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