Defense Key to Dolphins Turnaround
Defense is the key to a 2016 Dolphins Turnaround.
Defense is the key to any franchise long term success.
Quarterback is arguably the most important position in all of sports, and many football gambling fans are betting that the success of the Dolphins will be determined by how well Ryan Tannehill plays. Don’t get me wrong, I know we need Tannehill to play well for the Dolphins to have a winning record. However, it will be more important how the Defense plays. As the cliche goes, offense wins games, but defense wins championships. All you need to do is look at the Super Bowl Champs in the Denver Broncos to know cliches are cliches for a reason.
The NFL generally ranks a defense by how many yards they allow. However, it’s more important to judge a defense by how many points they allow because points defeat a team, not yards. Last season the Dolphins were ranked 19th in the league, allowing 24.3 points per game. Just for comparison, the top 8 teams in lowest points allowed per game last year all made the playoffs last year, and only 1 team of the top 12 did not make the playoffs last year. In addition, each of these teams allowed less than 20 points per game.
It is not going to be easy job for the Vance Joseph and the Dolphins to shave off over 4 points a game in order to get under the 20 point per game amount. However, Joseph has a good philosophy which is the backbone of all success in the NFL. He has vowed that his defensive scheme is going to be aggressive. In past Dolphin’s regimes the Defense has been dictated by what the offense playing against them does. Instead, Joseph is saying that in 2016, Miami is going to be the ones attacking and dictating to the offense.
Joseph believes in an aggressive defense, but we have heard this before.
The reason why Joseph believes in an aggressive scheme is because an attack style causes more chaos, and in that chaos is a greater chance for turnovers. Last year, when Joseph was the defensive backs coach in Cincinnati, his Defense caused 28 turnovers, which was ranked 6th best in the entire league, whereas Miami’s defense only caused 16 turnovers last year which was 29th worst in the entire league. Turnovers can greatly change the momentum of a game, and generally the teams that win the turnover battle consistently throughout the year, win more games. Of the top 10 teams last year in the turnover differential, 7 of them made the playoffs.
So, if the Dolphins can actually execute a more aggressive scheme, and create more turnovers, and allow less points per game, then statistically speaking they are going to greatly increase their odds in having a winning record. It is as simple as the fact of if a team can not score on you then they can’t beat you. A superior Defense can win a lot of games with a pedestrian Offense, but a superior Offense with a pedestrian Defense does not guarantee that that team will win a lot of games. But, let’s be clear, saying you will have a successful defensive unit is a lot easier said than done.
So, the question at hand is, can Miami be successful on the defensive side of the ball with the talent currently on the roster? Do the Miami Dolphins News fans think that our defense will be able to play at a high level this upcoming season, and will they be able to play aggressive, but still be able to play smart?
Base on the Dolphins 2016 Scheduled winning 10 games to make the playoffs should be in reach, for a team playing over 500 But A team below 500 Yes this goal is out of reach? Being a Realist I’m not sold on waiting to see how well our QB performance maybe. But have a Contingency plan. We all know there is a 50/50 chance our QB will fair well or fail.
Jimmy Johnson are any well vested coach would have contingency plan meaning eliminate the If’s with player and make it happen players.
With all due respect to Mr.Johnson, outside of Dallas, what has he done in his professional career? Think, exactly! He was supposed to ignite this franchise, not! He was a good talent elevator and could get his players best. As far as X’s O’s, average at best. Herschel Walker was Jimmy Johnson’s ticket to stardom.
Yup! He has takes his system and mashes it on his roster whether it fits or not. Everything worked perfectly in Dallas. In Miami his one big move getting Moss in the draft he missed on because he was scared (figures the one time and it’s there)…that sunk him in Miami. He was practically done as a coach before he ever came…he was far from the same guy after 1 yr in Miami.
Dunner
I would agree with you on Herschel. Jimmy is and outstanding coach! I think Jimmy came to the Dolphins at the End of his career in 1996 – 1999 two play off season which we lost and a wild card play off game. He Does have Miami Hurricane National Title Winners 1987, Dallas Cowboys a two Supper Bowl Wins.
Hey Dunner I do believe in Coach Gase long as the Fins let him sale his own ship.
…we keep coming back to the largest “if” remaining in this off-season …Dion Jordan …will he return? …will they move him to his natural position at LB? …will he perform up to his draft predictions?
…because, its simply this …no other player, not even Tannehill, has the “potential” to affect this season’s W-L record …either way
…if he returns, moves to SAM, and has a pro-bowl season, all bets are off concerning the fin’s defense …he has that much potential impact
…but if he fails again, as his history says he will, then this team will suffer greatly because of it …you have to believe Gase/Josephs are drooling at the prospect of the 2016 comeback player of the year solving their substantial LB problems …or having nightmares about it …take your pick
I sure hope he is re-instated and comes back with a chip on his shoulder.
Agree…I wish there was some more “evidence” that we fans could hang our hat on either way to gauge. As a Sam…even in nickel and dime, it would be a massive lift in covering the TE. This next 30 days or so can’t move fast enough for me. I feel like with their moves they must really believe there is something to be hopeful with Jordan or they wouldn’t have forsaken the position the way they did…we’ll see Lemmus…
Admin
Base on Cover 32 the ODD’s are against us. I believe Going into this season with A Strong Defense, Well balance offense i.e. pass/run/play action balance. We have a better chance at winning 11 games. Miami Dolphins offensively does not take their Run game serious! Not enough emphasis is placed on it. To much being cute run game approach! I don’t care for it. I will state this “(We could not win a supper Bowl solely on Dan Marino Arm}”, But The Fins believed Tannehill Arm will get them there?
Predictions By Robert Molnar – April 15, 2016
Read more at http://cover32.com/2016/04/15/predicting-miami-dolphins-season-win-total/#5RrIu355279upZbd.99
Week one — at Seattle: Don’t expect much from the Dolphins here. Playing in Seattle for the opening game, if it’s not a blowout, I’ll be shocked. Prediction: LOSS
Week two — at New England: Again, don’t expect much from Miami. Likely coming off a big loss in Seattle, New England will capitalize on a week Dolphins team. Prediction: LOSS
Week three — vs. Cleveland: Maybe the first Miami win of the season will come here. The team’s home opener against the Browns! Why shouldn’t Miami win here. Prediction: WIN
Week four — at Cincinnati: Thursday night in Cinci, well put this one in the loss column now. Prediction: LOSS
Week five — vs. Tennessee: This game could be a tough one for the Dolphins. If Tennessee has any improvement from last season, they could win in Miami. Prediction: WIN
Week six — vs. Pittsburgh: This will likely be one of the Dolphins toughest home games of the season. If Pittsburgh is its normal self, it will be a wipeout. Prediction: LOSS
Week seven — vs. Buffalo: Having struggled at home in recent seasons against divisional foes, this Buffalo game will be make or break for Miami in their attempt at a respectable record this season. Prediction: LOSS
Week nine — vs. NY Jets: Depending on the week seven result, this game could go either way. Prediction: LOSS
Week ten — at San Diego: I’m going to go a little crazy here and say Miami will win. San Diego has struggled in recent years, making this a game to take for the Dolphins. Prediction: WIN
Week 11 –at Los Angeles: What’s this, LA? This must be a mistake on the schedule or… oh that’s right, forgot about the Rams. Well, let’s go with the W anyways. Prediction: WIN
Week 12 — vs. San Francisco: Could this be three wins in a row? I doubt it, but it could happen so I’m going to go with it. Prediction: WIN
Week 13 — at Baltimore: The winning streak ends here for Miami as they lose to a tough Baltimore Ravens team. Prediction: LOSS
Week 14 — vs. Arizona: Another loss at home here for Miami. The Cardinals will be the second best team in the NFC this season and they will defeat Miami easily in this matchup. Prediction: LOSS
Week 15 — at NY Jets: Based on the earlier matchups within the AFC East, this game will likely go to the Jets at home, putting Miami on track to do winless in division play this season. Prediction: LOSS
Week 16 — at Buffalo: Again, another tough game for Miami. Expect Buffalo to come out on top in this one though. Prediction: LOSS
Week 17 — vs. New England: If the Patriots rest their starters, this game will possibly be a toss up. If not, this game is all New England. Prediction: LOSS
Final Record Prediction: 5-11
Read more at http://cover32.com/2016/04/15/predicting-miami-dolphins-season-win-total/#5RrIu355279upZbd.99
Another analysis made by ESPN: Giving us 6 games short of our goal.
As a Fan I realized that its really to early to make a call like this. Considering the Defense can hold. The experts are not taking our offense serious which is 90% passing? No one is concerned about the Fins passing Game? So why are we subjected to the same old “How well” can we pass season? Realistically Joe P. & Campbell died on that same plan.
AFC East
1. New England Patriots: 10-6 (10.3 mean wins, SOS: 16)
2. Buffalo Bills: 9-7 (8.6 mean wins; SOS: 15)
3. New York Jets: 6-10 (6.0 mean wins; SOS: 2)
4. Miami Dolphins: 5-11 (4.7 mean wins; SOS: 4)
Aaron Schatz
Special to ESPN.com
Close NFL analyst for ESPN Insider
Founder of Footballoutsiders.com
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Admin
This season we can win 10 + games how.
What are some options?
Offensively:
1. Don’t obligate Rehabbing running backs to blocking duties.
2. Keep the Ball in the hands of the play makers.
3. There are many Fullbacks who can lead block etc. in the Backfield vs leaving your QB in a Spread offense every season and wonder why he’s being sack a lot.
4. Denver, Panthers, Seattle, Arizona, Pats used Fullback to protect in the backfield.
5. The QB I will not ease up on. They must be able to carry this team and the team believed in them. Who ever is the QB.
Defensively: The Fins should expect Many powerful Running backs rushing hard. So Dolphins mediocre tackling will not get it this season. Defensively if a player cannot make it hurt I would not play them?
Scenario: How does the Fins gain 3 yards to stay in the game? Pass or Run this should be a no brainer but everyone in the NFL knows that they will try to pass. To Fins have years been just that obvious because they haven’t had a run game.
Defense is the key to the 16′ season. I really feel as though the offense, barring another step back from Tanny, will be able to score 21+ points/game. Hate to say it, but if Jordan can come back and win the “Sam” LBer job and play to his drafted potential, then we could be on to something very promising. We do need another CB, however; like last year, nothing outside of Kiko has been done to LBing unit which makes me a bit nervous. If the starting LBers on day 1 are Jordan, Alonzo, Jenkins surrounded by the new talent and Jones behind them, our defense could do a complete 360. If Misi is one of the starters, we are in trouble there, he CAN’T stay healthy and is limited when healthy. I do feel that Joseph alone will have this defense improved. Regardless, I do look forward to watching this style of defense for a change, instead of the laid back Philbin/Coyle style of sitting back and let the opponents offense dictate the tempo.
So agree Dunner, but I do disagree a bit a CB. With the zone press and a stud S + a pretty good S and a very active front…and Kiko (in a dream scenario of his health) they will do. I like the size and the jam competition at a snap an with over-help, they will be competitive early and late in a play. It is that middle part where you are correct, unless Lippit, Maxwell and Howard step up fairly big. I would feel more comfortable with more talent, don’t get me wrong. But, after listening to Jordan’s post draft presser, I was super impressed. I think he will be a great edition…not saying he is a stud, but from a team standpoint of leadership, depth and special teams…I really like the kid.
I can see that being the case. Just that Misi is never healthy and can’t cover. As you pointed out though, offenses will not be able to sit back, and Joseph will be creative, all while being aggressive, which will help out the middle (LBers). I like the make up of our back end with Maxwell and the young bloods. I think Lippett will continue to progress, hoping Howard can step right in and be our steady #2 CB (if not Lippett). Also feel they will be adding another CB (Hall).
I was excited about our defense last year for one reason = Suh!!! He masked all the weaknesses initially. Mainly our style of play, coaching.
Misi is a weak link at SLB for sure Dunner- big and slow. It will take a lot to fall just right to have a special season. I’m just looking for consistency. Miami will have holes. Some bigger than others. But, teams like the Pats and Cardinals have them to, they just coach around them. It will be interesting to see how good the coaches really are. 9-7 with some upsets and close loses would be quite encouraging, in my opinion.
Admin
I do recall Don Shula stating we need the offense to score 21 points and his defense could hold. What I have witnessed a few years back was the Fins offense would not allow the Fins Defense to rest any resulting a loss.
It all depends on the team. Bucs D or Broncos D were stellar and carried a pretty weak O. Bucs were creative and had two pretty good RB’s and Broncos had a Vet. QB and solid run game. In contrast the Ravens, when they won in 2000, had a stellar RB and it helped a great deal to make them a more dominant team. I think super D’s can compensate for bad O’s more often than super O’s compensate for bad D’s. When a team based on an O has an “off” day then the day is sunk. D’s for the most part have far less “off” days than an offense and defensive based team tend to be more consistent.
They need to sign at least one more CB. I saw somewhere that they were thinking about Cromartie and Hall. I say sign them both just for leadership and depth. Neither is really good anymore but could help the development of our young guys. And I still believe Jordan is a big wildcard. If he gives us half of what he is capable of then that would be huge for the defense. Jones could hurt us alot if he doesn’t show up for camp. Really need his skills and leadership for all the young db’s
Agree on Jordan. I’m more sold on Hall than Cromatrie.”Cro”, to me, is more of a man CB. I like his ability to Jam, but he seems to me less comfortable in zone. I lean towards Hall, if either. And on Jones…that hurts. I hope it gets resolved fast.