A look back at the Miami Dolphins’ 2016
By Brian Miller
As training camp continues and the Dolphins begin their pre-season games the Dolphins executives watch as the final pieces are put into place at their still unnamed stadium.
August
After weeks if not months of speculation the Miami Dolphins announce that their newly renovated stadium will be called Hard Rock Stadium. The local Hard Rock Hotel and Casino company is based out of Miami.
Phase three of the stadium renovations completes in time for the start of the college football season where the University of Miami begins play.
The “hot watches” in training camp continue to be Arian Foster, Jordan Cameron, and concerns continue along the offensive line where Billy Turner and Dallas Thomas battle for the guard spots. Laremy Tunsil listed as the back-up left guard.
September
Long time Dolphins “cap-oologist” Dawn Aponte leaves the Dolphins to work for one of Stephen Ross’ company.
A year after being drafted in the 4th round, Jamil Douglas is released. He would be added to the practice squad.
Laremy Tunsil is named the opening week starter following the final 53 man roster cuts. Arian Foster is named the starting tailback ahead of second year runner Jay Ajayi. As the Dolphins ready for Seattle, head coach Adam Gase opts to leave Ajayi at home.
The Jay Ajayi saga will continue into week two as Ajayi, frustrated over losing the starting job, returns to practice amid speculation that the Dolphins might try and trade him.
Continuing what was started by 49’ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, four members of the Dolphins, Arian Foster, Michael Thomas, Jelani Jenkins, and Kenny Stills take a knee during the National Anthem.
Kenny Stills drops a deep touchdown pass against the Seahawks while wide-open. It would make a difference in the game.
The Dolphins who lost a nail biter in Seattle travels to New England where Arian Foster is lost to an injury and Ajayi takes over the starting role.
The Dolphins lose to the Patriots after a late game comeback attempt. The following week the Dolphins open their newly renovated stadium officially against the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland misses three field goals including one at the end of the game and one in overtime as the Dolphins earn their first win of the season.
Miami travels to Cincinnati where they lose another game against the Bengals.
Mike Pouncey has a small fracture in his hip that would eventually lead to him missing all but five games of the 2016 season.
With a 1-3 start to the season and poor play in the secondary, the Dolphins bench cornerback Byron Maxwell.