2008-2009 Miami Dolphins Prediction and Preview

2007 Recap: Injuries to veterans Trent Green and Ronnie Brown completely derailed the Dolphins under first year head coach Cam Cameron. The only thing that kept the Miami Dolphins from becoming the first team in NFL history to go winless was a 64 yard touchdown pass from Cleo Lemon to Greg Camarillo in week 15 against the Baltimore Ravens.

2008 Odds to win the AFC East: Miami +2000
2008 Odds to win the SuperBowl: Miami +8000

A look at the 2007 Miami Dolphins Offensive and Defensive numbers:
2007 Offense (Ranking)
Points/Game 16.7 (26th)
Total Yards/Game 287.5 (28th)
Rush Yards/Game 98.1 (23rd)
Pass Yards/Game 189.4 (24th)

2007 Defense (Ranking)
Points/Game 27.3 (30th)
Total Yards/Game 342.2 (23rd)
Rush Yards/Game 153.5 (32nd)
Pass Yards/Game 188.7 (4th)

Key Player Additions and Loses:
Veteran Additions: DT Jason Ferguson; WR Ernest Wilford; C Rex Hadnot; QB Josh McCown; LB Reggie Torbor; DB Keith davis; LB Akin Ayodele; TE Anthony Fasano

Veteran Losses: LB Zach Thomas; DE Jason Taylor; WR Marty Booker; QB Trent Green; DT Keith Traylor; LB Donnie Spragan; SS Lance Schulters; QB Cleo Lemon; LB Derrick Pope; RB Samkon Gado; RB Jesse Chatman; LB Charlie Anderson

Top 4 Draft Picks: 1 1 Jake Long OT 6-7 315 Michigan; 2 32 Phillip Merling DE 6-5 272 Clemson; 2 57 Chad Henne QB 6-2 225 Michigan; 3 66 Kendall Langford DT 6-6 295 Hampton

Key Questions for 2008 Season:
• How fast can Bill Parcells revamp the talent on the team?
• Is first year Head Coach Tony Sparano ready to be a head Coach?
• Can the run defense improve?
• Can one of the young gun QB's step up to the leader role?

Rookie on the Spot: OT Jake Long the Miami Dolphins used six of their nine draft picks on linemen, and with all the attention going towards top overall pick Jake Long. Jake Long will compete right away, as Parcells looks to almost completely overhaul an offensive line that allowed a sack every 13.2 pass attempts in 2007.

Fantasy Sleeper Pick: Wide Receiver Ted Ginn Jr had just 34 catches and 3 touchdowns last year but for 2008 he will join Ernest Wilford in the starting lineup. Ted Ginn Jr is also used as the primary return man both on kick returns and punt return so expect him to be a solid number 3 option in leagues that offer points for special teams.

2008 Prediction: The 2007 Miami Dolphins were one of the worst teams in NFL history and with that Bill Parcells was brought into help with a huge rebuilding. With that the 2008 season doesn't appear to be too promising but after a 1 win season the only way is up. Look for the 2008 Miami Dolphins to show marked improvement by posting a 5-11 record, 4th in the AFC East.

2008 Schedule: Week/Opponent
1 NY Jets
2 @Arizona
3 @New England
4 Bye
5 San Diego
6 @Houston
7 Baltimore
8 Buffalo
9 @Denver
10 Seattle
11 Oakland
12 New England
13 @St Louis
14 @Buffalo
15 San Francisco
16 @Kansas City
17 @NY Jets

Read other AFC East team previews: 2008 New England Patriots , 2008 Buffalo Bills , 2008 New York jets .