Miami Dolphins Football Review

The Miami Dolphins have been looking to make some big changes for the 2007 season and now the question is - will all their hard work pay off?

Last season, the Dolphins came in as the team to watch in the AFC and were one of the picks for the division title. However, they ended the season in with a lack luster 6-10 record and found themselves back in the top ten of the NFL draft. Despite not being able to attain coach Nick Saban as coach, Cam Cameron who was previously the offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers, is now the new head coach. With Dante Culpepper's knee in question after surgery,Trent Green looks to be the new starting quarterback. Even with these set backs, some are holding out some hope for the Dolphins. Some were also questioning why the Dolphins were trying so hard to to attain Trent Green from the clutches of the Chiefs. In all honesty, Green is not the same quarterback who led the Chiefs six years ago. He was hit hard in the first week of the 2006 campaign and after coming back from his injury he averaged only 19.7 points per game when he was on the field. Also, one must consider his age - Green turned 37 this past July.

Offensively, many people believe that the 2007 season hinges on what the Dolphins get from the quarterback position. Some are still holding out for Dante to heal and return to form and some have high hopes for Trent Green. Still, so many questions linger than answers for Miami's offense at this point. There is only one player who, barring injury, is guaranteed to be a starter at the position he previously occupied last season, and that is running back Ronnie Brown. A few other starters, like Chris Chambers and Marty Booker should be returning, but Chambers' legal issues concerning a possible DWI and the possible emergence rookie Ted Ginn Jr. could jeopardize these two veterans in the starting line up come September. There are also some players switching positions. Vernon Carey, former right tackle, is moving to left tackle, while former right guard L.J. Shelton is moving to right tackle. Also, ex-center Rex Hadnot could possibly be shifted to right guard.

Other than that, every position along the offensive front will be now manned by a new players in the 2007 season. There will be new starters at quarterback, fullback, center, slot receiver and tight end. One position is till in question - left guard. Rookie Drew Mormino is up against Chris Liwienski for starting position. Also being considered are free-agents Pete Kendall or former Cardinal Milford Brown. However, none of these players are expected to turn the position of left guard into a position of strength any time soon. Even though it is true that most NFL rosters are always in somewhat flux, the Miami Dolphins are in a more uncertain position that most. If one looks at some of the NFL's most consistent offensives, like the Rams, Colts, and Chargers, one can see that the idea of continuity works and will lead to success. As far as 2007, the Dolphins are majorly lacking in the continuity department.

One area that might have more continuity is the Dolphins defense. Holding the team together is the defense. The Dolphins saw their defense improve enough to be ranked fourth in the league for total defense and accumulated 47 sacks. Despite great statistics, critics fear that the Miami Dolphin defense has nowhere to go but down. This fear is mainly due to age. The Dolphins have the oldest front seven in the entire league, because five of their starters are at least 30. Zach Thomas turns 34 and Jason Taylor turns 33 in September. Keith Traylor is 37 while Vonnie Holliday will be 32 in December. And about to turn 30 is new Dolphin, Joey Porter. While Taylor is a team favorite and led the team with 13.5 sacks and dominated most offenses many are worried about the big '33'.

Statistically, the age of 33 is when most NFL players begin to rapidly decline. Despite this, many believe he will still collect at least 10 sacks. Also one must remember that Miami brought in Jo ey Porter to be a complimentary pass rusher. With over twenty million in signing bonuses, many were scratching their heads as to why? Some believe Porter was to be over-rated and was somewhat carried by his team in Pittsburgh. If Miami's sack total decreases, this could prove to be problematic for the secondary line. Also to consider, the Dolphins have lost four members from their defensive line - Kevin Carter, David Bowens, Jeff Zgonina and Dan Wilkinson.

Despite these setbacks, the Dolphins should breeze through the month of September. The Dolphins as the team is an amazing 34-15 since 1992. They also have one of the top home records in the AFC since 1995, reaching a respectable 62-34 mark. Also add in Miami's scorching heat and humidity, the Dolphins have an edge in September. But they could run into some trouble in their final seven games: at Philadelphia, at Pittsburgh, home with the Jets, at Buffalo, home with Baltimore, at New England and Cincinnati. Miami Dolphins tickets will sellout fast this season buying your tickets from a ticket broker like http://www.BarrysTickets.com will get you some premium tickets.

Rich Stephenson does SEO for a ticket broker for www.BarrysTickets.com the leader in Baltimore Ravens Tickets http://www.barrystickets.com/nfl-tickets/dolphins-tickets.php . As well as tickets for all sports, concerts and theater tickets nationwde.