SI: Dolphins Offseason Report Card

[Daytona Fin]

Detailed article of a lot of the info most already know but the Dolphins got a B gade.


http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/05/27/miami-dolphins-offseason-report-card

Over the last few years, the Dolphins have been stuck in a competitive purgatory of sorts, never winning more than eight games or less than six. They've moved through coaches and strategies and philosophies in a vain effort to get over the proverbial hump, only to find that the proverbial hump is not only still there, but getting bigger and more formidable by the day.

Generally speaking, the biggest factor working against the Dolphins has been the fact that the Patriots happen to reside in their division. The Dolphins last made the playoffs in 2008, when they were buoyed by the Wildcat formation and Tom Brady's knee injury in the season opener. The franchise's most glaring internal obstacle has been an inability to avoid running with scissors, as was the case in the 2013 bullying scandal—a capital embarrassment reflective of coach Joe Philbin, who seemed to be unaware of what was happening in his own locker room and utterly incapable of managing what he did know.

However, the Dolphins' defense was average at best, ranking 17th in Football Outsiders's opponent-adjusted metrics and falling apart at the end of the season. They stood at 5–3 after a 37–0 trouncing of the Chargers on Nov. 2, and then proceeded to stagger to a second straight 8–8 season. That Miami defense allowed 178 total yards against the Chargers, then gave up a minimum of 351 yards and 20 points in their five losses in the season's second half. The season finale may have been the most embarrassing example, as a generally anemic Jets offense curb-stomped the Dolphins' reeling defense for 494 yards and 37 points.

Obviously, this wasn't good enough for general manager Dennis Hickey, who went about changing things drastically as the new league year turned over. Hickey traded Wallace to the Vikings, acquired Kenny Stills from the Saints, signed ex-Browns tight Jordan Cameron and drafted Louisville receiver DeVante Parker—all moves to help Tannehill become even better.

At his best, Suh is the rare defensive lineman who can be counted among the NFL's best players, virtually unstoppable even when opposing offensive lines are focused on stopping him above all else. He should make things even easier for Miami's two primary pass rushers: Cameron Wake, who's already a highly-regarded player, and Olivier Vernon, who's a star in the making. Did the Dolphins overpay for Suh? That depends on your definition of value. Hickey saw that his defense needed a severe injection of skill, aggression and attitude. And whatever you may think of Suh, he certainly provides those things.

Underrated draft pick: Bobby McCain, CB, Memphis (145th overall pick)

In an era when most teams start their cornerback height charts at six feet and over, McCain was overlooked in part because he's only 5'9". But he's a smart, resourceful player who plays with speed, control and aggression. He had 43 starts for the Tigers over four seasons and totaled 11 interceptions with three touchdown returns over the last two years. The Dolphins have already proven that they don't have a height bias for starting pass defenders—Brent Grimes is also 5'9"—and it's possible that McCain could fill the role opposite Grimes in time.

 

[D0lphan72]

Awesome read

 

[PHINSfan]

Agree....really good read. I liked what Hickey has done so far..... Now, if he can land one or two veteran OG's who are let go and can come in and provide some competition to our OG the I will really be excited about our chances. Right now....and even more after hearing the reports from practice ( even though they where practicing without pads) I'm really concerned with our OG, starters and depth!

 

[insomnia411]

Agree....really good read. I liked what Hickey has done so far..... Now, if he can land one or two veteran OG's who are let go and can come in and provide some competition to our OG the I will really be excited about our chances. Right now....and even more after hearing the reports from practice ( even though they where practicing without pads) I'm really concerned with our OG, starters and depth!

Chris Chester.

 

[nick1]

I'm excited for this offense. Hopefully dallas thomas doesn't hold us back

 

[Vaark]

Hickey traded Wallace to the Vikings, acquired Kenny Stills from the Saints, signed ex-Browns tight Jordan Cameron and drafted Louisville receiver DeVante Parker—all moves to help Tannehill become even better.

At least Farrar gets it!