Fansided

One silver lining for every team that missed the playoffs

By Luke Dahlgren

Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns fans in the stands against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns fans in the stands against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) makes a one handed catch in front of Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Colts won 18-12. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) makes a one handed catch in front of Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Colts won 18-12. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Dolphins (6-10)

Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker (late in the season) were pleasant surprises.

The Miami Dolphins were far from the worst team of 2015, but they were easily the most disappointing. Other squads lined up as playoff contenders were felled by injury troubles – Dallas, Baltimore and San Diego immediately come to mind, as all three had their chances crushed with their rosters unable to stay healthy.

This was not the case with the Dolphins, as they were able to roll with their offensive arsenal and defensive core intact. In fact, Miami had one of the healthiest rosters in the NFL; they ended the season with a total of 87 games missed from players, and only the AFC-leading Broncos had less with 85. To put that into perspective, the champions in Miami’s division, the New England Patriots, had 245 missed to injury and still ended with double the Dolphins’ win total.

But this is not about what the Dolphins did wrong. It’s about what they did right. Even with early season turmoil on offense and with the coaching staff, the Dolphins were able to address one of their most pressing concerns: wide receiver. Jarvis Landry lead the way, finishing with 1,947 all-purpose yards (2nd in NFL) and setting the record for most receptions for the start of his career.

After a worryingly slow start from DeVante Parker, the rookie was also able to contribute over the last six games, compiling 445 yards on 22 catches, including three touchdowns. If (if) the Dolphins are able to retain Lamar Miller for 2016, then they will be flush with weapons at the skill positions.

Next: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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