Dolphins kicking themselves on special teams

By Adam Sweeney  |   Thursday, November 13, 2008  |  Comments( 3 )

Miami Dolphins
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
Other than turnovers, the great equalizer in football is field position. That's an area the Miami Dolphins, who have been far better than average on offense and defense, are getting killed at this season. Miami is giving up 28 yards per kick return, a full 3.0 yards worse than the next team, the Tennessee Titans. Their punting unit isn't much better, ranking 31st in the NFL in giving up 14.3 yards per runback. A short field is something all offenses get excited about when the game is on the line. But it is keeping teams like the Seattle Seahawks in games with the Dolphins, something that should not be happening.

Commentary: The Dolphins have dodged bullets by only giving up one touchdown on special teams so far, but the problem is much bigger than that. At the risk of sounding cliche, every yard counts in the NFL. Imagine how much better an already effective Dolphins defense could be if opposing offenses usually started at their 18-yard line and not their 28. It's a scary thought, but not nearly as scary as the thought of what will happen to Miami if it doesn't find a way to shore up its special teams unit. At the moment, there is nothing special about that area of the team.

Fan Pulse: Dolphin Nation is looking at potential playoff possibilities for the the team.

Fantasy Football Commentary: Consider benching Greg Camarillo this week. Raiders shutdown cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha may be assigned to him. If Asomugha can make Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith look bad, then Camarillo could be in trouble.

Injury Watch: The Dolphins' starters are healthy headed into their matchup with the Raiders.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (3)

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.
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report