1. Will Ted Ginn do for the Dolphins what Devin Hester did for the Bears?
While fans booed the selection of Ted Ginn vigorously at the NFL Draft, one must wonder if new head coach Cam Cameron was on to something with the pick. Last year rookie Devin Hester ignited the Bears special teams unlike any player we have ever seen before. Ginn has similar if not superior blazing speed to Hester, and both man showed a flare for the dramatic, returning the opening kickoff of the BCS National Title game and Super Bowl for touchdowns respectively. If the Ohio State alum�s foot is fully healed, he could shift the field position battle for a team with a strong defense but suspect offense, ala the Chicago Bears.
2. Who will take the most snaps for the Dolphins?
Just one year ago, Daunte Culpepper was being hailed as the next great Miami quarterback. He is now a free agent, released after one quick four game stint behind center. The leading candidate to start is 37 year old Trent Green, who was acquired after much aggravation from the Chiefs. Green had been one of the most consistent passers going in to last season, but suffered a concussion in week one and has not yet been the same. Cleo Lemon got experience at the end of last season and is a raw yet talented passer. He needs to harness his ability in order to contend for the job. The wild card is rookie John Beck, who will be 26 by Opening Day. Beck is being likened to a Drew Brees player. Arm isn�t the strongest, but he can make the accurate throws and has the winning mentality. While it is difficult to ask a rookie to lead a team, Beck may very well get his shot to succeed Dan Marino if Green falters early on.
3. Can this aging defense hold on while the offense catches up?
Miami has arguably the best defensive player in the league in Jason Taylor, one of the best middle linebackers in recent history in Zach Thomas, and a fierce pass rush extraordinaire in Joey Porter, yet they all have the same flaw: age. Every single one of those players, along with two other starters, will be at least 30 years old this season. Three of the four defensive back starters will be 30 come next seasons first kickoff. While there is no doubting this is a top unit in football, one must wonder if these players will suffer a major breakdown simultaneously. Can Keith Traylor�s huge body hold up for a whole season? Can undersized Zach Thomas continue to take the pounding all middle linebackers do? Will Joey Porter and Jason Taylor still have that elite speed rushing off the edge? Dolphins� fans can only hope.
4. What will become of Ronnie Brown?
This is pretty simple. Ronnie Brown, the second overall pick in 2005, will either boom or bust this season. Brown has had to split time (his rookie year with Ricky Williams) and battle injuries (shoulder, knee, and ankle last year). This year, he should be completely healthy and get the majority of the rushing attempts. Brown did not help his cause by showing up to camp overweight. Cam Cameron turned LaDainian Tomlinson into the best running back in the NFL. Will he be able to make Brown elite as well?
5. Quite simply, who is going to make this offense go?
Cam Cameron parted ways with fan favorite Wes Welker and released tight end Randy McMichael, arguably the top two offensive players in recent years. Chris Chambers has routinely teased fans with his amazing ability, but is inconsistent. Marty Booker is a possession receiver, Derek Hagan has not proved anything nor has Ted Ginn. Tight end David Martin has also done nothing to strike fear into coordinators hearts. The offensive line is nothing special, Ronnie Brown has not emerged as a player to be reckoned with, and all of the quarterbacks are clearly not game changers. Cameron has an amazing offensive mind, but this lack of weapons will put his talent to the ultimate test.
