12-4. I have no doubt in my mind. We were thisclose to 10-6/11-5 last year, just a few bad breaks away. This team is much improved on both sides of the ball and the defense is really going to be dominant with another year under Saban and now under the guidance of Capers. We have two legitimate starting QBs on our team now, which (obviously) has been a weakness since Danny retired. The most important position on the team is now a strength as a opposed to a liability. We have a game breaking, brusing running back, two above average WRs (maybe three and very good depth), an excellent TE, above average special teams with TWO guys on the roster now who are a threat to take a return the distance. Our defensive back field was subtly upgraded. Obviously there were no HUGE signing in the secondary in free agency, but the guys we added are quality players that will perform well in Saban's system -especially since our front will be putting tons of pressure on the QB. Loosing Reggie Howard was addition by subtraction and Jason Allen will prove to be a huge help for us.
What makes this team so exciting is that it seems to be very solid all around. Having a solid all around team has proven to be ALOT more successful than a team that has a few superstars here and there. There are very few guys who are superstars and those who are teetering on superstardom don't act like it. This is an unselfish group Saban has assembled. We have a great mix of veterans and young guys and depth is pretty good for the most part. We could use another D-lineman or two and an OLB. Our offensive line was leaps and bounds better last season and this year it could very well be a strength. Houck has a history of turning OL's into quality units. We've made some additions that will prove to be big upgrades.
I see few reasons to NOT be optimistic about the season. Expecting playoffs, maybe even the second round, is a very fair expectation. Why not? There are very few things about the Dolphins that can take away optimism. The concerns are: Culpeppers knee. (But Harrington will do a good job in his stead). Depth at LB (We had the same problem last year and did pretty well. There is still time and players to add) D-line. (again, still time, still some players and we have a few young guys on the team that can really dominate for us if they step it up).
I'm staying with 12-4 and winning the AFC East. I'll even go out on a limb and predict at least the second round.
