Since the turn of the century, the Miami Dolphins have had a relatively unpleasant history. From the casual NFL fan to the die-hards like us, the troubles that have affected this franchise have not gone unnoticed. Mediocrity has been the standard in recent years as the days of prominence in the modern-day NFL seem to be long forgotten.
There have been many instances where the morale of the franchise and its fan base have been lifted due to positive influences. For example, I recall that the signing of Daunte Culpepper brought on a frenzy. Many experts had predicted that the Dolphins would represent the AFC in the Super Bowl having had an unexpected 9-7 record the previous year. Of course, we know what transpired last season. Inevitably, the team extended its playoff drought to five seasons.
Wayne Huizenga felt like a used piñata. He had given his team and its fans a stellar Christmas gift in 2004 when he hired Nick Saban. Saban signs a five-year contract and is given total control over personnel. Many questioned this since many head coaches struggle with the GM/Coach balancing act. Following that 9-7 season, expectations were raised and excitement filled the Miami market. Fast forward one full year and chaos replaces that excitement. Huizenga was not pleased.
Sure, he acted calm and cool in his business-like demeanor when addressing the media. However, in a single moment, he understood what needed to happen. He had to change the face of this franchise. His product was becoming a ridicule in the NFL. Sportswriters and broadcasters alike were beginning to rip this team for its lack of success over the years. It was as if Saban's departure for the Crimson Tide was the icing on the cake. Perhaps, Huizenga thought along the same lines.
So, Wayne and Company spent countless hours searching for the new head coach. One without a huge ego and one who would begin the transformation of this team and return it to its rightful place among the league's elite. Many names were discussed in the public forum, but the Dolphins brass never really talked much about it. In the end, the team selected its new leader when hiring Cam Cameron.
While there was some criticism amongst the fans, some of which can be found on this site, I was satisfied with the decision. For the first time in the history of the organization, the head coach has a background coaching the offense. Little by little, the remainder of the coaching staff came together. They all worked diligently at finding the right core of players for the vision Cameron has in mind. While some may question the transactions up to this point (e.g. releasing TE Randy McMichael), others would revel in the results of trading WR Wes Welker for two draft picks.
Let us not forget the players selected in the 2007 draft: WR Ted Ginn Jr., QB John Beck, C Samson Satele, RB Lorenzo Booker, DT Paul Soliai, FB Reagan Mauia, C Drew Mormino, ILB Kelvin Smith, P Brandon Fields, and DE Abraham Wright. Some will be able to contribute as starters this year, while others will be on the depth chart and play intermittently this season. It may be one of the best and deepest drafts for this team in recent years. Combine that with young players like RB Ronnie Brown, T Vernon Carey, LB Channing Crowder, CB Travis Daniels, WR Derek Hagan, DE Matt Roth, DT Kevin Vickerson, DT Rodrique Wright and others, as well as the veterans on this squad, and you have a solid team on paper.
The essential question comes at the feet of the quarterback position. With the arrival of 13-year veteran Trent Green comes hope. While Culpepper was named "the best QB since Marino" to don a Dolphins uniform, I think the same applies to Green. His demeanor both on and off the field is exactly the type of leadership and professionalism that this team needs at that position. His career statistics are far better than his Miami predecessors post-Marino, but his relationship with Cameron and QB coach Terry Shea will ease his transition into this new offense.
Even so, what matters most is the final product on the field and how it results in wins. "Good on paper" is just a cliché and should have no relevance as to how successful this 2007 squad is going to be. However, I argue that this team is vastly improved from last year and should be more exciting to watch. I anticipate a defense that will be as competitive as the last with an offense that will provide rest for said defense by actually scoring more points per game.
Therein lies the point. There is a rejuvenated hope within the walls of the Davie training complex. One that, hopefully, will translate into success for this team. The overall complexity of the team has been positively altered. In the six months since Saban left this team in a quandary, the Dolphins have effectively removed the cloud of negativity that hovered over them. With the onset of training camp merely weeks away, I'm sure many of you would agree with these points.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has talked about the future and the direction the league is heading. The first step has been to heighten the importance of the league's conduct policy. Cameron reflected this by waiving troubled DT Evans. In addition, this team has been selected, along with the Giants, to represent the league in the first regular season game to be played outside North America. This opportunity should be a welcome one for this team. It should add to what is already becoming a season full of anticipation.
Recent history has not been kind to the Dolphins. Some of the faults are self-inflicted, while others are coincidental. Regardless, there is a new regime in this town. With a new regime comes new hope. That is what happens when there is a new sheriff in town - you get a change in attitude.
