Tavern Talk: The Miami Dolphins Build a Winner

National Football Post

Not many people are talking Miami Dolphins football lately, but after watching them play three games in the preseason, I’m impressed with their talent level and very impressed with the direction they’re going.

I’ve written about how the Rams are void of talent and how they need to build a program and an identity. If they’re searching for ideas on how to speed up the process, they might want to look down south at the Dolphins.

The Fins are one of the more physical teams in the NFL on both sides of the ball. For many who think they might not make the playoffs this year, watch this team play a little this summer. How do you go from 1-15 to 11-5, from worst to first? Not with hope, but rather with a plan, on and off the field.

Jake Long anchors a Dolphins offensive line that is even stronger with the addition of Jake Grove.

The game of football starts up front, and the Dolphins offensive and defensive lines are much stronger this year. They’re playing with more power and tenacity. It also helps that they have more talent, as defensive linemen Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford have flashed with exceptional skills. Their offensive line behind Jake Long, and with the addition of Jake Grove at center, appears to be explosive and powerful. They are well-coached and well-trained.

This team is good now and will keep getting better as the season goes along. When I watch them on tape, the players appear to be in good shape; they all look like they’ve been living in the weight room, as their strength lifting converts to the field. All good teams get maximum results from their offseason programs, and the Dolphins’ tape shows the results.

Cornerback Vontae Davis, their first-round pick, appears to have fit into the program, and his athletic skills are very apparent. His play gives the Dolphins an excellent coverage man to help their secondary and offsets the loss of Andre Goodman to Denver. He’ll make an instant impact for the Dolphins on defense.

At quarterback, the Dolphins rely on Chad Pennington to not make mistakes and to make the right throws. His arm never appears strong enough, but somehow, some way, the ball gets there on time. Chad Henne has had his moments and is learning how to play and, most importantly, how to speed up his tempo in the game—whether it’s mentally or physically. Pat White is their wildcat player, and based on some of the plays I observed, they’re going to have an expansive wildcat package. The single wing lives on in Miami.

I’m fully aware that the first three games of the season—against the Falcons, Colts, and Chargers—might result in an 0-3 start, but the Dolphins will get better as the season goes along. They have some very good young players on both sides of the line who will create weekly problems for opponents. They’re building the team the right way, which is what St. Louis must do.

Follow me on Twitter: michaelombardi

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