The legacy of Bill Parcells -- one still being written here with the Miami Dolphins -- often casts a shadow over just what occurs with these Dolphins. Popular sentiment is that Parcells barks and general manager Jeff Ireland and coach Tony Sparano implement.
Both Ireland and Sparano crafted a more precise picture between Dolphins training camp practices.
"I don't think Tony or myself would have taken our jobs with Bill if that were the case," Ireland said. "We both know the vast experience that Bill has and that he has very strong opinions, but that doesn't mean he is always right. We have checks and balances and communication between the three of us. We question each other. Sometimes Bill locks his jaw. Sometimes I lock my jaw in personnel. Sometimes Tony locks his jaw in coaching. But we listen to each other and make decisions in our areas. Bill has told us, 'you guys do your jobs, you do the personnel, Tony does the coaching, and think of me as a guidance counselor.' It has created fantastic checks and balances for us all."
It is a three-headed approach that has proved to be a striking monster.
Last season the Dolphins became only the second team in league history to win 10 more games than it did the previous year. It became the only team in league history to vault from a 1-15 season to an 11-5 record and a divisional championship. And they won it, no less, on the road in a dramatic regular-season-ending victory over the Jets.
So, what's the encore?
I see a team practicing here that looks younger, deeper, faster. A coach who is a remarkable teacher and communicator. A very organized, detail-oriented staff and approach. Players who like to work.
A better team with an uphill climb to snatch better results in the amped AFC East and the overall elite AFC. It is a season where the Dolphins enter the hunted.
