Silverphin
Chairman of the 'Owned! Awards' Commitee
A couple of years ago, during the 2004 season, the Miami Dolphins went through a total collapse. They suffered their second ever losing record since the merger of the AFL and the NFL (In my case, the first losing record of my life time). The only highlights of the season was Wes Welker, our defense, that big time hit by Tony Bua, and our upset win against New England.
Enter Nick Saban, a coach many 'Phin fans dubbed as the savior of this historical franchise. As soon as he touched down on the field via helicopter, everything changed.
The most important change of was riddance of the old method: drafts that irritated people to the point of wanting to meet Dave Wannstedt in a dark alley and making bone-headed off-season moves like trading high draft picks for marginal to crappy players.
Last year, we brought in veterans that could play within our hyrbrid defense (defensive tackles/defesnive ends Kevin Carter and Vonnie Holliday as well as Free/Right Safety Lance Schulters). We also had a draft class that gave us three first year starters (Ronnie Brown, Channing Crowder, and, later on, Travis Daniels). These additions of were enough to get us to a 9-7, just missing the playoffs.
This year, it seems as if we're headed forward instead of back.
Free Agency
Just like last year, Saban wasted no time in trying bring in some talent. Some of them slipped through our fingers (like Julian Peterson and Lavar Arrington). But the ones we did snag were great.
L.J. Shelton, Offensive Tackle - While he had his inconsistency, he is still regarded as one of the better left tackles in the league. At 6'6" and 345 pounds, he's a large tackle, and fits the mold of a Hudson Houck offensive lineman. It was even said Hudson Houck excels at the catergory of tackle L.J. belongs, too.
Mike Pearson, Offensive Tackle - With this addition, Saban added needed depth at the tackle position after the departure of Stockar McDougle (don't know if that is for better or for worse). The only thing that keeps him from being a great tackle is the ever dreaded injury big. He did start for one year before spending the last two years on the bench with nagging injuries.
Fred Beasley, Fullback - As we all know, Nick Sban loves a powerful, bruising running game. And for that, you need two things: A powerful, defensive back smashing running back, and a powerful fullback that rip holes in the defensive line and lay a block that could put the local police to shame. Fred Beasley is that, as well as great option for third and short running plays and is not a bad receiver. However, his knock is his bad season last year. Darian Barnes is in serious trouble.
Justin Peelle, Tight End - Justin Peelle is exactly the kind of tight end you want in a two tight end set. Now, while he is not a bad catcher at all, he shines with his outstanding blocking. Nick Saban has definitely worked hard on protecting his investments under center in the future.
Will Allen, Cornerback - One of our bigger acquisitions, Will Allen played for the Giants last year (Coincidently, Sam Madison is now a Giant, making this seem like a trade). While Will Allen is younger and faster, he didn't record one interception last year. But then again, neither did Lance Schulters the year before he joined the Dolphins. Will Allen will improve our secondary, whether he starts (which is probable), or not.
Andre' Goodman, Cornerback - He only started eight games last year, but he still posted 47 tackles, three interceptions, and 8 pass deflection. However, he was demoted from the starting job. Now, usually, that would be the problem. But, he played for the Lions, the same team that started Jeff Garcia (past his glory days) over Joey Harrington. Goodman could probably compete for the starting job. But at the very least, he'll probably be the cornerback version of Sage Rosenfels (meaning, stellar back-up). Plus, judging how Joey Harrington never mentioned Goodman in his interview, he might be a welcome face to Harrington from the previous organization.
Renaldo Hill, Defensive Back - Renaldo Hill (not to be confused with Titans Cornerback Reynaldo Hill), is a player who can play as a safety and cornerback, though he is most likely to play as Left Safety. He's versatile and could be moved all across the secondary. He's also been coached by Nick Saban at Michigan state, so he knows the defense. A definite need addition to the secondary.
Sedrick Hodge, Linebacker - I remember the Saints game. That was the first Dolphins game that a part of me did not care what the outcome will be. That game was what Lousiana and South Florida needed after suffering from Katrina and Wilma, respectively: a distraction. But I still notice a few things, like Sedrick Hodge posting a nine tackle performance against the Dolphins. With the waiving of Junior Seau, we definitely needed another strongside linebacker. He's definitely competition for the imcumbent Donnie Spragan. But so is....
Keith Newman, Linebacker - .... this guy. As a strongside line backer, he never had a season under 21 tackles, save for his rookie season and sophomore season. This guy is savvy knows his stuff. Wheth he'll be depth or starter, he'll ring some bells.
Kelly Campbell, Wide Receiver - Question: How do you make Daunte Culpepper feel welcome? Answer: By signing one of his weapons from Minnesota. Fred Campbell has been the main slot receiver in Minnesota before his one year hiatus. Teamed up with Culpepper again, Campbell will team up with Wes Welker to make the slot hell for opposing defenses.
The Draft
Last year, our draft was more densive, with our first pick being on offense. This year, the draft was a little more balanced.
Jason Allen, Safety/Cornerback - While Nick Saban said he didn't think the secondary was a pressing need, no one can doubt Jason Allen's value. He is definitely hungry, admitting that he has a hit list (Which Chad Johnson, after Sports Extra, undoubtedly became a new addition to it). He is a great tackler, contrary to popular belief. And he is also been known to snag some interceptions as well.
Derek Hagan, Wide Receiver - Arguably the best receiver in Pac-10 history, he has consistently put up 1,000-plus yard seasons for Arizona State. He definitely hurt his stock during the Senior Bowl, but no matter. We improved our ill depth behind Chris Chambers, Marty Booker, and Wes Welker.
Joe 'Holy' Toledo, Offensive Tackle/Offensive Guard - Obviously a Hudson Houck pick. He used to be a tight end, but he was told to become an offensive lineman. He did an admirable job, despite being injured for half a season. But now he is being put inside, improving our Guard depth, or lack there of.
Fred Evans, Defensive Tackle - What can I say? This man knows how to two gap. He does need help with some technique, but he can eat up a runner very well.
Rodrique Wright, Defensive Tackle - He's athletic. He's flexible. He has quick feet. He can shed blockers and shoot the gaps to either make plays or disrupt plays. Did I also mention he played on a National Championship team? Unfortunately, he was screwed by an injury he himself didn't know about. This is the second time Nick Saban was able to pull of a steal in a draft.
Devon Aromashodu, Wide Receiver - Just when you thought Nick Saban was done improving the Receiver Coprs, he plucks this guy from Ronnie Brown's alma mater. While Aromashodu didn't have a great as Hagan, he definitely was impressive, catching for around 500 yards last season.
Trades
Daunte Culpepper, Quarterback - I know there are a lot of Vikings fans that just want to go straight up to Brad Childress and tell him to just shut up (in a more impolite fashion). And can you blame them? The dolphins are now in poession of a QB whose average passer rating bests even Marino's. Of course, there is some concern over his knee. But he has a cannon of an arm, the size of Jason Taylor, the mobility comparable to Donovan McNabb, and a heart of gold, instantly making friends his teammates. But just in case Daunte Culpepper is not ready for the start of the season....
Joey Harrington, Quarterback -... we have this guy. This guy has an arm, and a gunslinger mentality just begging to be unleashed. This mentality string together six games with an average QB rating of over 100. Joey Harrington was getting a bum deal. Now he's right where he should be: amongst caring people. Oh sure, Joey's a nice guy and all. But if Daunte Culpepper is not ready, then Miami's offense will show a Joey Harrington no one (on opposing teams) will like. That is, if Dre' Bly was wrong about Joey.
My Grade: B
It's a bit too early to tell. But the way I see it, Nick Saban hadn't done one thing to worsen any wholes he had on both sides of the ball. He might of improved them. Are secondary is no longer the dark hole that made even Brook Bollinger look like a Pro-Bowler. Our O-line is only getting better, provided L.J. Shelton doesn't become this year's Stockar McDougle. If anything, we could probably use a back-up at running back.
My Prediction: 11-5, Division title.
Enter Nick Saban, a coach many 'Phin fans dubbed as the savior of this historical franchise. As soon as he touched down on the field via helicopter, everything changed.
The most important change of was riddance of the old method: drafts that irritated people to the point of wanting to meet Dave Wannstedt in a dark alley and making bone-headed off-season moves like trading high draft picks for marginal to crappy players.
Last year, we brought in veterans that could play within our hyrbrid defense (defensive tackles/defesnive ends Kevin Carter and Vonnie Holliday as well as Free/Right Safety Lance Schulters). We also had a draft class that gave us three first year starters (Ronnie Brown, Channing Crowder, and, later on, Travis Daniels). These additions of were enough to get us to a 9-7, just missing the playoffs.
This year, it seems as if we're headed forward instead of back.
Free Agency
Just like last year, Saban wasted no time in trying bring in some talent. Some of them slipped through our fingers (like Julian Peterson and Lavar Arrington). But the ones we did snag were great.
L.J. Shelton, Offensive Tackle - While he had his inconsistency, he is still regarded as one of the better left tackles in the league. At 6'6" and 345 pounds, he's a large tackle, and fits the mold of a Hudson Houck offensive lineman. It was even said Hudson Houck excels at the catergory of tackle L.J. belongs, too.
Mike Pearson, Offensive Tackle - With this addition, Saban added needed depth at the tackle position after the departure of Stockar McDougle (don't know if that is for better or for worse). The only thing that keeps him from being a great tackle is the ever dreaded injury big. He did start for one year before spending the last two years on the bench with nagging injuries.
Fred Beasley, Fullback - As we all know, Nick Sban loves a powerful, bruising running game. And for that, you need two things: A powerful, defensive back smashing running back, and a powerful fullback that rip holes in the defensive line and lay a block that could put the local police to shame. Fred Beasley is that, as well as great option for third and short running plays and is not a bad receiver. However, his knock is his bad season last year. Darian Barnes is in serious trouble.
Justin Peelle, Tight End - Justin Peelle is exactly the kind of tight end you want in a two tight end set. Now, while he is not a bad catcher at all, he shines with his outstanding blocking. Nick Saban has definitely worked hard on protecting his investments under center in the future.
Will Allen, Cornerback - One of our bigger acquisitions, Will Allen played for the Giants last year (Coincidently, Sam Madison is now a Giant, making this seem like a trade). While Will Allen is younger and faster, he didn't record one interception last year. But then again, neither did Lance Schulters the year before he joined the Dolphins. Will Allen will improve our secondary, whether he starts (which is probable), or not.
Andre' Goodman, Cornerback - He only started eight games last year, but he still posted 47 tackles, three interceptions, and 8 pass deflection. However, he was demoted from the starting job. Now, usually, that would be the problem. But, he played for the Lions, the same team that started Jeff Garcia (past his glory days) over Joey Harrington. Goodman could probably compete for the starting job. But at the very least, he'll probably be the cornerback version of Sage Rosenfels (meaning, stellar back-up). Plus, judging how Joey Harrington never mentioned Goodman in his interview, he might be a welcome face to Harrington from the previous organization.
Renaldo Hill, Defensive Back - Renaldo Hill (not to be confused with Titans Cornerback Reynaldo Hill), is a player who can play as a safety and cornerback, though he is most likely to play as Left Safety. He's versatile and could be moved all across the secondary. He's also been coached by Nick Saban at Michigan state, so he knows the defense. A definite need addition to the secondary.
Sedrick Hodge, Linebacker - I remember the Saints game. That was the first Dolphins game that a part of me did not care what the outcome will be. That game was what Lousiana and South Florida needed after suffering from Katrina and Wilma, respectively: a distraction. But I still notice a few things, like Sedrick Hodge posting a nine tackle performance against the Dolphins. With the waiving of Junior Seau, we definitely needed another strongside linebacker. He's definitely competition for the imcumbent Donnie Spragan. But so is....
Keith Newman, Linebacker - .... this guy. As a strongside line backer, he never had a season under 21 tackles, save for his rookie season and sophomore season. This guy is savvy knows his stuff. Wheth he'll be depth or starter, he'll ring some bells.
Kelly Campbell, Wide Receiver - Question: How do you make Daunte Culpepper feel welcome? Answer: By signing one of his weapons from Minnesota. Fred Campbell has been the main slot receiver in Minnesota before his one year hiatus. Teamed up with Culpepper again, Campbell will team up with Wes Welker to make the slot hell for opposing defenses.
The Draft
Last year, our draft was more densive, with our first pick being on offense. This year, the draft was a little more balanced.
Jason Allen, Safety/Cornerback - While Nick Saban said he didn't think the secondary was a pressing need, no one can doubt Jason Allen's value. He is definitely hungry, admitting that he has a hit list (Which Chad Johnson, after Sports Extra, undoubtedly became a new addition to it). He is a great tackler, contrary to popular belief. And he is also been known to snag some interceptions as well.
Derek Hagan, Wide Receiver - Arguably the best receiver in Pac-10 history, he has consistently put up 1,000-plus yard seasons for Arizona State. He definitely hurt his stock during the Senior Bowl, but no matter. We improved our ill depth behind Chris Chambers, Marty Booker, and Wes Welker.
Joe 'Holy' Toledo, Offensive Tackle/Offensive Guard - Obviously a Hudson Houck pick. He used to be a tight end, but he was told to become an offensive lineman. He did an admirable job, despite being injured for half a season. But now he is being put inside, improving our Guard depth, or lack there of.
Fred Evans, Defensive Tackle - What can I say? This man knows how to two gap. He does need help with some technique, but he can eat up a runner very well.
Rodrique Wright, Defensive Tackle - He's athletic. He's flexible. He has quick feet. He can shed blockers and shoot the gaps to either make plays or disrupt plays. Did I also mention he played on a National Championship team? Unfortunately, he was screwed by an injury he himself didn't know about. This is the second time Nick Saban was able to pull of a steal in a draft.
Devon Aromashodu, Wide Receiver - Just when you thought Nick Saban was done improving the Receiver Coprs, he plucks this guy from Ronnie Brown's alma mater. While Aromashodu didn't have a great as Hagan, he definitely was impressive, catching for around 500 yards last season.
Trades
Daunte Culpepper, Quarterback - I know there are a lot of Vikings fans that just want to go straight up to Brad Childress and tell him to just shut up (in a more impolite fashion). And can you blame them? The dolphins are now in poession of a QB whose average passer rating bests even Marino's. Of course, there is some concern over his knee. But he has a cannon of an arm, the size of Jason Taylor, the mobility comparable to Donovan McNabb, and a heart of gold, instantly making friends his teammates. But just in case Daunte Culpepper is not ready for the start of the season....
Joey Harrington, Quarterback -... we have this guy. This guy has an arm, and a gunslinger mentality just begging to be unleashed. This mentality string together six games with an average QB rating of over 100. Joey Harrington was getting a bum deal. Now he's right where he should be: amongst caring people. Oh sure, Joey's a nice guy and all. But if Daunte Culpepper is not ready, then Miami's offense will show a Joey Harrington no one (on opposing teams) will like. That is, if Dre' Bly was wrong about Joey.
My Grade: B
It's a bit too early to tell. But the way I see it, Nick Saban hadn't done one thing to worsen any wholes he had on both sides of the ball. He might of improved them. Are secondary is no longer the dark hole that made even Brook Bollinger look like a Pro-Bowler. Our O-line is only getting better, provided L.J. Shelton doesn't become this year's Stockar McDougle. If anything, we could probably use a back-up at running back.
My Prediction: 11-5, Division title.
