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Big Dawg
The Rundown - Miami Dolphins
The Sports Xchange
July 10, 2004
To say Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt has high expectations for his defense in 2004 is an understatement.
"This will be the best Dolphins defense in the history of this franchise. I promise you that," Wannstedt said last month at the team's annual kickoff banquet.
While such a declaration raises the bar to a ridiculous level, Miami's unit has the potential to rank in franchise history with the No Name Defense and Killer B's.
"I take it as a challenge," Dolphins defensive end Jay Williams said of Wannstedt's comments. "That's what a coach is supposed to do. He's supposed to motivate you and get you ready to play. Put something in front of you and make you go after it. I take it as a positive statement."
Once defensive end Adewale Ogunleye ends his contract holdout, Miami will have 10 of 11 starters back from a unit that while ranking third in points allowed (16.3 average) and 10th in overall defense (299.2 yards). Provided there are no depth-chart changes in training camp, the lone new starter would be free safety Arturo Freeman, who started every game at strong safety in 2002.
The Dolphins were the NFL's only team not to allow a 100-yard rusher in 2003 and could be even stouter up the middle with defensive tackle Larry Chester shedding more than 50 pounds during the offseason. Chester is expected to report to training camp at about 325 pounds, which should result in greatly improved stamina and make it easier to shed blocks.
As for pass defense, Miami could field the NFL's best trio of cornerbacks in Patrick Surtain, Sam Madison and free agent acquisition Reggie Howard (Carolina). Ogunleye and fellow defensive end Jason Taylor also combined for 28 sacks last season, which was the NFL's best two-man total for teammates in 2003.
Ogunleye, who had an AFC-best 15 sacks last season, is threatening a holdout between seven to 10 games if not rewarded with a multiyear contract extension. Until his return, Williams, David Bowens and Otis Grigsby will receive the bulk of the snaps at left defensive end.
NOTES
--The Dolphins recently made a roster move involving reserve wide receivers, releasing Nick Davis while signing Bobby Sippio.
Davis, who played in one game as a rookie for Minnesota in 2003, suffered a broken ankle this spring while playing for the Scottish Claymores. Davis was allocated to NFL Europe shortly after signing with Miami in January.
The 24-year-old Sippio had a standout Arena League season with the Dallas Desperados, catching 75 passes for 1,218 passes and 32 touchdowns. Sippio, who attended Western Kentucky, played the previous season for Greensboro in Arena League 2.
Sippio is a long shot for Miami's 53-man roster, but the Dolphins are expected to carry at least one receiver on their eight-man developmental squad.
OFFSEASON PERSONNEL
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers): DE Rob Burnett (not tendered as UFA); WR Oronde Gadsden (not tendered as UFA); OG Jamie Nails (not tendered as UFA); RB/KR Charlie Rogers (not tendered as UFA); CB Jimmy Wyrick (not tendered as UFA).
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (1): DE Adewale Ogunleye (tendered at $1.924M; wants a long-term deal and is making noise about being a holdout).
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: S Arturo Freeman (Potential UFA; $3.906M/2 yrs, $71,000 SB/$3M base '05; 2004 cap: $570,500); LB Morlon Greenwood (RFA; $628,000/1 yr); RB Leonard Henry (Potential ERFA; $380,000/1 yr); OT Greg Jerman (ERFA; $380,000/1 yr); RB Travis Minor (RFA; $628,000/1 yr); LS Ed Perry (UFA; $685,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB; 2004 cap: $480,000); DT Dario Romero (Potential ERFA; $380,000/1 yr); QB Sage Rosenfels (RFA; $628,000/1 yr); P Matt Turk (UFA; $2.645M/3 yrs, $350,000 SB; 2004 cap: $876,667); S Shawn Wooden (UFA; $685,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB; 2004 cap: $480,000).
PLAYERS ACQUIRED: S Chris Akins (UFA Patriots; $1.945M/3 yrs, $160,000 SB; 2004 cap: $588,333); WR David Boston (trade Chargers); S Antuan Edwards (UFA Packers; $560,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB; 2004 cap: $480,000); QB A.J. Feeley (trade Eagles; $18.65M/5 yrs, $3M SB; 2004 cap: $1.055M); CB Reggie Howard (UFA Panthers; $21.535M/6 yrs, $4.5M SB/$1.25M RB '05 and '06; 2004 cap: $1.285M); OG Jeno James (UFA Panthers; $21.135M/6 yrs, $4.25M SB/$750,000 RB '05; 2004 cap: $1.243M); TE John Jones (UFA Ravens; $1.125M/2 yrs, $50,000 SB; 2004 cap: $560,000); OT Damion McIntosh (UFA Chargers; $19.935M/6 yrs, $300,000 SB/$400,000 RB; $1.2M RB '05/$500,000 RB '06; 2004 cap: $985,000); FB Sammy Morris (UFA Bills; $1.335M/2 yrs, $200,000 SB; 2004 cap: $635,000); OT John St. Clair (UFA Rams; $2.6M/2 yrs, $600,000 SB; 2004 cap: $900,000); WR/KR Terrence Wilkins (UFA Colts; $560,000/1 yr; $12,500 RB/$12,500 WOB; 2004 cap: $480,000).
PLAYERS LOST: FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo (UFA Cardinals; $1.275M/2 yrs, $200,000 SB); CB Terrell Buckley (not tendered as UFA/Patriots; $760,000/1 yr); OT Mark Dixon (released); CB Jamar Fletcher (traded Chargers); S Trent Gamble (released); QB Brian Griese (released); LB Tommy Hendricks (UFA Jaguars; $1.385M/2 yrs, $250,000 SB); S Brock Marion (released); WR James McKnight (released); OG Todd Perry (released/failed physical); C Tim Ruddy (released/failed physical); OT Todd Wade (UFA Texans; $30.04M/6 yrs, $10M SB).
The Sports Xchange
July 10, 2004
To say Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt has high expectations for his defense in 2004 is an understatement.
"This will be the best Dolphins defense in the history of this franchise. I promise you that," Wannstedt said last month at the team's annual kickoff banquet.
While such a declaration raises the bar to a ridiculous level, Miami's unit has the potential to rank in franchise history with the No Name Defense and Killer B's.
"I take it as a challenge," Dolphins defensive end Jay Williams said of Wannstedt's comments. "That's what a coach is supposed to do. He's supposed to motivate you and get you ready to play. Put something in front of you and make you go after it. I take it as a positive statement."
Once defensive end Adewale Ogunleye ends his contract holdout, Miami will have 10 of 11 starters back from a unit that while ranking third in points allowed (16.3 average) and 10th in overall defense (299.2 yards). Provided there are no depth-chart changes in training camp, the lone new starter would be free safety Arturo Freeman, who started every game at strong safety in 2002.
The Dolphins were the NFL's only team not to allow a 100-yard rusher in 2003 and could be even stouter up the middle with defensive tackle Larry Chester shedding more than 50 pounds during the offseason. Chester is expected to report to training camp at about 325 pounds, which should result in greatly improved stamina and make it easier to shed blocks.
As for pass defense, Miami could field the NFL's best trio of cornerbacks in Patrick Surtain, Sam Madison and free agent acquisition Reggie Howard (Carolina). Ogunleye and fellow defensive end Jason Taylor also combined for 28 sacks last season, which was the NFL's best two-man total for teammates in 2003.
Ogunleye, who had an AFC-best 15 sacks last season, is threatening a holdout between seven to 10 games if not rewarded with a multiyear contract extension. Until his return, Williams, David Bowens and Otis Grigsby will receive the bulk of the snaps at left defensive end.
NOTES
--The Dolphins recently made a roster move involving reserve wide receivers, releasing Nick Davis while signing Bobby Sippio.
Davis, who played in one game as a rookie for Minnesota in 2003, suffered a broken ankle this spring while playing for the Scottish Claymores. Davis was allocated to NFL Europe shortly after signing with Miami in January.
The 24-year-old Sippio had a standout Arena League season with the Dallas Desperados, catching 75 passes for 1,218 passes and 32 touchdowns. Sippio, who attended Western Kentucky, played the previous season for Greensboro in Arena League 2.
Sippio is a long shot for Miami's 53-man roster, but the Dolphins are expected to carry at least one receiver on their eight-man developmental squad.
OFFSEASON PERSONNEL
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers): DE Rob Burnett (not tendered as UFA); WR Oronde Gadsden (not tendered as UFA); OG Jamie Nails (not tendered as UFA); RB/KR Charlie Rogers (not tendered as UFA); CB Jimmy Wyrick (not tendered as UFA).
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (1): DE Adewale Ogunleye (tendered at $1.924M; wants a long-term deal and is making noise about being a holdout).
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: S Arturo Freeman (Potential UFA; $3.906M/2 yrs, $71,000 SB/$3M base '05; 2004 cap: $570,500); LB Morlon Greenwood (RFA; $628,000/1 yr); RB Leonard Henry (Potential ERFA; $380,000/1 yr); OT Greg Jerman (ERFA; $380,000/1 yr); RB Travis Minor (RFA; $628,000/1 yr); LS Ed Perry (UFA; $685,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB; 2004 cap: $480,000); DT Dario Romero (Potential ERFA; $380,000/1 yr); QB Sage Rosenfels (RFA; $628,000/1 yr); P Matt Turk (UFA; $2.645M/3 yrs, $350,000 SB; 2004 cap: $876,667); S Shawn Wooden (UFA; $685,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB; 2004 cap: $480,000).
PLAYERS ACQUIRED: S Chris Akins (UFA Patriots; $1.945M/3 yrs, $160,000 SB; 2004 cap: $588,333); WR David Boston (trade Chargers); S Antuan Edwards (UFA Packers; $560,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB; 2004 cap: $480,000); QB A.J. Feeley (trade Eagles; $18.65M/5 yrs, $3M SB; 2004 cap: $1.055M); CB Reggie Howard (UFA Panthers; $21.535M/6 yrs, $4.5M SB/$1.25M RB '05 and '06; 2004 cap: $1.285M); OG Jeno James (UFA Panthers; $21.135M/6 yrs, $4.25M SB/$750,000 RB '05; 2004 cap: $1.243M); TE John Jones (UFA Ravens; $1.125M/2 yrs, $50,000 SB; 2004 cap: $560,000); OT Damion McIntosh (UFA Chargers; $19.935M/6 yrs, $300,000 SB/$400,000 RB; $1.2M RB '05/$500,000 RB '06; 2004 cap: $985,000); FB Sammy Morris (UFA Bills; $1.335M/2 yrs, $200,000 SB; 2004 cap: $635,000); OT John St. Clair (UFA Rams; $2.6M/2 yrs, $600,000 SB; 2004 cap: $900,000); WR/KR Terrence Wilkins (UFA Colts; $560,000/1 yr; $12,500 RB/$12,500 WOB; 2004 cap: $480,000).
PLAYERS LOST: FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo (UFA Cardinals; $1.275M/2 yrs, $200,000 SB); CB Terrell Buckley (not tendered as UFA/Patriots; $760,000/1 yr); OT Mark Dixon (released); CB Jamar Fletcher (traded Chargers); S Trent Gamble (released); QB Brian Griese (released); LB Tommy Hendricks (UFA Jaguars; $1.385M/2 yrs, $250,000 SB); S Brock Marion (released); WR James McKnight (released); OG Todd Perry (released/failed physical); C Tim Ruddy (released/failed physical); OT Todd Wade (UFA Texans; $30.04M/6 yrs, $10M SB).
