Without improvements, Dolphin fans will be the only ones showing great offense

By Adam Sweeney  |   Tuesday, February 17, 2009  |  Comments( 10 )

Miami Dolphins
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Here at RealFootball365.com, we've given our fair share of props to the Miami Dolphins for their outstanding 2008 season. It's time to put that praise away, however, as their season ended over a month ago. Thus, it's time to focus on how the Dolphins can improve. Much of the past few weeks' articles have centered on what key positions of the defense must be addressed; this time, we'll put the microscope over the offense.

Before we begin, let's make one thing clear: The performance of the Dolphins' offense was acceptable, but it wasn't nearly as good as you may think. Ranking 12th in overall yardage may seem like a stat you can brag about, and it isn't something we would have reason to dog the Dolphins about. However, scoring 21.6 points a game, good for 21st in the NFL? That's something we will get on them about. The inability to get into the end zone will neutralize any team, regardless of how many yards they gain. Look at the Houston Texans, who were third overall in offense last season but only averaged 22.9 points a game. The Dolphins gave up 19.6 points a game, a satisfying number. But can we expect that stat to stay the same next season? Will the "Wildcat" formation fool anybody again? Doubtful.

Miami's scouts need to look at finding playmakers this offseason. When thinking about the Dolphins' offense, how many players come to mind as truly having the ability to take a game over? Ronnie Brown? Maybe. Ted Ginn Jr.? Occasionally, but he was equaled by players like Greg Camarillo and Davone Bess. They don't quite compare to Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. Match that with a quarterback who would best be described as a "game manager" (although he did put up the best offensive numbers of his career last season), and it becomes evident that the Dolphins need to shake some things up.

Antonio Bryant and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are both wide receivers worth taking a look at in free agency. Both are better receivers than those who are currently on the Dolphin roster, and are free agents on teams experiencing large amounts of turmoil. We're inclined to believe both Bryant and Houshmandzadeh would listen to offers from the Dolphins after the season they had. They're a team on the rise, especially in comparison to the Buccaneers and Bengals. Both have issues that might force the Dolphins to steer clear, though. For Bryant, we're unsure whether he can consistently produce at the same level of last season. Houshmandzadeh is 31 years old, and unless you're wideouts Terrell Owens or Jerry Rice, Father Time isn't usually kind to you. Something has to be done, though, as the Dolphins cannot afford to stand pat.

The Dolphins proved they are a playoff-caliber team last season. They have yet to show that they can hang with the big dogs, however, especially in playoff environments. Grabbing a few more players with a nose for the end zone could ensure that the Dolphins aren't the Cleveland Browns of 2009. If they continue to be content with running in place, they will soon find themselves falling behind.
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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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CommentsComments: 10  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
JimmyD		12:57 PM
02/17/2009
Yup, been saying it all year...PLAYMAKERS!!! Receivers are the downfall of the current Miami roster and it's time to get a couple...
No.2
Joe		01:29 AM
02/18/2009
TJ is a worthy reciever but Bryant is no better than the current bunch. Bess has about 1/2 season under his belt as a starter so...
No.3
JimmyD		10:31 AM
02/18/2009
Ginn's problem is not Chad Pennington's arm. It's his inability to get separation and his lack of vision on the field.
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