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2005 Team Report: Miami Dolphins
Quarterbacks
Starter: Gus Frerotte
Starting QB: While it was believed that A.J. Feeley was going to get another chance to be the starting QB, the 33-year old Frerotte won the job in camp. He has a career YPA of 7.1 and has thrown for 11 more touchdowns than interceptions. Frerotte looked more consistent and accurate than Feeley during camps, and players praised his touch and command of the offense. Frerotte knows OC Scott Linehan's system well from their time together in Minnesota. Frerotte hasn't thrown 10 TDs in a season since 1997, and the Dolphins are his fourth team in five years.
Backup QB: A.J. Feeley was brought in to improve the Dolphins passing attack last season but it was an undeniable debacle for both himself and his new organization as he struggled to make positive plays happen. He completed only 53.7% of his passes, had only 5.3 passing yards per attempt and finished with more interceptions than touchdowns. In the eleven games he saw playing time he managed to throw for 230+ yards only once (303 yards, 3 touchdowns and 5 interceptions against the Bills). Once thought to be in an even competition with Gus Frerotte to start, Feeley enters Week One listed as the third stringer. Surprise number two Sage Rosenfels really isn't well suited to start in place of Frerotte, but he was arguably the team's most consistent QB during camp. In his chance to shine last season, Rosenfels managed to complete only 41.0% of his passes with a single touchdown pass against 3 interceptions.
Running Backs
Starter: Ronnie Brown [r]
Starting RB: During the 2004 campaign, the Dolphins used seven different running backs throughout the season with none of the players having much success. The Dolphins managed a league-worst 3.5 yards per carry and not one of those seven players managed to reach 100 rushing yards in a game. While much of the blame for the inexcusable performance goes to the lackluster play of the offensive lineman, it was irrefutable that the Dolphins running game needed a boost hence the 1st round selection of running back Ronnie Brown from Auburn University. Brown has the size, speed and vision you look for in a top running back along with exceptional character and although he had to share time throughout his collegiate career with another gifted rookie back, Carnell Williams, it is clear that Brown can certainly become a top running back as a professional. He will get a lot of work throughout his rookie season as the Dolphins look to find an identity on the field. Backup RBs: Ricky Williams is as big a wildcard as there is in the NFL these days. He rushed for over 1,800 yards in 2002, but then missed the entire 2004 season while on retirement. Williams is back, but it remains to be seen exactly what his role will be with the Dolphins. Travis Minor, Sammy Morris and Jesse Chatman offer good depth coming off of the bench. Morris was easily the most efficient back during the 2004 debacle, averaging a decent 4.0 yards per attempt and scoring 6 touchdowns. Minor will likely see time in 2005 as a change-of-pace runner and could slot in as the 3rd down specialist. He doesn't have the bulk to be a full-time starter.
Fullback: Heath Evans was brought in for one purpose only and that is to improve blocking out of the backfield. He won't add much via the running or passing game but he should have an impact when it comes to picking up the blitz or opening holes for the running game to exploit. He was a nice pickup for the Dolphins. He'll be playing the H-Back position, similar to what Jim Kleinsasser did under OC Scott Linehan in Minnesota.
Wide Receivers
Starters: Chris Chambers, Marty Booker
Starting WRs: Despite the offensive train wreck that was the Dolphins season last year, Chris Chambers managed to put together a decent season. He finished with 69 receptions and 7 touchdowns and has now scored 18 touchdowns in his last two seasons. He is a gifted playmaker who has the ability to put up 1200+ receiving yards in a season with improved quarterback play. He often gets open downfield only to have the quarterback miss him with the pass. He does need to continue working on his route running to become an elite player. Veteran receiver Marty Booker was brought in via trade with the Bears last season but disappointed with only 50 receptions and a single touchdown reception. He is only 29 years old and should rebound this season. He thrives in the short, underneath passing routes and should get more opportunities to make plays this season. With two 1,000 receiving yard seasons under his belt, the Dolphins will expect more out of him. Backup WRs: David Boston was a star in Arizona, but he missed the entire 2004 season for the Dolphins after tearing his left patella tendon during a non-contact practice. While his unique combination of size and speed make him an intriguing fantasy prospect, the Dolphins are currently bringing him along slowly and plan to use him in 3-WR sets. Bryan Gilmore has caught only 33 career passes with 3 touchdown grabs and offers nothing but a little experience as the team's fourth receiver. Wes Welker made the team for his special teams contributions, but seems to have evolved enough offensively to get occasional snaps as a 3rd or 4th wideout.
Tight Ends
Starters: Randy McMichael
If there was one bright spot for the Dolphins' offense in 2005, it was the emergence of Randy McMichael as one of the game's top tight ends. He caught 73 passes for 791 yards and managed 4 touchdown receptions. He was almost impossible to cover with his blend of size and speed, has tremendous hands and has emerged as not only a legitimate threat from the tight end spot but also a team leader on and off the field. He has caught 161 passes in his first three seasons in the NFL and when on the field he should continue to shine. He was charged with domestic abuse (again) this July, and pending that outcome, may face a suspension from the league or the Dolphins. Neither Diamond or Heller are suited to full time roles, and the Dolphins would sorely miss McMichael should either have to take his spot in the lineup. Place Kicker Olindo Mare : In 1999, Olindo Mare had a career year with 46 FG attempts, 84.8% average, and 144 points. He followed up with impressive 90.3% and 90.5% averages the next two years. Since then his averages have dropped to 77.4%, 75.9%, and 75.0%. After the 2003 season, the team owner publicly blamed Mare for the Dolphins having missed the playoffs. In 2004 he was injured and missed five games. His tenure in Miami is shaky. Kick and Punt Returners Kick Returners: Wes Welker, Travis Minor, Bryan Gilmore Undrafted rookie WR Wes Welker, one of the top returners in college history, had an eventful 2004. He joined the Dolphins in week three after being cut by the Chargers. He was Miami's primary KR (57 returns, 23.0 avg, 1 TD). His combined KR/PR stats ranked him fourth among fantasy returners. He even chipped in a FG and PAT in relief of injured K Olindo Mare. The backups are Bryan Gilmore (5 returns, 22.8 avg) and RB Travis Minor, the team's leading KR in 2003 (34 returns, 21.4 avg). Punt Returners: Wes Welker, Marty Booker Welker ranked 13th in PR average (10.8) and second in yards (462). He should again be the Dolphins' return specialist. WR Kendall Newsome served as the backup early in camp, but was waived. WR Marty Booker is under consideration for the backup role. Offensive Line
Projected Starters: RT Vernon Carey, RG Rex Hadnot, C Seth McKinney, LG Jeno James, LT Damion McIntosh
The Dolphins offensive line almost can't help but be better than the disastrous 2004 incarnation. The group was inexperienced last year, but they did manage to play better as the year went on. If left tackle Damion McIntosh can return to form after playing hurt much of last season, he will bring both tenacity and experience which are needed. Second-year lineman Vernon Carey, who has the talent to become an elite player, will man the right tackle post. The biggest change to this unit was the signing of talented offensive line coach Hudson Houck. Houck was the mastermind behind the vaunted Cowboys lines of the early 90s and was credited with turning around the line in San Diego the last two years. Team Defense Things were rough all over for the Dolphins and their fans in 2004 as they finished with their first losing record since 1988. It all started with Ricky Williams' surprising retirement announcement and went downhill from there. The defense had finished in the top-10 for 4 straight years, but dropped to the #20 ranked fantasy defense, despite a strong finish after former head coach Dave Wannstedt resigned. The offense was woefully pathetic and simply couldn't sustain any drives, which kept the defense on the field for long periods of time. Because they were often tired and playing from behind, teams didn't have to throw on them very often, and that led to 8 fewer sacks and 9 fewer takeaways than the year before. The trade of Adewale Ogunleye to the Bears along with injuries to Tim Bowens (missed 14 games), Larry Chester (14 games), and Junior Seau (missed 8 games) certainly didn't help matters. The outlook for 2005 is more positive, thanks primarily to the hiring of new head coach Nick Saban, who built some of the best defenses in the country at LSU the past few years. There has been a lot of speculation that Saban would implement a 3-4 defense in Miami, but that seems unlikely given the personnel in place. Thanks to several additions on the defensive line and the loss of Morlon Greenwood, this team is much deeper on the defensive line than at LB. Patrick Surtain, one of the best CBs in the league (17 INTs over past 3 years), was traded to the Chiefs to gain space under the cap. He wasn't a great fit for the team's new defense, but his playmaking will be hard to replace. A healthy roster, some improvement from the offense, and better coaching should all help improve the defense, but the transition to a new system will take time. This will likely be a bit of a rebuilding year, and the Dolphins are probably at least a year away from adding enough players to allow Saban to run the type of defense he wants to run. Defensive Line
Starters: RDE Jason Taylor, DT Vonnie Holliday, NT Keith Traylor, LDE Kevin Carter
Starting DL: When they couldn't reach agreement on a long-term contract with DE Adewale Ogunleye, the Dolphins decided to trade him. They thought they could get by without him, but without his presence, opposing offenses were able to freely slide their protection over to Jason Taylor's side. As a result, Taylor finished 2004 with his lowest sack total (9.5) since 2001. At 31 years old and at his size (255 lbs), it will get tougher and tougher for him to beat double teams. To take some heat away from Taylor, the Dolphins signed Vonnie Holliday and Kevin Carter, two linemen whose best pass rushing days are likely behind them, but who can both hold up well against the run and play DE in the 3-4 front that Saban generally prefers. Holliday had a few shining moments during his time with the Packers, but he was a free agent bust with the Chiefs and missed all but 6 games last year with an injury. Carter will also likely see plenty of time as a starting DE in the 3-4 with Jason Taylor shifting to OLB in more of a pass rushing specialist role. Carter started out as a DE early in his career with the Rams, but the Titans began playing him primarily at DT last year. He should be a good fit at DE when the Dolphins use a 3-4 front. Keith Traylor will begin the year as the starter at NT. At 36 years old, he probably won't last too long, but with Tim Bowens retiring and Larry Chester being released, the Dolphins don't have much of a choice. Backup DL: David Bowens was the player who replaced Ogunleye last year, and he responded well with a career-high 7 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Bowens has been a backup most of his career and will likely return to that role, but he also should see time as part of the DE rotation on passing downs. The Dolphins used the 2nd round pick they got from the Chiefs in this year's draft to further upgrade their line when they selected DE Matt Roth from Iowa. He is a strong, high-effort player who should eventually develop into a long-term starter at DE. Jeff Zgonina is a 12-year veteran who has averaged 4 sacks over the past 3 years. He's undersized compared to most DTs, but he's quick and never lets up on a play. He finished as the Dolphins 5th leading tackler last year, and could be relied upon heavily again if one of the starters gets injured. Tim McGill was claimed off waivers from the Jets. McGill spent 2004 on the Jets practice squad and then played in NFL Europe this spring, where he was named to the 1st team All-NFL Europe squad. The Dolphins selected Manuel Wright in the 5th round of the NFL supplemental draft. He was a backup at Southern Cal, but has great size and could eventually provide solid depth on the interior.
Linebackers
Starters: WLB Junior Seau, MLB Zach Thomas, SLB Channing Crowder [r]
Starting LBs: Age was a concern for the Dolphins LBs last year as they had little quality depth behind their starters. Few would have been surprised if Junior Seau decided to walk away after last year's miserable season in which he missed 8 games due to injury. He decided to return for what could be his final season, but at 36 years old he's lost a lot of the speed that made him so dominant and is now a shell of his former self. Next to him at MLB, Zach Thomas has been the focal point of this defense since the days of Jimmy Johnson and should remain that way for at least a couple more years. Despite being undersized for the position, Thomas is one of the most consistent and productive LBs in the league, and has gone to 3 of the past 4 Pro Bowls. The Dolphins let Morlon Greenwood leave to sign with Houston as a free agent, and signed Donnie Spragan from Denver to replace him. But rookie Channing Crowder's excellent play in the preseason convinced the coaching staff to start him on the strongside. Crowder will also play ILB when the team uses a 3-4 front and could eventually take over for Thomas in a couple years. Backup LBs: LB depth looks to be much better this year than it used to be thanks to the development of some recent draft picks. Donnie Spragan is a former undrafted free agent who played well in Denver when called upon due to injuries. Derrick Pope is a speedy, smaller LB who was a great find in the 7th round last year. After Zach Thomas went down with an injury late in the season, Pope came in and played very well, compiling 24 solos, 2 sacks and 1 FF in 4 games. Jason Glenn spent the past 4 years as a backup LB and special teams performer for the Jets, and is coming off a solid preseason. Eddie Moore was a 2nd round pick out of Tennessee in 2003 who wound up missing his entire rookie season because of a Lisfranc injury to his foot. He got some valuable playing experience filling in for Junior Seau last year, but isn't expected to be much more than a special teams contributor this year.
Defensive Backs
Starters: CB Sam Madison, CB Reggie Howard, SS Tebucky Jones, FS Yeremiah Bell
Starting DBs: The Dolphins will have some big adjustments to make in their secondary this year with three new starters thanks to the departures of Pat Surtain, Sammy Knight and Arturo Freeman. The lone returning starter is CB Sam Madison, who is already on the wrong side of 30 and has shown signs of slowing down. He once had 20 INTs over a 3-year period early in his career, but has only 8 over the past 4 years including 0 in 2004. The Dolphins surprised quite a few people last year when they signed Reggie Howard to a $21 million free agent contract. Howard has decent size at 6'0", 190 lbs, but he's more of a finesse player and would probably be better suited as a nickel back. Inside at safety, Tebucky Jones was signed soon after the Saints released him. Jones has good size and great range, but he misses a lot of tackles and might not be a great fit at SS. Statistically, he's coming off his career-best year, but the Saints had little worries about cutting him loose and it will be interesting to see if Saban can get the most out of him. Yeremiah Bell was a 6th round pick in 2003 who has played primarily on special teams up to this point, yet he'll open the season as a starter after a very impressive preseason. Backup DBs: 2nd year player Will Poole was expected to take over one of the starting CB jobs this year, but was placed on IR after an injury suffered at minicamp this summer. The trade of Surtain and injury to Poole has taken away a lot of the quality depth the Dolphins used to have at CB. Rookie Travis Daniels looks like he will play a significant role this year, having started for Saban at LSU. The team also released veteran Mario Edwards after claiming Eddie Jackson off waivers from the Panthers. Jackson was an undrafted free agent in 2004 has good size at 6', 200lbs. At safety, Travares Tillman was the early favorite to take over the starting FS spot but was beaten out by Yeremiah Bell. The Dolphins also signed Lance Schulters, who has been a very productive fantasy DB during his time in both San Francisco and Tennessee. He will bring a physical presence to the secondary and his experience should pay dividends.
Last modified: 2005-09-08 05:06:49
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