Miami Dolphins health in the secondary a big concern moving forward
The Miami Dolphins, much like other teams in the NFL, like to predicate themselves on their ability to stop the opposing offense. By signing quality free agents and investing high first-round picks in personnel, the Dolphins have attempted to make their defense a top-tier group. While the group has its ups and downs, they have been the strength of the franchise for quite some time. This season, however, Miami was the unfortunate victim to the injury bug – particularly in the secondary. After multiple players fell to injury, the Dolphins must rebuild and stay hopeful for a rebound season from the group.
A few years back the secondary of the Dolphins was a group that was in need of a makeover. An overhaul of young talent, mixed with the signings of established veterans, helped speed up the rebuilding process.
– in reality the overhaul was unnecessary, as the team had Pro Bowl cornerback Vontae Davis and Sean Smith, who is a very good man-to-man coverage cornerback –
Reshad Jones, who has developed into a premiere safety, was already on the roster. The signing of Brent Grimes, followed by the drafting of Jamar Taylor and Will Davis in 2013 gave Miami a group they could be excited about.
Although Taylor and Davis both struggled to find the field their rookie season, the team finished 16th in the league in passing defense.
Heading into the 2014 season, Miami continued to bolster their secondary, signing veterans Cortland Finnegan and Louis Delmas. The two made an immediate impact on the defense, as they both provided a much needed attitude and physicality that was previously lacking.
The additions of Finnegan and Delmas were huge, as the Dolphins finished sixth in the league in pass defense, allowing a total of 222 passing yards per game.
However, despite their recent success, there are reasons to be skeptical heading into the offseason. Starting cornerback Cortland Finnegan hinted at a possible retirement, while Jamar Taylor and Will Davis both continue to battle through health issues.
Along with the health issues concerning the cornerback position, Miami will most likely explore options of a new safety for next season. Delmas, who was signed by Miami last year on a one-year deal, excelled this season, finishing fourth on the team in tackles with a total of 61. Despite the success, a torn ACL suffered during their week 14 meeting with the Baltimore Ravens could hinder his chances of finding his way back with the team.
With the lack of consistently healthy depth in the secondary, Miami must turn to the offseason to fill their needs. They still have Taylor and Davis under contract; meaning there best option would be an experienced player, being cautious of not overpaying. Having Grimes on the roster will help in having some sense of stability. Of course, this all is pending until Miami gets a definitive word from Finnegan on his future with the team.
The same goes for the safety position. It is a need that requires filling, however, Miami must be smart about their decision. With more pressing needs such as the offensive line and linebacker, it would not be wise to spend a high pick on a safety. Investing a mid-to-late round pick would make perfect sense; although bringing in someone via free agency would be more suitable for the current team.
Owner Stephen Ross is in win-now mode. Bringing in Mike Tannenbaum to oversee all personnel decisions shows that Ross is either committed to building a winner, or that he has no idea what he is doing, or a bit of both.
Injuries affected their play this season, ultimately contributing to the late season collapse. Unfortunately, injuries are unpredictable. Still, you must prepare for the worst. The Dolphins secondary is in need of rest. Fortunately, they are currently enjoying the offseason. They have more pressing needs, but in a passing league, and with Tom Brady in the division, the inability to stay healthy in the secondary is extremely concerning as they head forward.