Denver Broncos Opponent Preview: Miami Dolphins

We are hitting the final stretch of the Denver Broncos opponent previews. Next up is Vance Joseph’s old squad, the Miami Dolphins.

The Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins had such a pretty solid rivalry when I was growing up. John Elway vs Dan Marino was fun to watch. Seeing such a tough loss on a Monday night in 1998 in which Hall of Fame running back Terrell Davis was stopped.

Then, the Broncos got their revenge in the AFC Divisional Playoffs that year when the team demolished the Dolphins 38-3. It was nice to see the team get a big time win against the Dolphins.

While the short lived rivalry, in my eyes, has diminished, the Broncos and Dolphins always find a way to bring out the best in each other. In fact, the last two games between these two teams was decided by three points each. One took a Tebow Time miracle and the other took a second half effort from Peyton Manning.

Current Broncos head coach Vance Joseph was the defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins last season. The Dolphins are coming off their first playoff appearance since 2008. But the team was defeated decisively by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round.

Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase will be in his second year at the helm after spending a few years as the offensive coordinator for both the Broncos and Bears. He had a very successful first year and led the Dolphins to a 10-6 record.

Can he follow up that season in year two? His team will be watched closely. Let us take a look at what the Miami Dolphins have done this offseason.

2017 NFL Draft

Charles Harris, Defensive End, Missouri

Raekwon McMillan, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State

Cordera Tankersley, Cornerback, Clemson

Issac Asiata, Guard, Utah

Davon Godchaux, Defensive Tackle, Louisiana State

Vincent Taylor, Defensive Tackle, Oklahoma State

Isaiah Ford, Wide Receiver, Virginia Tech

Key Arrivals: Julius Thomas (TE) [acquired via trade with Jacksonville], Lawrence Timmons (OLB), Ted Larsen (OG), Nate Allen (FS)

Key Departures: Dion Jordan (DE), Earl Mitchell (DT), Mario Williams (DE)

Closing Remarks:

This could be a very interesting game with the playoff race heating up. Depending on how the Miami Dolphins stand at this point of the season (both teams play in Week 13), it could be for a spot in the playoffs.

No matter what point in the season it is, the Dolphins always play the Broncos tough. In fact, they are one of the few teams in the league who hold a winning record against them. The Dolphins were partially responsible for keeping Denver out of the postseason last year.

Next: Ten Reasons the Denver Broncos will win Super Bowl 52

I believe this game will come down to the offense. Ryan Tannehill is a solid quarterback. However, I have yet to see him get to that next level that will put him in that top tier level.

If the Broncos offense has a solid game, this should be a win. But seeing the Dolphins since I was a kid, I am not putting anything past them.