May-ami Dolphins just weeks away

By Dan Davis  |   Monday, June 30, 2008  |  Comments( 15 )

Miami Dolphins
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Perhaps the most uttered word on the lips of Miami Dolphins fans this offseason is “may." There are undoubtedly a lot of questions surrounding the team, including ones centering on new coach Tony Sparano, an unsettled quarterback position, whether Jason Taylor will still be a Dolphin come September and Ronnie Brown's offseason knee surgery, among myriad others.

Despite all the question marks, expectations are high in Miami, which is coming off a historically terrible 1-15 season. That's not the say the expectations are unrealistic, though, as most Dolphins fans look for the team to win approximately six or seven games.

Regardless, if you go by the fans, Miami is the team of “may” this year. For example:

“We may have a strong defense if everyone plays up to potential.”
“Jason Taylor may be back.”
“[Insert quarterback's name here] may be our starter.”
“Ronnie Brown may be 100 percent.”
“Ricky Williams may play a full season.”
“Our offensive line may be the best young group in the NFL.”

One thing is certain: Sparano has his hands full, but he seems ready for the task. Sparano’s tough, no-nonsense attitude is the perfect fit for a team that seemed equal parts apathetic and lethargic last season. While his fiery personality may cause rifts from time to time, it will also incite intensity from the players, which seemed to be lacking during the one-year Cam Cameron era.

So, as training camp and another season draw closer, here’s a list of five things Sparano must accomplish before the regular season opens:

1) Lay down the law

Sparano must make it absolutely clear that he is the man, and there will be no challenging his authority. And that includes players like Taylor. This is Sparano’s team. He must set the tone and the attitude.

2) Find a quarterback

There seem to be fewer detrimental things for both a player and a team than to have a musical chairs situation under center. Sparano needs to find a guy and stick with him. If it’s still not working by Week 6 or 7, then -- and only then -- can he make the switch to Plan B. Rotating the players in and out will only set the Dolphins back more, not to mention the sometimes irrecoverable damage it could do to the confidence of two young quarterbacks.

3) Bring Taylor home

Don’t deal the 34-year-old future Hall of Famer; he’s too important. Rather, do whatever it takes, within reason, to get Taylor down to Miami, dance-free and focused on football.

4) Establish receivers

It's clear at this point that Ted Ginn Jr. will be the No. 1 option on the outside, but who will have priority after that? The free agent acquisition of Ernest Wilford seems like a positive step, but he was never all that productive in Jacksonville. What kind of role will Derek Hagan play? One player definitely worth keeping an eye on is recently acquired tight end Anthony Fasano. New front-office leader Bill Parcells loved Fasano in Dallas, and the ex-Cowboy could prove to be a safety net for whichever quarterback the Dolphins decide on.

5) Listen to Parcells

There should be no questions asked at this point. Parcells, as he's shown during his illustrious career, knows what he’s doing. He’s coached enough talent to load up an entire Dolphins roster and then some. Give credit where it’s due, and heed every piece of advice he ever passes down. Although Parcells may not hang around to see the complete revival of the Dolphins, it is almost assured that the Miami organization will be in much better stature in just a few short years down the road.
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About Dan Davis

I'm a 23 year professional camel trainer, well exercised in the disciplines of pass rushing and mass texting. I'm an avid fan NAIA Men's Lacrosse, and I regularly paratroop on the weekend. Any questions feel free to ask.
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