ESPN analyst Mike Clay released his early 2019 projections for the 2019 NFL season and the end result was not kind to the Miami Dolphins. Clay’s current model doesn’t project the Dolphins to win a single game on their 2019 schedule, with only a handful of close losses. In short, Clay’s model thinks the Dolphins will stink in 2019.
Will the Dolphins be good? Like legitimately good? Not likely, given the amount of holes on the roster. The pass rush and several spots on the offensive line are problematic and the team has more work to do to finalize their pass catchers — and potentially quarterback.
It’s a sound conclusion to come to — suggesting that Miami will struggle in 2019. But winless?
Where is Miami legitimately worse than they were last year? A handful of positions? And with a new coaching staff, a new system and a new mentality, seeing the Dolphins fall this hard on their faces would be one mighty tough pill to swallow. So while the Dolphins may not be favored in many games — if any, depending on how bad things get — during the 2019 season, the human element of football cannot be overlooked.
The good news for the Dolphins? Expectations across the landscape are essentially zero — they’ll have a chance to far exceed everyone’s expectations. Motivation without pressure can be a powerful tool.
