The Miami Dolphins are 4-5, but only one game out of the wild card spot in the AFC. Miami has looked like a totally different team with interim head coach Dan Campbell at the helm. The Dolphins have won three of five games since Campbell took over. With that in mind, here are Three Things We Know About The Miami Dolphins Through 9 Games.
1. Better With Dan Campbell
As mentioned briefly above, the Dolphins are simply a better team with Campbell as head coach. The passion of Campbell has rubbed off on his players, as they seem to play with more fire than they did under Joe Philbin. The defense has been more consistent, even though the loss of Cameron Wake hurts. The offense has been better, in large part because the play-calling has been much improved. The offense isn't as one-dimensional, which makes life easier on QB Ryan Tannehill and the defense. It's not clear if Campbell will get the permanent job (or if he's even the right choice), but it's clear the Dolphins are better with him in charge.
2. Lamar Miller Needs Carries
One of the biggest issues with the Dolphins' offense early in the season was that Miller wasn't getting enough touches. In the four games under Philbin, Miller was getting less than 12 touches per game. With Campbell in charge, Miller is averaging over 18 touches per game. Part of that is Miller is getting more action in the passing game, but he's still receiving more ground work. The offense is simply better when Miller is having success. It makes things easier on Tannehill, because defenses aren't able to key on the pass all game. The Dolphins are still a heavy passing team, but they can't forget about Miller. If he approaches 20 touches per game, the Dolphins' offense will have more sustained success.
3. Playoffs In Reach
It won't be an easy battle, but the Dolphins can still make the playoffs. The final wild card spot will likely come down to the wire. The Jets and Bills will be in the middle of that race, along with the Raiders, Chiefs and maybe even the Texans. The presence of the Bills and Jets actually hurts Miami, because the Dolphins are 0-3 against those teams this season. The game against the Jets on November 29th is essentially a must-win for Miami. The Dolphins could catch a break against the Patriots in the final week of the season, as the Patriots might already have locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Miami needs some luck and a strong finish to make the postseason.