Bright Future For The Dolphins

Nov 11, 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) is introduced before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

The Miami Dolphins started out the season looking very promising to make a run for the playoffs. QB Ryan Tannehill was playing very well, and the running game, led by Reggie Bush, was looking very good. But after the Dolphins destroyed the New York Jets 30-9, everything has fell apart for the Dolphins. Or has it?

Since the win against the Jets, Miami has lost 3 straight to the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, and division rival Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins now set at 4-6 and have lost their chance of an AFC Wildcard spot unless a miracle happens. Even though the ‘Phins won’t make the playoffs this season, they have exceeded expectations and the future looks bright for this team.

As sad as it is to admit it, it’s time for the Dolphins to look towards next season. Take the rest of the season to help Ryan Tannehill, Lamar Miller, and the rest of this young squad develop. Ryan Tannehill has played very well for a rookie that was said to have needed to sit a year to develop.  As of late Tannehill has hit his rookie slump, but he is also the most inexperienced rookie QB in this draft class. Whenever Lamar Miller is running the ball he is running hard and has shown the potential he has to help this team out in the future and even possibly be a featured running back.

It’s still unclear if Reggie Bush will be in a Dolphins Jersey next season or if Jeff Ireland is going to give the reins to Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas. Bush started off the season outstanding, but since his injury he hasn’t been the same. He almost looks like he is trying to do too much instead of running hard. His hesitation moves are doing more harm then good. Reggie Bush is a great leader in the locker room and a great role-model to the two young running back’s, but with all of the other key players that will need to be resigned, I don’t know if Jeff Ireland will resign him.

For someone who wasn’t expected to play this season, Ryan Tannehill has shown that he can be the franchise QB. Has he been throwing more interceptions then touchdowns? Yes. Has he cost the Dolphins a few games? Yes. But that isn’t a reason to write him off. He’s still a rookie, and will need a year or two too develop.

The Dolphins still need to finish out the season strong, and I’m sure Head Coach Joe Philbin and the coaching staff will have them working hard. As a Dolphins fan, yes I’m disappointed that they have been in a slump and missed out on the playoffs, but I’m also excited for the future. As fan’s we should be looking at the positives that we’ve seen from this team throughout the season, and not focusing on the negatives. This team needs a few more pieces and some development in their young players and they could be a true playoff contender for years to come. That is something to be excited about!