NFL Playoffs: Miami Dolphins 8.5 o-130/u+120
What I Like:
The Dolphins made some good moves this offseason. Most notably grabbing Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs. They also added T Terron Armstead and G Connor Williams to help shore up the offensive line.
They were also able to keep TE Mike Gesicki, DE Emmanuel Ogbah, and CB Xavien Howard from leaving town. The roster has improved. There are pieces in place to make a splash, if they can they put it all together.
Areas of Concern:
Despite adding Armstead and Williams to the O-Line, it is still one of the worst in the NFL. The biggest battle on the line will be at right tackle where Austin Jackson and Liam Eichenberg are competing for the starting job.
Running back is another position of concern. Currently, there are too many mouths to feed. Adding Chase Edmonds, Sony Michel, and Raheem Mostert as well as resigning Salvon Ahmed means someone will have to go by preseason’s end.
How they divvy up the roles and how well they can run behind this offensive line will be telling.
HC Mike McDaniel is credited with working up the schemes in San Francisco’s running attack. We shall see how true that is this season. As it stands right now the running game may be more of a liability here than an asset.
I am not as concerned about Tua and his abilities as others. Like most quarterbacks, he has his limitations. His 5th-year option hasn’t been picked up, so this is essentially a contract year for him. With a new coaching staff in town, he has every opportunity to make it happen this season.
Predicting Tua’s Stats for 2022.
Key Games:
Miami has a chance out of the gate to show they belong in the title race. Week 1 vs New England, Week 2 @ Baltimore, Week 3 vs Buffalo, and week 4 @ Cincinnati on TNF. Late-season road games at Buffalo (week 15) and New England (week 17) will be challenging and could prove consequential.
My Prediction: 9-8