2006 was a very disappointing season for all Dolphin fans, but there were a few bright spots and a few things to look forward to in 2007. As well as a few question marks.

The Offense:

There were a variety of problems on this side of the ball last year. Ranging from poor play calling that often abandoned the running game, horrible offensive line play, and the one thing no fan wants to hear....inconsistent quarterbacking. Let's take a quick look at each position.

Quarterback: After trading a second round pick to Minnesota for former pro bowl quarterback Daunte Culpepper spirits were up in Miami and many fans thought they finally had their franchise quarterback. However after a poor start riddled by interceptions, sacks and poor decision making Culpepper was sidelined due to injury and a man who had been ridden out of town by Detroit got his chance....Joey Harrington. Although Joey showed sparks and the offense did improve he showed the same inconsistency Daunte had previously shown, and made the same mental mistakes. There is hope though going into next year. Culpepper is finally nearing 100% healthy and young quarterback Cleo Lemon seems to have come into his own enough to be a solid backup. Rumor has it Harrington will be released for Salary cap reasons.

Runningback: This one is obvious. Mike Mularky gave up on the run far to early and often last season. However Mularky has been demoted to tightend coach and new head coach and offensive guuru Cam Cameron will be calling the plays. There is no reason for Dolphin fans to have doubts about their running game with Ronnie Brown carrying the load and Ricky Williams coming back from suspension.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: What is there to say about this group of players? You look at the names and see a lot of talent but very little production. Part of that can be dismissed because of poor QB play, but even so there were many dropped balls and other mistakes made by the receivers and tight ends. However with a healthy Culpepper this group has the potential to shine. Wes Welker is an unrestricted free agent but all signs point to him being resigned. While rookie Derek Hagan showed an uncanny ability to find open spots in the defense. Marty Booker is a consistent veteran player who may see a slight drop in production simply due to age. However the only real questions for this group are Randy McMichael and Chris Chambers. Both have all the physical ability you could ask for but will they show up on the field? Time will tell.

Offensive Line: Although they struggled early in the season they really pulled together late in the season to make themselves look respectable. Vernon Carey really came into his own as a right tackle and while LJ Shelton struggled at left tackle he really thrived as a right guard. The main question marks will be the center, left guard and left tackle position. The good news is there seems to be plenty of depth at left guard in free agency this year, and with the #9 overall pick Levi Brown may be a great option to come in and be the starter at LT. If this unit improves it will be a huge push in the right direction and could even result in a playoff push.

I'll leave you all with a couple predictions. If Culpepper comes back 100% I expect this team to end with a 9-7 record. If the offensive line steps up I fully expect either a 10 or 11 win season under new coach Cam Cameron. If none of these things happen Miami fans can brace for another losing season.

Learn more about this author, Alex Dones.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Predictions: 2007 Miami Dolphins offense?
We want to hear your view. Write now!