Expecting Big Things: The 2006 Miami Dolphins

Could it be that my beloved Miami Dolphins are finally back as one of the elite teams in all of football?

It certainly appears that way.

Miami head coach, Nick Saban, was nothing short of miraculous last year in his rookie season as a head coach in the NFL.
The Dolphins’ inspiring 6-0 recorded to close out the 2005 season (which gave the Dolphins an overall record of 9-7) and acquisition of new starting quarterback, Daunte Culpepper, has both, the Dolphins players – and their fans – expecting big things in 2006.

Here’s the breakdown on the 2006 Miami Dolphins and their chances of upsetting the apple cart in the AFC.

Quarterback

Not only did the Dolphins acquire Culpepper, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, via a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, but they also acquired former Detroit Lions starter, Joey Harrington, the former third overall selection of the draft, to back up Culpepper.
This upgrade should not be taken lightly – especially since Miami won 9 games last season with competent, but limited, veteran, Gus Frerotte, at the helm.

If Culpepper can bounce back from his major knee injury, then he could make last season’s 12-interception, 6 -touchdown performance, look like the mirage it is believed to have been. Let’s not forget, Culpepper is a guy who threw 39 touchdown passes in 2004.

Running Back

Yes, I know that Ricky Williams is lost for the season, which makes Saban’s selection of Ronnie Brown last season, look even more ingenious than it already was.

Williams and Brown combined last season to rush for 1,650 yards and 10 touchdowns with a 4.4 yards per carry, so Brown will certainly have his work cut out for him.

However, as the number two overall selection last season, big things are expected from Brown and he will definitely get his chance to shine as the undisputed starter at tailback. Miami also wisely re-signed the versatile Sammy Morris to spell Brown every now and then. Brown also has a competent lead blocker in veteran fullback, Fred Beasley.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Last season, starting wideout, Chris Chambers, finally showed the All-Pro talent that everyone knew he possessed when he first came into the league five seasons ago. Over the Dolphins’ final six games last season, Chambers had 43 catches for 620 yards and six touchdowns.

I also like Miami’s other starter, veteran, Marty Booker, who is a big target with reliable hands – although my grandmother could probably beat him in a footrace. Miami also has a very good tight end in Randy McMichael who is an outstanding receiver and capable blocker.

Miami will need to get some production off the bench from either Wes Welker, who performed admirably last season, Kelly Campbell or possibly, Derek Hagan, a project with a huge upside.

Offensive Line

The Dolphins improved their offensive line last season under position coach, Hudson Houck, however, upgrading the unit is still a priority for Saban, who realizes that games are won and lost with what happens up front.

It looks like Jeno James, Rex Hadnot, Vernon Carey and Seth McKinney will be starters, although there is competition for players like L.J. Shelton, Damion McIntosh.

I know this unit doesn’t remind anyone of the days of Jim Langer and Larry Little, but they were good enough to win 9 games last season and should only get better with time.

Defensive Line

The Dolphins front seven, led by hybrid defensive end-turned linebacker, Jason Taylor, should be one of Miami’s best units.
In addition to Taylor, Miami will also call upon veterans, Keith Traylor, Kevin Carter and Vonnie Holliday to move up and down the line, playing various positions. Miami also has plenty of young talent with players like the up-and-coming, David Bowens, Jeff Zgonina, Matt Roth and Manny Wright.

Linebacker

Simply put, linebacker, Zach Thomas is a beast whose size belies his enormous desire to bring any opponent with the ball to a screeching halt. Saban also made a wonderful selection last season by selecting linebacker, Channing Crowder, a young, athletic playmaker who is only going to improve with each passing game. However, Donnie Spragan, Sedrick Hodge and the rest of the Dolphins’ linebackers had better get up to speed swiftly.

Defensive Back

I’ve got to keep it real here and say that this unit absolutely scares me.

The Dolphins had two of the best corners in the game in Patrick Surtain and Sam Madison a couple of years ago and now they’re forced to play guys like second-year man, Travis Daniels, veteran, Will Poole and former New York Giants first round pick, Will Allen on the corner.

Likewise, the safety position could be an Achilles heel for Miami. First round draft pick Jason Allen is certainly talented, but will need to learn the pro game quickly. Free agent acquisitions Renaldo Hill and Deke Cooper bring some veteran experience, but Miami had better shore up this position quickly and definitively before they end up looking like my morning breakfast – burnt toast.

Special Teams

I like Olindo. Yes, veteran kicker, Olindo Mare is starting to get up there in age, but he’s still productive and can hit from 50-yards out fairly consistently. Miami lucked up with punter, Donnie Jones, who, incredibly, set a franchise single-season record last year with 31 punts inside the 20-yard-line.

Wes Welker is Miami’s best return man, on both kickoffs and punt returns – which also leaves me a little worried. Welker is sure-handed, but will never be confused with Billy “White Shoes” Johnson. The Dolphins could definitely use a little more explosiveness in the return area.

Coaching

Everyone who knows a thing about football already knew Saban could coach at any level. However, it was his acquisitions of two new coordinators that could vault the Dolphins into the thick of the AFC championship race.

While I thought former Buffalo Bills head coach, Mike Mularkey was ill suited for that position (or maybe it was just his atrocious players) the man is a certified offensive mastermind who knows how to operate an offense.

The same goes for new defensive coordinator, Dom Capers, who is one of the best defensive coaches on the planet and should immediately help Miami improve even further defensively.

In short, the Dolphins look like they are going to be a serious contender for the AFC championship. Miami’s middle-of-the-road schedule also looks like it could assist the Dolphins in winning 11 or 12 games this season. Anything beyond that and I’m selecting Saban as the Coach of the Year.