MIAMI -- The Miami Dolphins open the 2022 NFL regular season at home against the New England Patriots on Sept. 11.
With a new head coach in Mike McDaniel and a revamped roster, the Dolphins hope to snap their five-year playoff drought in a loaded AFC, all while keeping their two-year streak of winning seasons alive.
The strength of their conference is exactly what makes this offseason so critical -- there's little margin for error in a conference where 10 wins might not be enough to make the playoffs. They'll need to integrate their new players and learn McDaniel's system quickly to avoid an early-season hole from which it may be difficult to escape.
Here's a 53-man roster projection heading into summer break:
QUARTERBACK (2): Tua Tagovailoa, Teddy Bridgewater
This is an important season for Tagovailoa as Miami has put together the best supporting cast he's ever had around him. The team also brought in a high-quality backup in Bridgewater to help keep the ship afloat if Tagovailoa should have to miss any time. Seventh-round draft pick Skylar Thompson won't make the 53-man roster but is a virtual lock for the practice squad in this scenario.