Miami Dolphins 2016 Season Preview

(photo credit: phinzone.com)

The Miami Dolphins have a huge season ahead of them that will determine the future of many key pieces within their organization.

Front and center of course is quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill is entering his fifth NFL season with the Dolphins, and is entering a make or break season after signing a $96 million contract last season.

Tannehill has been up and down throughout his NFL career. After progressing in each of his first three seasons, Tannehill took a step backward last season. However, with the addition of new head coach Adam Gase, Tannehill needs to show significant growth.

Gase was formerly the Offensive Coordinator in Chicago, and in Denver before that, putting together the best seasons of both Jay Cutler and Peyton Manning’s careers. Known as a quarterback whisperer, Gase looks to give Tannehill free reign over the offense for the first time in his career.

One of the Dolphins biggest struggles last season was the offensive line, allowing 45 sacks, which tied for the third-highest in the league. The Dolphins used their first round pick on Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and also added Jermon Bushrod in free agency to help sure up the line. With Brandon Albert, Ja’Wuan James and Mike Pouncey all returning from injury, Miami has high hopes to keep Tannehill upright more than they have in the first four season of his career.

In addition to Tunsil and Bushrod, the Dolphins also added Mario Williams and Andre Branch to aid their defensive line, Kiko Alonso to lead the linebacking corps, and Byron Maxwell, Xavien Howard, Isa Abdul-Quddus and Chris Culliver to revamp the secondary.

Miami’s season will be largely predicted through the first four weeks. Opening the season in Seattle and New England, coming home for a game against Cleveland, and then a Thursday night matchup in Cincinnati will be a true test as to where this new team stands on both sides of the ball. If the Dolphins can come out of that stretch at 2-2, they have a favorable schedule the rest of the season.

There are a lot of question marks heading into the first pre-season game against the Giants. Will the defensive line, led by Williams, Ndammukong Suh and Cameron Wake, be the dominant force Miami expects them to be? Will Tannehill take a step forward this year under Gase? Will the offensive line be able to keep Tannehill upright after Miami has continued to invest draft picks and money? A season in transition for Miami, with a lot riding on the line for many key figures in the organization.