I don’t really want to write about the Miami Dolphins. First of all, as a Bills fan, the Dolphins are the most-hated rival and the thought of Fish fan always bringing up an undefeated season from 38 years ago makes me sick every time. Second of all, trying to figure what this team is going to do is easier than trying to dodge drops of rain during a downpour like we had here in Ottawa on Sunday. Their record going back to 2005 has been like this: 9-7, 6-10, 1-15, 11-5 and 7-9. Where’s the freakin’ pattern?
Coming off a 1-15 season in 2007, new head coach Tony Sparano was able to achieve instant success in 2008 by going 11-5. That all changed in 2009 in a 7-9 season when they couldn’t sneak up on anybody and would get the best from their opponents every week. So, are the Dolphins closer to being an 11 win team or a 7 win team? My guess is somewhere in the middle.
Chad Henne has shown promise that he can be the long-term quarterback for the Dolphins. However, it didn’t help when owner Stephen Ross proclaimed that he could be the next Dan Marino. He’ll get some help with the addition of Brandon Marshall from Denver. Marshall has already put himself into the diva category in his short time in the NFL, but there’s no doubt that he’s one of the Top 10 receivers in the league. The problem for me is figuring out where the second option will be for Henne, especially after the loss of Ted Ginn via trade to San Francisco. My guess is that tight end Anthony Fasano will be very busy this season.
The running game is set with the 1-2 punch of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. I also love what fullback Lousaka Polite offers as a short-down and goal-line back. If you need a yard, this guy is money in the bank. The run game is so vital to them. It allows them to make 3rd downs easier to convert since they’re shorter, dominate time of possession and keep defences on the field.
The offensive line will be strong as well with Jake Long anchoring at left tackle. I like the addition of Richie Incognito at left guard. There’s no doubt that he’s a nut-case and a risk for unnecessary penalties, but he’s too talented to pass on.
Defensively, they made a lot of changes and unfortunately, it might be their downfall. A lot of veteran players that produced for them were let go to allow for young guys to step up. But can they really replace the loss of Joey Porter and Jason Taylor with what they have now and still be as good? The old guys allowed Miami to be second in the league in sacks a year ago.
Two players to look out for in camp are Chad Pennington and Ronnie Brown. Pennington is pencilled as the fourth-stringer at the quarterback spot, but all reports indicate that he’s having a great off-season and could be the backup sooner rather than later. What does he have left after numerous shoulder injuries? Ronnie Brown is pencilled in as the starter right now, but can he stay healthy long enough to make the impact that’s always expected of him?
2010 Prediction: 9-7