2012 Miami Dolphins Preview

2012 Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are clearly rebuilding, and will most likely not be contending for a playoff spot this year, but that does not mean that they are without talent and couldn’t make some noise this year in some way. The future, of course, is former Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill, the 8th overall pick in the draft this past year and the heir to the quarterback throne when he is ready. He might get his chance as soon as this year, but will have to earn the starting job. The Dolphins are also now led by  first-time head coach Joe Philbin, who had been enjoying a very successful tenure in Green Bay, working with Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn. We’ll see if the combination of Philbin and Tannehill will be successful down the road, but until that time, the Dolphins’ outlook for this season doesn’t seem too bright.

Offense

We know that Ryan Tannehill’s time will come, but in the meantime, the starting quarterback position is being battled for by David Garrard, and Matt Moore. Reports are that Garrard is leading the competition, and my only question is, why? I don’t know if Garrard has anything left in the tank; it sure didn’t look that way at the end of his time with the Jaguars. His mobility will be a shell of what it once was. He might be out-performing Moore in camp right now, but how far can one realistically expect Garrard to carry this team? Needless to say, my confidence in him is not very high. However, Matt Moore played respectably in the second half of last season. After a dreadful 0-7 start, the Dolphins won 6 of their last 9 games with losses only to the Cowboys, Eagles, and Patriots. With Matt Moore, there is more upside; he is a better athlete, and if he could make smart decisions, then maybe this squad could upset a few teams. But no matter who is throwing the football, this unit still has many problems. One of them being that their number one receiver is Chad Ochocinco Johnson, or whatever he is calling himself these days. Chad looked lost in New England, but maybe the warm weather and a fresh start will motivate him into looking like Cincinnati-Chad. But even if that were to happen, he would be their only down the field threat. The passing attack looks weak, to be nice. I do need to give some credit to the running game, though. Reggie Bush finally broke through, passing the 1,000 yard mark for the first time. If he and backup Daniel Thomas stay healthy, they could be a dynamic duo. But that is a big if. And opposing defenses could probably but eight men in the box all day. This offense could struggle.

Defense

While the offense for the Dolphins is potentially abysmal, the defense on this team is a quality bunch. Led by Cameron Wake, Karlos Dansby, and Vontae Davis, this group has multiple contributors that can impact the game. However, that doesn’t really matter if they are on the field for so long because the offense can’t control time of possession. While this defense isn’t extraordinary, they can do various different things to throw offenses off their game. This unit will probably be able to win one or two games themselves. We’ll see if they can create any other pass rush outside of Wake, though. A second legitimate pass rusher would do wonders for this defense.

Schedule

Since the Dolphins play in the AFC East, they benefit from a favorable schedule this year, facing the AFC South and the NFC West. However, Miami might not be good enough to be the middle-of-the-pack teams such as Tennessee, Arizona, or Seattle, that would give them a few extra wins. Their own division is no joke either; they will probably go 2-4 tops facing their rivals. Here’s how I see it shaking out:

Week 1: L at Texans

Week 2: W vs Raiders

Week 3: W vs Jets

Week 4: L at Cardinals

Week 5: L at Bengals

Week 6: W vs Rams

Week 7: Bye

Week 8: L at Jets

Week 9: L at Colts

Week 10: W vs Titans (they will go 1-1 in Weeks 9 and 10, results could be flipped)

Week 11: L at Bills

Week 12: L vs Seahawks

Week 13: L vs Patriots (even though they have played NE relatively well at home)

Week 14: L at 49ers

Week 15: W vs Jaguars

Week 16: W vs Bills

Week 17: L at Patriots

By my count, that’s 6-10, the same record as last year. They haven’t made many improvements, and until Tannehill is ready, the Dolphins don’t look very promising. I do think Tannehill might get some starts toward the end of the season, maybe Week 15 on after losing 6 of 7 after the bye week. Can they maybe get some more wins if Chad Johnson returns to his old form? Yes. But overall, this team looks like a 6-10 team; not terrible, but also not good enough to win the close games, and beat tough opponents. I see the Miami Dolphins struggling in 2012. As I close here, I want to leave you with a bold prediction. The next team preview will be the New England Patriots. By the way, I’m from New York and I’m a Jets fan. I’ll try not to put too many insults in the Patriots post. Till next time, readers.

Bold Prediction: Reggie Bush will rush for 1,000 yards again this season. We’ll see if he can sustain his success this year. And if he can put 200+ on the Bills again.