It is time to turn the page for the inconsistent Miami Dolphins. The team finished 8-8 for the second straight year.

How can Miami get better in 2015? Here are three New Year's resolutions:

Resolution No. 1: Figure out defensive issues

Analysis: Is it the 4-3 scheme? Is it the players? Is it defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle? Probably elements of all three were issues with the Dolphins down the stretch. Miami had a top defensive unit through 10 games but gave up 32.5 points per game in the final six weeks. It was a baffling collapse that had coaches and players dumbfounded. The offseason will provide plenty of time to reflect to fix certain defensive issues.

Resolution No. 2: Increase cap room

Analysis: It's time for Dolphins general manager Dennis Hickey to go to work in his second season. Miami has a lot of high-priced veterans, and the team must decide who to keep or release in order to free up cap room. Several names could be on the chopping block: cornerback Cortland Finnegan, linebackers Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler and receivers Brandon Gibson and Brian Hartline. Hickey must go through the books and decide who is worth keeping around at their projected salary. The Dolphins also need money freed up to chase outside free agency.

Resolution No. 3: Find a game-changing linebacker

Analysis: Miami thought it had its linebacker position set in 2013 when it signed Ellerbe and Wheeler to big free-agent contracts. The team was wrong. Both turned out to be busts in two seasons and now the Dolphins are starting over. I think linebacker is Miami's biggest need. The Dolphins need an difference-maker at the position who can stuff the run and cover tight ends and slot receivers. Jelani Jenkins is the only starting linebacker guaranteed to return.