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2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) runs past Baltimore Ravens linebacker Matt Judon (91) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Miami Dolphins 38-6. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) runs past Baltimore Ravens linebacker Matt Judon (91) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Miami Dolphins 38-6. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
12

Miami Dolphins 10-6

Last week: 2nd, AFC East
Last rank: 12th

Looking Back: Following a 1-4 start, new head coach Adam Gase’s Dolphins looked a lot like the team’s recent predecessors. But thanks to a revitalized ground game led by running back Jay Ajayi and better offensive line play, the team won nine of its final 11 contests and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Looking Forward: While veteran Matt Moore certainly held his own, having Ryan Tannehill back and healthy in 2017 would obviously be a major plus. And it will be interesting to see if the team decides to bring back wide receiver Kenny Stills, who could become a big target for other teams in free agency. Still, the elephant in the AFC East room remains the New England Patriots. The Dolphins were the last team to win the division (2008) before Bill Belichick’s club embarked on its current run. And Gase and company must find a way to end the Pats’ dominance if they want to challenge for a Super Bowl from other than the wild card route.

Offseason needs: For all of the good news, the Dolphins’ defense remains a major disappointment. Only the San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns gave up more yards on the ground than this club. And those teams combined to win three games in 2016. The franchise has done more than its share when it comes to free agency and trades and now must address this unit heavily during the draft. With Ndamukong Suh, Cameron Wake and Reshad Jones to build around, the cupboard is not bare. But it’s safe to say that new defensive coordinator Matt Burke has his work cut out for him.

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