2008 Miami Dolphins
Written August 6, 2008 by Jason Lowry
Its that time of year again where its time to start getting serious about football, and Jason Lowry is here to help you get started with his 2008 Miami Dolphins season predictions. The Dolphins fought for their life last season to win just one game after losing its first 13 games, and needed overtime to do so against the Ravens in week 15. The Dolphins make their push for a new start with Bill Parcells taking over the executive vice president of football operations spot. For those of you doubting the move to bring Parcells in, just at some of the talent the Cowboys have drafted or brought in during his time there. The Dolphins earned the No.1 overall pick after their last place finish, and wound up taking offensive tackle Jake Long. With hopes of brighter days the team decided it was best to get rid of Jason Taylor as they sent him packing to Washington. To see just what the Dolphins will be working with in 2008, lets take a closer look at what they will be sending out on the field next season.
Offense:
It looks the Dolphins have a 3 way battle at quarterback going on between John Beck, Josh McCown, and rookie Chad Henne, with the edge in our books going to Beck. Making things easier on whoever winds up at quarterback will be the combo of running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, as both are coming back from season ending injuries. Finding someone to throw to might be a little more of a problem unless Ted Ginn Jr. made some huge strides this offseason. The team is also really high on Ernest Wilford who Parcells thinks has the size to become a solid receiver in this league. What should keep this unit from falling apart is the offensive line, as they should be much better with the addition of Long to the mix of guys like fellow rookie Shawn Murphy, guard Justin Smiley and center Samson Satele this unit could wind up being a force in no time.
Dolphins Over/Under 5.5 wins in 2008 at Sportsbook.com
Defense:
The defense took a couple big hits when they cut veteran linebacker Zach Thomas and traded away another Pro Bowler in defensive end/linebacker Jason Taylor. To help sure up the line Parcells brought in nose tackle Jason Ferguson from Dallas, to help out the ends of Matt Roth and Vonnie Holliday. At linebacker the team will plug in Charlie Anderson into the mix to fill the hole left by Taylor. The team needs to see big improvements from Joey Porter and Channing Crowder, as both have struggled to live up their hype in a Dolphins uniform. The secondary really lacks a playmaker and could wind up getting exposed this season. The team has a solid corner in Will Allen, but it seems unclear who starts opposite of him, as it stands now we would go with Mike Lehan. As for the safety spots it looks like Yeremiah Bell and Chris Crocker will get first crack, but don’t be surprised to see Renaldo Hill join in on the fun.
Dolphins +5000 odds to win AFC Conference at Sportsbook.com
Special Teams:
There is no question that the team is pretty set at kicker with Jay Feely, as he set a franchise record by converting a little over 91% of his attempts last season. The team is pretty solid at punter as well with Brandon Fields, but what makes this unit is Ted Ginn Jr. and his electric ability to take it to the house whenever he touches the football. Just look back to last year when he had 3 touchdowns taken back by penalties that had nothing to do with his return. If teams are smart they will stay clear of Ginn like they do Hester.
Dolphins +10000 to win Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com
Prediction: 4th in the AFC East
Thought the future is bright in sunny Miami, its not so good looking right now. This team is young and they still aren’t 100% on who their starting quarterback will be. This team is not going to stink it up like they did in 2007, but don’t expect much more than 5-6 wins in 2008.
Want to find out what others are saying about the Dolphins this season, then check out these great Dolphin Predictions now. Also if you want to get a bet in on the Dolphins upcoming season, be sure to head over to Sportsbook.com today.
