As the 2020 free agency and draft swiftly approach, we usher in a new decade of Miami Dolphins football. While we all anticipate more success in this coming era of the team — something unseen with consistency for far too long — it can be fun to reflect on the last ten years of the team and see what the squad would look like had it been assembled with the best players at their respective positions from 2010 through 2019.
24 offensive players. 26 Defensive players. Three specialists.
Without further ado, here are the 24 offensive players for the all-decade squad:
Quarterbacks (2)
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Tannehill
This was easy. It also was a tad depressing. Ryan Tannehill was the starting QB from 2012 until his injury and subsequent re-injury at the end of 2016 and entering 2017. The others? Chad Henne in 2009 and part of 2010, with Matt Moore wrapping up that season. Jay Cutler and Matt More manned the ship during the disastrous 2017 season before Tannehill returned with a sprinkling of Brock Osweiler in 2018. This past season we witnessed the seasoned Fitzmagic for all but three starts, where Josh Rosen started three duds.
Fitzpatrick’s fearless 2019 campaign coupled with the seven Ryan Tannehill seasons made them an easy choice for the roster.
Runningbacks (4)
Ricky Williams, Ronnie Brown, Reggie Bush, Lamar Miller
Although 2010 was the last season we would see either Ricky or Ronnie, I’d be doing a disservice to leave off the number two and number three running backs on Miami’s all-time rushing list off the all-decade team. Reggie Bush and Lamar Miller were both under-appreciated during their time in Miami, but Reggie was actually efficient to the tune of 4.7 yards per carry combined over two seasons, proving he could indeed carry the load. Lamar Miller gets the nod over Jay Ajayi and Kenyan Drake based on longevity and standing on the all-time rushing list (14th).
Wide Receivers (6)
Brandon Marshall, Brian Hartline, Jarvis Landry, Devante Parker, Kenny Stills, Jakeem Grant (KR/PR)
The trade to acquire Brandon Marshall and subsequent trade away from Miami marred his time with the Dolphins, but that doesn’t discount his talent and the fact he managed back to back 1,000+ yard seasons with the combination of Henne and Matt Moore. Brian Hartline was a route-running surgeon on the field, and he too managed to string together consecutive 1,000 yard campaigns. Jarvis Landry is the literal definition of a competitor. In hindsight, one can’t really fault him for not wanting to be tied to Adam Gase. Kenny Stills brought speed and leadership. And in 2019 we witnessed the best of Devante Parker — it was glorious. Jakeem Grant is far and away the best return man of the 2010’s, so he gets the nod as wide receiver six.
Tight Ends (3)
Mike Gesicki, Anthony Fasano, Charles Clay
Mike Gesicki: Athletic freak who can be a mismatch against smaller corners. Anthony Fasano: the veteran blocker. Charles Clay: gadget guy/H-back. It’s that simple with this group. Charles Clay’s career has been hampered by injury, but his best years were with the Dolphins.
Offensive Lineman (9)
Jake Long, Laremy Tunsil, Ja’wuan James, Branden Albert, Mike Pouncey, Richie Incognito, Vernon Carey, Jesse Davis, Joe Berger
Yes. This list is lacking guards. Says a thing or two about the quality of interior offensive linemen this team has fielded since 2010, doesn’t it? Well, in this instance, you make it work. Someone kicks inside. Jake Long being the first overall pick in 2007 over Matt Ryan will forever be one of Miami’s (many) quarterback gaffes. That being said, he was on a Hall of Fame trajectory if his career hadn’t been cut short by injuries. Tunsil was so good he was traded for a quarterback’s ransom (you love to see it). This list in general is not bad at all when you look at it in a vacuum — impressive to consider compared to how bad the offensive line has been overall over the last ten seasons.
Specialists (3)
Brandon Fields (P), Jason Sanders (KR), John “the GOAT” Denney (LS)
Brandon Fields punted for the fins for eight seasons; compiling an average of 46.8 yards per punt during that time. Jason Sanders has a small sample size thus far, but he has a massive leg and projects more favorably than the other FIVE kickers the team fielded in the ten year span. John Denney need no introduction or explanation. He was a fan favorite for a long, long time.
There you have it! The offensive and special teams portion of the all 2010’s team. Agree? Disagree? Let’s hear what you would do differently.
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