NFL 2006: Miami Dolphins
Nick Saban starts year two with new faces and a new offensive coordinator in Mike Mularkey. The former Bills coach replaces the late Scott Linehan, the new head coach of the St. Louis Rams. Optimism reigns in Miami as Saban turned a 3-13 team last year into a 9-7 last season. With the return of a veteran roster, along with key free-agent signings, many feel the Dolphins are legitimate playoff contenders in 2006.
Offense: The biggest acquisition of the offseason was taking Daunte Culpepper from the Minnesota Vikings. Gone is Gus Frerotte, who did a respectable job as a starter last season, and Culpepper arrives. There’s no question when he’s healthy, Culpepper is one of the best in the game. But a devastating knee injury, in which he sustained damage to three ligaments, may keep him off the field on opening day.
To correct that problem, the Dolphins traded for Joey Harrington (2,021 yards, 12 touchdowns), who wore out his welcome in Detroit. The former No. 2 overall pick hasn’t lived up to his draft status, but he could be reborn with Saban in Miami. Either way, he’ll be a suitable backup and upgrade over Sage Rosenfels.
Ricky Williams was suspended again, so he took his papers and went to Canada for a year. Never mind, sophomore Ronnie Brown will be given the lead role reins and he should do just fine. The Auburn standout rushed for 907 yards and four touchdowns in split time with Ricky last season. Travis Minor will be his main backup. Fred Beasley didn’t leave his heart behind in San Francisco and will help Brown immensely at fullback. Beasley has decent hands and is a solid blocker.
The Dolphins have two good starters, but not much depth after that at wide receiver. Chris Chambers (82-1,118-11) had a breakout year last season and Marty Booker is a solid No. 2. Behind them, rookies Derek Hagan and Devin Aromashodu will be asked to play key roles.
Randy McMichael is one of the best receiving tight ends in the game and he showed it again last season with 60 receptions and five TDs. Justin Peele was brought in from San Diego to be a blocker in running situations.
There is a lot of competition on the offensive line and this is where the most energetic battles will take place. Rex Hadnot is the starting center, but Seth McKinney is coming back from injury and will challenge. Free-agent signing Bennie Anderson (Bills) will team with returner Jeno James at guard, but McKinney could also land here. Vernon Carey and Damion McIntosh return at tackle, but free agents LJ Shelton (Browns) and Mike Pearson (Jaguars) are also in the mix.
Defense: This is a defense that gets old, even without Junior Seau, particularly on the line. Eternal wonder Jason Taylor (12 sacks) and Kevin Carter (six sacks) return at defensive end, but look for high-energy Matt Roth for even more playing time in 2006. Vonnie Holliday (five sacks) and Keith Traylor fills the tackle spots with Jeff Zgonina as a suitable backup. Manuel Wright and rookie Rodrique Wright provide youthful legacies.
Zach Thomas continues to defy father time and looks to make another outstanding season on the charts. Thomas led the team with 166 tackles from the middle linebacker spot and shows no signs of slowing down. Outside, rising star Channing Crowder (90 tackles) could have a big year and Donnie Spragan is solid, if not spectacular. Eddie Moore is a quality backup.
The high school is in a state of flux after a turbulent offseason. Gone are safety Lance Shulters and corners Sam Madison and Reggie Howard. Travis Daniels will fill one corner spot, while free agents Will Allen (Giants), Renaldo Hill (Raiders) and Andre Goodman (Lions) will compete for the other. Tavaris Tillman returns to safety strong, while Yeremiah Bell and No. 1 draft pick Jason Allen will battle for the free safety spot.
Special Teams: Olindo Mare had another great season, scoring 108 points on 25-30 shooting and 33-33 extra points. You can’t find much better or more consistent than him. Donnie Jones looks to improve on his solid 43.5 punts last season and Wes Welker is an exciting return man (22.6 KR; 9.1 PR).
Outlook: Nick Saban is one of the best young coaches in the business and will have the Dolphins contending for a playoff spot. Culpepper’s injury situation, along with an aging defense and instability in the secondary will keep them from catching New England in the division.
Prediction: Saban brought Miami out of the cellar and restored confidence to the fans, the city and the team. The Dolphins are still a couple of pieces away from being a serious contender, but a wild-card spot isn’t out of the question in 2006. Miami finishes 9-7 or 10-6.