The NFL is back, and Sportsnet is breaking down everything you need to know about each of the 32 teams in the month leading up to kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 7. Today, the Miami Dolphins.
Head coach: Adam Gase
Last season’s record: 10-6
Playoff result: Ousted by Pittsburgh Steelers on wild-card weekend
Key free agent gains: The loss of Ryan Tannehill to another knee injury was quickly answered with the signing of Jay Cutler, who had retired and taken a job in the announcers’ booth before getting the call from Miami. Cutler has been a divisive quarterback throughout his career, to say the least, and will likely give Dolphins fans fits this season. But the 34-year-old pivot has plenty of quality weapons around him and is capable of getting the job done should he keep the mistakes to a minimum.
Two veteran free-agent additions may help Cutler do just that: Tight ends Julius Thomas and Anthony Fasano will be stabilizing options for their new quarterback, although neither has been a particularly prolific pass-catcher over the last couple of seasons. They should help protect Cutler, at least.
In a rare feat, the Dolphins signed safety T.J McDonald twice in one off-season — once in March to a one-year, veteran’s-minimum deal after it was revealed McDonald would miss the first eight games of the season due to suspension, and then again to a four-year, $24-million deal after what was supposedly an impressive pre-season. As Miami waits for McDonald to return, veteran Nate Allen, signed in March, will fill in.
Speaking of veterans, 31-year-old outside linebacker Lawrence Timmons was signed to a two-year deal by Miami after 10 seasons in Pittsburgh and will slide into the strong side of the Dolphins linebacking corps this season. Rey Maualuga was also signed in late August to man the middle linebacker position after an injury to the expected starter (more on that below).
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Key free agent losses: Branden Albert, who started at left tackle in 35 games for the Dolphins over the last three seasons and was traded to the Jaguars in exchange for a 2018 seventh-rounder. Miami doesn’t have much to worry about there, however, as 2016 first-round pick Laremy Tunsil will move from left guard to tackle.
Mario Williams was allowed to walk by the Dolphins after his least-productive season as a pro, recording just 1.5 sacks in 13 games in 2016. Miami instead re-signed Andre Branch to line up opposite Cameron Wake and looked to the draft for more pass-rushing options.
Key draft picks: Charles Harris was selected by the Dolphins with the 22nd-overall pick in April’s draft. Much was expected from the 22-year-old defensive end after he racked up 18 sacks and 136 tackles in three years at Missouri, but the rookie recorded just two tackles and zero sacks in the pre-season.
On the flip side, fifth-round defensive tackle Davon Godchaux has made a big impact this summer, surpassing Jordan Phillips on the depth chart during the pre-season. He appears set to start alongside Ndamukong Suh.
two plays in a row rookie DT davon godchaux got the best of the falcons offensive line pic.twitter.com/5iUBPU6keE
— charles mcdonald (@FourVerts) August 12, 2017
Third-rounder Cordrea Tankersley has also impressed in the pre-season, and could make an immediate impact at cornerback for the ’Phins.
Second-round linebacker Raekwon McMillan looked primed to start at middle linebacker before suffering a season-ending knee injury during the pre-season opener.
X-factor: Jay Ajayi, who will look to follow up a breakout 2016 season with another dominant showing in 2017. Much will be expected of the third-year back after Ajayi racked up 1,155 yards and six TDs over the final 11 weeks of the season. Heightened expectations don’t appear to have affected the 24-year-old bruiser as he looked to be in mid-season form this summer.
2017 will be a success if: Cutler keeps the mistakes to a minimum, allowing his teammates to lead the Dolphins back to the playoffs. In Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills, Cutler has one of the best receiving trios in the league at his disposal along with a top runner lining up in the backfield. If Cutler keeps the turnovers down, Miami should compete for a wild-card spot.
