Miami, FL – Miami Dolphins Coach, Brian Flores has shown improvements in the team’s performance every season since taking over the coaching duties in Miami. Therefore, one can only assume he’ll continue to do so. There’s a track record. When there’s a pattern, that “prediction life” is made a bit easier. As such, here are my Lemonfficial Predictions for the Miami Dolphins 2021 Season.
The Offseason
The Miami Dolphins ended the 2020-21 season with 10 wins. That’s their best record since the 2016-17 season, in which they made the playoffs. Last season, however, they missed the playoffs, despite having arguably one of the best defenses in the league.
Looking to improve the offense, in the draft, they added a #1 wide receiver (Jaylen Waddle – Alabama), two OT’s (Liam Eichenberg – Notre Dame, Larnel Coleman – OT UMASS), and another weapon for Tua, adding a TE (Hunter Long – Boston College). Waddle is a speedster but is coming off an injury. He looked good in practice, showing his speed and consistent route running. The offensive line position has been a thorn in Miami’s side for far too long, so adding depth at the position this offseason, especially to give Tua time to go through progressions makes sense. Also, adding another elite TE is move straight out of the Belicheck tree.
They also added some key positions in order to improve upon an already elite defense. At #18 overall, Miami added DE Jaelan Phillips, who’s already familiar with the stadium due to his time with the Miami Hurricanes. In the 2nd round, they took S Jevon Holland. Another Miami connection as he played for Mario Cristobal at Oregon. Both players look to contribute this season.
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The Predictions
Week 1 – Miami travels to New England to take on the Patriots. Tom Brady ain’t coming through those doors. Moreover, after cutting Cam Newton, the Pats are relying on rookie QB, Mac Jones. I can’t see that working against this Dolphins defense. Miami gets the win.
Week 2 – The Fins host Buffalo. The Bills won the division last season, as well as this exact game last season. However, Tua has had a full offseason to learn the playbook and get his health to 100%. Miami’s defense is also better than it was last season. Not to mention, a good Miami squad usually pulls off this dub in the hot Miami weather. Fins go 2-0.
Week 3 – The Dolphins knocked the Raiders out of the playoffs last season with their week 15 win in Las Vegas. The Raiders will have something to prove and will be looking for revenge. Gruden’s guys will be prepared. Miami gets their 1st loss.
Week 4 – The Colts brought in Carson Wentz. He lost his job in Philly to a ‘Bama QB, and he’ll lose this game to another ‘Bama QB. Wentz won’t be fully acclimated yet, so he won’t be able to pull it off against that Miami defense. Fins win.
Week 5 – Miami travels to face Tom Brady in Tampa. Never bet against Tom Brady. Nuff said.
Week 6 – The Fins head across the pond to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Jacksonville had Tim Tebow on their roster this preseason… That’s all you need to know about that organization. Miami takes the London bragging rights.
Consistency is key
Week 7 – I don’t care if the Falcons take a huge lead. They’ll blow it. By this point in the season, Tua will have a full grasp on the playbook. That ATL (shawty) defense will get exposed. Miami goes 5-2.
Week 8 – The Fins travel to Buffalo on Halloween! The Bills are a tough squad and Miami isn’t dominating the AFC East just yet. They’ll split the series against Buffalo. 5-3.
Week 9 – Houston used to be a thorn in Miami’s side, but the Fins finally exorcized that demon back in 2015. Moreover, Deshaun Watson is in the middle of scandal and might not ever play football again. Tough times for Houston. Miami wins at home.
Week 10 – The Dolphins will have a great opportunity here to establish themselves as a top-tier squad in the league with a win over Baltimore at home. Nevertheless, all great teams experience growing pains. Miami will be no exception. Lamar Jackson has shown growth every year and is playing with a chip on his shoulder. Also, he loves coming home to South Florida and showing out with fellow native Hollywood Brown. Miami stumbles against Baltimore.
Week 11 – Miami ain’t losing two in a row, and beating the Jets on the road will be the perfect confidence booster heading into the latter part of the season. Facing another rookie QB in Zach Wilson, Miami will easily ground the Jets.
Week 12 – This is where Miami’s season will begin to take off and make a playoff run. The first of three straight home games come against the Carolina Panthers. That team is definitely rebuilding, but Miami’s defense will have their hands full with Christian McCaffrey. Nevertheless, that’s the only option Carolina has and it won’t be enough. Miami wins at home.
Bring it home!
Week 13 – Miami has a rough history in December. However, this season, the matchups are very favorable. Not to mention, they’re in the middle of a homestand for most of the month. This time, Miami hosts the Giants. The Giants were 6-10 last season and haven’t shown any reason to belive they’ll be considerably better this season. Miami takes the win.
Week 14 – Bye week
Week 15 – The Fins host the Jets. At this point, Miami has great momentum and the playoffs are in their sights. The Dolphins will hit on all cylinders. Easy win.
Week 16 – What’s a better Christmas present than a big W? Miami heads to New Orleans, sanz Drew Brees. Jameis Winston was named the Saints’ week 1 starter, but who knows by this point in the season. Xavien Howard could have multiple interceptions in this game. Miami gets their 11th win.
Week 17 – This will most likely be Miami’s biggest test of the season as they travel to Tennessee. Both teams will be fighting for playoff positioning, and most likely a divisional title in their respective divisions. Miami’s run defense still lacks a bit and Derrick Henry is as hard to stop as they come. The Titans hand Miami an L.
Week 18 – Yup! There are now 18 weeks in an NFL season. To close it out, the Patriots will travel to Miami and try to play spoilers. Look for Belicheck to throw all they’ve got at Miami. Every trick, every rule book manipulation. All to keep Miami from gaining momentum heading into the playoffs. By this time, Brian Flores has gained enough experience to expect the unexpected from his former boss. Depending on how the rest of the AFC looks, if Miami has good positioning, they might rest players, but if the division is on the line, they’ll come out to win. I think Miami wins to close out the regular season. 12-5.
How to keep up
Stay tuned and watch us every Tuesday and Friday, or listen whenever you want wherever you get your podcasts to keep up with the Fins all season. I’ll be at every home game with recaps to follow.
📸 Credit: Kathy Hitchcock
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