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NFL Playoffs 2016: 5 reasons Miami Dolphins will make it

By Parker Hurley

Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) runs the ball as San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Korey Toomer (56) defends during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) runs the ball as San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Korey Toomer (56) defends during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) looks to pass while protected by center Mike Pouncey (51) and offensive guard Laremy Tunsil (67) during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Miami won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) looks to pass while protected by center Mike Pouncey (51) and offensive guard Laremy Tunsil (67) during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Miami won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Offensive Line

The Dolphins offensive line has had some injury issues shake up the offensive line throughout the year. Mike Pouncey and Branden Albert have specifically been the players that have missed the most time, but most of that came to start the season. Albert and Pouncey have played in four of the team’s last five wins. The two missed their week 11 bout with the Rams, but the Dolphins offense survived, thanks to the Rams week offense.

The injuries that held them out in week 11 do not look to be serious, and these two should be installed back into the lineup sooner rather than later. The Dolphins currently rank third in rushing DVOA and have relied on the ground success of Jay Ajayi to make this run.

With a stable running game and a healthy offensive line, this team can make a run at the playoffs. Laremy Tunsil seems to get better every game, and he may eventually look to be an upgrade over Albert. Ja’wuan James and Jermon Bushrod are both experienced now and have held up the right side of the line all season. The key is Mike Pouncey in the middle, who is a star center when healthy. If he remains healthy there really is little to hold this team back from a playoff run.  

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