Armchair Quarterback: Dolphins build an all-star ‘D’
Whoa. What’s this? A gathering of super heroes or a football team? Isn’t there a rule against loading ringers in the NFL?
In case you haven’t noticed, Dave Wannstedt has been top-loading the Miami Dolphins in the off-season, making the team appear more like a who’s who of future hall of famers than a current football team. And, it’s been done so quietly, it didn’t dawn on me until I looked at their current roster this week.
It all started with the signing of superstar linebacker Junior Seau, who was snatched away from his long-time San Diego Chargers. Given the fact this guy has been known for years as the reincarnation of Mike Singletary, it baffles the mind to consider what he and Zach Thomas can do in from the linebacker positions this year.
But, as they say in the info-mercials, “wait, there’s much, much more.” Not only have the Dolphins amassed the best linebacking corps in the league, but they’ve also cemented the defensive secondary.
Now, they already had Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain (Sir-Tan) at cornerbacks, two pro bowlers, along with pro bowler Brock Marion at free safety. Add to this is the acquisition this week of pro bowl safety Sammy Knight from the Saints who has led his team in interceptions and fumble recoveries. Then you have Terrell Buckley and Arturo Freeman added to mix.
What we have here folks is the best defense, on paper, in all of football surpassing even the world champion Buccaneers. If you’re smart, you’ll take the under in the Dolphin games this year.
While I sing high praise to the off season acquisitions this week, I must point out it’s been a long time coming since the Dolphins have historically used yard sale players and cast offs of other teams to round out their starting lineups. It appears Miami is serious about avoiding their historic choke in the stretch run.
Last year the Dolphins acquired Ricky Williams at running back, a pick up which has paid huge dividends. And, had Jay Fiedler not went down in the middle of the season leaving Jet reject Ray Lucas at quarterback, the Dolphins may have made a run. This year, Fiedler will likely be backed up by Brian Griese, who will be sent packing this June by the Broncos who picked up underachieving Jake Plummer from the Cardinals.
Of course the building of this super team doesn’t come without a price. Much like the Redskins of a few years ago who put themselves in a salary cap nightmare, the Dolphins must produce or heads will roll. If they don’t at least make the AFC championship, it’s curtains for Wannstedt. He’s been given all the tools he could hope for now, even at some of the skill positions on offense which the Dolphins have usually overlooked.
Given the fact that this defense should rarely surrender more than 14 points in a game and should look like the Bucs or Ravens defenses of recent years, an offense which can’t get them 17 or 20 on a weekly basis can not be tolerated. I look for the Dolphins to resemble the Titan offense this year, keeping the ball in the hands of Williams a good 30-plus times a game, working the clock and allowing the defense to turn the tide.
Seeing I’ve been a Dolphin fan most of my life, I’ve learned never to bet the farm since it seems they’ve been living under a Red Sox-like curse for nearly three decades. However, this year, it’s hard to imagine how they could miss since it’s been proven year after year lately that defense wins championships, and baby, they’ve got the mother of all defenses this year.