2006 Miami Dolphins Preview

2006 preview of the Miami Dolphins football team from MadduxSports.com. Don't forget Maddux's expert handicappers once the 2006 NFL Season gets underway for Expert NFL Picks and be sure to bookmark our Live NFL Point spreads page from 16 quality online sportsbooks updated to the minute so you know you always get the best number.

Nick Saban’s Dolphins won their final six games last season, finishing with a respectable 9 - 7 record. Can they be better this year? Finally, they have a contender at quarterback-- Daunte Culpepper. Sure Culpepper had a bad season in 2005 with the Vikings, but he’s a three-time Pro Bowler. Although he’s no Dan Marino, Culpepper is the best thing since Dan Marino.

Ricky Williams, at RB, is gone again-- suspended for the season due to drug problems. Ronnie Brown (207 ATT, 907 YDS, 4.4 AVG, 4 TDs), who played well in 2005, will be the go-to guy at back. Along with exhibiting break away speed and tenacious drive, Brown can block and catch the ball.

The receiving corps features Chris Chambers (82 REC, 1,118 YDS, 11 TDs) at WR. He proved to be Pro Bowl material last season, while TE Randy McMichael and WR Marty Booker were reliable targets. If the offensive line, which was dismal in 2004, can continue to improve as they did in 2005, then the clubs’ 40.4% Red Zone performance (26th in the NFL) has to improve.

The defensive line, with sack master Jason Taylor at right end, is a deep unit. Second in sacks in 2005 and 17th against the run, they’ll be formidable. The linebackers are led by Zach Thomas and his gutsy play, while second-year RLB Channing Crowder, who had a great rookie season, should be even better this year.

The secondary is Saban’s primary concern. Stalwart corner Sam Madison went to the Giants, while vet Will Poole will try to come back from knee surgery. The Giants Will Allen has been added at CB and that should help. Safety is also a problem. First round draft pick Jason Allen (Tennessee) may start and lead that group in his initial season.

2006 Miami Dolphins Predictions

The Dolphins could certainly be in the playoff run late in the season. Halfway through 2005, they were 3 - 5. They open 2006 against Pittsburgh on the road and then play Buffalo, Tennessee, Houston, New England, NYJ, Green Bay and Chicago. If they’re 5 and 3 after that, this team’s for real. We like the 2006 Dolphins to challenge the Pats for the AFC East Division but fall a hair short and ultimatley have a good shot at a wild card birth.

For more information on the Dolphins division rivals check out the Patriots, Jets, and Bills season previews from Maddux Sports.

For more info and news on the 2006 Miami pro football team visit the Dolphins NFL.com section.