The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for a crucial season in 2019. There is a new regime in place with the hiring of Brian Flores at head coach and the Dolphins are hoping for results—positive ones.
Flores comes from the New England Patriots, where he spent 15 seasons with the organization. Most recently, in 2018, Flores was handed the playcalling duties due to the departure of Matt Patricia at defensive coordinator.
After just one season calling plays for Bill Belichick's defense, Flores landed the job in Miami. Fans in Miami are hoping that Flores can instill the same winning culture that he was a part of in New England.
This offseason, the Dolphins also went out and acquired Josh Rosen to be their hopeful franchise quarterback. This comes after the Dolphins moved on from Ryan Tannehill and signed Ryan Fitzpatrick.
In 2018, the Dolphins ended the year with a record of 7-9 under Adam Gase. It was the second-straight season that Gase failed to have a record above .500. Therefore, a move needed to be made to try righting the ship.
Flores and company are hoping for a successful season in 2019 but will need a few important things to go right.
Here are three X-factors that will be crucial for the Dolphins to have a prosperous campaign in 2019.
3. Breakout Season From Kenyan Drake
Last season, Kenyan Drake was given a bigger role than he was accustomed to in his first two seasons with the team. In 2018, Drake was given 120 carries for 535 yards and four touchdowns. He also added 53 receptions for 477 yards and five scores.
It was a nice showing from Drake but the Dolphins are going to need him to step into an even larger role in 2019. The Dolphins running back will figure to be the starter and will be given the majority of the touches.
Regardless of who's under center this upcoming season, Miami needs to be able to run the ball effectively. Especially, if Rosen is the quarterback because it can help take some of the pressure off of him.
Kalen Ballage will slot in as the backup but Drake will garner the most opportunities if he steps up once again.
With this in mind, Drake will need to have a breakout season if Miami hopes to make some noise in 2019.
2. DeVante Parker Needs to Step Up
The Miami Dolphins have had troubles getting the most out of DeVante Parker since he came into the NFL. The Dolphins drafted Parker 14th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
In his four seasons, Parker has only started in 31 games with the Dolphins. He has averaged 40 receptions, 554 yards, and two touchdowns in his first four seasons.
Nonetheless, in 2019, he could be asked to play a vital role in the Dolphins aerial attack. Miami decided to give Parker a two-year extension worth $10 million this offseason. That gives him the opportunity to prove himself with the new coaching staff.
The Dolphins will head into 2019 with Kenny Stills and Parker as their top wideouts.
Although, Parker has the most to prove amongst the whole receiving corp and will need to if the Dolphins want to win games.
1. Successful QB Play
This seems like a no-brainer but every team needs to be able to throw the ball with fruitful results if they want to be playing into January. Notably, the Dolphins passing attack in 2018 was dreadful—which is putting it lightly.
The Dolphins ranked 30th in passing offense in 2018 with Tannehill under center. As a result, Miami decided to go in another direction at quarterback—adding Fitzpatrick and Rosen.
Both guys will likely battle it out during training camp but Rosen figures to become the eventual starter. Moreso, because the Dolphins need to get a chance to see what they have in Rosen moving forward.
Rosen only lasted one season with the Arizona Cardinals but they didn't do him any favors. He lost his offensive coordinator early in the season, his offensive line was woeful, and they ended up firing the head coach.
Despite that, Rosen gets a change of scenery in hopes to get a fresh start in the NFL. As for the Dolphins, hopefully Rosen or Fitzpatrick can provide a much-needed spark for the Dolphins offense in 2019.
If not, then Miami will be surveying the allotment of quarterbacks in the 2020 NFL Draft.
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