2020 has been a tough year for everyone across the world. But for Florida sports fans, they did get to enjoy more than others. Here is a “Year in Review” for ALL the Professional Florida Sports Teams.
Miami Marlins
If there was one team that represented Florida sports in 2020, it was the Miami Marlins. The “Bottom Feeders” came into the 2020 MLB season with a lack of popularity and a team that everyone thought should be beat up on. Instead, the Miami Marlins made the MLB playoffs for the first time since 2003, sweeping the Cubs in the wild-card round.
The Marlins weren’t just a top story in 2020 for Florida, but for the whole sports world. The team overcame Covid concerns in which 1/3 of the team tested positive for Covid-19. And guess what? The Marlins won those games with 1/3 of their players out. The team relied on minor leaguers, and top prospects, but the end result was a playoff appearance.
2020 proved that the Marlins are no team to play around with. The Marlins also proved that no matter what the circumstance is, the “Bottom Feeders” will step to the occasion.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays had a lucky and happy 2020, finishing with a .667 win percentage. The Rays were AL Champs, making it all the way to the World Series but losing to the Dodgers. The Rays only made the World Series one other time, with that being in 2008.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning weren’t just the best Florida team in 2020, but they were the best NHL team. The Lightning were 2020 Stanley Cup champs, winning in 6 games to the Dallas Stars. The Lightning only won one other Stanley Cup, and that came in 2004.
Florida Panthers
While the Florida Panthers didn’t make it far in the playoffs, they did make the playoffs, which was a big step in the Panthers young future. The Panthers’ previous playoff appearance came in 2016.
Miami Heat
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The Miami Heat have been one of the best Florida teams for years, but in 2020 they were special. In the process of playing in an NBA Bubble, the Heat made it all the way to the NBA Finals in which they lost against the Lakers. This was the Heat’s first Finals appearance since 2014.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic were one of the youngest NBA teams in 2020, but it didn’t matter. The Magic made the playoffs with big breakout years coming out of Jonathan Isaac and Nikola Vucevic.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins were some team in 2020. The Dolphins defense went from ranked bottom last, to the top of the NFL. The Fins defense ranked first in forced turnovers (27), first in turnover margin (+11), first in fourth-down offense (87.5%), first in KO coverage (15.6 YPR), first in third-down defense (30.7%), and third in defensive interception rate (Numbers entering Week 17, right before 2021).
As 2020 comes to a close, the Dolphins hold the 5th seed in the AFC. What happens in 2021 is up for grabs, but one thing is for sure: The Dolphins culture is one of the best with Brian Flores.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the story of the NFL offseason in 2020. They acquired big names including Tom Brady, and Rob Gronkowski. During the season, they also signed star WR Antonio Brown.
As 2020 comes to an end, the Bucs clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2007. The playoffs will be soon in 2021, with a good chance at making it far with Tom Brady.
Jacksonville Jaguars
2020 wasn’t exactly too nice to the Jaguars. But on the positive side, the Jaguars will have the #1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Jaguars future looks very bright, with Trevor Lawrence on his way as well as the rise of James Robinson.
Conclusion
Nothing beat Florida sports in 2020! The Lightning won the Stanley Cup and the Rays and Heat were champions of their league. Also, the Magic, Marlins, and Panthers made the playoffs. For the NFL Florida teams, the playoffs come in January of 2021, even though it is still considered the 2020 season. The Buccaneers have clinched a playoff spot already, but it is yet to be determined if the Dolphins make the playoffs. If the Dolphins do make the playoffs, that is 8 out of the 9 Florida teams making the playoffs in 2020. HOW AMAZING IS THAT!