It’s been quite the offseason. You add one of the best players in the NFL in Ndamukong Suh, extend your franchise QB to a team friendly long term contract, bring in adequate offense weapons to help your QB grow and you launch a totally awesome throwback alternate jersey.
This Dolphins first week of camp is showing positive signs.
So what are the 3 things that have to go right for the Fins to finally reach the playoffs again?
Joe Philbin growing as a head coach
Whether it’s end of game management, finding the right balance of aggressive and conservative coaching or simply finding a way to motivate his team, Joe Philbin needs to be better in 2015. Time after time last year the Dolphins started games or halves way too slow. Do you blame game plan? Do you blame lack of execution? Whatever the reason it may be, it has to change.
Without taking a trip too far down memory lane everyone knows the Dolphins couldn’t finish games last year. There is plenty of blame to go around but end of game management is something that Joe Philbin needs to figure out and quickly.
Protecting the Hill
As Branden Albert has posted before the Dolphins must protect the hill (Tannehill). While the Dolphins do get back Branden Albert this year and should get an improved James at his natural position RT after back to back seasons struggling with pass protection most fans know how important keeping Ryan Tannehill upright is.
Mikey T and Dennis Hickey don’t appear to be running to the phone to call Evan Mathis so it appears it will be rookie Jamil Douglas starting at Guard unless Billy Turner can take that next step something he couldn’t figure out last year.
The Dolphins OL is still very much a big question mark.
Cornerback Depth
Most people remain hopeful that despite a slight drop off in Brent Grimes play last year, he should be able to bounce back this year and continue his Pro Bowl play Dolphins fans have grown accustom to enjoy watching.
The big questions is how will the other CB’s perform. McCain and Bowman will line up in the slot and hopefully will be able to hold the fort. Jamar Taylor and Will Davis remain question marks. Taylor a 2nd round talent who many were excited about when drafted simply hasn’t been able to stay healthy or really stand out. This year is make or break for Taylor as the team is really counting on him to take over the 2nd CB spot.
It should be a fun season and I fully expect an explosive offense with career highs for #17. Will the defense be able to stay consistent and hold up better? Can Philbin evolve as a coach? If the answer is yes to both question a postseason berth remains very possible.
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