Dolphins Q&A: Are Dolphins really a contender after offseason overhaul?
Here’s the latest installment of our Miami Dolphins Q&A, where South Florida Sun Sentinel writers Safid Deen and Omar Kelly answer questions from readers.
Q: Are the Dolphins not a potential top-6 team in the AFC? I consider that a contender as in the playoffs anything could happen, writes Brandon Luke on Twitter.
A: The reviews following the Dolphins’ moves in the 2021 NFL draft last week surely have elevated hopes of Dolphins fans to new heights.
How high?
“Looking at this roster, I don’t think it’s far away from being a Super Bowl contender, and the Dolphins hit their major needs,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. wrote after the draft.
“This is a stellar class overall, and the AFC East is going to be a fun race in 2021.”
And this from Pro Football Talk’s Chris Simms:
“The @MiamiDolphins are incredible with their team building. [Chris] Grier and [Brian] Flores continue to crush it,” wrote Simms, who also added Miami’s first four draft picks — Jaylen Waddle, Jaelan Phillips, Jevon Holland and Liam Eichenberg — could be “surefire big time contributors.”
So after winning 10 games last season, a lackluster free agency period, an offseason of dealing away players they signed in free agency in 2020, but potentially hitting several home runs in the draft, the Dolphins are true contenders in the AFC?
They could be.
But that will have to depend on several major factors for the Dolphins next season like:
― Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s growth and improvement during his second season. And if his talent can transcend any hiccups the new Dolphins offense, led by co-coordinators George Godsey and Eric Studesville, encounters while jelling together.
― Waddle is a nice compliment to DeVante Parker, Mike Gesicki, Preston Williams, Will Fuller IV and several more pass catchers on the roster for training camp. But collectively, how will their health hold up? Health is the biggest concern for the entire group.
― Can the defense, led by Xavien Howard and Emmanuel Ogbah, repeat its standout performance from a year ago? The Dolphins led the NFL in total defense at one point last season, led the league with 29 turnovers and was third with a plus-9 turnover margin.
Turnover luck, alone, is hard to come by, but the foundation for a talented unit is certainly in place.
― And do the Dolphins have enough in the backfield and offensive line to execute a power run game that wilts defenders away or opens the passing game for Tagovailoa?
I seemed to strike a nerve with some Dolphins fans on social media Friday whether Miami is a contender or not.
The question first came up regarding free agent running back Le’Veon Bell, who I said might consider wanting to join a contender like he did with the Kansas City Chiefs than the upstart Dolphins.
The Dolphins are behind the Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans, with the possibility to either overtake or remain behind the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts.
All of the aforementioned teams made the playoffs, while Miami fell a game short in a seven-team playoff field.
If the Dolphins are on the rise, you could say the same about Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers and the revamped New England Patriots.
Others worth consideration in the AFC: the Cincinnati Bengals if Joe Burrow’s knee is healthy, the Las Vegas Raiders figure themselves out, and the Houston Texans if Deshaun Watson’s off-field matters are settled.
Should the Dolphins be a playoff contender in 2021? Yes, they should be.
Are they a Super Bowl contender, though? No, not yet. A lot of things need to go their way.
And that’s a big difference.
Have a question?
Email Safid Deen, or tag @OmarKelly or @Safid_Deen on Twitter.
Previously answered:
Could Dolphins select a defensive player with No. 6 pick?
Could Miami trade Xavien Howard and draft a top-rated cornerback?
Is Miami’s linebacker depth concerning?
What did recent tight end deals do for Mike Gesicki’s asking price?
Could Chris Grier, Brian Flores trade down — again — in the 2021 NFL draft?
How many wide receivers is too many for Miami?
What are the Dolphins’ top free-agent needs?
What could cause the Dolphins defense to regress in 2021?
Shouldn’t stacking more young talent be the Dolphins’ focus this offseason?
Why is this offseason so crazy regarding QB movement?
Are the Dolphins done spending big in free agency?
What would be the perfect offseason for Miami?
How close are the Dolphins to having another ‘Unicorn’ offensive line?
Which QB could come to Miami to be Tua’s backup?
Why are the Dolphins always used as pawns by agents?
Is the return of Davon Godchaux and Vince Biegel enough to improve Miami’s defense?
