Are the Dolphins Ready to Take Over the AFC East?

The competitive pool in the AFC East has just gotten larger. For more than a decade, the division has been dominated by the New England Patriots, led by the cerebral tandem of Coach Bill Belichick and Quarterback Tom Brady. The Dolphins, the Bills, and the Jets have had to endure New England’s historic run, year after year, with hopes of sneaking into the playoffs as a wild card team. But time moves on and new competitors will emerge. The 2013 NFL season may show fans a glimpse to the future of the AFC East division.

A Productive Season In Store For The Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins used the offseason to add firepower on both offense and defense. In doing so, they parted ways with offensive tackle, Jake Long, and running back Reggie Bush. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is coming off a strong rookie season and was rewarded with the addition of wide receiver Mike Wallace from Pittsburgh. Tannehill throws the long ball just as good as anyone else in the league. Arming the offense with an explosive receiver like Mike Wallace ensures higher productivity and game-breaking plays.

Money Is No Object

Wallace has had four amazing seasons with the Steelers. He was considered to be the biggest free agent available in the market this offseason. Coach Philbin and General Manager Jeff Ireland didn’t waste any time going after Wallace, offering him a lucrative five year, $60 million contract. At the other end of the field, wide receiver Brian Hartline will look to remind fans why the dolphins agreed to pay him $31 million dollars for five years. After accumulating 74 receptions for over 1,000 yards last season for the Dolphins, Hartline has earned Philbin’s trust as a reliable asset. The addition of Wallace takes the pressure off of Hartline as the primary receiver and will give him more opportunities in the red zone.

A New Ferrari Offense For Miami

The Dolphins didn’t stop there. They also added free agent wide receiver Brandon Gibson and tight end Dustin Keller. The core of receivers that the Dolphins have formed is an immense improvement from last season. Ryan Tannehil now has the weapons he needs to have a breakthrough season.

Big Moves On Defense

The Dolphins have also revamped their defense with players that can significantly improve the pass rush. For starters, they signed former Raven Linebacker, Danelle Ellerbe, to a five year deal. They also signed defensive end Dion Jordan. Jordan is an athletic specimen who can play multiple positions on the field. But the Dolphins feel he can blow by offensive tackles with their 4-3 defensive set and add an intense dynamic with sack leader Cameron Wake.

Replacing The Missing Pieces

To replace the loss of leading cornerback Sean Smith, the Dolphins acquired former Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes to play opposite Richard Marshall. Marshall is coming off an injury plagued season, but assures he is ready to bring recognition to the defensive game plan. According to the Bleacher Report, Marshall missed 12 games after signing with the Dolphins last season, but he should be healthy and ready to solidify a cornerback corps that needs some continuity this season. 2013 draft picks Jamar Taylor and Will Davis will compete with R.J Stanford and Nolan Carroll for the No. 3 and No. 4 defensive backs positions.

The Dolphins were certainly the most active team in the off season. By adding five new offensive starters and four more on defense, Philbin feels like they have built the championship core needed to overthrow the Patriots in the division.