Are The Miami Dolphins A Playoff Team?

Entering their week 14 match up against the Baltimore Ravens, the Miami Dolphins were in a great position to gain some ground on the rest of the AFC. In what is shaping up to be one of the tightest playoff races in recent memory, the Dolphins were 7-5 and holding onto the sixth seed in the AFC. Sadly, after a disastrous home performance against the Ravens, Miami is now on the outside looking in. With just three games remaining on the schedule, the Dolphins are no longer looking like the strong team they were in the middle of the season. Instead, they have lost three of fives games, proving to the league that they are not quite there yet.

So what is the main reason for the Dolphins collapse? Is it the quarterback position? Well, not exactly. Third year quarterback Ryan Tannehill has progressed nicely this season, showing great promise for the future. For the first time in over a decade, Tannehill has provided Miami with some security at the quarterback position. His play is worthy of a possible contract extension this offseason.

One of the biggest problems the Dolphins have faced is injuries. While injuries are a part of the game, it is important that the next man must step up. Unfortunately for Miami, they have had issues with the next man stepping up. The results? Another potential late season collapse.

Last season Miami had the worst offensive line in the league. They allowed a franchise worst 58 sacks, attributing to a late season meltdown. This season is no different. To the credit of first year general manager Dennis Hickey he has done a phenomenal job re-tooling the line. He brought in Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert, drafted Ja’Wuan James in the first round and hit on his signing of center Samson Satele. Unfortunately, at this point of the season, the line has gone through major changes.

Branden Albert was lost for the season after suffering tears in his ACL and MCL. The injury caused James to move from the right side to the left side of the line, inserting Dallas Thomas into the right tackle spot. Unfortunately, Albert isn’t the only member of the line who has suffered through injury. Starting left guard Daryn Colledge missed multiple games due to injury. The injury forced Shelly Smith to start in his place.

With a re-tooled line needing to be re-tooled again, the Dolphins essentially played with two brand new offensive lines throughout the season. It is amazing that the moves were able to pay off while they did. However, the injuries at the line have finally caught up to them.

This was evident in their game against Baltimore. Tannehill was sacked a season high six times. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Tannehill was pressured on 36 percent of his dropbacks.

It’s not just the offensive line that has caused problems, though. A big issue Miami has faced this season has been the thinning of their talented secondary; in particular the cornerback position, as Cortland Finnegan, Jamar Taylor and Will Davis all suffered injuries that have kept them out of the lineup. With R.J. Stanford starting and rookie Walt Aikens replacing them, the Dolphins no longer have depth at corner.

On top of the injuries at the cornerback position, the Dolphins have now lost safety Louis Delmas. Delmas, who has provided a physical addition to the secondary was carted off in the fourth quarter of yesterday’s game after suffering a knee injury. With just three games remaining, a return from Delmas does not look likely. He is second on the team with 58 total tackles.

Still, even with three of five losses, the Dolphins are not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. However, despite still being in the race, it will not be easy for Miami. In order to make the postseason they must win out. This includes winning an essential elimination game next week as they travel to New England to take on the Patriots. If they do win the rest of their games they will be at 10-6. Even with that record – due to tiebreakers – they will most likely need help from other teams.

Just a month and a half ago Miami was one of the hottest teams in the NFL. Things have taken a turn for the worse rather quickly. This Dolphins team is not the same team they were a few weeks back. With the regular season nearing the end, the Miami Dolphins do not look and are not playing like a team worthy of making the playoffs.