The Miami Dolphins were the big winners of the 2015 NFL offseason. The team signed defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who was considered by most to be the most prized free agent on the market. The Dolphins also signed receiver Greg Jennings, tight end Jordan Cameron and traded for Kenny Stills.
On Sunday, the team will test out their free agent acquisitions when they play they begin their season on the road against the Washington Redskins.
Kirk Cousins will start for the Redskins as Robert Griffin III still has not been cleared to continue football activities after suffering a concussion against the Detroit Lions during the preseason. Cousins will make his 10 career start for the Redskins.
In the limited action in his four seasons, Cousins has thrown for 3,030 yards, 18 touchdowns against 19 interceptions. Despite his limited success, Cousins is confident that he can get the job done on Sunday.
“You have to do your part and do well. I do feel believed in,” Cousins said. “I haven’t questioned that. I never questioned that. I have all the pieces around me to be successful.”
Cousins will be lining up against a Dolphins defensive line that’s could be one of the best in the NFL in 2015. Miami already had a formable defensive line with Cameron Wake, Earl Mitchell and Olivier Vernon. With the addition of Suh, the Dolphins should improve their rushing defense, which was 24th in the league in 2014.
Dolphins’ defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle feels good about where the defense is heading into the game against Washington.
“I know that this group has prepared exceptionally well,” said Coyle. “I’m confident as we go into the season that we should be improved in a number of areas, but you never know until the team actually executes under the true game situation where you’re playing for 65-75 plays or whatever the case might be. But I do know that we’ve exhibited a real ability to defend the run, I think we’ve been solid in the backend, we haven’t given up many big plays throughout preseason with our first and second group primarily. Those are all positives going in.”
Miami has been a lot of analysts trendy pick to win the AFC East. The big reason for the preseason love of the Dolphins is the growth of quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
In each of Tannehill’s first three seasons his yards, touchdown passes, passer rating and completion percentage have all improved. His 2015 campaign, which will be his second in offensive coordinator Bill Lazor’s system, could produce Tannehill’s best numbers yet.
“I’m really comfortable with what we’re trying to accomplish offensively, said Tannehill. ”The concepts that we’re running, I feel like I’m seeing things faster obviously than I was last year and I’m getting the ball out of my hands and into the playmakers hands. That’s what you want to have happen and those guys are talented once they get the ball in their hands. I’m excited to get started on Sunday.”
With the Redskins questions at quarterback, offensive line and on defense, the Dolphins should win the game easily.
Prediction: Miami 31, Washington 17
