Miami Dolphins – Will Output Match Potential?

This year looms as a potentially exciting one for the team in teal. After finishing last year 9-7 off the back of a 6-0 finish the boys from Miami are getting excited again. Not since Don Shula was at the helm has the future looked as bright in Miami. This might not be the year it all comes together, but they are definitely headed in the right direction. Putting points on the board should not be as big a problem as defence. With a defensive line and linebacking group containing many declining veterans, the Dolphins will need to find a good balance to stop a lot of points going on the board.

Quarterback

The QB spot raises a lot of questions for Miami. Despite an obvious shortcoming at the position last year, Miami powered home to a 9-7 record. The addition of Daunte Culpepper and Joey Harrington was meant to solve the problem. But all it has done is raise more questions. Rumour has it Harrington will start week 1. Will he perform after a disappointing time in Detroit? Many question whether he can fill a starting spot in the NFL. Culpepper is meant to take over the reins early in the year. But after coming off knee surgery will he be right to go? If Culpepper can find the form of a few years ago and Harrington can provide solid back up this is a good group.
But at the moment they raise more questions than answers.

Running Back

Ouch. The loss of Ricky Williams is a huge blow to this squad. The responsibility now falls on 2nd year back Ronnie Brown. He is backed up by speedy duo Travis Minor and Sammy Morris. These guys will perform mainly as 3rd down backs. At fullback is serviceable Darien Barnes.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Chris Chambers and nothing else. Chris Chambers is a high quality NFL receiver. The problem is the lack of support he is going to receive. This will see him getting double teamed. For the Dolphins to improve on offence, they need someone to help Chambers handle the load. The guys needing to put up their hands are youngster Derek Hagan and Marty Booker. Neither of these guys really warrant a starting NFL spot, but they have the chance and need to grasp it for the offence to click.
The tight end spot is no better. Actually, it's probably worse. Justin Peelle and Teyo Johnson need improve on the output shown in last year's offence by the Miami Tight Ends.
The whole receiving group revolves around finding someone to help Chambers.

Offensive Line

This is probably the best part of the Dolphins offence. Led by center Seth McKinney, the line contains tackles Damion McIntosh and Wade Smith, and Guards Jeno James and Bennie Anderson. These guys will have to have a massive year for the Dolphins to reach the playoffs. They have a QB with a suspect knee to protect and have to make holes for a 2nd year RB. The whole offence will revolve around the job these guys can do. They should be up to the task.




Defensive Line

Apart from Jason Taylor this is an average line at best. It does not look a line able to provide big plays. There aim will be trying to stuff the run and pressure the QB.

Linebackers

Almost the same as the defensive line. This group consists of underachieving ageing veterans. The linebacking corps will struggle to provide big plays for the defence as well.

Secondary

The Dolphins decided to part ways with Sam Madison after last season. They then brought in Will Allen from the Giants and Deke Cooper from the Jags. The starting corners will include Allen, Will Poole and Travis Daniels. And the starting safeties will be Cooper and Travares Tillman. Although not aging veterans like the rest of the defence, there has to be concerns about how the defence will cope with the better offences.

Kicker/Punter

Excellent. Olindo Mare is one of the better kickers in the NFL. Add to that good punting of Donnie Jones. This is definitely a strength of the Dolphins.

Expected Finish

Although a wild card might be out of reach the Dolphins will have a productive season. The Patriots are still the number one team in the East. But Miami would be hoping to put themselves in a position to press for a division win. They should finish comfortably ahead of the weaker Bills and Jets.

I think value can be found in backing the Dolphins to finish with less than 9 wins.

Pinnacle is currently offering odds of 2.17 for under 9 wins.

Ed note: Place your bets on the NFL at Pinnacle Sports

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