Dolphins Defense Ready to Be Elite This Year

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Looking back at last season for the Miami Dolphins, you see a lot of things both good and bad. Most of the bad came from the underwhelming and predictable offense. On the contrary, most of the good came from the Miami Dolphins defense.

The Miami Dolphins defense jumped from the 22nd best in 2009 to the 6th best in 2010. The biggest reason for this huge improvement was defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. Here is why: in 2009 the Denver Broncos defense was the 7th best with Mike Nolan at the helm, last season they were the worst. Not only that, the young players on the Dolphins defense grew up quickly. Paul Soliai, the nose tackle out of Utah, finally showed his worth clogging up the middle in his break-out season. Likewise, defensive end Randy Starks emerged as a pro bowler. Newcomer Karlos Dansby had 95 tackles and 2 forced fumbles and that is with two games missed due to injury. The most impactful player on the defense though was Cameron Wake, who had 14 sacks and 3 forced fumbles last season.

Looking at this season, expectations are high for this group. Fans are looking at this unit as possibly the best since the early 2000s when the defense was anchored by the likes of Zach Thomas, Jason Taylor, Tim Bowens, Patrick Surtain, and Sam Madison. The expectation is for this defense to be in the top five, and that is a definite possibility. Last year, the Dolphins entered week 17 as the 3rd best in total defense before taking out their starters and getting demolished by New England Patriots.

The aforementioned defensive line has incredible depth; with 2010 first round pick Jared Odrick coming back from injury, veteran defensive end Tony McDaniel, and often injured Phillip Merling. The line backing core I mentioned before should be even better than last season. Karlos Dansby and Cameron Wake will have another year with Nolan’s system. New addition Kevin Burnett has looked great in pre-season and seems to be an upgrade over Channing Crowder. Bringing back Jason Taylor as a situational player was a good move by the Dolphins so he can try and mentor the young guys.

Looking at the secondary, the only weak spot is Free Safety. Cornerbacks Vontae Davis and Sean Smith look to be among the best tandems in the NFL. Vontae even said so himself, much to the chagrin of New York Jets counterpart Darrelle Revis. That cockiness and “swag” is something that I appreciate and something this Dolphins team hasn’t had for a while. All Mike Nolan wants is for these guys to back up the talk on the field and I believe they can do so. If Smith can hold onto interceptions, I see these guys having double digit interceptions combined between the both of them. At strong safety, you have the reliable and very athletic Yeremiah Bell and at free safety it looks like 2nd year player Reshad Jones will get the nod with Chris Clemons hurt. I like the potential of Jones; he is a play maker and is always around the ball. He showed what he can do in a few games last year and during his days at Georgia.

I think this stacked defense will be a top five defense in the NFL this year even with their very tough schedule. The defense kept the Dolphins in games last year; let’s see if the new offense can take a little bit of the pressure off the defense this year.

Reggie Bush Agress to Two Year Deal With the Dolphins

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Late last night news came into Sportscenter that Reggie Bush had been traded to the Dolphins pending that he would re-structure his deal. This morning the trade became official. Reggie Bush has been traded to the Fins for an undisclosed late round pick and I have to say, I'm pretty pumped. We finally have a guy that will bring excitement to our bland and boring offense.

I think that the reason why the offense was so boring last year was because the old bafoon Dan Henning was calling the plays. Now that we have Daboll, we should be a little more exciting on offense and adding Reggie Bush will give him another weapon.

Say what you want about the guy, but the dude is just flat out fun to watch play. You can say he is injured a lot sure, you can say that he hasn't done much since his rookie year, sure. However, he brings us a player that has the ability to take it to the house on any given play and an asset on punt returns (and we all know how bad special teams has been recently).

I mean its only a two year deal worth about $10 million so if things don't work out, it will be ok. Its not like we are giving him a huge contract like we would have with Ahmad Bradshaw (yes I know he is much better). Another thing that jumps out to me is that he is only 26 years old. Him and our rookie Daniel Thomas will definitely make for an interesting backfield.

Miami Hurricanes 2011 Season Prediction

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Fall is nearly upon us and that can only mean one thing: football is almost in full force. This season the Miami Hurricanes are looking to erase the memories of a very underachieving 2010 campaign in which they went 7-6 including the bowl game.

Seven wins won't cut it at the U and we all know that. But perhaps the most frustrating thing is that this team has the talent to be a contender for the ACC title. The problem in Coral Gables hasn't been talent, its been the coaching. Hopefully Al Golden will bring the "Golden Age" back to the U.

Will the canes turn the corner this season or will it take another year? Check out what I think as I break down every game.

September 5th at Maryland: I honestly think this game can go either way. Its Labor Day, so College Park will be rocking. It will be a tough game on the road against a pretty good team. Having said that, I think Golden will start off his tenure at the U with a win. W

September 17th vs Ohio State: No words necessary really. You have heard it all before, OSU screwed us out of our 6th national title in 2002-2003 and beat us last year. Ohio State not having dumbo...I mean Terrelle Pryor will definitely help our cause, but the other suspensions on Ohio State will make this game winnable. Sun-Life Stadium will be going crazy for this one and I can't wait. W

September 24th vs Kansas State: Kansas State is a decent team, but I don't think they can hang with the Canes. Coming off a huge win vs Ohio State might pave the way for a letdown, but I think the Canes will win in a close game. I just think the speed of the Canes will overwhelm the Wildcats. W

October 1st vs Bethune Cookman: It's Bethune Cookman, the equivalent of FAMU last year and the type of walk over games Ohio State gets three times a year. W

October 8th @ Virginia Tech: Our home-stand ends and our winning streak ends. The Canes have defeated the Hokies only once in the past 5 years and haven't won in Blacksburg since 2005. I see the Canes losing in a close game, perhaps on a last second field goal. I see Virginia Tech pulling off a big play in the end to change the momentum. L

October 15th @ North Carolina: Another game I think that can go either way. We destroyed North Carolina last year in Miami, but the Tar Heels have had our number in Chapel Hill. We haven't won in Chapel Hill since we joined the ACC and I think that trend will continue. L

October 22nd vs Georgia Tech: The past two years, we have handily beat the Yellow Jackets and I think that trend will continue this year. I just don't think they are talented enough to beat the Canes. Ever since their peak with Jonathan Dwyer and Josh Nesbitt in 2008 and 2009 they haven't been the same. W

October 27th vs Virginia: The Cavs did beat us last year, but I believe that was a fluke. Jacory got injured that game and we threw Spencer Whipple and Stephen Morris in with no preparation. We will beat them this year and I hope we do handily, because that last game at the Orange Bowl still stings. W

November 5th vs Duke: Its Duke, even when we are struggling we beat them. The last time we lost to Duke was 1976 and we weren't even the U yet. W

November 12th @ Florida State: These games are always close and always classics...except for last year. In all seriousness, this will be a very tough game for the Canes. The Noles won the ACC last year and they look ready to do so again. Having said that, I think this game will be decided by ten points or less. I really hate the Feminoles...i mean the Seminoles, but they are just loaded on both sides of the ball. The only thing I question is Quarterback EJ Manuel. My heart says the Canes will win, but my brain says that Noles will beat the Canes in Tallahassee. L

November 19th @ USF: USF got lucky last year against the Canes. I was at that game and it was the worst crowd I've ever seen for a football game. Most of the students were gone for Thanksgiving break, but the fans that were there really sucked. Quarterback play was too inconsistent that game for the Canes to pull off the win. Bulls fans are enjoying the win a little too much and they should because it will be the last time they beat the Canes in a while. W

November 26th vs Boston College: Boston College is a pretty good team. The last time these two teams played in 2007, BC beat Miami 28-14. They have played very well the last 5 or 6 years and I think this game will be close. I think the Canes can win it in the end and Golden's first year ends off on a good note. W

Projected Regular Season Record: 9-3

Prospect of Playing Overseas Shouldn't Be Concern for Heat Fans

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Ever since Deron Williams decided to play for Besiktas, (a team in Turkey), fans left and right have been wondering who will be the next to follow suit. Amare Stoudemire indicated that he would not play overseas, but later said he would be open to doing so. When I look at the Heat roster, I really don't think anyone (except someone that doesn't get much playing time such as Dexter Pittman) will play overseas. I also think playing abroad isn't a good idea.

Lets take Dwyane Wade for example. He said that he was open to playing overseas, but Heat beat writer Ira Winderman said the chances of him doing that is slim. I agree with him. I love Wade, but he is too injury prone to be playing games that really mean nothing. Wade would try to dunk over three lanky white guys that play no defense and succeed, but he would probably get a stupid injury in the process. I mean if he really wants to do that, all he has to do is play one on one with Chris Bosh during practice. The fact of the matter is, I don't think Wade will play in Europe because of his injury history and his unwillingness to commit to the 2012 Olympics. Wade being unsure of the Olympics, (while LeBron and most of the 2008 team have already committed), leads me to believe that he ultimately won't play overseas during the lockout.

The one starter on the Heat that I think might go overseas is LeBron James so he can strengthen his brand. If he worked on his jump shot as much as he worked on being a global icon, then we would have won the NBA Championship last year. In all seriousness, I can see LeBron going over there essentially playing exhibitions against inferior players and averaging crazy numbers.

All in all, while I do believe the lockout will shorten next season, I don't think the main guys on the Heat will play (or should play for that matter) overseas. I mean anything can happen, Wade and LeBron might go over there if no deal is in sight by the beginning of fall. Having said that, I just think playing abroad is for the middle tier player that wants to be treated like the superstars do here in the states.

Norris Cole: The Right Pick

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As I was watching the NBA Draft last Thursday night I didn't expect the Heat to do anything flashy. I expected them to probably pick a solid point guard that might see the court next year, such as a Darius Morris or maybe get a project big man like Keith Benson. When I saw that the Heat traded up to get Cole, I was shocked. This pick shows that Riley believes in Dexter Pittman as his big man for the future or that he knows he can get a center in Free Agency (perhaps Samuel Dalambert). I can't remember the last time the Heat traded up for their own benefit. Pat Riley never really has been a draft guru by any means, but this shows he definitely likes Cole's skill set and was impressed by his workout. Riley said at the introductory press conference, “We feel very good about his skill set and what he can bring to our team.”

What he can bring to the Heat is speed. Cole averaged nearly 22 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds a game this past season. He showed his talent and how he plans to bring it to South Beach in his 41 point, 20 rebound, 9 assist performance against Youngstown State last season. People may be skeptical about his competition in the Horizon League, but as Cole put it, “I feel Basketball is basketball, the Horizon league has great teams that you may not know and there is good guard play so every night I was going up against a good match-up.” The only gripe I have about this guy is why lose the high top?

I think it would be beneficial if the Heat were to change to an uptempo style of offense. It is already deadly when Wade and LeBron run in transition together; it is pretty much guaranteed that an easy two points will come out of it. Now if you add Cole to the mix, it brings a whole new dimension. He can either give it to Wade or LeBron or he can take it himself. This leads to the transition game being unstoppable. Now of course this all depends on Cole and his ability to grasp what the Heat want from him and learn all the nuances of the system, but I believe that Cole can be a solid contributor by the All-Star break. The pending lockout might hinder his progress, but Cole is going to work this off-season. He said, “I am going to make sure I get better, I am not going to be laying around. I am going to be in the gym working.”

Miami's Off-Season Outlook (Draft & Free Agency)

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The Miami Heat have historically built their team through free agency, but this upcoming draft has a lot of young talent that the Heat can utilize. At pick number 31, my top three prospects that the Heat should look at are PG/SG Shelvin Mack, PG Darius Morris, and C Keith Benson. The two main weaknesses on the team are at point guard and center. Mike Bibby is old and currently looks anemic in the playoffs. Mario Chalmers plays good defense, but is very streaky with his three point shot and commits dumb fouls.

Butler PS/SG Shelvin Mack would be a great fit for Miami. He averaged 16 points, three assists, and almost five boards a game this past season. At 6'3 215 pounds, he is a combo guard with NBA size. He showed great leadership last season in leading Butler to the National Championship game. Being able to play both PG and SG is a plus, but PG is where Mack will most likely be put. I believe he can immediately contribute and maybe beat out Mario Chalmers due to his more versatile offensive game.

PG Darius Morris out of Michigan is a very intriguing pick. At 6'4 190 pounds, he has a big frame for a PG and can be affective at the next level. He is a solid play-maker and one of the best guards in the Big Ten. This past season he averaged 15 points and nearly 7 assists a game on 49% shooting. Morris is an extremely efficient player whom the Miami Heat can use. The only down side to Morris is his three point shooting and free throw shooting needs improvement.

The Miami Heat have a slew of centers at their disposal, but most are just big bodies to clog the lane. The center position needs an upgrade, although 2010 draft pick Dexter Pittman has seen very limited minutes.

This is where Oakland University's Keith Benson comes in. At 6'11 225, Benson has NBA size and can contribute right away for the Heat. He has improved throughout his college career in nearly every facet. This past season he averaged nearly 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks a game. His ability to block shots and score will intrigue Pat Riley to acquire this center.

The Miami Heat will have eight free agents at the end of this season. Of those eight I believe the Heat should not re-sign C Erik Dampier. Dampier played a decent amount of minutes earlier in the season, but hasn't played much since. With all the other centers the Heat have and the ability to acquire one in free agency or the draft, I think Dampier will go.

The Heat should re-sign SF James Jones. James Jones won the 3 point shoot-out, has led the Heat all year in three point field goal percentage, and has made clutch shots so far in the playoffs. Without a doubt, James Jones should be the first player the Heat should re-sign.

As far as free agency is concerned, the Heat will have a tough time getting anybody without a trade. The Heat don't have much cap room, but my top 3 realistic free agency targets are C Deandre Jordan, PG Sebastian Telfair, and C Kwame Brown.

Although a restricted free agent, Deandre Jordan would be an excellent piece to add to the already talented Miami Heat. His athleticism and excitement in the post would greatly help this Heat team that has centers nearly entering retirement. At 6'11 265 pounds and still only 22 years old, the sky is the limit for this young man.

Considered one of the biggest busts ever, Kwame Brown might get a laugh or two if the Heat were to acquire him. But the Heat need youth at the center position, and he can be had for league minimum. He averaged 8 points and 7 rebounds on 51% shooting this past season.

Lastly, the Heat should give Sebastian Telfair a look, especially if Bibby doesn't get re-signed. He is still young at only 25 years old and is a 36% three point shooter. For his career, he averages nearly 8 points and 4 assists a game.

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The Best is Yet to Come

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As the time dwindled away in game 6 of the 2011 NBA Finals, I was surprised at how calm I was. I remember back during the Boston and Chicago series how upset I would have been if we lost. Maybe I wasn't upset because the team tore my heart out in game five when a huge rally from the Heat to take the lead in the 4th was matched and conquered by a better Dallas “team.” Then I finally realized I wasn't that upset because this Heat team that came two wins away from an NBA title, will be the worst Heat team we will see for a while.

The team that started off 9-8 and then went on to win 21 of their next 22 games en route to a 58-24 season, good for the 2nd best record in the conference and 3rd best in the NBA. You have to understand that the Heat struggled mightily “gelling” as a team from the get-go. As evident by the infamous welcome party, the Big 3 thought the season was going to be much easier. LeBron James' quote about “not one, not two, not three...” championships was a clear indication of that. Forced to look back on the season after the Finals, the Big 3 admitted they thought the season would be easier.

Injuries to both Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller early in the season definitely didn't help matters. Miller never played up to form when he got back in the rotation, in fact he accumulated more injuries. Haslem came back in the playoffs after missing 55 games. Both of these guys would have contributed a great deal to the Heat throughout the season. Mike Miller was supposed to be the guy to knock down the three with ease and handle the ball as well. Instead he was very inconsistent and the injuries soon become mental, as he lost confidence in his three. Haslem would have contributed much needed toughness inside. These injuries leave Heat fans wondering what could have been. A full season with Haslem and Miller is what Heat fans have to look forward to next season and that alone can lead to better results.

With this loss in the Finals, there is a silver lining to be found. The band-wagoners whom I despised throughout the season will finally be gone and the Heat (especially LeBron) will have a new focus on the season. The Heat thought it was all going to be easy when they started last season, when they start next season they will be more focused than ever looking to silence their critics. Not to mention, their competition in the east at the current moment is just the Bulls. Barring any crazy free agency signings or trades, the Heat will dominate the East for many years. The Celtics are too old as evident by last years' playoffs, the Magic are one Stan Van Gundy panic attack away from Dwight Howard leaving, and the Hawks can't get over the hump. That leaves the Bulls as the only real competition for the Heat and even with that, all teams have to do is shut down Derrick Rose because there is no other real threat offensively. If the Bulls bring in another good scorer in the back court for Rose, than that is a different story.

All in all, next season the Heat won't have to go through the growing pains that they had to this past season and hopefully won't sustain the crucial injuries they had too. From this point on, the Heat will be a much better team than they were in 2010-2011.