| The Miami Dolphins weren't able to build on their 2008 | | | | Defense: If Miami hopes to return to the top of the |
| division title, falling to just 7-9 last season. But things are | | | | AFC East, it must turn things around on this side of the |
| looking up as the 2010 season approaches. The | | | | football. Last season, the Dolphins were among the |
| Dolphins were able to land wide receiver Brandon | | | | worst scoring defenses in the league, allowing 24.4 |
| Marshall, giving them a true No. 1 wideout for the first | | | | points per game. They gave up way too many big |
| time in several years. His presence should immediately | | | | plays while not making enough big plays themselves. |
| improve a passing attack which ranked No. 20 in the | | | | While Dansby fills a big hole at inside linebacker, making |
| NFL last season. After ranking No. 25 in scoring | | | | a major turnaround won't be easy. Players will need to |
| defense, it was clear the Dolphins needed to part | | | | step up to fill the shoes of departed outside |
| ways with Paul Pasqualoni. Former San Francisco | | | | linebackers Joey Porter and Jason Taylor. Plus, the |
| 49ers head coach Mike Nolan has been brought in to | | | | Dolphins will have to juggle personnel following the |
| take over defensive coordinator duties. Miami is hoping | | | | retirement of nose tackle Jason Ferguson. The |
| that this move, along with the signing of Karlos Dansby, | | | | impression I'm getting is that Randy Starks will slide |
| will help the rejuvenate the defense. | | | | down to take Ferguson's spot. Porter and Taylor |
| Offense: Marshall may be a diva, like so many other | | | | combined for 16 sacks last season, so Koa Misi, |
| wide receivers in today's game, but he will have an | | | | Charlie Anderson and Cameron Wake must be able |
| immediate impact on the offense in a positive way. | | | | to at least match that production. First round draft pick |
| First off, he gives emerging quarterback Chad Henne | | | | Jared Odrick must produce at the defensive end spot |
| a go-to guy. Secondly, he demands a lot of defensive | | | | as well. Pro Bowl safety Yeremiah Bell leads a |
| attention. That means fellow wideouts Davone Bess, | | | | defensive backfield which should show some |
| Greg Camarillo and Brian Hartline will have the potential | | | | improvement as long as Miami can mount a formidable |
| to have more productive seasons. It also means Ricky | | | | pass rush. Cornerbacks Votae Davis and Sean Smith |
| Williams and Ronnie Brown will benefit as defenses | | | | will benefit from getting lots of experience as rookies |
| are forced to pay more attention to the passing game. | | | | last year. |
| Marshall's presence will also allow offensive | | | | Prediction: 3rd AFC East The Dolphins could certainly |
| coordinator Dan Henning to abandon the Wildcat | | | | do better than third, but there are still some areas of |
| offense. Miami started to abandon it when Brown | | | | concern on the defensive side of the football. Miami |
| went down with an injury last season, and Henne | | | | should be able to muster a winning season, and it may |
| impressed throwing the football during that time. Miami | | | | be able to find its way into the playoffs. Be sure to |
| won't need to depend on deception as much now that | | | | check out my 2010 NFL predictions to see who I have |
| it has a top notch playmaker. Led by tackles Jake | | | | winning the division. |
| Long and Vernon Carey, the Dolphins also boast one | | | | Beat the NFL odds this season by playing Jimmy |
| of the better offensive lines in the league. | | | | Boyd's award-winning NFL picks! |