Miami Dolphins Preview Extravaganza

Danny DolphinAug 9, 2010

2009-10 Season: 7–9, third in the AFC East.

Miami is close to becoming a complete football team. They added elite playmakers on both sides of the ball after acquiring receiver Brandon Marshall and linebacker Karlos Danby. Both are top tier players at their respective positions.

TOP NEWS

Bleacher Report1w

Bleacher Report1w

Bleacher Report1w

Chad Henne holds the keys to Miami’s hopes this year. The improvement of this team depends largely on the speed of his development. With Marshall on the outside, a fantastic line in front of him, and a high-caliber running game supporting him, led by Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, Henne should settle in as a upper echelon passer this year.

The defense has more speed and athleticism this year after Cameron Wake and Koa Misi join the starting linebacking core. The secondary is very young and will have to get used to a defensive system that leaves them vulnerable in coverage with all the blitzing going on. The defensive line is going to be very quick with the move of Randy Starks to the inside. First rounder Jared Odrick will receive plenty of playing time in year one, and his combination of strength and explosion will allow him to make an impact early on in his NFL career.

The biggest questions revolve around Henne and the secondary, with more of an issue on the latter. How will Sean Smith, Vontae Davis, and Chris Clemons grasp Mike Nolan’s defense? How will Henne do in high pressure situations? I’m not worried about Henne. His solid play last year in his first year as a starter has him on the right track. Add in a talent like Marshall and he has to improve.

The secondary might give up big plays early on as they get used to a new defensive scheme that relies heavily on man-coverage. With Wake and Misi rushing the quarterback like wild beasts off the edge, that will make life easier for them.

With a dynamic running game, one of the best playmakers in the NFL on the outside in Marshall, and a fast, explosive defense, the Dolphins will return to the playoffs this year after taking the AFC East crown.

Prediction: 11-5, AFC East Champions (Conference Championship)

Offensive MVP: Chad Henne

Defensive MVP: Cameron Wake

Best Rookie: Koa Misi

Pro Bowl: Jake Long, Brandon Marshall, Karlos Dansby, Vontae Davis, Cameron Wake

Fantasy: Dolphins fantasy preview

A position-by-position preview of your 2010 Miami Dolphins can be found below.