Entering the 2019 NFL seasons, some analysts believed the Miami Dolphins would finish last in the NFL. Instead, Brian Flores' team battled for their first-year head coach and went 5-11. All five of the team's wins came in its final nine games.
While 5-11 is still far from an enviable performance, it's respectable considering Miami's situation. The Dolphins also toppled New England and Philadelphia late in the season. Both teams went on to win their divisions.
After spending some serious money on free agents and drafting 11 rookies, the Dolphins could surprise football fans in 2020. Depending on how New England handles the loss of Tom Brady, the crown of the AFC East could be up for grabs. Even in only Flores' second year with the organization, Miami could make a surprising run and finish the year at 8-8.
Miami opens the 2020 season with a chance to set the tone for their second year under Flores. In Week 1, the Dolphins travel to Gillette Stadium and face the Patriots. Against a depleted New England squad that they already defeated last year, Miami should open their season with a win.
The Dolphins do face the AFC West and NFC West in 2020, which are arguably the two most competitive divisions in the NFL. However, Miami has a chance to wreak havoc within its division. New England is crumbling. New York isn't a well-defined team. Even Buffalo relies on its defense to disguise poor quarterback play and a limited offense.
Flores' team also faces two unique teams the rest of the AFC East don't. Those matchups come against the Cincinnati Bengals and Jacksonville Jaguars, which should both go Miami's way. Sprinkle in three to four divisional wins along with victories over the Cardinals and Raiders, and you've got at least a seven-win team.
Realistically, the Dolphins won't compete for the playoffs until 2021, when Tua Tagovailoa has full control of the offense. However, the question of when Tagovailoa sees the field for the first time could impact Miami's record this year. When the time comes, veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick seems ready to pass the torch:
“I know that in order for our team to be successful, whoever is playing from that quarterback room has to be successful,” Fitzpatrick told the Sun-Sentinel in late May. “Whether that’s me out there, doing everything I can to put the team in position to win, or whether that’s somebody else — be it Tua that is out there doing it — I’m going to do the best I can to help him to make sure our position is doing the things that are going to make our team win.”
Fitzpatrick played a significant role in Miami's success last season, leading the team in rushing and passing yards. He also helped DeVante Parker establish himself as a true No. 1 receiving threat and helped Mike Gesicki rebound from a disappointing rookie season.
Tagovailoa captured headlines when he joined the Dolphins, but Miami made several other splashes this offseason. Notably, the team signed cornerback Byron Jones to a record-breaking five-year, $82.5 million deal. The team also drafted another cornerback, Noah Igbinoghene, in the first round. While the safety position looks weak, Miami's cornerbacks could cripple opposing offenses this season.
The Dolphins also invested in their offensive line, drafting two guards and left tackle Austin Jackson. Free agent signee Ted Karras could become the team's new starting center as well. Miami even rebuilt its running back room by signing Jordan Howard and trading for Matt Brieda.
Admittedly, it's still early in the process, but Miami looks threatening this season. This is no longer the least-talented team in the NFL. The Dolphins probably won't make the playoffs this year. However, I could see them playing spoiler for several teams.
With a standout performance in 2020, Flores might even win Coach of the Year.
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