The Miami Dolphins are coming into the 2014 season looking to bounce back on offense after a disappointing campaign and that means more production from Ryan Tannehill and additions like Knowshon Moreno and draft pick Jarvis Landry could be the key for the team and that comes after the Dolphins flirted with a Mike Wallace trade and the possibility of trading Dion Jordan.
The Dolphins brought in general manager Dennis Hickey after letting go Jeff Ireland and he now is looking to build back the team after some late season struggles in 2013. The offense was shutout against the Bills in their final game last season and only scored seven points over the final two weeks and now the team is hoping Tannehill and the unit improves this year. The Dolphins drafted Jarvis Landry in the second round of the draft at wide receiver and while that doesn't mean Mike Wallace will be traded this year, it's something Hickey could look to do in the future.
The Dolphins reportedly shopped Wallace during the offseason and while they may not trade him now, drafting Landry could signal what Hickey looks at in the future. Wallace signed a contract for over $60 million under Ireland and while he is an explosive receiver, he did not perform up to that contract in 2013 and early on he was a complainer about not getting the ball enough. Hickey may not trade Wallace this season, but it could come down the line if he continues performing at the same pace and Brandon Gibson also could be in the mix, as the team has some solid depth with Brian Hartline and Rishard Matthews. Teams like the Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders have needs at wide receiver and Wallace could fit if the Dolphins opt to trade him.
Last season the team ranked 26th in the league in rushing yards last season and they are looking to improve in that area after adding Knowshon Moreno in free agency. Moreno was let go by the Broncos and he is coming off of a career best year in rushing yards, receptions and receiving yards and he is looking to add that element to the offense for Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins have a ton invested in the development of Tannehill and they can't miss on him, as they passed up Johnny Manziel and have been trying to replace Dan Marino for a decade.
The Dolphins did not get enough production out of Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas last season and they averaged just 90 yards per game and adding Moreno could give that a huge boost. The offensive line got an overhaul this season and that will help Tannehill and the rushing game, especially after they gave up 56 sacks last season to lead the league. Moreno had 1,038 yards last season and even if some of that was due to Peyton Manning getting so much attention in the offense, just having him there will give the team more depth at the position. The Miami Herald said that the Dolphins will be looking to get more explosive on offense, with one report saying the team will use the West coast style of the Eagles to try and bounce back in 2014.
