Wildcat Running Wild..? I Doubt It

                                                     Wildcat Mania 2009?

     Does everyone really believe Miami will rely totally on the Wildcat formation to have a shot at winning football games?  Really? I have five reasons for putting that belief to rest. Are you ready for THE analysis that will blow your mind (maybe) ?

1.     Bill Parcells : Yeah, the Tuna! How many gimmicks did he allow his teams to carry over from year to year? Granted none of his actions for running a team was this productive without a hard-nosed approach to football. Bill knows how to evaluate talent and make changes for the better of his ball clubs. In 2008, Tuna sent Jason Taylor packing because he felt his prima donna approach was a detriment to the team. 2009 rolls around and the real Jason Taylor showed all football fans where his heart lies. In an unselfish manner that is unheard of this day and age, Taylor accepted nearly $7 million less in pay to return HOME. Parcells realized this and brought him back. Even the Tuna knows when to 'right' his wrong.

2.     Chad Pennington: I have heard countless tales of scrutiny from all writers for Chad Pennington's role on the Dolphins. Hello? It was just 9 months ago everyone was harping on the chances of Chad being the 2008 MVP. Among other accolades, Pennington did become the only player to win the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year Award TWICE. He didn't win that award for being a good sport and allowing Ronnie Brown to QB the Wildcat. C-Penn brought a much needed veteran presence and leadership role to the team. Not to mention pretty decent stats for a team with no true #1 wide-out.

3.     Ronnie Brown : Does anyone remember 2007 before he blew out his knee? The man was a beast. Miami hadn't won a game yet and Ronnie was absolutely tearing up the league. At his pace, #23 was well on his way to establishing himself as a top five back in the league. The only thing people seem to remember now though, is that Brown ran the Wildcat formation and had few bright spots other than that. Did I mention RB#23 made the Pro Bowl in 2008? With one year under his belt and a better team around him, its time for people see Ronnie Brown for what he is. An ELITE running back in the National Football League. Don't believe me? Watch the 2009 season for yourself. You be the judge!

4.     Miami Defense: While there was little to talk about other than Joey Porter's sack total and mouth explosions, Miami quietly became a force to be reckoned with on defense. All the clamoring over the Wildcat took away from the fact that the defense held the opposing teams in check after a week 2 blowout to Arizona. Arizona? Well, we know how great of an offense they have now! They only represented the NFC in the past Super Bowl. Anyway, lets get back to Miami. After re-signing Yeremiah Bell and Channing Crowder (who is he? Sorry, had to take a shot back at Rex Ryan with that one), and bringing in the likes Of Gibril Wilson (safety), Eric Green (cb), Jason Taylor (de/lb), Tony McDaniel (dt) and drafting Vontae Davis and Sean Smith; Miami is primed to possibly have the best defense in the AFC East. Sorry Kerry Rhoades, get in line. The Linebacking Quads may be the best in the NFL. Jason Taylor, Joey Porter, Channing Crowder and Akin Ayodele will be stifling.

5.      Tony Sparano: What's not to like? He is a mold of Bill Parcells. He's quiet and loyal to his team. Tony came in with very little expectations from the fans, opponents, and quite possibly his own team. I will give props to Mike Smith for what he did for Atlanta in the post-Vick era, but no one pulled off what Tony did in turning around his team. Year 2 will be even better. Comfort in his position and knowing what to expect in the league, will allow Tony Sparano to prosper and be well on his way to being the next Bill Parcells. How great will that be for this league? Yeah, I know. Awesome!