Miami Dolphins: 3 things that must happen in order to win AFC East

#1. Defense is a top-10 unit

The Miami Dolphins’ defense has been making immense strides over the last two seasons. If they want a chance to win the division this coming year, then they’ll need to remain a top-10 unit in the league.

The Dolphins will be needing progression and big leaps from many players on the roster, but they simply need the defense to stay the same. They led the league in takeaways last season, and ranked 6th in overall points allowed. Coach Brian Flores is known for his defensive prowess dating back to his days with the New England Patriots, and he has built a unit that has quickly emerged as one of the league’s best.

There are questions about Xavien Howard’s contract and his future with the Dolphins. There are young players on the depth chart that have to prove their worth and continue their development. But there is no reason why Miami’s defense can’t be a top 10 (or even top 5?) unit in the league. The secondary could be one of the best in the game, the linebackers were given a veteran boost in the off-season, and the pass rush is new and improved. If the Dolphins can continue to force turnovers at a similar rate as they did last season, they’ll be one of the hardest defenses to game plan for.