Why the Dolphins Will Return from Bye Week a Better Team

Entering their Week 5 bye, the Miami Dolphins have shown glimpses of brilliance in their two victories. During their two losses, Miami lost track of its winning formula and mirrored the losing strategy often used in 2013, which was pass-centric.

As covered previously, the Dolphins made the necessary adjustments in Week 4 to put the offense in a position to be highly effective, and if the offense can continue playing to the strengths of its personnel, the defense will also benefit. Miami’s ability to sustain drives and play with the lead is crucial for success.

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Reshad Jones back practicing with Dolphins. Misi and Shelley Smith, off injuries, are also practicing. Starks resting back. Satele on bike.

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) September 30, 2014"

With several starters returning to the lineup after the bye week, this Dolphins roster will be bolstered with considerable talent. On the next few slides, we’re going to take a look at these players see how much they can help the Miami Dolphins in the remaining 12 regular-season games.

Mike Pouncey, C

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

We’ve taken a look at whether Dolphins center Mike Pouncey is a top-five center in the NFL previously, and regardless of the distinction, he is one of the best players on the Dolphins’ roster.

According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Pouncey returned to practice on September 16. It was his first practice since his hip surgery in July and started his timeline to return.

Although Miami held him out of the last two games as he works his way into health, Pouncey should return in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers if his self-imposed timeline holds true. In late August, Pouncey told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that there’s “no question” he is targeting to play in the first six weeks.

Pouncey’s return will allow Miami to involve the center position into the run game more often. Pouncey’s replacement, Samson Satele, has played as well as any backup lineman can, but he’s a limited player and has struggled picking up delayed blitzes and dealing with bigger interior defensive linemen.

Pouncey is a tremendous athlete and pass-blocker, and that will be valuable for the Dolphins’ inside protection, which has struggled keeping pressure off quarterback Ryan Tannehill. His leadership will also be beneficial.

Koa Misi, MLB

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

Koa Misi’s return to the starting lineup could be a tremendous boost to the Dolphins defense. With Misi starting, Jason Trusnik will be able to focus on special teams, and Miami should get better play on passing downs, as Trusnik has been targeted often due to his limited physical talents.

Misi doesn’t have much experience as an inside linebacker, so it’s hard to be confident he will be above average, but the depth he brings will at least help. If Misi can prove to be competent at his new position, the Dolphins’ linebacker group will have turned from an eyesore in 2013 to a league-average trio.

The preseason showed Misi might have the diagnosis ability needed to be an effective middle linebacker, but that sample size was small. As an athlete, Misi won’t be worse than Trusnik, and he represents an upgrade there.

Reshad Jones, SS

David Goldman/Associated Press

With Reshad Jones returning from his four-game suspension, the Dolphins are hoping their secondary will be able to continue to force turnovers like it did in Week 4 against the Oakland Raiders.

Jones had an up-and-down 2013 season, where he was put into a new role by defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle. By playing in coverage more often, Jones was exposed for his lack of discipline early in the year. Around the mid-point of 2013, Jones became more comfortable and looked more like the Pro Bowl player he was in 2012.

Jones is excited to be back from suspension, according to Cristina Ledra of the Sun-Sentinel. "It feels like the first day of school," Jones said. "Feels like you're back with all of your friends and the folks you compete with and go to work with."

By getting Jones back, the Dolphins will move Jimmy Wilson back to the nickel cornerback position, and Louis Delmas will move to free safety. It remains to be seen how Delmas can handle that role, but Wilson is one of the top nickelbacks in the NFL.

Knowshon Moreno, RB

Lynne Sladky/Associated Press

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#Dolphins RB Knowshon Moreno just told me he's still about four weeks away from returning.

— Andrew Abramson (@AbramsonPBP) October 1, 2014"

Moreno sure gave Dolphins fans a tease before he dislocated his elbow in the second game of the season. He was vital to the Dolphins’ destruction of the New England Patriots in Week 1, totaling 134 rushing yards. With the latest news that he will miss four more weeks, Miami won’t have the luxury of pairing Moreno with Lamar Miller, who has been tremendous in his third year.

When he returns from his elbow injury, Moreno will still be a complementary back to Miller, but his talents allow the Dolphins to spell Miller with a more complete player, and his pass-blocking ability will be a nice boost.

At least the Dolphins know that Moreno can be an effective player when healthy after his performance in Week 1. Now, they must get him healthy in case another injury strikes in the backfield.

Shelley Smith, RG

Alan Diaz/Associated Press

The Dolphins have had issues at the guard position this year, in large part due to the injuries to Shelley Smith and Billy Turner. With Smith seemingly ready to return from a sprained knee after the bye week with the initial time frame given, Miami’s offensive line will get another boost in talent.

Dallas Thomas filled in nicely against the Raiders for Smith, but his play in the preseason and against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3 was worrisome. Thomas gets beaten off the snap too quickly by opposing tackles, and he lacks the technique and strength to counter secondary pass-rushing moves.

Smith sometimes struggles against powerful rushers, but he offers much more as a run-blocker than Thomas. He has great feet that allow him to reach the edge and seal blocks to spur big runs. There’s little question he’s the team’s best option at right guard this season.

The Others

Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press

Miami will also be welcoming back Jordan Tripp, Billy Turner and Dion Jordan after the bye or shortly after in Jordan’s case. According to Andrew Abramson of The Palm Beach Post, Tripp and Turner began practicing two weeks ago, meaning they should be ready to play if need be.

Jordan will return after Week 7, when his suspension ends for substance abuse. Jordan has been an underrated player at defensive end for Miami, often because his raw statistics and snap count have been low. But as a pass-rusher, disruption is production, and Jordan has been very disruptive. We’ll look at his play more in depth when his suspension ends.

Tripp and Turner provide special teams depth and can play if other players get hurt. Tripp has upside as a linebacker, and if Misi struggles to play well, he could platoon with Misi and split snaps.

All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats (subscription required) or Sports-Reference.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.com.

Ian Wharton is a Miami Dolphins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, contributor for Optimum Scouting and analyst for FinDepth. 

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