Time for the end of pre-season position analysis. As Nick Saban mulls over the 75 guys in camp and tries to find a "few good men," let's take a look at the 2005 Miami Dolphins.
Quarterback
In a contest of attrition, it appears the veteran, Gus Frerotte, gets the job by default. Linehan needs a QB who can be a coach on the field and commands the huddle. Gus knows Linehan's system and will probably do a better job of not making the mistakes (such as throwing the pick 6's). With a young, inexperienced line, a rooking RB, and a new coach and scheme, Gus is the veteran, calming influence the offense needs. AJ will be taken under Linehan's wing this year to determine if the Dolphins want to keep his high ($3+million) salary cap hit next year. Sage also will be looked at closely.
Basically, the Dolphins have 3 backup QB's and Gus is the safest choice.
Running Backs
Ronnie will struggle behind the inconsistent O-line. Some days he will look like a world-beater and other days he will be shut down. Ricky is clearly the best running back we have right now and we will be up and down until he returns. I expect Ronnie to be a very active pass receiver, his strength, until Ricky returns and Linehand can run a more balanced offense. Sammy Morris will probably outshine Ronnie in the first half of the season.
Offensive Line
With Houck coming back full circle and starting almost the same group we had last year, improvement will come slow, but sure. The young guys, Rex and Vernon, will improve and be very good by year's end. Damion will have a solid year, because he responds to Houck. McKinney will show improvement, but he simply does not have the athleticism to be a good center in this league. McKinney and James will frustrate Houck and both could be replaced next year. Jeno has not lived up to his contract and will become another Spielman/Wannstedt mistake. Houck wants movement on the inside and neither James or McKinney will consistenly provide that.
Receivers
Because of the limitations of our Qb's and O-line, this group will underachieve, but have a decent year, nonetheless. It is a shame, because with the right guy pulling the trigger, this is a talented group. It will be hard to watch.
D-Line
In Saban we trust. His multiple shifts and defensive schemes will give teams trouble. He doesn't have all the pieces yet, but there is enough talent here to plug up the run and put pressure on the QB. We only saw small glimpses during the preseason, but trust me this group will impress.
Linebackers
A solid group. Zach will be Zach again and Spragan looks like an excellent pickup, especially for run D. Crowder is the real prize here...it will be hard to keep him out of the lineup and I think Junior will see less playing time as Channing develops - he is going to be special.
Defensive Backs
Hold your breath. As long as we have no injuries, we should actually be fine. I think Saban's scheme will help this group and there is enough talent in the starting 4 to get it done, but God help us if there is any injury - no depth at all.
The Miami Dolpnins may be the most exciting and interesting team to watch this year, because we will be so unpredictable. Ronnie will be up and down. Ricky and probably Chester will come back to make things interesting. Even the coaching staff will get better as the season progresses. Most of us are thinking 5-11 or something like that, but I think anything is possible with this group. So many variables that each week will be different and hard to predict. It should be a fun and exciting season Dolfans.
Quarterback
In a contest of attrition, it appears the veteran, Gus Frerotte, gets the job by default. Linehan needs a QB who can be a coach on the field and commands the huddle. Gus knows Linehan's system and will probably do a better job of not making the mistakes (such as throwing the pick 6's). With a young, inexperienced line, a rooking RB, and a new coach and scheme, Gus is the veteran, calming influence the offense needs. AJ will be taken under Linehan's wing this year to determine if the Dolphins want to keep his high ($3+million) salary cap hit next year. Sage also will be looked at closely.
Basically, the Dolphins have 3 backup QB's and Gus is the safest choice.
Running Backs
Ronnie will struggle behind the inconsistent O-line. Some days he will look like a world-beater and other days he will be shut down. Ricky is clearly the best running back we have right now and we will be up and down until he returns. I expect Ronnie to be a very active pass receiver, his strength, until Ricky returns and Linehand can run a more balanced offense. Sammy Morris will probably outshine Ronnie in the first half of the season.
Offensive Line
With Houck coming back full circle and starting almost the same group we had last year, improvement will come slow, but sure. The young guys, Rex and Vernon, will improve and be very good by year's end. Damion will have a solid year, because he responds to Houck. McKinney will show improvement, but he simply does not have the athleticism to be a good center in this league. McKinney and James will frustrate Houck and both could be replaced next year. Jeno has not lived up to his contract and will become another Spielman/Wannstedt mistake. Houck wants movement on the inside and neither James or McKinney will consistenly provide that.
Receivers
Because of the limitations of our Qb's and O-line, this group will underachieve, but have a decent year, nonetheless. It is a shame, because with the right guy pulling the trigger, this is a talented group. It will be hard to watch.
D-Line
In Saban we trust. His multiple shifts and defensive schemes will give teams trouble. He doesn't have all the pieces yet, but there is enough talent here to plug up the run and put pressure on the QB. We only saw small glimpses during the preseason, but trust me this group will impress.
Linebackers
A solid group. Zach will be Zach again and Spragan looks like an excellent pickup, especially for run D. Crowder is the real prize here...it will be hard to keep him out of the lineup and I think Junior will see less playing time as Channing develops - he is going to be special.
Defensive Backs
Hold your breath. As long as we have no injuries, we should actually be fine. I think Saban's scheme will help this group and there is enough talent in the starting 4 to get it done, but God help us if there is any injury - no depth at all.
The Miami Dolpnins may be the most exciting and interesting team to watch this year, because we will be so unpredictable. Ronnie will be up and down. Ricky and probably Chester will come back to make things interesting. Even the coaching staff will get better as the season progresses. Most of us are thinking 5-11 or something like that, but I think anything is possible with this group. So many variables that each week will be different and hard to predict. It should be a fun and exciting season Dolfans.
