Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Are the win predictions right about the Miami Dolphins?

By Brian Miller

MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 09: Head coach Adam Gase of the Miami Dolphins speaks with Ryan Tannehill #17 before the preseason game between the Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 09: Head coach Adam Gase of the Miami Dolphins speaks with Ryan Tannehill #17 before the preseason game between the Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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DE’s Cameron Wake and William Hayes talk at training camp practice – image courtesy of MiamiDolphins.com
DE’s Cameron Wake and William Hayes talk at training camp practice – image courtesy of MiamiDolphins.com /

When the Miami Dolphins released Ndamukong Suh the immediate gut punch reaction was that the Dolphins would suffer and that the already bottom dwelling run defense was going to be worse than it was with Suh, which is saying a lot since Miami ranked near the bottom last year.

So far, those questioning the Dolphins front defensive lineman have not likely seen enough to change their impression. The defensive tackles are battling but is anyone getting better? Vincent Taylor has looked good but last Thursday the Dolphins looked like it was going to be another stopping the run problem yet again.

At defensive end the Dolphins have a deep rotation and once the starters begin playing in games we will see a difference but for now there isn’t much to see but no one really has concerns over the Dolphins pass rushers.

Linebacker is improving. Raekwon McMillan is back and while he still has to take the lumps of being back on the field after missing his rookie season, he is making positive strides. The emergence of rookie Jerome Baker is good to see and much-needed but Baker has a lot of growth to undergo before he can exact big change on the defense.

One of the Dolphins strengths is their secondary but even that has taken a hit in recent days. With the Dolphins now shopping for a number two corner to start opposite Xavien Howard it has become clear that the Dolphins have not been too impressed with the trio battling for that spot. This could become a problem area.

Overall the Dolphins are improving on offense and regressing a bit on defense. The intensity level is through the roof the last few days and the coaches are done coddling their players. While the thought of a 2-6 win season is still, in my opinion, not likely, I don’t think the Dolphins have shown enough to warrant these media predictors to change their mind just yet. Although by the time the season rolls around, they may very well have to if the offense continues to improve and the defense can turn it around.

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