Miami Dolphins: 5 Realistic Goals for the 2011-12 Season

The 2011-2012 Miami Dolphins are one of the toughest teams in the NFL to predict. We can very well sit here and predict a 4-12 record as easily as we could make a case for 10 wins. Of course health and other outside effects are huge factors, but impossible to project.  

These goals come with an emphasis on the word "realistic." If I write that the Dolphins can realistically expect to make a trip to the Super Bowl, I may be fooling every reader on this site. A 7-9 team has to take steps in getting better, not leaps and bounds in one season.

In analyzing the Dolphins offense, defense and overall team, many goals can be set. Here are the top five goals the team should focus on in order to be able to define a successful season.  

Break Even in Turnover Differential

That was very likely a bad throw by Chad Henne. He is under pressure, flat-footed and at an awkward angle. I know Henne won't magically turn in a 2-to-1 touchdown to interception ratio, but 15-to-19 (which he was in 2011) is simply unacceptable. 

The 2008 division champion Dolphins team was led by Chad Pennington, who threw only seven interceptions while starting all 16 games. Coincidence? Probably not. A team who takes care of the ball has a chance to win every single game. 

The Dolphins last season finished at a -12 turnover differential, 31 giveaways to 19 takeaways. If that ratio is at least even, the record will reflect it at the end of the season. 

Finish in the Top Half of the League in Scoring

The 30th ranked offense in 2010 cannot be expected to all of a sudden score 30 points per game. But, finishing in the top half of the league in scoring is a realistic goal to set. 

After scoring just 17 points per game last season, finishing in the top half would put them around 22.2 points per game based on last season's stats. That would be a significant increase, and one that would have immediate ramifications in close games.

It would also put less pressure on the defense, which had to be superb just to keep the Dolphins from getting blown out many games. 

Chad Henne Throws 20 Touchdowns

Now this looks like a better throw from Henne. The inconsistency is what often plagues him because the arm strength, athletic ability and intelligence are there. The trouble for Henne comes when he tries to squeeze throws into tight windows or force a ball when he should throw it out of bounds, etc. 

He threw 15 touchdowns last year. If he reaches 20 this year, it would signify some improvement and also help reach that point per game threshold discussed earlier. 

Throwing 20 touchdowns would also likely mean Brandon Marshall became more of a red-zone threat, which is a sight Dolphins fans have been waiting to see for over a year now. 

The Defense Ranks Top 5 in the League

This goal can be interpreted in many different ways. The Dolphins defense can be top five in yards allowed, points per game allowed, takeaways, etc. If this goal is reached, it will be a very good gauge as to whether the next one can also be achieved. 

The defense, which was very good last season, slipped in the final rankings due to the last two games when they allowed huge numbers to the Lions and Patriots. Of course, at that point the season was over, but the numbers did not reflect how good the defense was for the first 14 games.

With the addition of Kevin Burnett, as well as Jared Odrick and A.J Edds coming back from injury, there should be few defenses as good as Miami's this season. 

Make the Playoffs

Remember this? Many Dolphins fans might not. It was January of 2000 the last time the Dolphins won a playoff game. I believe the top goal for the Dolphins this season should be to make the playoffs. That will likely take a three-game improvement from last season. 

If all four of the previously stated goals are accomplished, the Dolphins will be playing meaningful games to finish the season. Use Reggie Bush effectively and intelligently. Capitalize on an outstanding defense. Minimize the dangerous positions Chad Henne is put in. Throw to Brandon Marshall in the red zone more.

The talent for the Dolphins is in place. Do they have the confidence and the belief to put it all together and surpass one of the teams that finished above them in the division last year? Time will tell.