Miami Dolphins have work to do to close gap to Patriots
The New England Patriots are Super Bowl champions once again. For the Miami Dolphins, this once again means that the Super Bowl champs will reside in their division. Quarterback Tom Brady and New England obtained their fifth championship Sunday in a 34-28 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons.
That means the Dolphins — who won 10 games and made the postseason — still have a precipitous mountain to ascend to catch their biggest antagonist. The Miami Dolphins defense was the topmost concern that held Miami back in its two encounters with the Patriots this past season.
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New England scored 66 points in its two victories against the Dolphins by putting up points in bundles. Brady didn’t play in the first meeting because of a suspension, and Miami’s linebackers and secondary still grappled to defend the pass in both games.
The Dolphins were ranked 29th in total defense and should progress in the second year running the same system, notwithstanding the loss of Vance Joseph, who was hired to be Denver’s head coach. Former Miami linebackers coach Matt Burke has also ascended to the defensive coordinator position, succeeding Joseph at the position.
How did Atlanta spring out to a 28-3 lead against New England in the Super Bowl? Team speed on both sides of the football. The Falcons were one of the fastest teams New England faced all season, and it took a while for the Patriots to adjust.
The Dolphins need to take a similar outline and get faster at their skill positions via the draft and free agency. They were not athletic enough in areas such as linebacker, safety, tight end, defensive end and running back. It is hard to outsmart the Patriots, though you can beat them with speed.
This has been New England’s biggest advantage over its opposition during its dynastic run, and especially versus the Dolphins. The Patriots possess the greatest head coach-quarterback combination of all-time with Bill Belichick and Brady. The proof is in their five Super Bowl rings together.
The Dolphins aren’t going to equal or transcend the Patriots power couple. However, young head coach Adam Gase and quarterback Ryan Tannehill have the inherent to develop and improve in their second season together. They both did well in 2016 and were 8-5 until Tannehill’s injury. Another complete offseason and a second year in the system should accommodate Miami’s coach and quarterback make significant strides in 2017.
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