Chris Shashaty 10 questions going into training camp

[phinsfan1221]

http://www.phins.com/chris/column_072407.html The start of a new season is upon us. Always the wellspring of hope, it’s the time when paper dreams become reality. It’s the anticipation of achieving great things.



And yet there is a lingering malaise, an absence of wide spread excitement, that greets the 2007 edition of the Miami Dolphins. It’s understandable; the sour taste from last season’s disastrous 6-10 result, the bust that was Daunte Culpepper, the blatant lies and betrayal of one Nick Saban, the pass on Brady Quinn, the tortured acquisition of Trent Green, the continued disappointment in a stoned Ricky Williams, various player transgressions, a home game to be played in London, and an increase in ticket prices that have some Dolfans in a fairly disgusted state.



There is only one elixir that will wash away the bad feelings: winning.



The good news is that the 2007 Dolphins have what it takes to win more than they lose. And yes, they are talented enough to make a run at their first playoff berth in five years. But luck must also play a big part for the 2007 Dolphins to achieve success, given that Head Coach Cam Cameron and General Manager Randy Mueller are taking several risks which need to pay off in a handsome way.



And so, on the eve of the 2007 season, here’s my annual Top 10 list of things to look for. Not surprisingly, most of the questions fall on the offensive side of the ball.

 

[Geforce]

2) Can Vernon Carey make the transition to Left Tackle?

I don't see why not, he has done it before.

Quoting VanDolPhan from yesterday...

Carey's 2nd season (and my god I swear the majority of people here including the media completely skim over this) he was immediately moved to LT by Houck. He went through an entire training camp and preseason and even played some during a couple games in the season and looked GOOD. However, the team had brought in Stockar McSucksDougle and handed him a job at RT with no challengers. It became imperative to replace him however (and this is key kiddies), D-Mac showed a lot of resistance to moving to RT as he has barely/never played there. D-Mac however was solid enough to not be a liability at LT so they moved Carey back to RT to solidify the line and not because of anything of Carey's fault.

 

[SgtPhin]

Excellent points,Geforce. Yet, there will be someone who will always have something negative to say about this move. Some people think their opinion is all that matters and they are always right about everything. I just hope Carey comes out and plays great and finally Shuts Up the naysayers.

 

[Raoul Duke]

i remember when carey was at LT he was decent and with time i could really see him having success there

 

[LarryFinFan]

1) How long will it take for the Dolphins to grasp Cameron’s offense?

Cameron’s playbook represents Miami’s fourth new system in four years. The good news is that this will be last one the offensive players will need to learn for the foreseeable future. Yet few things can be as disruptive to short term productivity as adapting to the ways of a new coach. The sooner the Dolphins can function instinctively well in Cameron’s system, the higher their chances are of realizing a winning season and, possibly, a playoff berth.

This is the same base offense as we have been running. Linehan runs the Turner/Coryell offense. The differences are really in the method and ingenuity of play-calling (something we saw none of last year). Linehan had a penchant for more downfield, vertical plays of the system while Cam likes the intermediate and shorter routes more...either way, the players have to execute the system for it to be successful. The offense in 2005, as bad as Gus played showed signs of life...with a real QB, it can work...learning the 'system', in this case is highly overrated...

4) Can Ronnie Brown follow L.T.’s act?

L.T. would LaDainian Tomlinson, the fine RB of the San Diego Chargers. As the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, Cameron built his game plans around Tomlinson and his multi-dimensional skills. As the Dolphins’ de facto offensive coordinator, Cameron will ask the same things from Brown, his best offensive player. Brown has everything Cameron desires in a RB: size, speed, intelligence, maturity, good hands, and toughness. Aside from being a productive runner and receiver, he is also exceptional in pass protection. Cameron’s system may prove to be an epiphany for Brown, who has yet to realize his full potential.

Brown is not LT. LT is a special talent. While I think Brown is a very good back and can get better, I don't see LT in him, at least not at this point. Cam is known for 'best utilizing his players strengths' (like another coach we used to have). He'll get the most from Brown and integrate those strengths into the strengths of the rest of the skill players. He'll want Brown to be the workhorse, but we'll see Booker, Ginn, and others in roles that will supplement what LT does in SD...

I agreed with most of this article. No matter what, I think this offense will be exciting. It may not be enough to take us to the promised land this year, but we'll all enjoy seeing the offense actually carry the team occasionally, unlike since JJ was here...

 

[Mike13]

Great article, I think Carey can hold down the LT spot.

 

[BLITZKRIEG]

Let's face it, the OL has been pathetic over the last couple of years. I'm not sure how much we've improved this offseason, but it was certainly time for some changes...

Carey has improved on a yearly basis, but he's still mostly untested as a starting LT in my opinion. I really don't know if he's got what it takes at this stage, but we'll find out soon enough. I hope he can adapt quickly, and make the transition without any major complications. Starting at LT will be a huge responsibility for Carey this year....

PHINZ RULE!!!