2013 NFL Preview: Miami Dolphins

Added on Jul 19, 2013 by Scott in

NFL

In the market for a trendy pick to make the playoffs in 2013? Look no further than the Miami Dolphins. On the surface, it would appear that general manager Jeff Ireland dramatically improved the overall talent on a roster that finished 7-9 in 2012 with a rookie quarterback under center. However, looks can be deceiving. Can the influx of big name free agents and high profile draftees develop the chemistry needed to contend right away? Here’s a preview.

Miami Dolphins

Ireland entered the offseason with an aggressive retooling plan and executed it by the letter. Mike Wallace, Dannell Ellerbe, Philip Wheeler, Dustin Keller and Brent Grimes were all added in free agency, while Oregon pass rasher Dion Jordan was selected third overall after Ireland traded up with the Raiders. Whether the collection of bold moves pays off on the field remains to be seen, but it’s difficult to fault the effort.

Player in the spotlight: Ryan Tannehill – Fair or not, Tannehill is expected to deliver in only his second season. The success of Cam Newton, Andrew Luck, RG III and Russell Wilson means high picks like Tannehill must post numbers and wins sooner than later. Adding Wallace, Keller and Brandon Gibson to go along with Brian Hartline should provide the young signal-caller with enough options to produce, if he can handle the pressure.

Trouble spot: Running Back – Love him or loathe him, Reggie Bush was more than serviceable during his two seasons in South Florida. Now he’s in Detroit, leaving a void at number one running back. Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas will battle it out in camp, but neither is a sure bet to replace Bush’s touches. If Tannehill is to elevate his game, he’ll need a reliable rush attack.

Fearless forecast – Miami added good players in free agency, but as the 2011-12 Philadelphia Eagles will attest, that doesn’t always translate into wins. This franchise hasn’t made the playoffs since 2008 and hasn’t won a postseason game since 2000. A Wildcard is possible, but a schedule that includes Indy, Baltimore, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and a trip to New Orleans won’t be easy to navigate. 8-8 seems about right.