Miami Dolphins: Nick Saban
Offensive analysis
Everything in Nick Saban's offensive attack begins with the power running game. Saban strives to control field position and time of possession. As such, his teams at Michigan State, LSU, and now in Miami center around a strong offensive line and frequent handoffs. The addition of Daunte Culpepper likely opens the offense up more, making better use of Chris Chambers, Marty Booker and Randy McMichael.
Run
Nick Saban simply wants to run the ball more than his opponent. The statistics bear out that the team that runs the ball more frequently wins the game. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams teamed to carry the ball more than 25 times per game to great success last season. With Williams suspended for the year, Miami will need to find a complement/backup for the 2006 season.
Pass
Saban likes to spread the field and create matchup problems with his receivers. Chambers, Booker and McMichael generally tower over opposing defenders and can work effectively downfield. That, in turn, opens the field for the running game and allows Miami to control the ball, and the clock. Like Belichick and the coaches profiled in the NFC East, Saban expects disciplined ball free of penalties and turnovers. The acquisition of Culpepper leads me to believe that Saban sees his struggles of '05 as an anomaly.
Who benefits? Ronnie Brown
Past stars: LaBrandon Toefield, Domanick Davis, Sedrick Irvin
Defensive analysis
Saban likes to attack opposing quarterbacks, frequently calling for unique blitz combinations and forcing the issue. During his tenure at LSU, the Tigers ranked among the NCAA's best in points and yards allowed. That success followed on the heels of his earlier triumphs as coordinator of the Cleveland Browns defense. In three years, he took Cleveland from last in points allowed to fewest in the NFL.
Run
The Dolphins will rely on Keith Taylor and his 337-pound frame to clog the middle and command double-teams, allowing Taylor and Carter to apply pressure from the outside. The heady play of linebackers allows them to anticipate blocking schemes and finish off plays. No Saban team will ever enter a game unprepared.
Pass
Saban knows how to disguise coverages and create schemes by which to get pressure on the quarterback. Having a linebacker like Zach Thomas to cover sideline to sideline certainly doesn't hurt his cause. I anticipate that the pressure provided by Jason Taylor and Kevin Carter allows Miami to improve on its 20th-ranked pass defense from last year.
Who benefits? Kevin Carter, Jason Taylor, Will Poole, Zach Thomas
Past stars: Antonio Langham, Pepper Johnson, Mike Caldwell
http://msn.foxsports.com/fantasy/story/5591972
Offensive analysis
Everything in Nick Saban's offensive attack begins with the power running game. Saban strives to control field position and time of possession. As such, his teams at Michigan State, LSU, and now in Miami center around a strong offensive line and frequent handoffs. The addition of Daunte Culpepper likely opens the offense up more, making better use of Chris Chambers, Marty Booker and Randy McMichael.
Run
Nick Saban simply wants to run the ball more than his opponent. The statistics bear out that the team that runs the ball more frequently wins the game. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams teamed to carry the ball more than 25 times per game to great success last season. With Williams suspended for the year, Miami will need to find a complement/backup for the 2006 season.
Pass
Saban likes to spread the field and create matchup problems with his receivers. Chambers, Booker and McMichael generally tower over opposing defenders and can work effectively downfield. That, in turn, opens the field for the running game and allows Miami to control the ball, and the clock. Like Belichick and the coaches profiled in the NFC East, Saban expects disciplined ball free of penalties and turnovers. The acquisition of Culpepper leads me to believe that Saban sees his struggles of '05 as an anomaly.
Who benefits? Ronnie Brown
Past stars: LaBrandon Toefield, Domanick Davis, Sedrick Irvin
Defensive analysis
Saban likes to attack opposing quarterbacks, frequently calling for unique blitz combinations and forcing the issue. During his tenure at LSU, the Tigers ranked among the NCAA's best in points and yards allowed. That success followed on the heels of his earlier triumphs as coordinator of the Cleveland Browns defense. In three years, he took Cleveland from last in points allowed to fewest in the NFL.
Run
The Dolphins will rely on Keith Taylor and his 337-pound frame to clog the middle and command double-teams, allowing Taylor and Carter to apply pressure from the outside. The heady play of linebackers allows them to anticipate blocking schemes and finish off plays. No Saban team will ever enter a game unprepared.
Pass
Saban knows how to disguise coverages and create schemes by which to get pressure on the quarterback. Having a linebacker like Zach Thomas to cover sideline to sideline certainly doesn't hurt his cause. I anticipate that the pressure provided by Jason Taylor and Kevin Carter allows Miami to improve on its 20th-ranked pass defense from last year.
Who benefits? Kevin Carter, Jason Taylor, Will Poole, Zach Thomas
Past stars: Antonio Langham, Pepper Johnson, Mike Caldwell
http://msn.foxsports.com/fantasy/story/5591972
