2011 Miami Dolphins Team Preview | NFL Predictions
Miami Dolphin head coach Tony Sparano, who was going into the last year of his contract last season, is coming back.
2011 Miami Dolphins Team Preview/Predictions
2010 Record: 7-9
ATS Record: 8-8
Sparano was in jeopardy of losing his job after four losses in the last five games of the 2010 campaign. After leading Miami to the AFC East title in 2008, which was his first season, he coached the ‘Phins to two straight 7-9 seasons.
One of the most underrated units of the 2010 NFL season was the Dolphins’ defensive unit. The “Fish” had one of, if not the best, defensive lines in the NFL, including Kendall Langford, Paul Soliali, and Randy Starks. This line should be even better when Jared Oderick returns from spending his rookie season on the injured reserve list. Outside linebacker Cameron Wake has emerged as one of the best pass rushers in football. The Fish also have one of the best cornerback duos in football, which consists of Vontae Davis and Sean Smith.
On paper, the Miami offense looks like it can win its share of games this season. The Dolphins have high-profile wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who turned in a quiet 2010 season from a statistical standpoint, but there is no denying the man has talent and should have a bounce back year. Marshall isn’t the only threat for quarterback Chad Henne, though; Davone Bess emerged as a terrific possession receiver, and tight end Anthony Fasano should be on the field for almost every down.
While the offensive line underachieved last season, several signs point to a breakout in 2011. Former first overall draft selection Jake Long is one of the best offensive linemen in the business. The combination of Long and Vernon Carey gives the Dolphins a great set of offensive tackles. The offensive line problems last season emerged at guard and at center for the Phins, and they tried to address a portion of that issue with first round selection Mike Pouncey from Florida. Pouncey will play guard this season. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The biggest question in Miami is this: “Which Chad Henne is going to show up this season?” After a breakout 2009 campaign, Henne took a couple of steps back last year, getting benched midway through the season. They key for Henne is his interceptions; he must cut down on turnovers for this team to be successful.
Since Sparano took his talents to Miami in 2008, his teams have been built on running the pigskin. This year seems to be a bit different with the loss of Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown. To save face, the Dolphins selected Mike Thomas from Kansas State in the draft, but another running back needs to step up to fill the void Williams and Brown have left behind.
Despite having an underrated defense, there is a huge hole at safety. Chris Clemons is a liability at free safety. Moreover, Miami is going to need to find some more playmakers if it is going to succeed in 2011.
Henne must play well and the defense has to be spectacular in order for the Dolphins to have a chance to unseat the Jets or Patriots for supremacy in the AFC East. However, a lot of things need to go right for Miami to win this tough division and save Tony Sparano’s job.
It’s going to be a hard uphill climb in South Beach.
2011 Dolphins Futures
Super Bowl Odds: +4550
Conference Odds: +2050
AFC East Odds: +545
2011-2012 NFL Regular Season Wins: Under 7.5
2011 Dolphins Predictions:
Place they’ll finish in AFC East: 3rd
Place they’ll finish in AFC Conference: 9th
Over/Under Wins Prediction: UNDER
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