It has been weird to see fans and talking heads on TV applauding the Miami Dolphins for finally putting together an exciting and well-built team, with the additions of All-Pro wideout Tyreek Hill, top-5 offensive tackle Terron Armstead, and speedy running backs Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert; and let us not forget the hiring of coach Mike McDaniel. The Dolphins are building a winning culture and we here at Playbook Sports believe they could be dark horses to win the AFC East division (to repeat, we said DARK HORSES).
As the 2022/2023 NFL season begins, the Buffalo Bills not only enter as the favorites to win the AFC East, but they are also favorites to win Super Bowl LVII. However, it's not far-fetched to think the Dolphins have a shot in this race. Let us compare skill positions between the two teams:
Buffalo:
QB - Josh Allen
RB - Devin Singletary / James Cook
WR - Stefon Diggs / Gabe Davis
Miami:
QB - Tua Tagovailoa
RB - Chase Edmonds / Raheem Mostert
WR - Tyreek Hill / Jaylen Waddle
We all know that Buffalo has a major advantage at the quarterback position – which happens to be the most crucial position in the sport. Tua, however, is in store for a year 3 breakout season within this new offense. Josh Allen also happened to break out in his 3rd year after two meek seasons to begin his career. Offensive minded coaching was brought to Buffalo, as well as a shiny new toy to throw to in Stefon Diggs.
Tua is now under the tutelage of an offensive-minded head coach… check.
Gifted a shiny new toy this offseason…. check.
There is no reason to think that Tua can't breakout this season; perhaps not to the extent that Josh Allen did and to the heights he has achieved since, but as a stubborn Dolphin fan, why not?!
Miami has the advantage in the backfield when it comes to experience, talent, and speed. Playing in a Mike McDaniel offense means major usage of the running backs. In two seasons, Devin Singletary has yet been able to solidify himself as RB1, and now with the Bills selecting James Cook in the 2nd round of this year's draft, they seemingly still don’t feel very confident in him. Raheem Mostert comes into Miami’s offense already as one of the fastest players in the league, and already familiar with McDaniel's scheme; he will fit right in. Chase Edmonds, also a very quick and gifted receiving running back, was the first running back Miami signed in free agency. Miami prioritizing his signing must mean the team had a vision of how to use his skill set.
Now, receiver is where it gets fun, as both teams have top 10 receivers in the NFL in Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill. Diggs is the bigger and more physical receiver, while Hill is possibly the fastest WR in the league and can take the top off of defenses. Picking between the two likely comes down to preference, but the other starting receiver position is where the Dolphins gain an edge. Jaylen Waddle, the 6th overall pick in the 2021 draft out of Alabama, had a historic rookie season, breaking the record for most receptions by a rookie. And that came without him being utilized as a deep threat, which is what he was known for in college. Not to mention, his most common player comparison coming out of college was none other than now-teammate Tyreek Hill. Not to discredit Gabe Davis on the Bills side, but he was a 4th round pick and it’s taken him a while to start contributing to that team. Although all of my fantasy teams are banking on Davis to have a breakout season, Waddle is undoubtedly the better player and weapon moving forward.
To briefly touch on the defensive side of the ball (they get paid too, ya know), the Bills have a decided edge, but it is not as drastic as many may assume. The Bills had arguably the best defense in the league last season, but over the last half of the year, the Dolphins raced to the number 7 ranked defense. Both teams are maintaining continuity by bringing back the majority of their starters, while also adding vets (Von Miller in Buffalo, Melvin Ingram in Miami). Both of these units actually mirror each other: both have stud outside cornerbacks (Tre’Davious White & Xavien Howard), quality safeties (Jordan Poyer & Jevon Holland – who is a bright young star in this league), and a strong defensive line. The biggest question for Miami’s unit would be whether or not they're able to slow down Allen in a head to head matchup; he has absolutely demolished Miami's defense since entering the league – even before he was good!
We are not saying the Dolphins will end the season hoisting the Lombardi Trophy or anything, but dammit at least we have hope! Dolphins fans finally have reason to be excited heading into a season, and it's not crazy to be thinking playoffs and at least being competitive within the division.
Next year is when we start thinking about championships. 😈
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