Tuesday, October 23, 2007

The Fallout of the Fish

With all the talk of a perfect 16-0 season by the New England Patriots, people seem to forget about another team who could set an NFL record for their record. No, I'm not talking about the Colts possibly going 16-0 (because they won't), I'm talking about the Miami Dolphins finishing the season 0-16. And oh yes, it could happened!

The last team to have a win less season was the 1976 Buccaneers who had an 0-14 record. It's been over 30 years since a team has done the unthinkable and gone win less for the season, but here's why Miami could put up a big goose egg come the end of the season.

Going into the season Miami looked like a team who might be able to win five or six games. With an over the hill QB, a weak offensive line, no big time game breakers on offense, and a secondary that ranked among the leagues worst, Miami was a shoe in to have another top ten draft pick.

Things only got worse for Miami after loosing their over the hill QB Trent Green for the season a few weeks ago. Even though his best years were behind him Green still had some skills, and he had a veteran presence on the field. Now things look even bleaker at QB. Although Cleo Lemon has shown some potential, he's made costly turnovers and he doesn't to have what it takes to play great in close games.

The Dolphins made it clear that their in rebuilding mode by trading perhaps their only big game receivers Chris Chambers at the trade deadline. The teams best receiver now appears to be Mart Booker, who would be lucky to be the fourth receiver on a playoff team. It looks like the Dolphins will have to wait to Ted Ginn to develop, as he hasn't even come close to proving himself worthy of his 8th overall draft selection.

Their secondary is weaker than a senior citizen crawling outta bed to use the bathroom at three in the morning. After major injuries to Will Allen and Reynaldo Hill, teams will easily exploit the Dolphins through the air.

And if the Camel's back wasn't already broken, it's spine just got severed with Ronnie Brown now out for the season. The Fish must now turn to Jesse Chatman who was cut last year for being to fat, and rumour has it that Ricky Willaims might be back... If he can step outta the hot box.

All this combined with an aging front seven on defense is a recipe for disaster. But they do have Joey Porter! Yeah right, what a waste of space he turned out to be. The usually consistent Zac Thomas appears to have lost a step this season, and fresh off a great season Jason Taylor just isn't the same player.

The Dolphins could get a win this season, but it's gonna be tough. Even the Bills and Jets seem a few steps ahead of the Dolphins, but if they hope to win it will be against one of these teams. Their record stands at 0-7 and with a game Sunday against the Giants it looks like they'll start 0-8. On the bright side, Cam Cameron will get to screw up another high pick in the '08 draft.
-Joe Osborne