Reshad Jones

Five things we learned about the Dolphins this preseason

Published Sep. 8, 2015 8:00 a.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The Miami Dolphins began the offseason with questions on both sides of the ball. The offensive line has been below average for the past two seasons, and starting left tackle Branden Albert is recovering from a torn ACL. The offense has firepower led by Ryan Tannehill and Lamar Miller, but both will need help from their front five to succeed.

The defense, however, should engender optimism. With the addition of Ndamukong Suh this offseason, the defensive line should go from great to elite. A strong pass rush will put constant pressure on quarterbacks, which will in turn help mask a shaky secondary.

With the regular season set to kick off on Thursday, here are the five most important things we learned from the Bills' preseason.

1. The offensive line still needs work

Entering this season, the biggest question mark for the Dolphins was the offensive line. Unfortunately, those concerns haven't been entirely alleviated, as the offensive line still looks shaky. However, if Branden Albert can remain healthy, it will give the pass protection a big boost.

2. Ryan Tannehill is ready to take the next step

Few quarterbacks have looked as strong as Ryan Tannehill this preseason; he's completed 80.5 percent of his passes for 303 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. He's poised for a breakout season, especially with a new bevy of weapons on offense. As long as the offensive line can give him enough time to stand back there and throw, he should be a top-10 quarterback this season.

3. Jay Ajayi may not have a huge impact in 2015

The Dolphins scooped up tumbling running back Jay Ajayi in the fifth round after concerns about the longevity of his new surfaced. He's was in and out of practice due to injury and has found himself buried on the depth chart behind Lamar Miller, Damien Williams and LaMichael James. After being placed on short-term IR, Ajayi will miss the first eight games of the season.

4. The defensive line is elite

By adding Ndamukong Suh this offseason, the Dolphins took their defensive line to new heights. It has wreaked havoc up front all preseason, while the first-team defense has allowed just three points in three games. Suh and company have lived up to the hype thus far, and it should continue into the regular season.

5. Reshad Jones is poised for strong season

Last season, Reshad Jones put up numbers in 12 games that most safeties would be thrilled with over a 16-game season. In 2015, he should be able to replicate those numbers, and even improve upon them. He's looked great in the preseason, even without running mate Louis Delmas on the backend.

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