7-9 in 2009The Miami Dolphins are an intriguing team. They have Ronnie Brown perpetually returning from a season-ending injury. They made the right choice in dispensing the over-reached draft bust Ted Ginn, Jr. They added a solid, solid playmaker in the center of their defense in Karlos Dansby. They have one of the youngest, most promising set of corners in the league in Vontae Davis and Sean Smith. And they had the biggest non-Donovan addition to their offense in the league by trading for Brandon Marshall. The upside for this team is clearly there.
Most of the success of the Dolphins will rely on Chad Henne's shoulders. Henne started the most of the season last year after Chad Pennington (the aforementioned noodle-arm) went down. For the most part, he did a solid job. He has an absolute cannon for an arm, and showed that he was able to do a relatively strong job managing the offense as a full-time starter. He added a new dimension to the offense, making it harder for teams to stack the box against Miami's dominant running game. Look for Henne to improve his play modestly and for his numbers to improve drastically. Brandon Marshall catches anything thrown in his general direction. He'll add to Henne's passing yardage and is a dominant red zone threat as well. He'll also open up opportunities for fellow receivers like Devone Bess.
Marshall's impact gets compounded well projecting his effect on the running game. As the simple addition of Henne's big arm did last year, Marshall's presence in the passing game opens up opportunities for the already potent running game. Although Ronnie Brown is almost a lock to get injured again, Ricky Williams proved to be more than capable leading the charge as a feature back. The offensive line is solid, led by dominant left tackle Jake Long. This looks like the year where Miami's offense catches up to the play of its defense.
The defense in Miami has been one of its strong point in recent years. Their 3-4 scheme is designed to confuse opposing quarterbacks, creating pressure in unexpected areas. Although the defense is without its hallmark players in Joey Porter and long-time stud Jason Taylor, there is enough talent within the young players to fill these gaps. The linebacking corp still gets a marked improvement with the addition of free agent acquisition, Karlos Dansby. The man is just solid in all facets of his game. The Dolphins also has talented young CBs who aren't afraid to mix it in with run support. The identity of the Dolphins has never been in question: they are a punch you in the mouth type of team.
Still, Miami is a poor man's version of the New York Jets. And facing the Jets and the Pats twice a year isn't good for any team. I believe they have a slim chance to make the playoffs as a second wildcard team, but will probably finish behind both the Jets and Patriots in the division.
They'll finish 9-7 in 2010. Possible playoff birth.
Great breakdown of the Dolphins. They are a team I want to keep my eye on as I believe they can surprise alot of people. As you mentioned, the division they play in will not do them any favors but if they can split with the Pats a playoff birth should be there.
ReplyDeleteThe Chad Henne-Brandon Marshall connection should be exciting to watch. But I think Ronnie Brown staying healthy swings the Dolphins into or out of the playoffs.