Good and bad from Fins’ offseason work
Dolphins’ moves won’t matter much if Miami doesn’t put it all together on the field in 2015.
There are plenty of conversations in league circles discussing whether the Dolphins had one of the NFL’s best offseasons.
Steve Ross’ franchise landed one of this year’s biggest free agents, signing All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to a six-year, $114 million contract. Jordan Cameron, an upper-echelon tight end, replaced Charles Clay, who signed with the Buffalo Bills.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill and Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey signed contract extensions, and the Dolphins landed six players in the draft who were ranked as top 150 prospects by respected analysts.
But little matters if the team doesn’t put it all together on the field in 2015 and turn in the franchise’s first winning season since 2008.
As the Dolphins finished their mandatory minicamp last week and parted ways until training camp, here’s a look at the good and bad from this summer’s workouts:
The Good
Tannehill, who had his best season in 2014, was sharp for most of the offseason program. He threw with more touch than in past years. Entering his fourth pro season and second in Bill Lazor’s spread offense,
maybe he’s finally starting to practice with the efficiency the Dolphins have been missing since Chad Pennington was the starter.
Despite DeVante Parker having foot surgery and Kenny Stills sitting out minicamp practices with an undisclosed injury, the Dolphins showed they are fairly deep at receiver. Rishard Matthews, who is beginning his fourth season, could start with little drop off. Matt Hazel, last year’s sixth-round pick, has improved significantly. Michael Preston and former UM standouts LaRon Byrd and Tommy Streeter have flashed in spurts, adding a physical element to the unit that goes at least six quality receivers deep.
The Dolphins are adamant about stopping the run, and that’s what Suh was signed to do. Suh’s summer practices serve as proof he’s a forceful defender who must be doubleteamed. That means everyone on defense should benefit from his presence. The goal is to allow less than 4.0 yards per carry, which is what the Dolphins did for a few seasons before Kevin Coyle took over as defensive coordinator.
LaMichael James was a pleasant surprise during the offseason program. The former Oregon standout and Heisman Trophy finalist has shown the type of speed that gives linebackers trouble on edge plays. Even Joe Philbin said James’ burst has caught his eye this summer. It might motivate the Dolphins to design some gimmick plays for him.
Former Utah State standout Zach Vigil seems to have shown he’s ahead of the other rookie linebackers. When Kelvin Sheppard missed practice Tuesday for the birth of his son, it was Vigil who was called up to serve as the second-team inside linebacker. Considering depth is an issue at the linebacker spots, the Dolphins need the undrafted trio of Vigil, Penn State’s Mike Hull and Cincinnati’s Jeff Luc to learn fast and excel when opportunity presents itself. The Bad There is concern that Branden Albert won’t be healthy enough play in the Sept. 13 season opener at Washington. Albert, who was sensational in his nine starts last year before tearing the ACL in his right knee Nov. 9, still has a noticeable limp. Training camp opens in late July, and after that Albert has about six weeks to get himself in shape before the regular season. But that will be just 10 months into what is projected as a 9-to-12-month rehabilitation. Reserve Jason Fox better be ready to hold down the fort at left tackle.
Cameron needs to tighten up on his route-running and consistency. The 2013 Pro Bowl selection looks good attacking the seam. But he has dropped more than his share of passes in practice. The fifth-year veteran will need to prove he’s a reliable target to earn Tannehill’s trust. Last year Cameron dropped just one pass for the Browns, and the season before that he dropped five.
The offensive guards were rotating during most of last week’s minicamp, and the hope is that two will emerge and separate themselves to become the starters. Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner are the projected starters heading into training camp, but that didn’t stop the coaches from getting rookie Jamil Douglas and veteran Jeff Linkenbach reps on the starting line. The Dolphins also plan to give Jason Fox a chance to earn a starting spot at guard once Branden Albert is healthy enough to practice.
Adding 10-year veteran C.J. Mosley just before minicamp hints that the Dolphins were concerned with their depth at defensive tackle. Jordan Phillips is a rookie with back issues, and Anthony Johnson, A.J. Francis, Deandre Coleman are all young players who have proven little thus far.
The Dolphins have to be a little concerned about the kicker spot. Caleb Sturgis has been fairly inconsistent for the past two seasons, and he’s battling yet another injury. Not helping matters, rookie Andrew Franks has struggled with kicks longer than 45 yards. Special teams coach Darren Rizzi better keep a short list of veteran kickers (like perhaps Jay Feely) on speed dial.