Miami Dolphins: 5 Predictions For The 2015 NFL Season

Mar 11, 2015; Davie, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh smiles while answering questions from reports at Doctors Hospital Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

They’ve made the aggressive moves a team expecting to reach the playoffs. Will the Miami Dolphins deliver? Here are some 2015 predictions.

Defense will lead the league in sacks

The defensive line of Miami was actually quite formidable in 2014, headlined of course by star pass rusher Cameron Wake as well as quality wing men Randy Starks, Olivier Vernon and Jared Odrick. So to bring in a force like Ndamukong Suh to pair with Wake and Vernon borders on the unfair. He is one of the few defensive tackles in the league who demands constant double teams, which will free up even more opportunities for sacks. This they will take full advantage of by finished with the league lead in that category.

Brent Grimes leads AFC in interceptions

Before it’s said and done the signing of Brent Grimes may go down as the best in the history of the Dolphins franchise. In two seasons with the team he’s made two Pro Bowls and provided some memorable highlights along the way. His five interceptions in 2014 placed him third in the NFL and second in the AFC behind safety Tashaun Gipson. With the invigorated pass rush up front, he should see more chances than ever before. If he doesn’t get the overall lead, which he could, then he’ll at least claim conference honors.

Ryan Tannehill throws 35+ touchdowns

It was a quiet series of moves compared to other teams, but the Miami Dolphins deserve mad props for adding some intriguing upgrades to their passing game. Not just intriguing but big. Jordan Cameron arrives from Cleveland via free agency with his Pro Bowl resume as a pass catching tight end. Then there is the 6’3″ DeVante Parker drafted in the 1st round at wide receiver.

Both of those players instantly give quarterback Ryan Tannehill bigger windows in the red zone. That often leads to touchdowns. After finishing with 27 last season, look for the 26-year old to best himself again by posting at least 35 this year.

Jay Ajayi starts over Lamar Miller

It remains curious why the Dolphins refuse to genuinely run the ball more with Lamar Miller as their starter. Despite just 216 carries he posted 1,099 yards on 5.1 per carry with eight touchdowns last season. Perhaps it’s the stigma that he doesn’t have the durability to handle that 300-carry type load. Such would explain their drafting of Jay Ajayi, a bigger and stronger back from Boise State who better fits that profile. Miller will still get touches, but don’t be surprised if Ajayi totes the heavier loads.

Dolphins win the AFC East

Being a bit bold here but it’s not a hard sell. Offensively and defensively the Miami Dolphins are the most complete team the AFC East has seen in quite some time, outside of the reigning champion New England Patriots of course. Now, with the roster set and Tom Brady due to get a four-game suspension, the opportunity has never been greater for a team to steal the crown. That is exactly what they will do.

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