20-Nov-2009 17:19pm
 
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Miami Dolphins
Quarterbacks: Running Backs:
Wide Receivers: Tight Ends:
Defense: Kickers:
OFFSEASON GAINS AND LOSSES

The Dolphins turnover this season was nothing compared to the previous year, the first season under Bill Parcells. Miami did add a few pieces to help the defense, though. Jason Taylor was brought back and should provide another solid pass rusher in a situational role. And safety Gibril Wilson was signed and should move right into a starting role at free safety. He'll do a fine job replacing Renaldo Hill.

Miami used the draft to bolster their secondary, adding cornerbacks with two of their first three picks - Vontae Davis and Sean Smith. These two could bolster the secondary as soon as this season and play a big role for years to come for the Dolphins defense. Davis has the skill set to be a shutdown corner.

STRENGTHS

The Dolphins should once again have a very strong running attack. Ronnie Brown was a little up and down last season, but is a year removed from knee surgery and should be even better this season. Ricky Williams is a more than capable backup, rushing for nearly 700 yards in a backup role last season. And we can't forget the Wildcat formation, which should be used often this season, especially with the addition of Pat White, who adds another running dimension to the Dolphins offense.

Miami was a great against the rush last season, ranking 10th overall. This should be a strength once again this season. Linebacker Channing Crowder is a top playmaker against the run and tackle Jason Ferguson does a great job in the middle. And Wilson in the secondary is a top addition as he led all defensive backs in tackles last season. The Dolphins will be tough to run on this season.

WEAKNESSES

We still aren't sold on the Dolphins at receiver. Ted Ginn, Greg Camarillo and Davone Bess do a good job, but the Dolphins still lack that No. 1 receiver in the passing game. These guys are more than serviceable but not spectacular. This could lead to some teams being able to shutdown the Dolphins pass game.

OUTLOOK

The Dolphins made huge strides last season, so they won't be taken lightly this season. Even with that said, the Dolphins can be a playoff team with the talent returning. Their offense is solid and the defense is emerging as an elite unit, especially with the upgrades in the secondary.

TEAM NOTES
Nov 20, 11:23 AM Mike Berardino, of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, reports Miami Dolphins DT Jason Ferguson (knee) was carted off the field in the fourth quarter in Week 11 because of a knee injury. The severity of the injury is not known.
Nov 20, 11:23 AM Omar Kelly, of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, reports Miami Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown (foot) is scheduled to undergo surgery Friday, Nov. 20, to repair a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot.

Fantasy Impact: This is actually good news for his recovery. He should be ready to go for next season.
Nov 20, 11:23 AM Updating a previous report, Mike Berardino, of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, reports Miami Dolphins OG Joe Berger (leg) suffered an apparent leg injury in Week 11 but was able to return later in the game.
Nov 20, 01:23 AM The Associated Press reports Miami Dolphins OG Joe Berger (undisclosed) left the team's Week 11 game with an undisclosed injury.
Nov 19, 07:13 PM The Miami Dolphins have declared OT Andrew Gardner, TE Anthony Fasano, LB Erik Walden, DL Lionel Dotson, OT Lydon Murtha, SS Nate Ness, DL Paul Soliai, QB Tyler Thigpen inactive for Week 11.
Nov 19, 11:53 AM The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports Miami Dolphins RB Lex Hilliard likely will be the team's primary backup at running back after the season-ending injury to RB Ronnie Brown (foot, ankle).

Fantasy Impact: He could get some work but we don't think he is worth a roster spot outside of deeper leagues.
Nov 19, 10:13 AM Jeff Darlington, of the Miami Herald, reports Miami Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown (foot, ankle) is believed to have a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot.

Fantasy Impact: This is a serious injury that could impact next season for Brown. Stay tuned.
Nov 18, 08:23 PM Updating a previous item, Omar Kelly, of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, reports Miami Dolphins SS Gibril Wilson (hamstring) practiced in full Wednesday, Nov. 18. He is listed as probable for Week 11 and will play.
Nov 18, 05:43 PM ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Miami Dolphins placed RB Ronnie Brown (foot) on the Injured Reserve List Wednesday, Nov. 18, ending his 2009 season.

Fantasy Impact: Huge news. Brown is done for the season. Ricky Williams sees his value go way up with this move.
Nov 18, 04:43 PM Edgar Thompson, of the Palm Beach Post, reports Miami Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown (foot) was scheduled to have his injured right foot examined by a specialist Wednesday, Nov. 18, which might determine if he will be able to return this season. Word in the team's locker room is that he will miss at least the next two weeks. One league source said Brown will miss the rest of the season, while another source said no one is sure about the timetable.
Nov 18, 03:23 PM Omar Kelly, of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, reports Miami Dolphins LB Erik Walden (hamstring) and DL Paul Soliai (ankle) have been ruled out for the team's Week 11 game Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 18, 03:23 PM Omar Kelly, of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, reports Miami Dolphins FS Tyrone Culver (ankle) and OG Justin Smiley (shoulder) are questionable for the team's Week 11 game Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 18, 03:23 PM Omar Kelly, of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, reports Miami Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano (hip) has been ruled out for the team's Week 11 game Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 18, 03:23 PM Omar Kelly, of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, reports Miami Dolphins SS Gibril Wilson (hamstring) is listed as probable for the team's Week 11 game Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 18, 01:03 PM Armando Salguero, of the Miami Herald, reports Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano said LB Joey Porter will play in Week 11 and likely start in the game.
Nov 18, 12:53 PM Armando Salguero, of the Miami Herald, reports Miami Dolphins QB Chad Pennington (shoulder) said Tuesday, Nov. 17, he has completed the first phase of his rehabilitation from season-ending shoulder surgery and now must map out a recovery program for the next six weeks. At this stage, Pennington said, he's not certain if he will play again. He might not make that decision until March. However, regardless of what that decision is, the chances of Pennington playing for the Dolphins again are quite slim. The team has a starting quarterback in QB Chad Henne. They have committed time and resources on making backup QB Pat White a success. They also have QB Tyler Thigpen under contract.

Offseason Keys

Additions:
Jason Taylor, DE; Tony McDaniel, DT; Eric Green, CB; Jake Grove, C; Gibril Wilson, S. 

Losses:
John Beck, QB; Al Johnson, C; Vonnie Holliday, DE; Andre\' Goodman, CB; Renaldo Hill, S. 

2009 Draft Class

RoundPickPlayerPos
 # 1  25 Vontae DavisDB
 # 2  12 Pat WhiteQB
 # 2  29 Sean SmithDB
 # 3  23 Patrick TurnerWR
 # 4  8 Brian HartlineWR
 # 5  25 John NalboneTE
 # 5  29 Chris ClemonsDB
 # 6  8 Andrew GardnerOL
 # 7  5 J.D. FolsomLB
 # 7  19 Lydon MurthaOL
 Undrafted Kory SperryTE
 Undrafted Kory SheetsRB

2009 Schedule

WeekDateTimeOpponent
1     Sep 13 1:00PM      at Atlanta
2     Sep 21 8:30PM      Indianapolis
3     Sep 27 4:15PM      at San Diego
4     Oct 4 4:05PM      Buffalo
5     Oct 12 8:30PM      New York Jets
-- Week 6 Bye --
7     Oct 25 4:15PM      New Orleans
8     Nov 1 1:00PM      at New York Jets
9     Nov 8 1:00PM      at New England
10     Nov 15 1:00PM      Tampa Bay
11     Nov 19 8:20PM      at Carolina
12     Nov 29 1:00PM      at Buffalo
13     Dec 6 8:20PM      New England
14     Dec 13 1:00PM      at Jacksonville
15     Dec 20 1:00PM      at Tennessee
16     Dec 27 1:00PM      Houston
17     Jan 3 1:00PM      Pittsburgh