-by Erick Coleman

The 2005 Miami Dolphins season will go down as one that had very low expectations (by the fans) going in. Normally around the time training camp opens in July Dolphin Nation is whipped into frenzy with hopeful thoughts of a Super Bowl run. Coming off their worst season in over thirty years in 2004, no such Super Bowl dreams flourished in even the most faithful of fans. While expectations were lower than normal for the 2005 squad, hopes were sky high with the additions of a new coaching staff, led by Nick Saban and the franchises highest drafted running back ever in Ronnie Brown. Both Saban and Brown have turned those hopes into dreams of further success for the upcoming years.

In his rookie season, Brown averaged a respectable 4.4 yards per carry on his way to 907 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Brown also showed soft hands out of the backfield with 232 additional receiving yards and an additional score. After a slow start, in which he averaged less than three yards a carry, Brown showed why Miami made him the second over all pick in April’s draft. He had some help carrying the rock as a resurgent Ricky Williams returned to the team and added 743 additional rushing yards (also averaging 4.4 per carry) and scoring six rushing touchdowns. Initial reports out of the Dolphins camp are that they would like to come into the 2006 season with both Williams and Brown under contract.

Miami’s much maligned offensive line lead the way for the successful ground attack. Coach Houck came as advertised as the offensive line gave up a very respectable 26 sacks over the course of the season and provided Gus Frerotte adequate time to deliver the ball to his three favorite targets; Chris Chambers, Marty Booker and Randy McMichael. Chambers finally showed that he is a true number one receiver in the NFL, hauling in 1,118 yards on 82 catches for 11 scores. Chambers averaged just less than 14 yards a catch, good for one of the best in the NFL. Booker and McMichael combined to add another 1,000 yards-plus receiving and surprise player Wes Welker showed true grit as a fourth receiver and hauling in 434 yards on 29 catches.

For the successes on the offensive side of the ball, there are success stories on the defensive side of the ball as well. The secondary came on late in the season and ended with 14 interceptions, led by Schulters four. Pressure on the quarterback, light to start the season, picked up as the campaign wore on. Jason Taylor wrecked his normal havoc and finished with double digit sacks again at 12. Zach Thomas, long the heart and soul of the defense, led all tackles with 112 solo and 166 total. Rookie Channing Crowder answered the critics by staying healthy for his first NFL season and ended the year second in tackles behind Thomas with 90 and two forced fumbles. Miami got decent production out of veterans Vonnie Holliday and Kevin Carter, both of whom are expected back for the 2006 season.

Through the season, fans could notice a difference in the way Miami played. At times there seemed to be a lack of discipline, which actually turned out to be simple anxious energy and wanting to make a play. Coach Saban instituted a sense of pride that fans haven’t seen since the Shula days, players that were playing hard for each other. Finishing 9-7, Miami was able to win a couple games that perhaps they played over their heads in and lost a couple games where attention to detail lacked in areas that might have cost them a potential victory. One thing is certain, the coaching staff has not allowed this team to sit back and let things happen. Winning their last six games of the season, and going undefeated in December, Miami has put the team in a position to make some real progress come next season. The following are season ending grades.

• Quarterback – C+.
Frerotte and Rosenfels both showed flashes of being able to manage football games well, however also showed flashes of why they are a journeyman and a career backup, respectively. The combined passing statistics for Miami were a pedestrian 3,458 and 22 touchdowns versus 16 interceptions (a vast improvement over the ’04 season). The improvement of the turnover ratio alone is good enough for the plus.

• Running backs = A-.
A team that was knocking on having two different runners achieving the 1,000 yard mark is very impressive. No doubt that Brown’s injury kept him from that mark.

• Offensive line = A.
This was a strength for Miami in the ’05 season for reasons detailed earlier in this article.

• Wide receivers = B-.
As impressive as Chambers first 1,000 yard season was, there were also a lot of moments that made a lot of Miami fans stand up and scream at their television. The 1,100 yard + should have been closer to 1,300. McMichael and Booker also had their share of boneheaded moments.

• Defensive line = C+.
Average effort, although Miami’s defense surrendered over 110 yards rushing (per average) per game. That average begins with the defensive line.

• Linebackers = A.
Along with Thomas and Crowder, Donnie Spragan grew into his position during this season. Defensively, the linebacker corp. kept Miami in a lot of games this year.

• Secondary = C.
With out the play of Schulters, this rating might very well be a D.

• Special teams = B+.
Welker did an outstanding job on kickoff returns, gaining over 1,300 yards and averaging 22 yards per kickoff. Donnie Jones boomed punts to an average of 43.5 per punt and an amazing 31 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. Miami’s special teams held opposing teams to an average starting field position at the 24-yard line on kickoffs and 19-yard line on punts. Olindo Mare had a decent, however quiet year completing 25 of 30 field goals (including one over 50 yards).

• Coaching = A.
Linehan, Houck and Saban came as advertised.

Areas to address / upgrade:
I look to Miami to make efforts to upgrade the offensive line in the draft, perhaps targeting Eric Winston (tackle) out of Miami University. Sam Madison has most likely played his last game as a Miami Dolphin, as has Reggie Howard. Keith Traylor won’t be back. Miami will attempt to upgrade at quarterback through a potential trade, and will most likely spend draft picks in round two and lower on bolstering defensive tackle and defensive secondary positions. The free agent corner market, while unspectacular, is solid and gains can be made through that avenue. Marty Booker might carry too high a price tag, cap wise, and the Dolphins could look to someone for a lower round draft pick in exchange for the talented wideout with soft hands. Welker could potentially step in at that number two receiver position.

In all, heading into the 2006 season, Miami has more answers than questions. That should make those hopes during the 2004 off-season turn into dreams for the 2005 off-season.

 

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