The 2016 NFL Preview continues. Every weekday from now until opening night, we will preview the 2016 NFL Season. This week’s remaining schedule: Chicago (Thursday), New York Giants (Friday).
Miami hired noted quarterback guru Adam Gase as their new head coach, and he is expected to turn Ryan Tannehill into the next superstar quarterback. Entering his fifth full NFL season, this is the year that Tannehill is expected to make “the leap.” There’s only one small problem with that. The same thing was said about him in 2015, and 2014, AND 2013. That leap has never happened. He had never thrown for 30 touchdowns in a season. He has never had a winning record. He has never been anything other than average at best.
So why is this the year If the Dolphins are going to compete this season, Tannehill needs to be competent. He does not need to be a superstar. There is plenty at the skill positions in South Beach. Jarvis Landry broke out last year and is a top receiver in the NFL. They are hoping for the same type of leap from second year man DeVante Parker this season. That would drop Kenny Stills to the #3 WR, where he is more suited. Jordan Cameron is an excellent offensive tight end. The backfield is a question mark with Jay Ajayi the penciled number one, but if Arian Foster still has something left, the backfield can be serviceable.
Why isn’t this the year Because Miami had all of this last year, and had Lamar Miller. The Dolphins ranked 28th in points, 27th in total yards, and 21st in yards per play. Gase is going to open up the offense, but is Tannehill throwing more going to help things any? He turned the aforementioned Jordan Cameron into a miserable shell of himself in one season. The Dolphins also had the 26th ranked defense, which they fixed by trading for one of the worst corners in the league in Byron Maxwell.
How did their draft go Miami chose Laremy Tunsil, the consensus top offensive line prospect, who fell on draft night because a video on twitter of him ripping a bong hit in a gas mask surfaced. Tunsil has already been involved in a fight during training camp, so things are off to a great start.
Fantasy Focus The backfield is a dart throw. Ajayi had the job to himself, but Foster will eat into his value. Jarvis Landry is the player you want in Miami. If Tannehill makes a leap, Landry will be even better in 2016. But either way, he’s a worthy #1 WR for your fantasy team. A flier could be taken on Parker late, and it’s your call if you want to take a flier on Tannehill. He’s burned us all for three years now
Prediction The schedule does them no favors. Yes, they dodge Tom Brady due to an early season tilt at New England, but three of their first four games are at Seattle, at New England, and at Cincinnati (on a short week). Gase will be fine, but Tannehill will have to make a major leap for this team to even be competitive most weeks. 7-9, but only because I figure the Pats will be resting players week 17 giving Miami a freebie.