Power Rankings: Top Post-Draft Offenses (21-25)
Dec 15, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA: Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) passes the ball as tackle Tyson Clabo (77) blocks New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) in the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Dolphins 8-8
Last Season’s Rankings: #27 Overall Offense (312.9 total yards per game) #20 Passing Offense (222.9 passing yards per game) #26 Rushing Offense (90.0 rushing yards per game)
Last Season
Unfortunate thing for the Dolphins is that despite my predictions prior to the season, they still managed to not get it done on offense. While Tannehill’s play saw some improvement, the running game still lacked without running back Reggie Bush who, like predicted, made Detroit a prominent force in the NFC North. The combination of Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas was hit and miss for sure, rushing for 26th ranked 90 yards per game in 2013. Their receiving game did see improvement with the addition of Mike Wallace and rookie TE/RB combination Charles Clay. However, the Dolphins’ offensive line is really what did their offense in last season. With 58 sacks allowed, the Dolphins ranked worst in the league in sacks allowed. With the Incognito scandal behind them, I think 2014 is a bit brighter in Miami.
Run Offense
After Reggie Bush left Miami last season, the Dolphins have yet to truly establish a solid running game. Sure, Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas are okay backs, but they could have performed much better than they did in 2013. As a team, the Dolphins averaged only 90.0 yards per game as Miller and Thomas averaged only 4.0 and 3.7 yards per carry, respectively. Although the Dolphins offensive line wasn’t that great last season, Thomas and Miller both failed to remain consistent throughout the season. During the season Miller and Thomas combined for 16 games in which they rushed for 3.3 yards per carry or lower (seven from Miller and nine from Thomas). It was about time that the Dolphins return to a good running game. With Knowshon Moreno, the Dolphins will not be getting a burner, but rather a bruiser who can eat up yardage and block like no other back. Last season for the Broncos, Moreno was able to earn a combined 1,586 yards and 13 touchdowns (1,038 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns and 548 yards receiving, three touchdowns). As well, the Dolphins added a big presence in OT Ju’Wuan James out of the draft. He and former Kansas City Chief Brandon Albert should restore this Dolphins’ rush offense back to its’ former glory.
Pass Offense
Last season the Dolphins had one of the worst offensive lines in football, allowing a preposterous 58 sacks in 16 games (ranked worst in the NFL). For a QB with the caliber of Ryan Tannehill, it amazes me how his offensive line is so poorly constructed. With OT Brandon Albert and Ju’Wuan James, the Dolphins now have a solid offensive line. After the Johnathan Martin-Richie Incognito scandal, the Dolphins most definitely need to revamp their front-five and give Ryan Tannehill a legitimate chance to win some ball games. I believe that with the signing of Prince Albert, the Dolphins will have a legitimate opportunity to win the AFC East or at least get a playoff spot. Many people don’t realize the key to an offenses success starts with a solid offensive line. With Albert anchoring the left side, Tannehill should get more time to throw and in turn more time to make touchdowns.
As for his receiving corps, Tannehill will be working with a lot of talented wide outs. From Mike Wallace (averaged 1,054 yards, 67.25 receptions and 7.75 touchdowns the past four seasons), to Charles Clay (759 yards and six touchdowns on 69 catches last season), to always consistent Brian Hartline (75 catches for 1,049.5 yards and 2.5 touchdowns past two seasons), Rishard Matthews (448 yards and 41 catches in 2013) and rookie Jarvis Landry out of LSU (77 receptions for 1,193 yards and 10 touchdowns), the Dolphins have talent. I think that last season Tannehill showed some promise, all he needed was a solid offensive line and a steady running game. 2014 has all of the talent, it’s just time for execution.
In The End
I have the Dolphins ranking higher this year than last because of the moves they’ve made in the off-season. The addition of Moreno, Landry and Albert are absolutely huge to the success of this ball club offensively. I think that Tannehill is indeed a good QB, he just needs the talent around him to work in unison in order to see results.