Looking ahead to Miami

I know its still a 1 1/2 weeks away, but here is a small glimpse into the Dolphins. IMO, we have a pretty good shot at starting out 1-0.


Porter hasn't playeed yet in this preseason and is still expierencing some swelling in his knee. He says he expects to play against Washington.
ESPN - Porter returns to Dolphins practice, eyes opener - NFL (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp07/news/story?id=2993567)


Their offensive line is a mess. If anyone thought we had problems up front they should take a look at this mess. Injuries, rookies, or position changes at nearly every spot on the line. This little excerpt is from Foxsports.com.



The offensive line remains in flux, as Dolphins (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67052) coach Cam Cameron still hasn't finalized his starters, particularly at right tackle, where untested Anthony Alabi (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/300357) and nine-year veteran L.J. Shelton (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/70499) have flip-flopped. Cameron tried to motivate former center Rex Hadnot (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/200749) by moving him to right guard and then by demoting him for sixth-round rookie Drew Mormino (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/469273). That experiment didn't last long, but more because Mormino couldn't block anyone, and not because a sore-toed Hadnot was playing like a Pro Bowler. The supposed anchor of the line, Vernon Carey (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/200331), who has been moved from right tackle to left tackle where he's largely responsible for protecting the blindside of a 37-year-old quarterback, tweaked a knee in the opening exhibition game, and doesn't seem at full strength. Throw in a rookie center in Samson Satele (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/469349) and it could be a long - or short - season for Green, depending on how many hits to the head he takes.


Defensively, they are real strong up front but their secondary is struugling with injuries and inconsistent play. Last years first round pick Allen is really struggling and projected starter Goodman is injured and may not play until week 4 or 5.

I think there are a lot of parallels between the skins and the dolphins. Very talented teams (though in different ways) that just can't quite get it together. I think Chris Chambers is a great WR, Ronnie Brown is a very good back, Trent Green can manage the game and keep them from losing games. Their O-line is a mess, but for our scheme I dont see that being as big of a handicap. Granted our blitzes may get through easier, but we don't get 4 man penetration.

Their defense is aging but very good. If I were Samuels I would NOT want to go against Jason Taylor my first game back. If he's not ready, we'll know in a hurry. We should win, but we should have beat MN last season too.

thanks for posting this, yesterday I was looking a little for any updates on the fins other than Porter. Basically, they sound like a team w/a solid front 7 on D & a vet QB. RB is also a strength, but what good is that w/a shabby line?

I would still think it's gonna be a low scoring tight contest, but we'll win.

We should beat the Fins!
Gigantic RED flag if we do not. Daseal has covered most of the ground but, the sports shows in the area are in agreement:
Trent Green....big????
Ronnie Brown, so far not living up to expectation
Chambers-good-only weapon they have

Our D should be able to puinish them. It will be a great first game tuneup and reality check. I would have hated to start with New Orleans, or New England............ HTTR

I have read a few reports that have the starting RB position still in question. Word is that Cameron has not named a starter yet. IMO this means they are not sold on RB being their go to guy this year.

I can't remember his name, but their new TE is supposedly quite an athelete, and I hear Chambers is moving to the slot when they have 3 WRs which he normally does great in.

I think the Skins will win this game. However, I do think it will be ugly. We really haven't shown a bit of life on offense yet in the preseason outside of the 2nd and 3rd teams. Defense will dominate this game and 17-20 points will win it.

I think the Skins will win this game. However, I do think it will be ugly. We really haven't shown a bit of life on offense yet in the preseason outside of the 2nd and 3rd teams. Defense will dominate this game and 17-20 points will win it.

yeah, we haven't shown anything on O, but having Portis back will at the least help the attitude of the O. He brings a fire & leads by example & mouth!
I certainly don't expect fireworks, if we score 21+ I'd be happy & we should win. The O will likely need time to come together, but they're capable of at least being avg. at this point.

I think the Skins will win by 13 or 14 points.

I just don't think Trent Green is all that comfortable in the new scheme yet, and our blitzing will further throw off his timing.

Even if Campbell isn't clicking on all fours, I could still our running game doing quite well.

I think there are a lot of parallels between the skins and the dolphins. Very talented teams (though in different ways) that just can't quite get it together. I think Chris Chambers is a great WR, Ronnie Brown is a very good back, Trent Green can manage the game and keep them from losing games. Their O-line is a mess, but for our scheme I dont see that being as big of a handicap. Granted our blitzes may get through easier, but we don't get 4 man penetration.

Their defense is aging but very good. If I were Samuels I would NOT want to go against Jason Taylor my first game back. If he's not ready, we'll know in a hurry. We should win, but we should have beat MN last season too.For the life of me I don't know why Chambers is respected around the league. I mean remember how we lovingly called Gardner 50-50 because he only caught half of what was thrown to him? Well Chambers isn't quite that good. Caught 39% of passes intended for him last year, 49% in 05, and a robust 50% in 2004. Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think that he's very good, at all.

Their O Line is a mess, and it really takes away a lot of Ronnie Brown's effectiveness. Trent Green can still be an adequate QB in the style of a Mark Brunell, but when that's the most dangerous part of your offense, your unit is pretty pathetic.

Pretty much dead on about the defense. Question is, will they put together another good season, or be like the Skins in 2006.

Another angle: perhaps one of the reasons Saban bolted was that he saw little potential in his team, and thought it a better career move to get out and quit on his guys before his reputation got ruined.