10 people who can determine ’22 season
Any successful team needs meaningful contributions across its roster to reach the playoffs and go potentially further. But football is a game of positional value. A competent quarterback or pass rusher is going to have more impact on winning on a play-to-play basis than, say, an offensive guard or punter.
The Dolphins will enter the 2022 NFL season with not only a spotlight on a few players but coaches whose decision-making and player development could finally get the team back in the playoffs. Here is a list of the 10 most important people in the organization this season:
MIKE MCDANIEL
The 39-year-old firstyear head coach has endeared himself to players and fans with an affable and, at times, self-deprecating personality. But it’s his offensive concepts and play-calling that will have the biggest impact on the Dolphins this fall. McDaniel is a product of the Shanahan tree — he learned the game under former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan and was a longtime assistant under Mike’s son, Kyle. McDaniel made his name as the run game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers and served as offensive coordinator last season. But he also has roots in coaching wide receivers and should be able to bring a fresh perspective to an offense that was one of the league’s worst units in 2021.
TUA TAGOVAILOA
The polarizing thirdyear quarterback is entering a critical season in 2022. Were his inconsistencies a product of a dearth of talent around him and bad coaching? Or is he really just the player we’ve seen experience too many peaks and valleys in his performance in two seasons? With additions such as Tyreek Hill and Terron Armstead now playing alongside him, and McDaniel’s quarterback-friendly scheme being implemented, Tagovailoa should give everyone a better sense of his ceiling after this season.
JOSH BOYER
While the Dolphins overhauled their offensive coaching staff, they sought continuity on defense after firing Brian Flores. That meant keeping
Boyer, who has served as defensive coordinator the past two seasons. Flores had his imprint all over the defense and at times, it was hard to deduce how big of a hand Boyer, who also has roots with the New England Patriots and called plays in Miami, played on a week-to-week basis. With Flores gone, does Boyer adjust any tendencies? Do the Dolphins remain as aggressive and blitz-happy as they’ve been in recent years?
TERRON ARMSTEAD
When healthy, Armstead is an elite left tackle who can anchor a team’s run game and stifle bothersome pass rushers. The problem, however, is that Armstead has routinely missed time over the years because of injuries. Armstead, who turned 31 on Saturday, did not participate in organized team activities as he recovers from January knee surgery. His presence is expected to boost an offensive line that was arguably the league’s worst unit last season.
XAVIEN HOWARD
The Dolphins defense usually goes as three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Howard goes. In 2021, when Howard struggled with injuries and inconsistent play, the unit ranked among the league’s most porous. When he got healthy and returned to All-Pro caliber play, the defense was stingy and spearheaded its 8-1 finish. The Dolphins don’t just benefit from Howard’s airtight coverage; he has a knack for getting his hands on the ball and forcing turnovers in key moments.
TYREEK HILL
The speedy six-time Pro Bowler nicknamed “Cheetah” was the crown jewel of the Dolphins offseason. It took five draft picks and a $120 million extension to bring Hill from Kansas City to Miami, and it might all be worth it if he brings similar production to the Dolphins. Hill’s 28 deep receiving touchdowns — defined as scores on passes that travel at least 20 air yards — since 2016 are six more than the next closest receiver. Hill and second-year wideout Jaylen Waddle give the Dolphins the fastest receiver tandem in the league.
JEVON HOLLAND
The second-year safety’s quick development as a rookie helped turn around the Dolphins defense in 2021. Holland has the ability to play all over the field, and his versatility is a boon for a defense that covets the trait. With his first year behind him, Holland feels more comfortable, which could lead to more game-changing plays.
MATT APPLEBAUM
Applebaum was one of McDaniel’s biggest hires, as the offensive line coach is tasked with developing a number of recent draft picks who have disappointed early on. Applebaum played a leading role in coaching top linemen at Boston College and now will attempt to do the same with players such as Austin Jackson and Liam Eichenberg.
AUSTIN JACKSON
While Armstead will slot at left tackle, the right side is Tagovailoa’s blindside and that makes Jackson’s job a little more important than usual. After an encouraging start to his rookie season, Jackson lost his way, shuffled across multiple spots on the offensive line with no tangible results. Jackson, the No. 18 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has the size and athleticism to be a quality tackle in the NFL but needs improvement with his technique. The move to a zone running scheme that values speed should help the 22-yearold.
JAELAN PHILLIPS
Phillips, a former UM standout, was one of the better rookie pass rushers last season, finishing with 8.5 sacks. And there’s still a lot of room for improvement for him. It starts with more consistency from play to play, specifically against the run. Struggles stopping the run limited Phillips’ snap count at times, but he said he’s reworked his body to better withstand the physicality in the trenches. The Dolphins already have one high-level pass rusher in Emmanuel Ogbah. Phillips’ emergence could give the Dolphins a troublesome bookend in 2022.
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