After five games in the 2008 season, it is safe to say that there is a night and day difference between this year's Miami Dolphins lineup and last year's poorly managed and coached team.
I can't express enough that I am very impressed with "The Big Tuna," a.k.a. Bill Parcells. His new direction and many organization changes have been most impressive and we are starting to see the Dolphins as we should be...Winning.
So, I just wanted to break down what the Dolphins have and what the Dolphins need.
Team Strengths
It is very obvious that the strength of the Dolphins offense is the depth and talent at running back. Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, and Patrick Cobbs headline a very impressive and dynamic backfield.
Brown is averaging 4.7 yards per carry and Williams is averaging 3.9 yards per carry, while Cobbs has 152 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Even though Cobbs is listed as a running back, he has more receiving yards and more touchdowns than former first-round draft pick Ted Ginn Jr.
The Dolphins' offensive line has been revamped and is starting to look solid. Both tackles have Pro Bowl potential and the line as a whole has only allowed 10 sacks so far this season, which averages to two sacks per game.
Last year, the Dolphins allowed 2.62 sacks a game on average. While the difference isn't anything to celebrate, it is a step in the right direction.
I wouldn't list the quarterback situation as a strength; however, with the acquisition of Chad Pennington, the QB stats have gone from sad to average. I do believe that Chad Henne will be a future franchise quarterback for the Phins, but he will need some weapons.
The Dolphins' front seven on defense has been looking most impressive, only allowing 445 yards rushing, which is fifth in the NFL. Joey Porter and Matt Roth have been getting excellent penetration and shaking up opponents.
Team Weaknesses
I want to first outline the Dolphins' biggest weakness, which not only keeps them from blowing other teams away, but also is limiting the production of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams...the Receiving corps. Miami's leading receivers, with the exception of recent production from Greg Camarillo, are the tight ends. Ted Ginn Jr., Ernest Wilford, Derek Hagan, and Davone Bess have a total of zero touchdowns this season.
I'm surprised Brown and the tight ends aren't on the injured reserve with back problems. They are single handedly carrying the team.
The Dolphins are also lacking a playmaking secondary. Andre Johnson made that very apparent, as no one was able to stop him in the recent loss to the Texans.
What Can We Do?
With the trade deadline already passed, the Dolphins will have to rely on the wildcat offense. Parcells should target some play making wideouts, as well as cornerbacks in the draft. Until the draft, Phin fans should just sit back and watch the Ronnie Brown show. We are getting there.
9 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
Gaytor Hater 8 months ago
Why didnt the Dolphins grab Roy Williams ? Is it because Chad Pennington can't throw the ball that far ?
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Paul Smythe 8 months ago
That's a good question Gaytor, but don't you think that the secondary is a bigger problem right now than our recievers?
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Kris Cardella 8 months ago
Yeah, the price tag was way too steep for Williams. We need as many draft picks as we can get, especially in the 1st and 3rd rounds.
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Rob Steele 8 months ago
Kris is right, Williams was too expensive.
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Kyle deManincor 8 months ago
you nailed, they dont have a huge playmaking WR, but as for now its ok, but yes henne will need them once he is in. and roy williams wouldnt have been a good fit. he probably wouldve been frustrated and it wouldve changed the whole dynamic of their offense right now. great article
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Rob Steele 8 months ago
Kyle you are reading my mind :D GO PHINS
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Kris Cardella 8 months ago
We need to do what the Redskins did with their secondary: build through the draft.
Safeties and corners taken in the 1st round have done well recently (with the exception of Jason Allen...Thanks Nick!).
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Paul Smythe 8 months ago
Miami might be trying to sign Ty Law, so that will help us a lot, and maybe that will leave us a pick that we could use on finding a reciever with a lot of potential. That way we can take care of both problems, and go deep into the playoffs next year.
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Rob Steele 8 months ago
Yeah Ty Law will definate be a nice addition. He can teach the young guys too. Looks like we also picked up another FB , Lousaka Polite
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