Football Thoughts

Miami Dolphins (1-15)
Worst season in Dolphin history must be forgotten quickly in south Florida.

2007 Summary:
When it was all said and done, 2007 moved up in the ranks as worst season in Miami Dolphin history. After sixteen regular season matchups, the Phins could only pull away with one victory. Just...one. In fact, to get that one little itty bitty victory, they had to get to overtime and pray the opposing team (the Baltimore Ravens) missed a field goal to give them one more chance. Not so fast though. It's not like this team gave up. Six of their fifteen losses were by three points or less. Either way, you must come away with the close games, and that's something they just couldn't do in 2007.

What gives? This franchise is usually a top team in the league, always competing for a playoff spot, but the last couple of season the Miami Dolphins have been the bottom feeders of the league. Is it coaching? Lack of leadership? Or is it the simple fact they just don't have the talent. Either way, their is some help on the way. Bill Parcells has come in to run things in the front office, and you can be sure that their will be a ton of changes going into the 2008 season. If not, you can be sure Miami will have a Top 5 selection in the draft next season as well.

It's been a good off-season so far for Phin fans. Several players have been added to the roster to aid the team including defensive linemen Randy Starks, receiver Ernest Wilford, tackle Jason Ferguson, quarterback Josh McCown, linebacker Reggie Torbor, guard Justin Smiley, and so on. All of these players will help, but the Dolphins lost something that is much more harder to replace, leadership. Linebacker Zach Thomas was cut, and now the heart of the defense will be lost. It will be interesting to see how they can recover, but it won't come easy.

TOP 3 NEEDS FOR 2008:

1.) Offensive Tackle:
With the release of L.J Shelton, and Vernon Carey moving to the right side, there appears to be a huge hole at left tackle spot. Good thing the Dolphins have the first pick, which makes them able to draft Jake Long.

2.) Corner Back:
Miami's secondary lacks a true number one corner. Will Allen was brought in to hopefully play that role, but to noones suprise he failed. Look for a 2nd or 3rd round selection on a corner back.

3.) Inside Linebacker:
When linebacker Zach Thomas was cut, the Dolphins lost a true leader one defense. They'll need to find a replacement right away.

2008 Offseason Moves

Notable additions: S Chris Crocker, WR Tab Perry, CB Nathan Jones, S Keith Davis, NT Jason Ferguson, OLB Reggie Torbor, WR Ernest Wilford, DE/DT Randy Starks, G Justin Smiley, K Dave Rayner, QB Josh McCown

Notable resignings: S Yeremiah Bell, WR Greg Camarillo, CB Michael Lehan

Notable releases: LB Zach Thomas, WR Marty Booker, QB Trent Green, G Joe Toledo, DE Keith Traylor, OT L.J Shelton

Notable Departures: G Rex Hadnot, RB Jesse Chatman

Grades:

Quarterbacks: D
- Trent Green wasn't a difference maker even before his injury, and John Beck was beyond bad last season. Josh McCown was brought in this off-season, but thats not saying much.

Runningbacks: B
- Running back Ronnie Brown is one of the best in the league...when healthy. If he could manage to play a full sixteen game season this grade would be a sure A.

Wide Receivers: C-
- Ted Ginn Jr is a better kick returner than receiver, and new comer Ernest Wilford is average at best. Greg Camarillo could prove this season he isn't a one hit wonder.

Offensive Line: D
- Your teams success in a season can be measured how your offensive line plays. Miami went 1-15 in 2007, what does that tell you? The only legitamate starter they have is Vernon Carey, and they don't know how to use him.

Tight End: F
- Miami still hasn't been able to replace Randy McMichael. They're better off leaving the position empty than start one of the players they have now.

Defensive line: B
- With new comers Randy Starks and Jason Ferguson, this unit instantly gets a boost. They should be twice as good as they were in 2007, but thats not saying much.

Linebackers: C
- The leader of the defense, Zach Thomas, is now gone leaving a huge hole at middle linebacker. Joey Porter is also the most overrated player in football. Channing Crower is solid, but needs a lot more help around him.

Defensive Backs: D-
- You know your unit is in trouble when Will Allen is your number one guy. It didn't help either when Yeremiah Bell went down to injury and missed all of the 2007 season. If they want their defense to improve at all, they'll need to improve the secondary quickly.

Special Teams: C
- Brandon Fields and Jay Feeley are decent, but nothing spectacullar. Honestly, how did you think they did? The whole team stunk it up last season, so they must have followed the trend.

Coaching: B
- Bill Parcells is coming in and running the show. Cam Cameron was fired after one season, and now new head coach Tony Sparano has the unfortunate task of trying to put together a playoff team. Impossible? No, but it would be a miracle if they can get over eight wins in two season.

2008 Schedule: