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#1
Now let me start by saying I am obviously a Dolphins fan, so some bias will inevitably show in my writing, however I really try to look at this team from the outside and truly judge based on what I see, not feel.
I feel that Covers would be a great and profitable place if everyone could look at their favorite team and give beneficial insight to others. Its tough for most to do this because of their 'blinding' favoritism that still has some Jets fan thinking Sanchez could be the answer. Last year I accurately predicted Miami's record at 7-9, even when some said they would be a 2 win team with the 1st pick in the draft (you know who you are) I predicted their game by game record at 12-4..(basically 14-2 because I had them winning at home vs the Jets instead of on the road.) My point being I know this team and it would be wise to atleast consider some of the things I say. I'm just trying to help.
Lets look at some additions and subtractions for the 2013 roster.
Addition: Mike Wallace, Dustin Keller, Dion Jordan, Brandon Gibson, Dannell Ellerby, Phillip Wheeler, Brent Grimes, Tyson Clabo
Subtractions: Bess, Bush, Long, Sean Smith, Dansby, Fasano.
The Dolphins will have an offense this year that is something most people don't expect. It won't be lining up in I-formation with 2 receivers and slowly moving down the field. It will be line them up, spread them out and go. A lot of 3,4,5 receiver sets which really does fit this offense. It all starts with the QB Ryan Tannehill, who is inexperienced but showing solid progression and the drive to improve every single day. This guy has turned me from doubter to 100% believe in 1 year. His numbers won't stand out (12Td, 13 INts, 3300 yards) but he started the season with 2 TDs and 6 INTS (JJ Swat responsible for 3 of those) and finished the season with 6 TDs and 1 INT. He also led a 4th quarter comeback vs the Seahawks great D and threw for 431 yards vs the cardinals. Bottom line, for a rookie he had a solid season with one of the worst receiving cores in the NFL and a spotty O-line.
The rest of the Fins offense has some playmakers, and I'm not use to that. Lamar Miller, while unproven could easily be a 1000 yard back with 400-500 receiving yards. The offense obviously improved in the receiving game with Mike Wallace (who will help the run game even without catching the ball by not allowing the safeties to stack the box.) Dustin Keller is an upgrade to me over Fasano but those two guys are pretty even. The offensive line received a B- rating on NFL.com, which is not too shabby considering that is probably the weakest part of their offense in my opinion. They are set at fullback with Charles Clay who can block and catch the ball. Vontae Leach would be a great addition and the Fins have been rumored to get him.
Now we get to the fun part, the Dolphins defense. I have a hard time believing that any other team has a defensive line as good as Miami. Cameron Wake (37 sacks in less than 3 years as a starter) Randy Starks, Paul Solai, Jared Oderick, Olivier Vernon (2nd yr player who was special teams player of the month after blocking a punt for a TD and FG in the same game.), and Dion Jordan. They improved at linebacker swapping Ellerby and Phillip Wheeler for Dansby and Kevin Burnett.
Hands down the weakest part of the Miami Dolphins is their secondary.
CB: Brent Grimes, Richard Marshall. They also drafted Jamar Taylor and Will Davis who have potential to earn a lot of playing time.
SS: Resah Jones, who is probably the best and most physical member of their secondary
FS: Chris Clemons. Not too good, not too bad. Not really a playmaker but wont get beat.
For being the weakest part of the defense and probably the weakest part of their team, the secondary really isn't that bad. A lot of young players and depth will give Philbin and the defense a lot of options back there with motivation for every guy to play well or get replaced. I can't lie and say losing Smith isn't a loss but all he really had was size. He never played upto potential and was not a locker room guy. Philbin has done a GREAT job at getting rid of players who could be detrimental to the team. (see Chad Johnson, Vontae Davis, Karlos Dansby.)
Special teams for Miami is definitely above average. Their KR/PR Marcus Thigpen returned a punt and a kickoff for a TD last year. Their punter Brandon Field is one of the best in the league, but they will be using a rookie kicker out of Florida.
In conclusion I hope you learned something from this semi-ramble about the Fins. I tried to get this out early for anyone thinking of season win totals who might simply fade the Dolphins because they are living in 2006. I have this team pegged at 10-6, but I promise you this win or lose this team will be exciting. A lot of close games and nailbiters. One more final thing, you should kinda be afraid of the 2014 Miami dolphins, because next year could be the year.
Any questions, feel free 
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