With Jimmy Johnson and Dan Marino gone to retirement before last season
began the Dolphins were thought to be dead.
What transpired instead was an 11-5 record and an AFC East division title
for Dave Wannstedt and his overachieving team that included unheralded
starting quarterback Jay Fiedler.
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CAMP AT A GLANCE
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| Jay Fiedler threw 14 TDs and 14 INTs last year. |
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Location: Nova University, Davie, Fla.
Rookies report: July 24
Veterans report: July 26
Preseason schedule:
Aug. 6: St. Louis (Canton)
Aug. 13: at Tampa Bay
Aug. 18: San Diego
Aug. 25: at Green Bay
Aug. 31: Minnesota
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The Dolphins, however, were dusted after only one round in the playoffs -- a
trend that has become the norm in Miami and one which the Dolphins are trying
hard to curb.
The Dolphins, who haven't finished a final month of a season better than 2-2
since 1995, are working hard toward becoming better closers.
Man in the spotlight
Although some would say he's already proven himself
with his winning performance last season, the pressure is still on Fiedler,
whose arm isn't very strong and whose game management has been under question.
Also clouding the picture is the Dolphins signing of former Jets' backup,
Ray Lucas, who went 6-3 in 1999 as Vinny Testaverde's injury replacement.
Lucas, who has a stronger arm and is more athletic than Fiedler, could push
him for the starting job. Lucas, though, seemingly took steps backward last
season with some poor performances.
Key position battle
Even with the re-signing of Pro Bowl free safety Brock Marion, the Dolphins have a logjam of prospects trying to back him up. The problem is none of them seem worthy. Among the candidates are former Jets' reject Kevin Williams, Daryl Porter, Arturo Freeman and Trent
Gamble.
Biggest adjustment
Finding someone to replace the 16 sacks that defensive
end Trace Armstrong brought to the table last year. Armstrong, playing as a
pass rushing specialist, has departed via free agency and that leaves a lot
of pressure on injury-prone Jason Taylor, who still had 141/2 sacks in 2000.
Rookie report
The Dolphins hope that their four top draft picks are
immediate contributors, beginning with Wisconsin cornerback Jamar Fletcher,
Wisconsin receiver Chris Chambers, Florida State running back Travis Minor
and Syracuse linebacker Morlon Greenwood.
Dolphins' complete offseason moves
