NFL Notebook, Week 13: Miami madness, Ron Rivera firing, Coach of the Year and more
By Zach Cohen
Tanks For Nothing?
It’s an interesting time to be a Dolphins fan. Sitting at 3-9 with the fourth overall pick isn’t exactly what many fans were expecting. I’d assume many people weren’t expecting a win over the 5-6 (now 5-7) Philadelphia Eagles, either.
Alas, the Dolphins’ alleged tank has seemed to hit a snag. I’m here to tell you that no matter what happens, it appears that Miami is headed for success regardless. This team has shown they finally have the right coaches to develop talent. DeVante Parker was once a bust; now he’s tied for the tenth-most receiving touchdowns and looks like a Pro Bowler.
Nik Needham, Vince Biegel, Samuel Eguavoen, all just a few examples of players who have found success on the Dolphins.
The Dolphins now have five defensive backs who have recorded their first career interceptions this season.
— Brett Brecheisen (@bbrech) December 2, 2019
Jomal Wiltz - Week 8 (NYJ)
Steven Parker - Week 10 (IND)
Nik Needham - Week 10 (IND)
Ryan Lewis - Week 12 (CLE)
Chris Lammons - Week 13 (PHI)
Aside from player development, another positive aspect of the season has been establishing a strong culture under Head Coach Brian Flores. What Flores has done with these busts, unwanted veterans and undrafted free agents should not go unnoticed. Miami has gotten called for the third-fewest penalties and has had the third-most efficient offense inside the red zone, among other things.
The way things are going for the Dolphins, they’ll still likely end up with a top-five draft pick. However, this season shows that no matter how Miami uses their boatloads of cap space or draft picks on, they’re an organization primed for future success thanks to a legitimate coaching staff.