Speed.

If there’s any word to describe this Miami offense it would be speed. They led the league in passing yards and scoring behind a scorching aerial attack from Tua, Tyreek and Waddle. Mostert was fantastic out of the backfield but Achane was the more dynamic (read scary) back. The number of speedsters on this offense is going to continue to keep defensive coordinators up at night.

Honestly, I don’t think there was a more fun team to watch at the beginning of last season. Or as disheartening a team at the end of the season.

Historically, the story on Miami has been that they play great in warm weather, then wilt as the temperatures drop. It might have been true last year, but the real problem for these Dolphins was their 1-5 record against playoff teams during the regular season.

Injuries played a part in their slow finish. By the end of the season they couldn’t find a healthy pass rusher for their defense. Waddle, Tyreek, Mostert and Achane all missed a few games throughout the season. And this year it doesn’t look like the offseason brought in reinforcements to add depth to any of these positions. Odell Beckham Jr hasn’t been a significant receiving threat since his Super Bowl season with the Rams. Their rookie Chop Robinson is a raw pass rush prospect. He’s going to take a year or two before he figures out the pro game.

So this Dolphins team is going to roll it back with the guys they had last year and try to do it again. Mike McDaniel might be an offensive genius, but he is absolutely a press conference master. Here’s hoping for a little mid season drama just for the sound bites!

Tua got his contract, which is good for the continuity of this team. But now it looks like it came at the expense of depth at key positions. Going forward, the Dolphins are going to have to make decisions on their other stars and possibly watch them leave in free agency. If this team stays healthy they should make the playoffs. But recent history suggests that’s not going to happen. There are going to be several good teams that miss the playoffs in the AFC this year. Unfortunately, Miami looks to be one of those.

2024 Prediction: 9-8 2nd AFC East