Miami Dolphins: The 8 Biggest Storylines Heading into 2011 NFL Season

The Miami Dolphins have endured a rather up and down offseason, one condensed dramatically by the NFL lockout.

The signing of Reggie Bush was a big splash, but losing out in the Kyle Orton sweepstakes was a perceived missed opportunity to improve the quarterback position.

The free agent frenzy may have terminated, but the Dolphins had one more big name acquisition on Monday, signing Jason Taylor, the team's all-time sack leader, in hopes of having him finish his career in Aqua and Orange.

However, all of this is just a prelude to Sept. 12th, when the New England Patriots come to town for a Monday Night Football showdown with the Dolphins.

How will this Dolphins team perform in 2011? Here are the biggest storylines to follow as the season progresses.

Vontae Davis and Sean Smith: Year 3

This will be the third season in which Vontae Davis and Sean Smith will work together in the Dolphins secondary.

Throughout training camp, the players have said they've heard the comparison to legendary Fins duo Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain, two of the elite shutdown corners of their era. The organization showed the ultimate faith in these two youngsters, not investing in cornerbacks through the draft of free agency.

Year three is widely regarded as the season when many players bust out and have career years, and the Dolphins had better hope that is the case with Davis and Smith, as they will have to cover the likes of Chad Ochocinco, Wes Welker, Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress and Steve Johnson for six games this season.

Jason Taylor's Role

After seasons with the New York Jets and the Washington Redskins, Jason Taylor has returned to Miami to finish out what will likely be a Hall of Fame career.

Although his speed and athleticism have clearly diminished with age, he does fill a need for the Dolphins as a pass-rushing specialist. Can he mentor Cameron Wake coming off of a monster season?

Can he help some fans get energized for a team that was 1-7 at home last season? Can he become a vocal leader in the locker room? JT's role will be a big storyline this season.

Impact of Rookie Daniel Thomas

Running back is a position where rookies traditionally can have success.

The Dolphins traded up to draft Kansas State back Daniel Thomas, who has become the clear cut favorite to start Week 1 atop the depth chart. The acquisition of Reggie Bush may help Thomas (we will discuss that later), but without much competition for the starting job, the Dolphins need to find out what else the rookie can provide.

Can he block in passing situations? Can he catch the ball out of the backfield (we know Chad Henne loves to check down)? Can he execute the Wildcat in the NFL as he did in the Big 12?

If the Dolphins have a successful season, Daniel Thomas will be a big reason why.

Is the Wildcat Done?

The Dolphins were the first team in decades to use the Wildcat formation. Then the league caught on to the trend and not only started many variations of the Wildcat but clearly learned how to better defend it last season.

With its effectiveness neutralized and its conductor Ronnie Brown likely signing elsewhere, it was hard to imagine the Wildcat being much of a storyline at all this season.

Enter Daniel Thomas and Reggie Bush. Thomas ran it beautifully in college, and Bush's athletic ability and speed to run outside the tackles gives the Dolphins the makings of a dynamic Wildcat duo.

Whoever lines up behind the center needs to have some ability to throw the football, keeping defenses more off balance than Ronnie Brown could.

How Productive Will Brandon Marshall Be?

It has been a very tumultuous offseason for the Dolphins star wideout. Marshall dealt with a domestic issue involving his wife reportedly stabbing him during a dispute, then revealed he was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder.

On the field, Marshall did have 86 receptions last season, tying him for fifth in the league but scored only three touchdowns and battled injuries the second half of the season.

His relationship with Chad Henne has been somewhat of a soap opera, but if Marshall stays healthy and battles his off-field demons, he could be in line for a huge season. If not, it wouldn't surprise anyone to see Marshall being shopped around after the season.

How Will Reggie Bush Be Used?

The biggest name acquired by the Dolphins last week was undoubtedly Reggie Bush. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 draft, Reggie Bush has shown flashes of brilliance but a propensity for injury and an inability to be an every-down back.

However, with the Dolphins he may be a great fit as a punt returner, third-down back and a slot receiver to help free up Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess. As previously stated, he could also play a big role should the team want to incorporate the Wildcat formation again.

Will Reggie Bush sell tickets? Will he remain healthy? Will he be able to spell rookie Daniel Thomas in certain spots? Many storylines abound with the newest high profile acquisition by the Dolphins.

The Job Status of Tony Sparano and Jeff Ireland

General manager Jeff Ireland was clearly out looking for Tony Sparano's replacement this offseason. Although both men retained their positions for the 2011 season, they are each squarely on the hotseat from the start of training camp.

If the team starts out slowly, will either of their jobs be in jeopardy midseason? Does Ireland have any trades/signings left to bolster the roster? How will Sparano adjust with new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll implementing new offensive philosophies?

With many questions to be answered, it's becoming likely both Sparano and Ireland can only save themselves with a winning season for the Dolphins.

Chad Henne: What Does He Provide in Year 3?

The biggest storyline for the 2011 Miami Dolphins will be the play of starting quarterback Chad Henne.

After spending several days engaged in trade talks with the Denver Broncos for Kyle Orton, the Dolphins  instead acquired Matt Moore to back up Chad Henne (we believe). Handing the keys to the offense to Henne once again, this may be his last hurrah as an NFL starter if he underachieves as he did last season.

Will he be motivated by being the starter or have his confidence shot by how publicly the organization tried to replace him?

Henne was given many tools to work with, including new offensive linemen, a dynamic threat in Reggie Bush and a new playbook from coordinator Brian Daboll which will be geared to meet Henne's strengths.

This is make it or break it time for the Fins QB. He's either excellent this year, or he is out.