Here are a couple of things that stand out to me.
1. Time to take the offense to the next level. That means Ajayi showing he can dominate on a more consistent basis, Parker advancing his game, Cutler being at least steady (like he was for Gase in Chicago), Landry being Landry and the offensive line being better than many of us expect. On paper, the offensive looks loaded at the skill positions. Time to prove it.
2. Would love to see Howard show he can be a shutdown corner type. The corner position concerns me. Would like to see what a lot of young players can do in the secondary, especially Tankersley. This is an area that could end up being a top pick in the draft for Miami. It's a passing league. Got to stop the pass.
3. The team needs Harris to develop as a pass rusher opposite Wake. I'm willing to be patient, but there needs to be some results. Again, this could be a top need in the draft.
4. If the defense struggles in the Wide 9 format, I'd love to see Burke and Gase recognize this and make some changes. Gase is a smart coach. He made smart personnel decisions on the fly last year. Can he do the same with scheme if things go south? I think that's a question that has been debated here.
5. Obviously, would love to see fewer injuries. The team was absolutely decimated last year.
6. Want to see Miami in the playoff race, playing good football at the end of the season.
7. Honestly, would love to see the team win one playoff game but that's not an expectation.
8. Lastly, I'd like to feel at the end of the season that Miami is on the brink to be a legitimate super bowl contender.