What Is 2016 Miami Dolphins football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Miami Dolphins finished the NFL season with a 10-6 record, securing an AFC East division title and their first playoff berth since 2008. They lost 27-20 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round on January 8, 2017.

Key Facts

10-6 regular season record under head coach Adam Gase
Won AFC East for first time since 2008
Ranked 2nd in AFC with 395 total points scored
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw for 3,034 yards and 19 touchdowns
Lost 27-20 to Pittsburgh Steelers in Wild Card round

Overview

The 2016 Miami Dolphins marked a turning point for the franchise, ending an eight-year playoff drought and capturing their first AFC East title since 2008. Under first-year head coach Adam Gase, the team showed significant improvement from their 6-10 record in 2015, finishing the regular season with a 10-6 record.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill returned from injury to lead a balanced offense, while the defense featured standout performances from safety Reshad Jones and linebacker Kiko Alonso. The Dolphins' resurgence was fueled by strong performances in close games and a resilient team culture cultivated by Gase.

10-6 record: The Dolphins won 10 games for the first time since 2008, clinching the AFC East title on the final day of the season with a win over the New England Patriots.
Division title: Their AFC East championship was the first since the 2008 season, breaking a streak of dominance by the New England Patriots in the division.
Playoff appearance: The team qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2008, ending the longest active playoff drought in the NFL at the time.
Scoring offense: Miami ranked 2nd in the AFC with 395 total points, averaging 24.7 points per game, a significant improvement from 2015.
Defensive turnaround: The defense allowed only 317 points (19.8 per game), a marked improvement from the previous season’s 399 points allowed.

How It Works

The success of the 2016 Dolphins stemmed from a combination of strategic coaching, player development, and effective use of personnel. Adam Gase’s offensive system emphasized ball control and minimizing mistakes, which proved crucial in tight games.

Quarterback play: Ryan Tannehill made 15 starts, throwing for 3,034 yards and 19 touchdowns with only 12 interceptions, showing improved decision-making.
Running game: Jay Ajayi emerged as a star, rushing for 1,272 yards and 8 touchdowns in the final eight games, including four 200-yard performances.
Receiving corps: Jarvis Landry led the team with 110 receptions for 1,136 yards, showcasing his reliability on short and intermediate routes.
Defensive improvement: Kiko Alonso recorded 133 tackles and 3 interceptions, anchoring a defense that ranked 10th in points allowed.
Special teams: Placekicker Cody Parkey made 28 of 32 field goals, providing consistent scoring and minimizing missed opportunities.
Coaching impact: Adam Gase’s first season as head coach earned him NFL Coach of the Year consideration, praised for maximizing player potential.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2016 Dolphins compared favorably to recent seasons and division rivals in several key statistical categories.

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against	Playoff Result
2016 Miami Dolphins	10-6	395	317	Lost Wild Card
2015 Miami Dolphins	6-10	328	399	Did not qualify
2016 New England Patriots	14-2	441	250	Won Super Bowl
2016 Buffalo Bills	8-8	311	299	Did not qualify
2016 New York Jets	5-11	275	349	Did not qualify

The table highlights how the 2016 Dolphins improved significantly from 2015, outperforming division rivals Buffalo and New York. While they didn’t match New England’s dominance, their balanced performance earned them a playoff spot and renewed optimism for the future.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a pivotal moment for the Dolphins franchise, signaling a potential shift from rebuilding to competitiveness in the AFC. It restored fan engagement and elevated expectations for future seasons.

End of playoff drought: The team’s appearance in the postseason ended the longest active drought in the NFL, boosting morale and franchise credibility.
Player development: Jay Ajayi’s breakout season demonstrated the team’s ability to develop talent, earning him Pro Bowl consideration.
Coaching validation: Adam Gase’s success in his first year led to a contract extension and increased influence over team direction.
Market impact: Improved performance increased ticket sales and local media interest, strengthening the team’s financial outlook.
Foundation for future: The season laid the groundwork for roster moves in 2017, including the acquisition of key defensive players.
Regional pride: The division title reinvigorated fan support in South Florida, a region with strong NFL competition from other sports.

The 2016 Miami Dolphins season remains a benchmark for recent franchise success, remembered for its resilience, unexpected rise, and return to relevance in the NFL landscape.