Miami Dolphins Predictions: Why Dolphins Will Make the Playoffs in 2011
The mood around Miami seems a little bit bleak lately. Maybe it's the lockout, or maybe this fan base has started to become an innately pessimistic one.
In the midst of our complaining, worrying, and speculating, this team's sheer depth and skill has gone largely overlooked. Truthfully, Miami has the makings of a playoff team.
This defense ranked sixth in the league last year and should only improve, the team drafted two rookies who project to make significant impacts, and might pursue an upgrade at quarterback once a new CBA is installed.
Although it's too early to say it now, the Dolphins looked poised to make a playoff push—on paper, at least.
No. 1: A Revamped Offensive Line
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Arguably Miami's biggest pitfall in 2010 was the horrific handling of the offensive line. In 2009, the Dolphins' offensive front was anchored by five proven veterans who paved way for the league's fourth best rushing attack.
However, Tony Sparano decided to play musical chairs just prior to the start of the 2010 season, replacing three veterans with three unproven players. The results were disastrous, but Ireland and Sparano were quick to recognize their mishap by drafting the best interior lineman in the entire 2011 Draft.
The addition of Pouncey alone will go a long way in bolstering the key component to Miami's offensive success. The Dolphins have ample cap space to lure in a stud free agent guard like Davin Joseph, but John Jerry and Richie Incognito should be able to make strides from last season and help the 'Fins reestablish their power rushing attack.
No. 2: Competition And/Or a Replacement for Chad Henne
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The Dolphins will actively pursue a quarterback once the free agency market officially opens up—this much is safe to assume. The larger looming question, however, is what kind of quarterback will they pursue.
The team could pursue a top flight option such as Carson Palmer, Kyle Orton, or Kevin Kolb, but Miami may not be willing to splurge on their hefty price tags.
The Dolphins could then resort to lower tier guys like Donovan McNabb, Vince Young, or Marc Bulger—but all three carry significant risks, whether age, skill, or attitude. Finally, the team could go after players like Matt Moore, Dennis Dixon, or Tarvaris Jackson; low risk-high reward quarterbacks who would, at the very least, provide competition for Henne.
Regardless of whom they pursue, Miami will lure in somebody to challenge Henne for that starting spot. Hopefully, this player will dethrone him and lead the 'Fins to the postseason.
No. 3: A Rapidly Improving Defense
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Lurking in the shadows of the Dolphins' offensive woes is one of the league's most rapidly improving defenses. The defense's outstanding play became neglected during the offense's implosion, but 2011 should be a different story.
Overall, Miami's defense ranked sixth in the NFL in 2010, yet they should be significantly better in 2011. Jared Odrick, Phillip Merling, A.J. Edds, and Will Allen all return from injury to add much needed depth to their respective positions. Meanwhile, both Cameron Wake and Koa Misi enter their second seasons as starters, and both should progress accordingly.
Perhaps most importantly, Vontae Davis and Sean Smith both seem poised to enter the elite cornerback conversation. If Sean Smith can hold onto all of those dropped interceptions this year, he could easily be a Pro Bowl candidate.
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No. 4: The Return of Will Allen
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Before he suffered a season ending ACL tear in 2009, Will Allen had beaten out rookies Vontae Davis and Sean Smith to retain the number one cornerback job. Allen was set to return and compete for that position last season, but a similar injury sidelined him for the entirety of the 2010 season.
After a year and a half on the sidelines, Allen is healthy and ready to reenter Miami's cornerback rotation, where he figures to play a vital role.
The Dolphins struggled to find a nickelback last season, rotating between Al Harris, Benny Sapp, and Nolan Carroll. But with Allen back, Miami's boasts a tremendous trio of corners, any of which can step inside and play the position.
Vontae Davis might be the biggest beneficiary of Allen's return because he has the skill-set to thrive at nickelback, but regardless, Miami's pass defense will be better in 2011.
No. 5: Reversing Home Field Woes
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One of the most overlooked story-lines of the entire 2010 season was the Dolphins' historic struggles at home. Miami posted an absolutely atrocious 1-7 record at Sun Life Stadium—and these weren't exactly trying match ups.
Basically, the odds of this happening again are astronomical, especially considering the overall improvement of the team. If they can replicate their road success and even just marginally improve their play at home, this team should hover around the 10 win mark.
No. 6: A Youthful, Revitalized Running Back Corps
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While Miami's offensive line has shouldered most of the blame for the team's rushing woes, Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams might be at equal fault.
The duo's play declined significantly from '09 to '10. Brown averaged a measly 3.7 yards per carry, and Williams a more respectable 4.2.
We know Ricky does not plan on returning, but Ronnie appears interested according to various reports.
Whether or not either returns should not prevent the Dolphins from boasting a much-improved running game. Second-round pick Daniel Thomas is a workhorse with uncanny athleticism for his 230 pound frame, and Miami will be in the market for a complement, whether it be Ronnie Brown or a free agent like DeAngelo Williams, Darren Sproles, Jerious Norwood, or others.
Tony Sparano has publicly announced his intentions to re-implement a successful power rushing attack, so this might be the most important component to a Dolphins playoff push.
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