Better Views in Miami?

With the 'Fins recent acquisition of veteran running back Larry Johnson, they suddenly have a noteworthy backfield including a versatile scat back in Reggie Bush. If you add a more consistent season from Brandon Marshal, this team might truly contend. In 2010, the Dolphins were considered outside shots at making the playoffs and entered the three-quarter point of the season as legit contenders. Then, they refused to finish strong losing four of their last five contests and missing the playoffs with a record of 7-9. It is worth noting as well that the Jets earned a playoff appearance with an 11-5 record and lost to the 'fins in week 14 by a score of 10-6. A closer look at Miami's roller coaster 2010 campaign reveals some incredible feats and failures, but makes little sense.

In addition to beating the playoff bound Jets, the Dolphins defeated the Superbowl Champions-to-be in Green Bay and then lost by only one point to the AFC Champions-to-be, the Pittsburgh Steelers. That is a fairly impressive feat for a team having just come off their bye week, a week in which 72% of teams lose their games. The failures, however, are glaring in contrast with losses to the Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills and the Cleveland Browns! You had to wonder what team would show up each week if you were a fan of Miami football.

Now lining up for their 2011 season, I am seeing signs that Miami might be ready to earn their... well... fins. A solid free agency talent recruitment and greater certainty for Chad Henne as their starting signal caller could place them on the cusp of making a fairly surprising run. The most shocking attribute of this team in 2011 might actually be it's consistency. That said, facing arguably the hardest schedule in football this season, including two games versus the Patriots and Jets, road games versus San Diego, Kansas City, Dallas, and the Giants in new York, as well as home games versus Houston and Philadelphia, the Dolphins will be improved but still swimming upstream!