Miami Dolphins offense needs to score more points

Barring a miracle, the Dolphins will not be headed to the playoffs in 2012 -- but don't blame Miami's defense or special teams for that. The Dolphins currently rank No. 27 in the NFL in points per game, averaging a meager 18.9 points per contest.

In today's NFL, a scoring output that low isn't going to get you too far.

Chris Perkins of the Sun-Sentinel noted that the Dolphins simply don't have the personnel on offense to keep up with teams like the New England Patriots -- and that it's a problem for Miami:

But let's look at the reason for that bottom line. The thing that became apparent in Sunday's 23-16 loss to New England, and a number of other games this year, is the Dolphins don't have the players on their roster to score more points.

This is a front office/scouting issue. And it can't be fixed until the offseason, when there's the draft (the Dolphins are loaded with one first-round pick, two second-round picks, and two third round picks) and free agency.

With five draft picks in the first three rounds, the Dolphins should be able to surround quarterback Ryan Tannehill with weapons to help put points on the board.

Unfortunately for Dolphins fans, the draft isn't until April, and the Dolphins won't be able to play with their hypothetical shiny new toys until next year's training camp.

Still, the Dolphins clearly have a defense that's good enough to win in the NFL. Miami's special teams unit is sound.

In an offensive league, however, the Dolphins need to score points -- and they failed in that regard in 2012.