What to look for against the Buccaneers
The Miami Dolphins enter their final pre-season game with an 0-3 record. Three losses, despite the insistence of starting cornerback Sam Madison that the Dolphins need to start winning during the pre-season. Madison said that "we have to prove stuff to ourselves, to you guys and stuff to the fans. It is not going to be easy because down here, not only you guys, but the fans are really into the Dolphin tradition and they want to win now."
Based on Head Coach Nick Saban's comments after each pre-season game, he is looking at each of these game's as a big practice. Saban does not show any anxiety in the fact that the Dolphins have not won a pre-season game yet, and neither should the fans. The Dolphins could lose all five of their outings and still be prepared for the season.
The thing that worries me, and most people, is the fact that in three games, the first team offense has only mustered three points.
The record shouldn't be that alarming. The Indianapolis Colts are 0-3 as well, yet they still have a Championship caliber team. The difference is that their first team offense led by Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James, and Marvin Harrison have scored 17 points with their first team. They have scored once every game. That is reassuring. If the Dolphins do anything against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they need to put up some points with their first team. Especially considering the starters are going to play into the 3rd quarter, only putting up about 3 points would not be a good sign.
To remain optimistic, the lack of points from the first team could be attributed to the fact that there has not been a game plan put in place yet and this offense is so complicated and new to everybody that there are bound to be plenty of mistakes. Then, throw in the fact that you fumble 7 times in a game, it's amazing you even score 3 points.
Against the Bucs, there will be a game plan in place and that means the players will have a more concentrated amount of plays to pay attention to. They will have studied film on the Buccaneers so far this pre-season and put together a scheme that will give the Dolphins the best chance to win the game. Although earlier I said that it still doesn't matter whether or not that Dolphins win or lose, this game is being prepared with the mentality that the Phins are going to win.
However, the score that counts is what's on the scoreboard when the starters leave the field in the third quarter. Should we win the game at the end of four, well, that's just a real nice perk.
 The most intriguing position to be watching during this game will be middle linebacker because *apparently* Zach Thomas twisted his ankle on Wednesday (but is alright), so he will sit this game out and rookie Channing Crowder will make the start. Crowder, who excelled with the Florida Gators in his college career dropped to the third round of the draft because of his off-field problems. He was arrested twice during his campaign at Florida for getting into severe bar-brawls. However, Crowder is determined to switch up his image with the Dolphins.
Crowder will have to step up and be the leader of the defense in the middle. He is very capable of doing it and this will be a true test for him. We should look for him to perform very well. And who wants to take bets that Zach's ankle is fine, other than perhaps a mosquito bite?
You can count on the probability that Saban held long fumble drills during every day of practice this week. And it wouldn't be far-fetched to imagine a severe punishment for anyone who managed to let the ball slip. The Dolphins might have won that game against the Pittsburgh Steelers had they not fumbled 7 times (count them: fumble, fumble, fumble, fumble, fumble, *snore*, fumble, fumble). The defense played very well against a very potent Pittsburgh offense, only allowing 10 points the whole game. The fumbleitis was so bad that it got to the point where you could predict when it was going to happen again.
This game has the chance to be a bit wet as well with the possibility of storm clouds still lingering as a result of Hurricane Katrina. I'm not going to tell you to expect the fumbles to decrease because if they somehow equaled their world record set last week, or on the chance that everything comes [f]crumbling down and they break it, then we will have some serious worries as Dol-Fans. However, noting the discipline of Saban, and the attitude of a bunch of players fighting for a job, expecting to see no fumbles would not be dreaming.
Of course, there still has not been a starter named for opening day against the Denver Broncos, so Gus Frerotte's performance in two plus quarters will be pivotal in the decision. You can assume he is probably going to be the starter based on the fact that Saban has stuck with him as the starter for three weeks now even though his play has not been much better than A.J. Feeley's, but if he doesn't punch the ball into the endzone, then there's reason to worry.
The ever-revolving offensive line has taken on another look for this game. Vernon Carey has been shifted from left tackle to right tackle, right tackle Stockar McDougle has been demoted to the second team while seeing last year's starter Damion McIntosh being promoted and thrown in at left tackle. So, will this final shuffle reveal a line that is adequate enough to open holes and protect the QB? We shall see.
 Ronnie Brown is making his first start with the Dolphins after ending his holdout almost two weeks ago. He dressed for the game against the Steelers, but did not play due to his lack of conditioning and practice with the team. We fans will get our first look at the highest draft pick the Dolphins have had since their inaugural season. He better be good.
Reflecting on all that I've just said, it really all goes hand in hand, but starts with the offensive line. If the offensive line has a good game, Brown and Ricky Williams will most likely have good games. Additionally, it will give time to Frerotte to make smart decisions and he will have the chance to secure the starting QB spot. And if all this happens, I can guarantee the Dolphins will get into the endzone and put a few points on the board (assuming there are no bone-headed fumbles).
Analysis aside, this is a dress rehearsal for the 2005 Miami Dolphins season. It's finally getting to be that time again - time to see some Miami Dolphins football! So, sit down, grab a few beers, chips and dip, and root for your Miami Dolphins!
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