Niner Noise
FanSided

The biggest question facing each NFL team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (93) reacts on the sideline during the second half gains the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (93) reacts on the sideline during the second half gains the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Dolphins

Can the Dolphins defense get its act together?

On paper, the Miami Dolphins defense should be much better than what was seen in 2016.

Names like Ndamukong Suh, Cameron Wake, Byron Maxwell and Kiko Alonso should have turned this group into a top-10 unit last year.

Instead, Miami finished with the NFL’s 29th-ranked defense (6,122 yards allowed) and was third worst in rushing yards allowed (2,247).

In spite of former defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s lackluster group, the Dolphins still managed to finish 10-6 and earned a trip to the postseason.

Hats off to head coach Adam Gase and some of his offensive standouts, I guess.

The lack of defensive efficiency won’t work in an AFC East division with the Patriots reigning supreme. No, this unit will have to fare much better under now-defensive coordinator Matt Burke if the Dolphins want to stand a chance.

If not, being the second best team in the division is all Miami can hope for.