SB Nation User Blog: Miami Dolphins Nation

Training Camp Preview Part 11: Cornerbacks

Miami Dolphins Nation — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:06:49 -0000

It was pretty obvious that the corners were this defenses biggest weakness last season. Despite the below average play from this group, the Dolphins defense still finished in the top 10 in several categories.

Yes, some of that may have to do with the weak schedule, with the defense going up against some of the worst offenses in the league week after week. It was clear though that even when this defense was playing well, it could never reach elite status until the secondary had major upgrades.

You could see it even on that long stretch when they did not give up a touchdown for like three straight weeks. Teams were able to move the ball on Miami, but once they got in the red zone and could not throw the deep ball the corners where less exposed.

This group was exposed the most when teams went to a spread offense. The Chiefs and Patriots both played this type of offense against the phins and it was almost like they only had 8 or 9 defenders on the field. They had absolutely no answer for it.

It's tough to say how good the Dolphins defense is because at times they were great and at other times it looked like they were just submitting to opposing offenses. The huge inconsistency has to be pointed all at this group.

If you think back at the times the defense was not very good they were always getting dissected by the opposing quarterback. Whether it was Kurt Warner, Matt Cassel, Matt Schaubb, or Tyler Thigpen the Dolphins clearly could not match up with some of the better passing attacks of the league.

And if you look at it, that was four of the five loses and in the fifth loss Joe Flacco had one of his best performances as a rookie. So, it appears that the Dolphins are just consistent play out of the secondary away from being a contender.

Not that this is the only question mark on this team, and not saying that the Dolphins will win the Super Bowl if this group has a huge improvement. But, I think it is clear that, that won't even be a possibility until these corners become very good and consistent.

Projected Depth Chart

1. Will Allen: Had 3 picks last season and 50 tackles. It could be argued that he was the Dolphins best corner, even though Andre Goodman makes a case for that as well. Out of the guys expected to start he is the only one that is proven so he will have a huge responsibility. If the rookies struggle early on, how this unit produces will fall squarely on his shoulders. With Andre Goodman gone, if these rookies or even Eric Green don't perform well, Will Allen is going to have to become a pro-bowl, shutdown corner if this group has any hope.

2. Vontae Davis: With what is at stake, the Dolphins are banking a lot of the present and future on Davis and Smith. He has the skill set to be a very good corner in this league though. He is a very strong physical corner, which can be seen with his 25 bench press reps, and should be able to smother even bigger receivers in press coverage. He compliments his strength with very good speed for a physical guy. He ran a 4.4 at his pro day, giving him all the credentials to be a future shutdown corner in this league, but with the Dolphins predicament hopefully he can achieve that role sooner rather than later.

3. Sean Smith: Is very tall for a corner at 6'3 and should match up well against some of the tall receivers that the AFC East has to offer. He does not have the typical body for a corner, but with his 4.47 40 he is fast enough to play the position. Why wouldn't you want his height with all of the fade routes and jump balls offenses throw nowadays. You would think that the competition he played against might have yielded to some of the success he had in college, but he was outstanding against big time colleges like Alabama and Michigan last season.

4. Eric Green: Was brought over from Arizona in free-agency and was looked to be a downgrade from Andre Goodman, until the Dolphins did what they did in the draft. If the rookies develop well and contribute this season Green will be a pretty nice pickup giving the Dolphins some quality depth. But if not, he will be a downgrade from last years starter. He only has two picks in his career and struggled last season even though he says he was playing hurt all year.

5. Jason Allen: It is hard to believe that Allen was a former first round pick, but then again it was in the Nick Satan era. Allen has struggled throughout his career and has been back and fourth between safety and cornerback and has never really found a home. He has been a special teams standout, sharing the lead for special teams tackles last year. The only problem is, you usually don't draft guys in the first round for special teams.

6. Nathan Jones: Made some really nice plays for the Dolphins in nickel and dime situations. Led all defensive backs with 3 sacks and had a pick. Those sacks were huge for Miami, as if I remember correctly, came at times when they really needed a stop.

7. Joey Thomas: The four year veteran played in six games for the Dolphins last season and the only thing statistical he contributed was 4 tackles.

8. Ethan Kilmer: The former 7th round pick has spent his first three seasons in Cincinnati. Had a decent 2006 season with 19 tackles and a interception but has since just contributed on special teams.

9. Will Billingsley: I love this guy because he is from my hometown in Fort Wayne. Seems like a lot of Fort Wayne guys end up playing for the Dolphins. Lamar Smith ring any bells? However he was just a practice squad guy last year and will likely be the same this season. Fort Wayne loves you though Will.

Position Battles: Sean Smith could push Vontae Davis for the other starting spot. This is unlikely because physically he is the better corner, but anything can happen with these rookies. Any of them could be dear in the headlights in their first season. But we should all hope Davis is the starter because really he is the only guy that has shutdown corner potential. Really the rookie who is the three will have to compete with Eric Green for that spot as well. Green was not brought here to be the long term solution, but his experience could grant him a big role especially if one of the rookies struggle.

Roster Spot Battles: The bottom three or four guys are all capable of being cut and will be competing for a spot on special teams or the practice squad during camp.

inside linebacker and safety previews @ http://miamidolphinnation.blogspot.com/

Training Camp Preview Part 9: Outside Linebackers

Miami Dolphins Nation — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:41:46 -0000

The ninth part in this series takes a look at what could be the most dominate position on the Dolphins roster this season. Last season Joey Porter was unstoppable in the first half of the year and was off to sack record breaking pace. He slowed down a bit toward the end of the year with teams keying to stop him and nobody else really stepped up to complement him. This off-season the Dolphins went after a Canadian league superstar and brought back Jason Taylor in hopes of getting a little help for Porter.

This is not the first time Joey and Jason have been on the same defense, with the first time not living up to the hype in the worst season in franchise history. However, this time figures to be much different. Under Cam Cameron Joey Porter was not able to play the type of football that made him a star. Often times having to drop back into coverage and not being used to his role in the 4-3 defense. However, last season the Dolphins ran the same type of 3-4 Porter ran in Pittsburgh and Joey turned in one of the most dominating seasons of his career.

This time Jason Taylor will be listed as a left outside linebacker something he has never been in his career, but has played the position during certain formations and had huge success lining up as a linebacker in Nick Saban's defense earning defensive MVP honors in 2006. I know this is wishful thinking and probably not very realistic, but just imagine if Jason Taylor played like he did in '06 and Joey Porter is the same guy he was in the first half of last season. This defense would be a top 5 defense no doubt in my mind. I know this is extremely unlikely but, we know it is possible because these guys have done it before. The only real concern with this group is that they are extremely old. Taylor and Porter are both probably in last couple years of their career so the future of this position is up in the air. For this season though the sky is the limit.

Projected Depth Chart

LOLB
1. Jason Taylor: Having said how much this guy is capable of their is still many question marks headed into this year. The first question is, is there anything left in the tank? Taylor had a very disappointing season for the Redskins last year, but a lot of that had to do with injuries. However, even when he was healthy he did not play like the Jason Taylor of old. Another question is, can he even be an outside linebacker for a whole season and play the position consistently? Yes, he has played it in Miami in the past, but that was just quick durations. I think that this could be a positive thing though. Being a defensive end is probably a little harder on the body always being in three point stance and there is sightly more contact than the outside linebacker position. Also, Taylor has always been an athletic defensive end, so the outside linebacker position should complement his skill set well. Bottom line is Taylor is out to prove something this year, with his pride taking a big hit last year, and he is out to win back the fans of Miami because his heart has always been with the Dolphins all along.

2. Matt Roth: Adapted well to his new role as an outside linebacker last season. Roth spent his college career and his rookie season as a defensive end, but really did not have the body type to be a 3-4 defensive end. Roth compiled 53 tackles and forced two fumbles. Roth is the one who takes the biggest hit with Taylor coming back but should still get plenty of playing time because it is unlikely Taylor will play every down. Roth will probably be playing for a future starting role for whenever Taylor decides to hang them up or not being able to still produce as a starter.

3. Quentin Moses: The former 3rd round pick has not lived up to where he was drafted, but has some experience if the Dolphins have injury woes. He only put up 3 tackles last season and had 8 the year before.

4. Eric Walden: The Dolphins acquired Walden off waivers last season after he was cut by the Chiefs. Probably will never contribute much as an outside linebacker, but will makes a solid impact on special teams.

ROLB
1. Joey Porter: His 17.5 sacks last season was good enough for 2nd in the league. It was clear that in this 3-4 defense Porter is worth every bit of the money it took to bring him to Miami. However, the only concern with Porter is he still capable of producing at that level for a whole season. Joey only had one sack in the final four games of the year so maybe his body can not continue to play at that high of a level for a whole season. Hopefully with Taylor coming back and hopefully maybe even one of the rookie defensive ends will step up and provide some pass rush and take the pressure off Porter, so he can produce all season long and toward the end of the year when we need him the most.

2. Cameron Wake: Was simply dominating in the Canadian Football League earning back to back defensive MVP honors, but then again it was in Canada. He is an extremely athletic linebacker though and everyone knew that going into the draft. He ran a 4.55 40 yard dash which is phenomenal for a linebacker. However, he went undrafted and eventually got cut by the Giants. He found a home in Canada though, and registered an outstanding 39 sacks in just two seasons. If any of that success can translate into the NFL the Dolphins will have a guy that can spell an old Joey Porter and possibly the future of the position.

3. Charlie Anderson: Put together some very solid stats for a guy that backed up Joey Porter. Charlie put up 27 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and recorded a safety in his first season with the Dolphins. Him and Cameron Wake will battle it out for the backup position.

4. Tearrius George: Was on the Cowboys roster last season and did contribute much at all. Will have an uphill battle at making this roster unless he can be a standout on special teams.

Position Battles: Jason Taylor will be the starter on this defense, but with his age, worst case scenario is that his performance suffers ealry on. If this happens expect him to split some time with Matt Roth, but even if he can show glimpses of his old self he should not worry much. Also, Charlie Anderson will battle new comer Cameron Wake for his backup position. With all the hype about how dominate Wake was in Canada he is the favorite to win, but can that translate into the much faster and bigger NFL.
Predicted Winners: Jason Taylor gets full-time role and Cameron Wake beats out Charlie Anderson

Roster Spot Battles: Tearrius George and Eric Walden will both be on the hot seat. Both will need to win a spot on special teams, but Eric Walden has already established himself as a solid special teamer so will likely take this this battle.
Predicted Cuts: Tearrius George

OFFENSIVE LINE, DEFENSIVE ENDS, AND NOSE TACKLE ON MY BLOG www.miamidolphinnation.blogspot.com

Training Camp Preview Part 5: Wide Receivers

Miami Dolphins Nation — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:14:12 -0000

The fifth part in Miami Dolphin Nation's training camp preview takes a look at the most scrutinized position on the Dolphins offense. The main reason is because the unit did not have a so called go to guy who put up big time stats and as a whole Dolphin wide-outs only produced five touchdowns. Twenty-two players had more receiving TD's than Miami's entire group. However, the Dolphins still had productivity in the category with the tight ends having 11 TD's and got 4 from the backs, so it is not like Miami's passing game was deficient at all. Miami had more of a spread it around offense as Pennington got the tight ends and backs involved heavily in the passing game, however there was really only three receivers that produced much at all: Ted Ginn Jr., Greg Camarillo, and Davone Bess. So, it is said that the unit did not have a true number one, and they probably don't, but even if they did have a guy like a T.O. or Andre Johnson it is unlikely he would put up great numbers in this offense. So, the guys the Dolphins already have may be much more talented than the media portrays. However, it was very clear that the Dolphins seriously lacked depth. When Greg Camarillo went down with the torn ACL, Miami's passing game took a serious hit and only Ted Ginn Jr. and Davone Bess where the only guys producing. Really without another quality guy the Dolphins had to line up players like Patrick Cobbs in the receiver slots. In the draft, they added Patrick Turner and Brian Hartline, guys who aren't expected to ever be big time stars in this league. There really were'nt any big time guys left when Miami was on the clock, but they might have got just what this offense needs; depth to the position now with possibly five guys who can come in and make an impact.

Projected Depth Chart

1. Ted Ginn Jr.: He finally got some of those critics off his back as he finally was able to produce some, after a dismal rookie season. While, he is still considered a bust by a good portion of the media, Ginn led the Dolphins in receiving yardage with a very respectable 790 yards and even contributed in the running game rushing for 2 TD's off of reverses. These are still modest numbers for a number one in this league, but again on this spread it around offense I think it is very encouraging for the once very dissapointing draft choice. Teddy is still very young, but we are starting to see glimses of what he is capable of and I think will eventually develope into a guy who will go for 1,000 yard seasons in the Chad Henne era.

2. Davone Bess: His resume at Hawaii was unbelievable. Davone set school and WAC records and was the primary target in one of the most prolific passing attacks in college football history. However, going into last years draft his game was not supposed to translate into the NFL. He ran a very disappointing 4.6 40 yard dash time at the combine and scouts were thinking he was just a product of the Hawaii system. Davone went undrafted, but was given a chance by Miami and his game translated quite nicely in the pros. Bess ended up third in receiving yards with 554 despite only starting six games. Bess may be undersized and run a slow 40, but he is a guy who gets the most out of everything he has and just knows how to play the game and is true football player.

3. Greg Camarillo: He would most likely be ahead of Bess of it was not for him tearing his ACL. You just don't know how he will come back from that especially since the injury happened kind of late into the season. Camarillo was leading this team in yardage when he went down and if he is 100% by the start of the season would challenge Ginn for number one reps. Greg is another guy who went undrafted, but he is just going to work harder than the next guy. However, if he is not the same after the injury expect the rookies to come in and get some more opportunities and possibly bury him on the depth chart.

4. Patrick Turner: Many of the experts did not like this pick when the Dolphins made Turner their 4th round selection. However, the case for Turner is this; there was not a can't miss guy left on the board when Miami picked so they went with the guy who would suit this offense the best. The Dolphins desperately needed a red zone target with only 5 TD's from the wide-outs, so the best fit was the 6'5 Turner who is just that. Being the huge target he is Turner accounted for 10 TD's last season for USC.

5. Brian Hartline: Put up very mediocre numbers in his last season in college, but that might have a lot to do with the Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor being more of a running quarterback. Hartline put up much better numbers his junior season and if would have came out early probably would have went higher in the draft.

6. Brandon London: Started one game during the regular season and was used sparingly throughout the year. Did not produce much during the season, but had a solid performance in the Wild Card game vs. the Ravens with 4 catches than 38 yards.

7. Brennan Marion: Is an undrafed rookie free agent out of Tulsa. Put up great numbers at Tulsa with back to back 1,000 yard seasons including an incredible 31.9 yards a catch his junior year.

8. Chris Williams: Another undrafted rookie free agent. Williams played his college ball at New Mexico State and has the potential to be the second fastest WR in Dolphins camp with a 40 yard dash time of a mid 4.3. Williams was a great kick returner in college and might have to impress in that category to make this roster.

9. Anthony Armstrong: Spent last season on the Dolphins practice squad and also spent time in the Arena Football League since graduating West Texas A&M in 2006.

Position Battles: There really is no exact battle between two players, but this might be the most competitive position in this years camp. There is no telling the way this might shake up. Greg Camarillo could end up anywhere from one to five, and Bess, Turner, and Hartline could end up anywhere from two to five. The only person that should really feel safe as a starter woud be Ted Ginn who will either be a one or two. The competition should get the most out of this group, with there really not being a whole lot of it on last seasons unit.

Roster Spot Battles: The number one through guys are going to make this team. The three established from veterans from last year are a lock and so are the two new drafted rookies. However, Brandon London, Brennan Marion, Chris Williams, and Anthony Armstrong will all compete for the final roster spot. Like a lot of positions the winner of this battle will have a lot to do with who contributes more on special teams. London had a solid contribution on special teams last season and probably has the edge on Armstrong, but there is just no way of telling how the rookies will fare.

www.miamidolphinnation.blogspot.com

Training Camp Preview Part 2: Running Backs

Miami Dolphins Nation — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:44:23 -0000

The second part of Miami Dolphins Nation's Training Camp preview features possibly the most talented and deep position on the Dolphin's roster. The Dolphin's rush offense ranked 11th in the league last season which is pretty impressive considering defenses didn't have to respect the deep pass could commit more to stopping the run. There is no reason to think Miami won't improve that ranking this season with a revamped offensive line and with Ronnie Brown at full strength after having a full off-season of workouts.

Projected Depth Chart

1. Ronnie Brown: There is no doubt Ronnie is the most talented back on this team and maybe the most talented player. The only question is how good can he be. We have seen glimses of greatness from him throughout his career, whether it be the five TD's against the Patriots, him leading the league in total yardage in 2007 before going down with a tore ACL, or all of those highlights of him trucking defenders. However, it just doesn't seem like he has ever reached his full potential, whether it be the ACL injury or him splitting carries with Ricky Williams. I mean its hard to believe that Ronnie has only made it over the 1,000 yard barrier once in his career. But, this season I just get the feeling that this kid is due for a great year. In my opinion he has the talent to be a top 5 back in this league, but it just hasn't all come together for him yet. On this team it would be hard for anyone to run for 1500 yards, with Ricky getting 100+ carries and the potential for Pat White to get some reps in the wildcat formation. However, during OTA's Ronnie looks to be in the best shape of his life and getting the majority of the carries. This might finally be Ronnie's year to finally be the stud we all know he is. Expect new career highs in yardage and touchdowns.

2. Ricky Williams: Ricky did a great job of contributing last season with over 600 yards and provided a great one-two-punch with Ronnie. He is getting up there in age and is obviously not the same back that he used to be but, he still has the talent to be a great number two in this league. However, expect his production and carries to drop some this season as Ronnie becomes more of the featured back in this offense, but at least he has played his way out of being hated by Dolphins fans as most people don't even remember the early retirement and failed drug tests.

3. Patrick Cobbs: This guy does it all, he was all over the field last year rushing, receiving, and playing special teams. He is not the most talented guy out there, but he is just a hard-nosed do it all guy. Cobbs didn't even run for 100 yards last year, but when called upon averaged over seven yards a carry. Cobbs led all Dolphins running backs with 295 receiving yards, including a 80 yard touchdown, which is pretty darn good for a number three. Expect, Cobbs to continue to have a role in this offense and on special teams this year, and maybe even get more opportunities.

4. Lex Hilliard: Was a 6th round pick out of Montana in the 2008 draft. Didn't get any playing time last year during the regular season but carried 24 times for 68 yards in the pre-season.

5. Anthony Kimble: Is an undrafted free agent out of Stanford. Kimble posted very good numbers at Stanford running for 717 yards on only 120 carries and 6 touchdowns.

Position Battles: There really are no position battles depth chart wise besides Hilliard and Kimble and that will likely be for a roster spot. However, Ronnie and Ricky will battle for a split carry role or Ronnie being more of the featured back. Early signs show that Ronnie's role is already increasing but, Ricky will still get his opportunities especially early on. As of right now expect Ronnie carries to increase from last season and Ricky's will most likely decrease but, if Ricky can get hot he will continue to get carries.

Roster Spot Battles: Lex Hilliard will battle with Anthony Kimble for the final running back spot on this roster as the Dolphins will most likely only keep four running backs. Hilliard has the size as he weighs in at over 240 but Kimble is a faster back. Who can make the biggest impact on special teams will most likely decide this battle.
www.miamidolphinnation.blogspot.com

Rookie Contracts

Miami Dolphins Nation — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:41:05 -0000

News came out last week that the Dolphins came to terms with rookie wide receiver Patrick Turner and linebacker J.D. Folsom. This is great that Patrick Turner will be in camp for day one as he will need to be in order to compete for a starting role. While, this still may be a long shot, it will be awfully tempting to put him in the game when the offense is getting close to the red zone, with his 6-5 frame. With this encouraging news about Turner's contract, we are also reminded about the contracts of those rookies still not signed.

The Dolphins top three picks Vontae Davis, Pat White, and Sean Smith all remain unsigned. It would be nice to have Pat White get signed and in camp to have Miami start experimenting ways that he can be utilized and to get a look at how he can play the actual position of quarterback in pre-season games. I think we all can't wait to see an athlete like White on the field, however the contracts of Davis and Smith are much more important. Here are two guys who were drafted to and expected to come in and make an imediate impact. The Dolphins secondary was the biggest weakness on this roster and it can be argued that if Davis and Smith turn out to be great shutdown guys this defense can reach a dominate level. That may be wishful thinking but if they don't get signed before camp and hold out into camp this secondary might be worst off than last season headed into the first game. With the loss of probably there best corner from last year, Andre Goodman, to free agency the Dolphins will be counting on these rookies to replace him and hopefully eventually be an upgrade. So, it is vitally important to get these guys in camp and playing in all of the pre-season games. Pre-season games get a bad wrap but rookies Davis and Smith will likely need all of them to adjust to the speed of the NFL game and be comfortable enough to make an impact week one.

Having said all of this, it is not even close to panic time yet. There is still a month before camp and there is no speculation of any hold-outs or negotiations hitting a wall, I am just stating how important it is to get these guys signed and ready for day one. I think Parcells and Ireland should have earned are trust by now and both know how important these kids will be in our AFC East title defense, so I would count on a deal getting done for both in the near future.

www.miamidolphinnation.blogspot.com

Training Camp Preview: Quarterbacks

Miami Dolphins Nation — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:40:27 -0000

Training Camp Preview Part 1: Quarterbacks

Now until training camp opens August 1st, Miami Dolphins Nation will break down every position starting with Quarterback. This has been a position that has haunted the Dolphins ever since Dan Marino retired. If the QB woes would have gone on much further I would have gone as far as to say we were under the curse of Marino. However, last season relief finally came, and from all places the Jets. Chad Pennington brought stability to a position that had been under scrutiny for nearly a decade as he led one of the greatest turnarounds in NFL history.

Projected Depth Chart

1. Chad Pennington: There is no question Pennington will be back under center but, next year might be another story. But for right now Chad is the perfect fit for this offense because he is model of consistancy and if you forget about the Wild Card round he does'nt turn the ball over. Some may say, he will have a down year because of his history in New York, but a lot of that had to do with the shoulder and that pretty feathery spiral he throws had a hard time in the windy conditions of the Meadowlands. So continue to expect great things out of Chad this year, and expect the offense as a whole should improve thier 21st in the league points per game ranking from last season.

2. Chad Henne: This is probably one of the biggest storylines of this years camp, as everyone will be keeping a close eye on the development of Chad Henne. With the Dolphins staff already hinting that they would like thier second round pick to be the starter for the 2010 season as everyone knows that Henne is the future for this franchise. Henne had a very solid pre-season last season and when he spelled Chad Pennington in week 2 vs. the Cardinals, he moved the offense right down the field. Under Henne the Dolphins offense has the potential to go places Pennington will never be able to take them. Yes, under Pennington the Dolphins can be a very good offense but, with 8 guys in the box all the time the running game takes a pretty big hit. However, Henne has the arm strength to really stretch the defense. Not saying that Henne will make this offense elite, but only under him do they have that potential, but for now Pennington is still the guy.

3. Pat White: Most people would probably say that the Dolphins only drafted Pat to play in the wildcat formation or move him to wide-out, but Miami has said all along that they drafted him to be a quarterback. This might not make much sense to most people, with the Dolphins already having Chad Henne waiting in the wings, but I say why put your whole future on one guy. Why not get an insurance policy for the most important position in the game? Pat White is the perfect insurance policy for Miami, because if they never need him and Chad Henne is the guy, then he is'nt a waist there are plenty of ways to utilize an athlete like White. They can put him in the wildcat, move him to wid-out, or have him return kicks. Pat White will be a great weapon for this offense.

Position Battles to watch

Widcat QB
Ronnie Brown/Pat White: With all the hype about Pat White running this formation it seems like everyone has forgot about Ronnie Brown. Listen, Ronnie Brown made the wildcat. Ronnie had the patience and vision to find the whole and had the ability to make something out of nothing. Ronnie also, had enough of an arm to make the defense respect it. Ronnie Brown was what made it work thats why everyone kept trying to copy the phins but no one had the type of success Miami did. However, having said all that Pat White is obviously a much better passer than Brown and would open up the formation that much more. The best guess is that the Dolphins will give both of them time in the formation. Look for them to run it a little bit in the pre-season but, you won't see any of the new or old wrinkles until it counts.

www.miamidolphinnation.blogspot.com

Dolphins Off-Season Report Card

Miami Dolphins Nation — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:35:04 -0000

Following an AFC East championship and arguably one of the most memorable seasons in franchise history the Dolphins still had many areas that needed improvement headed into the off-season. They did have a great year and all Dolphin fans should be very proud of the turnaround, but they benefited from several factors. First of all, to be honest, they most likely would not even have had the opportunity to compete for the division if Tom Brady didn't go down in week one. Secondly, they enjoyed a very easy schedule. They played the AFC and NFC West divisions which are arguably the two worst divisions in the league. The schedule thing might not be as big of deal if it were not for the fact that they struggled to pull out wins against teams that most playoff bound clubs blew out, like the Seahawks, Rams, Raiders, Chiefs, and 49ers. Yeah, a win is a win, but it does show there is vast room for improvement. Some of the main areas that needed improvement headed into the off-season were as follows:
1. Secondary: The pass defense was the biggest weakness of the Dolphins all season long. The unit ranked 25th in pass yardage surrendered and was torn apart on several occasions by, Matt Schaubb, Tyler Thigpen, and Matt Cassel.
2. Wide-Receiver: Though second year wide out Ted Ginn Jr. finally showed some promise, veteran Greg Camarrillo continued to over-achieve, and undrafted rookie free agent Davone Bess emerged into a solid starter they seriously lacked a go to threat or a red-zone target.
3. Offensive-Line: This group had a pretty good year but, the running game lacked the ability to run the ball effectively out of base formations.
4. Nose-Tackle: Jason Ferguson had a solid 2008 campaign, but the only problem is he is'nt getting any younger. Ferguson is now 34 and the Dolphins needed to add some youth to the position.
So, Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland and staff had some work to do this season to continue the turnaround of one of the most storied franchises in league history. They did not make a huge splash in free agency, as far as any big name signings, but they did make some very solid moves. They re-signed linebacker Channing Crowder, safety Yeremiah Bell, and offensive tackle Vernon Carey. All three played a huge role in winning the AFC East and Channing Crowder led the team in tackles. They also, signed gaurd Joe Berger, center Jake Grove, outside inebacker Cameron Wake, free safety Gibril Wilson, safety Ethan Kilmer, cornerback Eric Green, and welcomed back outside linebacker Jason Taylor. The Dolphins clearly improved their offensive line with the pickups of Grove and Berger which shoud impove the running game this season. The secondary was clearly starting to be rebuilt with the free-agent signings but, the Dolphins were waiting for the draft to find the future of the defensive backfield. The signing of Jason Taylor was a suprise for a lot of people but, really the Dolphins had nothing to lose. He wanted back in Miami so the Dolphins got him for pretty cheap. Sure, he is up there in age but, he is just two years removed from the Defensive MVP season and him and Joey Porter together have the potential to cause all kinds of havoc for quarterbacks this season. After a solid free agency the Dolphins had a somewaht controversal draft.
Dolphins Draft:
Round 1: CB Vontae Davis, Ilinois
Round 2: QB Pat White, West Virginia
Round 2: CB Sean Smith, Utah
Round 3: WR Patrick Turner, USC
Round 4: WR Brian Hartline, Ohio State
Round 5: TE John Nalbone, Monmouth
Round 5: FS Chris Clemons, Clemson
Round 6: OT Andrew Gardner, Georgia Tech
Round 7: LB J.D. Folsom, Weber State
So, the Dolphins defenately answered there need at corner with Vontae Davis and Sean Smith. Vontae Davis is a very strong, physical corner who might be the shutdown guy Miami is looking for and Sean Smith was the tallest corner in the draft who should match up well against some of the tall, lengthy recievers of the AFC East. The suprise pick, Pat White, who no one really expected to go to the Dolphins with Chad Henne being picked up in the second round last year. But, White is the dream prototype to run the wildcat. The dissapointing thing about this years draft however, is that they did not pick up a go-to reciever. Patrick Turner and Brian Hartine could be soid players but Miami aready has solid, with Ginn, Camarrillo, and Bess. The only positive is that Turner could develope into a potent red-zone target with him being 6-5. However, at the end of the day no one really knows how these kids will translate into the pros so it really is an inexact science. After the draft and free agency the Dolphins did address some of thier needs but will have to count on guys like Ted Ginn or Devone Bess to emerge into a number one reciever if the offense can go to the next level.
Off-Season Grade: B

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Crowder, Ryan trash talk good for Fins-Jets Rivalry

Miami Dolphins Nation — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:57:50 -0000

I, like most Dolphin fans found myself yelling at my television when I saw that Rex Ryan press conference where he was bashing Channing Crowder, saying "I've walked over tougher guys on my way to a fight than Channing Crowder." First of all Crowder is 6-2 250 and in the prime of his life, like that old fat guy would make that same comment if Crowder was actually in the room. Secondly, its ok to be confident but to be this cocky in the off-season is another story. The Jets have had this arrogance about them ever since free-agency, like they are the favorites in the division. I'm sure Jets fans love that there head coach is picking fights with rival linebackers but, is it that smart to give bullitin board material to a team that already feels pretty disrespected. I mean all off-season you have heard about is Sanchez, the Jets D, Terrell Owens, and how the Patriots are the favorite to win the Super Bowl again. The Dolphins really did not need any more motivation, being the proud group they are after last season. But, now when the Jets come to town week 5 for Monday Night Footall it is defenately going to be more than a game. It already is when its Dolphins-Jets and especially when its MNF but, this latest fued will just add that much more to the hatred. You woud have thought that the rivalry would have lost some intensity now that there is no Pennington vs. Farve, but this game will have just as much hype. You already know ESPN will be playing those clips and comments all week long before the matchup. As much as Rex Ryan disrespecting our leading tackler makes me furious, and as much as I hate the Jets even more every day I gotta admit this is great for the rivalry and I'm sure all Dophins fans will have week 5 circled on thier calendars.

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