As you’ve probably read on here, I’m getting married on December 29th.  My fiance Leslie has been really good about letting me watch every Dolphins game this year and over the past two years since we first met.  However, with Christmas, the wedding, her mom’s birthday, New Year’s Eve, and us departing for the Bahamas all happening within the next 10 days, this will be my last blog entry in the 2017 year.  I know Ken (3pmi) would much appreciate a fill-in for me during my time away, but I will be back in 2018.  If anyone wants to contribute, send him a PM please.

Going back to this past Sunday, and really the past week, this game was a tough one to figure out.  If you’d told me beforehand that Miami would hold LeSean McCoy to 50 yards on 20 carries (Miami actually did this), I’d have picked the Dolphins to win.  I actually picked Miami to win in my weekly Pick’em group.  It was the only game I missed this past week; my high score for the season and the Dolphins were the lone blemish.

Tyrod Taylor just seems to be one of those QBs who Miami has trouble with.  Considering Miami’s racked up wins over teams led by Philip Rivers, Matt Ryan and Tom Brady this year, I thought Taylor would be someone they could stop.  And the numbers don’t really tell the story as his passing numbers aren’t eye-popping.  The 6 runs for 42 yards and a TD are.  And I think you can argue that Taylor’s passing TD to LeSean McCoy was an obvious pick play (Jerome Boger’s gotta be the worst referee in the NFL – his crew is heinous).

But, even though Miami somehow still had a chance to win after 2 Cutler INTs and 4 fumbles, he threw another pick and closed the day, and likely with it, any playoff hopes Miami had.  I know they’re still “alive”, but someone’s going to pull the plug this weekend.  Might even be a Dolphin flipper that does the deed.

So, what happens this offseason? I posted about this a few days ago, but I cannot remember a time being a Dolfan (1993-present), especially during the years in which I’ve really began to understand football and how the NFL works (2004-present) that Miami’s offseason needs have been so clear.  I think that’s one plus from last year’s team.  Another being that Miami actually has registered quality wins this year where is in 2016, the Pittsburgh game is about the only that’s a clear-cut case, and I think getting thumped by them in the Wild-Card Game cancels that out quite a bit.  But this offseason, I think you have some “Musts”, “Needs” and “Wants” that are pretty clear:

Musts
DE – Miami needs a DE that can be a true-3 down player.  Ideally, I think this player needs to be stout against the run and provide some pass-rush.  I think Cameron Wake should be more of a 2nd & long/3rd down specialist pass-rusher with the acquired DE playing at LDE on base downs and Charles Harris at RDE.  When you go to pass-rushing situations, Wake comes in at LDE, the acquired DE goes to RDE and Charles Harris can rush from the inside; he’s been pretty effective doing this as a rookie.  That’s one thing I’m fairly confident Matt Burke will get right if Miami gets that DE player.

TE – It’s pretty clear that the Julius Thomas trade is a flop.  He just doesn’t seem interested half the time.  The other half the time, it seems like he’s struggling to do athletic things…which is what his main feature was back in those Denver days, being an athlete.  For Adam Gase’s offense to full take off, I think Miami has to upgrade from the Thomas-Fasano-Gray triumvirate.  I personally would keep Gray as 2nd TE/H-Back player.

Interior OL – Jesse Davis has been a pleasant surprise this season and it’d be a travesty for him not to be penciled in as the starter at RG going into 2018 in my opinion.  Until further notice, Miami’s given the 5th year option to Ja’Wuan James, so he figures to be back.  That gives Miami a trio of Tunsil, Davis and James to work with.  I think you’ll probably see guys like Ted Larsen, Jake Brendel, Isaac Asiata, Eric Smith, etc. compete for backup spots.  I think Mike Pouncey needs to be put out to pasture.  With that in mind, you need starters at LG and C in a bad way.

Needs
OLB – I wouldn’t fight you if you put this in the “Musts” category.  I think Lawrence Timmons is probably a goner for cap reasons.  He also faded in terms of consistency as the season went on.  I’m not sure you want Stephone Anthony, Neville Hewitt or Chase Allen competing for  and assuming this position, so I think you need make a move here.  Preferably, I think Miami need to add someone with speed and/or coverage ability.  To me that means Keishawn Bierra, Jerome Baker and Dorian O’Daniel are squarely on the draft radar.  It seems unlikely that Miami make a big splash in free agency, but if they can land one of the two out of Tahir Whitehead and Nigel Bradham, that might take OLB down a notch on Draft day.

QB – I’m clearly of the mind that Ryan Tannehill is the Dolphins QB in 2018.  Sean McDonough said during Miami’s win over the Pats on Monday Night Football that Adam Gase told him as much during their prep meetings the week leading up to the game.  However,  I don’t think Jay Cutler is going to take a pay cut to come back.  Nor do I want him back.  Matt Moore is what he his, and what he is, IMO, is too costly to do what he does.  Miami needs to invest in a true backup that can really push Tannehill and be able to come in and win a game if needed.

Secondary Depth – Miami’s pretty much locked-in a safety with Reshad Jones and T.J. McDonald locked in contract-wise.  Xavien Howard’s emergence the past month as been huge.  And I personally think Cordrea Tankersley’s got the goods to be a starting CB moving forward, especially if Miami play more press coverage.  Bobby McCain’s been stellar in the slot this year.  But after those 5 guys…? Michael Thomas, Alterraun Verner and Walt Aikens are free agents.  Maurice Smith we didn’t get to see a lot of.  Tony Lippett’s coming off an Achilles tear.  Torry McTyer didn’t see much action.  I think you’re going to need a boost here however…

Wants
Premier CB – …if the board falls a certain way, you can make someone like Cordrea Tankersley depth if you feel so inclined.  I personally wouldn’t do this, but I can’t speak to what Miami might do.  For now, I’m putting this as a “want” as I think Miami will address the secondary as a depth position this offseason.

RB – Kenyan Drake’s been another nice revelation this evening.  My main concern here is he’s got an extensive injury history including two concussions that we know of – one at Alabama, and one in camp this year.  There’s a broken arm and a broken leg in there too.  Damien Williams is a free agent, and Adam Gase may do whatever it takes to get him back.  But, I do wonder if Miami can find someone better to team with Drake.  Someone like a Doug Martin or Jeremy Hill in free agency would be nice.  Someone who can churn out tough yardage and is successful in goal-to-go situations (see Jeremy Hill’s Bengals career in terms of short-yardage TD runs).  Or, maybe someone like a Sony Michel or a Mike Weber, if he declares, would provide you with a little more speed so there’s not a drop off if Drake is out of the game.

WR – I’m ambivalent towards DeVante Parker at this point.  If Miami keep him thinking that he and Tannehill can form some magic, fine.  If Miami can move him for a draft day asset or assets, fine.  Leonte Carroo we really don’t know much about.  Jarvis Landry seems to be coming back to Miami, but until that’s official, I’ll leave this as a want mostly because I don’t trust Parker or Carroo.

That’s my list for now.  I’ll add on this in 2018 after the season is officially over.  I hope you all have a happy and safe holiday season!

– Kevin

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