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Miami Dolphins: 5 offseason needs in 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

DAVIE, FL - FEBRUARY 4: Brian Flores answers questions from the media after being introduced as the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins on February 4, 2019 at the Miami Dolphins training facility in Davie, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
DAVIE, FL - FEBRUARY 4: Brian Flores answers questions from the media after being introduced as the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins on February 4, 2019 at the Miami Dolphins training facility in Davie, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 02: Robert Quinn #94 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates with teammates after a sack against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 02: Robert Quinn #94 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates with teammates after a sack against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Address the pass rush

Cameron Wake has been one of the premier pass rushers in the league since entering the NFL in 2009. The one-time Penn State Nittany Lion and undrafted free agent has played in a total of 146 regular-season contests and racked up an impressive 98 sacks and 22 forced fumbles. The five-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro has collected 10 or more quarterback traps in five of his 10 seasons in the league. In 2015, the relentless defender rolled up seven sacks in his first seven outings before being lost for the season with a torn Achilles.

Wake rebounded with a vengeance the next two seasons, amassing a combined 22 sacks in 32 outings from 2016-17. But a season ago, despite 14 games and starts, he dropped opposing signal-callers just six times and managed only 36 tackles. At 37 years old, could the best days be behind the former standout? It was one-time Rams’ first-round pick Robert Quinn that led the team with 6.5 sacks. Wake can also become an unrestricted free agent on March 13.

Miami’s inability to stop the run (31st in the NFL) made life easier for offenses that could control the football and not have to put their quarterbacks in harm’s way more than necessary. Hence only three teams in the league totaled fewer sacks than the Dolphins (31) in ’18. There could be a slew of pass-rushing solutions in free agency next month. Will the team look for answers there?

Next: No. 1

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