The Sports Xchange

DAVIE, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins had a successful preseason despite their 1-3 record and although head coach Joe Philbin said his team isn’t ready right now for the Sept. 13 opener at Washington.

Just hold that thought, 3, 2, 1. …

“We’ll be ready at the end of (this) week,” Philbin said.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was the most eye-opening performer of the offseason because he made so much improvement. His footwork is better, his accuracy is better, and he hits his receivers in stride.

In fact, Tannehill’s performance in preseason has attracted attention. So has the performance of his teammates, including defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who heads a strong defensive line.

“This is Year Four of (coach) Joe Philbin, Year Four of Ryan Tannehill,” said Jon Gruden, the Super Bowl-winning coach now working as a NFL analyst for ESPN. “It’s time.

“And I think with the turmoil in New England, new coach in Buffalo, new quarterback in Buffalo, the quarterback of the Jets has a broken jaw, I think the stars are aligned for Tannehill to bust through the door.

“I’m counting on Miami winning the East this year.”

Miami will likely need to be led by its defense early in the season as wide receiver DeVante Parker (foot) and left tackle Branden Albert (knee) recover from their ailments.

But the defense seems up to the task. The line has been strong against the run and pass in preseason, and they’ve caused havoc even when the reserves enter the game.

The linebackers remain a concern because of questions about their tackling ability. The secondary, led by Pro-Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes and strong safety Reshad Jones, needs to show more playmaking ability. But they’re solid.

Offensively, pass protection is still a major issue. The guards – left guard Dallas Thomas and right guard Billy Turner – are still a concern. And left tackle Jason Fox will also be eyed carefully.

At running back, Lamar Miller showed he seems headed for another 1,000-yard rushing season. But there’s a bit of concern about depth.

As for the guys catching Tannehill’s passes it’s a split opinion. When Parker is healthy they’ll be a dangerous group. But until then, wide receiver Jarvis Landry and tight end Jordan Cameron have to carry the load and it’s anyone’s guess how that will go.

Depth is still something that has to be taken into account when projecting Miami’s season. Given good health among starters, this team seems as though it could win 10 games. But with normal NFL health, it could be anywhere from an eight- to 10-win season.

–Miami claimed quarterback Logan Thomas, who was waived by Arizona, and added him to the 53-man roster. The Dolphins, who carried two quarterbacks last season, now have three – Tannehill, Matt Moore and Thomas.

General manager Dennis Hickey said the team was intrigued by Thomas’ skills.

“We tracked him in the draft preparation last year,” Hickey said. “He was drafted in the fourth round by the Arizona Cardinals, but we liked his skill set, the size, the arm talent and we saw development from year one to year two.”

–There’s no word on whether wide receiver DeVante Parker (foot) or left tackle Branden Albert (knee) will play in the opener at Washington. Parker made his debut in the preseason finale against Tampa Bay. He played seven snaps, was targeted three times and had one reception for 11 yards. Parker, the first-round pick from Louisville, began practicing last week.

Albert, who began practicing two weeks ago, didn’t play in preseason.

Notes: Linebacker Neville Hewitt, the undrafted rookie from Marshall, was among the biggest surprises to make the 53-man roster. Hewitt made it largely through special teams. … Center/guard Jacques McClendon was a bit of a surprise to make the final roster. McClendon got a shot at starting guard duties and backup center duties and some thought he did not seem to beat out fellow center/guard Sam Brenner. … Cornerback Will Davis, who was on the bubble, had two interceptions in the preseason finale against Tampa Bay to help solidify his spot on the roster. … Wide receiver Matt Hazel, the 2014 sixth-round pick from Coastal Carolina, made the final 53-man roster with a strong performance in the preseason finale against Tampa Bay. … Running back LaMike James will officially be called LaMike, not LaMichael. The Dolphins made the change last week. James, who will serve as the kickoff and punt returner, said he’s always been known as LaMike to those who know him and said that’s what he wants to be called.