Addition Of Brandon Marshall Gives Dolphins' Offense A New Dimension

The Miami Dolphins offense in the Bill Parcells/Tony Sporano era will forever be remembered in NFL lore for resurrecting the Wildcat formation.

When the new regime came in and took over in 2008 the formation was introduced by necessity.  The team had absolutely no passing game. 

Chad Pennington was brought in late in training camp and was thought to be a reclamation project fresh off of the New York Jets trash heap.  The receiving corps was led by unproven second year receiver Ted Ginn. 

So offensive coordinator Dan Henning looked to the backfield (Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams in particular) to spark some offense.  We all know about the pleasant surprise that proceeded to unfold.

That said let's look at the 2010 version of the offense.  Pennington is in camp, but getting ready to play a backup role.  This is Chad Henne's offense.  Ted Ginn is now the "Project by the Bay" and no longer a Dolphin.  That rag-tag receiver corps of 2008 had grown up since then.  Devone Bess, Greg Camarillo and tight end Anthony Fasano have all matured under Henning.  Brian Hartline proved to be a valuable addition last year as well.

Last, but not least, this off-season saw the addition of the biggest piece of the offensive puzzle-Brandon Marshall.

The Dolphins have a young quarterback with a healthy arm, backed up by an experienced one.  They now possess one of the marquis receivers in all of pro football.  They also have a developing corps of young receivers as an alternative to Marshall.  This could be the recipe for the most exciting brand of Miami Dolphins football since another young quarterback named Dan Marino had the double threat of Mark Clayton and Mark Duper.

Will we see the Wildcat this year?  More than likely yes. It will be even more intriguing to see it thrown in alongside the Chad Henne to Brandon Marshall show.

The Fins held their first two full pad workouts at Nova Southeastern University yesterday.  They'll be back for two more at 9AM this morning.