The Miami Dolphins have gone through some significant roster changes this NFL offseason that has seen the departure of a few key players on both sides of the football that has lowered the expectations for the franchise.

Miami is coming off a disappointing 2017 campaign where the team fell well short of reaching the playoffs, which has only continued to be the outside perception of where things will be headed this upcoming season. Despite that, the Dolphins are choosing to ignore all the outside noise,  Chris Perkins of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

“You see stuff that’s a lot of negative stuff,” cornerback Xavien Howard said.  “I try to keep a lot of positive around me.”

Added cornerback Tony Lippett: “I don’t pay attention to it. All we can control is what we can control.”

“I stay away from it,” said tackle Eric Smith. “That way you never get boosted up or get your feelings hurt.”

Article Continues Below
More Miami Dolphins News
NFC cornerback Jalen Ramsey of the Los Angeles Rams (5) reacts against the AFC during the Pro Bowl Games at Allegiant Stadium.
NFL rumors: Panthers urged to outbid Rams for Jalen Ramsey tradeBen Strauss ·
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks to cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during mandatory minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex.
Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel’s blunt Jalen Ramsey trade take after key deadline passesOwen Crisafulli ·
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) reacts after a touchdown reception during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Steelers rumors: Pittsburgh renews Jonnu Smith trade talks with DolphinsBenedetto Vitale ·
dolphins, miami dolphins
3 Miami Dolphins hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowGarrett Kerman ·
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) fights for yards during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Dolphins star Jonnu Smith’s agent reveals ‘first choice’ amid trade rumorsMiguel La Torre ·
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) signals from the line of scrimmage against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.
NFL rumors: Bills, 49ers among contenders that should seek Tyreek Hill tradeJaren Kawada ·

There was a huge amount of roster turnover this offseason that saw the departure of some key players in All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, center Mike Pouncey, and Pro Bowl wideout Jarvis Landry to name a few. This has brought forth the negative outlook on the team because of the loss of some of their top players.

Miami will have the return of quarterback Ryan Tannehill after missing all of last season due to a torn ACL along with the addition of a proven running back in Frank Gore to help provide more impact in the backfield alongside Kenyan Drake and Damien Williams. Meanwhile, it is a chance for wide receiver DeVante Parker to experience a breakout year as the top receiving option in the passing game alongside offseason addition Danny Amendola.

The motivation is clearly there for the Dolphins to prove on the field this upcoming season that those low expectations placed on them were well off the mark.