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Four games in, let's take a look at the five biggest questions going into the season.
1. Could the run defense improve?
This is an affirmative. In fact, the run defense is one of the best stories of the early season for the Dolphins who have improved dramatically in this area. Some of it is scheme, plus new additions including Timmons, Godchaux and Hayes. Perhaps a more physical training camp also played a part.
2. Would the offensive line stay healthy?
So far yes. Unfortunately, healthy hasn't equated into good play. Tunsil is clearly struggling and the interior of the line is among the worst in the league. Larsen may help a bit when he gets back. This is clearly an area holding the team back in a major way.
3. Would Cutler possibly be an upgrade over Tannehill (or something like that)?
Many thought Cutler might be an upgrade in big plays down the field over Tannehill. Many thought he'd be at least okay and an upgrade over Moore. There's no hiding the fact that Cutler has been horrible. Part of it is the play of the offensive line, but averaging about 10 points a game is far below what any of us could have expected. The quarterback deserves a fair share of the blame.
4. How would the rookies do?
This looks like an excellent rookie class so far even with the season ending injury to McMillan, who the coaching staff raved about in training camp. Tankersley looked impressive in his first two starts, Godchaux beat out Phillips and Harris finally got his first sack against Tennessee. He's still a work in progress. Haven't seen Asiata yet, but likely will before the season is over. Taylor has contributed.
5. Would the Dolphins Make a Second Straight Playoff Trip?
This question doesn't look overly positive right now, but the season still has to play out. The defense has looked good early at least against the run, but the offense is the worst in the NFL through four games. This is the same offense that many (myself included) thought would carry the team.
1. Could the run defense improve?
This is an affirmative. In fact, the run defense is one of the best stories of the early season for the Dolphins who have improved dramatically in this area. Some of it is scheme, plus new additions including Timmons, Godchaux and Hayes. Perhaps a more physical training camp also played a part.
2. Would the offensive line stay healthy?
So far yes. Unfortunately, healthy hasn't equated into good play. Tunsil is clearly struggling and the interior of the line is among the worst in the league. Larsen may help a bit when he gets back. This is clearly an area holding the team back in a major way.
3. Would Cutler possibly be an upgrade over Tannehill (or something like that)?
Many thought Cutler might be an upgrade in big plays down the field over Tannehill. Many thought he'd be at least okay and an upgrade over Moore. There's no hiding the fact that Cutler has been horrible. Part of it is the play of the offensive line, but averaging about 10 points a game is far below what any of us could have expected. The quarterback deserves a fair share of the blame.
4. How would the rookies do?
This looks like an excellent rookie class so far even with the season ending injury to McMillan, who the coaching staff raved about in training camp. Tankersley looked impressive in his first two starts, Godchaux beat out Phillips and Harris finally got his first sack against Tennessee. He's still a work in progress. Haven't seen Asiata yet, but likely will before the season is over. Taylor has contributed.
5. Would the Dolphins Make a Second Straight Playoff Trip?
This question doesn't look overly positive right now, but the season still has to play out. The defense has looked good early at least against the run, but the offense is the worst in the NFL through four games. This is the same offense that many (myself included) thought would carry the team.