NFL Futures: For head third year head coach Joe Philbin and the Miami Dolphins it is a win or else fork in the road season in 2014. Philbin and the Dolphins were in playoff position in the AFC with an 8-6 record and two games to play but lost them both to blow the playoffs. This was after the Richie Incognito controversy regarding his jaw dropping rants that were made public and caused him to leave the team. Philbin had to make the difficult call of firing his longtime friend Mike Sherman as offensive coordinator as the progress of QB Ryan Tannehill stalled badly. All of this makes for plenty of questions but also potential opportunity for 2014.
Miami was a 50/1 choice to win the Super Bowl and was a 22/1 choice to win the AFC championship. The Dolphins opened with an over under win total of 8 at +110 over and -140 under.
Is Lazor the Right Razor?
The new offensive coordinator is Bill Lazor, who arrives after a spectacular job of developing QB Nick Foles in Philadelphia. Tannehill is an interesting case as he was converted from WR to QB under Sherman in college and has always operated under Sherman, who came with him to Miami. The Dolphins ranked 27th for total offense last year and 21st for total defense.
Handicapper’s Notes
The Dolphins have come away with the money against the spread in just four out of their last 12 away games with nine out of their last 14 away games going under the total. Miami last lost just seven out of their last 20 home games against the spread with just seven out of those 20 home games going over the total. The Dolphins have failed to cover the spread in just six out of their last 17 games as a dog with seven out of their last 10 games as a pup going under the total. Miami has lost seven out of their last 12 games against the spread as a favorite with just six out of their last 19 games as a chalk going over the total.
Our Prognosis
This is also the year for Tannehill to produce or move out with Philbin if he doesn’t. There is no evidence that Miami is ready to make a move to playoff status.
