Let's talk Dolphins defense for a few moments. Yes, I know, you say, "But Hollywood we have 3 QB's and no WR's". And I say, "Trust in Coach Philfin." . I have watched no names become a swarm of a recieving corps, My Mother is a Lions fan and thus I have seen many a Packer vs Lions blowout. Remember when we had running backs by committee (Most recently, Ronnie and Ricky). We are about to witness offense by committee.
Therefore, I turn my attention to our beloved defense. Missing pieces from last years unit but found a few as well, but no one is really talking about them. I think that is a grievous mistake. Allow me to introduce our new defensive mastermind, Kevin Coyle. Kevin Nogle of The Phinsider wrote of him, " In 2003, ... Coyle was promoted to defensive backs coach. Since that time, the team has intercepted 150 passes, 133 of which were by defensive backs. Those 150 picks rank fifth in the NFL over that span.". Those are some fairly lofty stats," But what does he know about the front 7" you may ask?
Well, Coach Coyle, has 11 years as a college defensive coordinator. His Stats from his few college stops are impressive. Each time going to a bigger school until the Bengals called in 03. He was promoted once in the Bengals organization and is highly respected as a coach
And now a Who's Who on the Dolphins D.
DT- Soliai, Starks, Odrick , Kheeston Randall (R), Tony McDaniel, Aaitui, Isaako plus camp fodder.
DE - Keep in mind these are here for 4-3 play mostly, Oliver Vernon (R), Jamaal Westerman, Jacquies Smith , Ryan Baker, camp fodder and cuts.
OLB- Wake, Dansby, Kaddu, Guyton and camp fodder
ILB- Burnette , Misi, Spitier, Trusnick and practice squad
CB- Vonttae Davis, Sean Smith, Clemons, one more or 2
SS- Reshard Jones, Clemons
FS - Richard Marshal, one more
There are so many DB's in practice right now it is mind numbing and as DB's are Coyles thing I am leave it to him on that kind of depth chart. I just threw out the names that most of us are familiar with.And by my count I left the Defense with 25 or 26 players, roughly half the roster spots minus P and K of a 53 man roster.
We can run almost any formation we felt like.
3-4 - Starks, Soliai, Odrik LB- Dansby, Burnette, Misi, Wake
4-3 Wake, Starks, Odrik, (Vernon or Westerman) LB- Misi, Burnette Dansby
5-2 Wake, Starks, Soliai, Odrick, Vernon LB- Burnette, Dansby
Nickle- DT-Wake, Starks, Odrick, Vernon LB- Burnette, Dansby
Dime-DT- Starks, Soliai, Odrick LB-Burnette, Dansby
6-1 Wake, Starks, Soliai, Odrick, (McDaniels or Randall), Vernon LB- Burnette
And I have a feeling our DB's, are going to be young and fast and like a swarm around the ball. If the coaches I have read about on our defense are as good as they seem. If they can coach these guys up then Philbin may still get his 80-90 plays on offense per game, cause this D could be epic...it all comes down to preparedness and not allowing mental mistakes. Cause the talent is there. If anything we can iron out the kinks and to fill the very very few holes we may have on D in next years draft.