The Miami Dolphins are in regular-season mode as they prepare for the New England Patriots this Sunday. There is a buzz in South Florida that this could be the most talented Miami team in years.
But there are some holes on the team that are concerning and could derail the Dolphins. Earlier we examined the reasons for optimism.
Here are three reasons for pessimism:
1. Linebacker play
Analysis: After a full training camp and preseason, I’m still not sure the Dolphins fixed one of their weakest areas of the team a year ago. Miami swapped Dannell Ellerbe outside and Koa Misi to middle linebacker. Philip Wheeler remains in the starting lineup after struggling last season with coverage and missed tackles. The ceiling for this starting linebacker corps just isn’t very high, and it doesn't help that Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski is coming to town in Week 1. A key over the course of a 16-game season could be rookie linebackers Jordan Tripp and Chris McCain. Both were impressive this summer and could develop into contributors at some point this season.
2. Interior offensive line
Analysis: Miami’s running game didn’t show signs of life until Knowshon Moreno returned in the third preseason game. Was that a fluke, or is Miami’s running game here to stay? Based on what I’ve seen in training camp and most of the preseason, there is reason to be concern about Miami’s rushing attack. The interior offensive line, which consist of center Samson Satele and guard Shelley Smith and Daryn Colledge, wasn’t getting a consistent push up front. The Dolphins must run the ball successful to reach their potential on offense. It doesn’t help that Miami’s offensive line must face tough defensive tackles such as Vince Wilfork (New England Patriots) and Kyle Williams (Buffalo Bills) in the first three weeks.
3. Suspension and injuries
Analysis: The Dolphins will be without starting safety Reshad Jones and key reserve defensive end Dion Jordan the first four games due to the pair violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Both players accepted their punishment and aim to come back by Week 5. But until then, the Dolphins will have to get by without their full complement of the defenders. Miami also has to do without Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey, who is expected to miss several weeks following major hip surgery.