5 Questions Miami Dolphins Must Answer In Training Camp In 2015

5 Questions Miami Dolphins Must Answer In Training Camp In 2015

By Nick Sardina

July 1, 2015

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5 Questions Miami Dolphins Must Answer In Training Camp

Miami Dolphins — The Miami Dolphins made some big splashes in the offseason with hopes to finally unseat the New England Patriots atop the AFC East. They brought in Ndamukong Suh and revamped the wide receiver position to give quarterback Ryan Tannehill needed weapons. However, if the Dolphins are to accomplish their goal and contend in the conference, they must find some answers at several key positions.

The Miami Dolphins made some big splashes in the offseason with hopes to finally unseat the New England Patriots atop the AFC East. They brought in Ndamukong Suh and revamped the wide receiver position to give quarterback Ryan Tannehill needed weapons. However, if the Dolphins are to accomplish their goal and contend in the conference, they must find some answers at several key positions.

5. Can Joe Philbin Inspire the Team?

Joe Philbin Miami Dolphins

5. Can Joe Philbin Inspire the Team?

Joe Philbin Miami Dolphins — Joe Philbin has had mixed success during his three seasons in Miami. In posting a 23-25 mark, Philbin’s Dolphins have looked like an up-and-coming force to be reckoned with during short stretches and then looked like a team without structure or a go-to identity during others. The pressure is certainly on Philbin in 2015. With big-splash signings in free agency, anything short of a playoff berth will spell the end to the Philbin era.

Joe Philbin has had mixed success during his three seasons in Miami. In posting a 23-25 mark, Philbin’s Dolphins have looked like an up-and-coming force to be reckoned with during short stretches and then looked like a team without structure or a go-to identity during others. The pressure is certainly on Philbin in 2015. With big-splash signings in free agency, anything short of a playoff berth will spell the end to the Philbin era.

4. Is Lamar Miller A True No. 1 Back?

Lamar Miller Miami Dolphins

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4. Is Lamar Miller A True No. 1 Back?

Lamar Miller Miami Dolphins — Lamar Miller has shown flashes of being a top back in the NFL, but can he handle a major workload? In 2014, Miller, 5-foot-10, 224 pounds, had career highs in carries (216), yards (1,099) and TDs (8), but he hasn’t averaged more than 13.5 carries per game. Why aren't the Dolphins comfortable with Miller carrying more of a load? If Miller isn’t viewed as a true No. 1, Damien Williams, Mike Gillislee and rookie Jay Ajayi will get plenty of looks.

Lamar Miller has shown flashes of being a top back in the NFL, but can he handle a major workload? In 2014, Miller, 5-foot-10, 224 pounds, had career highs in carries (216), yards (1,099) and TDs (8), but he hasn’t averaged more than 13.5 carries per game. Why aren't the Dolphins comfortable with Miller carrying more of a load? If Miller isn’t viewed as a true No. 1, Damien Williams, Mike Gillislee and rookie Jay Ajayi will get plenty of looks.

3. Is Koa Misi The Answer At Middle LB?

Koa Misi Miami Dolphins

3. Is Koa Misi The Answer At Middle LB?

Koa Misi Miami Dolphins — After the failure of free-agent signings Philip Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe, the Dolphins turned to Koa Misi during the final 11 games of 2014. Misi performed admirably, posting 66 tackles, but he doesn’t seem completely comfortable at the position. The Dolphins have a young tandem on the outside with Jelani Jenkins and Chris McCain, however, the play of Misi will be critical to the success of the linebacking corps.

After the failure of free-agent signings Philip Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe, the Dolphins turned to Koa Misi during the final 11 games of 2014. Misi performed admirably, posting 66 tackles, but he doesn’t seem completely comfortable at the position. The Dolphins have a young tandem on the outside with Jelani Jenkins and Chris McCain, however, the play of Misi will be critical to the success of the linebacking corps.

2. Can Offensive Front Get Job Done?

Mike Pouncey Miami Dolphins

2. Can Offensive Front Get Job Done?

Mike Pouncey Miami Dolphins — The line improved immensely in 2014, but still has plenty of room for growth. Before injury, Branden Albert solidified the left tackle position, and Mike Pouncey is a very good center. Right tackle Ja’Wuan James had a solid rookie season, but he's still raw. The Dolphins hope they can find the right combo at guard with Jamil Douglas, Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner the top candidates to fight for starting roles.

The line improved immensely in 2014, but still has plenty of room for growth. Before injury, Branden Albert solidified the left tackle position, and Mike Pouncey is a very good center. Right tackle Ja’Wuan James had a solid rookie season, but he's still raw. The Dolphins hope they can find the right combo at guard with Jamil Douglas, Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner the top candidates to fight for starting roles.

1. Who Will Complement Brent Grimes?

Brent Grimes Miami Dolphins

1. Who Will Complement Brent Grimes?

Brent Grimes Miami Dolphins — In Brent Grimes, the Dolphins have one of the best cornerbacks in the game. The key to the secondary becoming a perfect complement to Miami’s pass rush is whether or not someone can step up and give the team a formidable No. 2 cornerback. Will Davis, Jamar Taylor and Zack Bowman are experienced veterans who will compete in training camp for the role. If none work out, slot corners Brice McCain or rookie Bobby McCain could move to the outside.

In Brent Grimes, the Dolphins have one of the best cornerbacks in the game. The key to the secondary becoming a perfect complement to Miami’s pass rush is whether or not someone can step up and give the team a formidable No. 2 cornerback. Will Davis, Jamar Taylor and Zack Bowman are experienced veterans who will compete in training camp for the role. If none work out, slot corners Brice McCain or rookie Bobby McCain could move to the outside.

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