The Miami Dolphins got off to a dreadful start in 2011. Seven losses to start the campaign sparked a 6-10 season. The results cost Coach Tony Sparano his job.

But there was reason for optimism. Of the 10 losses, three were by a field goal and two were by a single point. And despite the early-season struggles, Miami had the best defense in terms of points allowed in the AFC East.

So, can the Dolphins, with a new coach and a resurgent Reggie Bush, capitalize on a strong second half in 2011 by turning it into a playoff run in 2012? Brian Miller, editor and lead writer for Phin Phanatic, shares his thoughts below:

Zoneblitz: What do you think of the Joe Philbin hire?

Brian Miller: While I would have to say that Joe Philbin wasn’t on the top of my head coach list, he was in the top four or five. I think the one thing that Joe will bring to Miami is an exciting offense and maybe finally a franchise quarterback. His ability to game plan has been exemplary in Green Bay, working hand in hand with Mike McCarthy. In addition, he is highly respected by his players and has been at every stop of his coaching career. I think he will change the attitude of this team from a “hope we win” to a “we can win” attitude.

Zoneblitz: Is the Dolphins 2012 starting quarterback currently on the roster or do you think they have to go outside the organization? And why?

Miller: The franchise quarterback is not on the Miami Dolphins roster but the starting QB may be. If the team is unable to land a free agent quarterback they will turn to the draft and despite the notion that Robert Griffin III is a hot prospect, I do not believe that he can unseat Matt Moore going into training camp and likely the opening weekend of the season.

Frankly I’m not sold on RGIII and wouldn’t trade up for him. I do however believe that we will draft a quarterback to groom for the future and that would make Matt Moore the starter for 2012. Despite rumors of Peyton Manning interest, the fact is that Manning is still recovering from his neck surgeries and is a questionable signing until he is completely healed.

Zoneblitz: Has there been talk of reuniting Philbin with Packers quarterback Matt Flynn?

Miller: Fans and media alike are talking about Matt Flynn and it makes for a natural reunion. For Flynn, if Miami shows interest, it would be in his best interest to join the team. He knows he will be the starter, he knows the system and he knows what is expected by the coach. Miami gives Flynn the best possible opportunity for success. On the other side of that coin, no one outside of Green Bay knows what Flynn can and can’t offer. If the Dolphins and Joe Philbin pass on Flynn, it very well may be an indication that Philbin does not endorse his former backup. Flynn may not decide in the end to go to Miami, but whether or not the Dolphins show interest could be telling.

Zoneblitz: Has Reggie Bush won over the team, giving him a chance to repeat the season he just had in 2012? Or is he still a committee back?

Miller: I believe that this will depend entirely on last year’s rookie Daniel Thomas and the playbook that goes into Philbin’s plan. Some believe that free agent Ryan Grant could be a target of Philbin in free agency and that would make a very crowded back-field. Bush has displayed the ability to be an every down back and it will be up to Philbin and his offensive coordinator to determine how best to utilize him. As of now, there is no way of knowing the exact style of offense that the Dolphins will be employing.

Zoneblitz: The Dolphins had the best scoring defense in the AFC East and the offense was middle of the road. Why didn’t they win more games?

Miller: Ironically, early on, the Dolphins offense kept the team in games and the defense struggled. Against New England in week one, the defense fell apart in the second half. They had another let down in week two and lost the game for the Phins on the final play in week three to the Browns.

They followed that with several more losses that the Dolphins offense were in position to win. Needless to say, the offense also was up and down and the defense finally turned it around, however too late. The priority for Joe Philbin will be to elevate the offense from “middle of the road” to a team that eventually will have success like the Packers … no easy task and definitely not one that will happen overnight. Defensively, no one is sure what style of defense will be played. The team could remain a 3-4 or switch to a 4-3.

Zoneblitz: What does the loss of Jason Taylor mean to the Dolphins?

Miller: Aside from his locker room leadership, Taylor won’t be as missed as people think. He was a great value to the team in terms of teaching younger players how to prepare for a game, but in reality, his game wasn’t what it used to be and more times than not, his diminished speed provided opportunity for opposing teams to exploit his pass coverage skills. Still, his preparedness for the games and his leadership role will be hard to replace.

Zoneblitz: After an 0-7 start, Miami finished 6-3. How far away is this team from being competitive?

Miller: Not far, believe it or not. The team needs to mentally understand that they can win. That is the task that Philbin will have to get through to them. They need better fundamental coaching and that is something that Joe Philbin is supposed to be excellent at. A couple of players on the line, a linebacker and a safety to go along with a quarterback and this team could make major strides in 2012. If the team is unsuccessful in obtaining a solid quarterback, they will finish around 8-8 or worse again next season.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the Dolphins do in the draft and free agency?

Miller: Obviously quarterback is important and I would like to see them do whatever it takes to address that position whether it be Matt Flynn or Peyton Manning if available. Addressing the offensive line is an absolute must as Vernon Carey and Marc Colombo are turnstiles on the right side. Preferably they will address that need in free agency and leave the draft to get play makers for the offense or defense. In round one I would like to see them take one of the top wide receivers or grab a pass rushing outside linebacker. I also wouldn’t be opposed to throwing all the apples in the cart to move up for Andrew Luck, which likely won’t happen. I do not want to see them trade up for RGIII.

Zoneblitz: How have the deep pocketed Miami Heat and the Miami Marlins, complete with new stadium, affected the Dolphins’ fan base?

Miller: They haven’t. Winning has. Stephen Ross wants to win and will spend money wherever need be and former owner Wayne Huizenga did as well. Last season Ross was smart in being more frugal with the spending in free agency due to the lockout. Most teams who advanced into the playoffs and went deep were teams with an already solid core that was held over from 2010. Ross needs to spend to give his new coach every advantage to win. The fan base will return as soon as the team starts playing competitive and exciting.

Zoneblitz: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Miller: Too much speculation is being made of Philbin’s inexperience with calling plays and I don’t believe that will be an issue. He has molded the Green Bay Packers into the offense they are but in Miami he will lack the arm of a Aaron Rodgers. That is what he and Jeff Ireland will be tasked to find. If they can find a suitable quarterback, this team can make big things happen but if they can’t, then there will be games that they should win, that they won’t. That is the difference between good teams and great teams.

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