What We've Learned From the Dolphins Pre Season

Hello Dol-Fans!

With our beloved Dolphins Pre Season rapidly fading in the rear view mirror, it’s time to decipher what we’ve learned thus far.

OFFENSE - This is not last year’s lethargic and predictable Offense. Clearly OC Brian Daboll is willing to mix it up and take shots down field. This isn’t just exciting for the fan base, but re energizing for the players as well. All we can do, is hope that QB Chad Henne is able to manage it effectively, while minimizing turnovers. Additionally, key decisions still remain regarding the run game. RB Reggie Bush in not a traditional 20 carry/game back, Rookie Daniel Thomas hasn’t been the pillar consistency thus far, and Lex Hilliard has yet to prove he’s “the man” either. Recently signed RB Larry Johnson may just receive the nod to be second on the RB Depth Chart, or at a minimum… the infamous “Third Down Back” after ripping off a promising 20+ yard scamper for a score last night. Major concerns remain with the O-Line, and their inability to properly pass protect and open adequate running lanes. With the emergence of LT Jake Long, we can only hope that the Line is able to become a dominant force.

DEFENSE - The stout Miami Defense looks solid again this season. DC Mike Nolan’s in his second year at the helm, and that should only mean bigger and better performances are yet to come. Stalwarts OLB Cameron Wake and ILB Karlos Dansby should be primed for huge seasons, and it’ll be very interesting to see if CB Vontae Davis “can put his money where his mouth is”, claiming that Miami has the best CB tandem in the NFL. DT/DE Jared Odrick may also have the opportunity to put his stamp along the D-Line this season, if he can stay healthy. The biggest area of concern remains with the Safeties. Yeremiah Bell is a solid gamer, but there’s a definitive talent drop-off with both Chris Clemons and Reshard Jones. With the plethora of talented WR’s in the AFC East,the Safeties must tighten-up their reads and coverages or our ‘Fins will continue to be torched down field in games.

SPECIAL TEAMS – There should be a considerable amount of excitement surrounding the unit this year. P Brandon Fields continues to blast balls sky high, K Dan Carpenter is a steady performer, and our blazing Returners (D. Bess, C. Gates, and P. Livas) all have ability to “take it to the house” at every opportunity.

All in all, I truly believe Miami has a “sluggers chance” at upending the prematurely crowned Patriots for the Division title, or at least sneaking into the playoffs as a Wild Card. Every facet of this team is solid, but will need to play above their means if they hope to be relevant in the Post Season this year.

What do you think?

Questioning the Competence of the Dolphins Front Office

Hello Dol-Fans!

The Miami Dolphins Front Office has made another classic blunder. They released a young budding talent for a big name veteran free agent with little hope of productivity remaining.

In case you haven’t heard… our beloved ‘Fins brain-trust just signed RB Larry Johnson. While I applaud some of GM Ireland’s recent veteran acquisitions (i.e. RB/WR/PR Reggie Bush, ILB Kevin Burnett, and DE/OLB Jason Taylor), I really must question what he believes he gains by adding Johnson to the Dolphins Offensive arsenal? Remember him? Former K.C. Chiefs star workhorse, who had two magnificent back-to-back 1,750 yd. rushing seasons (in 2005 and 2006), then disappeared. Yep; that’s the one!

Like many RB wonders of the modern football era, Johnson hit his prime, peaked in the rushing world, then vanished, amongst the likes of: Ahman Green, Jamal Lewis, and Shaun Alexander. He hasn’t accomplished anything of substance in over 5 years, and now he’s 31 years old and undoubtedly in decline. If the Dolphins are lucky, he may have enough gas left in this overused tank to be a viable fourth RB option, and/or Scout Team tackling dummy. Beyond that… I see no further value here.

To raise eyebrows even further, Miami’s head shed then released the young and blooming RB Kory Sheets to clear the way for Johnson’s arrival. Take a moment to logically weigh this decision. Our team lost a younger RB that’s just beginning to show flashes of his potential and hasn’t yet reached him prime, for an over the hill RB that has the well documented history of being a poor teammate, social outcast, and trouble maker. Does this make sense to you?

I understand that teams require depth at every position, but is the market so depleted that our ‘Fins must go shopping for a RB other teams put out to pasture years 5 years ago? What’s next? Should we ask Emmitt Smith or Curtis Martin to return to action for Miami?

This roster move may not seem significant to many, but think about this for a second. Goodness forbid our RB’s get bitten by the injury bug this season, and Larry Johnson's next up on the depth chart. Do you really want him carrying the rushing load this season? I don't!

What are your thoughts?

Miami Dolphins Release Kory Sheets and Sign Larry Johnson

The Miami Dolphins have released 26 year old RB Kory Sheets and signed 31 year old Larry Johnson to replace him, per the Miami Herald.

This is disappointing news for a lot of us fans who thought highly of Sheets, but I have to say that I agree with the move after what I've heard about Sheets recently. From what I can tell he has lost a step and isn't as shifty since he was out for the season last year with a torn achilles tendon. You can't help but feel bad for the kid because he had a lot of potential that he may never be able to reach because of an injury.

I don't believe that the signing of Larry Johnson will have much effect on the Dolphins offense. He may get a few touchdowns (or just carries) on the goal line, but don't expect anything more from him. I still think that Lousaka Polite (arguably the best fullback in the NFL) will be the main short yardage runner in Miami.

There was talk about the Dolphins possibly signing Clinton Portis after releasing Sheets, but they ultimately decided to bring Johnson in instead.

All in all, I like this move. Bring in Johnson, who has been very successful before, and let him battle for a better spot in the lineup. If he doesn't end up doing well, then who cares? It's not like Miami was relying on him anyways.

We'll see what happens. Thanks for stopping by, and let me know what you think.