Miami Dolphins: Players Who Should Have Monster Years

The Miami Dolphins found themselves in a rare playoff spot last season. With a couple of upgrades in talent and a new defensive coordinator, a handful of players could have massive seasons. The only problem is, with how talented the Dolphins are, who steps into their role and takes control of the starter position?

Running Backs

Miami abandoned the run way more than they should’ve last season. Despite their top running backs averaging over 4.5+ yards per carry, the Dolphins stuck to a pass-heavy offense. If they want to make a deep playoff push then one, if not multiple need to break either 1,000 yards rushing or 1500 all-purpose yards. Not only that, they need to get into the endzone. The offense consistently had solid runs but often missed those big breaks and no running back got in the endzone more than 3 times. 12 rushing touchdowns came from seven different rushers and 5 came from receptions by their backs. It’s a pass-happy league, but the good teams balance out their offense.

Jaelan Phillips

Phillips led the Miami Dolphins in sacks last season with 7. He’s one of those guys who’s consistently improved both as the season progresses and from season to season. He’s not slowing down any time soon and if he can elevate to the next level in Vic Fangio’s defense then it’ll be hard to stop his productivity this season. Miami needs to find ways to get to the quarterback as the AFC is full of talented QBs on the rise. Can Phillips transition to an elite defender?

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Xavien Howard

Howard played the majority of last season through injury. Too many people were saying this man lost a step but you don’t run well on injuries. Fangio will have a new look on defense. Howard will have a new counterpart on the opposite side of the defense. In order for the Dolphins to get back to dominating on defense then they need to start being the turnover machines they used to be. Between Howard and Jalen Ramsay there should be no problem.

Depth Wide Receivers

Look, guys like Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill are going to eat. They’re going to go out there and put on a clinic. However, don’t be fooled into thinking they’re the only two who can make a difference. If the Dolphins can pivot focus away from those two, then someone else should be wide open, or damn near close to it each time. Erik Ezukanma, Braxton Berrios, or Cedrick Wilson have to find their roles in this offense. Miami needs a threat to take pressure off of Hill and Waddle. These guys are going to make plays but the middle chunk of the roster needs to become threats too. Not just for one play or another. The opportunity is there, they just need to go get it.

Miami has the most talented team they’ve had in years. Could this finally be the year they break out of their slump?