What's that I Smell? Oh, the Miami Dolphin 2009 Season Is Approaching

As the fall season approaches, the temperature outside might be decreasing, but for football fans, things are just starting to heat up.  

We are less than one week away from the 2009 NFL season opener.  Is Miami prepared for another AFC East division championship run?

Sure, we could talk about the positives this preseason.  Players low on the roster stepping up to make big plays.  All the stats racked up on the scoreboard.  Those four consecutive wins.  

But all that's wiped clean now.

The fact is that every NFL team has a clean slate.  All those preseason wins are great for morale, but that's the preseason.  And this, this is now the real season.

If I were a member of the Miami Dolphin coaching staff, what would my concerns be offensively and defensively regarding the tough division matchups to come in the AFC East?

Mind you, I am just a speculator, but I believe the weakest link Miami has defensively is its pass defense.  

All three competitors in the AFC East—the Bills, Jets, and Patriots—will be trying to exploit this weakness.   

As long as New England has a healthy Tom Brady, their offense is a threat.  

The best counter-punch Miami can push against this team is an aggressive, blitzing front to stop the run and put pressure on the Brady pass.  

Because, if Brady has time to throw back there, I don't think our defensive backfield has what it takes yet to compete with his arm.  

The Buffalo Bills also have a weapon.  

He has an attitude, but he can sure run routes and catch the football on Sundays. 

Yes, Terrell Owens found a new home in Buffalo.  

Miami must figure out a way to contain T.O. during these crucial division rivalry matchups.

Now to the Jets.   

Without Favre this year, I still wouldn't count the Jets out quite yet.  Miami defense, put your sights on New York Jets wide receiver David Clowney.  

Sure, he only had seven receptions in the 2009 preseason.  But don't let that fool you.  Those were seven receptions for 243 yards!  

Oh yeah, and three touchdowns to go with it.  He is a threat, and like T.O., he must be contained.

Offensively speaking for the Dolphins, I like:

1. The quarterback they have in Pennington.  He's a smart player who knows when to hold onto the ball and when to let it go.

2. The depth of the running game with Brown, Williams, Cobbs, and Hilliard.  

3. Solid wideouts in Bess and Ginn, along with the tight ends.

What concerns me?

The lack of solid O-line play.

The offense may become one-dimensional with blocking issues up front, hindering whatever chances the running game had of being productive.

The same can be said for the passing game.  Is the pass protection going to allow Pennington enough time to throw the ball, to make good decisions?

Note to the offensive line: Create some holes for your talented backs to run through and make sure you keep Pennington on his feet.  If you can handle this, then the offense should bloom.