Sorry, it's too tempting

Monday, June 23, 2003
Robert Henderson

Call me a hypocrite for writing this, based on what I said in This is the year Miami will…D'oh!, but the Dolphins look the best they have in years. Last year everyone was hyped about the addition of the running game, but there were still questions concerning depth at certain positions, and those questions became reality. At this point, ignoring what could happen in training camp and pre-season, and assuming the new additions this offseason will live up to what they have proved in the past, the Dolphins look damn good.

The sudden emergence of the running game last season corrected everything that seemed to be wrong with the team in the years prior. However, once that major problem was solved, others seemed to appear. The truth is, however, that these problems had been there all along, but were overshadowed by the incredible team effort of 2.9 YPC. The offensive line has always been in question. It seems every year there is a new season ending injury, or someone doesn't turn out the way they had been projected which totally screws up the possibility of a good line because of the lack of depth. The wide receivers seemed to change annually with semi permanent players such as O.J. McDuffie and then Oronde Gadsden. The TE and Fullback positions never existed until last year, and let's end the paragraph with the name Ray Lucas.

Most fans and media were disappointed with the Dolphins draft this offseason, but it is starting to look like the front office knew what they were doing. Miami's choice to draft a linebacker in the 2nd round, forgetting the improvement needed on the offensive line, shocked everyone. Later on, the Dolphins cut linebacker Derrick Rodgers. Now, Eddie Moore and Corey Jenkins are looking really good in practice, and along with Tommy Hendricks and Justin Seaverns, the Phins are suddenly loaded at LB behind Zach, Seau, and Greenwood.

The failure to draft an O-lineman in the second round was immediately corrected in the third round by drafting a tackle (Wade Smith) and a guard (Taylor Whitley). These two additions, if as good as they are looking, compliment last year's addition of Seth McKinney and offseason acquisition of Jamie Nails (who is healthy now). A front line of Mark Dixon, Jamie Nails, Tim Ruddy, Todd Perry, and Todd Wade backed up by Wade Smith, Taylor Whitley, and Seth McKinney is a very pleasing prospect.

Wide receiver has been a real weakness, especially the last two seasons. Chris Chambers emerged two years ago, but didn't get enough playing time to make a huge impact. Then, last season, either Ricky was running, or Chambers was getting clocked in Denver. During mini-camp and QB camp this year, he looks to be Jay Fiedler's number one target and will hopefully rediscover his superstar potential. Derrius Thompson has also looked great in practice, and seems to be eerily similar to Oronde Gadsden, but faster. Oh yeah, we have him back also. J.R. Tolver has been the talk though. He is speedy, has great hands, and set records at San Diego State last season. If all goes well in this category, Miami should be all right.

Ray Lucas is gone, Brian Griese has arrived. Had this been last season, we might have finished four wins richer. Adding Sage Rosenfels to the mix, this might be one of the best group of quarterbacks in the league. Should Jay Fiedler stay healthy, he has a year of Norv Turner's system under has belt, and fans might be surprised by his play this season.

O.J. McDuffie was drafted by Don Shula to add his return ability to the Dolphins special teams. It turned out that he was a better receiver than return man in the NFL. Now, Charlie Rogers is the first sign of effort shown by the Phins to improve the return position since. Unless of course, you had considered Jeff Ogden. Rogers' quickness and nimbleness, along with his small, slippery size are exactly the qualities that have proved the most successful return men.

Heck, if our punter goes down we still don't need to worry. We have Olindo Mare!

So, now you've read my pessimistic side, and my optimistic side. Although I can see the reality and cons in everything, it's truly fun to be a homer every once in a while. Should all the pieces fall into place, the Dolphins have a chance, a very good chance.

Robert Henderson can be reached by e-mailing webmaster@miamidolphinsbahamas.com.