Are the Miami Dolphins a playoff team in 2015?

The Miami Dolphins are a team that for the last few seasons could be best described in one word…

Close.

Time and time again, the Dolphins are on the cusp of making a postseason appearance. Yet it seems as if each year they continue to fall to their own battle of mediocrity.

In 2013, Miami needed just one win in their final two games against either the New York Jets or Buffalo Bills – both divisional rivals – to wrap up a playoff berth. The team went onto lose both games by a combined score of 39-7.

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Last season, the Dolphins were again in position to make grab a postseason berth. Heading into the stretch run, they owned a record of 7-5 and assumed to be in the driver’s seat for one of the two AFC Wild Card spots.

But just as they did in 2013 when they collapsed against New York and Buffalo, Miami lost out on their opportunity to make the playoffs – losing three out of their last four games.

With an abundance of money spent on free agent signings, high investments in the draft and a coaching staff that has been turned over to adjust to the player needs; head coach Joe Philbin and general manager Dennis Hickey are constantly under pressure to perform at a high level.

From questionable moves made by past general managers, to the inconsistency seen from the players and even the head-scratching decisions made by Philbin, it is safe to say the pressure has been too much for the Dolphins to handle.

Yet, some believe the Dolphins are close.

For once, the quarterback position is not the issue with Miami. It is without question that Ryan Tannehill has succeeded and improved over the last three seasons. He has provided the franchise with hope at the quarterback position, something previously lacking over the last near two decades. Still, it is hard to look at Tannehill and the Dolphins and think of too many positives.

Nov 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (left) celebrates after wide receiver

Jarvis Landry

(right) scored a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 22-9. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The problem lies within the coaching staff and the rest of the players surrounding Tannehill. The offensive line – which was much better last year than two seasons ago – still has issues. When healthy, the newly-revamped offensive line was great. However, injuries have not only deflated the unit, but questioned their potential moving forward, while clearly exploiting the lack of depth.

Let’s keep it with the offense, mainly with the receiving group. At a 2014 collective salary of $23.4 million, the Dolphins had the highest paid group of receivers in the NFL, and unfortunately, the production did not justify those numbers.

Outside of rookie and 2014 second-round pick Jarvis Landry, the group was largely a disappointment.

Mike Wallace, who signed a 5-year, $60 million contract with Miami two seasons ago, tied a career high with ten touchdown receptions. Yet, in each of his two seasons with the Dolphins, he has failed to total at least 1,000 receiving yards. Wallace also reportedly removed himself from the Dolphins Week 17 matchup against the Jets because he didn’t want to play – causing a rift within the locker room.

Nov 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver

Brian Hartline

(82) eludes Buffalo Bills defensive end

Jerry Hughes

(55) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 22-9. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Then there’s Brian Hartline. Prior to the 2013 season, Hartline signed a five-year, $31 million contract. That year was nice to Hartline, having a career year. However, he had an abysmal 2014 season, catching 39 balls for 474 yards and two touchdowns.

Starting tight end Charles Clay is also set to become a free-agent and him signing elsewhere is always a possibility.

What seems to be in worse shape than the offense, however, is the defense – starting with their poor decision making in the middle.

Two years ago, Miami signed linebackers Philip Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe to sizable free-agent deals. To the dismay of Miami, both Wheeler and Ellerbe have under-performed. Ellerbe missed 15 games in 2014, while Wheeler has shown an inability to successful tackle and cover.

Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback

Brent Grimes

(21) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Dolphins also have a real issue at cornerback. Sure, they have Pro Bowler Brent Grimes. But after Grimes is a list of high draft picks who have real problems remaining healthy – most notably Jamar Taylor (missed 11 games last two years) and Will Davis (missed 17 games last two years).

In addition to Taylor and Davis, cornerback Cortland Finnegan has battled his own injuries and is in the latter stages of his career.

They also have a hole at the safety position as Louis Delmas suffered a torn ACL late last season and is not under contract for next season.

Then there is Joe Philbin. In his three seasons as the Dolphins head man, Joe Philbin is below .500 with a record of 23-25.

Questions about his job security arose after the team collapsed for consecutive seasons. Philbin has had multiple run-ins with players, such as Wallace and Jared Odrick and has made countless questionable calls in crucial game situations.

With back-to-back 8-8 seasons you could argue that the Dolphins are close to making the postseason. But are they really? They have serious doubts and a lack of depth on the offensive line and question marks at the skill positions.

Along with there offensive issues, the defense must go under a major re-tool. They ranked 24th in run defense, and although they finished sixth in pass defense, that could be an area of weakness heading into next season.

Record wise, Miami is close. Player personnel and coaching staff? Not so much.

Fortunately for Miami, the offseason is here. If they don’t fully address all of the issues they are faced with, they will continue to be on the outside looking in moving forward.

Next: Would a Ryan Tannehill resigning be a good thing?

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