Power Rankings Around the Net

by Matty I on Sep 5, 2007 12:05 AM EDT in News Comment 8 comments

For the very first time in 2007, it's time to go around the internet and take a look at some of the more prominent power rankings and where they rank the Dolphins. Oh, and just to give you all something to look forward to, we here at SB Nation will be doing our very own weekly power rankings that will be based on the opinions of the 30 NFL bloggers that currently write for SBN. So look for that in the coming days. Now, onto the power rankings around the net:

-ESPN: 20

A defense led by Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas should keep the Dolphins in most games, but the offense could be spotty. Even so, the future looks promising with the preseason performance of rookie QB John Beck.

Wow. Is that really Bristol, CT giving the Dolphins some props? If John Beck's preseason performance can sway ESPN's feelings of the Dolphins, then this kid must be something special.

-CBS Sports: 26

This is a team that has some nice talent, both old and young. But the question is at quarterback with 37-year-old Trent Green.

I bet this isn't the first time in these power rankings where we hear about Green being 37 years old and a big question mark.

-FOX Sports: 29

Everyone's sexy Super Bowl pick from last summer ended up suffering through a disappointing 6-10 season in `06. Insert a new coach, a new quarterback and a new mindset down in Miami. Though the playoffs may be a few seasons away, an improvement upon last year should be expected. Don't be shocked to see second round pick John Beck starting before this season is all said and done.

They say an improvement is expected, but then they rank the Dolphins at #29. Really? The Dolphins aren't better than the Falcons, Vikings, or Lions (all 3 ranked higher than Miami)? I have a hard time understanding that.

-Yahoo! Sports: 19 (Jason Cole) and 17 (Charles Robinson)

-Covers.com: 19

-About Football: 27

Obviously Trent Green isn't the quarterback of the future. The question is, though, is he the QB for the present. He's 37 years old and didn't look like the Trent Green of old when he returned from a serious concussion late last season with the Chiefs.

I told ya we'd hear more about the age of Green during these power rankings. But again, another site that has the Dolphins below some bad teams (Lions, Falcons, Raiders). I just don't get it.

-Doc's Sports: 24

I'm a little concerned to hear Cam Cameron saying that this team will "need" to bring in some guys after cuts are made around the league. But Cameron has been playing head games all training camp so I'm learning to take what he says with a grain of salt. The defense shouldn't drop off this year as much as I expect it to. They've been playing extremely well even without starters Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas and Joey Porter.

And without Keith Traylor. Can't forget about the big man, who has a big role in this 3-4 defense. But again, the Raiders are better than the Dolphins? Give me a break.

-Football Locks: 16

-NFL Report: 15

The Culpepper experiment didn't work out. Now enter new Head Coach Cam Cameron and veteran Trent Green. If the aging defense has enough gas left in the tank, Miami could make a playoff run in '07.

There's the first time the "p" word has come up when discussing the Dolphins in these rankings. That's a nice way to end this thing, isn't it?

Average Rank: 21

I'm a bit surprised, as I thought the Dolphins should at least crack the top 20. But this really all means nothing once the players hit the field on Sunday. And I can't friggin wait!

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Predictions?

ESPN pick our fins to go to the Superbowl this year? No? Thank the maker! Let the masses rate us low.. I like that much better. As far as pressure goes this season, I dont feel it like I did last season. In fact, I will probaly enjoy this season more under Cam than that other guy. What was his name? Sa.. Satan? sabotage? idunno.. :) Heres to a much more relaxed atmosphere where the team can learn from an offensive guru who talks to his players in a non threatening manner so they can play the game they love. Cam wants his team to win while having fun doing it. Very simple prediction here. We already have won..

Bring it on washington:
My father loved his redskins. We had great times watching the Fins play the Hogs.. rare as that is.
Ill definatly be thinking of dad come sunday. He passed away 2 years ago.

~Jer

by Spacefish on Sep 5, 2007 2:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

predictions?

I agree that this season will be more relaxing and enjoyable because we aren't expected to be any good. But man, some sites have us ranked REALLY low. But oh well, I guess.

As far as your dad, thanks for sharing. I'm sure that there are many people out there who have similar stories like yours. That's the great thing about sports.

by Matty I on Sep 5, 2007 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank God for the experts

I remember a long time ago, Miami was predicted to finish no better than 3rd in the AFC East. That year was 1991-2, and the Dolphins made it to the conference championship game, and in fact, hosted it. Prognosticators are good for one thing: building excitement for the upcoming season, and most will disregard their knowlegeable picks come seasons end. I like it when nobody thinks the Dolphins are good - this is only a team that had playoff hopes last year and underperformed for a less than effective coach whose mind was elsewhere. I like our chances to make noise this year. Sean Salisbury, by the way, said Miami is "not a good team" this year.
I hope these experts keep up the good work.

by mikem1224 on Sep 5, 2007 8:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Matty...

You keep harping on the sports outfits pointing out that Green is 37. However, let's look at this statement:

"I'm not sold on Jeff Garcia. He's 37 and doesn't have nearly as good of an offense as he did in Philly last year." Matty

C'mon, you can't make a point of Garcia being 37 and not expect others to do the same for Green. Also, Garcia had a good year last season, unlike Green.

Anyway, we'll see what happens with those power rankings. Before the season starts they are largely just speculation - some teams always surprise while others disappoint.

For me the Dolphins are definetly better than Detroit but the Raiders could be a surprise. If Daunte plays well and their young defense continues from last year, they could have a decent (6-8 win) record in a weaker division than Miami.

by Natalya on Sep 5, 2007 12:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

37 years old

The reason I was harping on it is because it seems as though the media has to constantly point out Trent's age while I never hear Garcia's age being mentioned when people talk about the Bucs. Instead, they talk about Cadillac and how he's going to break out (while Ronnie will be a disappointment according to these experts). It's sickening.

by Matty I on Sep 5, 2007 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

they are both 37, for better or worse, and are on teams in transition.

One reason I think it is mentioned more with Green is simply his recent health/injury struggles, whereas Garcia hasn't had such problems.

As for the teams themselves, I'm not really sure what the bucs are doing. They aren't exactly getting younger and Derrick Brooks & Co. are nearing their end.

Whereas here in Miami there is at least a plan & strategy to build the team.

by Natalya on Sep 5, 2007 12:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

2007 Rankings

I am as excited as anyone for this season, and I think the Dolphins will finish in the bottom third of the league.

This is the 26th year of being a Dolphin fan and I have never been this confident about the direction the Dolphins are going.

Marino's seasons were always lacking something each year. Sometimes it was the defense, but mostly it was a running game.

I bought into Jimmy Johnson, but he got his miracle when he was a Cowboy (thanks to the Vikings). By the time he started pushing Marino out the door, I counted the days until he left.
r
Nothing between then and now deserves mentioning, although I was impressed with Jim Bates fire he had inside.

Now with Cam, I am hook line and sinker in. His personality and the way he relates to the players at their level are a cool breeze on a hot summer's day.

I read an article than compared Cam manner to Forrest Gump. Laid back and taking things as they come. Teaching us lessons along the way. I took the comparison as a compliment.

All the rookies that made the team give me hope for the future. How much better is the draft going to be in 2008? Mueller and Cam have had a plan for awhile and I love they way the are doing things.

I have rambled enough, but I think growing pains are on the horizon followed by more great off season moves. 2008 the Dolphins are going to impose their will on the league.

by Mindtornado on Sep 5, 2007 9:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs