The 2009 season was a rollercoaster ride for most Miami Dolphin fans. Inconsistent pass rush, inability to generate turnovers, and the lack of a true receiving option left Dolfans wondering when things would turn around.
The 2010 offseason has given fans and the organization a reason to smile with the additions to Brandon Marshall, Karlos Dansby, and defensive mastermind, Mike Nolan. Parcells and company traded away precious draft picks in order to acquire Marshall, but the glaring weakness at receiver left management with little to consider. Karlos Dansby has been a consistent force in the Arizona defense. He brings a tougher, athletic, playmaking ability to a linebacking corps plagued by mediocrity. The frustration with former defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, prompted Miami to sever ties and bring in Nolan. Nolan has been creditied for turning around the 49ers, Broncos, and Ravens during his short tenure in Baltimore. Playing in a division with such a high level of competition gives Miami little room for error.
The following is a breakdown of additions, questions and players to watch during the 2010 season:
Miami Dolphins:
Free Agency: The Miami Dolphins used the free agency period to make a aggressive push to acquire and sign MLB Karlos Dansby and FS Antrel Rolle (formerly of the U) to help improve their inability to stop the pass during the 2009 season. The Dolphins ranked in the bottom of the NFL for passing yards allowed, leaving little debate for changing the status quo. The Dolphins were fortunate enough to ink Karlos Dansby, to one of the richest contracts signed by a linebacker,who brings playmaking ability to the inside of the 3-4 defense. Dansby should help improve the coverage on tight ends while bringing pass rushing pressure up the middle. When the Dolphins traded with San Diego to move back in the draft, Miami was able to add underrated linebacker, Tim Dobbins,who has the potential to be a fulltime starter.
On offense Miami added receiver Brandon Marshall who should help Chad Henne in his development as Miami's franchise quarterback. Marshall adds a dimension to the offense which should help the other receivers on the roster while forcing opponents to reconsider stacking the box against the run.
Draft: The Miami Dolphins used the draft to help add youth and speed to a defense in need of restructuring. First rounder, Jared Odrick was a highly touted prospect from Penn State, and the third ranked defensive lineman behind Suh and McCoy. His presence allows for Miami to experiment with the line, shifiting former end, Randy Starks to take over at Nose Tackle. In the second round, Miami added Koa Misi from Utah, who brings speed, intelligence, and a high motor to the outside of Miami's 3-4 defense. Former Iowa standout, A.J. Edds was added to help with coverage on passing downs. Edds will compete with Dobbins to supplant Channing Crowder because of his inability to move in coverage. In attempt to fill the spot vacated from the release of safety, Gibril Wilson, the Dolphins drafted Georgia star, Reshad Jones, who displayed a nose for the ball while in college.
On the Rise: Look for Chad Henne to build on his 2009 effort and show the Dolphins that they made the right choice with this former second round selection. Henne has the moxie, arm stregnth, accuracy, and intelligence to do it all, and the presence of Brandon Marshall only makes his life easier. Another player on offense who should benefit from the addition of Marshall is second year receiver, Brian Hartline, who showed a ability to make the highlight reel catch and possess the yards after catch ability that the coaching staff speaks preaches during practice and at game time.
Defensively, linebackers Cameron Wake and Charlie Anderson are on deck to assume the vacancies left from the release of Joey Porter and failure to resign Jason Taylor, two of Miami's more experienced pass rushers. Anderson and Wake shined in limited playing time and both possess the speed, long arms and tenacity to get to the passer. Wake is a bit more of a question mark because he has yet to prove to be more than a pass rushing specialist. In the secondary, Chris Clemons looks to be in the lead to take over at free safety. It's hard to know whether he offers much more of an upgrade from the departed, Gibril Wilson, but he offers more athleticism and sure tackling ability that Wilson lacked. If Clemons proves to be the answer, the pass defense should drastically improve.
Questions Marks: Newly added Defensive Coordinator, Mike Nolan faces the challenge of turning around one of the league's most inconsistent defneses in 2009. Nolan is widely known for his ability to turn around a defense, with Denver providing the most recent example of his success. The Dolphins need to find the answer at outside linebacker, nose tackle and free safety in order to make the climb back up. Will Randy Starks make a successful transition to nose tackle, similar to Jay Ratliff? Does Miami have the answer at free safety, with both Reshad Jones and Chris Clemons competing to start. Will Koa Misi, Charlie Anderson and Cameron Wake fill the void left from the departures of Joey Porter and Jason Taylor? If these questions are answered with the personnel on hand, Miami has alot to be optimistic about and a division title to compete for.
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