5 bold predictions for the Miami Dolphins in 2018

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 11: Miami Dolphins Tight End Dion Sims (80) celebrates scoring a touchdown with Miami Dolphin fans and Miami Dolphins Quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17), Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver DeVante Parker (11), Miami Dolphins Offensive Tackle Ja'Wuan James (70), and Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver Jarvis Landry (14) during the NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Miami Dolphins on December 11, 2016, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 11: Miami Dolphins Tight End Dion Sims (80) celebrates scoring a touchdown with Miami Dolphin fans and Miami Dolphins Quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17), Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver DeVante Parker (11), Miami Dolphins Offensive Tackle Ja'Wuan James (70), and Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver Jarvis Landry (14) during the NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Miami Dolphins on December 11, 2016, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 24: Robert Quinn
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 24: Robert Quinn /

4. Robert Quinn will notch at least 10 sacks

If the Dolphins want to make noise this season, their defense is going to need to excel at rushing the passer. The acquisition of Robert Quinn should give them a boost in that department. Expect him to post his first double-digit sack campaign since 2014 this season.

In fairness, Quinn got to the quarterback for 8.5 sacks last season so this isn’t a massively bold prediction. Even so, there are questions about whether or not Quinn still has enough gas left in the tank to be a dominant edge rusher.

Playing next to Jordan Phillips on the Miami defensive line should give him an uptick in production. Phillips isn’t a great pass rusher, but he can occupy blockers. That should free Quinn to keep his game simple. On passing downs, he’s going to be turned loose to chase the quarterback.

The key for Quinn will be staying healthy. He played 15 games for the Rams last year but missed serious time in the previous two seasons due to injury. The Dolphins will hope the warm weather of South Florida makes it easier for Quinn to stay on the field. Look for him to experience a mini-career renaissance in 2018. Not coincidentally, that should put him in position to look for a new contract this offseason.