Phinsfan210
F-I-N-S FINS FINS FINS
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- Jan 17, 2008
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Ok Dolphin fans, were at the midpoint in the season with 8 games behind us and 8 games to go. Despite little to no attention from the media, the dolphins turnaround from last year might be one of the most intriguing stories. Yes the falcons were bad last year too but they have a lot of talent and a turnaround there was much more likely then here. Everyone expected us to take at least 3-4 years to even talk about playoffs, well year 1 in rebuilding, and were talking about playoffs. Bill Parcells has done some amazing things in the league, but so far this is one of his best accomplishments. This team was 1-15 last year getting blown out, and was one play away from being 0-16. Now they are 4-4 with the easiest part of their schedule coming up and the ability to knock off any team in the league. So lets get started on my review of the first 8 games.
Front Office
Wayne Huzeinga went after promising college coach Nick Saban, that failed and drove us from a hole to a bigger hole. Then he went after Cam Cameron, the positive never screams offensive coordinator from the chargers. That failed miserably and had us our worst season weve ever seen as dolphin fans. And now he reached out and got Bill Parcells. A proven rebuilder with a true record of success in this league. A man who knows how to build a championship team and so far its been a great success. Bill Parcells brought over Jeff Ireland from Dallas, and both of them did an amazing job in the off-season. It was the best draft we as dolphin fans have seen in years, and a great free agency, getting players that may not be all-stars but are players that you build your core with.
Grade: A+
Coaching
Bill Parcells brought his 'protege' in Tony Sparano over to be the head coach. Tony Sparano is the perfect head coach, a guy who embraces challenges, a guy who never gives up. The one thing i loved about Tony through the first 8 games was after the cardinals game, he said he didnt sleep that night, just watched game tape. That was impressive to me, as he could of just sat around thinking, "am i in over my head"? but no, he figured out what was wrong and the team came out on fire the next week. Tony's made some questionable calls so far through this season but hey, hes a rookie head coach. I think hes a "players coach" and by that I mean he knows how to get these guys motivated and get them to play hard week in and week out.
Grade: A-
Quarterback
For about a decade now, we have not been able to find a QB. We went through a dozen quarterbacks until we finally have found our QB. I would like to say thank you to the New York Jets for going after Brett Favre and releasing Chad Penningon. I praised the move of bringing over Pennington from the second the rumor came out. I knew we were going to get a efficent, SMART, and very good quarterback in him. Yeah his arm strength is somewhat of a problem, but he makes up for it with everything else you want in a quarterback. But his best attribute, the reason this team is 4-4 and not 2-6 or 1-7 is his leadership. This is a team that clearly lacked any kind of leadership, and Chad has brought that here. He has taken this team by the horns and now he is the leader of this team. Lets take a look at some stats through the first 8 games. Chad currently has a 95.2 quarterback rating, a 67.4 completion percentage, and hes thrown 7 touchdowns next to only 4 interceptions. But stats dont tell it all, Chad is the reason our offense is working, he doesnt turn the ball over and he makes great throws.
Grade: A-
Runningbacks/Fullbacks
The R and R express looks good so far. Ronnie Brown has come back from that injury last year and has been amazing so far. Ricky Williams has done a great job of backing him up and making some clutch plays like that catch against Denver on the winning drive. Both of these guys are serious weapons on a offense that lacks weapons and dangerous players. The running game has slowed down the past couple of games, but I expect it to really pick up again against Seattle, and Brown to get back on track and possibly a pro-bowler. Patrick Cobbs was our mvp in that houston game and let me just say what a move it was to keep him on the team. As for the fullbacks, Casey Cramer seems to be promising but hes injured right now, other then that, we will have to see.
Grade: B+
Offensive Line
Our offensive line was expected to be one of our major strengthes this year and so it has been. We have a VERY young offensive line with a ton of potential and by the end of the year, when this line gels, its going to be a dangerous offense. Jake Long, the number 1 pick, has done a fantastic job so far, hes taken on some real good competition and done an amazing job. What a pick that was. Justin Smiley was the free agent adition from the niners, and hes done a great job so far as well through the first 8 games. Samson Satele has been mediocre, Carey continues to be a terrific lineman, and Donald Thomas was looking like a real promising rookie until that injury, cant wait for him to come back next year. Right now, the pass protection has been amazing while the run blocking needs a lot of work. Im sure theyll get it going though.
Grade: B-
Wide Receivers
Coming into this season, a lot of people including many of our own fans said this would be our worst part of the team, and early on in the season it was. But I am starting to see some really good playing from the wide receivers. Lets take a look. Ted Ginn Jr, the controversial first pick of last years draft has had some very good games and some games where he has been non-existent. Against Buffalo, he had over a 175 yards receiving and just plain out had an amazing game. He still does not have a touchdown but he continues to get better week in and week out. Greg Camarillo has been the most pleasent surprise on the dolphins offense this year. He recently grabbed 11 catches in the denver game, and hes by far been our most consistent receiver. Devone Bess was an undrafted rookie free agent out of Hawaii, and man how did this guy go undrafted. Hes been awesome so far, and his hands are like glue. Catches everything. Derek Hagan is officially a bust and Ernest Wilford was a terrible signing by this front office.
Grade: B-
Tight Ends
We have been waiting for years to get a good tight end, and this year Bill Parcells has done it. He traded a 4th round pick for Anthony Fasano and Akin Ayodele. Anthony Fasano has been an amazing pickup has he is everything you want in your starting tight end. Hes a dangerous receiever and a great blocker. David Martin, who everybody wanted gone, is back and better then ever. Hes been making some great catches all year long and has become one of Pennington's favorite targets.
Grade: A-
Defensive Line
I think this is the most improved squad from the 2007 season. In 2007, this unit could not get pressure for their lives nor could they stop the run. Well a Parcells 3-4 defense revolves around BIG and STRONG defensive lineman and we got that. Vonnie Holliday has been conistent so far and hes been a great leader for a young defense. Across from him is 4th round draft pick, Kendall Langford who has been one of the best surprises for the defense so far. Hes been great at getting pressure and collapsing the pocket. A lot of Porters sacks are because of Langford. But the MVP on this line is Jason Ferguson. Hes been amazing so far as he collapses the pocket and stops the run. Great pickup that was to get Ferguson. As for the backups, 2nd round draft pick Philip Merling has shown potential and I expect to see more of him later in the year. And Randy Starks has been very good with a couple sacks and he is one d-end that continually gets pressure. Last year, this d-line was an F, so big improvment.
Grade: B+
Linebackers
Joey Porter still a bust signing? Dont think so. Joey Porter through 8 games has broken his career high sacks, leads the league with 11.5 sacks, and is currently on pace to break Michael Strahans record. Porter is the leader of this defense emotionally and on the field as well. Porter is going to the probowl this year. As for the other linebackers, Channing Crowder has proven himself so far and made some big plays, he should be getting resigned soon. Akin Ayodele made that trade a steal for us as he has been solid. Matt Roth, called a bust by many, was moved to a linebacker position by the coaching staff and its worked out great so far as he has been a terrific backup.
Grade: B-
Secondary
This has by far been the most inconsistent group on the team. Theyve had games (buffalo, denver) where they look like a group of all-stars, and they have had games (Arizona, Houston) where they have looked downright horrible. So i dont know which is the real one. They have been amazing in the past 2 games, Jason Allen and Will Allen have done a terrific job, and Yeramiah Bell also is doing a great job. More games are needed to get a real picture on how good this secondary is.
Grade: B-
Special Teams
Only good thing about this special teams unit is Dan Carpenter, who is the undrafted rookie kicker who replaced Jay Feely. Carpenter has done a great job so far only missing 2 kicks, one of which was blocked. As for the coverage units, they have been terrible. Special teams has allowed teams to come back in games and gain momentum like in New England and Denver. Lot of work needed to be done on this unit.
Grade: C-
Ok now it is time for some mid-season awards.
Offensive Rookie
Im going to go with Jake Long as he has done a terrific job at the LT position. He looks promising for many years and he could be a pro-bowler in just his rookie season
Defensive Rookie
This one is going to Kendall Langford. Langford has done a great job so far at getting pressure and getting a couple sacks. Hes the prototypical 3-4 defensive end.
Most Improved Player
Im going to go with Greg Camarillo. Hes gone from fluke to legitiment receiver. Hes done a great job so for, and hes been the most consistent, sure-handed, receiever for us so far.
Best Offensive Player
This one goes to Chad Pennington. Chad really is the reason for success on this offense. He brought this unit together and has made them very good, keep up the good work Chad.
Best Defensive Player
Do I even need to say it? Yeah I do actually, its Joey Porter. Porter is on pace to break the single season sack record. Hes been amazing so far, keep up the good work Joey.
MVP
My MVP award for this team goes to Chad Pennington as well. He really has just done an amazing job, Henne is going to have to wait.
Ok, now were done with awards, lets go to the last section of my review with the next 8 games lookout and final predictions.
Seattle Seahawks-W
Oakland Raiders-W
New England Patriots-L
@ St.Louis Rams-W
@ Buffalo Bills-L
San Fransico 49ers-W
@ Kansas City Chiefs-W
@ New York Jets-L
Final Record- 9-7
I think we will finish 9-7, and I think we will miss the playoffs by a game. Tough stuff I know, but we are a young team and we still got a long way to go. So thats it for my mid-season review, Hope you enjoyed it, and LETS GO DOLPHINS!!!!!!!
Front Office
Wayne Huzeinga went after promising college coach Nick Saban, that failed and drove us from a hole to a bigger hole. Then he went after Cam Cameron, the positive never screams offensive coordinator from the chargers. That failed miserably and had us our worst season weve ever seen as dolphin fans. And now he reached out and got Bill Parcells. A proven rebuilder with a true record of success in this league. A man who knows how to build a championship team and so far its been a great success. Bill Parcells brought over Jeff Ireland from Dallas, and both of them did an amazing job in the off-season. It was the best draft we as dolphin fans have seen in years, and a great free agency, getting players that may not be all-stars but are players that you build your core with.
Grade: A+
Coaching
Bill Parcells brought his 'protege' in Tony Sparano over to be the head coach. Tony Sparano is the perfect head coach, a guy who embraces challenges, a guy who never gives up. The one thing i loved about Tony through the first 8 games was after the cardinals game, he said he didnt sleep that night, just watched game tape. That was impressive to me, as he could of just sat around thinking, "am i in over my head"? but no, he figured out what was wrong and the team came out on fire the next week. Tony's made some questionable calls so far through this season but hey, hes a rookie head coach. I think hes a "players coach" and by that I mean he knows how to get these guys motivated and get them to play hard week in and week out.
Grade: A-
Quarterback
For about a decade now, we have not been able to find a QB. We went through a dozen quarterbacks until we finally have found our QB. I would like to say thank you to the New York Jets for going after Brett Favre and releasing Chad Penningon. I praised the move of bringing over Pennington from the second the rumor came out. I knew we were going to get a efficent, SMART, and very good quarterback in him. Yeah his arm strength is somewhat of a problem, but he makes up for it with everything else you want in a quarterback. But his best attribute, the reason this team is 4-4 and not 2-6 or 1-7 is his leadership. This is a team that clearly lacked any kind of leadership, and Chad has brought that here. He has taken this team by the horns and now he is the leader of this team. Lets take a look at some stats through the first 8 games. Chad currently has a 95.2 quarterback rating, a 67.4 completion percentage, and hes thrown 7 touchdowns next to only 4 interceptions. But stats dont tell it all, Chad is the reason our offense is working, he doesnt turn the ball over and he makes great throws.
Grade: A-
Runningbacks/Fullbacks
The R and R express looks good so far. Ronnie Brown has come back from that injury last year and has been amazing so far. Ricky Williams has done a great job of backing him up and making some clutch plays like that catch against Denver on the winning drive. Both of these guys are serious weapons on a offense that lacks weapons and dangerous players. The running game has slowed down the past couple of games, but I expect it to really pick up again against Seattle, and Brown to get back on track and possibly a pro-bowler. Patrick Cobbs was our mvp in that houston game and let me just say what a move it was to keep him on the team. As for the fullbacks, Casey Cramer seems to be promising but hes injured right now, other then that, we will have to see.
Grade: B+
Offensive Line
Our offensive line was expected to be one of our major strengthes this year and so it has been. We have a VERY young offensive line with a ton of potential and by the end of the year, when this line gels, its going to be a dangerous offense. Jake Long, the number 1 pick, has done a fantastic job so far, hes taken on some real good competition and done an amazing job. What a pick that was. Justin Smiley was the free agent adition from the niners, and hes done a great job so far as well through the first 8 games. Samson Satele has been mediocre, Carey continues to be a terrific lineman, and Donald Thomas was looking like a real promising rookie until that injury, cant wait for him to come back next year. Right now, the pass protection has been amazing while the run blocking needs a lot of work. Im sure theyll get it going though.
Grade: B-
Wide Receivers
Coming into this season, a lot of people including many of our own fans said this would be our worst part of the team, and early on in the season it was. But I am starting to see some really good playing from the wide receivers. Lets take a look. Ted Ginn Jr, the controversial first pick of last years draft has had some very good games and some games where he has been non-existent. Against Buffalo, he had over a 175 yards receiving and just plain out had an amazing game. He still does not have a touchdown but he continues to get better week in and week out. Greg Camarillo has been the most pleasent surprise on the dolphins offense this year. He recently grabbed 11 catches in the denver game, and hes by far been our most consistent receiver. Devone Bess was an undrafted rookie free agent out of Hawaii, and man how did this guy go undrafted. Hes been awesome so far, and his hands are like glue. Catches everything. Derek Hagan is officially a bust and Ernest Wilford was a terrible signing by this front office.
Grade: B-
Tight Ends
We have been waiting for years to get a good tight end, and this year Bill Parcells has done it. He traded a 4th round pick for Anthony Fasano and Akin Ayodele. Anthony Fasano has been an amazing pickup has he is everything you want in your starting tight end. Hes a dangerous receiever and a great blocker. David Martin, who everybody wanted gone, is back and better then ever. Hes been making some great catches all year long and has become one of Pennington's favorite targets.
Grade: A-
Defensive Line
I think this is the most improved squad from the 2007 season. In 2007, this unit could not get pressure for their lives nor could they stop the run. Well a Parcells 3-4 defense revolves around BIG and STRONG defensive lineman and we got that. Vonnie Holliday has been conistent so far and hes been a great leader for a young defense. Across from him is 4th round draft pick, Kendall Langford who has been one of the best surprises for the defense so far. Hes been great at getting pressure and collapsing the pocket. A lot of Porters sacks are because of Langford. But the MVP on this line is Jason Ferguson. Hes been amazing so far as he collapses the pocket and stops the run. Great pickup that was to get Ferguson. As for the backups, 2nd round draft pick Philip Merling has shown potential and I expect to see more of him later in the year. And Randy Starks has been very good with a couple sacks and he is one d-end that continually gets pressure. Last year, this d-line was an F, so big improvment.
Grade: B+
Linebackers
Joey Porter still a bust signing? Dont think so. Joey Porter through 8 games has broken his career high sacks, leads the league with 11.5 sacks, and is currently on pace to break Michael Strahans record. Porter is the leader of this defense emotionally and on the field as well. Porter is going to the probowl this year. As for the other linebackers, Channing Crowder has proven himself so far and made some big plays, he should be getting resigned soon. Akin Ayodele made that trade a steal for us as he has been solid. Matt Roth, called a bust by many, was moved to a linebacker position by the coaching staff and its worked out great so far as he has been a terrific backup.
Grade: B-
Secondary
This has by far been the most inconsistent group on the team. Theyve had games (buffalo, denver) where they look like a group of all-stars, and they have had games (Arizona, Houston) where they have looked downright horrible. So i dont know which is the real one. They have been amazing in the past 2 games, Jason Allen and Will Allen have done a terrific job, and Yeramiah Bell also is doing a great job. More games are needed to get a real picture on how good this secondary is.
Grade: B-
Special Teams
Only good thing about this special teams unit is Dan Carpenter, who is the undrafted rookie kicker who replaced Jay Feely. Carpenter has done a great job so far only missing 2 kicks, one of which was blocked. As for the coverage units, they have been terrible. Special teams has allowed teams to come back in games and gain momentum like in New England and Denver. Lot of work needed to be done on this unit.
Grade: C-
Ok now it is time for some mid-season awards.
Offensive Rookie
Im going to go with Jake Long as he has done a terrific job at the LT position. He looks promising for many years and he could be a pro-bowler in just his rookie season
Defensive Rookie
This one is going to Kendall Langford. Langford has done a great job so far at getting pressure and getting a couple sacks. Hes the prototypical 3-4 defensive end.
Most Improved Player
Im going to go with Greg Camarillo. Hes gone from fluke to legitiment receiver. Hes done a great job so for, and hes been the most consistent, sure-handed, receiever for us so far.
Best Offensive Player
This one goes to Chad Pennington. Chad really is the reason for success on this offense. He brought this unit together and has made them very good, keep up the good work Chad.
Best Defensive Player
Do I even need to say it? Yeah I do actually, its Joey Porter. Porter is on pace to break the single season sack record. Hes been amazing so far, keep up the good work Joey.
MVP
My MVP award for this team goes to Chad Pennington as well. He really has just done an amazing job, Henne is going to have to wait.
Ok, now were done with awards, lets go to the last section of my review with the next 8 games lookout and final predictions.
Seattle Seahawks-W
Oakland Raiders-W
New England Patriots-L
@ St.Louis Rams-W
@ Buffalo Bills-L
San Fransico 49ers-W
@ Kansas City Chiefs-W
@ New York Jets-L
Final Record- 9-7
I think we will finish 9-7, and I think we will miss the playoffs by a game. Tough stuff I know, but we are a young team and we still got a long way to go. So thats it for my mid-season review, Hope you enjoyed it, and LETS GO DOLPHINS!!!!!!!
