Miami Dolphins
Key veteran additions: DE
Kevin Carter; OG
Damion Cook; CB
Mario Edwards; FB
Heath Evans; QB
Gus Frerotte; DE
Vonnie Holliday; S
Tebucky Jones; OT
Stockar McDougle; LB
Donnie Spragan; S
Travares Tillman; DT
Keith Traylor.
Key veteran departures: DT
Tim Bowens; QB
Jay Fiedler; S
Arturo Freeman; QB
Jason Garrett; LB
Morlon Greenwood; OT Greg Jerman; SS
Sammy Knight; FB
Rob Konrad; DT
Bryan Robinson; CB
Patrick Surtain; DE
Jay Williams.
Most significant change: Miami no longer will be playing the same kind of straight 4-3, man-coverage scheme that helped it rank in the top 10 defensively for the past seven seasons. First-year head coach Nick Saban will stick predominantly with the 4-3 alignment but has added a slew of zone coverages, new looks and a 3-4 package.
Reasons for optimism: The Dolphins shouldn't repeat as the NFL's 31st-ranked rushing attack because of the drafting of RB
Ronnie Brown and the expected return of RB
Ricky Williams from retirement. Saban has assembled one of the NFL's most impressive coaching staffs, spearheaded by offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and OL coach Hudson Houck.
Causes for concern: Quarterback remains a major question mark, with journeyman Gus Frerotte battling
A.J. Feeley for the starting job. Depth at defensive tackle is extremely thin, and the secondary is a question mark after the offseason departure of three starters (Surtain, Freeman and Knight).
Battle to watch: Vernon Carey vs.
Damion McIntosh at left tackle. Carey finally appears to be living up to his status as a 2004 first-round draft choice, earning the starting nod ahead of McIntosh during the offseason. Improved play at left tackle is a must if Miami hopes to improve one of the NFL's worst lines from last season.
Don't be surprised if ... rookie
Travis Daniels beats out veterans
Reggie Howard and Edwards to be the opening-day starter at left cornerback opposite
Sam Madison. A fourth-round draft choice, Daniels worked with the first-team unit during mini-camp and has familiarity with Miami's defensive system after playing for Saban at LSU.
