What to expect in the Miami Dolphins 2010 NFL Season
During the offseason the Miami Dolphins Football staff made several player acquisitions to improve their National Football League team. The first acquisition made by the team was starting outside linebacker Karlos Dansby. Who was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2004 NFL draft. Dansby was a very productive player for the Arizona Cardinals on defense, and during his career at Arizona was considered the Cardinals best outside Linebacker. Also, Dansby was one of the NFL’s most productive players. In addition, “Dolphins inside linebacker Karlos Dansby was asked to rank himself among the game’s play making linebackers. "The best,'' he said."The best in the game, by far, man. By far, the best in the game''(Benoit, 2010, Pg 1).
However, the Dolphins released starting outside line-backers Joey Porter and Jason Taylor. Both players were all stars for the Miami Dolphins several years ago. Even so, I believe the Dolphins have a better outside line-backing core than in years past, because both Porter and Taylor are aging and not as productive. Also, Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano believes that the backup outside linebacker Cameron Wake is a much better option at the starting linebacker position than former Miami Dolphin players Joey Porter or Jason Taylor, and the Dolphins also acquired outside linebacker Koa Misi in the second round of the 2010 National Football League draft to help with the starting rotation.
Overall, I believe that this year’s outside line-backing core is much improved. I also see an improvement in the defensive line, because they selected the number one draft pick Jared Oddrick in the 2010 NFL draft to bolster the Miami Dolphins defensive end position. “Odrick, the 2009 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, is a versatile lineman who figures to play one of the two defensive end spots in the Dolphins' 3-4 scheme. He is also expected to move inside in passing situations”(Biggane, 2010, Pg 1). This new addition to the defensive line will improve the entire defensive.
Also, the Miami Dolphins defense already benefits from two solid starting corner backs, Vontae Davis and Sean smith. Both players are in their second year, and have potential to develop into very productive players for the Miami Dolphins, but for the most part the defense is much improved. The only weak spot on the defense is the free safety position. Also, the coaching staff failed to address this position in the 2010 National Football League Draft. However, Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano believes that backup free safety Chris Clemons could be an effective starter at safety for the Miami Dolphins football team.
Additionally, the Dolphins released defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni and acquired Mike Nolan as his replacement. Mike Nolan was the head coach for the San Francisco 49’ers in the 2008 NFL season, and in the 2009 season was the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. His experience as defensive coordinator, and as head coach will most likely enhance the Dolphins defense in the 2010 NFL season, because he has plenty of experience as a defensive strategist.
In addition, the Miami Dolphins made some very important upgrades to their offense. The
Miami Dolphins acquired free agent wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Brandon Marshall is
considered one of the best wide receivers in the league. This addition will definitely enhance the
offense, because the team’s offense was already productive or considered a good one in the 2009
NFL season. Also, the Dolphins acquired offensive line guard John Jerry in the third round of the
2010 NFL draft. “Perhaps no other conference featured the elite interior offensive line talent on
display in the Southeastern Conference, with John Jerry, Mike Johnson (Alabama) and Mitch
Petrus (Arkansas) all projected as being coveted offensive guard prospects” (NFL Draft Scout
, 2010, Pg 1).
In closing, I believe that the Miami Dolphins will be a better all round team in the 2010 NFL
season, because they’ve upgraded on key positions. They’ve upgraded on the line-backing, wide
receiver and offensive line positions, which are all necessary to be successful in the National
Football League. Also, The Dolphins are already good at the quarter back and cornerback
positions. Finally, I believe with all these new upgrades the Miami Dolphins will be one of the
conference leaders in the National Football League this year.
References
Benoit, A.(2010).How good is Karlos Dansby really?.Retrieved from
http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/23878029
Biggaine, B.(2010). Dolphins Move Down in the Second Round, Select Defensive Lineman
/sports/dolphins/dolphins-move-down-in-first-round-select-defensive-604670.html
The Sports Exchange.(2010). John Jerry, OT. NFL Draft Scout.com. Retrieved from
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1245019
