It was a big offseason for Miami, which obtained wide receiver Brandon Marshall, linebacker Karlos Dansby, defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and a new season of Jersey Shore. Yet, the Dolphins still have a number of questions, so let's take a closer look at the 'Phins on the 30th stop of NESN.com's 32-day cruise through the NFL.
2009 Record: 7-9 (missed playoffs)
2010 Schedule Difficulty: Their opponents went a combined 128-128 (.500 winning percentage) in 2009, which is tied for the 16th most difficult schedule in the NFL.
Key Additions: Wide receiver Brandon Marshall, linebacker Karlos Dansby, defensive lineman Jared Odrick (draft), outside linebacker Koa Misi (draft), guard John Jerry (draft), inside linebacker A.J. Edds (draft)
Key Losses: Free safety Gibril Wilson, inside linebacker Akin Ayodele, wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., linebacker Joey Porter, outside linebacker Jason Taylor, guard Justin Smiley
Burning Question: Is the Wildcat on the endangered list?
The Wildcat formation is symbolic of the Dolphins' turnaround under the new regime. However, after running back Ronnie Brown went down midway through 2009, Ricky Williams and Miami's offensive line proved they could be effective with a traditional running attack.
Quarterback Chad Henne has a much more powerful arm than Chad Pennington, and that has given the Dolphins more versatility in the passing game. Add Brandon Marshall to that operation, and Miami could have a legitimate passing attack in 2010.
The Wildcat has worked for two seasons, but disciplined defenses can easily snuff it out. Don't throw out that section of the playbook altogether, but give Henne, Brown and Williams a little more credit. A traditional offense can indeed work in Miami.
2010 Outlook: The Dolphins' defense is going to be an issue. While head coach Tony Sparano and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan can cook up some nice schemes, the personnel will be lacking. Last year, the Miami defense ranked 22nd in total yards and 25th in points allowed, and the team is moving forward without Gibril Wilson, Akin Ayodele, Joey Porter and Jason Taylor. Granted, Porter and Taylor had waning effectiveness, but the Dolphins will be scrambling to field a consistent group of linebackers to complement Karlos Dansby in 2010.
Miami has a good team, a very good coaching staff and some promising young talent. The defense just might need a little more development before the Dolphins find their way back into the playoffs.
