Open Rants by Rcjames253


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Rcjames253
Response to WalterFootball Power Rankings
Published at 6/9/2018
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This response is targeted to the idea that Miami will be the worst team in the league next year. I'm pretty shocked at that idea. I really don't think they have the worst roster in the league or even close to it. 

Ryan Tannehill coming back is not getting the press or the excitement it deserves. Tannehill in 2016 (which was Adam Gase's first year as HC there) had the best numbers of his career. He had a 67% completion percentage and the team ended up finishing 10-6 and making the playoffs. When you have to face the Patriots twice a year, it's always a tall order to be competitive. Miami, last year, without Tannehill, managed to contain the Patriots once and win. 

I will certainly acknowledge that losing big names like Suh and Landry could affect the team negatively. But I think it's also important to remember that Kenyan Drake has a lot of promise, and Kalen Ballage can operate as a great power back to spell Drake. But the team still has Cam Wake and added Robert Quinn this offseason. They have a promising young secondary that added a very versatile Minkah Fitzpatrick, and someone who I think is a rising star in Xavien Howard. I don't think that Frank Gore is going to play a ton in 2018 but I do think that he can serve as an incredible mentor for Drake and Ballage as far as how to be a quality NFL RB. The Dolphins also added Danny Amendola, who I think is really great slot receiver. If DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills can take the next step (and I think they will with a healthy Tannehill and more reps without Landry around),  I wouldn't put 9-10 wins out of reach for the Dolphins. I think they can probably sweep the Jets and the Bills this season, as both of those teams are very much in rebuilding mode. 

Now, I will absolutely acknowledge that Miami's biggest weakness is the O-line and that is a BAD weakness to have. Your O-line affects your whole offense. According to PFF, Miami's O-line was the 29th ranked O-line in the league, and it's actually surprising they managed 6 wins with an O-line that was that bad. In fairness though, Miami snagged Josh Sitton, who was the highest ranked O-lineman on the 11th best O-line in the league last year, and the Dolphins got rid of a mercurial and essentially ineffective Mike Pouncey. So the O-line has gotten shaken up a bit and may or may not perform better. 

I think this year and its outcome will very much be a result of whether or not Adam Gase can justify his reputation as an offensive guru and really set his players up to succeed. I think he has the personnel to do it. If the Dolphin's can stay healthy, I think they can be very competitive this season and I do not at all expect them to be the worst team in the league in 2018. 



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