Miami Dolphins 2008 Season Preview

Miami Dolphins Preview: Overview

The 2007 Miami Dolphins almost became the exact opposites of the legendary 1972 Miami Dolphins by going 0-16 last season. A win against the Baltimore Ravens moved the team up to a 1-15 and protected the Miami Dolphins from making new, unwanted history. With an entire new front office and coaching staff, the Miami Dolphins are ready to erase the specters of Cam Cameron and Nick Sabin from their memory. With new head coach Tony Sporano, GM Jeff Ireland, and VP of Operations Bill Parcells, the 2008 NFL Miami Dolphins are ready to bring themselves back to their old history of greatness.

Miami Dolphins Preview: Off-Season

Any football mind will tell you that the game is won in the trenches. The Miami Dolphins addressed a huge problem and set the foundation of the franchise for a decade by drafting Michigan LT Jake Long with the first overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. With the bookend tackle set in place, the Miami Dolphins secured the other side of the ball by drafting DE Phillip Merling. The heir-apparent to Dan Marino may have finally been found in 2nd round pick QB Chad Henne. The solid 2008 NFL Draft gives the Miami Dolphins a base to build upon for the future.

The Miami Dolphins were busy in the free agency and trade markets as well. WR Ernest Wilford was brought in from the Jacksonville Jaguars. G Justin Smiley was signed away from the San Francisco 49ers to help anchor the O-Line. Various players from the Dallas Cowboys were also brought in, due to their familiarity with the ways of Tony Sporano and Bill Parcells.

Miami Dolphins Preview: Offense

Injuries devastated the Miami Dolphins in 2007. With the team healthy and restocked, the Miami Dolphins are ready to get their offense back. QB Chad Henne is the quarterback of the future and will battle 2007’s 2nd round pick John Beck for playing time. The offensive line has been entirely rebuilt, and a good offensive line is a young quarterback’s best friend. LT Jake Long was the first pick in the draft for a reason since he only surrendered one sack in his entire college career. Jake Long is also a beast in the run game. G Justin Smiley and C Sampson Satele are two rising stars in the middle of the offensive line. RT Vernon Carey is a former 1st round pick and an excellent pass blocker.

The Miami Dolphins also boast an impressive collection of skill position players. Running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams bring a combination of speed and power to the offense respectively. FB Boomer Grigsby is a tough competitor and a vicious lead blocker. TE Anthony Fasano can catch and block, making him a versatile weapon. 2007 1st round pick Ted Ginn has blazing speed and will team with new WR Ernest Wilford whose possession skills will make the duo a feared combination.

Miami Dolphins Preview: Defense

The Miami Dolphins transition from the 4-3 to the 3-4 alignment started in 2007 is completed now. Newly arrived NT Jason Ferguson will be responsible for anchoring the three man front. DEs Randy Starks and Vonnie Holiday will be joined up front by rookie DE Phillip Merling who will also move out to OLB. OLBs form the pass rushing force of the 3-4, and one of the best edge rushers in the game, Joey Porter, leads the charge. With OLB/DE Jason Taylor’s future up in the air, Phillip Merling may be asked to stand up.

The Miami Dolphins have a young but talented secondary. Standout S Yeremiah Bell is the heart of the secondary and plays the pass and run exceptionally well. CBs Jason Allen and Will Allen will benefit from the tremendous pressure up front. A collection of safeties will compete for the spot opposite Yeremiah Bell, including Chris Crocker and Keith Davis.

Miami Dolphins: Special Teams

WR Ted Ginn was taken in the 1st round of the 2007 NFL Draft because of his return ability in both the punting and kicking game. With blazing speed, amazing agility, and a unique nose for returns, Ted Ginn can bust games open with every touch. Veteran K Jay Feely will handle kicking duties, with P Brandon Fields blossoming into an impressive young talent. Special teams will continue to be a bright spot for the Miami Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins Preview: Outlook

The Miami Dolphins play in the difficult AFC East. Not only do they have to deal with the New York Jets and rising Buffalo Bills twice a year, but the AFC beasts the New England Patriots will also be on the Miami Dolphins schedule twice. In addition to the AFC East, the Miami Dolphins will also lock horns with the likes of the San Diego Chargers and rivals the Houston Texans.

The Miami Dolphins are in a rebuilding phase, no doubt, but instant turnarounds are not uncommon in the NFL. With new coaches and management, the 2006 New Orleans Saints and New York Jets went from cellar dwellers to playoff teams. With the mind of Bill Parcells and his staff in charge, and spirited leaders in the locker room like Boomer Grigsby, the Miami Dolphins can easily turn the tables on the NFL. Any team with a strong O-line and a mean defensive front seven can win on any given Sunday. Miami Dolphins fans can catch the ‘Phins playing on the road and at home inside Dolphin Stadium.