Friday, August 5, 2005
By Dwayne Mortimer
Guest Writer to MDBW
One thing is for certain Nick’s in charge! Talk to any of the players, veterans and rookies alike they are all clear on who is directing this 2005 act of the Miami Dolphins, NICK SABAN.
Be that as it may nothing else seems certain about this team. I know it is early and to be honest I have only visited one practice session but even still I have seen enough to brace myself for the unknown that this team will provide.
Let me say at the onset this team has the potential to be special, even to make the playoffs. Let’s not rush out for those playoff tickets yet though, as potential alone won’t win games. It’s all in the execution, can they execute?
Overall the line up this year has a lot of similarities to last year’s, a good defense, a porous offensive line, a quarterback class with four excellent 2nd or 3rd string quarterbacks, an improved running back committee with an excellent potential upside and a much-improved receiving group.
Defense, Nick will not allow this defense to deteriorate on his watch. Remember he’s in charge! Yes, the all-star secondary has been broken up, but there still remains a pool of talent to ensure a solid defense. Keep your eyes on the 3-4 set, in practice it was special ten plays, three knock downs, one interception, two incomplete passes and one sack. Though we should not lose sight that it was our porous offensive line and inept quarterbacks that it all happened against.
Hudson Houck, may be the true savior for this team, as if he could revive this group of players (offensive line) then even the current Dolphin’s quarterback talent would be able to complete a few passes. Rumor has it that only Jeno James’ position may be safe, based on how this group played last year, it’s a wonder that some of them were even invited back. Houck’s craftiness is key!
Four quality backups, pursuing one starting job. Feeley’s quick release and good arm strength is exciting at times but inconsistent. Frerotte based on early training camp results appears to have one up on the group. He presents himself as the calm, consistent, controlled veteran that the team needs. Sage’s arm strength has not elevated him to starter status yet and it won’t anytime soon, while Brock Berlin seems to be the play maker of the bunch. So what does Saban do about a quarterback class where the students all score between 6.5 and 7.0? Fix the offensive line that’s what! Houck’s the man.
Things have changed haven’t they? From no running back to two potentially great contributors, the assumption being that Ricky came back to run and not just to pay his debt. Ronnie Brown brings another dimension and has to prove he can handle the rigorous NFL schedule. Bottom line is this team has much more to work with than last year’s, and if Houck has any success they should do well. I have to say it again: Houck’s the man.
The receiving corps is as good as any other in the league. Tight end Randy McMichael, Chris Chambers, Marty Booker along with David Boston should be a cause for concern to most teams. But watch Wes Welker, an excellent short yardage playmaker. He will be the surprise this season. Despite his current positioning on the depth chart, I obviously believe as training camp progresses he will move closer to the top.
In short this team is improved, if only because it has a leader who is prepared to lead. Saban must remember that to whom much is given much is expected. Saban appears to understand that while defense may win championships, he simply needs to win games. As such, anticipate a steady diet of passing and running plays, served with a bag of tricks compliments of good ole Saint Nick Saban. I anticipate at least 10 wins this season, which may not be good enough to survive in this hotly contested division. But for all that he has done, and appears to be doing let’s keep our expectations real as this is not a group overflowing with talent on both sides of the ball.
The buck does stop at the top, so let’s not forget despite his elaborate resume he is a ROOKIE NFL head coach.
Dolphins running back Lorenzo Booker runs after catching a pass in the 2007 season finale against Cincinnati. Booker has since been traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
