Can the Miami Dolphins win another game in 2016?
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins are ranked at or near the bottom in almost every NFL power poll. While that alone is disheartening, the reality for the remaining season could be just as bleak.
Thus far the Dolphins have managed to win zero games. Their lone victory stands as a stadium home opening house-warming present from the Cleveland Browns who missed three field goals. Following an initial start that had many talking the Dolphins have taken a slide that very few predicted.
Miami opened in Seattle and almost pulled off a major upset. After a slow start in week two against the Patriots, they almost rebounded for late fourth quarter rally but fans witnessed Miami’s inability to stop LeGarrette Blount and they haven’t been able to stop another running back since.
This week it’s home against Pittsburgh.
The Dolphins are going to struggle defensively barring a sudden major change in the mental make-up of their defenders. Miami hasn’t been able to stop any runner and LeVeon Bell is one of the leagues best and when he isn’t running the ball DeAngelo Williams is.
Then there is Antonio Brown.
Following this weeks game comes the Bills. Then the Jets. Miami is capable of beating both of those teams but the Bills are proving to be much stronger than they appeared early on and the Jets have the capability to control the clock with a power running game. Something Miami can’t stop.
It’s off to the West Coast after their four game home stand to face the reeling Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams. Both teams are struggling but both teams have been playing much better football than the Dolphins. The Chargers are 1-4 and the Rams, despite their play on the offensive side of the ball are 3-2.
Miami will come home to face the 49’ers after Thanksgiving and they may be the best option for the Dolphins to notch win number two. Especially if the Dolphins drop both games to the Jets and Bills.
After the 49’ers it’s the final four games in a season that already just needs to end sooner rather than later. Miami will travel to Baltimore and then home for the Cardinals. Miami will wrap their road season in New York to face the Jets and then the Bills.
Finally the Dolphins get to welcome the Patriots at home to finish out the season.
Looking over the schedule there are no guaranteed wins anymore. Only games that should be closer in score. Of the remaining games, Miami’s best chances right now are the Jets twice and the 49’ers who will travel across the country.
It’s not an easy road but the team has not come anywhere close to expectations. No matter how minimal those expectations were.