Miami Dolphins Biggest Surprises and Disappointments of 2014 Season So Far
We’re already entering Week 6 of the NFL season, and coming off their bye week, the Miami Dolphins have overcome some major obstacles to be 2-2. Miami will enter their remaining schedule a stronger team with the additions of several key players from injuries and suspensions.
To overcome the numerous setbacks that Miami suffered early on, several role players have had to step up. Those players have had major roles in the Dolphins’ two wins and have been pleasant surprises.
Likewise, Miami has also had some disappointing performances from established veterans and young players who have been thrust into important roles. Miami is counting on these players to perform better after the bye week.
We’ll take a look at both the biggest surprises, and the disappointments from the first four games for the Dolphins. To make the playoffs, Miami will need to put their struggling players into a position to best succeed or make the call to give snaps to a backup player.
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Surprise: Jelani Jenkins, WLB
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When Dannell Ellerbe was lost for the season due to injury, second-year linebacker Jelani Jenkins was forced to start for the first time in his NFL career. At an already weak position, it seemed things could only get worse.
Four games into the season, Jelani Jenkins has looked like a future star for Miami, and he’s been a huge surprise. Not only is he Pro Football Focus' top-rated outside linebacker (subscription required), but he also contributed 38 tackles and has been a solid coverage option for defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle.
Jenkins’ ability to diagnose run plays has improved greatly since his collegiate days at Florida, and that’s allowed him to be an impact player. If he can continue to be a force, he will have a legitimate argument for the NFL’s Most Improved Player award.
Disappointment: Will Davis, CB
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The second-year cornerback has been picked on a lot this season, as he’s been targeted 26 times, according to PFF. He’s allowed just 46 percent of those passes to be completed, but he’s trending in the wrong direction.
Davis is a high-risk, high-reward player, as he likes to jump routes to try to force a turnover. Unfortunately, his style backfired against the Oakland Raiders, when Oakland ran a simple stop-and-go route, which deceived Davis. The receiver ran by with ease when Davis tried to jump the route, and Oakland scored a touchdown.
The fallout was predictable. Moving forward, Davis could receive fewer snaps. Jamar Taylor is a more reliable and effective player, and he will likely play more than Davis.
Surprise: Cortland Finnegan, CB
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The Dolphins’ signing of Finnegan was highly criticized, but the concerns that Finnegan was finished were clearly incorrect. Finnegan suffered injuries throughout his stop in St. Louis, and he’s proven to be an effective player now that he’s healthy.
Graded as the eighth-best cover corner by PFF, Finnegan has been able to fit the Dolphins’ system perfectly. Although the off-man coverage can be frustrating to watch, it lowers the probability that Miami will allow a big play. Finnegan has been opportunistic, as shown in his 50-yard fumble return for a touchdown against the Raiders in Week 4.
The two-year deal he signed this past offseason certainly looks like a shrewd move right now.
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Disappointment: Middle Linebacker
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Koa Misi can be an impact player for the Dolphins, but since he’s logged as many snaps as I have so far this year, his absence has been a major detriment to the defense. Backup Jason Trusnik has played his best, but he’s too limited of an athlete to consistently stuff running plays and play well in coverage.
Misi may not be the long-term answer at middle linebacker, but he can at least be a player who earns his snaps. How he plays upon his return will be a major focal point in film study.
Surprise: Earl Mitchell, DT
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Coming from Houston, Earl Mitchell took the place of Paul Soliai, who signed a big contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Mitchell was often miscast as a nose tackle—or 0-technique—who lines up directly over the center.
Now in Miami, he is primarily playing the 1-technique. There, he is able to penetrate the gap between the center and the guard more effectively using speed-rush techniques. Next to Jared Odrick, who has been a top-five defensive tackle this season in his own right, Mitchell has been a major upgrade from Soliai.
The free-agent acquisition has been a great bargain for the Dolphins.
Disappointment: Louis Delmas, SAF
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When Miami signed Louis Delmas from the Detroit Lions, they made a risky decision to move on from Chris Clemons. Clemons wasn’t overly good, but he was safe; he allowed Reshad Jones to play closer to the line of scrimmage.
Delmas is similar to Jones, and how he plays at free safety will be fascinating to see. He is a risk taker, but he’s yet to cause a turnover. He isn’t overly good as a tackler, often lunging recklessly at the ball-carrier.
Miami tried to turn into a more aggressive defense to help the offense, but Delmas is one of the main reasons the strategy hasn’t worked as intended. Miami needs Delmas to quickly play better and to be an impact player.
Surprise: Lamar Miller, RB
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What a difference a real offensive line and blocking scheme makes.
One year ago, Lamar Miller looked lost, but the reality is he produced four yards a carry, despite an awful set of linemen in front of him. That should’ve been an indicator of Miller’s potential not limitations.
With Knowshon Moreno being out, Miller has filled in admirably, averaging 5.7 yards a carry, which is insanely productive. Miami needs to recognize Miller’s effectiveness and get him the ball more often to take the pressure off the rest of the team. A great running attack helps the quarterback and defense, and Miller can be the lead back for this team.
When Moreno comes back into the fold, he and Miller will be a great tandem for Miami to ride. In the meantime, the team should allow the young back to continue bursting through cutback lanes en route to big gains. The offense, and win column, will benefit.
Disappointment: Brandon Gibson, WR
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The Dolphins’ receiving core has accounted for 13 drops on the season, according to Sporting Charts, and although Brandon Gibson has just two official drops, he’s been a major hindrance to the Dolphins offense. Despite being hit in the hands on passes, Gibson has been unable to corral in crucial third-down passes multiple times, and the fact he’s only been credited with two drops is kind, at best.
Gibson was a dynamic slot player for Miami before his season-ending knee injury in 2013, but he seems to be lacking confidence this year. As Jarvis Landry progresses, Gibson could lose snaps to even Rishard Matthews. The Dolphins aren’t overly deep with solid talent at receiver (the entire group is mediocre), but they have depth with similar traits. That’s bad news for Gibson, unless he can separate himself.
He must be able to convert on the opportunities he’s given to be a difference-maker. Otherwise, Miami will continue rotating receivers until one can step up and regularly contribute.
All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats (subscription required) or Sports-Reference.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.
Ian Wharton is a Miami Dolphins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, contributor for Optimum Scouting and analyst for FinDepth.
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