2008 NFL Preview > Miami Dolphins Preview
2008 Miami Dolphins Football Preview
Head Coach: Tony Sparano
2007 Record: 1-15
Key Additions: LB Charlie Anderson, LB Akin Ayodele, S Chris Crocker, S Keith Davis, TE Anthony Fasano, NT Jason Ferguson, FB Boomer Grigsby, QB Chad Henne, CB Nathan Jones, WR David Kircus, DE Kendall Langford, LT Jake Long, QB Josh McCown, C Steve McKinney, DE Philip Merling, QB Chad Pennington, TE Sean Ryan, G Justin Smiley, DL Randy Starks, G Donald Thomas, LB Reggie Torbor, WR Earnest Wilford
Key Losses: OT Anthony Alibi, RB Lorenzo Booker, WR Marty Booker, RB Jesse Chatman, QB Trent Green, G Rex Hadnot, QB Cleo Lemon, G Chris Lewienski, G Drew Mormino, LB Derrick Pope, OT L.J. Shelton, OLB Donnie Spragan, DE Jason Taylor, S Travares Tillman, MLB Zach Thomas, OL Joe Toledo, DT Keith Traylor, S Cameron Worrell
After barely winning one game last season, the Dolphins underwent a complete makeover in the offseason. Out went the bumbling, apprehensive Cam Cameron and in came Bill Parcells and his hand-picked chieftan Tony Sparano. After getting rid of much of the dead weight inherited from Cameron and his predecessor Nick Saban, Parcells began remaking the Dolphins with an emphasis on size. This offseason, the Tuna (although he still claims GM Jeff Ireland is making the decisions) began building the Dolphins from the inside out, remaking the front seven to fit his desired 3-4 defensive scheme, and reforming an offensive line that has struggled since the Dave Wannstedt era (It's really sad that majority owner Wayne Huizenga kept Wannstedt around long enough for him to have an "era").
2008 Miami Dolphins Offense:
The Dolphins offense will most likely struggle again in 2008. While free agent pickup Chad Pennington should provide some stability and better judgment at the quarterback position, he lacks the arm strength to strike fear in opposing defenses. Pennington went 1-7 last season in his 8 starts with a Jets team that had superior talent on offense compared to this year's Dolphin team. With a rebuilt offensive line and the return of Ronnie Brown (ACL surgery) and Ricky Williams (drug suspension/torn pectoral), the Dolphins should pose a significant threat on the ground, but the passing game will most likely be so anemic that defenses will consistently stack the line and force the Dolphins to throw to the likes of Ted Ginn Jr. and Earnest Wilford. The team is banking on former Cowboy TE Anthony Fasano to provide an upgrade over last year's less than stellar (I’m being generous) addition, David Martin. The offensive line will likely feature two rookie starters in Jake Long, the number one overall selection from Michigan, and Donald Thomas, a sixth round guard from Connecticut who has impressed the coaching staff with his strength at the point of attack. Last year's promising rookie, Samson Satele, will continue to man the center position. Vernon Carey will shift back to his natural position at right tackle and free agent signee Justin Smiley will slide in at left guard.
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2008 Miami Dolphins Defense:
On defense, the Dolphins should be much improved against the run, with the addition of massive nose tackle Jason Ferguson, a Parcells favorite, along with the selections of large, run stopping defensive ends Philip Merling and Kendall Langford. Both rookies are expected to compete with solid veteran Vonnie Holliday and incumbent starter Matt Roth. Thus far in training camp, Roth has already lost his job on the first team to Langford, the impressive rookie from Hampton. The Dolphins pass defense is still rather suspect. The departure of Jason Taylor leaves the Dolphins without a premier edge rusher. The team is counting on Joey Porter to return to his Pro Bowl form and is expecting contributions from outside linebacker Charlie Anderson (the favorite to start in Taylor's place at ROLB) and hybrid end/linebacker Quentin Moses. The secondary from last season remains intact, but may receive a boost from the return of safety Yeremiah Bell, provided he can successfully return from an Achilles injury suffered in the first game of the season last year.
2008 Miami Dolphins Special Teams:
The special teams kick coverage units should be much improved this season, after featuring some of the worst in NFL last year. The Fins have added a number of special team standouts, such as former Cowboys defensive backs Keith Davis and Nathan Jones, as well as special teams maven Boomer Grigsby . In a surprising move, the team cut veteran kicker Jay Feely, who converted 21 of 23 field goals last season. Rookie Nick Carpenter will kick in his stead. Second year punter Brandon Fields will hope to improve on his inconsistent rookie season.
2008 Miami Dolphins Expectations:
Despite their makeover, the Dolphins may struggle to win more than four or five games this season. However, look for this team to play tough nosed, physical football for Sparano.
2008 Miami Dolphins Prediction: 4th place in the AFC East
By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer
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