3 Miami Dolphins who must take the following step this season
Durham Smythe must turn out to be a critical weapon for the Dolphins. Necessary Credit score: Wealthy Storry-USA TODAY Sports activities
The Dolphins have been one of many NFL’s most entertaining groups in 2022, however these three gamers must step up in the event that they’re going to turn out to be contenders.
Head coach Mike McDaniel efficiently led the Dolphins to a second-place end within the crowded AFC East final season, however there’s nonetheless numerous floor to cowl if Miami goes to catch Buffalo. The Dolphins want a number of key gamers to have profession years in the event that they’re going to go from entertaining watch to reputable Tremendous Bowl contenders.
In equity to the higher-ups in South Florida, the Dolphins don’t essentially must topple the Payments within the common season to be thought-about title contenders. Closing the hole may very well be sufficient to earn Miami a house recreation within the postseason. If that occurs, this workforce has an opportunity to make a run.
That may require double-digit common season reminiscences. To attain that feat, Miami wants improved manufacturing from the next three gamers.
Dolphins who must step up: 3. Durham Smythe
Mike Gesicki’s taken his skills to New England which leaves Smythe because the Dolphins’ No. 1 possibility at tight finish. That’s not a high-profile place in McDaniel’s offensive system, however that doesn’t imply Smythe can afford to repeat his 15-catch season from 2022.
Smythe would possibly must double or triple his manufacturing if the Dolphins are going to make the leap from good to nice. He’s not going to scare opposing secondaries along with his capability to stretch the sphere, however he can maintain the chains transferring for a Miami offense that wishes to place up tons of factors in 2023.
Eric Saubert and Tyler Kroft are lurking behind Smythe on the depth chart if the previous Notre Dame standout can’t get the job carried out. No tight finish goes to place up video video games for the Dolphins this 12 months however they’ll’t afford an enormous drop off from what Gesicki gave them a season in the past.