| Nick Saban begins year number two with fresh | | | | Free agent signee Bennie Anderson (Bills) will team |
| faces and a new offensive coordinator in Mike | | | | with returner Jeno James at guard, but McKinney |
| Mularkey. The former Bills coach takes over for | | | | could land here as well. Vernon Carey and Damion |
| the departed Scott Linehan, the new head coach | | | | McIntosh return at tackle but free agents L.J. |
| of the St. Louis Rams. Optimism reigns supreme | | | | Shelton (Browns) and Mike Pearson (Jaguars) are |
| in Miami as Saban turned a 3-13 team the year | | | | in the mix as well.Defense: This is an aging |
| before into a 9-7 one last season. With a veteran | | | | defense even with Junior Seau gone, particularly |
| cast returning, along with key free agent pickups, | | | | on the line. Ageless wonder Jason Taylor (12 |
| many feel the Dolphins are legitimate playoff | | | | sacks) and Kevin Carter (six sacks) return at |
| contenders in 2006.Offense: The biggest | | | | defensive end, but look out for high energy Matt |
| acquisition of the off season was grabbing Daunte | | | | Roth to get even more playing time in 2006. |
| Culpepper from the Minnesota Vikings. Gone is | | | | Vonnie Holliday (five sacks) and Keith Traylor man |
| Gus Frerotte, who did a respectable job as the | | | | the tackle spots with Jeff Zgonina providing |
| starter last season and in comes Culpepper. | | | | adequate backup. Manuel Wright and rookie |
| There's no question when he's healthy, Culpepper | | | | Rodrique Wright provide youthful legs.Zach |
| is one of the best in the game. But a devastating | | | | Thomas continues to defy father time and looks |
| knee injury, where he suffered damage to three | | | | to put up another outstanding season on the |
| ligaments, may keep him off the field on opening | | | | boards. Thomas led the team with 166 tackles |
| day.To correct that problem the Dolphins made a | | | | from his middle linebacker slot and shows no signs |
| trade for Joey Harrington (2,021 yards, 12 | | | | of slowing down. On the outside, emerging star |
| touchdowns), who wore out his welcome in | | | | Channing Crowder (90 tackles) could have a |
| Detroit. The former number two overall selection | | | | break out year and Donnie Spragan is solid if not |
| hasn't lived up to his draft status, but could be | | | | spectacular. Eddie Moore is a quality backup.The |
| reborn with Saban in Miami. Either way, he'll be an | | | | secondary is in a state of flux after a turbulent |
| adequate backup and an upgrade over Sage | | | | off season. Gone are safety Lance Shulters and |
| Rosenfels.Ricky Williams was suspended again so | | | | corners Sam Madison and Reggie Howard. Travis |
| he took his papers and bong to Canada for a | | | | Daniels will man one corner spot while free agent |
| year. No matter, second year man Ronnie Brown | | | | signees Will Allen (Giants), Renaldo Hill (Raiders) and |
| will be handed the reigns of the feature back role | | | | Andre Goodman (Lions) will compete for the |
| and should do well. The Auburn standout rushed | | | | other. Tavaris Tillman returns at strong safety, |
| for 907 yards and four scores splitting time with | | | | while Yeremiah Bell and number one draft pick, |
| Ricky last season. Travis Minor will be his principle | | | | Jason Allen, will battle for the free safety |
| backup. Fred Beasley didn't leave his heart in San | | | | spot.Special Teams: Olindo Mare had another great |
| Francisco and will help Brown immensely at | | | | season, scoring 108 points on 25-30 field goals and |
| fullback. Beasley has decent hands and is a solid | | | | 33-33 on extra points. You can't find many better |
| blocker.The Dolphins have two good starters, but | | | | or more consistent then him. Donnie Jones looks |
| not much depth after that at the wide receiver | | | | to improve on his solid 43.5 yards per punt last |
| position. Chris Chambers (82-1,118-11) had a | | | | season and Wes Welker is an exciting return man |
| breakout year last season and Marty Booker is a | | | | (22.6 KR; 9.1 PR).Outlook: Nick Saban is one of the |
| solid number two guy. Behind them rookies Derek | | | | best young coaches in the business and he'll have |
| Hagan and Devin Aromashodu will be asked to | | | | the Dolphins fighting for a playoff spot. The |
| play key roles.Randy McMichael is one of the best | | | | Culpepper injury situation, coupled with an aging |
| receiving tight ends in the game and proved it | | | | defense and instability in the secondary will keep |
| again last season with 60 receptions and five TDs. | | | | them from catching New England in the |
| Justin Peele was brought in from San Diego to be | | | | division.Prediction: Saban has picked Miami out of |
| a blocker in running situations.There is plenty of | | | | the cellar and restored confidence in the fans, the |
| competition on the offensive line and it's here | | | | city and the team. The Dolphins are still a couple |
| where the most spirited battles will take place. | | | | of pieces away from being a serious contender, |
| Rex Hadnot is the incumbent center, but Seth | | | | but a wild card berth is not out of the question in |
| McKinney returns from injury and will challenge. | | | | 2006. Miami finishes 9-7 or 10-6. |