Brian Flores led the Dolphins to a major bounce back season in 2020. How did he do it and which players most contributed to their success?
2020 record: 10-6
- Division record: 3-3
- Record against teams with winning records: 1-4
Entering year two of the Brian Flores era, the Dolphins were still finishing the touches on a rebuilding effort in Miami. The rebuilding process has sped up significantly off the heels of a 10-6 season.
It was a pedestrian start for the Dolphins as they started off the season 1-3. However, they started to turn heads when they went into San Francisco and dominated the reigning NFC champs by a score of 43-17. That kicked off a 5 game winning streak, which landed the Dolphins right in the midst of a playoff push.
Team Ranks:
| Total Offense | 22nd (5424 yards) |
| Passing Offense | 20th (3736 yards) |
| Rushing Offense | 22nd (1688 yards) |
| Total Defense | 20th (5886 yards allowed) |
| Passing Defense | 23rd (4024 yards allowed) |
| Rushing Defense | 16th (1862 yards allowed) |
| PPG | 15th (25.3) |
| PPG Allowed | 6th (21.1) |
| Offensive Line Ranks | |
| PFF | 28th |
| Football Outsiders (Adjusted run yards) | 24th (4.18) |
| Football Outsiders (Adjusted sack rate) | 20th (6.9%) |
| 2020 Offense Play Selection |
| Pass – 58.1% |
| Rush – 41.9% |
| PFF Top 5 Graded Players in 2020 |
| 1. Xavien Howard CB (87.3) |
| 2. Will Fuller V WR (86.2) |
| 3. Andrew Van Ginkel EDGE (79.3) |
| 4. Mike Gesicki TE (78.1) |
| 5. DeVante Parker WR (76.4) |
Leading Passer: Ryan Fitzpatrick
- 68.5 completion percentage
- 2,091 passing yards
- 13 touchdowns
Leading Rusher: Myles Gaskin
- 972 yards from scrimmage
- 5 total touchdowns
- 5.3 yards per touch
Leading receiver: DeVante Parker
- 63 catches
- 793 receiving yards
- 4 touchdowns
Defensive MVP: Xavien Howard
- 10 interceptions (most by any NFL player in a single season since 2007)
- 20 passes defended
- Held opposing QB’s to 51.5 completion percentage when targeted
How long did they hang in the playoff race until?
Week 17. In many seasons, a 10-6 record gets you to the dance. Unfortunately, for Brian Flores in the Dolphins that record had them in the same spot as the Jacksonville Jaguars. Sitting at home for playoff action.
Make no mistake, the Dolphins were a legit playoff contender led by their turnover hungry defense. Miami had a win and your in situation going into Week 17 against a Buffalo team who had their playoff spot locked up. And on this day they were simply outmatched by the explosive Bills’ offense.
A nightmare 2nd quarter, 4 turnovers, and a 21% success rate on 3rd down is a recipe for a loss in the NFL. And that is what ended the Dolphins season in 2020.
Story of the season: QB Controversy?
When Tua Tagovailoa was drafted #5 overall, the only controversy expected was when he would get on the field. Not many expected a situation where Ryan Fitzpatrick would be used as the defacto closer.
Tua was benched in two games last year, one of them being a crucial Week 16 game in Las Vegas. It seemed as if Fitzpatrick was far more comfortable throwing the ball deep, which makes sense as he is a 16 year veteran. Tua on the other hand was taking what the offense gave him, but not creating any explosive plays.
As we turn the chapter to 2021, all eyes will be on Tua as there is no more backup plan. If he plays akin to how he did at Alabama, all doubters will be silenced very quickly.
What did you think of the Dolphins’ performance in 2020? Let me know on Twitter @James_Costanz.
