- Joined
- Apr 29, 2003
- Messages
- 3,282
- Reaction score
- 686
Several of these have been discussed on one form or another but almost all seem to be analysis of a particular game or a chicken little reaction to the first two preseason games. Here are my 7 (the perfect number) keys in order of importance:
1) Inhibit Injuries. Yes, I'm stating the obvious here. Yet, it is always a key. There are some positions where there is a great deal of depth in which this may not be so critical and there may be some players who will surprise by stepping up. But, there's little doubt if guys like Culpepper, Brown, Chambers, Taylor or Thomas go down, these positions could create irreparable damage to the team's chances of going all the way.
2) Houck Good the OL? There seem to be a new set of posts on this almost daily. Most are complaining about the line. No doubt, the quality of play on. the OL is critical for every team. They set the tone often for the entire team and a great OL can keep the defense rested with ball control. There are also many worries based on the play so far and some of the health issues. That said, the OL played very poorly at the beginning of last season and finally came on to be very solid. There is also the factor of new linemen entering the mix; learning one another and learning the offense. And, Bennie Anderson still is not in great shape. That RG spot will be the most interesting, imo. I predict they will start slowly and gradually round into shape by game 6-7 as they begin to gel and learn under the tutelege of a great O-line coach.
3) Who Has Saban's Backs? - It seems almost every position is up for grabs. The players are talented, but Saban's system is complex and they will need to be on the field learning. However, there appears to be some significant depth at every position. Like the O-line, but for different reasons, the DB's will start slowly but come together gradually through the season. The ability to stop the big play will be a major factor as the Dolphins front 7 and Saban's schemes should once again produce a significant number of sacks and perhaps even more pressure on the QB than last year.
4) Daunte's Decisions - While he clearly has the talent, there remains a question as to whether he will be last year's version or the one who played the previous years with Randy Moss. I'm very optimistic here for several reasons: a) He has better coaching than last year; b) I think last year he felt pressure to carry the team; he does not have to carry this team this year; c) He has another great WR in Chris Chambers and it looks like some solid options at 2-5. Having watched DC for several years, I know he will make some mistakes (He's not a Tom Brady or Peyton Manning). But, if he's close to a 2-1 ratio in TD's to INT's and can make the clutch play, we'll be in good shape.
5) Ronnie's Rushing - he's the #1 guy now. Two questions loom: a) how will he handle the full-time duties over the season, especially games 10-16 when the body wants to break down? b) will he hit the hole or hit the defenders? Even he noted that he is working hard on his vision and making the right choices in the running game. Personally, I think he'll do it - not just b/c I'm a fan. I think he'll be an excellent receiving back and a solid runner, especially if the OL comes around.
6) Declining Defenders? The front seven is aging. They have good depth and great potential, but, will they decline in their production due to age? (in your Lou Rawls voice). I think the depth will overcome this (barring injury - see #1) - there is enough talent at each spot to rest the starters enough that they should be able to be productive all year.
7) Coordinating the Coordinators - A new OC and DC usually means a lot of change and growing pains. However, since Saban is using the same offense and same basic defense, this should make things a bit easier. Still there will be some changes between Mularkey and Linehan (I think Linehan is a better OC, but MM is solid). We'll see how well he adjusts to the talent of the offense. On defense, I have long thought that Capers defenses, will solid 3-4's, are not quite as complex as Belichick's. However, it may be that Saban and Capers have meshed well and they may pick up some tips from each other. Capers has had some great Sack teams. I look for this to continue.
1) Inhibit Injuries. Yes, I'm stating the obvious here. Yet, it is always a key. There are some positions where there is a great deal of depth in which this may not be so critical and there may be some players who will surprise by stepping up. But, there's little doubt if guys like Culpepper, Brown, Chambers, Taylor or Thomas go down, these positions could create irreparable damage to the team's chances of going all the way.
2) Houck Good the OL? There seem to be a new set of posts on this almost daily. Most are complaining about the line. No doubt, the quality of play on. the OL is critical for every team. They set the tone often for the entire team and a great OL can keep the defense rested with ball control. There are also many worries based on the play so far and some of the health issues. That said, the OL played very poorly at the beginning of last season and finally came on to be very solid. There is also the factor of new linemen entering the mix; learning one another and learning the offense. And, Bennie Anderson still is not in great shape. That RG spot will be the most interesting, imo. I predict they will start slowly and gradually round into shape by game 6-7 as they begin to gel and learn under the tutelege of a great O-line coach.
3) Who Has Saban's Backs? - It seems almost every position is up for grabs. The players are talented, but Saban's system is complex and they will need to be on the field learning. However, there appears to be some significant depth at every position. Like the O-line, but for different reasons, the DB's will start slowly but come together gradually through the season. The ability to stop the big play will be a major factor as the Dolphins front 7 and Saban's schemes should once again produce a significant number of sacks and perhaps even more pressure on the QB than last year.
4) Daunte's Decisions - While he clearly has the talent, there remains a question as to whether he will be last year's version or the one who played the previous years with Randy Moss. I'm very optimistic here for several reasons: a) He has better coaching than last year; b) I think last year he felt pressure to carry the team; he does not have to carry this team this year; c) He has another great WR in Chris Chambers and it looks like some solid options at 2-5. Having watched DC for several years, I know he will make some mistakes (He's not a Tom Brady or Peyton Manning). But, if he's close to a 2-1 ratio in TD's to INT's and can make the clutch play, we'll be in good shape.
5) Ronnie's Rushing - he's the #1 guy now. Two questions loom: a) how will he handle the full-time duties over the season, especially games 10-16 when the body wants to break down? b) will he hit the hole or hit the defenders? Even he noted that he is working hard on his vision and making the right choices in the running game. Personally, I think he'll do it - not just b/c I'm a fan. I think he'll be an excellent receiving back and a solid runner, especially if the OL comes around.
6) Declining Defenders? The front seven is aging. They have good depth and great potential, but, will they decline in their production due to age? (in your Lou Rawls voice). I think the depth will overcome this (barring injury - see #1) - there is enough talent at each spot to rest the starters enough that they should be able to be productive all year.
7) Coordinating the Coordinators - A new OC and DC usually means a lot of change and growing pains. However, since Saban is using the same offense and same basic defense, this should make things a bit easier. Still there will be some changes between Mularkey and Linehan (I think Linehan is a better OC, but MM is solid). We'll see how well he adjusts to the talent of the offense. On defense, I have long thought that Capers defenses, will solid 3-4's, are not quite as complex as Belichick's. However, it may be that Saban and Capers have meshed well and they may pick up some tips from each other. Capers has had some great Sack teams. I look for this to continue.
