1. Can Channe Henne take that next step?
- All indications are that he will and has taken that step to become an elite quaterback. He has the pedigree, the backfield, a good offensive line, and now a true number one receiver to play catch with. The biggest question with Henne since his rookie season is the same one that we still ask today, where is his "it" factor?
2. Can Ronnie Brown make it through a full season, healthy?
- Questions about his durability since he was at Aurbun sharing carries with Cadilac, still follow him around today. He also has a long list of injuries that proves that he can never be a bulk carry back. Luckily the Dolphins still have the services of Ricky Williams. But for how long? Ricky has hinted at retirement after this season, nothing new. Ronnie brown has showed all-pro talent is spurts that ignites fans imagination, but the fans need a full season of it, Chad Henne needs it, more importantly the dolphins need a full season of it.
3. Can the secondary step up?
- This unit hasn't been good since the Brock Marion days. That being said, with these two young, athletic, cocky, extremly good corners there now; the future looks better then the past. Safety play is the big question mark. Yes Yeremiah Bell is a Pro Bowler. Yes he's one of the leagues biggest hitters, but will he be able to cover? Anybody? This unit is desperately lacking a ball hawk needed for the air it out style of today's game.
4. Who's going to apply the pass rush?
- With Jason Taylor and Joey Porter gone, pass rushers are at a premium for this team. Cameron Wake showed great promise in the little game time he got. The problem with Wake is thats all he does, rush the passer. He needs to improve his run stop game to be effective. Jared Odrick and Koa Misi, their top two draft picks, have never been a threat to rack up sacks. Now with less pressure on the other teams quarterbacks, a secondary that's still learning, that spells disaster for this year's defense.
5. Will the Brandon Marshall investment pay dividends?
- All signs points that this offense is going to be a good one. The addition of Marshall gives them something they've been lacking since...Orande Gadson? O.J. McDuffie? Chris Chambers? Who ever, it's been a while since we've had a real threat on the outside. He's got the skill set, the frame, and the chip on his shoulder to have a great year. Let's just hope that he stays out of the same clubs that he made fun of Joey "Popcorn Muscles" Porter for being in.
Prediction: 10-6
