The Dolphins are firmly in the AFC wildcard race with a 4-4 record. Not bad for a team picked by many experts to finish with the worst record in football at the start of the season. Rookie QB Ryan Tannehill, the eighth-overall pick in April’s draft, has shown flashes of being a franchise quarterback and the defensive front seven is among the best in the league.
Offensive MVP -- WR Brian Hartline. The veteran missed all of mini-camp and preseason with myriad injuries but is playing like a legitimate threat each week. The former Ohio State star has 41 catches -- just two shy of his personal best -- for a career-high 662 yards with a touchdown.
Defensive MVP -- DE Cameron Wake has 8.5 sacks and was named AFC defensive player of the month for October. Wake has registered at least one sack in five straight games.
Rookie MVP -- DE Olivier Vernon is continuing to adapt to the pro game as the third-round draft pick has 14 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. The former Miami Hurricanes star also has blocked a field goal and recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown this season.
Top assistant coach -- Mike Sherman: The offensive coordinator isn’t lighting up the scoreboard, but he has helped Tannehill develop each week while utilizing one of the worst receiving units in the league. The Dolphins are averaging a solid 21.4 points per game and have done a better job protecting the ball.
Biggest disappointment -- TE Michael Egnew: Taken 78th overall, the rookie out of Miami yet to play in a game this season. He has been heavily criticized by Sherman and his inability to block is keeping him in street clothes.
Biggest strength -- Defensive line: It’s hard to find a better unit than DTs Randy Starks (18 tackles, 3.5 sacks) and Paul Soliai (18 tackles, 0.5 sacks) and DEs Jared Odrick (14 tackles, 2.0 sacks) and Wake. Miami is yielding a mere 3.5 yards per rush.
Biggest weakness -- Receiver: After Hartline and Davone Bess (38 catches, 483 yards) it gets thin fast. The team signed Jabar Gaffney to bolster the unit last month but he has made just three catches for 57 yards.
Projected final record -- 7-9
Playoffs? Not likely after losing in Indianapolis. However, this team already has exceeded expectations and is building toward a bright future.
One fact you may not know but should know: The Dolphins have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 22 consecutive games, the longest such streak in the league.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphinsfrom blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSDolphins
Want to know who CBSSports.com says the MVP is? Check out our Midseason Awards.
