Looking To Improve

By : Mike Rifkin

The Dolphins and Raiders get set to meet in preseason action on Saturday. Both teams had similar offseasons. They both hired new head coaches, traded for and extended star wide receivers and added a premier free agent. 

Last season the Raiders went 10-7 finishing second in the AFC West and earning a Wild Card berth. The Raiders lost the Wild Card game to the eventual AFC Champion Bengals. The Raiders fired Jon Gruden during the season and interim coach Rich Bisaccia is now the Special Teams coach for the Packers. The Raiders hired Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh Mcdaniels to be the new head coach. Mcdaniels coached the division rival Denver Broncos in 2009-10 posting an 11-17 record. The Raiders were not done adding to their offense when they traded for Packers receiver Davante Adams. Adams who played with quarterback Derek Carr at Fresno State, has had over 100 catches three of the last four seasons with over 1,000 yards and double digit touchdowns. Last season Adams had 123 catches for 1,553 yards and 11 touchdowns. Adams did sign a five year extension worth 141 million dollars. Adding Adams to an offense that already includes Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow, and Josh Jacobs should benefit Derek Carr. Carr last season threw for 4,804 yards with 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions along with a 68.4 completion percentage. On defense the Raiders signed Chandler Jones to a three year 52.5 million dollar deal. Five of the last six seasons Jones has had double digit sacks. The only year he missed out was 2020 where he was limited to five games. Jones last season had 10.5 sacks including five in week one, Jones also had six forced fumbles. The Raiders are pairing Jones with former fourth round pick Maxx Crosby who got a four year 94 million dollar contract extension. Crosby had eight sacks last season. Crosby and Jones might be the best pass rush duo In the NFL and they will need them in what should be a highly competitive AFC West. 

The Miami Dolphins finished last season 9-8 which was third in the AFC East. Brian Flores was fired after the season and was replaced by 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Mcdaniel. The big thing the Dolphins did this offseason was revamp the entire offense trying to get the most out of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa who last season had a 67.8 completion percentage 2,653 yards with 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Dolphins traded draft picks to the Chiefs for star receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill who is arguably the best deep ball threat in the entire league had 111 catches for 1,239 yards and nine touchdowns for the Chiefs last season. Pairing Hill with second year wide out Jaylen Waddle who last year set the rookie record with 104 catches had 1,015 yards and six touchdowns. Miami also signed Cedrick Wilson from the Cowboys. Wilson had 45 catches for 602 yards and six touchdowns. Miami also placed the Franchise Tag on tight end Mike Gesicki who last year had 73 catches for 780 yards and two touchdowns. The Dolphins also revamped their running back room bringing in Raheem Mostert from 49ers. Mostert tore his ACL in week one of last season, but had solid seasons in both 2019 and 2020.The Dolphins also signed Chase Edmonds from the Cardinals. Edmonds had 592 yards and two touchdowns rushing while adding 43 catches for 311 yards. The biggest thing the Dolphins did was sign Saints Left Tackle Terron Armstead to a five year 87 million dollar contract. Armstead a three time Pro Bowler was considered the best Offensive lineman on the market. Miami also added former Cowboy offensive lineman Connor Williams to the offensive line. The Dolphins defense was fifth in the league in sacks last season with 48.0 led by Emmanuel Ogbah who had nine. Ogbah got rewarded with a four year 65 million dollar contract. Rookie Jaelan Phillips had eight and a half sacks watch for him to have a nice season. Cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Byron Jones give Miami a solid secondary but watch second year safety Jevon Holland who had 69 tackles, two and a half sacks and two interceptions to also step up.