FanPost

Could the Dolphins finally have a balanced offense?


Last year was only the 4th time in Dolphin franchise history the passing and rushing offense were both ranked in the top half of the league (10/32 and 11/32 respectively). This could be signs of the team finally shedding the one dimensional attack it has employed over the years.

Throughout the 70's until 1983, the Dolphins were a ground and pound offense that finished in the top 5 in rushing yards 8 times. Unfortunately, at the same time their passing attack finished in the bottom half of the league every year but twice.

Then the Marino era began in 1984 and we dominated the passing game until 1999 (which also happened to be Marino's last year). During that time we finished in the top 5 in passing yards 13 times (coincidence?). But just as during the 70's, the other side of the attack, the running game, was non-existent. During that same period of time our rushing offense finished in the bottom 5 in the league 8 times (bottom 10, 13 times. Not a good coincidence).

Since then the offense has struggled to put up good numbers either through the air or the ground, with the exceptions of 2002 (2nd rushing, thanks Ricky), 2005 (16th passing, 12 rushing, no thanks to Saban), and last year.

Hopefully they can build off last year, and start to get consistent production both passing and running the ball.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Phinsider's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of The Phinsider writers or editors.