The Miami Dolphins Could Be the Surprise Team of the AFC in 2006

When Nick Saban accepted the job as the Miami Dolphins head coach, he quickly instilled a winning attitude into the team. In 2005, the Dolphins finished the season with a 9-7 record and were very close to making the AFC playoffs. In the off-season, the Dolphins increased their chances of having a better record in 2006 by signing all-pro quarterback Daunte Culpepper. Most of Nick Saban’s squad from last season is still intact, and with continuity comes future success. Miami has a pretty tough schedule this season, but they now have the offensive weapons and the intensity on defense to compete for an entire season. Their goal in 2006 is to make the playoffs for the first time since 2001. The New England Patriots better watch out, because the Miami Dolphins will have their eye on the AFC East division title.

CAN CULPEPPER ELEVATE THE PLAY OF THE DOLPHINS’ OFFENSE?

Daunte Culpepper had a horrible season in 2005 before going down with a knee injury in which he tore three ligaments. However, he is way more than an upgrade from Gus Frerrotte and A.J. Feely. With Culpepper, the Dolphins get a QB with one of the strongest arms in the NFL and the ability to throw the football on the run. If a play happens to collapse, he can take off as well and pick up a lot of yards. Daunte’s success will all depend on his wide receivers. Chris Chambers elevated his play in 2005, catching 82 passes for 1118 yards and 11 touchdowns. Marty Booker had an off year, but is still a reliable receiver. The Big tight end Randy McMichael hauled in 60 receptions last year. With the options Daunte Culpepper has in the passing game this season, we may see him return to pro-bowl form. He was hot in 2004, throwing for 39 touchdowns.

RONNIE BROWN IS IN THE DRIVERS SEAT

Now that Ricky Williams has been suspended for substance abuse again and sitting out in the CFL with a broken wrist, second year running back Ronnie Brown will get the nod as the starting tail back for the Dolphins. Brown is a tough runner that can get the hard yards. He also proved to be elusive as well, able to cut to the outside and pick up long gains. The future is now for Ronnie Brown, who will see more than the 207 carries he had in 2005 when he was sharing the load with Ricky Williams.

ZACH THOMAS AND JASON TAYLOR ARE THE MIAMI DOLPHIN DEFENSE

Linebacker Zach Thomas will be 34 years old once the 2006 season begins, but don’t underestimate him. In 2005, Thomas was all over the field last season, racking up 166 tackles. He is a fierce leader who has been with the team his entire career, something that is rare in the NFL nowadays.

Jason Taylor is another defensive leader for the defensive unit. He adjusted to Nick Saban’s defensive scheme quite well, totaling 12 sacks in 2005. He is a mammoth coming off of the end and constantly gives offensive tackles fits trying to block him.

Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas will need a repeat performance for the Dolphins to have a good defense in this season. Role players such as newly acquired Kevin Carter, Vonnie Holliday, Channing Crowder, and Will Allen all have a chance to make plays on this unit as well.

A LOOK AT THE 2006 SCHEDULE

The Dolphins will travel to Pittsburgh for the season opener against the Steelers on September 7th. In October, they will be on the road three weeks consecutively against the Texans, Patriots, and Jets. Miami ends the 2006 regular season against the entire AFC East division and the Indianapolis Colts.

PREDICTION

It is always hard to predict what a team do before the season starts, but I will give it a shot anyway. With the addition of Daunte Culpepper, the Miami Dolphins are a playoff team. They have momentum from last season (winning their final six games to end up with a 9-7 record) and the majority of the team returning. Nick Saban demands the best from his teams and may get more than he expects this season.
2006 Record: 10-6 (AFC WILDCARD)