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Ok, there's no way that I'm going to be able to break down every team in time for the regular season, but I'll do the best that I can. Today, it's a look at the Dolphins.
Record last season: 11-5
Major departures: None
Major Additions: Jason Taylor
Free Agent signings: Jason Taylor, Eric Green
Recent History:
Last season, the Dolphins were coming off one of the worst seasons in NFL history. A 1-15 record led to mass firings, and Bill Parcells was brought in to return the franchise to prominence. A new coach, a shiny new left tackle and a late blessing in the form of Chad Pennington helped to give the team a new attitude, and it didn't take long for that attitude to pay off. In week 3 against the Patriots, the Dolphins trotted out their own version of the 'Wildcat' offense and steamrolled the Patriots. The easy schedule for the season, combined with the strong play of Pennington, Long and Porter, helped the team to have a tremendous bounce back season, as the formerly pathetic Dolphins shocked the NFL by winning the AFC East.
The euphoria of the turnaround was short-lived, however, as the Ravens crushed them in the Wildcard round of the playoffs.
Off season news:
It's been a relatively quiet offseason for the Dolphins. Jason Taylor is back in the fold, and he could be a major addition if he's healthy and able to terrorize quarterbacks as he did just a couple of seasons ago. Pennington is firmly in place as the team's starting quarterback. Pat White was drafted in the second round, however, leading to speculation that the Dolphins will implement even more aspects of the 'Wildcat' offense. Miami also spent a first round and second round pick on defensive backs in an attempt to find ways to cover the receiving corps of Buffalo and New England.
Outlook:
Last season was only the second time in his NFL career that Pennington managed to start all 16 games in a season. The Dolphins need him to stay healthy that way if they want to have any chance at all of competing in the division. Brown and Williams are back and still form an effective running back tandem. The highest drafted punt returner in NFL history, Ted Ginn, Jr., showed fleeting signs of becoming almost useful as an NFL receiver, and continued improvement by him would be a big help to the Dolphins offense. Unfortunately for the team, this year's schedule is much more difficult and teams around the league solved the problem of the Wildcat pretty quickly.
Prediction:
A team that was almost uncanny in its ability to avoid injuries is not likely to be that fortunate again. Combine the likely increase in injuries, the much more difficult schedule and the return of Tom F'in' Brady, and you've got a recipe for a pretty big step backwards. I could see this team winning as few as 5 games this season, as I can see losses against NE (*2), ATL, IND, SD, NO, CAR, NY Jets, TEN, HOU and PIT. I can see them winning as many as 9 if things break well for them. My personal guess is 6-7 wins.
P.S.: If anyone would like to breakdown other NFL teams, please feel free to do so. A major change in circumstances has insured that there's just no way for me to break down every team before the season starts. And remember, things can change between now and the end of training camp!
Record last season: 11-5
Major departures: None
Major Additions: Jason Taylor
Free Agent signings: Jason Taylor, Eric Green
Recent History:
Last season, the Dolphins were coming off one of the worst seasons in NFL history. A 1-15 record led to mass firings, and Bill Parcells was brought in to return the franchise to prominence. A new coach, a shiny new left tackle and a late blessing in the form of Chad Pennington helped to give the team a new attitude, and it didn't take long for that attitude to pay off. In week 3 against the Patriots, the Dolphins trotted out their own version of the 'Wildcat' offense and steamrolled the Patriots. The easy schedule for the season, combined with the strong play of Pennington, Long and Porter, helped the team to have a tremendous bounce back season, as the formerly pathetic Dolphins shocked the NFL by winning the AFC East.
The euphoria of the turnaround was short-lived, however, as the Ravens crushed them in the Wildcard round of the playoffs.
Off season news:
It's been a relatively quiet offseason for the Dolphins. Jason Taylor is back in the fold, and he could be a major addition if he's healthy and able to terrorize quarterbacks as he did just a couple of seasons ago. Pennington is firmly in place as the team's starting quarterback. Pat White was drafted in the second round, however, leading to speculation that the Dolphins will implement even more aspects of the 'Wildcat' offense. Miami also spent a first round and second round pick on defensive backs in an attempt to find ways to cover the receiving corps of Buffalo and New England.
Outlook:
Last season was only the second time in his NFL career that Pennington managed to start all 16 games in a season. The Dolphins need him to stay healthy that way if they want to have any chance at all of competing in the division. Brown and Williams are back and still form an effective running back tandem. The highest drafted punt returner in NFL history, Ted Ginn, Jr., showed fleeting signs of becoming almost useful as an NFL receiver, and continued improvement by him would be a big help to the Dolphins offense. Unfortunately for the team, this year's schedule is much more difficult and teams around the league solved the problem of the Wildcat pretty quickly.
Prediction:
A team that was almost uncanny in its ability to avoid injuries is not likely to be that fortunate again. Combine the likely increase in injuries, the much more difficult schedule and the return of Tom F'in' Brady, and you've got a recipe for a pretty big step backwards. I could see this team winning as few as 5 games this season, as I can see losses against NE (*2), ATL, IND, SD, NO, CAR, NY Jets, TEN, HOU and PIT. I can see them winning as many as 9 if things break well for them. My personal guess is 6-7 wins.
P.S.: If anyone would like to breakdown other NFL teams, please feel free to do so. A major change in circumstances has insured that there's just no way for me to break down every team before the season starts. And remember, things can change between now and the end of training camp!
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