2012 Season Review
The Miami Dolphins did not have a great 2012 season, finishing at a subpar 7-9. Not much was expected from a team that has not had a winning season since Chad Pennington was the quarterback. After trading away Brandon Marshall and starting a rookie quarterback on opening weekend, few predicted Miami would finish better than last place in the AFC East. The Dolphins surprised fans by finishing second in the AFC East and beating a couple playoff teams along the way. They accomplished this with a rookie quarterback and a paper-thin receiver lineup. The 2012 overachieving Dolphins provided a small glimmer hope for a contender starved fan base.
What Went Right
Many things went wrong for Miami in 2012, but they also did a lot of things right. The Dolphins could not have finished second in the AFC East without having just a few bounces go their way. Perhaps the most important factor of the Dolphins success was the early maturation of rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The rookie played well despite not having much talent on offense. Tannehill did make his share of rookie mistakes, but played well enough to earn the praises of his coaches.
What Doesn’t Need Change
To build an NFL contender you have to start with a foundation and then build upon it. The foundation for the Dolphins is their defensive line. Miami was one of deepest defensive lines in the league and was by far the strength of the football team. Pro Bowlers Cameron Wake and Randy Starks led the stingy defensive unit that was among the best in the league in average points allowed per game.
What Could Use An Upgrade
While the Miami defensive unit shined, often times the offense would struggle. The Marshall trade left Miami without a true number one receiver. As a result Miami was often over matched and forced to find creative ways to score points. Without a doubt the wide receiver position will be a huge priority for the Dolphins this offseason.
What Needs To Be Fixed
Not only does the receiver position need an upgrade, so does the entire Miami offense. The Dolphins finished in the bottom half of the league in most major offensive categories. Miami tried to address some of those problems though the draft but it wasn’t enough. The Dolphins will need to add talent at the skilled positions, if they want to keep up with the division champion New England Patriots.
Priority Tasks
1. The Dolphins must decide what to do at left tackle. The team has a dilemma at that position. Incumbent left tackle Jake Long is a Pro Bowl player when healthy. The problem is Long has had major trouble staying healthy the last two years and his performance has declined because of it. Long is a free agent and will likely command a top dollar contract. The Dolphins must decide whether to keep Long and sign him to a long term deal or let him walk and play right tackle Jonathan Martin at left tackle.
2. The Dolphins must find a wide receiver. It’s no secret the Dolphins are in the market for an elite wide receiver. Miami will have many options to choose from this offseason. The club is in good financial health and has the cap room to sign one or more top level wide receiver free agents.
3. To Bush or not to Bush, that is the question. Reggie Bush proved he can be an every down back this year but the Dolphins would prefer his services at a bargain price. Miami is deep at the running back position and may look to sign a cheaper free agent. The Dolphins have made the decision on Bush a top priority.
What To Expect
The Dolphins are in prime position to take the step forward and become a contender. They have a solid nucleus of young players, they have the cap space to sign several key free agents and have an arsenal of draft picks at their disposal. This will be a pivotal year for the Dolphins. It will be general manager Jeff Ireland’s last chance to build a winner in Miami. If the Dolphins fail, it would spell the end for Ireland’s tenure. Failure would mean yet another rebuilding project, something that the Dolphins seem to have been doing since Dan Marino retired.