Miami Is Back With Vengeance

The 2009 Miami Dolphins shocked the National Football League as they improved from an abysmal 1-15 record to a playoff-qualifying 11-5 in just one season.

After this turn-around, what should we look for in the 2010 season? Will Miami have another great season?  Many critics say no. Many say last year was just a fluke, and that this year Miami will not catch anyone by surprise.

I only have one thing to say to these doubters: Miami is back with vengeance. Their offense and defense are better than ever, and nobody will stand in their way.

The Miami Dolphins are the only team in the NFL to successfully run the unpredictable Wildcat offense. This offensive scheme gives the Dolphins unprecedented versatility.  Opponents can only guess whether the Dolphins will pass, run, or even use a trick play. The reason this offense is so successful is that the most talented players are on the field all at once. Miami is back, and this season they have more talent.

In addition to the Wildcat, Miami’s offensive personnel unit has improved. Last season, Miami had a very potent offense due to the dynamic duo of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams as well as a short-yardage passing game. This season they added even more weapons to their arsenal. With the addition of rookie quarterback Pat White, the Dolphins will add another dimension to their Wildcat offense, which makes their offense even more electrifying. 

Although White will not be the starting quarterback for the team, his name is sure to show up on highlight reels. White has the lightening speed and athleticism to make game-changing plays wherever he lines up on the field. Since he is still a quarterback, he is even more dangerous; he can throw the ball down field at any given time.

Aside from becoming more versatile, the Dolphins have become more physical. Justin Smiley, an offensive lineman who was injured last season, will be returning. He brings his tough demeanor onto the field, as well as his strength and his veteran leadership which will complement second year standout Jake Long. When this man steps on the field, he instills fear in the opponents' heads.

The Dolphins have more physical receivers than last year. They had speed and quickness in Ted Ginn and Devon Bess, but they were lacking size. This offseason, Miami added Pat Turner, a tall, physical receiver who is already out-muscling defenders in practice.

Furthermore, the Dolphins have revamped their defense. Miami’s defense was already filled with a number of play-makers, but this offseason the Dolphins added some more. They needed another pass-rusher to complement Pro-Bowler Joey Porter, and they filled that need by acquiring Jason Taylor this offseason. Taylor is known for his ability to elude linemen and rush the quarterback. This addition to the pass rush will allow for more penetration into offensive lines and the eventual flattening of opposing quarterbacks into the turf.

Miami also improved their pass defense. Last season, the team was missing a play-maker at the safety position and a physical cornerback. The additions of safety Gibril Wilson and first-round draft pick Vontae Davis make the Dolphins' pass defense a stronghold in the defensive scheme. These two men are strong, fast, and specialize in intercepting passes. They are also ideal for bringing down receivers. The Dolphins went out this offseason with something to prove. They solidified the holes in their defense and held on to their key players.

Miami was a good team last year, and this off season, they have improved significantly. Critics continue to doubt the Dolphins, yet that is only lighting a fire inside the players. Every player has something to prove; and they have all the weapons they need to do it. Other teams need to look out. Miami is stronger, tougher, meaner, and faster than last year; and this year they are back with vengeance.