The Miami Dolphins faced off against the Dallas Cowboys in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game this year and the team played without wideouts Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline, two players that will be integral to the success of quarterback Ryan Tannehill this season.
The Dolphins decided to be more on the cautious side of things to start the preseason, keeping their prized free agent signing on the sidelines along with Hartline and the team also played it safe with defensive linemen Jared Odrick, Randy Starks and Olivier Vernon. Miami feels that this season their roster is much improved from the 7-9 record last year and with the New England Patriots coming into the year with a bit of uncertainty and attention after the Aaron Hernandez murder case, the franchise likes its chances in the AFC East.
The team made a number of moves in the offseason, including letting Reggie Bush and Jake Long leave as free agents while signing Dannell Ellerbe and Brent Grimes and also drafting Dion Jordan after trading up. Miami has high hopes for Lamar Miller taking over at running back and adding Wallace to an offense that already includes Hartline gives Tannehill two legitimate targets. Last season Wallace made 64 receptions for 836 yards and eight touchdowns and now will have a full offseason and training camp with the Dolphins. Harline had a breakout season with 74 receptions for over 1,000-yards and one touchdown and the team decided to retain him in the offseason.
Last season the team ranked 26th in passing yards per game and year 2 of Tannehill and offensive coordinator Mike Sherman should be ready to improve after adding Wallace. The defense ranked 27th in passing yards allowed per game and adding Jordan should give the team a very consistent pass rush threat along with star Cameron Wake. The team opens the 2013 season with a game on the road against Cleveland and a road tilt against the Colts before having their home opener in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons.
