The Dolphins posted a losing season for the fourth straight year, but there finally appeared to be progress in Miami. Despite adding virtually nothing to the team in free agency and again whiffing on several draft picks, first-year coach Joe Philbin managed to keep the team in contention for the postseason until the final week of the season. A 7-9 record won’t keep fans happy for long, but it’s something to build on as expectations increase in South Beach.
Here are the RapidReports picks for MVPs.
Offense -- QB Ryan Tannehill: The eighth overall selection in April’s draft completed 58.3 percent of his passes for 3,294 yards with 12 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. The 6-foot-4, 222-pounder also posted 211 rushing yards with two touchdowns as he flashed his elite athleticism. He will be counted on to improve an offense that averaged a mere 18 points per game this season.
Defense -- DE Cameron Wake: The Pro Bowler set a career-high with 15 sacks and 53 tackles as he regained his status as one of the top pass rushers in the league. Making his totals even more impressive, Wake failed to register a sack each of the first three games. However, Wake will need more help next year as opposing offenses begin to key on him.
Special teams -- RB Marcus Thigpen: The former CFL star demonstrated his elite return skills by returning both a punt and kickoff for a touchdown. The 5-9, 195-pounder averaged 12.2 yards per punt return and 27.4 yards per kickoff return. Thigpen was a longshot to make the roster during training camp and proved invaluable to the team this year.
Newcomer -- OT Jonathan Martin: The 6-5, 312-pounder started the season at right tackle after getting drafted in the second round in April. He demonstrated his immense potential later in the season when he transitioned to the left side in place of injured OT Jake Long. Martin helped pave the way for a rushing attack that averaged 4.1 yards per carry.
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