AFC EAST DOLPHINS Dolphins Offense The Miami Dolphins started the season off strong by going 3-0 and averaging over 24 points per game, but consistency was a major problem. In the final two weeks of the season, when the pressure was at its highest, the offense produced just seven points. On the bright side, quarterback Ryan Tannehill showed improvement in his second season and displayed the skills that made him worthy of the eight overall pick in a draft full of talented quarterbacks. His 3,913 passing yards ranked tenth in the league, and Tannehill led the Dolphins to four come-frombehind victories. Under new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, the Dolphins will be looking to run their offense at a faster pace and use more motion to open up the field for Tannehill and his teammates. While the passing game has shown signs of promise, the running game struggled all year. Lamar Miller ran for just 709 yards, and the team ranked 26th overall in rushing. The Dolphins signed veteran running back Knowshon Moreno, who rushed for over 1,000 yards, made 60 receptions and scored 13 TDs for the Denver Broncos and, most importantly, is an excellent pass blocker. The biggest obstacle the Dolphins overcame last year was the turmoil generated by their own players. The conflict between guard Richie Incognito and tackle Jonathan Martin was well documented. The offensive line failed to come together, and it was a major factor in their offensive struggles. Tannehill was sacked 58 times, more than any other QB in the league. The line has been largely overhauled, with Pro Bowl tackle Branden Albert and rookie Ja’Wuan James being the biggest acquisitions, and the unit is looking for a bounce-back year. Wide receiver Mike Wallace was the team’s big offseason acquisition but he averaged just 44 yards over the first quarter of the season and was visibly upset at his role in the offense. Wallace eventually developed a rapport with his teammates and finished the season with 73 receptions and 903 yards. It was Brian Hartline that proved to be the most consistent receiver once again. He led the team in receptions and receiving yards for the second consecutive season. The offense got some additional help from a surprising source in TE/HB Charles Clay. His 69 receptions were more than double his career total and his seven touchdowns led the team. Clay will be a useful tool for the new offensive strategy to utilize. Offensive Player to Watch Tannehill is an emerging young star at the most important position on the field. With his prototypical size and strong arm, it’s easy to forget that he’s even less experienced than your average third year quarterback. As a member of the Texas A&M Aggies, Tannehill did not convert to a full-time quarterback until the sixth game of his junior year. The next season, he threw for over 5,000 yards and 42 touchdowns, including 6 TDs against Robert Griffin III and the Baylor Bears. Another year of practice alongside Mike Wallace will be huge for the Dolphins and Tannehill. The two appeared out of sync on long balls, and those are exactly the type of plays he was brought in for. What Tannehill did do extremely well was spread the ball around the field. He completed at least six passes to eleven different receivers. And with Knowshon Moreno in the backfield, the Dolphins have another target in the passing game. 2014 STRENGTHS: • Stout defense, talented young QB, skill position depth 2014 WEAKNESSES: • Lack of playoff experience, off-field turmoil MIAMI RONALD C. MODRA/SPORTS /GETTY IMAGES SPORT Ryan Tannehill
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