“Football Numbers” examines the compelling numbers in the NFL. Follow the column on Twitter @nflnumbers
Miami Dolphins Offseason Preview
58
The number of sacks given up by the Dolphins this past season, most in the NFL. In fact, the next-closest team in this category, the Jacksonville Jaguars, gave up eight fewer sacks, illustrating just how atrocious Miami’s offensive line was in 2013. Picking up a free agent like the Chiefs Branden Albert would help stop the bleeding, but the Dolphins would be wise to target a few players in this spring’s draft. The Jonathan Martin – Richie Incognito scandal can’t be used as an excuse for poor offensive line play.
75%
The percentage of Miami’s starting secondary who are free agents this offseason – cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Nolan Carroll, and safety Chris Clemons. Grimes was one of the top players at his position in 2013; retaining him is the Dolphins top offseason priority. The 6’1’’ Carroll has grown into an appealing #2 corner, so he will have no trouble finding a home if Miami doesn’t get their act together and resign him. Lastly, Clemons has been a main fixture in the Dolphins defensive backfield for the past two seasons, starting all 32 regular season games in that span.
2.0
The number of sacks made by rookie Dion Jordan in 2013. The third overall pick in last year’s draft entered 2013 with high expectations, but after a disappointing debut, he is headed towards “bust” status. The Philadelphia Eagles have been rumored to be interested in trading for the former Oregon Duck, and if there is one player who the Dolphins can benefit from losing this offseason, it would be Jordan—they could probably nab a third round pick in return.
4
The number of games the Dolphins lost to AFC East opponents in 2013. Since the league’s division realignment in 2002, a team’s win-loss record against divisional foes often indicates whether or not that team reached the playoffs. By falling to lowly Buffalo twice in 2013, the 8-8 Dolphins found themselves out of the playoffs yet again.
13.4
Yards per catch average of Miami’s top receiver, Brain Hartline, which led the Dolphins. This doesn’t seem so bad until you compare Hartline’s number with other receivers in the league; he ranks 45th in the category. No other Dolphins pass-catcher averaged more than 12.7 yards per catch, illustrating how in-explosive the ‘Fins passing game was in 2013. Going after a free agent speedster like Emmanuel Sanders or Dexter McCluster wouldn’t be a bad idea.
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