The Talents in South Beach

Not 1, Not 2, Not 3..... Not 7.... Wins for the Dolphins in 2011

Two seasons ago the Bills hosted the Patriots in the first act of the opening Monday Night Football  doubleheader and were just a fumbled kickoff away from stunning the Pats. Last season we saw the Chiefs takedown the San Diego Chargers in the Opening Monday Night Football contest and went on to wear the Division Crown.The Dolphins will kickoff the season hosting the New England Patriots and they will be looking to send a message to the rest of the league.

        The Dolphins enter the 2011 season with little to no expectations. Head coach Tony Sparano will be coaching for his job. He will be looking to do anything and everything to keep it. Enter offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. He will spice up their bland offense with more down field plays and some creative gaget plays such as this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM77uExPycY&feature=related
2011 may also be Chad Henne's last chance as a starting NFL QB. He will be more motivated than ever to prove all his doubters wrong. He won't have to carry the team himself. He has help.

Brandon Marshall is one of the most physically gifted WRs in the game today. He has tremendous after the catch ability. Marshall had posted a 3 year average of 102 catches and 1236 yards 7.7 tds (eclipsing 100 catches and 1120 yards and 6tds each season ) before last years 86 catch 1014 yards 3td out put (in 14 games). Marshall struggled with injuries for much of last season which prevented him from providing his usual big plays. Marshall is completely healthy this season having all his past abilities back as shown by his 60 yard TD reception against the Bucs in wk 3 of the preseason. Something Marshall will be doing often this season. Making big plays. Then comes the Reggie Bush Factor. He's a matchup nightmare who can prove to be quite the offensive asset even as a decoy. He will be used all over the field in many different packages. He will not only give the dolphins another big play threat He will also open things up for the rest of the offense, making life a lot easier on Henne. The domino effect that Bush brings will help a guy like Davone Bess with his great route running skills and even better hands thrive. Bess is a more than reliable WR who catches everything thrown his way. His catches, yards and TD totals have increased every year of his career. Brian Hartline also stands to benefit as he’s a speedy sure handed WR who will be able to make many plays downfield with defenses keying in of Marshall and Bush. Then there’s rookie wide out Clyde Gates, just another weapon for Brian Daboll to cook up things with. Once adapted to the NFL and comfortable with his role Gates and his sub 4.4 speed will thrive in the offense. The drafting of Pouncy will help open things up in the running game, particularly in short yardage situations. Helping them extend drives and punch in short yardage TDs. The signing of Larry "grandmama" Johnson coupled with his immediate anointment of the number two back role should be more than enough to light a fire under 2nd round pick Daniel Thomas who has taken a lot of heat in camp for "tentative running at the goaline" and "tip toeing". If the 230 lb Thomas can change to a more hard nosed style he will be an added weapon for the dolphins.

        The dolphins will be a team to watch this season as they have the potential to be one of the surprises (they had the 6th best statistical Defense last year, if they can stay near that good they will receive help with the offense primed for a big leap). Unfortunately they have to compete with the Jets and Patriots for a divisional title but football is a crazy unpredictable game. The Stars align for even the unlikeliest of teams sometimes. Will it be the dolphins in 2011? We will all find out the answer to that soon enough, but the most certainly are a team with sleeping giant potential.