Back again! Update and predictions.

What's Changed?

So, its been a while since my last post to this site and I have got to say a lot has changed. The Dolphins are in a very different place right now then they were at the close of last season. Yes, Joe Philbin is still the head coach, yes Ryan Tannehill is the man under center, but this is a very different Dolphins team none-the-less. The receiving corps has been completely revamped with TE Jordan Cameron, WRs Kenny Stills, Greg Jennings and rookie DeVante Parker all ready to start their first seasons in Miami come Sunday. Gone is the malcontent Mike Wallace. Gone is the Meowgatron Brian Hartline. The biggest change happened up front with the signing of Ndamukong Suh, paired with Cam Wake and Olivier Vernon the defensive line is bound to give opposing offenses fits. 

These changes will no doubt lead to a much different Miami Dolphins football team on the field, but the Dolphins aren't the only organization that has made changes. We here at SalTalksFootball.com (or should I just say me) have also gone through something of a change. Since the close of the 2014-15 NFL season I have changed careers, I have changed states and I essentially have a whole new life. In this time, I have completely neglected to post or update this little blog.  On the one hand, its not a big deal because, as my analytics tell me, no one really reads this site, but on the other hand, I like to talk about the Dolphins. Therefore, I have decided not only to return to updating this blog for the 2015-16 season, but I plan on being even more active. If you are someone who does read my postings (HI MOM!) I really appreciate the support. 

At the end of the day, this blog is simply a way for me to hold myself accountable with my sports predictions, its just for fun and it isn't something I take too seriously.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

Tonight the 2015 NFL season kicks off with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots. While tonight I am taking Steelers to win 30-27, I am here to talk about the Miami Dolphins... for that we have to look ahead to Sunday.

Miami will take on the Washington Redskins in DC this weekend and Yours Truly will be in attendance. It is so hard to predict Week 1 football. So many teams will be better or worse then have been hyped all off-season. In my opinion both of these teams will meet their expectations. The Redskins are, unfortunately,  not a good team this year. The Skins have controversy at QB, turnstiles on the Oline and plenty of questions on defense. Six wins may be the ceiling for this club.

The Dolphins are on the opposite end of things. A rebuilt offense and new toys on defense has led to the Phins being a popular pick among NFL analysts. With predictions ranging from a 9-win wildcard team to 12-win division champs the Dolphins are poised to be a winning team bound for the playoffs. Sunday will give the Phins a chance to make a statement and show they will be a force in the league for the next 16 weeks.

I love this match-up for the Dolphins. The Dolphins pass rush will aim to confuse and disrupt Kirk Cousins, who has the potential to turn the ball over. I believe Tannehill will use his new pass catchers and drive his team to the endzone at least 3 times. At the end of 4 quarters I expect the Dolphins to win 27-13.  

Season Expectations

Miami has an interesting schedule this year. The first 8 games seems to work favorable for a Dolphins hot start. 6-2 could be a reasonable outcome after the first 8 games. The second half of the season is a much different tale. The final 8 games feature teams like the Colts, Cowboys, Eagles and Ravens, teams bound for the playoffs. I plan on the team getting of to a hot start and then riding the momentum to a strong second half against other playoff caliber teams.

What can we expect? From pure talent stand point, I believe the Dolphins could win 12 games. They are that good. Depending on how far the arm of Pass Master Ryan Tannehill caries them I could see 12 wins being attainable. Realistically, when looking at the schedule  I am predicting the Dolphins win the AFC East  with a record of 11-5.

It's great to be back talking Miami Dolphins football. Follow me on twitter for more discussion HERE