The Miami Dolphins have been on the cusp of making the playoffs in each of the last few seasons. Head coach Joe Philbin has one more chance to make that happen, or he's likely fired. Here are four reasons why the Dolphins are guaranteed to make the playoffs this season.
1. More Weapons On Offense
Mike Wallace, Charles Clay, Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson are out and Kenny Stills, Jordan Cameron, DeVante Parker and Greg Jennings are in. That's a big upgrade and one that will make QB Ryan Tannehill happy. Stills will be a big-play threat, while Parker could have big-time potential if he stays healthy. Cameron will be far better catching passes from Tannehill than he was in Cleveland. Greg Jennings isn't what he once was, but he's a veteran who's far better than Gibson.
2. Ryan Tannehill
The new weapons will help, but Tannehill is already a franchise QB. He was well-deserving of the extension he got and he's primed to take a big step forward this season. He's already one of the best young QBs in the NFL and he's still improving.
3. Better Defensive Line
Ndamukong Suh is the big name addition, but the Dolphins would have been better this season even if they didn't sign him. Another year of growth for Olivier Vernon and Dion Jordan can only help. But with Suh now in the fold, the Dolphins D-Line could be scary. And it should be, given how much they are paying Suh.
4. Poor AFC East
Even if Tom Brady misses the first four games, the Patriots are still going to be the favorites in the AFC East. However, the Jets and Bills are nothing special. Games against those teams cost the Dolphins a playoff spot last season, but that won't be the case this season.
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