Dolphins finalize roster; running game and pass rush on the marquee

By Hugo Guzman  |   Sunday, August 31, 2008  |  Comments( 3 )

Miami Dolphins
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On Sunday, the Miami Dolphins finalized their 53-man roster. The franchise has completed a virtual face lift with its lineup: Well over 50 percent of last year’s starters are either off the team or demoted to backup roles.

Commentary: Though there are still plenty of question marks on the revamped Dolphins roster, one thing is certain: Miami will run the football a lot and will attempt to bring plenty of pressure with its defensive front seven.

If there’s one area of the team that seems supremely prepared for the 2008 season, it’s the rushing attack. With two starting-caliber backs in Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, not to mention a mammoth, run-oriented offensive line anchored by Vernon Carey, Samson Satele and Jake Long, Miami seems primed for a literal “groundbreaking” season filled with ESPN rushing highlights and demoralized opposing defenses.

Also, though it’s not grabbing the same number of headlines, Miami’s revamped 3-4 defensive alignment appears primed to bring a heightened level of pass rush from week to week. With a solid mix of proven veterans like Vonnie Holliday and Joey Porter as well as hungry up-and-comers Matt Roth and Channing Crowder, the defensive front should create quite a bit of mayhem from the get-go. And it doesn’t hurt to have to physical and athletic rookies like Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford mixed into the rotation.

Fan Pulse: Dolphins fans are busy as ever, perusing the final 53-man roster and attempting to analyze its implications.

Fantasy Football Impact: It's unclear whether Miami's 'DST' is worthy of a fantasy selection, but the prospect of Ted Ginn Jr. returning kicks to the house makes the unit worthy of consideration in late rounds.

Injury Watch: The Dolphins look to enter their Week 1 matchup against the AFC East rival New York Jets with a clean bill of health. All of their starters are slated to be ready for that encounter.

Training Camp: An entirely new kind of fantasy game!</i>">Training Camp: An entirely new kind of fantasy game!
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About Hugo Guzman

Co-founder of RealFootball365.com. Born in Argentina, of Dominican descent, living in Hoboken, but from Miami through and ...
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