OzoneAz
Contributor
DOLHPINS MID-SEASON REPORT CARD
Dolphins started the 2016 season with a new owner, GM, and coach. With brand new offensive and defensive schemes in play the team had some growing pains early in the season but the future is starting to look bright after a 4-0 run through the end of the mid-point stretch. It is apparent the players are starting to buy into the system and their new roles. The Dolphins are currently sitting at 5-3 and although they haven’t done any one thing extraordinary, it appears they are doing a couple of things right.
OFFENSE
Passing Offense
Ryan Tannehill has been the general at the line of scrimmage with a career high 104.8 QBR. Offensively wise the Dolphins rank 30th with 2085 all-purpose yards, which is merely anything to write home about but have managed to rank 5th in PPG with 25.5. At the end of the day Ryan Tannehill has managed to protect the football and has a 14-5 TD/INT ratio on an average 200YPG. WR Jarvis Landry is leading the team with 6 receiving TDs while Jordan Cameron, Kenny Stills, and Devante Parker provide good outlet receiving options in this new versatile offense. The Dolphins are tied 7th in passing TDs (14).
Grade: B-
Rushing Offense
No secret the Dolphins come into the season with a running back by committee approach. Recently traded from Atlanta RB Devonta Freeman has managed to get 5TDs in his first 4 appearances as a Dolphin. Free agency acquisition Chris Polk has proven he can run hard between the tackles recording 3 TDs while Ronnie Hillman brings a good change of pace from the backfield with his speed and agility. Dolphins are currently tied at 5 with 8 rushing TDs but still need to improve the ground and pound game in order to be considered with the top rushing teams in the league.
Grade: C
Offensive Line
Rookie LT Griffin Evans has settled well in his new role allowing only 2 sacks while veteran Branden Albert controlling the right side of the line. Overall this group has gelled well together but has still underperform the coach’s expectation thus far. The coach was quoted saying “This group is capable of doing so much more”.
Grade: C
DEFENSE
Rushing Defense
This group ranks 10th overall in rushing yards allowed. It’s a group that thrives on stripping the ball and getting to the ball carrier in the backfield. OLB Jalani Jenkins and Free Agency DT acquisition Kendrick Ellis lead the team with 6 TFL each while MLB Koa Misi and DT Ndamukong Sue are right behind them with 5.
Grade: B+
Passing Defense
Although the Dolphins are sitting with only 9 sacks, this defense is creating enough pressure to capitalize on turnovers. With 6 fumbles and 13 interceptions this group is grinding it out while ranked 3rd overall with a +10 turnover differential.
Grade: A-
SPECIAL TEAMS
Rookie free agency aquisition WR Will Harris has recorder a 100 yard kick return for a TD while leading the league with 39 yard kick return average. Kai Forbath is at 100% FG% with 5/5 100% XPM with 27/27
Grade: A
Mid Season MVP
DMVP – FS Eric Hairston (R) – 32 TAK, 3 TFL, 3 INT, 1FF, 2TD
OMVP – WR Jarvis Landry – 439 YARDS, 6TD
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