2007 Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are hoping that former San Diego Chargers’ offensive coordinator Cam Cameron can bring some magic to South Beach this season. There’s no question that the fins don’t provide him with the same level of talent, but his offensive wit combined with a top notch defensive unit should be able to help Miami turn things around in the near future.

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Nick Saban joined the list of former college coaches who were unsuccessful at the professional level. After just two seasons, Saban heads back to the college game which has treated him far better. As stunned as owner Wayne Huizenga may have been when Saban resigned to take over the University of Alabama head coaching job, he has to feel good now, getting an apparent upgrade in Cameron. Cameron was the engine behind the league’s highest scoring offense last season and has enough tricks up his sleeve to get the Dolphins in the end zone. His first and biggest task will be to find a starting QB who can be relied on to deliver. Miami fans have thirsted for a reliable signal caller since Marino’s last snap and hopefully Cameron can deliver.

Cam Cameron may have to go away from his patented two-back sets that he used in San Diego as the Dolphins have no player capable of blocking the way that Lorenzo Neal did out of the full back position. Shifting tightends and slot players prior to the snap to get them in blocking position and to take the defense out of position will likely take the place of having a full back. Running back Ronnie Brown should really benefit from Cameron’s Wizardry as should number one wide receiver Chris Chambers. Cameron is one of the few coaches in the league that will tailor his scheme to fit his personnel instead of being set in his ways. If he gets a passer who can throw the deep ball, he will open up the offense and use it. If he doesn’t, he will stick to his timing patterns. Based on the current QBs on the roster, we can expect a steady dose of outs and hooks and very few looks down the field. Cameron’s ability to deliver trick plays in key situations is what makes his teams so dangerous and is what could have the Dolphins coming in ahead of the curve in just his first year. Pulling off trick plays often enough will keep fans in the seats and opponents on edge.

Perhaps equally as big as gaining Cameron was retaining defensive coordinator Dom Capers. He directed a unit which finished fourth overall last season and boasted the defensive MVP, Jason Taylor. Expect Capers to continue bringing heat out of a base 3-4 scheme. Defensive end Jason Taylor should finally get some help by the addition of ex-Steelers outside linebacker Joey Porter as well. Who knows what Taylor is capable of with another guy in there to keep him from getting doubled nearly every play? I only hope for vets like Taylor and middle linebacker Zach Thomas that Cameron can get the offense turned around fast to give these perennial Pro Bowlers one more shot at glory.

By Jeff Alexander – 7/17/2007

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