The question going into this upcoming NFL season for the Dolphins is how can they improve on a Cinderella 11-5 record, capped with a AFC East title and first playoff appearance since 2001? The AFC East is always competitive and the Dolphins face a much tougher schedule, including 7 teams that made the postseason last year. This season will be a true litmus test of where the Dolphins stand in the NFL. So now lets take an in depth look at the team.
Offense- In 2008 Miami introduced the Wildcat that shocked not only the New England Patriots, but the entire NFL. The Dolphins used Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams and Chad Pennington in a variety of ways, leaving defenses in complete disarray. The formation spread through all 32 teams, and soon each team had their own version of the wildcat. Miami drafted Pat White in the second round to add another dimension to the wildcat. The biggest question mark about this unit is, what receivers are going to step up? Former Ohio State standout and first round pick Ted Ginn Jr. has yet to impress, but as the number one receiver has a chance to show why he was taken so early. Greg Camarillo is coming back from a knee injury, and when healthy is a tough possession much like former Dolphin wideout Wes Welker. Davone Bess proved to be a consistent threat down the stretch last year and will only get better as he matures. The Dolphins went out and drafted Brian Hartline, a talented receiver who runs routes very well, and the 6-5 220 pound Patrick Turner provides a big target. Hartline has impressed so far this preseason, including during the 12-9 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars this past Monday. The WR position now seems to have a lot of depth.
Defense and Special Teams- The Dolphins defense proved to be a strength and a large part of the reason the Dolphins had so much success last year. Linebacker Joey Porter was a force, looking a lot like what the Dolphins were expecting from him when they signed him from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The biggest hole in the defense was the secondary which struggled at many points during last season. Free Agent safety Gibril Wilson was acquired from Oakland, and Vontae Davis and Sean Smith were drafted to help shore up the secondary which will have to face the likes of Randy Moss and Terrell Owens. As for special teams kicker Dan Carpenter has a solid rookie year, while Bess and Ginn handled the returning duties. Rookie Chris Williams was a little shaky returning kickoffs in the first preseason game, but settled down and showed a lot of speed and burst.
Overall the Dolphins have addressed many of their needs this off-season and should be in the hunt this year despite a very tough schedule ahead.
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