There are many sleeper teams in the NFL, and the Miami Dolphins are a team that people need keep an eye on. After going 8-8 last season, it is expected for the Dolphins to improve as a team. When teams normally hit the 8-8 mark, they normally take the next step if they keep their roster in tact. In the case of the Dolphins they have added to an already solid team. With the addition of Ndamukong Suh, Greg Jennings, and a host of other players the Dolphins are looking playoff bound. Ryan Tannehill, who is one of the most underrated quarterbacks has quietly improved on a yearly basis. Last season, Tannehill threw for over 4,000 yards to go along with 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Tannehill is arguably one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the NFL, but he doesn’t get credit for it. Tannehill is also great at his decision making and making the big play as well.
Tannehill put up impressive numbers with so-so weapons. With the addition of Greg Jennings and with Jarvis Landry going into his second season the Dolphins have a potent attack on the outside. It also helps that Charles Clay is one of the best swiss-army knife players in all of football. Running back Lamar Miller will look to build upon his 1,000 yard season and he is expected to run behind the potent offensive line anchored by Mike Pouncey.
As of now the AFC East have many question marks at the quarterback position. With Tom Brady’s suspension in limbo, and quarterback problems in New York and Buffalo gives the Dolphins an advantage with the stability that Tannehill has. It’s obvious that Brady is the best quarterback in the division, but if he misses four games things could get dicey in New England with an unproven Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback.
All of the teams in the AFC East have pretty potent defenses, but the Dolphins are on par with the Patriots to have both a quality offense and defense. Teams will have to deal with the nightmare of facing Suh and Cameron Wake each and every Sunday. No other team in the division has that potent of a DT and DE combo to go with the offense that can score points. It will be interesting to see how things shape up this season. If I had to place a wager on a team taking the next step, it would be the Miami Dolphins.
