Dolphins: It's Playoffs Or Bust!

   Forget the recent offseason acquisitions of Brandon Marshall and Karlos Dansby and the Dolphins would be headed for a less than stellar season.  But, the owner, Mr. (I need stars to own a piece of the team) Stephen Ross, stormed into Bill Parcells office and said: "I don't care what it costs, but Chad Henne needs weapons and our Defense needs playmakers so here is about 100 million and make it happen!"  Whether Parcells was mandated to "shop for (quality) groceries" we will never know.

 Entering the preseason, the Dolphins at the expense of losing Jason Taylor, the Dolphins got better in almost all areas except for safety and returner.  I know that trading Ted Ginn was a necessary move, but looking back on it, Nolan Caroll is not Ted Ginn.  You could try and get a veteran guy as teams cut down after this weekend, but those "acorns" might not be on the ground.  Jeff Ireland is always looking to make moves to improve the team.  Maybe this was an area he felt he could get by with shorting and then buying more LB/DB depth to weather any injury possibilities.  

 The loss of Phillip Merling is devastating.  For one, while he had a down year, thrusting Jared Odrick into the role of DE is asking a lot.  In a 3-4 the DE does nothing and he won't do anything except attack and make holes for the OLB.  Koa Misi is a nice fit, but he's learning how to pass rush.  Of course, leave it to Mike Nolan to disguise the blitzer and you'll see Cam Wake leading in sacks.  Overall, the Dolphins defense got better, but lost a key cog that they desperately need in Phillip Merling.  

  On offensive side of the ball, Brandon Marshall can demand double and triple team coverage opening the offense for both Greg "I catch everything" Camarillo and the running game.  I like Chad Henne to really air it out with Marshall and we'll see some huge catches in traffic and on 3rd down.  Pat Turner might be a factor if he can get active and show his ability.   I look for him to give it a shot and getting active and becoming a large threat.   

 Lastly, overall the Dolphins have nowhere to go, but up and maybe with some key wins over New England and the Jets, they can take over the division and make the AFC East a division with three possible playoff contenders. The Bills chances:  They will be so exhausted from the Chan Gailley practices in pads and will fall like the Berlin Wall.