles while answering questions from reports at Doctors Hospital Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

The Miami Dolphins need to make a move … now. Miami has been ripe with potential for the last two years under head coach Joe Philbin, but the results have been slow in coming. Despite rampant speculation at the end of the 2014 season, general manager Dennis Hickey decided to give Philbin one more year, hoping to see the team mature quickly.

In 2013, Miami was 8-6 before losing to the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, two of the worst teams in the league. Last year, the Dolphins were 7-5 before losing three of four (including two home games) to finish 8-8 again. Hickey was aggressive in trying to fix this stagnant group by signing All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to a six-year, $114 deal. With Suh anchoring the line and flanked by Olivier Vernon and Cameron Wake, Miami could be devastating defensively.

The Dolphins also changed the look of the offense. Along with signing quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a four-year extension following his first 4,000-yard season, Hickey signed receiver Greg Jennings and drafted DeVante Parker in the first round while trading for Kenny Stills and getting rid of Mike Wallace (trade), Brian Hartline (release) and Brandon Gibson (release). Hickey also signed tight end Jordan Cameron and watched as his predecessor, Charles Clay, signed with the Buffalo Bills.

Miami has more than enough talent to make the playoffs, and could be looking at a perfect storm. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is currently suspended for the first four games of the season while the regular season with the New York Jets and Bills are improved but without quarterbacks. The time is now for the Dolphins.

Next: 2. Minnesota Vikings

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