“Dolphins Gone Wild” no longer a working project

By Adam Sweeney  |   Tuesday, October 21, 2008  |  Comments( 5 )

Miami Dolphins
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The Miami Dolphins have been one of the biggest stories in the NFL this year since they introduced the "Wildcat" offense in Week 3. But pro football teams are quick to adapt to new offensive layers, and the "Wildcat" is now losing its claws. The top-ranked defense of the Baltimore Ravens shut down Dolphins running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams on their way to a 27-13 road victory on Sunday, dropping Miami to 2-4.

Commentary: The victory was sweet revenge for a team that gave Miami its only victory last season. The hero of the Ravens-Dolphins matchup in 2007, wide receiver Greg Camarillo, caught six passes for 74 yards. Dolphins QB Chad Pennington looked good in throwing for 295 yards, but it is very clear that games won't be won in the air for Miami. The success of the offense relies mainly on the elusiveness of Brown -- who was ordinary against a defense that hasn't allowed up a 100-yard rusher in 25 games.

At 2-4 and facing AFC East-leading Buffalo in Week 7, it is becoming clear that the Dolphins' quick start had a lot more to do with the surprise of the "Wildcat" and less to do with their talent. Now that teams have been able to study the scheme, it is limiting the Dolphins in their ability to add new wrinkles to the formation. You can only throw the ball to Patrick Cobbs so many times, and it doesn't seem likely that many teams will get caught off-guard anymore.

Fan Pulse: The Miami fan base thinks it's time to put away the "Wildcat" and play real NFL football: http://www.phins.com/phorum/read.php?3,7477.

Fantasy Football Commentary: If you're desperate for a QB -- and many are with players like Tony Romo, Tom Brady and Jay Cutler hurting -- Pennington is not a bad start. He won't score many touchdowns, but he is a great game manager who can amass 200-plus yards per week and limit errors.

Injury Watch: Nose tackle Jason Ferguson is nursing a rib injury and his status for Sunday's game is uncertain. Losing him would create major issues for Miami's run defense.
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About Adam Sweeney

Adam Sweeney spent 4 years as an opinions and arts & entertainment columnist with the Lone Star Lutheran, also working with Sports Illustrated.com. Along with his work on Realfootball 365 he currently is a contributor for Film School Rejects, SLAM Online, Talkhoops.net, and C-Heads Magazine.
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