The Dolphins this season are transitioning their defense from the 3-4 that has dominated since Nick Saban took over in 2005 and lasted through Cam Cameron to the Parcellian Era.
While Miami may use the 3-4 at times this season, I think it's fair to believe they should be called a 4-3.
Yeah, that means Cameron Wake goes from OLB to DE. That means Paul Soliai is no longer exclusively a nose tackle. And the five-technique defensive ends are suddenly going to have to transition or play defensive tackle.
Meanwhile, the unit lost its two most tenured players -- Pass-rusher Jason Taylor to retirement and SS Yeremiah Bell to the waiver wire.
Not surprisingly, the Dolphins haven't exactly replaced either player with guaranteed upgrades. Yes, Olivier Vernon was drafted in the third round and is expected to help rush the passer. But will he deliver seven sacks to offset the seven Taylor contributed last year?
Yes, the club is expecting Reshad Jones and Chris Clemons to finally grow up and man the deep secondary. But which will take over the leadership duties that Bell filled the past few years. And can either finally start getting some interceptions for the Miami secondary that needs more turnovers?
We'll see.
Overall, however, the Miami defense seems talented on many levels. The defensive line got stronger because Wake is now with the unit and he's perhaps the team's best defensive player. Two of the three linebacker spots are manned by proven vets. There is a good combination of youth and experience at cornerback although the depth is a question.
Are we about to see the 2001 Baltimore Ravens?
No.
Are we about to see the 2007 Miami defense?
God, I hope not.
We're going to see a unit that should be solid and relative good. The unit's relative strength:
Defensive line: Kendall Langford is gone after signing a $6 per year deal with somebodyorother. Why does that not worry me? Well, because Langford was a nice player but not a playmaker. He was a big body but not one that collected sacks, caused fumbles, or made tackles behind the line of scrimmage with any consistency. The Dolphins, meanwhile, still keep Randy Starks, who does make plays, they have Jared Odrick, who has shown promise and also has made plays, and they re-signed Paul Soliai who has been to a Pro Bowl game. Those three beefy men will all play and form a good foundation for an active front. Tony McDaniel, the world's tallest defensive tackle at 6-7, provides decent depth in that he can give the team 20-25 solid downs every week. Add Wake at defensive and you have some quarterback pressure. If Vernon is the player GM Jeff Ireland believes, then the Dolphins have something. If not, this club needs pass-rush help. Look for Odrick to work outside initially. Overall strength: 7 but possibly a 9 if either Vernon or Odrick can become good ends.
Linebackers: Karlos Dansby is good and when he's on he's very good. Kevin Burnett, quirky and all, is good and can rise to very good at times. Gary Guyton knows how to play and is a winner. Jamal Westerman seems more like a down lineman to me and, beyond that, more like a special teams guy. The big question is Koa Misi. Can the guy find a comfort in the 4-3 that he clearly could not find in the 3-4? This is a make-or-break year for Misi because his position demands he make some plays and he didn't do much of that last year. Rookie Josh Kaddu is obviously a project. Overall strength: 7.5.
Secondary: Vontae Davis played very well late last season after his, ahem, one-game suspension. He finished the season with four interceptions but that doesn't tell the whole story. He was physical. He was very good in coverage. He started to show the promise everyone expects. Maybe he's starting to get it. Sean Smith is fine, too. Did he finish with a burst? Not really, but he was more consistent throughout the year. These guys aren't kids anymore. This is Year Four for both players. No excuses anymore, fellas. Six-year veteran Richard Marshall comes to the team with a reputation for being solid. He has made plays in his career. He is the strongest candidate for work as the team's nickel cornerback. I already discussed the safety position above. It is a concern. A darkhorse that requires attention is Jimmy Wilson. He's likely headed to the safety spot. He hits like a sledgehammer. He's fearless. Last year, he was probably over his head playing cornerback as a rookie. But I like his potenial. Overall strength: 6.
stuff tanny on the ps, nobody will snap him up off of the ps, don't worry. nobody.
lol
Posted by: 2 watt | July 26, 2012 at 12:54 PM
Home,
I was unaware of his workout #'s at the combine and yes College is a different animal but last Season Luck struggled 2 weeks straight and held the ball to long. Once Vs. USC were he nearly gave the game away and relied heavily on the holes his line was punching in the run game. The following week Vs. Cal it's like he forgot how to play in the 1st half even though his line gave him enough time to eat a sandwich in the backfield, I believe both games even though won by Stanford actually lost Luck the Heisman. Your points are valid though so here is to hoping the kid is just not a good workout warrior and gives us something.
Posted by: fin4life | July 26, 2012 at 12:54 PM
I wonder what kind of gag order the media has on them while hard knocks is recording. I assume there must be something so the show's stories don't break early...
Welcome back Mando.
Posted by: Poizen | July 26, 2012 at 12:57 PM
did aloco get deported.?.
lol
Posted by: 2 watt | July 26, 2012 at 12:58 PM
Henne has had a well rested throwing shoulder/arm for an extra yr now as his injury was on no throwing shoulder
Funny thing is Henne is better than Tanny and will prove so this season w Jax
Ireland is lost and completely bankrupt our team as this was the true reason for dumping Marshall & Bell
Clearly at this point the Dolphins have not signed or drafted anyone better at either position
Bell would have resigned and played here for much less
He like all others just could not stand pompous arrogant Ireland rubbing him the wrong way
That's he signed w the Jets as Sparano felt the same way
If Marshall did not find in, then it is Ireland's job to get fair or hopefully better trade compensation for an elite player, not trade for an, "Egnew"
The Bears really needed Marshall as this was the missing link to their offense
Expect great play and another Pro Bowl trip for B-Marsh and Lovie Smith looking like a genius getting over huge on Ireland
Posted by: Home on the Herald | July 26, 2012 at 01:00 PM
Looks like my post got deleted, bummer.
Posted by: Poizen | July 26, 2012 at 12:54 PM
Yes. They need to make room for Home's idiotic ramblings to himself.
Posted by: Home is a Turd | July 26, 2012 at 01:02 PM
Hey what kind of crackers?? I like my crackers with cream cheese! LMAO!
Posted by: ray | July 26, 2012 at 01:02 PM
Home on the Herald = Wang Sandwich
Posted by: Chitown Bill | July 26, 2012 at 01:03 PM
Turd, AKA home, please condense your ramblings down to 1 letter. No one reads your long winded banter.
Posted by: Home is a Turd | July 26, 2012 at 01:04 PM
Xcuse typos
Posted by: Home on the Herald | July 26, 2012 at 01:05 PM
Weeden beat RG III, Luck and Tannehill? In a steel cage match? Football is a team sport. Nice try
Posted by: PUHLEEEEASE | July 26, 2012 at 12:54 PM
Home suggests u watch jon Gruden's QB scouting reports and was also his language to Weeden as he spoke about Weeden w praise
Try to behave :)
Posted by: Home on the Herald | July 26, 2012 at 01:09 PM
Poizen some of my posts also get deleted if blog writer does not agree
same thing happens in China ;)
Posted by: Home on the Herald | July 26, 2012 at 01:10 PM
The Fins D could be dominant this year, depends on the secondary - whether Vonte and Smith have grown up or not, adults know how to focus, children do not.
Jones and Clemons? One would have to think that they will be improved with another year of playing under their belts, camps this year and Coyle's tutoring.
That remains to be seen however.
But if these 4 guys can play at a high and consistent level this D will be one of the best in the league.
Fingers crossed. And Hail Mary's uttered.
Posted by: MJZ | July 26, 2012 at 01:11 PM
We can hope on Martin but in particular
Jared O'Drick who only avg 1.3 tackles a game last season
but showed some promise starting to get sacks and had an INT fall in his arms on a tipped ball has been totally embarrassing Martin
Expect Murtha to start at RT
Posted by: Home on the Herald | July 26, 2012 at 01:13 PM
I didn't like the Tannenhill pick myself, thought it was a major reach like a 2 round reach... but as one of my friends & fellow dolfan told me it gives us Hope.
I thought it gave us a wasted first round pick, but Hope certainly sounds better, so I hope Tannenhill turns out to be the Franchise QB we need, he wasn't a Franchise College QB, but hopefully the coaching staff can turn him into a Franchise NFL QB... Here's hoping for a playoff game for the dolphins this year & for Tannehill to turn into a Superbowl winning QB for dolphins sometime in the years to come.
Go Dolphins....
Posted by: Canada Phil | July 26, 2012 at 01:15 PM
Tannehill is WORSE then Henne.
Posted by: Zonk | July 26, 2012 at 01:17 PM
Miller hopefully will shine light and show some promise as our only good draft pick in 2012
Also their is an advantage playing in the same stadium as u played in college
This one of the small reasons why 24 yr old QB/FB Tim Tebow should have been signed in FA instead of injured soon to be 35 yr old Garrard
Tebow has had ENORMOUS SUCCESS since high school winning big games in our stadium over and over again
sellouts would be a good thing in Miami
Posted by: Home on the Herald | July 26, 2012 at 01:20 PM
Expect Murtha to start at RT
Home on the Herald | July 26, 2012 at 01:13 PM
Then we better sign a vet RT in a hurry before Murtha gets his annual Season ending injury.
Posted by: fin4life | July 26, 2012 at 01:20 PM
blah blah. all that matters is what happens on the field
Posted by: Tickle | July 26, 2012 at 01:21 PM
Gruden was drooling over Tannehill too. Nothing to see there
Posted by: PUHLEEEEASE | July 26, 2012 at 01:21 PM
Exactly two persons here are smart: (1) Mando; (2) Home.
I am not Home. He is right about everything. Especially Tebow.
Posted by: Tim Couch | July 26, 2012 at 01:25 PM
HENNE got screw last year by JI, putting him on IR. For the none throwing shoulder! I think he would have been a good backup, and he played in a great conference and HENNE was successful in college and was limited in the pro's, or was he? Under TS and JI I think screw him up mentally! I hope he does well in Jax.. So with that said is tanny going to become a NFL QB ????
I would hope so I really do!
Posted by: ray | July 26, 2012 at 01:25 PM
According to former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden, he could "revolutionize" the pro game
Says Gruden: "Tim Tebow is 250 pounds, and he's the strongest human being that's ever played the position He can throw well enough at any level
"Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy said he would pick Tebow with a top 10 pick over any quarterback in the 2010 draft"
Posted by: Home on the Herald | July 26, 2012 at 01:27 PM
Home,
If Miller can stay healthy expect our return game to get better by leaps and bounds, if nothing else and Bush in the slot with this kid in the backfield could be very interesting from a match up point of view for opposing D's. One player I am keeping my eye on this offseason is C.Gates who has it all physically to be special and now has the Coaching staff that will work on his game. In fairness to Gates he had no offseason OTA's or complete practices as a rookie and I remember what a bomb Clayton was as a rookie punt returner in 83 before exploding in 84, comparing them from a physical standpoint Gates is faster and bigger, really hoping this kids lights come on.
Posted by: fin4life | July 26, 2012 at 01:27 PM
Tim Tebow is now 255 lbs and ready to pass and run through the Dolphins defense again, esp w o Y-Bell
Now if the Ireland would have drafted
LB Luke or DE/DT Cox
then the Dolphins would have had better odds this season
Posted by: Home on the Herald | July 26, 2012 at 01:30 PM
Gruden never develop a QB or even drafted a good QB! So Gruden to me is a unproven evaluator! If he was a good evaluator or a great coach, why isn't a lot of teams breaking his door down to offer him a contract! But I could be wrong on Gruden maybe he doesn't want to coach, or be a GM!! But what I know I'm a Dumba s s dolpfan!!!!
Posted by: ray | July 26, 2012 at 01:32 PM
Miller Time baby! That kid is a playa
Posted by: PUHLEEEEASE | July 26, 2012 at 01:32 PM
Like the promise of Gates also but he is not big about 5.11 and 185-190 lbs
Speed Kills
Posted by: Home on the Herald | July 26, 2012 at 01:33 PM
I agree on Gates if he can improve his route running and bulks up in muscle, but you right can't teach speed, and there are players right now in the NFL that are smaller and are probowlers. Like the player in philly Jackson.
Posted by: ray | July 26, 2012 at 01:38 PM
Gruden did excellent w Rich Gannon and was the reason Gannon developed into such a good QB at the end of his carrer
Gannon had an excellent year due to Gruden's development of him
The Gruden beat him in the SB by out coaching, even posing as Rich Gannon in Bucs football practices prior to the SB
Long Live Chucky!
Posted by: Home on the Herald | July 26, 2012 at 01:39 PM
Clayton was also 5.9 and about 180 lbs
so Gates is same size but up to 10 lbs heavier
as athletes get bigger every few yrs
Posted by: Home on the Herald | July 26, 2012 at 01:43 PM
Can we trade Tannehill gor Tebow?
Posted by: 22 | July 26, 2012 at 01:44 PM
I'm watching Payton manning news conference after first practice, and a reporter ask him if he missed playing football! I though we had dumb a s s reports here in Mia asking question!! But it was nice seeing payton out there! But I know lots of fans here including myself wanted Payton here but he is 36.. And not the future! But man it would have been nice in a PHINS uniform!
But again Ross to cheap to pay him just like he did to Flynn!!
Posted by: ray | July 26, 2012 at 01:48 PM
Yeah you right! On Rich Gannon but he was good not great, and I forgot about him, anyone else??
Posted by: ray | July 26, 2012 at 01:52 PM
Hey Ray do you realize the Mark Sanchez only had 12 starts at USC , the Aaron Rodger had 25 starts at Cal, that Matt Cassel had 0 starts at USC, that Blaine Gabbert had 26 starts at Mizzou, that Tom Brady had 25 starts at Michigan, and they all are starting in the NFL. It's not how many starts, it's how they play. So let's see how Tanneybplays.
Posted by: Michael | July 26, 2012 at 01:55 PM
Heck, Ross was too cheap to pay Orton, Manning, Flynn, and even Tannehill.
Posted by: KT | July 26, 2012 at 01:55 PM
It the salary is covered by the CBA. The hold up is the guaranteed money during the last years of the contract.
Posted by: Michael | July 26, 2012 at 02:01 PM
Any one who thinks Tebow will be a great qb no matter what weight doesn't know football.
Posted by: Michael | July 26, 2012 at 02:03 PM
Eric Steinbach signed by Dolphins. Really?
Posted by: PUHLEEEEASE | July 26, 2012 at 02:07 PM
I am not Home.
Posted by: Tim Couch | July 26, 2012 at 01:25 PM
Yes, you are. The fact that you say your not is proof positive that you are! Everyone knows you clown!
Now stfu you idiot & go do something productive with your life instead of talking to or about your self!
Posted by: Home is a Turd | July 26, 2012 at 02:08 PM
Then the Dolphins, Jets, Steelers, Chiefs ,Bears an others really suck cuz
Tebow punched them in the mouth and knocked their teeth out in his very first start against each of them
have a HAARPy day :(
Posted by: Home on the Herald | July 26, 2012 at 02:09 PM
Yeah I really want a qb with the lowest qb rating in the league starting for my team. Doesn't that sound stupid.
Posted by: Michael | July 26, 2012 at 02:12 PM
Home - what idiot refers to himself in the third person. Me thinks that is dumb.
Posted by: Me | July 26, 2012 at 02:21 PM