Too early predictions on the Dolphins season.

[Downunder Dolphan]

A  prediction predicated on the team having less injuries than any team in history and a change of culture when nothing has been done to change things isn't a prediction its a fantasy.

A lot of the experts have pegged us as one of the most unpredictable teams this season, so it shouldn't be that surprising that a lot of us are equally unsure and are hedging our bets.

It's generally widely regarded that the Dolphins underachieved last season, even with the massive defensive personnel turnover. But exactly how much better are we with a healthy Tua all season? With a healthy Tyreek & Waddle putting in every week? Is it the quantum leap to have us contending with the Bills (and the rest), or is it just covering a lot of other deficiencies?

There have been some big changes to the offensive and defensive beef on the line, but will they work, and will they cover for what's likely to be an as bad (if not worse) defensive secondary? Finally, will the off-season changes (player list and off-field) result in the physicality, discipline and accountability that we all thought have been badly lacking?

The schedule on paper looks relatively soft to me - maybe not as much as last season, but it could be a hell of a lot worse. The question is, can this squad make the most of it? Last season's couldn't.

[CF DolFan]

We are one offensive lineman from getting hurt with having Liam playing again. As good as we hope that our LT is, he is nowhere as good as last season. All I'm saying is it is rather logical to think we will not have much of a run game or pass blocking and that puts us exactly where were last season. Only so many dumps to Achane will work so likely no wins against playoff teams. I think we will be lucky to win one game against the Jets and Patriots because they are a better teams than last year and we are not. No one really knows how good our schedule is until it is played out but I'm thinking 8-9.

[Pappy13]

I think we will be lucky to win one game against the Jets and Patriots because they are a better teams than last year and we are not.

Are the Jets better? They had Rodgers at QB last year. Assuming the Jets are going with Fields this year, I think that will be a significant downgrade passing the ball at least. Probably an upgrade running the ball, but that won't make the Jets a better team. I'm not really sure of the other changes they have made, but I think if the passing game is a significant downgrade regardless what other changes they have made, it won't make them a better team than last year.

[Spider-Dan]

We are one offensive lineman from getting hurt with having Liam playing again.

That represents an improvement from last year, where he was the week 1 starter.

All I'm saying is it is rather logical to think we will not have much of a run game or pass blocking and that puts us exactly where were last season.

So why do you think MIA had the #1 offense in the league 2 years ago?  What was different then?

I think we will be lucky to win one game against the Jets and Patriots because they are a better teams than last year and we are not.

This is basically saying you believe this team will regress to ~2018 levels.

[Downunder Dolphan]

A lot of the experts have pegged us as one of the most unpredictable teams this season, so it shouldn't be that surprising that a lot of us are equally unsure and are hedging our bets.

Here's a recent example from the last couple of days suggesting what happens with the Dolphins in 2025 has more to do with attitude than the list talent.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/after-a-tumultuous-offseason-its-time-for-dolphins-to-prove-they-have-the-fortitude-of-a-real-contender/

[CF DolFan]

That represents an improvement from last year, where he was the week 1 starter.

So are you saying the LT position is as good or better than last year? Most people would say not and are hoping Patrick Paul does OK.

So why do you think MIA had the #1 offense in the league 2 years ago?  What was different then?

First off they didn't beat the good teams and blew out the weak. Not such a great accomplishment if you ask me. Besides the O-line was significantly better that season than it is now.
Terron Armstead: Veteran left tackle, known for his pass protection, battled injuries but was effective when healthy.
Connor Williams: Started at center, considered a solid player.
Robert Hunt: Started at right guard, a key player on the line.
Austin Jackson: Started at right tackle, continued to develop in his role.
Kendall Lamm: Provided valuable depth as a swing tackle
Isaiah Wynn: Competed for a starting role at left guard

Injuries decimated this line later in the season but it was much better when Mostert broke the team record for TDs than it is now.

This is basically saying you believe this team will regress to ~2018 levels.

No. I'm saying it will regress to last year's level or worse. We are not a better team on paper this year than last and are hoping to catch a few breaks just to get into the wildcard.

[CF DolFan]

Are the Jets better? They had Rodgers at QB last year. Assuming the Jets are going with Fields this year, I think that will be a significant downgrade passing the ball at least. Probably an upgrade running the ball, but that won't make the Jets a better team. I'm not really sure of the other changes they have made, but I think if the passing game is a significant downgrade regardless what other changes they have made, it won't make them a better team than last year.

I think the Jets are better coached this season than last and the defense will be good again which wasn't the case last year.

[masterfins]

I expect 9 wins, McDaniel isn't capable of winning anymore than that.  Hopefully will result in firing of Grier and McDaniel.

Highlight of the season will be breakout perfromances by Chop Robinson.

[Downunder Dolphan]

I hate to say it, but week one is going to say a lot about this team - against someone virtually everyone has marked as an easy-beat, in the soft part of the schedule.

Tyreek held out virtually all of last preseason, and followed it up with a career low since his rookie year. This preseason, has he even caught a pass between his wrist surgery recovery and oblique injury? Should we really expect more than the patchy, penalty and drop filled start to the season last year? (before he completely gave up on the team immediately after Tua got hurt). Can our offense function properly without him stretching the field?

Which leads to sunny point number 2 - Waller. Has this guy caught a pass, done anything in preseason to make the field as our #1 TE? I figure probably not.

If our offense splutters, then it's all on the D - and it's all on the pass rush and pressure to cover our deficiencies deep.

We are gonna learn a lot this game.