Miami Dolphins – AFC East Preview

The Cam Cameron era begins for the Miami Dolphins as they start the season with a clean slate. Nick Saban was a bust as coach posting a 15-17 record in his two year stint as Head Coach. Super Bowl expectations were entertained liberally before the season began last year only to see the Fins fall flat on their faces. Cameron is a bright offensive mind who is surrounded by high quality coaches. Sportsbook.com has the Miami Dolphins at 55 to 1 odds to win Super Bowl XLII.

Quick witted veteran QB Trent Green understands Cameron's system and should be an upgrade over the inept Daunte Culpepper. The Defensive nucleus is intact from an excellent squad so the success of this team will hinge on it's offensive production. Cam Cameron likes to use timing patterns for throws while pounding the rock on the ground behind a lead Fullback.

QB Trent Green has struggled with concussions recently but when healthy, Green can be an extremely efficient leader. RB Ronnie Brown is a rising star who has soft hands out the backfield. Brown will be the strength of the offense with his power running inside and breakaway speed on the outside. The Offensive Line has question marks abound but has talent for excellent line coach Houck Hudson to work with. If the line can give Trent Green some time he has a vertical threat down the field in Chris Chambers. Marty Booker also should be a nice possesion reciever in an offensive system that calls lots of short-to-intermediate passes.

Defensive coordinator Dom Capers is a top defensive brain who likes to blitz often out of either the 4-3 or 3-4. The Defensive Line is aging but still has perrenial Pro Bowler Jason Taylor causing havoc off the edge. Inside massive DT Keith Traylor plugs holes for opposing Running Backs therfore freeing up the Linebackers to make plays. Swaggering LB Joey Porter was bought in the offseason and should improve a strong Linebacking core led by playmaker Zach Thomas. MLB Zach can still attack with his non-stop motor and high football IQ. OLB Channing Crowder is a physical speciman who is on the rise. The young Secondary has questions to answer after allowing to many big plays in 06'. Nobody in the Secondary really has special ability but SS Yeremiah Bell is a fast athlete who plays physical football. The Special teams added the fastest player in the NFL Draft in Ted Ginn Jr. who will handle return duties. The kicking game is sound. The Special Teams will be a eam strength.

 The expectations are low for the fish this year but don't be surprised if the Dolphins make some noise in the highly competitive AFC EAST.

Brad Marchetti Opening Day Miami Dolphins Power Ratings: 20-80 Scale

20- Poor
30- Well Below Average
40- Below Average
50- Average
60- Above Average
70- Very Good
80- Great