Here’s a look at the first half of the season for the Miami Dolphins (4-4) and a preview of what to expect in the second half:

Grade (B-): Things are far from perfect in Miami. However, the team is on pace to meet most preseason expectations. Before training camp, I predicted the Dolphins to win seven games this season under rookie head coach Adam Gase, and they are on that pace. Gase did a complete overhaul with the scheme on offense, defense and key personnel in his first year. There have been early growing pains, but progress is evident. The Dolphins have lost by double digits only once in eight games. Most importantly, the team was better in October than it was in September, especially on offense where it found its identity as a run-first team.

Midseason MVP: The offensive line has carried the Dolphins, especially in recent weeks. But since the MVP must go to one player, running back Jay Ajayi gets the nod. Ajayi exploded out of nowhere to post back-to-back 200-yard games in Week 6 and Week 7 and leads Miami with 646 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He brought balance to the Dolphins’ offense, which has helped the passing game and kept the defense well-rested. Ajayi is an unlikely MVP pick. He lost his starting job in the preseason to Arian Foster, who is now retired, and was left home when the team traveled to play Seattle in Week 1.

Best moment: The Dolphins shocked the NFL by dominating Pittsburgh 30-15 in Week 6. Thoroughly beating a Super Bowl contender was a glimpse of what Miami hopes to be long-term under Gase. Ajayi had his first of two 200-yard games, and the defense pummeled Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. It also was the first game the Dolphins' starting five on the offensive line played together this season.

Worst moment: Where do you start with Miami's Week 5 loss to Tennessee? Was giving up a season-high 235 rushing yards the worst moment? How about first-round pick Laremy Tunsil falling in the shower and injuring his ankle hours before the game? What about starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill being booed in favor of backup Matt Moore in the fourth quarter? The game was an all-around disaster for Miami, but the team did rebound after this loss.

Player to watch: Keep a close eye on Tannehill down the stretch. The Dolphins must decide in these final eight games if he is their long-term solution at quarterback. He signed a $96 million extension in 2015, and his salary nearly doubles from $9.34 million this season to $18 million next season. That’s a big number, and the Dolphins have the option to avoid it in the offseason with a manageable penalty on their salary cap. Tannehill started slow this season, but played better once the running game and offensive line clicked. That must continue for Tannehill to have a strong second half of the season.

Second-half outlook: The Dolphins should improve with overall execution after learning a new offense and defense this season. But here is the bad news: Miami will play on the road in five of the next seven weeks, where the team is 0-3 this season. The Dolphins have shown no semblance of being a good road team, and that likely will continue and lead to another season of missing the playoffs. Miami hasn't qualified for the postseason since 2008.