Miami Dolphins: 5 Mistakes the Dolphins Need to Fix to Contend in 2011

As I've written in previous articles, the Miami Dolphins were a 7-9 team for many reasons last year. The thing that bothered many fans were the mistakes that were commonplace last season. 

As crazy as it may sound, when the Dolphins beat the Jets in Week 14 last season to move to 7-6, they were right in the thick of the playoff race in the AFC. The optimists even pointed to upcoming games against Buffalo and Detroit at home the next two weeks.

But the team imploded and lost their final three games to finish once again outside the playoff picture, and also outside the top 10 in the draft.

Here's what the 'Fins must correct in order to take the next step and be a contender in the division and in the AFC.   

Play-Calling

Dolphins fans, meet Brian Daboll. Although not a household name and not a very popular choice to replace Dan Henning as offensive coordinator, Daboll is in charge of fixing one of the biggest mistakes the Dolphins made most of last season: Play-calling. 

Granted, Chad Henne, Ronnie Brown and the rest of the offensive crew last year weren't exactly game-breakers. But their talents were not maximized under Henning, and often the play-calling was atrocious. 

There was the infamous 2nd-and-20 play in which the Dolphins used the wildcat to set up a 3rd-and-20 (in a game they ended up losing). Then there was the constant short-passing attack, which often led to predictable throws and three-and-out drives. I don't know what Daboll has in mind, but he must use his play-makers the right way.  

Not Forcing Enough Turnovers

I don't know if many people would consider this a "mistake," but it qualifies as one in my book. Forcing turnovers is a strategic ploy many times, as evidenced by the New York Jets. 

The Dolphins have the talent and depth in the front seven to be aggressive on defense and try to make things happen—especially to set the offense up in good field position knowing the struggles that unit has had. 

As good as Vontae Davis has been, he just has not been a high interception cornerback and Sean Smith must learn to catch the ball as much as covering his man. 

Commit Less Turnovers

That picture sums up Chad Henne's season: Pressure in his face, awkward stance and probably an interception. As much as forcing more turnovers is imperative, committing less is even more important. 

The Dolphins committed 31 last season, and were minus-12 in turnover differential—unacceptable for a team hoping to contend. Chad Henne's ratio of 15 touchdowns to 19 interceptions was brutal, and the rest of the team was responsible for 12 of those giveaways, so they cant escape without taking some heat. 

Tom Brady, just to give an example, threw 36 touchdowns and four interceptions. Just throwing it out there. 

Win Games at Home

That is Sun Life Stadium. Although it is not the loudest, largest or most historic stadium, it should provide the Dolphins with a home-field advantage to at least some degree. Going 1-7 at home is atrocious.

A team that finishes a season 6-2 on the road should be a playoff team. A team that wins at Green Bay and in New York against the Jets has the make up to make the postseason. But a team that goes 1-7 at home doesn't deserve to be anywhere after the season ends. 

Being a contender starts with winning at home, especially with a schedule that includes Denver, Buffalo, Washington and Oakland. 

Not Throwing the Ball to Brandon Marshall in the Redzone

There are certain players who are prototypical touchdown-scoring wide receivers. These are guys that you can use to attack a defense with fade routes, quick slants and many other ways when the ball is near the goal line. Brandon Marshall fits that mold, and he needs to be used in that manner.

Marshall and Chad Henne have reportedly been seeing eye to eye more often this training camp and preseason. That is important considering many routes the Dolphins want to throw to Marshall may be timing or communication patterns.

Brandon Marshall needs to score more than three touchdowns for the Dolphins to be a good football team, and the more he scores the better Chad Henne will be.