NFL 2010 Preview: Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins look certain to be in the mix for the wildcard spots in the playoffs and Al Dannity says to expect a wild ride all year in Miami.

Off-season changes
Miami landed one of the biggest names on the market in 2010 in Brandon Marshall. The wide receiver, who arrived via trade with Denver, didn’t generate the reaction of LeBron James’ move to the Heat but he brings a whole new dimension to Miami’s offense. With an effective running back tandem of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams already in place, the Dolphins can now look to Chad Henne to use Marshall to ramp up the passing game.

Karlos Dansby’s arrival through free agency was one of several moves to improve Miami’s front seven on defense. First round draft pick Jared Odrick and second round selection Koa Misi should both have an instant impact on the defensive line. NFL betting fans should keep an eye on defensive end Cameron Wake, who is entering his second year at the Dolphins and looks poised to have a breakout season in 2010.

Mark your calendar
The four biggest dates on the Dolphins’ calendar will be clashes with Patriots, in weeks 4 and 17, and the Jets, in weeks 3 and 14. Miami’s two big divisional rivals both look likely to contend for places in the post-season and these four games should decide who gets to keep playing Football beyond January 2.

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Outside of the AFC East, Miami faces some serious challenges both at home and on the road. The Dolphins travel to Minnesota in week 2 and Green Bay in week 6, before welcoming the Steelers in week 7. Trips to Cincinnati and Baltimore follow in weeks 8 and 9, before Miami’s most brutal stretch of the season ends at home to Tennessee.

The verdict
The Dolphins are going to have to come from behind if they are to make the post-season in 2010. This team certainly has the talent available to improve on last year’s 7-9 finish but there are still big question marks surrounding the secondary.

The schedule does the Dolphins no favors and I expect them to be on the outside looking in before hitting a nice stretch from weeks 11 to 16, including games with Oakland, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Detroit. I like the Dolphins to be in with a shot at the playoffs entering its season-ending game with the Patriots but even a win might not be enough. I like Miami to go 9-7 or 10-6 in 2010.