Dolphins Win Doesn’t Cure All Problems
NOV 25, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws a pass over Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins defeated the Seahawks 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE
Ryan Tannehill did exactly what he needed to do today. Charles Clay did exactly what he needed to do today. The Miami Dolphins got a win that they needed to get today. The team is once again making fans optimistic about the future. However, issues that appeared during the awful three game losing streak still need to be addressed.
The primary issue is the feeling of suffocation that comes with watching the Dolphins offense far too often. The Dolphins managed to make things work today, but they still need to get a guy who can stretch the field out and allow room for the offense to work. Fortunately for Miami, there is a player who might be available in free agency next year who would be the best cure for this problem. That would be Mike Wallace.
Wallace is due to be an unrestricted free agent next season. He will command big money, and that is the only reason a player of his caliber might be available. Wallace grudgingly accepted his tender from the Pittsburgh Steelers going into this season. It is clear he wants a big long-term deal. Pittsburgh could still franchise tag him but based on his actions last offseason he would not be happy at all if that occurred.
Wallace gets downfield faster then any other receiver in the league and commands double teams. He would be the best possible way to spread out defenses and give the Dolphins offense room to work. However, adding Wallace alone would not be enough to catapult the Dolphins offense to elite status.
They also need to add more guys that can stretch the field in the draft and find a solution at tight end. In a previous article I expressed my desire that they target Dustin Keller in free agency. That opinion has not changed and Keller would be another great addition next year. Clay made strides today but the team is far from set at tight end.
The Dolphins are back on the right track but they still have a long way to go before they are an elite offense. Hopefully they will be aggressive in free agency in 2013.