Miami Dolphins Predictions
Bill Parcells has helped make the Giants, Patriots, Jets and Cowboys better during his Hall of Fame career. Now he has his tallest task to try and turn a 1-15 team from a year ago into a contender in the near future. Parcells’ disciple Tony Sparano is in at head coach and both are tough-minded guys that will demand a lot from their players. The team at Info Plays gives you our 2008 Miami Dolphins predictions as well as a team preview of what you’ll see on the field.
Offense:
Trent Green and Cleo Lemon are out, leaving the starting job for John Beck or newcomer Josh McCown to take over. McCown has had 31 career starts in Arizona and Oakland. Many feel that Parcells and GM Jeff Ireland showed a lack of confidence in Beck by drafting Chad Henne in the second round. But Henne went 0-4 as a starter at Michigan against their biggest rival, the Ohio State Buckeyes. He’ll have to prove he can win a big game, which in the NFL it’s the case every time he hit’s the field.
Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are a two-headed monster at running back for the Dolphins. Brown was on his way to a Pro Bowl before blowing out his knee last year. If he isn’t 100 percent than Williams will get another chance to prove himself. If he is healthy, motivated and not suspended, Williams might have something left in the tank at age 31.
Ted Ginn Jr. wasn’t a favorite in Miami as the No. 9 overall pick in 2007. Now Dolphins’ fans have to embrace Ginn as their No. 1 receiver in 2008. Chris Chambers is gone and Derek Hagan will have to play a much bigger role this season. Ernest Wilford comes over from Jacksonville after starting 14 games for the Jaguars last season. Tight end David Martin may lose his job to newcomers Anthony Fasano and Sean Ryan.
Sparano is a former offensive line coach and he’ll handle this unit in Miami. Jake Long, the No. 1 overall selection, will be a starter from day one at left tackle. Vernon Carey did a decent job at left tackle last season, but he’ll be moved over to the right side to make room for Long. Center Samson Satele came over in the Wes Welker trade and Dolphins’ management has been pleased with what they got in return. The Dolphins invested $9 million in signing bonuses on free agent guard Justin Smiley. They like the former 49ers‘ toughness. Right guard will be open for competition heading into spring training.
Defense:
The Dolphins allowed 4.5 yards per carry and it can be attributed to their poor defensive line play. Jason Taylor is a sack machine, but he’s weak against the run. Taylor may be traded as he has stated he only wants to play one more season. That doesn’t sit well with Parcells and company, who are looking to build towards the future. The Dolphins acquired veteran Jason Ferguson to man the middle on running downs. Versatile Vonnie Holliday will hold down one end for at least one more season. Fourth-year man Matt Roth will face serious competition for snaps at the other end from free agent Randy Starks and rookie Phillip Merling. Rodrique Wright and Quentin Moses will have their shot at breaking into the lineup as well.
Zach Thomas went to Dallas. Joey Porter had a down year in 2007 before finally coming to life in the second half of the season at linebacker. He must provide more than six sacks. Talented Channing Crowder mans the inside line backing spot after he cut down on mental mistakes and started to become a playmaker in Miami. Either Reggie Torbor or Akin Ayodele will man the inside along with Crowder in the Dolpins’ preferred 3-4 scheme.
Will Allen was a bright spot at cornerback on a team that didn’t feature many standout players. He usually shut down his assignment when called upon. Michael Lehan or Andre Goodman must emerge as a solid corner on the other side. Miami featured eight different starting safeties last season. Yeremiah Bell showed Pro Bowl promise in 2006 but he has been injury prone. Jason Allen showed decent signs in 2007 as well.
Info Plays 2008 Miami Dolphins Predictions:
Bringing in Bill Parcells will turn out to be a blessing in Miami in a couple of years. He’ll get in the right personnel to make the Dolphins competitive soon. But as of right now, he’s left with most of last year’s dreadful squad that managed just one win. The Dolphins have definitely gotten tougher in the offseason, which has always been Parcells’ staple as a head coach. Although the Dolphins will win more than one game this season, don’t expect them finishing anywhere near the .500 mark. Miami finishes 4th in the AFC East division in 2008.
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