News: The Dolphins' draft was highlighted by the selection of Ryan Tannehill, but they added three defenders. Miami (Fla.) defensive end Olivier Vernon, Oregon linebacker Josh Kaddu and Texas defensive tackle Kheeston Randall got their names called by the Fins.
Analysis: Vernon should help the team's defensive line rotation and Kaddu and Randall might contribute on special teams. The Dolphins added a lot of role players this offseason but their biggest move was extending the contract of pass rusher Cameron Wake, who will move to defensive end in their new 4-3 scheme. The Dolphins defense is still expected to give up plenty of yards and points, so Fantasy owners shouldn't trust the DST, but they might have some good weeks when faced with favorable matchups.
News: The Palm Beach Post reports that the Dolphins plan on moving to a 4-3 scheme in 2012. They had played in the 3-4 front previously but are switching back to a style the franchise has had a lot of success with. Former Bengals DB coach Kevin Coyle, who has worked in the 4-3 scheme for much of his career in Cincy, has agreed to become the defensive coordinator. "There are some pieces that we'll need to find, but I think we certainly have personnel that we can make a pretty good transition," Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland said.
Analysis: The idea behind the switch is to make playing defense easier for the players, namely the secondary, which struggled for much of 2011. With Cameron Wake turning into a defensive end and putting some pressure on opposing quarterbacks regularly, the defense could improve quickly. They still need some work, but they're a unit we're watching between now and the start of the season.
News: Mike Nolan left as Miami's defensive coordinator after being hired to the same position with Atlanta, the Falcons announced Tuesday. Nolan’s spent the last two seasons as defensive coordinator with the Dolphins. He also served as defensive coordinator with Denver, Baltimore, Washington and with both New York teams; the Jets and Giants. Nolan also had an unsuccessful stint as San Francisco's head coach.
Analysis: After losing their first seven games of the season, the Dolphins improved mightily toward the end of the year and finished with a 6-10 record -- thanks to its defense. Miami held three straight opponents to less than 10 points during one stretch of the season and posted the NFL's third-best rush defense (95.6). Nolan was a key component to the turnaround as he installed a solid pass rush that resulted in 52 sacks this year, third most in the league. Fantasy owners should view the Dolphins as a quality DST option in 2012 drafts.
News: The Miami defense certainly knows the best way to upend the Jets, its key division rival: harass QB Mark Sanchez. The Dolphins forced Sanchez into rushed passes throughout Sunday's game and picked him off three times in a 19-17 victory over New York in Week 17. Two of those interceptions came from 305-pound DL Randy Starks as he also had one of Miami's two sacks of Sanchez in the game.
Analysis: NFL active sacks leader Jason Taylor, who said he would retire at the end of his 15th NFL season, sent the crowd into pandemonium when he scooped up a fumble and scored with less than three minutes left in the fourth quarter. However, a replay review negated the turnover, with the officials determining the ball carrier was down. That seemed to be the only negative for the Dolphins, who permitted just seven points in the second half. Miami's defense improved in the second half of the season and will be a quality option late in 2012 Fantasy drafts.
News: Since the Jets last played Miami, the Dolphins defense has noticeably improved since. Backed by a resurgent run defense, Miami has held three of its 10 opponents since that game to less than 10 points. The Dolphins host New York in Week 17. "Their front seven, they make it tough," Jets RB Shonn Greene said. "They've improved overall as a team. Their linebackers are now in a good spot. They're more comfortable now."
Analysis: Greene finished with 74 yards on 21 carries in the teams' previous matchup this season, but could struggle to top that mark on Sunday. Since Week 6, Miami has allowed only three running backs to amass that many yards in a game as the defense has surrendered an average of just 93.4 yards per game on the ground this season. Fantasy owners should consider the Dolphins a No. 2 Fantasy DST for the Week 17 battle.
News: The Dolphins DST had trouble stopping Tom Brady and the Patriots in the second half of Saturday's Week 16 loss. The Dolphins DST did a great job in the first half, but Brady came alive in the second as Miami lost 27-24. The Dolphins DST gave up 400 total yards of offense and did not force a single turnover in the game. The Dolphins DST did sack Brady four times.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST does have at least three sacks in three straight games, though they failed to force a turnover for the first time since Week 8. The Dolphins DST plays the Jets Week 17 and New York needs to keep winning. The Dolphins DST is not a recommended Fantasy start for Week 17.
News: The Dolphins DST has a very tough matchup ahead of them Week 16 at New England. The Dolphins DST struggled in allowing 23 points and 404 yards to the Bills on the road last week and Buffalo's offense doesn't hold a candle to New England's. The Patriots just torched the Broncos and has the Dolphins DST in its sights.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST has recorded three-straight double-digit Fantasy scoring efforts but is likely not to play well against Tom Brady and the Patriots. New England is giving up the absolute fewest Fantasy points per game to opposing DST units on the season. The Dolphins DST is not a recommended Fantasy start for Week 16.
News: The Dolphins DST held off the Bills on Sunday of Week 15 at Buffalo. The Dolphins didn't exactly limit Buffalo's offense in the win as they gave up 404 yards as a unit. The Dolphins DST still managed to earn the 30-23 win. The Dolphins DST forced three turnovers, all coming on Ryan Fitzpatrick interceptions. The unit finished with three sacks as well. Vontae Davis had two of the three picks for the Dolphins in the game.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST had another solid effort Week 15 and now has three straight double-digit Fantasy scoring performances. The unit has been awesome since Week 9 and might be worth starting in Week 16. That said, the Dolphins DST takes on the Patriots from New England. That will be a very tough matchup and one that makes it tough to go with the Dolphins DST. Fantasy owners should consider the unit a No. 2 option for Week 16.
News: The Dolphins DST had an easy time with the Bills back in Week 11, holding them to six points and 245 yards of offense. They could have a more difficult time when the two teams match up again in Week 15. The Bills have averaged 334 total offensive yards over the last three weeks. Also, they have allowed the lowest number of sacks in the league with just 17, as they have done a good job of protecting QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Analysis: This won't be the most difficult of matchups for the Dolphins DST, but owners should not expect the dominant performance that they turned in back in Week 11. Still, with the Bills being merely a middle-of-the-road offense, owners can trust the Dolphins as a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 DST in Week 15.
News: The Dolphins DST held the Eagles to just 239 yards of total offense on Sunday of Week 14 in Miami. Unfortunately, the home team still lost the game 26-10. The Dolphins DST forced two turnovers as Michael Vick threw an interception in the contest. The Dolphins DST sacked Vick four times and Jason Taylor had two of them.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST had scored a DTD in two of the previous three games, but wasn't nearly as sharp on Sunday against the Eagles. The unit heads to Buffalo for Week 15 against the Bills. The Dolphins DST registered three forced turnovers, two sacks and a DTD the last time they faced the Bills. The Dolphins DST remains a borderline-start-worthy unit heading into Week 15.
News: The Dolphins DST hosts the Eagles Week 14 and Philadelphia is expected to get back the services of QB Michael Vick. While you might think that a positive for the Eagles, it could actually help the Dolphins DST as Vick could struggle in his first game since Week 10 and has thrown three interceptions with no touchdown passes in his last two games played. Plus, the Eagles allowed the Seahawks DST to rack up the points last week as Vince Young turned the ball over four times.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST has been a pretty solid unit in recent weeks with the team playing well. The Dolphins DST has scored in double figures in Fantasy points in four of their last five games and limited Oakland to 14 points and 304 yards last week. The Dolphins DST has limited opponents to 15 or fewer points scored in four of the last five games. The Eagles should be a tougher test Week 14, but the Dolphins DST can be considered a borderline start-worthy unit.
News: The Dolphins held the Raiders scoreless for 52 minutes, and their DST had a strong showing in the process of a Week 13 win. They did allow two late touchdowns but held Oakland to 14 points and 304 yards of offense. Though the DST recorded only two sacks and one turnover, that lone takeaway proved to be profitable for Fantasy owners. Dolphins LB Kevin Burnett intercepted Raiders QB Carson Palmer in the third quarter, and he returned the pick 34 yards for a touchdown.
Analysis: It was a strong performance by the Dolphins DST that was marred by some late lapses, which led to a pair of Oakland scores. In the bigger picture, though, the Dolphins have become a very stingy defense, and they could fare well again next week, when they face an erratic Eagles offense. The Dolphins are worth considering, at least as a high-end No. 2 DST, in Week 14.
News: The Dolphins' DST gave up its highest point total in four weeks in a 20-19 loss to the Cowboys in Week 12. They may have trouble rebounding in Week 13, as they will face a Raiders offense that has scored just 10 fewer points than the Cowboys so far this season. Also, the Dolphins managed only a single sack against the Cowboys, and the Raiders have been even tougher to sack. Oakland QBs have been sacked only 19 times this season, which is good for the fifth-lowest total in the league.
Analysis: The Dolphins ended an impressive defensive run in Week 12, but they are now in the midst of a tougher part of their schedule. Owners should view them as a No. 2 DST unit for Week 13.
News: The Dolphins DST did not have a good game Thursday at Dallas on Thanksgiving Day in Week 12. The Dolphins had just one sack in a 20-19 loss, but they did manage two interceptions on Tony Romo. Vontae Davis had one and Sean Smith had the other. On special teams, Clyde Gates had three kickoff returns for 92 yards.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST was coming off a solid performance against Buffalo in Week 11, and they will look to rebound in Week 13 against Oakland. Consider the Dolphins DST a No. 2 Fantasy option against the Raiders.
News: After a very slow start to the season, the Dolphins defense has really started to come into their own of late. During Miami's current three game winning streak, the unit has seen improvement in just about every statistical category -- most notably in the turnover and sack department. The Dolphins have racked up 10 sacks and four interceptions over that stretch, while keeping each of their last three opponents out of the end zone. “There’s so much in football that never gets in the stat sheets,” linebacker Cameron Wake. The Dolphins will head out to Dallas to face the Cowboys in Week 12.
Analysis: Miami has seen a complete turnaround on defense of late, but perhaps will face one of their toughest challenges on Thursday. The Cowboys are just as hot as the Dolphins right now and boast a ton of weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Dallas is also averaging 31.3 points during their three-game winning streak, so Miami's touchdown shutout streak could be in serious jeopardy this week. While the Dolphins DST has turned in much better performances of late, consider the unit merely a No. 2 option in Week 12.
News: Miami entered its Week 11 matchup against Buffalo with one main objective: slow star RB Fred Jackson, the NFL’s leading rusher. The Dolphins, ranked 10th in the NFL in rushing defense (105.1 yards per game) coming into the contest, effectively contained Jackson before he left with an injury in a 35-8 victory. Jackson piled up just 17 rushing yards on seven carries as Miami extended its winning streak to three games. Overall, the Dolphins surrendered 247 total yards on Sunday as they held their third straight opponent to less than 10 points.
Analysis: Miami’s run defense wasn't the only bright spot for Miami, as the special teams also produced a touchdown. Lex Hilliard returned a punt for a touchdown in the third quarter -- the first time the Dolphins have accomplished that feat since the 1990 season. Miami posted only two sacks after registering at least three -- and eight total -- sacks in their previous two games. Consider Miami a No. 2 Fantasy DST for Week 12 in a short turnaround at Dallas on Thursday.
News: Miami has been even in the turnover battle the past two weeks and the ball security has resulted in a two-game winning streak heading into Week 11 against Buffalo. “When you’re at zero you have a chance to win," said Dolphins coach Tony Sparano, whose team hasn't allowed a touchdown during the winning streak -- its only wins of the season. Miami is also yielding 319.0 yards per game and 4.9 per play in its past five games.
Analysis: Sparano and t he Dolphins will be looking to contain Buffalo RB Fred Jackson, the NFL’s leading rusher (917 yards) on Sunday. Sparano said Jackson often makes unconventional cuts and the key for his defense is to “be disciplined with him because ... he’s going opposite of everything. He’s defying a lot of the rules in there and makes big plays doing it.” Miami has permitted more than 100 rushing yards in a game just once this season (Week 4). Consider the Dolphins a high-end No. 2 Fantasy DST against the sputtering Bills.
News: The Dolphins DST pulled a second consecutive victory on Sunday of Week 10 at home against Washington. The Dolphins DST held the Redskins to just 246 total yards in the game as Washington QB Rex Grossman took back over for John Beck. The Dolphins DST forced two turnovers, both on Grossman interceptions, and also sacked Grossman three times in the win.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST has put together back-to-back wins and back-to-back solid efforts for Fantasy owners. In fact, the Dolphins DST has been pretty good in three of the last four games. Still, heading into Week 11 against Buffalo, we expect the Bills to put up some points. Consider the Dolphins DST just a low-end start for the Week 11 game.
News: The Dolphins DST is feeling good heading into Week 10 against Washington. The team is coming home after stunning the Chiefs in Kansas City Week 9 with a 31-3 upset win. The DST held Kansas City to just three points in the game, though only forced one turnover. Still, Miami got to the quarterback five times in that game and has 12 sacks in the last three games overall. Two of the Dolphins DST's best efforts have come in the last three games.
Analysis: The Dolphins put constant pressure on K.C. QB Matt Cassel in the Week 9 game and that bodes well for Fantasy owners with Washington coming to town. Redskins QB John Beck has taken 14 sacks in the last three games and the Redskins have been falling apart in terms of turning the ball over. The Dolphins are coming home on a roll while Washington is in a downward spiral. The Dolphins DST is a unit worth starting in Week 10 across the board.
News: The Dolphins stunned the football world in Week 9 with a 31-3 upset of the Chiefs. The defense played a big part by keeping Kansas City out of the end zone. The Chiefs mustered 343 yards, including 116 on the ground. The Dolphins didn't force a turnover, but sacked QB Matt Cassel five times.
Analysis: The best part of the Dolphins' defensive performance Week 9 was their constant pressure on Cassel. Not only did they sack him five times, but they pressured him numerous other times as well. The Dolphins defense haven't had many good outings this season, but Week 9 might have been its best. The Dolphins DST might be a sleeper option heading into Week 10 going up against a woeful Redskins offense.
News: The Dolphins head into their Week 9 matchup at Kansas City having held only two of seven opponents this season under 20 points. Well, it might remain at just two with the way K.C. has played as of late. The Chiefs have won four straight games, averaging 25.3 points per game in that span. Kansas City is averaging 308.4 yards per game this season.
Analysis: The Dolphins need to be well aware that K.C. is one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now. The season started slow for K.C., who lost star running back Jamaal Charles to a knee injury. However, QB Matt Cassel is finally getting the offense rolling, and RB Jackie Battle is making up for the loss of Charles. Miami is in the bottom 10 in the league for total defense and still could be down DB Vontae Davis due to injury. Don't plan on starting the Dolphins DST in Week 9.
News:Victor Cruz scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 25-yard catch late in the fourth quarter as he spun out of a tackle, and the Giants rallied to be the Dolphins, 20-17, in Week 8. Miami carried a 14-10 lead into halftime and led 17-10 heading into the fourth quarter before New York scored 10 unanswered points. The Giants finished with 402 yards. Miami sacked Eli Manning once and forced no turnovers.
Analysis: The Dolphins did pretty good for most of Week 8 despite the fact they started rookie CB Jimmy Wilson in place of the injured Vontae Davis. But Manning still passed for 349 yards and the defense faltered late. The Dolphins have one of the worst defenses in the NFL and the Dolphins DST is not a recommended Fantasy option Week 9 against Kansas City.
News: Dolphins SS Yeremiah Bell acknowledged the Giants’ running game, led by RB Ahmad Bradshaw, is the key to stopping New York in Week 8. “If we can’t stop the run they’ll be able to keep us off-balance with the pass. We’ve got to stop the run," Bell said.
Analysis: The Giants rushing attack could also get a boost from the return of Brandon Jacobs, who has missed a few games with a knee injury. Ahmad Bradshaw and Jacobs are a pretty good tandem, but it's not like the Giants are one-dimensional. The passing games, led by QB Eli Manning, can also make things happen. The Giants are averaging 25.7 points and 368.3 yards per game, so consider the Dolphins DST a very low-end Fantasy option.
News: The Dolphins picked up seven sacks of Tim Tebow while holding the Broncos to 18 points in a Week 7 loss. Unfortunately, they held the Broncos to a shutout until five minutes remained and allowed Tebow to score a pair of touchdowns to force overtime, then give up a game-winning field goal. The Dolphins also forced and recovered a fumble.
Analysis: Up next for Miami: A date in New Jersey with the Giants, who typically cough up the ball a couple of times per game. We'd go with the Dolphins DST only as a low-end option in Week 8.
News: The Dolphins will attempt to get their first win of the season against the Broncos on Sunday. And starting at quarterback for the Broncos will be Tim Tebow, the much-ballyhooed former first-round pick. Tebow has started three NFL games and has three interceptions over those games along with one game over 225 yards passing. But Tebow has scored a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown in every game he's played in for at least one half. The Broncos are also averaging 101.8 rush yards per game and will lean heavily on Willis McGahee to help aid Tebow. The Broncos have allowed nine sacks and one touchdown to opposing defenses so far this season.
Analysis: The Dolphins are not a good DST for this week as the Broncos should be able to control the game clock and put up a decent amount of points. We would recommend another DST for Week 7.
News: The Dolphins DST won one battle on Monday night in Week 6 against the Jets. The Dolphins gained more yards than New York as the DST limited the Jets to just 296 yards on the night. Outside of that, however, the Dolphins DST definitely lost in the 24-6 Jets victory. Miami only forced one turnover as the Jets' lost a fumble. Miami also managed to sack QB Mark Sanchez twice in the game.
Analysis: The two sacks for Miami gives the DST just eight on the season and the DST has only forced more than one turnover in one game this season. The Dolphins DST has been horrid all year and should not be starting in any Fantasy leagues in Week 7 against the Broncos.
News: Entering its Week 6 matchup at the Jets, Miami is returning from a bye and looking to end the team's worst start since losing the first 13 games of 2007. The Dolphins are 0-4 this season, but have won four of last the five meetings with New York, including three consecutive victories on the road. However, Miami will likely need to put up sufficient points considering its defense has done little to stop opponents this year and is ranked among the most porous units in the league by surrendering an average of 414.5 yards.
Analysis: Monday's game also marks the first time Dolphins LB Jason Taylor will face the Jets since re-signing with Miami after spending one season in New York. The veteran's return has failed to spark the Dolphins, who have permitted an average of 26.0 points per game this season -- tied with Atlanta for eighth-most in the NFL. Miami has also mustered just two sacks in its last two games as the defense continues to live up to expectations set at the beginning of the season. Consider the Dolphins a low-end No. 2 Fantasy DST for Week 6.
News: The Dolphins DST surrendered 26 points on 411 total yards of offense in Week 4 against the Chargers. The unit once again struggled to defend the pass, allowing 295 yards through the air, including a 55-yard touchdown reception to Vincent Jackson. Miami also gave up 116 yards on the ground and allowed the Chargers to convert seven of their 14 third down attempts. The Dolphins once again failed to force a turnover and collected just two sacks in the loss.
Analysis: The Dolphins defense continues to disappoint, as the unit was supposed to be the strength of the team this season. However, injuries and poor play have led to the unit being one of the worst in all of football. The Dolphins are on a bye in Week 5, so the team will have an extra week to try and figure some things out. However, they then head to New York to take on the Jets, who have been surprisingly efficient on offense thus far. Fantasy owners should avoid using Miami's DST heading into Week 6.
News: The Dolphins DST will once again be tested in Week 4 against the Chargers. San Diego boasts the leagues fourth best offense, averaging just over 417 yards of total offense and 21.7 points per contest thus far. The Dolphins enter Sunday's contest ranked 30th in total defense, allowing almost 416 yards and 26 points per contest. Miami's DST ranks 29th, in terms of Fantasy points through the first three weeks of the season, racking up four sacks and two turnovers. However, the unit has yet to score a touchdown.
Analysis: The Dolphins defense was supposed to be the strength of the team this season, but the unit has struggled thus far. While they did play better last Sunday against the Browns, the unit still collapsed at crunch time in the fourth quarter and once again had a hard time putting any pressure on the quarterback. Now the unit will head out to San Diego to face a Chargers team that is more than capable of putting up points in a hurry. Fantasy owners should avoid using Miami's DST heading into Week 4.
News: Browns QB Colt McCoy threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Mohamed Massaquoi with 43 seconds left, capping an 80-yard drive to rally the Browns to a 17-16 win Sunday over the winless Miami Dolphins, a deflating loss that will bring even more heat on embattled coach Tony Sparano. The Dolphins entered Week 3 with the worst defense in the NFL, but they held Cleveland to two touchdowns and 280 total yards. They forced once turnover and failed to record a sack.
Analysis: The Dolphins defense actually did pretty good for most of Week 3, but they collapsed in crunch time and the fact they struggled to pressure McCoy all afternoon isn't good. Waiting for the Dolphins in Week 4 are the Chargers, who have a pretty good offense. Avoid using the Dolphins DST in Fantasy.
News: The Dolphins head into Week 3 against the Browns with the worst defense in the NFL, allowing 483.5 yards per game. They also are tied with the second-worst scoring defense, allowing 30.5 points per game. Cleveland is averaging 294 yards and 22 points per game.
Analysis: Miami has faced two high-scoring offenses in New England and Houston to begin the season. Cleveland isn't in the same category, but the Dolphins defense is so bad right now that the Browns could have a very good week. When Cleveland beat Miami, 13-10, last season it was without QB Colt McCoy, who was sidelined with an injury. McCoy is healthy this time around and ready to lead first-year coach Pat Shurmur's West Coast offense. The Dolphins DST is still at best a low-end Fantasy option.
News: The Dolphins DST surrendered 23 points on 345 yards of total offense in Week 2 against the Texans. The unit once again struggled to get off the field at times, as Houston held on to the ball for just over 34 minutes. Houston did most of their damage on the ground, racking up 138 rushing yards against Miami and converted 5 of 15 third down attempts. The Dolphins DST did rack up three sacks but failed to force a turnover in the 23-13 loss.
Analysis: Miami's played better than they did in Week 1, but were far from impressive against the Texans on Sunday. The unit once again had a hard time getting a big stop when needed and failed to create any turnovers. The Dolphins will now head up to Cleveland in Week 3 to face a Browns team that put up 303 yards of total offense up against the Colts. While Miami's defense was supposed to be the strength of the team this year, Fantasy owners should consider the unit merely a low-end No. 2 DST heading into Week 3.
News: The Dolphins DST will be looking for a much better effort when the Texans roll into town in Week 2. Miami surrendered 38 points on 622 total yards of offense during Week 1 against the Patriots. The unit was completely picked apart in the secondary, giving up 516 yards and four touchdowns through the air in the 38-24 loss. The Texans racked up 34 points 384 yards of total offense in their Week 1 against the Colts, with 167 of those coming on the ground. Houston is also expected to have Arian Foster back for Sunday's contest.
Analysis: Miami's defense was supposed to be the strength of the team this season, but they sure didn't play like it on Monday night. The unit was gashed in every aspect of the game and now will welcome in the high-powered Texans' offense. Houston has a ton of play makers on offense and should receive a boost now that Ben Tate and Foster are expected to play. While Miami's defense will likely have a chip on their shoulder this Sunday, Fantasy owners should consider the unit merely a low-end No. 2 DST heading into Week 2.
News: The Dolphins DST surrendered 38 points on 622 total yards of offense during Week 1 against the Patriots. The unit was completely picked apart in the secondary, giving up 516 yards and four touchdowns through the air in the 38-24. New England also racked up 102 yards on the ground and put up 27 first downs while converting on eight of their 13 third-down conversions. Miami's DST only was able to force one turnover and produce one sack in the loss.
Analysis: Miami's defense was supposed to be the strength of the team this season, but they sure didn't play like it on Monday night. The unit was gashed in every aspect of the game and suffered numerous injuries in the contest. Tony McDaniel, Jason Taylor, Vernon Davis and Sean Smith all went down in injuries at some point in the contest, although Taylor and Smith were able to return. Still, the unit will have and try and regroup in a hurry as the Texans high-powered offense comes to town in Week 2. Houston put up 384 total yards against Indianapolis and could create a whole slue of matchup problems for Miami. Owners should look for other DST options heading if possible, heading into Week 2.
News: The Dolphins DST will most likely have their hands full during Week 1 against the Patriots. New England boasted the top scoring offense in the league last season, averaging 32.4 points and 363.8 points per game. Miami ranked sixth in total defense last season, 309.1 yards and 20.8 points per contest. The Dolphins DST ranked 21st, in terms of Fantasy points last year, racking up 39 sacks and 19 turnovers while scoring just one touchdown.
Analysis: Miami played very well defensively last season, but the until wilted down the stretch a bit. While the unit has been much improved under defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, the Dolphins DST still isn't worth starting on a weekly basis. Fantasy owners should pick and chose their spots when to use Miami but Monday night against New England does not seem like that one of those spots. Seek other alternatives heading into Week 1.
News: The Dolphins DST allowed 38 points and 502 yards to the Patriots in a Week 17 loss at New England. Miami recovered a fumble but was held without a sack.
Analysis: The defense was carrying Miami most of 2010, but it folded under pressure during the stretch run, allowing too many points to teams like Buffalo and Detroit, and this rout by New England was expected. This unit could be a late sleeper pick in 2011, especially if an improved offense keeps them off the field a bit more.
News: The Dolphins placed LB Karlos Dansby on IR Friday, dealing Fantasy owners who have the Miami DST a blow.
Analysis: Dansby was missing in Week 16, and the Lions exploited his absence in a victory, making this DST unit look very ordinary at best. We suggest you ignore the Dolphins in all formats for Week 17. The Patriots could have their way in the finale.
News: The Dolphins DST let down their owners in a big way in Week 16 as they allowed the Lions to score 34 points on just 275 yards of offense. Seven of the points did come on an interception return, but Miami only sacked QB Shaun Hill twice and didn't force a turnover.
Analysis: The Miami DST has now been a mess in two straight weeks against two of the weakest teams in the league. Sure, they have no motivation to do well, but finishing 1-7 at home is embarrassing, and the defense didn't help the cause in these final two contests at Dolphins Stadium. The Dolphins might face a Patriots team in Week 17 that benches some starters, but this Miami DST could certainly struggle to cover the New England backups, so only use him as a desperation Fantasy option in deeper leagues.
News: The Dolphins DST, which failed to deliver with a good matchup in Week 15 against the Bills, will try to redeem itself in Week 16 when Detroit comes to town. The Lions rank in the middle of the pack offensively this season, and will likely have QB Shaun Hill back from injury.
Analysis: Miami has shined on the defensive side of things as the 2010 season has progressed, but they might be without key LB Karlos Dansby, who is listed as doubtful with a toe injury. While they might struggle to contain WR Calvin Johnson on Sunday, the rest of the Lions offense isn't particularly fearsome, so feel free to use the Miami DST as a low-end sleeper option in deeper leagues for Week 16.
News: The Dolphins DST was expected to shut down the Bills in Week 15, but Buffalo put up 17 points and 282 yards. Miami did manage to pick off QB Ryan Fitzpatrick once and sack him twice.
Analysis: While Buffalo's points and yardage totals weren't anything to write home about on Sunday, Miami's defense had been playing solid football lately and bailing out their pathetic offense. They will get a good chance to redeem themselves in Week 16 against the Lions, but the Dolphins just don't make many plays on the ball, so they remain more of a low-end option in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: The Dolphins DST, which has averaged 13.6 Fantasy points over the last five weeks, will try to keep their solid play going in Week 15 against the offensively-challenged Bills. In their Week 1 meeting, Miami held Buffalo to to 10 points and just 166 yards, and the Bills had only 75 yards going into the fourth quarter.
Analysis: OK, so the Miami DST hasn't exactly faced any offensive juggernauts since mid-November, but that's not their fault, and those Fantasy owners who looked ahead in the schedule and saw Miami's favorable matchups down the stretch have been richly rewarded. Consider the Dolphins DST a nice sleeper option in deeper formats for Week 15.
News: The New York Jets had 303 total yards of offense in Week 14 against Miami, but would not score a touchdown for a second straight game. Miami wouldn't do much better offensively, but the defense stepped up in the 10-6 victory. They intercepted Jets QB Mark Sanchez once, but had multiple other chances to pick off Sanchez. The Dolphins would recover one fumble, but it would come at a great time. Kendall Langford sacked Sanchez and forced the ball out, and Quentin Moses recovered at the Jets 26. That play would set up the only touchdown of the game. The Dolphins had six sacks, including two by NFL leader Cameron Wake, who has 14.
Analysis: Miami hosts Buffalo in Week 15, a team that has had some good offensive games and some really bad ones. It's unsure which team will show up on Sunday, but the Dolphins defense is playing well right now. With Wake leading the way, Fantasy owners should view them as a decent option for Week 15.
News: Miami’s defense, ranked fourth overall, hasn’t allowed more than 17 points in a game the last four weeks. And both times they allowed 17 points the Dolphins still won comfortably -- 29-17 over Tennessee and 33-17 over Oakland. The Dolphins are getting help this year from everyone on the defensive side of the ball this year. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan points to LB Koa Misi and DL Paul Soliai as two of the success stories this season. Misi has been doing a lot of “little things” that might not show up in stats, and Soliai has showed remarkable speed and athleticism. Miami failed to record a turnover in Week 13, but aren't allowing many points or yards -- even when they lose. The Jets beat the Dolphins, 31-23 in the first meeting this year. Mark Sanchez threw for 256 yards and three touchdowns in that outing -- two going to TE Dustin Keller.
Analysis: Miami got burned by Cleveland TE Ben Watson last week, so the defensive unit will have to stay close to Keller on Sunday. The Dolphins have won their last two road meetings against the Jets and New York is coming off an embarrassing loss to the Patriots on Monday. Miami will have to deal with Santonio Holmes as well in Week 14 -- something they didn't have to deal with in the team's first meeting this season. The Dolphins are allowing 99.6 rushing and 201.2 passing yards per contest this year. Fantasy owners should view the Dolphins DST as a No. 2 option for Week 14.
News: The Dolphins DST held the Browns to 13 points and 252 yards in a Week 13 loss, but failed to record a single turnover. They did manage to record a pair of sacks, at least.
Analysis: The Miami DST unit was missing Channing Crowder and got embarrassed by Browns TE Ben Watson on Sunday, who got 10 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. They did manage to stop RB Peyton Hillis, but the end result was a loss, and that's all that really matters. In Week 14, Miami plays at the Jets, and this DST unit should probably not be used in anything but deeper formats for that matchup.
News: The Dolphins DST will try to maintain it's steady solid play of late when Cleveland comes to town in Week 13. The unit has put up 14, 11 and 13 Fantasy points in their last three games after being held to single digits in their previous three contests. However, DB Al Harris and LB Channing Crowder are doubtful for Sunday's game.
Analysis: The Browns will start Jake Delhomme on Sunday and might be without the full services of Josh Cribbs, who is still dealing with a toe injury. Of course, Peyton Hillis will be the real target for the Dolphins, as if they can stop him, they should have a chance to pick up a seventh victory on the season. Consider the Dolphins a nice top-10 sleeper Fantasy unit for Week 13 and just hope they can continue their improved play of late.
News: The Dolphins' defense was able to shut down the Raiders in Week 12. Miami held Oakland to 17 points on 263 yards of total offense and completely took away the Raiders' ability to run the ball. The unit held Oakland to just 12 yards rushing and held Oakland to just 11 first downs. Despite only recording one sack the Dolphins' were able to put constant pressure on Bruce Gradkowski all game long and recorded three turnovers in the 33-17. Two of those came on interceptions deep in Dolphins' territory and the unit also forced Marcel Reece fumble in the second quarter.
Analysis: The Dolphins defense played well on Sunday, however, it is important to note the unit was helped out the offense, which held the ball for almost 42 minutes. Still, the unit was flying all over the field and produced a nice bounce-back effort after struggling in the prevoius games against the Bears. The Dolphins will now welcome in the suddenly improved Browns in Week 13. Cleveland has been putting up some points of late, so Miami might have their hands full next week. Consider the Dolphins a low-end Fantasy DST heading into that matchup.
News: The Dolphins defense will be looking for a bounce-back performance in Week 12 against the Raiders. Miami's defense surrendered 16 points on 268 yards of total offense against the Bears in Week 11 but allowed Chicago to convert on 10 of 18 third-down attempts. The Raiders enter Sunday's matchup ranked 18th in total offense and are averaging 23.8 points per game.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST is ranked 21st in in terms of Fantasy points and have racked up 26 sacks and forced 12 turnovers on the season. The unit has been decent defending the pass this season, but has struggled at times to stop the run. We expect the Raiders to try and establish the run early and often against Miami on Sunday, so consider the Dolphins a low-end No. 2 Fantasy DST heading into Week 12.
News: The Dolphins defense was not perfect in the Week 11 loss to the Bears, but the Miami offense did not help their cause on Thursday night. The Dolphins offense converted just 1 of 11 third-down opportunities and the defense allowed the Bears to convert on 10 of 18 attempts. That tilted the time of possession heavily in Chicago's favor, allowing them to hold the ball for nearly 38 minutes and run 20 more plays than Miami. All that considered -- the Dolphins defense held their own -- holding the Bears to 268 yards and 16 points. They sacked QB Jay Cutler three times and DB Benny Sapp intercepted him in the third quarter.
Analysis: The Thursday night contest was a defensive struggle, and both offenses failed to do much damage. Miami did find a way to limit Devin Hester's return yardage, although penalties limited him just as much. The Bears figured it out to the point where they were in the red zone a couple of times, but the Dolphins defense held. The lone TD of the game came on a Matt Forte run from 2 yards out. He was the main cog for Chicago as he totaled 104 of the team's 268 yards. In Week 12, the Dolphins will have to deal with another prominent RB, Oakland's Darren McFadden. The Raiders have a top-10 scoring offense and a top-15 total offense. We expect the Dolphins DST to b a No. 2 Fantasy option heading into the matchup.
News: Coming off of one of their best all-around efforts of the season, the Dolphins defense looks to build on it against the Bears in Week 11. Chicago's offense ranks just 29th in the NFL, and remain one of four teams to average less than 300 yards per game. They score 19. 4 points per contest, so the Dolphins seem to have a good matchup, until special teams are considered. Coach Tony Sporano has not yet determined whether or not they will kick to one of the NFL's best KR/PRs, Devin Hester. “We’re going to take a long look at it…from our standpoint we have to be smart about our approach,” Sporano said. The Dolphins cover kicks better than only two teams in the league this year.
Analysis: Miami's defense now ranks eighth overall in the NFL, 16th against the run and sixth against the pass. Last season Miami ended 20th in total defense, 18th against the run and 24th against the pass. They face Chicago's offense led by QB Jay Cutler, who has had his fair share of turnover issues over the last two seasons. Still, Mike Martz runs an offense that can can strike at any moment and Chicago's weapons in the backfield and outside don't reflect their 29th overall ranking. Consider the Dolphins DST to be a low-end No. 1 Fantasy unit on Thursday night.
News: The Dolphins DST had one of their better performances of the season in a Week 10 win over the Titans. Miami held Tennessee to 17 points and 259 yards while claiming one interception, two fumble recoveries and a pair of sacks.
Analysis: This was clearly one of Miami's best performances of the season, and it looks like they caught the Titans at a good time. Tennessee were a little rusty coming off their bye, Kerry Collins couldn't throw the ball properly and Randy Moss was a non-factor at Sun Life Stadium for the second time this season. In Week 11, the Dolphins will have a short week to prepare for the Bears, and Fantasy owners should probably continue to avoid the Miami DST until they show some more consistency.
News: In Week 10, the Dolphins DST will take on a rested Titans team that has added WR Randy Moss since they last played in Week 8. Miami ranks as the ninth-worst Fantasy unit in standard scoring leagues through nine weeks.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST will have their work cut out for them on Sunday worrying about both Moss and elite RB Chris Johnson, and coming off a loss to the Ravens in which they gave up 26 points and 409 yards, this Miami unit is not a recommended Fantasy option for Week 10. Their schedule does get a little easier down the stretch, however, so don't dump them in deeper leagues just yet.
News: The Dolphins DST allowed 26 points and 409 yards to the Ravens in a Week 9 loss. They did manage to sack QB Joe Flacco four times, but didn't force a single turnover.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST has done very little Fantasy-wise this season, and Ray Rice showed on Sunday that the unit isn't anything special in the real world either. Things won't get any easier in Week 10 when Chris Johnson, Randy Moss and the Titans come to town, so don't start this unit in anything but the deepest of two-DST leagues.
News: The Dolphins DST might be a solid unit in real life, but on the Fantasy side of things, Miami's points total has been on the decline in each of the last three weeks. They have just five interceptions on the year, the third-worst total in the NFL. Miami visits Baltimore in Week 9, and will be without key DB Yeremiah Bell (toe).
Analysis: The Dolphins were getting QB pressure from Cameron Wake earlier this season, but the Bengals held Miami without a sack in Week 8, and teams might now start figuring out how to neutralize Wake. With Ray Rice and Anquan Boldin, the Ravens will provide a stern test for the Dolphins in Week 9, and their DST should only be used in the deepest of formats as a bye-week replacement.
News: The Dolphins DST held the Bengals to 16 points and 262 yards in a Week 8 victory, but only produced one turnover and failed to make a sack.
Analysis: This game was pretty much a microcosm of how the Dolphins DST operates. They bend but don't break and just can't seem to produce turnovers on a consistent basis. Plenty of DBs had chances to grab balls in this game, but they just couldn't bring them in except for Shaun Smith. In Week 9, the unit will try to get off their five interceptions on the season when they visit Baltimore. They will not be much of a Fantasy option for that matchup, so leave them for deeper leagues as a bye-week replacement at best.
News: The Dolphins DST heads into Week 8 at Cincinnati with just four interceptions on the season, which ties them for the third-worst mark in the NFL. Luckily, they'll be facing a guy in Carson Palmer on Sunday who has thrown six interceptions in six games.
Analysis: If you take away the special teams disaster against the Patriots, Miami's defense would rank in the top 10 in points allowed this season. Unfortunately, their lack of turnovers has left their Fantasy DST unit ranked 18th in standard leagues so far. Continue to view them as just a bye-week replacement option or No. 2 unit in deeper two-DST leagues.
News: The Dolphins DST didn't disgrace itself in Week 7 against the Steelers, holding them to 23 points and 348 yards in a loss. Miami forced three fumbles, recovering one, and sacked Ben Roethlisberger three times.
Analysis: The Dolphins defense is a solid unit overall, but they don't force a whole ton of turnovers or turn them into points. They have just four interceptions on the season, although they might have a good chance to add to that total in Week 8 against the Bengals. This unit will be just a bye-week replacement option in deeper leagues for that matchup though, as Cincy can put up points quickly.
News: The Dolphins DST sits in the bottom half of the rankings in standard Fantasy leagues this season, and will have its hands full again in Week 7 against a Steelers team that has QB Ben Roethlisberger back under center and ranks 10th in total points.
Analysis: The Steelers don't put up a ton of yards (they rank 28th), but they know how to put the ball into the end zone when they get the chance. Miami has Channing Crowder back healthy and held the Packers mostly in check last weekend, but they still look suspect at times, especially on the special teams side of things, and their secondary allows big plays on occasion. Avoid this unit in Week 7 if you can.
News: The Dolphins DST allowed 20 points and 359 yards to the Packers in a Week 6 win, forcing just one turnover, but they did manage to sack Aaron Rodgers five times.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST has helped keep Miami in games this season, but they haven't really racked up a whole ton of Fantasy points. Coming into Week 6, they ranked in the lower half of DSTs in standard scoring leagues, and while their five sacks might have helped them move up the rankings a bit, they will likely remain just a bye-week replacement option in Week 7 against the Steelers.
News: The Dolphins visit Lambeau Field in Week 6 to take on the Packers, and their owners will be hoping that Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers (concussion) isn't healthy enough to play. Miami does rank fourth against the pass this season though and just 21st against the run.
Analysis: As a DST unit this season, the Dolphins rank in the bottom 10 of standard scoring leagues, but that stat is a little skewed as their special teams gave up a ton of points in their last game, not the actual defense, which ranks seventh overall in total yards allowed. While Miami are only worth a look in deeper formats for Week 6, they will face a Green Bay team that is missing a key component in Jermichael Finley, so could be a nice sleeper option.
News: The Dolphins DST allowed 41 points on 265 yards of total offense to the Patriots in Week 4. The unit held Tom Brady to just 153 yards passing and shutout Randy Moss in the loss, but was let down by their special teams. The Patriots scored on a blocked field goal, returned an interception for a touchdown and returned a kickoff for a score. The Dolphins defense recorded three sacks, but were unable to turn the Patriots over in the 41-14 loss.
Analysis: At first glance it looks like the Patriots shredded the Dolphins' defense, but when you take a closer look at it, the unit really didn't play that poorly. New England took advantage of several miscues by the Dolphins on special teams and really struggled to get their passing game going. The only red flag for Miami's defense was their run defense. The unit allowed over 100 yards rushing and did not force a turnover. The Dolphins have a bye in Week 5 before heading up to Green Bay to take on the Packers in Week 6. Green Bay has a ton of weapons on the offensive side of the ball, so Fantasy owners may want to look for a better matchup in Week 6.
News: If the Dolphins have any hopes of knocking off the Patriots in Week 4, then it will need a better effort from their defense than they showed in two games against the Patriots in 2009. The Dolphins did split the series with New England in '09, but the Patriots racked up 48 points and 880 yards on offense. The Patriots have the league's best scoring offense (30.0 ypg) and seventh best total offense (370.7 ypg) in the NFL this season.
Analysis: Miami is 12th in total defense (310.7 ypg) and 10th in scoring defense (17.0 ppg), so it clearly has the defensive personnel to stay with the Patriots. In fact, Miami has allowed just 20 points in two road games this season, but the opponents were Buffalo and Minnesota -- two teams with a combined one win. The Jets dropped 31 points on Miami in Week 3, so New England could have similar success moving the football. The Dolphins DST is a tough Fantasy start for Week 4.
News: The Dolphins, who allowed a combined 20 points in their first two games and recorded three sacks and three interceptions against Brett Favre and the Vikings just last week, couldn't get anything going defensively against Mark Sanchez and the visiting Jets in Week 3. They allowed 31 points on 402 yards and had no sacks or turnovers. They did block a 61-yard field goal at the end of the first half, though.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST was looking like a breakthrough Fantasy unit for 2010, but then it got blown out by the Jets, a team not known for its offensive prowess. Granted, Sanchez has shown major improvement over the last couple weeks, suggesting a possible identity shift for the Jets, but still, you had to expect the Dolphins to do more against him than they did. If they couldn't handle him, then what do you think will happen against Tom Brady and the Patriots in Week 4? Avoid the Dolphins DST until it has a more favorable matchup.
News: The Dolphins, who have allowed a total of 20 points -- tied with Pittsburgh for the NFL low -- after pulling off a 14-10 upset at Minnesota in Week 2, are facing an offense on the rise Week 3 against the Jets. A woeful offensive showing marred New York's season opener, a 10-9 home loss to Baltimore on Sept. 13, but quarterback Mark Sanchez played much better during a 28-14 win over the Patriots last Sunday, finishing with 220 passing yards and three touchdowns without an interception. He fared well in his two games against the Dolphins last year, averaging 218.5 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Still, he has yet to throw multiple touchdown passes in back-to-back games in his career.
Analysis: If you've been relying on the Dolphins DST in Fantasy this year, this shouldn't be the kind of matchup that intimidates you. As good as Sanchez was last week, he's no Brett Favre, who the the Dolphins sacked three times and intercepted three times last week. They've allowed the third-fewest points to quarterbacks this season and the fifth-fewest total yards. The Dolphins DST is a unit on the rise and can be trusted as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option even in this tough test against a division opponent.
News: Though the Dolphins defense struggled to contain RB Adrian Peterson (186 total yards including 145 rushing, with a touchdown), they were excellent in breaking up Brett Favre. In their 14-10 win at Minnesota, the defense picked off Favre three times and also forced a fumble in the end zone and recovered it, good for a touchdown. Favre only threw for 225 yards, but two of his three interceptions were simply bad passes by him that the Dolphins easily picked off. The Dolphins also had three sacks of Favre.
Analysis: A tremendous showing by the Dolphins defense, and this was the second week in a row where they allowed just 10 points. In Week 3, the Jets come to South Florida for a visit -- though the Dolphins run defense looked rough here, they should do better against the Jets' combo of Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson. Furthermore, they should pick off a couple of passes by Mark Sanchez. Don't look now, but the Dolphins DST should be checked out if you're looking for a DST in Week 3.
News: At one time, Brett Favre throwing against Vontae Davis would have been a laughable mismatch. "I was probably a baby in diapers when he was first in the league," Davis said. It's true: Davis was 3 when Favre made his NFL debut in 1991. Now, Davis is a second-year cornerback for the Miami Dolphins and part of a revamped secondary bracing to face Favre and the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. The pass defense was solid in a season-opening 15-10 win at Buffalo. Miami allowed only 116 yards through the air and had three sacks. But that was against Trent Edwards, who has 25 career touchdown passes. Favre has an NFL record 498. Favre also has started 286 games, compared with 70 for Miami's four starting defensive backs combined. "It's a test for us," Davis said. "We get to see where we're at when we go against Brett Favre."
Analysis: The Dolphins secondary needed a shake-up after allowing 14 touchdown passes of 20 yards or more last year, second-most in the NFL. Early returns on the changes are favorable, with Miami 1-0 for the first time since 2005. Minnesota is 0-1, and Favre is eager to get the offense in gear after throwing for only 171 yards in a 14-9 loss at New Orleans. The biggest knock on the Dolphins' defense is that the unit came up with no turnovers in the opener. That was a problem last year, when Miami's 21 takeaways were the fifth-fewest in the league. Favre threw only seven interceptions in 531 passes last season, and it will be tough to wrest the ball from him. Still, the Dolphins look forward to the challenge. Consider the Dolphins DST more of a No. 2 Fantasy option for Week 2. We need to see a little more consistency than just a one-week sample.
News: The Dolphins DST held the Bills to 10 points and just 166 yards in a Week 1 win at Buffalo. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Bills had just 75 yards of offense. Miami failed to record a turnover but did record three sacks and were credited with a safety when Buffalo purposely took a safety late in the game.
Analysis: This was a nice debut for new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, but Miami's Fantasy owners would have loved a turnover or two to help their cause. In Week 2, Miami will head to Minnesota, which is a slightly difficult matchup, even if the Vikings didn't do much in their first game. The Dolphins DST remains a viable option in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: The man who knows the Miami Dolphins' defense best says he's unsure what he'll see in the season opener. Under new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, the Dolphins will unveil a revamped lineup and more aggressive scheme Sunday at Buffalo. Miami may have new starters at nine positions, with end Kendall Langford and strong safety Yeremiah Bell the only certain holdovers from last year. All the changes have Nolan wondering how good his unit will be. "I really don't know," he said Thursday. "The important thing is that wherever we start, we keep getting better. That's what good defenses do."
Analysis: Miami's defense regressed last year, which prompted the shakeup. The Dolphins gave up 349 yards per game, their worst average since 1989, and collapsed in the final three games. Defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni was replaced by Nolan, who has been a coordinator for five other NFL teams, including Denver last year. The Dolphins parted with thirtysomethings Joey Porter, Jason Taylor and Jason Ferguson, and devoted seven of the team's eight draft choices to defense, including top picks Jared Odrick and Koa Misi. The Miami defense might be undergoing a lot of change, but the Dolphins DST could be a sleeper option in Week 1 since they will be facing an offense that ranked 30th in yards gained last season.
News: The Dolphins DST was, on average, the 16th unit taken in Fantasy drafts this preseason. However, they might be worth a look in Week 1 with what should be a solid matchup against the Bills, a unit that ranked 30th in yards gained last season.
Analysis: OK, so the Bills could be a little better this season with rookie C.J. Spiller getting some touches, but they lost Terrell Owens and their No. 2 wide receiver now is Steve Johnson, who has just 12 catches over his first two NFL seasons since coming out of Kentucky. Also, their QB situation is still a mess, so if you drafted Miami in a deeper league with the intention of playing the matchups, then this looks like one of the weeks you should give the Dolphins a shot.
News: Former first-round pick Jason Allen has won a starting job at CB for the Dolphins, replacing second-year pro Sean Smith. Coach Tony Sparano confirmed the surprising shake-up Monday as his team began its final week of preparation for Sunday's opener at Buffalo. Since being taken with the 16th pick in the 2006 draft, Allen has been shuffled between cornerback and safety and consigned mostly to a role on special teams. He started only one game last year and two in 2008. Smith, a second-round pick last season, started all 16 games as a rookie but made no interceptions. Sparano said the lineup change had more to do with Allen playing well than with Smith struggling.
Analysis: The move of inserting the veteran Allen over the second-year Smith should provide more stability to the Dolphins secondary, which struggled in 2009, allowing 23 passing touchdowns and only 14 interceptions. Look for the Dolphins DST to improve as a whole under new coordinator Mike Nolan. The unit should be considered a high-end No. 2 Fantasy option for 2010, and they are worth using in all leagues in Week 1 against the Bills.
News: Miami is using a new 3-4 defensive scheme this year, and Randy Starks is switching from defensive end to nose tackle to complete the package. Coach Tony Sparano said he sees good things from Starks since the move. “I’ve seen in the last two weeks Randy be more comfortable in there and more disruptive," Sparano said. With Starks tying up offensive linemen, he will free up linebackers Channing Crowder and Karlos Dansby to make more tackles. “He’s really going to set the table for a lot of other people," Sparano said.
Analysis: Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and Sparano are excited about this new scheme and so are the players. With Starks switching positions and doing what the team needs, this is a good sign that they are all buying into this system. With them planning to blitz more, Crowder and Dansby could have a field day. We view the Dolphins DST as a high-end No. 2 option to open the season. They could be a nice bye-week addition if things pan out in Miami.
News: Dolphins coach Tony Sparano had positive things to say about defensive coordinator Mike Nolan’s hybrid 3-4 system. “Mike really talks about an offensive approach to defense," Sparano said. "In other words, trying to go out and be more aggressive in style and in the nature of play.” Channing Crowder also had glowing reviews about the new defensive scheme. “It goes back to more of a hybrid 3-4, not just the sit-down, stacked 3-4 we’ve played the last couple of years,” he said, adding there will be more blitzing.
Analysis: Any time there is more blitzing, then the potential in Fantasy also rises. Nolan might have failed as a head coach in San Francisco, but the man knows how to coach defense. Remember, he helped Denver go from the 29th ranked defense in 2008 to the seventh in 2009. Aside from bringing in his new scheme, the Dolphins also added one of the top linebackers in the NFL this offseason -- Karlos Dansby. The Dolphins DST is more of a high-end No. 2 option to open the season, but if all goes according to plan, they could move up to being a reliable No. 1 option by season's end.
News: The Dolphins spent plenty of draft picks on defense this season, adding DL Jared Odrick in the first round and then loading up on linebackers. They took Koa Misi in Round 2, A.J. Edds in Round 4, Chris McCoy in Round 7 and Austin Spitler in Round 7. The Dolphins also acquired LB Tim Dobbins in a trade from San Diego. Along with that, the Dolphins drafted CB Nolan Carroll in Round 5 and safety Reshad Jones in Round 5.
Analysis: The Dolphins only spent one of eight draft picks on defense, which showed that's the area they wanted to improve. The Dolphins DST added Karlos Dansby this offseason but lost plenty of pass-rushing in Jason Taylor (Jets) and Joey Porter (Arizona). Still, their biggest acquisition could be defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. Consider the Dolphins DST a sleeper coming into the season and a low-end starting option in deeper leagues.
News: The Dolphins selected Penn State DL Jared Odrick in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday. The 6-foot-5, 304-pound Odrick was selected with the 28th pick. It came after the Dolphins moved down 16 spots in the first round to acquire a second-round choice and reserve LB Tim Dobbins from the San Diego Chargers. Playing tackle in Penn State's 4-3 scheme, Odrick was the Big Ten defensive player of the year in 2009. He had 43 tackles and seven sacks, and Joe Paterno said Odrick was as good as any defensive tackle he had coached. Odrick said he can line up at either end or tackle in the Dolphins' 3-4 defense. The Dolphins are deeper at end than at tackle, where starter Jason Ferguson is 35 and will miss the first eight games of the season because of a suspension. GM Jeff Ireland was noncommittal about where the Dolphins expect Odrick to line up. "We think he can play both inside at outside," Ireland said. "This guy has a tremendous motor. He's a good inside pass rusher. He's very powerful, he's productive, he's explosive and he's versatile."
Analysis: Regardless of where Odrick plays, he should bolster a Dolphins defense in need of an upgrade. It's the first time since 1996 they used a first-round pick on the front seven. The Dolphins DST added Karlos Dansby this offseason but lost plenty of pass-rushing in Jason Taylor (Jets) and Joey Porter (Arizona). Still, their biggest acquisition could be defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. Consider the Dolphins DST a sleeper coming into the season and a low-end starting option in deeper leagues.
News: Nose tackle Jason Ferguson has been re-signed by the Miami Dolphins, even though he faces a suspension for the first eight games of this season. The Dolphins announced the signing Tuesday in a news release that made no reference to Ferguson's suspension last week for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. At 35, Ferguson improves the Dolphins' roster depth, but they remain in the market for a starter at the position. Ferguson was sidelined by a season-ending quadriceps injury in November that required surgery and has contemplated retirement.
Analysis: The Dolphins might have landed him at a cheap price and will appreciate his health come Week 9 or 10 this season. His return along with the addition of LB Karlos Dansby and their improving secondary (assuming they properly replace Gibril Wilson, who they released) makes the Dolphins DST a sleeper unit for the upcoming year. Don't aim for them in the draft unless you're in a deep league, but keep them in mind if you need an improved DST or one-week replacement off waivers during the season.
News: LB Karlos Dansby has agreed to a $43 million, five-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. The signing fills a huge need, coming on the day Miami terminated the contracts of linebackers Joey Porter and Akin Ayodele. Dansby, a starter since his rookie season in 2004 with for the Cardinals, has recorded 25 1/2 career sacks, 10 interceptions, 12 fumbles forced and nine fumbles recovered.
Analysis: Dansby should help more against the run than the pass but ultimately be a factor in both. This helps the Dolphins DST quite a bit, but some issues related to their D-line and safeties need to be resolved before we consider them a No. 1 Fantasy DST.
News: Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's stay on the NFL job market was brief. The Miami Dolphins hired Nolan on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the announcement he was leaving the Denver Broncos after one season. Nolan replaces Paul Pasqualoni, fired after the Miami defense backslid in his second season. The Dolphins also announced the hiring of former Giants assistant coach Bill Sheridan as inside linebackers coach. Miami coach Tony Sparano favors a 3-4 defense, and Nolan converted the Broncos last year to that scheme. Denver improved to seventh in the NFL in defense from 29th in 2008, but the team faded badly and missed the postseason for a fourth consecutive year.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST gets a boost with this news and remains a sleeper unit heading into 2010. You might find yourself drafting them late in drafts this summer.
News: Dolphins coach Tony Sparano decided the defensive upgrades needed this offseason include a new coordinator. On Monday the team announced the firing of defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, whose unit backslid in the second year of the Bill Parcells regime. Miami ranked 22nd in yards allowed after finishing 15th a year earlier. One problem was big plays - the Dolphins gave up 14 scoring passes of 20 yards or more, second-highest in the NFL.
Analysis: The Dolphins are expected to keep their 3-4 scheme in tact, so don't expect more than a slight philosophical shift from the new defensive coordinator. They remain a sleeper DST headed into 2010.
News: The Dolphins DST gave up 30 points and 403 yards to the Steelers in a Week 17 loss. Miami did manage to make one interception, recover one fumble and tally three sacks.
Analysis: The Dolphins defense has plenty of question marks heading into 2010, but they have some young talented defensive backs who should continue to improve. Still, the unit will only be worth drafting in deeper leagues this summer.
News: The Dolphins DST got abused in the first half of Miami's Week 16 loss to Houston but improved in the second 30 minutes. They ended up allowing 27 points and 406 yards, but all of those points and 306 of those yards came before halftime. The Dolphins made one interception and one sack.
Analysis: The Dolphins secondary was a complete mess in the first half on Sunday, but they made some adjustments and ended up shutting out Houston in the second half. In Week 17, Miami hosts Pittsburgh, and you should probably avoid the Dolphins DST against a desperate Steelers team.
News: The Dolphins DST gave up 27 points and 364 yards to the Titans in a Week 15 loss. Miami recovered a fumble, picked off Vince Young and made two sacks.
Analysis: Miami stopped Chris Johnson from finding the end zone on Sunday, but they allowed Young to throw a hat trick of scores. Life won't get much easier in Week 16 when they have to try and stop Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson of the Texans, so continue to only use Miami in deeper leagues.
News: The Dolphins DST did their job in a Week 14 win over Jacksonville, holding the Jaguars to 10 points and 217 yards in a 14-10 win. Miami recorded three sacks, but didn't force a turnover.
Analysis: While turnovers are always nice to get, holding your opponent to that few points and yards is not easy. In Week 15, things will get tougher for the Dolphins when they visit Tennessee and try to stop Chris Johnson. Only use the Miami unit in deeper formats.
News: Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter has returned to practice after missing two days of drills with a sore right knee. He was listed as probable for Sunday's game at Jacksonville, as was linebacker Jason Taylor, who practiced after dealing with a shoulder injury. Furthermore, the Dolphins are not expected to see Jaguars receiving threat Mike Sims-Walker in Week 14 as he deals with a calf injury. That will make the defensive backfield breathe a sigh of relief.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST is a nice option this week in Fantasy play. If you own them or if you're looking for a waiver-wire option and they're out there, grab them.
News: Linebackers Jason Taylor and Joey Porter sat out practice with injuries Wednesday as the Miami Dolphins began preparations for their game at Jacksonville on Sunday. Taylor hurt his right shoulder during Sunday's win over New England but returned to the game. Porter has been slowed by a right knee and hamstring injury most of the season and has frequently missed practice. Coach Tony Sparano said their absence from practice was precautionary. "We're watching them," Sparano said. "We'll see how they do."
Analysis: The Dolphins DST should be all right as a low-end option for Week 14 when they take on the Jaguars. If you're desperate for help at DST, you could do worse than Miami.
News: The Dolphins DST didn't do much statistically in a Week 13 win over the Patriots, allowing 21 points and 448 yards, but they picked off Tom Brady twice -- one in the final minute of the game and the other in the end zone.
Analysis: The Dolphins are good against the run, but their passing defense leaves a lot to be desired. They tend to bend instead of break, and don't force a whole lot of turnovers. Only use them in deeper leagues for Week 14 at Jacksonville if your main defense has a tough matchup.
News: The Dolphins DST allowed 31 points and 336 yards to the Bills in a Week 12 loss, but did manage to tally six sacks and an interception.
Analysis: Miami had a frustrating game on Sunday, and their DST owners will be a little puzzled at their output. Things won't get any easier in Week 13 when they host the Patriots, a matchup that should force the Dolphins DST to most benches.
News: Dolphins nose tackle Jason Ferguson is out for the season with a quadriceps injury. Dolphins coach Tony Sparano on Monday confirmed the decision to place Ferguson on injured reserve and said he wasn't sure if Ferguson would need surgery. Ferguson, who turns 35 on Saturday, has been in on 23 tackles in nine games this season.
Analysis: The Dolphins' run defense will sorely miss Ferguson, as will their pass rush since he helps in both those areas. But with the Dolphins playing the Bills in Week 12, the DST isn't a bad option since they typically have a hard time scoring. Consider them as an option if they're available to you.
News: One week after he was benched by head coach Tony Sparano, Miami LB Joey Porter turned in his best performance of the season to lead a solid Miami defensive charge in a 24-17 win. Porter finished the game with eight tackles and two sacks. The Dolphins defense was able to sack QB Jake Delhomme four times in the game and Nate Jones intercepted one of his passes. Delhomme finished the game completing 19 of his 42 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown. The Dolphins rushing defense wasn't as good, allowing 182 yards on 27 attempts. DeAngelo Williams was responsible for 122 of those yards.
Analysis: The Dolphins defense had one of its better performances of the season in Week 11 against Carolina as it tied for the team's second-lowest points against total on the year. The Dolphins have a great matchup in Week 12 as they take on a struggling Bills offense on the road. Think of the Dolphins DST as a nice sleeper for that game based on the matchup. In Week 4, the Dolphins defense limited the Bills to only 10 points.
News: The Dolphins DST allowed 23 points and 302 yards to the Buccaneers in a Week 10 victory. Miami recovered two fumbles, recovered one interception and made three sacks.
Analysis: We expected a little more out of the Dolphins in Week 10, but they aren't really a No. 1 unit, so consistency is always going to be an issue. In Week 11, Miami visits Carolina, and you should think of Miami as a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 option for that matchup.
News: The Dolphins DST welcomed back LB Joey Porter to practice on Friday as he worked in full. He's listed as probable for Week 10 vs. Tampa Bay. Furthermore, LB Channing Crowder and DT Jason Ferguson are not on the injury report and is expected to play.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST is a very good option in Week 10 against the Buccaneers. If you can get them off waivers or have them on your roster, start them.
News: Linebacker Joey Porter and defensive end Phillip Merling worked out on stationary bikes as the team practiced Wednesday ahead of Sunday's home game against the Buccaneers. Porter has been nursing a sore right hamstring for much of the season. The Dolphins haven't disclosed Merling's injury. On the bright side, linebacker Channing Crowder (left shoulder) and nose tackle Jason Ferguson (elbow) were back at practice after missing last week's loss at New England.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST isn't a bad option for Week 10 against the Buccaneers and rookie QB Josh Freeman. Getting NT Jason Ferguson back will go a long way in helping them get strong. If you're playing waiver-wire roulette with DSTs, the Dolphins will do the trick for a couple of turnovers and sacks.
News: The Dolphins DST gave up 27 points and 432 yards in a Week 9 loss to the Patriots. They did make one interception and tallied two sacks.
Analysis: The injury-plagued Dolphins secondary and front five were exposed a little on Sunday by the Patriots, and Miami couldn't force more than one turnover to help make up for their high points and yards allowed. Things should get better in Week 10 however, as Miami hosts the Buccaneers. Use the Dolphins DST as a bye-week replacement in deeper leagues if your DST is off.
News: Dolphins LB Channing Crowder and DT Jason Ferguson are both listed as doubtful for Week 9 at New England after being limited in practice all week. Crowder's shoulder has given him trouble while Ferguson's elbow is banged up.
Analysis: Between these injuries and their matchup with the Patriots, it's probably a good idea to pass on using the Dolphins DST in Week 9. Consider other options.
News: Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder returned to practice but was limited Wednesday after missing one game with a shoulder injury. Nose tackle Jason Ferguson (elbow) was also limited in preparation for the Dolphins' game Sunday at New England.
Analysis: Both are key figures to the Dolphins' run defense, so if they miss their Week 9 game at the Patriots, the unit will struggle mightily. They're already going to have their hands full with the New England offense coming off a bye -- consider other options (Seahawks, Falcons, Jaguars DSTs) before rolling with the Fins in their matchup.
News: The Dolphins DST had a stellar outing in Week 8 against the Jets. While they allowed 378 yards and 25 points to New York, they also got two kickoff returns from WR Ted Ginn, a fumble return for a touchdown from DE Jason Taylor and two sacks.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST was more of a bye-week replacement option than anything in Week 8, but they came through with a No. 1-type performance against the Jets. In Week 9, Miami will visit New England, who have burned them in the past. Continue to avoid them if you can, although they'll certainly attract some attention after this outing.
News: The Miami DST was able to contain the Saints in the first half of the team's Week 7 game against the Saints but the second half was another story as the Saints scored 36 points in the final 30 minutes to earn a 46-34 win. The Dolphins did create four turnovers in the game however, with three interceptions of Drew Brees and one fumble recovery. Brees was also sacked five times in the game. Through the air, Brees torched the Dolphins defense for 298 yards and a TD. On the ground, Mike Bell led a rushing attack that racked up 138 yards on 27 carries. But above all, the Dolphins lost CB Will Allen for the season with a torn ACL. He'll be replaced by rookie CB Vontae Davis.
Analysis: Twelve of the points scored against Miami in the game came off of two pick-sixes. Hopefully you did not have Miami active against the high-octane Saints offense in Week 7 as Miami is not a high-end unit to begin with. The Dolphins DST is at best a low-end starting option going forward because their secondary will be tested without Allen back there. Their run defense will be tested as well by the Jets in Week 8 -- in New York -- so consider other options before going with them.
News: The Miami Dolphins came up with a huge victory over the New York Jets on Monday night in Week 5 to improve to 2-3 on the season. Chad Henne was impressive in his second game as a starter for the club as they won 31-27. The Dolphins DST limited the Jets' offense to 309 yards, although the two teams traded touchdowns in the 4th quarter and a total of five was scored between them. Miami only managed to sack QB Mark Sanchez once as Randy Starks put him on his back. Miami did not force a single turnover in the game.
Analysis: Despite the victory, Miami still gave up a decent amount of yards against a mediocre Jets' offense. They also only managed one sack and didn't force any turnovers. Their win certainly didn't do much for Fantasy owners. The team is on bye in Week 6 so we urge you to keep their DST benched or on waivers in all leagues. They return in Week 7 against the high-scoring Saints, which probably isn't the best matchup for them.
News: Even without one of their defensive leaders -- Joey Porter -- the Dolphins managed to harass QB Trent Edwards all day during a 38-10 win in Week 4. With Porter out because of a hamstring injury, Dolphins newcomer Cameron Wake picked up the pass-rushing slack and had his first three NFL sacks. The Dolphins totaled six sacks, while also picking off Edwards three times. Even rookie Vontae Davis returned his interception 23 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Buffalo managed just 206 yards (46 rushing) against Miami.
Analysis: It's about time the Dolphins defense woke up and had a breakout performance. They were one of the NFL's best defenses last season, but looked kind of lost in the first few weeks in 2009. Perhaps they can use this performance to get on a roll. They face a Jets team in Week 5 that was obliterated by the Saints in Week 4. Consider the Dolphins DST a sleeper Fantasy option Week 5.
News: Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills because of a sore hamstring, but says he'll play hurt if he can. Porter sat out practice for the third day in a row Friday and is the only player on the Dolphins' injury report. Whether he plays will be a game-time decision, coach Tony Sparano said. The Pro Bowl linebacker has missed six games in his 11-year career and was unable to finish last Sunday's game at San Diego when his right hamstring tightened. "In this situation, I'm just waiting," Porter said. "I look at myself as a competitive guy and warrior. If there's any way I can be on the field, I'm going to be on the field. If I can play 80 percent, or whatever the situation may be, hurt or whatever, I'll play. That's just how I go. I don't miss games that I can play in."
Analysis: We'll have the official word on Porter's status on Sunday. The Dolphins DST would take a hit without him chasing down Trent Edwards on Sunday. Consider other options before trusting the Dolphins defense in Week 4 if Porter is out.
News: Miami Dolphins LB Joey Porter sat out practice for the second day in a row Thursday because of a sore hamstring, and he could miss a game for only the seventh time in his 11-year career. Porter did light exercises on the side while the team practiced. Coach Tony Sparano said Porter's hamstring is improving, but it's uncertain whether he'll play Sunday against Buffalo. "He's going to want to play," Sparano said. "I always give him the benefit of the doubt." Porter was also bothered by the injury last week and unable to finish Sunday's game at San Diego, although he played well and had a sack. "We got a bunch of good plays out of Joey," Sparano said. "Joey is that way. He's never going to want to miss a game." Porter last missed a game in 2006. He would likely be replaced by Charlie Anderson, who has six career starts.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Porter and hope he can get out there against the Bills. Porter has struggled this season, but this is a good matchup for him against Buffalo. If he's able to play then consider Porter a No. 3 LB in IDP leagues. Anderson would have minimal Fantasy value even as a starter.
News: The Dolphins DST allowed 23 points and 355 yards to the Chargers in a Week 3 loss. Miami recovered one fumble and made a pair of sacks.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST has been a huge bust so far this season with LBs Joey Porter and Jason Taylor doing a whole of nothing. They do have a pretty favorable matchup in Week 4 vs. Buffalo though, so might be a bye-week replacement option in deeper leagues.
News: The Miami Dolphins' best defense on Monday night was its offense. The offense stayed on the field for long periods of time, which stopped the Colts from putting up big numbers as they couldn't get on the field. Indianapolis only spent 14:53 of the game on offense but still won 27-23 as they put up 356 yards. Miami did not force a single turnover in the game and only managed one sack of Peyton Manning as Joey Porter got to him once.
Analysis: Miami didn't force turnovers or get to the quarterback or limit the yards or points on Monday night. In all, you can say it was a disappointing performance for the DST. Miami has not forced a single turnover yet this season and only has three sacks to their credit. They'll have an equally tough time keeping the offense down in Week 3 as they head to San Diego to face the high-flying Chargers. We do not recommend using the Dolphins DST Week 3.
News: The Dolphins DST did manage to hold Atlanta to 19 points in a Week 1 loss to the Falcons, but they failed to create a single turnover and had just two sacks.
Analysis: As a squad, Miami didn't play poorly on Sunday, but they just didn't do very much Fantasy-wise. They will face a stiff test in Week 2 vs. Indianapolis, so you should probably look elsewhere for a DST.
News: Miami Dolphins defensive backs Sean Smith and Jason Allen were scratched from Saturday night's exhibition game against Carolina after coming down with flu-like symptoms and undergoing tests. The Dolphins said they did not yet have the test results, and declined to say whether the players were tested for swine flu. Smith's agent, David Canter, said his client was already feeling better and planning to take part in the team's next practice Monday. "I was with Sean no more than two hours ago," Canter said. "He seems better, and he's good to go." Smith was replaced at cornerback by fellow rookie Vontae Davis. Allen is a reserve safety.
Analysis: Smith has the inside track to start at cornerback for the Dolphins after Eric Green was released. As long as he is OK, he could be a sleeper in deep IDP leagues. Allen has minimal Fantasy value when healthy, and the Dolphins hope Davis can eventually challenge Smith for the starting spot as well.
News: The Dolphins terminated the contract of CB Eric Green, the team announced Wednesday. Green signed with the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent from the Arizona Cardinals on March 12, 2009. He originally was a third-round draft choice of the Cardinals in 2005.
Analysis: With this move, the Dolphins are considering rookie Sean Smith or Vontae Davis as a starter, and Smith has the edge after playing well in the preseason opener against Jacksonville. Smith had an interception in that game, and he is worth a look with a late-round flier in seasonal IDP leagues.
News: The Miami Dolphins' new linebacker is making a good first impression at training camp. Jason Taylor might just make the team. "The guy's a tremendous, tremendous pro," coach Tony Sparano said during the break between Thursday's two practices. "The guy comes out here, he doesn't say boo, he works his tail off, goes a million miles an hour." Taylor rejoined the Dolphins in May after a year with the Washington Redskins, where he endured an injury-plagued season. At 34 he's the oldest player on the roster, and this is his 12th year with Miami, but it's his first with Sparano. The coach likes what he sees from No. 99. "I said this today to the team after practice: Having passion to play this game when you've been doing it for 11, 12, 13 years says an awful lot to me," Sparano said. "I still see the tools out there; I'm seeing more and more each day. I like the progress he is making."
Analysis: There's a learning curve for Taylor, who finds himself at a new position playing outside linebacker in the Dolphins' 3-4 scheme. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection as a defensive end, and that's the position he played in 2006, when he was the NFL defensive player of the year. In the first five days of camp, Taylor has gotten plenty of practice time. He slid into the starting spot on the strong side as a replacement for incumbent Matt Roth, who is nursing a groin injury that has prevented him from joining workouts. Taylor has 104 sacks since 2000, the most in the NFL during that span. The Dolphins are counting on him to upgrade a pass rush that was lackluster last season aside from Pro Bowl outside linebacker Joey Porter, who led the AFC with 17 1/2 sacks. Taylor may yet find himself in a situational role. Roth blossomed into a strong run-stopper last year, when he started 14 games after moving to outside linebacker from end, and his injury isn't believed to be serious. The role can make a big difference in productivity, however. In Washington, Taylor struggled with a switch to left end from the right side, and his sack total last season was his lowest since 1999. Now he's in a scheme with similarities to the defense former Miami coach Nick Saban used in 2006, when Taylor had 13 1/2 sacks, forced 10 fumbles, recovered two, intercepted two passes and returned both for scores. Taylor is certainly worth a look in most IDP formats because of sack potential, but he is no longer considered a must-have option because of his recent decline. The addition of Taylor continues to keep the Dolphins DST as a low-end No. 1 option.
News:Jason Taylor has signed a one-year deal to return to the Dolphins. Taylor was released by the Redskins, who traded for Taylor from the Dolphins, this offseason after acquiring him via trade last offseason. Taylor is a pass-rush specialist who 120.5 career sacks, 116 of which came in Miami. The Patriots and Buccaneers were also interested in signing Taylor. Taylor didn't like being away from his wife and three children last season and wanted to rejoin the Dolphins regardless of how much money they offered, said his agent, Gary Wichard. "Jason told me, 'Tell the Dolphins whatever fits their budget, I'm ready to play,'" Wichard said. "There were no negotiations. It was always going to be Miami."
Analysis: Taylor should see action more as an outside linebacker than a defensive end since the Dolphins play in a 3-4 scheme and he's undersized to play end in that formation. However, the Dolphins might sometimes line him up as an extra end with his hand on the ground, effectively showing a 4-3 front. While he may not be as productive as he once was with the Dolphins, Taylor adds another threat to this defense that must be accounted for. This DST got a little bit better with the addition of Taylor. They remain a low-end No. 1 option worth a late-round pick.
News: Linebacker Channing Crowder signed a multi-year contract Wednesday to remain with the Dolphins, as did SS Yeremiah Bell. Both were signed on the eve of free agency, and they're not alone. The team also signed Gibril Wilson, who was released by the Raiders recently. All three defenders are excellent against the run, though Wilson is expected to be asked to move to free safety so that Bell could keep his spot at strong safety.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST is continuing to improve and has the makings of a useful No. 1 unit in 2009 Fantasy play. Joey Porter is their premier pass rusher, their secondary doesn't have household names but they're tough and these three defenders will help punish opposing running backs and help against the pass. Consider Miami's crew a low-end No. 1 option for now worth a late-round pick in drafts.
News: The Miami Herald reports the Dolphins have signed DB Yeremiah Bell to a four-year deal worth $20 million with $10 million guaranteed. Bell, Miami's leading tackler in 2009, is the second major signing in the deep secondary for the Dolphins on Thursday. Earlier the team signed Gibril Wilson to a deal worth up to $27.5 million. The Dolphins have told Bell he will continue to play strong safety while Wilson, who played free safety during his years with the Giants, will take over at free safety. That, of course, means Renaldo Hill is going to be looking for work come the start of free agency. Hill was the starting free safety in 14 games last season.
Analysis: Bell is a solid DB in IDP leagues and should be considered a No. 2 option coming into 2009. The Dolphins secondary should improve with the addition of Wilson and keeping Bell. With LB Channing Crowder staying with the team also, the Dolphins DST is looking like a good option in all leagues this year.
News: Linebacker Cameron Wake, a two-time winner of the CFL's top defensive player award, has signed with the Dolphins. Wake played the past two seasons with the British Columbia Lions, winning the defense award both times. He had 137 tackles and 39 sacks in that time and was named the Canadian Football League's top rookie in 2007. Wake played at Penn State and signed with the New York Giants before joining the Lions.
Analysis: Wake will battle for a roster spot with the Dolphins in training camp this summer and doesn't really register high on the Fantasy meter. If he makes an impact in the preseason and in the early part of the 2009 season, then he'll only help the Dolphins DST, which is at best a low-end No. 1 Fantasy DST heading into drafts.
News: The Dolphins DST did a good job of shutting down the Ravens passing attack in a 27-9 loss in their Wild Card playoff game on Sunday. However, the rushing attack did manage to earn 151 yards on the ground with the rushing tandem of LeRon McClain and Willis McGahee. One of the Ravens' touchdowns in the game came on an Ed Reed pick-six.
Analysis: The Dolphins were one of the least sought after defensive units in the league coming into the 2008 season but ended up being one of the better units in the league by season's end. They should be one of the defenses drafted in deeper leagues in 2009 IDP drafts.
News: The Dolphins DST held the Jets to 17 points and 331 yards, made three interceptions (returning one for a touchdown) and recovered a fumble in a Week 17 win over the Jets.
Analysis: After entering the season owned in only six percent of leagues, the Dolphins DST had a great second half and finished the year owned in 74 percent as a top-15 unit. They had one of the top sack merchants in the league in Joey Porter and their secondary really improved as the season went on. The Fins should be drafted in deeper leagues heading into the 2009 season, although their schedule will be a lot tougher.
News: Dolphins LB Channing Crowder (knee) and DB Will Allen (groin) participated during the 30-minute portion of Dolphins practice open to the media Thursday, reports the Palm Beach Post. Crowder, who is second on the team with 105 tackles, missed last week's visit to Kansas City. The Chiefs finished with 492 yards of offense, including 180 rushing. Allen's absence from Wednesday’s practice was a surprise. But the Dolphins will need their best cover cornerback on the field against Jets Pro Bowl QB Brett Favre, despite his recent struggles (1 TD, 6 INTs past four games).
Analysis: It appears safe to use Crowder and Allen in IDP leagues. If Crowder and Allen return as expected, that would help the Dolphins as a low-end No. 1 DST.
News: The Dolphins are beginning preparations for Sunday's showdown against the New York Jets without two defensive starters. Linebacker Channing Crowder and cornerback Will Allen were held out of practice Wednesday but stretched and jogged on the side. Crowder is the Dolphins' second-leading tackler. He missed Sunday's game at Kansas City with a stiff knee. In his absence, Miami gave up a season-high 492 yards. Allen pulled up limping at one point during the game. His injury has not been disclosed.
Analysis: Crowder is a key part of the Dolphins run defense and Allen is a key part of their pass defense. Without both of them, the Jets could easily rack up more yardage. Consider the Dolphins DST a low-end No. 1 option assuming both players play in Week 17.
News: The Dolphins DST allowed 31 points and 492 yards to the Chiefs in a Week 16 win, but did manage to force three inteceptions and make three sacks.
Analysis: Miami hadn't allowed a touchdown in three games coming into Week 16, but they gave up four on Sunday as a combination of the cold and Tyler Thigpen seemed to get to them. While this outing was disappointing, Miami will have a chance to redeem itself in Week 17 when they head to New York to take on the Jets in a game that could decide the AFC East title. With the way Brett Favre is struggling, this could be a great chance for the Dolphins DST to step up. Consider them a likely low-end No. 1 Fantasy option with that matchup.
News: The Dolphins DST held a team under 15 points for a third straight week as Miami edged the 49ers 14-9 in Week 15. They didn't force a turnover, but sacked Shaun Hill five times and held San Francisco to 318 yards.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST has emerged as a Fantasy force this season and will face a average Chiefs team in Week 16. The game is on the road, but you could do a lot worse than use Miami in deeper leagues with that matchup.
News: The Dolphins DST held Buffalo to three points and 163 yards during Miami's Week 14 victory in Toronto. They added four sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery.
Analysis: The Miami DST just continues to get better and better as this season goes on. OK, so they've had a pretty easy schedule and their secondary isn't the best, but they've been able to stop the run, which is huge. In Week 15, Miami will try to stop the 49ers, and the Dolphins DST could legitimately be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy play for that matchup.
News: According to The Sports Xchange, The Dolphins will try to apply pressure on J.P. Losman, if he's in there for Trent Edwards (sore groin), because Losman has only played significantly in two games this season. The Dolphins didn't register a sack last week for the first time all season, as OLB Joey Porter (14.5 sacks) was shut out after having at least a half a sack in nine consecutive games.
Analysis: The Dolphins have a pretty easy schedule the rest of the way and this week could be a big one for the Fins if Losman is in fact the quarterback. Under their new regime, the Dolphins have become a top-12 Fantasy unit this season. They have had four solid weeks in their last six and will face a Buffalo defense in Week 14 that scored only three points on Sunday. Consider them a sleeper option in deeper leagues the rest of the way, using them when the match-up is to their advantage.
News: The Dolphins DST held the Rams to just four field goals in a 16-12 victory over St. Louis in Week 13. They allowed 278 yards and picked off Marc Bulger three times, but did not record a sack or a fumble recovery.
Analysis: Under their new regime, the Dolphins have become a top-12 Fantasy unit this season. They have had four solid weeks in their last six and will face a Buffalo defense in Week 14 that scored only three points on Sunday and could have backup QB J.P. Losman at center. Consider them a sleeper option in deeper leagues the rest of the way, as their schedule is pretty easy.
News: The Dolphins DST gave up 530 yards and 48 points to the Patriots in a Week 12 defeat. They did manage to record two sacks and record both a fumble recovery and an interception, but allowed Matt Cassel to pass for 415 yards.
Analysis: The Dolphins had been pretty solid the last few weeks until they got embarrassed on Sunday by Cassel and Randy Moss. Luckily, things should get better quickly as Miami visits hapless St. Louis in Week 13. They should be a nice low-end No. 1 Fantasy option for that matchup.
News: The Dolphins DST held the Raiders in check during a Week 11 win as Oakland managed only 15 points and 186 yards. Miami sacked Raiders QBs six times, but failed to record a turnover.
Analysis: Turnovers are where the points really are in Fantasy play, but when you rack up the sacks and hold teams to 15 points and under 200 yards like Miami did on Sunday, it helps make up for the lack of fumbles and interceptions. Miami has emerged as a pretty useful unit this season, but they will host the Patriots in Week 12 and you know Randy Moss and Wes Welker will be out for revenge. Leave them for only deeper leagues.
News: The Dolphins DST held Seattle to 298 yards and 19 points in a Week 10 win. They also added three sacks, but failed to create a turnover.
Analysis: When their matchup is favorable, the Dolphins are a decent low-end No. 1 option in most leagues, but their lack of turnovers on Sunday won't have pleased the owners who took a shot with them against the sorry Seahawks. In Week 11, they have another tasty game against the Raiders, so their value should stay the same. Use them if your DST has a tough matchup.
News: The Miami Dolphins went to Denver on Sunday of Week 9 and walked away victors by the final margin of 26-17. They limited the high-flying Broncos offense to 318 yards of offense and forced three turnovers. The biggest turnover was an interception of Jay Cutler, who threw three on the day, in the 1st quarter that resulted in a Will Allen 32-yard return for a touchdown. Miami didn't force any fumbles and recorded one sack of Cutler.
Analysis: It was a very impressive thing that the Dolphins accomplished by holding the Broncos running game to just 14 rushing yards. Miami may have officially become a high-end Fantasy DST with this game. They play the Seahawks in Week 10 and against that banged up offense should definitely be starting in all formats.
News: The Dolphins DST allowed only 16 points and 339 yards to the Bills in a Week 8 victory. They also scored a safety, recovered two fumbles, recorded two sacks and intercepted Trent Edwards.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST, led by Joey Porter's big effort, did enough to stifle the Bills on Sunday as Miami played their way back into the AFC East race. They head to Denver in Week 9 as an OK bye-week replacement option.
News: Dolphins NT Jason Ferguson was not listed among the inactives for Miami's Week 8 game vs. Buffalo. He was listed as questionable with an oblique injury.
Analysis: While Ferguson has no value in IDP leagues, this news is big for Fantasy owners who were looking to rely on the Miami DST this week. They struggled to stop the run last week with Ferguson out against the Ravens, and will have their hands full again this week against Buffalo. Consider Miami an OK bye-week replacement option if you need to use them.
News: Miami Nose tackle Jason Ferguson practiced Friday for the first time since leaving last week's game against Baltimore with a rib injury. He is questionable for Week 8 vs. Buffalo. Meanwhile, Dolphins cornerback Michael Lehan was placed on injured reserve Friday with a hamstring injury, and the team re-signed free agent cornerback Joey Thomas.
Analysis: Even if Ferguson were to play and help stuff the run, the Dolphins DST is not a recommended Fantasy option. Consider other options before Week 8.
News: The Dolphins DST gave up 27 points and 357 yards to the Ravens in a Week 7 loss, but did record a fumble recovery and three sacks.
Analysis: The Dolphins should have done better against the average Ravens offense, but Willis McGahee carved them up for over 100 yards and Joe Flacco had a decent day. Miami hosts Buffalo in Week 8 and should only be used as a low-end bye-week replacement.
News: The Dolphins DST had two interceptions and one fumble recovery Sunday at Houston. Akin Ayodele and Andre Goodman had the interceptions, and Yeremiah Bell recovered the fumble. The Dolphins also had one sack in the 29-28 loss.
Analysis: Look for the Dolphins DST to bounce back in Week 7 against Baltimore and rookie QB Joe Flacco. Consider the Dolphins a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option against the Ravens.
News: The Dolphins DST didn't force a turnover in a Week 5 win over San Diego, but they did hold the Chargers to 10 points and 202 yards and recorded two sacks.
Analysis: In leagues that reward fewer points against and yardage, the Dolphins DST had a nice day in Week 5. If they could have added a couple of turnovers, it would have been a great outing. You can do much better than this unit in Week 6 at Houston, so only use them as a bye-week replacement in super-deep leagues if you have to.
News: The Dolphins will return from their bye to face the Chargers in Week 5 at home. San Diego's offense has averaged 356 yards per game, good for eighth in the NFL. They've also averaged 34.5 points per game.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST is only owned in six percent of CBSSports.com and the fact that they played well on the road against New England in Week 3, that should not change. The Chargers offense is far too potent to consider Miami a good bye week replacement option.
News: The Dolphins DST held the Patriots to 13 points and 216 yards in a Week 3 rout. They also recorded four sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery.
Analysis: Who would have thought Miami would have such a great outing in Week 3? Joey Porter talked a big game before the 38-13 rout and backed it up with two sacks. Don't rush out and pick up the Dolphins DST just yet, as they're off in Week 4, but you might want to keep an eye on them over the next couple of games.
News: The Dolphins DST allowed 445 yards and 31 points to the Cardinals in a Week 2 loss Sunday. The only positive thing they did was make two sacks.
Analysis: The Miami secondary has more holes in it than Swiss cheese and Kurt Warner took full advantage of that fact on Sunday. The Dolphins play at New England in Week 3 and they should continue to be ignored.
News: Miami's secondary was supposed to be a strength for the Dolphins, but played a lot like the mistake-filled unit on last year's 1-15 team in the season opener. There was the 56-yard touchdown pass. The 24-yard pass-interference penalty that setup the eventual winning score for the New York Jets. And, of course, the lob Brett Favre threw for a touchdown on fourth-and-13 that no Dolphins player came near. And this week Miami needs to find a way to stop Arizona's Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. "We definitely want to put on a better show this weekend and we need to erase us giving up big plays and being on the opposite end of highlights," safety Renaldo Hill said. "We don't want that."
Analysis: It won't be easy a week after several broken coverages and penalties against the Jets, not with Boldin and Fitzgerald, one of the NFL's most dangerous receiver tandems. "I think they're two outstanding players," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said. "Both big, strong guys that go up and get the ball. So our secondary is going to have their hands full. What we can't do is we can't allow the big play." The Dolphins ranked last in the AFC in 2007 in scoring defense, giving up 27.3 points a game. Of the many players gone from last year's unit -- including Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas -- the secondary stayed mostly intact. Miami's new regime said all summer that the returning defensive backs are better than it initially thought, a big reason the secondary has more holdovers than any other position. Still, don't plan on using the Dolphins DST in Week 2 at Arizona since they have to show improvement before becoming Fantasy worthy.
News: The Dolphins DST had three sacks and one fumble recovery Sunday in Week 1 against the Jets. Davone Bess had one kickoff return for 21 yards and one punt return for 25 yards, Patrick Cobbs had one kickoff return for 20 yards and Ted Ginn Jr. had three punt returns for 12.9 yards.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST is not a good Fantasy unit at this time, but they should improve as the year goes on. Still, don't plan on using them in Week 2 at Arizona.
News: Sure, it might just be a byproduct of the preseason, but the Dolphins DST has looked good for much of the exhibition season. In their third preseason game vs. Kansas City, the DST totaled five sacks, three interceptions and a forced fumble, and they also enjoyed a 59-yard punt return for a score from Ted Ginn. On the year, Miami has nine sacks, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries and the return for a score from Ginn.
Analysis: This is pretty good stuff from a defense that no one is expecting much from. Perhaps they'll fill in as a nice one-week replacement off the waiver wire after all. We still can't recommend drafting them, though.
News: Finally ending his silence about the much-ballyhooed topic, Bill Parcells, the Dolphins' football operations czar, not only said Thursday that he wants six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Taylor on his team this fall, but also tried to eliminate the perception that he deliberately snubbed Taylor during a chance encounter at the team's headquarters earlier this spring. "Why wouldn't you want one of the very best players? ... Of course I want him here," Parcells said. Taylor recently acknowledged what has been believed for weeks, that he told the Dolphins he would be open to a trade if the team could find a deal that they believed gave them fair value. He also said he told the team he intends to play one more season, yet stopped short of saying he absolutely would retire before the 2009 campaign.
Analysis: Taylor has spent all 11 of his NFL seasons with the Dolphins, winning defensive player of the year honors in 2006. But the Dolphins - who haven't made the playoffs in six seasons and haven't gotten past the divisional round since Taylor arrived - are rebuilding, once again. His presence obviously makes the Dolphins DST better, but they are still not worth drafting in 2008.
News:Jason Taylor is practicing again in South Florida. He's just playing a different game in a different place than his Miami Dolphins teammates. Just a few blocks from where the Dolphins held a voluntary practice Monday, Taylor hosted a charity golf tournament to benefit his foundation. The six-time Pro Bowl defensive end denied reports linking him to a trade, saying he has not been contacted about a possible move. Taylor was reluctant to discuss his ongoing feud with the Dolphins, who haven't been happy that he spent the offseason on the TV show "Dancing With the Stars" rather than working out with teammates. However, he said he talked with Miami coach Tony Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland at Taylor's fundraising gala Sunday night. But Taylor still doesn't know when he'll be back on the field - or what uniform he'll be wearing.
Analysis: The 33-year-old Taylor said a day earlier that he did not demand a trade, but said if Miami wants to move him, he would be receptive. Sparano said last month that Taylor isn't expected to take part in any team activities through training camp. The Dolphins will hold a minicamp later this week, and again Taylor will be missing, for both his brother's graduation and an unspecified legal matter. Taylor reiterated that he wants to play one more year and didn't rule out a return to the 1-15 Dolphins. Taylor has spent all 11 of his NFL seasons with the Dolphins, winning defensive player of the year honors in 2006. But the Dolphins - who haven't made the playoffs in six seasons and haven't gotten past the divisional round since Taylor arrived - are rebuilding, once again. For now, continue to count on Taylor as a No. 2 DL in IDP leagues. His presence obviously makes the Dolphins DST better, but they are still not worth drafting in 2008.
News:Jason Taylor is headed back to South Florida after three months away from home. But the six-time Pro Bowl defensive end doesn't sound like he's in any rush to settle his stalemate with the Dolphins. The Dolphins, who are upset that Taylor spent the offseason on the hit TV show "Dancing With the Stars" rather than in South Florida working out with teammates, likely won't have Taylor on hand when they hold a mandatory minicamp June 6-8. "I'm under contract with the Dolphins. ... Football doesn't start until July and training camp, so I'll be all right," Taylor said Wednesday. "I've been in L.A. and so far removed from it. Like I said, I'll deal with that when I get there." Miami coach Tony Sparano said last week that Taylor isn't expected to take part in any team activities through training camp. Taylor avoided questions about whether he plans to meet with Dolphins executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells when he gets back. Taylor says his immediate plans are to work out, play golf and relax at home. "We'll work with football here in the near future," Taylor said.
Analysis: Taylor is a solid NFL playmaker and pass rusher with an excellent blend of size and speed, but he's 34 years old and might not be part of the Dolphins' short-term future. If the club deals him, you can expect the Dolphins DST to sink further on Fantasy rank lists. Subsequently, the team that gets him would greatly improve on those same lists. We'll keep in touch and deliver the latest when we hear it.
News: Dolphins coach Tony Sparano revealed after practice Wednesday that six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Taylor will not be attending any of the teams' activities throughout the summer, a move that appears to signal the end of his Dolphins' career, reports the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Sparano wouldn't discuss details of this stunning revelation, but it's clear that he and Dolphins vice president of football operations Bill Parcells have been unhappy with Taylor's absence from the 'voluntary' offseason conditioning program while he completed his 10-week stint on the Dancing with the Stars television show. "I know that Jason is not going to be at any OTA's,'' Sparano said. "I know that Jason will not be at any minicamps. I know that right now Jason is not going to be at training camp."
Analysis: Taylor, who said this week he has no intentions to retire, is most likely planning a holdout and demanding a trade to a contender like Dallas where his brother-in-law and former teammate Zach Thomas ended up after he was cut in the offseason. Keep an eye on what develops because Taylor is a premier pass rusher. No matter where he plays in 2008, he will be a good source of sacks. The only thing that should deter you from drafting him as a No. 2 DL in IDP leagues would be if Taylor retires.
News: CBSSports.com Senior NFL Writer Clark Judge is reporting that the Dolphins are actively trying to trade DE Jason Taylor, according to two NFL team sources who have confirmed that the Dolphins contacted them. The Dolphins are looking for a middle-to-late first-round pick for Taylor.
Analysis: Taylor is a solid NFL playmaker and pass rusher with an excellent blend of size and speed, but he's 34 years old and might not be part of the Dolphins' short-term future. If the club deals him, you can expect the Dolphins DST to sink further on Fantasy rank lists. Subsequently, the team that gets him would greatly improve on those same lists. We'll keep in touch and deliver the latest when we hear it.
News: The Miami Dolphins resigned safety Yeremiah Bell to a one-year contract Monday. Bell, who turned 30 Monday, is entering his fifth NFL season after the Dolphins made him a sixth-round draft choice in 2003. In his previous four campaigns, he has played in 46 games, including 12 starts. During that time, the 6-0, 200-pounder has totaled 96 tackles, five sacks, an interception, three fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles. He was limited to one game last year after sustaining a ruptured left Achilles’ tendon in the season-opener at Washington on September 9. He turned in the best season of his career in 2006 when he started 11 of the 16 games in which he played and recorded 65 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.
Analysis: Bell is a decent low-end Fantasy option in IDP leagues. Keep an eye on how he does in his comeback from the torn Achilles. His return to the Dolphins should improve the DST.
News: The Dolphins have officially released seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Zach Thomas, who plans to continue his career with another team. Thomas was told of the team's decision Thursday. The move is the second major salary slash this week by the Dolphins, who went 1-15 last season and subsequently brought in Bill Parcells to lead the team's rebuilding project. "I have a tremendous appreciation and admiration not only for the Dolphins organization, but for the fans as well, for all of the support that they have given me," Thomas said in a statement, in which he thanked owner Wayne Huizenga, new football operations head Bill Parcells and general manager Jeff Ireland. "I am healthy and look forward to playing in 2008, but will always consider myself a Miami Dolphin."
Analysis: Expect Channing Crowder to take over as the middle linebacker in the Dolphins scheme -- assuming they don't switch to a 3-4 scheme first (which is a possibility with Bill Parcells the head authority figure in Miami). But ultimately, Miami's defense is a year away from being a desirable Fantasy consideration. If they get hot, expect to find them on the waiver wire in 2008.
News: The Dolphins DST was disappointing in 2007 after a solid year in 2006. The unit finished with three defensive touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 30 sacks, eight fumble recoveries and 13 forced fumbles. The Dolphins were hurt by injuries, most notably to defensive back Yeremiah Bell and LB Zach Thomas. On special teams, Ted Ginn Jr. provided a boost to the Dolphins with a punt return for a touchdown and a 22.7-yard average on kickoff returns.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST could be in for an overhaul in 2008 with Thomas possibly gone along with Pro Bowl DL Jason Taylor. Ginn will give the DST a boost again, but the Dolphins DST should only be considered a No. 2 Fantasy option in 2008.
News: The Dolphins DST intercepted Carson Palmer as Miami completed the worst season in franchise history with a 38-25 loss to the Bengals on Sunday, but that was about the only play they made in defeat. They were held without a sack or a fumble recovery.
Analysis: The Dolphins shut down the Bengals running game on Sunday, limiting them to 77 yards on the ground, but they gave up a massive 316 through the air. If Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas return in 2008 as expected and Bill Parcells makes some necessary tweaks here and there, the unit could be a lot better next season, but they won't be nearly as good as they once were a few seasons ago.
News: Considering who they were playing in Week 16, the Dolphins DST did pretty well in a 28-7 loss to the Patriots. They picked off Tom Brady twice, sacked him three times, forced and recovered two fumbles, and shut out their undefeated opponents in the second half.
Analysis: After getting waxed for 49 points in their last meeting, the Dolphins DST came through with a surprisingly solid outing on Sunday. OK, so they did give up 28 points in the first half, but the Pats would do that against most people. If you're a brave Fantasy player, give the Fins a shot in Week 17 against a turnover-prone Bengals team.
News: The Dolphins DST held Baltimore to 16 points, but allowed 360 points and forced only one turnover in Miami's 22-16 overtime win over the Ravens in Week 15. They did have four sacks, however.
Analysis: Considering how many starters they're down, the Dolphins defensive unit is playing very well at the moment. Jason Taylor continues to play at a Pro Bowl level and their pass defense has been surprisingly good. As much as we'd like to recommend picking them up, they face the Patriots in Week 16. Enough said.
News: The Dolphins DST allowed 38 points and 389 yards to the Buffalo Bills in a 38-17 loss in Week 14. Their only turnover came on a Marshawn Lynch fumble and they did not record a sack.
Analysis: Miami's DST is injury-riddled and not very talented with Zach Thomas, Channing Crowder and a ton of safeties missing. Do not even think about starting them in Week 15, even against the poor Ravens.
News: The Miami Dolphins DST got a interception return for a touchdown and a fumble recovery by DB Michael Lehan and six sacks in a 40-13 loss to the Jets in Week 13. They allowed 372 yards to the Fins on the day.
Analysis: Forty points is a lot for any defense to allow, but the Miami DST made enough plays on Sunday to make up for that points total. They might be worth a start in Buffalo in Week 14, especially if the weather is poor.
News: Dolphins middle linebacker Zach Thomas will miss his fifth straight game Sunday against the Jets because of migraines. He sustained whiplash in a car crash following a loss to the Patriots in October and has had recurring migraines since. Thomas also missed two games in September because of a concussion. There are increasing concerns the seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker will be sidelined the rest of the season. "It's a situation where it's tough on him and it's tough on us, but he's dealing with it as a professional," coach Cam Cameron said Friday.
Analysis: Thomas makes the Dolphins DST a more appealing option, but they're still far from being a helpful option, even against the Jets' weak offense. Don't use the Dolphins DST.
News: The Dolphins nearly pitched a shutout at Pittsburgh in Week 12, aided by sloppy field conditions that forced a stalemate through all but the final few seconds of regulation. Slipping around on tattered, rain-battered turf, the Dolphins recorded five sacks and forced an interception. They allowed three points on only 216 yards of offense. Their special teams gained 26 yards.
Analysis: One word: aberration. The field was a complete mess in Pittsburgh thanks to a fresh sodding right before the rainstorm. The playing conditions shut down the Steelers more than the Dolphins defense did. The Dolphins DST remains far from a useful Fantasy unit, even with a great matchup Week 13 against the Jets.
News: The Dolphins DST had a solid day in Week 12, holding the Eagles to 17 points while grabbing three interceptions. They also got a punt return touchdown from Ted Ginn, Jr.
Analysis: For the Dolphins, three interceptions is a monster total when you consider they only had five picks entering Week 11. They are still far from an useful Fantasy unit, however, and should be ignored in Week 12 when they face the Steelers on the road.
News: The Dolphins travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles' 13th-ranked offense Sunday in Week 11.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST is ranked 20th in total defense, including fifth against the pass and 30th against the run. We don't recommend starting them this week in Fantasy play on the road against a seasoned QB.
News: The Dolphins DST held Buffalo to 214 total yards and 13 points and picked off J.P. Losman in Miami's 13-10 loss to the Bills in Week 10. They recorded two sacks and had a kick return touchdown by Ted Ginn, Jr. called back for a penalty.
Analysis: If your league rewards yardage and points allowed, then the Dolphins had a great day in Week 10. However, they only forced one turnover. They also lost Jason Taylor to an ankle injury in the third quarter. We wouldn't recommend starting them in Week 11 against the Eagles in Philly.
News: Dolphins LB Zach Thomas will sit out Sunday's game against Buffalo because of recurring migraines. It will be the fourth game Thomas has missed this season, including two in September because of a concussion. He participated in full-contact drills Thursday but was held out of practice Friday and ruled out for the game. "That's the recommendation of our medical staff," coach Cam Cameron said. "He had a good practice yesterday, but as we're finding out in these situations, one day isn't always indicative of the next day. ... He came in this morning and things were not quite the same." Thomas hasn't played since he suffered whiplash in a car accident driving home from the Dolphins' loss to New England on Oct. 21.
Analysis: Keep Thomas reserved in all IDP leagues, and the Dolphins DST is not a recommended option in Week 10 against the Bills.
News: Dolphins DL Vonnie Holliday and LB Zach Thomas returned to practice on Monday as Miami prepare for their Week 10 game with the Bills. Holliday had missed more than a month with a fractured ankle, while Thomas missed the trip to London in Week 8 with a whiplash injury.
Analysis: Both Holliday and Thomas could return to action on Sunday, but we won't find out more until Wednesday as the Dolphins are off on Tuesday. Holliday doesn't have any value in IDP leagues at this time, while Thomas is one of the best Fantasy LBs and should be back starting in all leagues if he's good to go in Week 10.
News: Four teams are on a bye in Week 9: Chicago, Miami, St. Louis and the N.Y Giants.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST ranks 24th in total defense this season, including seventh against the pass and 31st against the run. They have only 10 sacks and four interceptions though, which currently ranks them among the worst. In Week 10, they'll host Buffalo, which is a great matchup for them.
News: Playing under constant rain in London's Wembley Stadium, the Dolphins held the Giants to 13 points and 238 yards of offense in Week 8. They held Giants QB Eli Manning to just 59 yards passing and forced him into two turnovers. Matt Roth also recorded the team's only sack.
Analysis: Much of the offensive problems -- for both teams -- in Week 8 could be attributed to the incessant rain and poor field conditions, but the Dolphins were just happy to keep somebody under 20 points. Don't expect that to happen often, though. In Week 9, the Dolphins will be on a bye. In Week 10, we don't recommend starting the Dolphins against the Bills unless you are truly desperate.
News: Dolphins LB Zach Thomas will miss Sunday's game against the Giants in London because of whiplash from a car accident. Tests showed no other symptoms besides the whiplash, Miami coach Cam Cameron said Thursday, but doctors recommended Thomas rest and not travel. He was not at practice. "Obviously, that's unfortunate," Cameron said. "But there are some guys that are going to step up." The LB and his wife were driving after the Dolphins' 49-28 loss to the New England Patriots last weekend when their vehicle was hit on Florida's Turnpike. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, they were rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic by a driver wearing Patriots attire. Thomas was wearing a seat belt.
Analysis: Thomas - a 12-year league veteran who has made seven Pro Bowl appearances - has missed two consecutive games this season because of a concussion. He is among a group of key Dolphins - including quarterback Trent Green, safety Yeremiah Bell and running back Ronnie Brown - who have been injured this season. Keep Thomas reserved in all IDP leagues. The same goes for the Dolphins DST, which will struggle against the Giants.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Dolphins LB Zach Thomas may not make the trip with the team to London for their Week 8 game vs. the Giants. Thomas will not practice on Wednesday and may be having complications stemming from a car accident he got into following the Dolphins' Week 7 loss to the Patriots. He is scheduled to undergo tests to see if he suffered a concussion in the accident.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST isn't worth starting even if Thomas plays. Miami is giving up 33 points per week on average and rank 27th in total defense. Unless you're counting on sacks from Jason Taylor, you have no reason to start the Dolphins DST when they play vs. the Giants in London, England, in Week 8.
News: The Dolphins lost safety Renaldo Hill for the rest of the season because of a torn ACL, coach Cam Cameron said, further depleting a position plagued by injuries. "I think we're on our fifth safety, maybe sixth now," middle linebacker Zach Thomas said. "Hopefully somebody steps in and steps up, because teams are going to start to throw on us a lot."
Analysis: The Dolphins DST got an interception return for a touchdown from DE Jason Taylor, but didn't do much else in a 49-28 loss to the Patriots in Week 7. They had only one sack, from LB Joey Porter, and did not recover a fumble. They ranked 23rd in total defense coming into Week 7, and they will likely drop even further down the rankings after this display. They are no longer a must-start in Fantasy play and should be reserved against the Giants in London in Week 8.
News: According to the Miami Herald, Dolphins DB Renaldo Hill sustained a season-ending torn ACL on Sunday. Hill tore his ACL on the Patriots' 50-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, his agent Jack Bechta said in an e-mail Sunday night.
Analysis: Hill has been a decent player for the Dolphins secondary, which was already without starting safety Yeremiah Bell (Achilles' tendon). Keep Hill reserved in all Fantasy leagues, and this is just another hit to the Dolphins DST.
News: The Miami Dolphins DST got an interception return for a touchdown from DE Jason Taylor, but didn't do much else in a 49-28 loss to the Patriots in Week 7. They had only one sack, from LB Joey Porter, and did not recover a fumble.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST ranked 23rd in total defense coming into Week 7, and they will likely drop even further down the rankings after this display. They are no longer a must-start in Fantasy play and should be reserved against the Giants in London in Week 8.
News: The Dolphins DST hosts the top-ranked New England offense on Sunday in a divisional matchup. The Patriots are a machine offensively, scoring 38.3 points per game. They rank first through the air and seventh on the ground.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST ranks 23rd in total defense, including sixth against the pass and 31st against the run. They have only eight sacks this year, with just three interceptions and they are no longer a must-start in Fantasy play. Reserve them against Tom Brady and Company.
News: The Miami Dolphins DST gave up 41 points and 366 total yards in their Week 6 loss to the Browns. They had only one sack, one fumble recovery and did not record an interception.
Analysis: The days of the Miami DST being an elite unit are over. They return home in Week 7 against the Patriots, who they shouldn't start against, even though the Dolphins play reasonably well against New England at home. There are plenty of better DST options out there.
News: The Dolphins DST has had trouble against the run so far this season. They rank 31st against the run so far, and the Browns' 16th-ranked running game will likely try to take advantage of that.
Analysis: Over the past few years, the Dolphins defense has been a solid unit, and the Browns have been horrible on offense. But this week is a different story altogether. Keep the Dolphins DST benched this weekend.
News: In a 22-19 loss to the Texans in Week 5, the Miami Dolphins gave up only 74 yards rushing, but allowed 294 yards through the air, including 58 on Houston's game-winning drive. Andre Goodman had an interception, while Jason Taylor finally showed up, tallying two sacks and a forced fumble.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST is no longer an elite unit, but the return of Zach Thomas was a big boost on Sunday, especially for stopping the run. If there's ever a week the Fins DST is worth starting, it might be Week 6 when they take on the Browns.
News: Miami's Jason Taylor didn't have to think too hard to figure out what to expect from Houston on Sunday. "It wouldn't take a genius to figure out that we have a problem with the running game right now," he said. "I fully anticipate Houston to do the same thing that Oakland did, that Washington did and the Jets did. And we're going to see it until we stop it." The winless Dolphins are allowing an NFL-worst 199 yards rushing a game. The good news for them is that the Texans have averaged just more than 63 yards rushing the last two games with starter Ahman Green out with a knee bruise. He'll likely miss Sunday's game, giving backup Ron Dayne his second start of the season. Dayne had 15 carries for 62 yards against Atlanta, but couldn't convert three third-and-1 plays.
Analysis: Miami's struggles in defending the run have some questioning whether the defense still has faith in coordinator Dom Capers, Houston's head coach for four seasons. Taylor said everyone has to share the blame. "Dom has proven over a length of time that he knows what he's doing," Taylor said. "It takes more than just coaching to make this thing work. It takes players, too. Right now the players aren't doing a very good job and I'm sure Dom would say he was doing some things wrong, because everyone looked at it that way." To make matters worse, the Dolphins might be without DL Vonnie Holliday (foot) for Week 5. It might be worth it to Fantasy owners to bench the Dolphins DST for Week 5.
News: According to the Miami Herald, DT Vonnie Holliday has his right ankle in a cast after sustaining a fracture during Sunday's Week 4 loss to the Raiders. Holliday will miss at least one game -- and probably two. "He has had that injury before, and he said he is very positive that it will not be a long-term thing," coach Cam Cameron said. "He has been casted with a slight fracture."
Analysis: Holliday has limited value in IDP leagues, but his loss is just another blow to a Dolphins DST that is already at the bottom of the league in rushing yards allowed. They do face Houston in Week 5, who rank in the bottom 10 in rushing offense and might still be without WR Andre Johnson, so the Dolphins could still be worth a start this week.
News: The Dolphins DST had one sack and one fumble recovery Sunday against Oakland. Derrick Pope recovered the fumble and Matt Roth had the sack. Jesse Chatman had one kickoff return for 21 yards, and Ted Ginn Jr. had three kickoff returns for a 19.3-yard average.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST is not worth using at this point in Week 5 at Houston. They are not getting it done, especially missing star LB Zach Thomas, who was out for the second week with a concussion.
News: According to the Miami Herald, Jerry Porter has indicated he will play more as an OLB and less as a DE in Week 4 vs. Oakland. "We are going to do some things differently," teammate Vonnie Holliday said. The approach of Dolphins opponents, Holliday said, has been to force Miami to play in nickel situations, meaning, "take a big linebacker out and putting in a defensive back. A lot of times, Joey is going to defensive end, and (we're) taking Matt Roth or Keith Traylor out, so you're missing a big body."
Analysis: The Dolphins run defense has been awful so far this season, so Cam Cameron is surely willing to try anything at this point. What this means for Porter owners is that he could rack up some more tackles, but will get less sack opportunities. Keep an eye on his stats from the Week 4 game vs. Oakland before thinking about picking him up in IDP leagues.
News: Dolphins middle linebacker Zach Thomas was in the locker room Monday, though he did not comment on the concussion that kept him out of Sunday's game against the Jets.
Analysis: Coach Cam Cameron said tests are ongoing and there is no timetable for Thomas' return. When asked if Thomas would play against the Raiders on Sunday, he said, "We do not have a decision on that yet, but he looks awfully good." The Dolphins DST might be a solid play against the Raiders in Week 4 with or without him.
News: According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, LB Zach Thomas was in the locker room Monday, though he did not comment on the concussion that kept him out of Sunday's Week 3 game at the Jets. Coach Cam Cameron said tests are ongoing and there is no timetable for Thomas' return.
Analysis: Donnie Spagan proved to be a nice replacement for Thomas in Week 3 with 11 total tackles, while Channing Crowder made nine after moving to Thomas' ILB spot. Neither player is Thomas, though, and IDP league players who own Thomas should be looking elsewhere for a roster replacement.
News: The Miami Dolphins defense continued to leak yards on the ground in a Week 3 loss to the Jets as they gave up over 120 yards rushing for the third consecutive week. They didn't force one turnover, either.
Analysis: The loss of Zach Thomas didn't make much of a difference for the Dolphins DST, and they actually gave about 50 yards less on the ground against the Jets than they did in the first two weeks. Chad Pennington didn't have a huge day through the air, but the Miami defense is quickly becoming a lower-end No. 1 unit. They might be worth a start against the Raiders in Week 4, however.
News: Dolphins middle linebacker Zach Thomas will miss Sunday's game against the New York Jets after tests revealed he has a mild concussion. Thomas might be available to play next week. Thomas played every snap in Miami's loss Sunday to Dallas but said he felt lightheaded in the locker room after the game. He complained of a migraine this week and missed practice for the third day in a row Friday. The game will be only the 14th Thomas has missed in his 12-year career.
Analysis: Thomas is a key run stopper for the Dolphins defense; without him, Thomas Jones could have a decent game. Despite Thomas being gone, the Dolphins DST remains a low-end No. 1 Fantasy unit, especially in leagues that reward sacks big.
News: The Dolphins DST is No. 25 in scoring defense and has several bad matchups this week. The Dolphins DST also has no defensive touchdowns, two interceptions, three sacks and no fumble recoveries.
Analysis: The news that Zach Thomas (concussion) could be out for Miami's Week 3 contest at the Jets just adds to the other headaches that the Fins could be facing on Sunday. They are not playing like an elite DST this year and Fantasy owners are wisely dropping them in big numbers.
News: According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Dolphins MLB Zach Thomas missed his second consecutive practice Thursday, and coach Cam Cameron revealed that Thomas was lightheaded and had "other symptoms" after Sunday's loss to the Cowboys. "We've got some tests ongoing," Cameron said. "We think there is a chance he has a slight concussion."
Analysis: Cameron said he would reveal more on Friday about Thomas' status for the Dolphins' Week 3 game at the Jets. If Thomas doesn't practice Friday, he will likely be out for the game, which would be a huge blow for the Dolphins' DST. If you own him or the Fins defense, keep a close eye on his status over the next 24 hours.
News: According to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins secondary that has been an epicenter for change early in the season might undergo more adjustment by Sunday's game against the New York Jets, with cornerback André Goodman returning to action, cornerback Travis Daniels possibly making a long-expected move to safety and Michael Lehan getting more work.
Analysis: The loss of Yeremiah Bell was a big one for the Miami secondary and it's never good news when players are switching positions in the middle of a season. Still, Cam Cameron probably knows what he's doing and the pass defense wasn't horrible in the first two games. The Dolphins face the Jets in New York in Week 3 and are a low-end No. 1 Fantasy DST option, while none of these players have any value in IDP leagues at this time.
News: The Dolphins DST had one sack and nothing else in giving up 37 points against Dallas. Ted Ginn Jr. had six kickoff returns for a 20.2-yard average and three punt returns for a 12.3-yard average.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST has been a disappointment thus far and should be considered a low-end No. 1 option in Week 3 against the Jets.
News: The Dallas Cowboys gave up 35 points last week and won. The Miami Dolphins allowed only 16, but folded in overtime. Both defensive units will seek improvement Sunday when the Cowboys play at Miami for the first time in 11 years. Miami allowed a 58-yard scoring drive to start overtime and lost at Washington 16-13. The late collapse was all too familiar for the Dolphins, whose defense has a reputation for struggling to protect late leads despite finishing among the NFL leaders statistically each year. The Dolphins failed to protect a third-quarter advantage, gave up 400 yards and allowed Washington to convert seven of 14 third-down situations.
Analysis: The challenge for the Dolphins' defense will be even stiffer Sunday. Dallas' offense is off to a fast start, and Tony Romo threw for 345 yards and four scores in the opener against the Giants. The Dolphins DST remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues heading into Week 2 against the Cowboys, although they'll have their hands full against an offense which posted 45 points.
News: Veteran safeties Donovin Darius and Lamont Thompson signed Tuesday with the Miami Dolphins, who sought help at the position because Yeremiah Bell will miss the rest of the season with a torn left Achilles' tendon. Bell was hurt in the third quarter of Sunday's season-opening loss at Washington.
Analysis: The Dolphins also waived defensive end Akbar Gbaja-Biamila on Tuesday. The Dolphins DST remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues heading into Week 2 against the Cowboys, although they'll have their hands full against an offense which posted 45 points.
News: Dolphins DB Yeremiah Bell will miss the rest of the season with a torn left Achilles' tendon, a blow to an already thin secondary. Bell was hurt in the third quarter of Sunday's season-opening loss at Washington. "He had done everything to have a great year," coach Cam Cameron said Monday. "This is the tough part of the business."
Analysis: Bell bolstered the defense when he became a starter midway through last season. He'll likely be replaced by Travares Tillman, who started 17 games in 2005-06, and 2006 first-round draft pick Jason Allen may be moved from cornerback to provide depth at safety, Cameron said. This isn't good for the Dolphins DST since Bell is arguably their best DB. Bell should not be owned in IDP leagues at this point.
News: The Dolphins DST gave up only 16 points to the Washington Redskins in Miami's OT Week 1 loss and intercepted Jason Campbell twice. They also had two sacks.
Analysis: Both defenses played well in the overtime game, but the Dolphins had two interceptions to the Redskins one. Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas added sacks, and the Fins DST should be a reasonable Week 2 start in the Week 2 Florida heat when they host Dallas.
News: Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter says his surgically repaired right knee feels better every day, and he's expected to play in the season opener Sunday at Washington. Porter underwent arthroscopic surgery Aug. 7 and missed much of training camp. He returned to practice on a limited basis last week and has gradually increased his workload.
Analysis: Porter said he still has swelling in the knee, but is eager to play after missing all four exhibitions games. The Dolphins DST is still a must-start in all Fantasy leagues with or without Porter, although they are obviously better when he is healthy.
News: The biggest challenge Jason Taylor confronts each week tends to stand well above 6 feet and weigh 300 pounds or more. Taylor has mastered those matchups with offensive linemen so well he was chosen NFL defensive player of the year in 2006. The award raises another, less tangible challenge for Taylor: how to deal with success. "You just have to stay hungry," the Miami Dolphins' No. 99 said. "I've been around 10 years, and people that have been around know that I'm not that kind of guy who's going to sit back and rest on what he did. I'm happy, but I'm never satisfied."
Analysis: The best thing about the Dolphins' dismal 2006 season was Taylor, who had 13 1/2 sacks, forced 10 fumbles, recovered two, intercepted two passes and returned both for scores. Taylor might sneak in for a touchdown during the season, but don't expect to see him at tight end as coach Cam Cameron said he was capable of playing. Junior Seau once tried this with disastrous results. As long as Taylor remains healthy, the Dolphins DST remains a top-notch Fantasy unit in all leagues.
News: New Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter sought a second opinion Monday before deciding whether to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery that could sideline him for at least two weeks. Porter has been out of action since Friday because of the injury, which began bothering him during the offseason. He was examined over the weekend and sought a second opinion from Birmingham, Ala.-based specialist Dr. James Andrews.
Analysis: The Dolphins' first exhibition game is Saturday against Jacksonville. Porter would miss most or all of the preseason if he requires surgery. "It's always good to get it done now if you have to," linebacker Zach Thomas said. "It's nothing serious. I've been in training camp, got a scope and came back two weeks later." Donnie Spragan would fill in for Porter. Spragan started nine games each of the past two years, then re-signed with Miami as a free agent in April. This doesn't sound good, so continue to monitor Porter's status and hope he can return in time to start the season. The Dolphins DST is still a must-start in all Fantasy leagues with or without Porter, although they are obviously better when he is healthy.
News: Dolphins DT Fred Evans, arrested over the weekend for refusing to leave a taxi on South Beach and for fighting with officers, was released by the team Thursday. Evans played in one game as a rookie last season with the Dolphins. Police twice used a Taser gun Saturday on Evans in an attempt to subdue the 6-foot-4, 305-pound player, according to the arrest report. "We will not condone this type of behavior," Dolphins coach Cam Cameron said in a statement released Saturday. "I assure everyone it will be dealt with seriously."
Analysis: Evans' release does nothing to improve the value of the Dolphins DST, which remains a startable unit in 2007.
News: The Miami Dolphins re-signed linebacker Donnie Spragan to a one-year deal Wednesday. Spragan has spent the past two seasons with the Dolphins and started 18 of 32 games for Miami. He has 93 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks, an interception and 10 special teams tackles since joining the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent in 2005. This past season, Spragan had 46 tackles. Spragan has spent six seasons in the NFL and played in 80 consecutive games.
Analysis: Spragan's signing does nothing to improve the value of the Dolphins DST, which remains a startable unit in 2007.
News: Dan Wilkinson failed to report to the Denver Broncos, so the trade with the Miami Dolphins was declared void Saturday. The Broncos sent a sixth-round pick to the Dolphins on March 2 for the 14-year veteran defensive tackle. They extended an earlier deadline for the defensive lineman to report but when he failed to show up for his physical, the deal was voided. The Broncos retained their rights to the sixth-round pick in this year's draft and the Dolphins retained the rights to Wilkinson.
Analysis: Wilkinson will provide depth along Miami's D-line, if he returns to play for them. Regardless, the Dolphins DST is worth using as a starting unit in 2007 Fantasy play.
News: NFL Network reports Tuesday that the Dolphins have signed LB Joey Porter to a contract. Porter was released by the Steelers earlier in the offseason. In 2006, he racked up 40 solo tackles, seven sacks and three passes defensed but was cut to make salary cap room. The Dolphins also re-signed defensive tackle Keith Traylor to a two-year contract and signed free agent safety Cameron Worrell to a two-year deal.
Analysis: Porter will bring stability to the Dolphins' linebacking corps and a voice to the locker room, while Traylor and Worrell will bring depth. He's not enough to push Miami's DST into a starting unit in 2007, but he'll make a difference there.
News: The Dolphins have released DE Kevin Carter after Carter's agent and the team couldn't agree to terms on a restructured contract. "There are two reasons to release a player. One is the salary cap and the other is evaluation," agent Harold Lewis said. "They said it was evaluation and we disagreed. Kevin was better at 33 than he was at 32. He hasn't missed a game or practice his entire career." Carter had 5.5 sacks last year, his 12th in the NFL.
Analysis: Carter appears to be good for around six sacks and 30 solo tackles per season. That would make him at best a No. 3 Fantasy DL in IDP leagues. As for the Dolphins DST, continue to view them as at best a No. 2 unit for 2007 Fantasy play.
News: The Dolphins announced that DE Vonnie Holliday signed a four-year contract extension, keeping him with the club through 2010. Holliday had seven sacks and 66 tackles in 2006. "Not only has he been a major part of one of the league's top defensive units the last two years, but he also has been one of the key veteran leaders in the locker room," Dolphins coach Cam Cameron said in a statement. "In addition, it addresses one of our top offseason priorities, which is to retain our own players who have been productive members of the team. During our recent conversations, both Randy and I agreed that signing Vonnie was a high priority."
Analysis: Holliday will help the Dolphins generate QB pressure and ultimately sacks. Still, Miami's defense has plenty of weaknesses that make them a No. 2 Fantasy DST. Take them with a late-round pick in the deepest of Fantasy Football leagues.
News: Following his best season, Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor says he'll consider retirement at age 32. Taylor scored twice on interceptions, had 13.5 sacks and is a contender for NFL defensive player of the year. But following Sunday's season-ending loss at Indianapolis, he said retirement is a possibility. "Yes, I will have to think about it, and there are no guarantees," Taylor said.
Analysis: Taylor's absence would hurt the Miami defense in a major way. If he returns, he'll keep the Dolphins D as a low-end Fantasy option. If he's out, the Dolphins defense should be avoided in early 2007 Fantasy play.
News: The Dolphins DST had a fumble recovery against the Colts with no sacks or interceptions. DL Jason Taylor had four tackles and recovered a fumble. LB Zach Thomas had 12 tackles. DB Travis Daniels had eight tackles. DL Vonnie Holliday had one tackle. LB Channing Crowder had five tackles.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST should be considered a low-end No. 1 option in 2007.
News: On Wednesday, the Dolphins placed CB Andre Goodman (shoulder) and Eddie Jackson (knee) on Injured Reserve after getting hurt vs. the Jets in Week 16. They were replaced on the roster by DB Norman LeJeune and CB Shirdonya Mitchell, who was on the team's practice squad.
Analysis: The Dolphins secondary took a beating against the Jets, and they will not fare well at Indianapolis in Week 17. Avoid using the Dolphins defense for that game.
News: The Miami Dolphins DST allowed just 13 points and 324 total net yards in Week 16 against the Jets. The Dolphins posted just one sack, no interceptions and no fumble recoveries.
Analysis: Avoid the Dolphins DST in Week 17 at Indianapolis, as the Colts still have much to play for in the final week. The Dolphins will be a decent Fantasy option in 2007 assuming they can keep some of their key free agents such as regulars DT Vonnie Holliday, OLB Donnie Spragan, DT Keith Traylor and DT Jeff Zgonina.
News: WR Marty Booker (ankle), RB Patrick Cobbs, DL Fred Evans, 3QB Shane Matthews, LB Robert McCune, OG Dan Stevenson and DL Kevin Vickerson were inactive for Week 16 against the Jets.
Analysis: Only Booker is worth using in Week 17 at Indianapolis in Fantasy leagues if he can play. None of the players are useful as keepers heading into 2007.
News: Dolphins DT Dan Wilkinson (calf, doubtful), CB Will Allen (groin and quad, questionable) and DT Keith Traylor (knee, probable) were listed on their Week 16 injury report.
Analysis: The Dolphins defense is a low-end No. 1 option against the Jets in Week 16.
News: The Dolphins DST had three sacks and recovered two fumbles in a 21-0 loss against Buffalo. LB Zach Thomas had 21 tackles. DL Vonnie Holliday and LB Channing Crowder had 10 tackles each, with Crowder getting a sack. DL Jason Taylor had five tackles and a sack. DL David Bowens had two tackles and a sack. DL Kevin Carter had six tackles and a fumble recovery. LB Donnie Spragan had two tackles and recovered a fumble. DB Yeremiah Bell had eight tackles.
Analysis: Look for the Dolphins DST to rebound in Week 16 against the Jets. Consider the DST a low-end No. 1 option and use all regular IDP players.
News: The Miami Dolphins signed LB Robert McCune off Washington's practice squad and waived LB Keith Newman. McCune was a fifth-round draft choice of the Redskins in 2005.
Analysis: Neither McCune or Newman makes any difference in terms of the Fantasy value of the Dolphins DST.
News: The Dolphins DST shutout the Patriots 21-0 with three fumble recoveries and five sacks. DB Yeremiah Bell had nine tackles, one sack and a fumble recovery. DB Will Allen had four tackles and a fumble recovery. And DL Jeff Zgonina recovered a fumble. DL Jason Taylor had six tackles and a sack. DL Kevin Carter had two tackles and a sack. DL Matt Roth had 1.5 sacks. LB Zach Thomas had seven tackles. LB Channing Crowder had four tackles. DL Vonnie Holliday had two tackles and a half-sack. DB Renaldo Hill had eight tackles.
Analysis: Consider the Dolphins DST a low-end No. 1 option for Week 15 against the Bills and use all regular IDP players as needed.
News: The Dolphins DST had one fumble recovery and 3.5 sacks against Jacksonville. DB Will Allen had five tackles and recovered a fumble. DL Jason Taylor had three tackles and 1.5 sacks. LB Zach Thomas had 11 tackles. LB Channing Crowder had six tackles. DL David Bowens had two tackles and a sack. DL Kevin Carter had one tackle and a half-sack. DL Vonnie Holliday had four tackles and a half-sack. LB Donnie Spragan had three tackles and a half-sack. LB Jim Maxwell had one tackle and a half-sack.
Analysis: Consider the Dolphins DST a No. 2 option for Week 14 against New England and use all IDP players as needed.
News: The Dolphins DST had eight sacks against Detroit, one interception and one fumble recovery. LB Zach Thomas had six tackles and two sacks. DL Vonnie Holiday had three tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. DL Matt Roth had three tackles and two sacks. DL Kevin Carter had two tackles and a sack. DL David Bowens had one tackle and a sack. DB Renaldo Hill had two tackles and an interception.
Analysis: The only person who didn't do anything was the Dolphins best player, DL Jason Taylor, who had no tackles. Consider the Dolphins a low-end No. 1 DST option for Week 13 against Jacksonville. Use all IDP players as needed.
News: The Dolphins DST had two touchdowns against the Vikings. DL Jason Taylor scored on an interception return and had five tackles and a sack, and DB Renaldo Hill scored on a fumble return and had five tackles. LB Zach Thomas had 17 tackles. DB Yeremiah Bell had 12 tackles. DL Vonnie Holliday had seven tackles and a sack. DL David Bowens had one tackle and a sack. LB Channing Crowder had six tackles.
Analysis: Consider the Dolphins a No. 1 DST for Week 12 against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day. Use all IDP players as needed.
News: The Dolphins DST held the Chiefs to 10 points and got three sacks. DB Yeremiah Bell had nine tackles. LB Channing Crowder had four tackles. DL Vonnie Holliday had four tackles and a sack. LB Zach Thomas had seven tackles and a sack. DL Jason Taylor had one tackle. DL Keith Traylor had one tackle and a sack. DB Will Allen had no tackles.
Analysis: Consider the Dolphins and their IDP players a good start in Week 11 against Minnesota, which is a struggling offense right now.
News: Dolphins coach Nick Saban said Friday that DL David Bowens aggravated a hamstring injury and did not practice on Friday. "We're hopeful that it won't be an issue for the game. We didn't know it was an issue. With those things sometimes you don't know until the next day, so we just decided to hold him out."
Analysis: Bowens' injury could hamper the Dolphins' defensive line, but it shouldn't make a big impact for Fantasy owners.
News: When it comes to tackling Larry Johnson, defensive end Jason Taylor's plan is to grab whatever he can reach, wait for help and hope he doesn't get dragged too far. There's little glamour when playing run defense, but plenty at stake. Taylor and the Miami Dolphins know the key to beating the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday will be to hold their ground against Johnson. It's a matchup of strength vs. strength. Stopping the run is what the Dolphins (2-6) do best, and few teams run the ball better than the Chiefs (5-3). "I'd say it's about as big a challenge as we've had all year," Miami coach Nick Saban said.
Analysis: Johnson has been getting the better of defenses for most of the season, but the Dolphins are coming off a high by stomping the previously undfeated Bears. Still, they should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy DST for Week 10.
News: The Dolphins DST scored a defensive touchdown and forced six turnovers against Chicago. DL Kevin Carter had four tackles, a sack and recovered a fumble. DL Jason Taylor had three tackles, a sack and an interception for a touchdown. DB Andre Goodman had three tackles and recovered a fumble. DB Jason Allen had one tackle and an interception. DB Renaldo Hill had five tackles and an interception. DB Eddie Jackson recovered a fumble. LB Channing Crowder had 10 tackles. DB Will Allen had seven tackles. And LB Zach Thomas had eight tackles.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST played well against the Bears and should be considered a No. 2 option for Week 10 against Kansas City. Use all IDP players as needed.
News: Dolphins LB Zach Thomas knows the Bears have a good offense. “First of all, they have a great defense, and their offense is playing well," Thomas said. "They spread the ball around. Rex (Grossman) is playing well. They even have a running game going this year in Thomas Jones and (Cedric) Benson. Even Desmond Clark is doing a great job at tight end. They are spreading the ball around. They have a great team. Their line is definitely blowing people off the ball and getting the running game going, so that’s one thing we have to stop.”
Analysis: Look for the Dolphins DST to struggle this week against the Bears. Keep them reserved in all formats.
News: The Dolphins DST had two sacks and a recovered a fumble against Green Bay but also gave up 34 points. DL Jason Taylor had two sacks and forced two fumbles. DL David Bowens recovered the fumble. LB Channing Crowder had 11 tackles. And LB Zach Thomas had seven tackles.
Analysis: Consider the Dolphins DST a No. 2 option in Week 9 against Chicago. Use Thomas, Taylor and Crowder in all IDP leagues, and keep Bowens reserved.
News: The Dolphins defense played relatively strong in Week 6 against the Jets, but still could not keep the Jets out of the endzone and away from a win, losing 20-17. The Dolphins held the Jets to 272 yards, while forcing three fumbles (none which were recovered) and two sacks. DLs Jason Taylor and Vonnie Holliday got the sacks, while LB Channing Crowder led the team with 10 tackles.
Analysis: The Dolphins remain a decent No. 2 DST and a definite bye-week replacement DST. Taylor is a must-start DL in Fantasy leagues, while Holliday is a decent No. 2 or No. 3 DL. Crowder is also a decent reserve LB in the deepest of IDP leagues.
News: The Dolphins DST recovered one fumble on special teams and had no sacks or interceptions against New England. LB Zach Thomas led the team with 12 tackles, and DL David Bowens recovered the fumble by Patriots RB Kevin Faulk on special teams.
Analysis: Thomas should be started in all IDP leagues. The Dolphins DST has a good matchup in Week 6 against the Jets.
News: The Dolphins lost to the Texans 17-15 in Week 4, but the Dolphins defense did manage to play a good game. They only gave up 276 yards and gave QB David Carr problems all day. They forced two fumbles (one recovered), an interception and had five quarterback sacks. However, they could not force Carr and Texans defense off the field on third downs letting them convert 9-of-16 attempts.
Analysis: The Dolphins played pretty well against an average Texans offense, but will certainly get a tougher challenge in Week 5 against the Patriots. Consider them a No. 2 DST for Week 5.
News: The Dolphins DST finally got their first turnovers of the season. LB Zach Thomas and DB Travis Daniels had interceptions, and cornerback Will Allen had a fumble recovery.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST is a good start for Week 4 against the Texans.
9/18/2006
, ,
Fins get 0 turnovers
News: The Dolphins DST had zero turnovers against the Bills. They only had two sacks, from DB Yeremiah Bell and DL Kevin Carter.
Analysis: The Dolphins face Tennessee in Week 3, which is a good sign for the DST. But after two weeks of no turnovers, they should only be used as a No. 2 DST or when your starting DST is on a bye.
9/8/2006
, ,
Dolphins DST allows 28 points
News: The Dolphins DST allowed 28 points and 339 total net yards in Week 1 at Pittsburgh. The Dolphins were also able to roll up three sacks against QB Charlie Batch.
Analysis: The Dolphins defense should see a little more success in Week 2 in the home opener against the Buffalo Bills.
9/7/2006
, ,
Fins likely without Daniels
News: The Dolphins downgraded Travis Daniels from questionable to doubtful Wednesday, further evidence the injured cornerback will not play tonight against the Steelers. Daniels is the only Miami starter projected to miss the game.
Analysis: Daniels absence is less significant with the Steelers starting QB Charlie Batch instead of Ben Roethlisberger. Expect a low-scoring game, but only use the Dolphins defense if a better unit with a better matchup is not available.
9/6/2006
, ,
Dolphins preparing for Steelers
News: The Dolphins defense will face the Steelers in Week 1 without QB Ben Roethlisberger under center. However, the team will not take Pittsburgh lightly just because Charlie Batch will be steering the Steelers. "[Roethlisberger] isn't the only one on their team," CB Travis Daniels said to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "This isn't golf. If we had to go against Tiger Woods and he was hurting so he couldn't play, that means we would automatically win because we've got nobody to compete against. They've got 10 other guys and another guy who can step in for [Roethlisberger]. If he's not there, it really doesn't matter."
Analysis: The Dolphins defense is a more appealing unit now that Roethlisberger is out, but they still aren't as good as a dozen or so defenses that should be used in Fantasy Football leagues. Only use the Dolphins defense if a better unit with a better matchup is not available.
8/25/2006
, ,
DE Taylor still bothered by back
News: The Miami Herald reports Taylor (back) is still nursing a back injury which forced him out of training camp early on. He was able to play a majority of Thursday's preseason game against the Panthers.
Analysis: Taylor is expected to be ready for the regular season. Miami's defense won't be so bad in 2006, especially since they'll play weak offenses like Buffalo and the N.Y. Jets twice each. Consider them a No. 2 DST unit.
8/13/2006
, ,
DL Taylor sits out vs. Jaguars
News: Jason Taylor, limited in practice this week because of a sore back, was among those not dressing for Saturday's preseason game against the Jaguars.
Analysis: Taylor might be able to play at some point before the regular season. Miami's defense won't be so bad in 2006, especially since they'll play weak offenses like Buffalo and the N.Y. Jets twice each. Consider them a No. 2 DST unit.
8/8/2006
, ,
DE Taylor out, rookie Allen in
News: The Miami Herald reports that Dolphins All-Pro DE Jason Taylor has a back problem according to a recent MRI. The injury, which was previously described as "cramps," could keep him out of the team's first preseason game. Taylor is still working out with the team but isn't in pads or participating in the full-contact drills. Meanwhile, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Miami first-round pick CB Jason Allen has agreed to a six-year deal and will join the team soon, playing perhaps as soon as preseason game No. 3.
Analysis: If Taylor isn't on Miami, then the Dolphins DST is useless outside of being an emergency bye-week replacement unit. Taylor should be OK, but the Fins have a history of back problems with their defensive linemen. Owners should consider Miami's DST nothing better than a No. 2 unit for now.
8/1/2006
, ,
Taylor, Thomas to be 'professional'
News: Dolphins DE Jason Taylor says his marital problems won't spill over into the locker room, even though his brother-in-law is teammate Zach Thomas. Katina Taylor, Thomas' sister, has filed for divorce from Taylor. "As far as the question about the locker room, to be quite frank, I think it's ridiculous to me that anyone would even think that," Taylor said. "We're professionals, guys." The Taylors married in 2001 and have three children.
Analysis: Taylor and Thomas better get along since they are the catalysts for a rebounding Miami defense that has a rebuilt secondary. In fact, Miami's defense won't be so bad in 2006, especially since they'll play weak offenses like Buffalo and the N.Y. Jets twice each. Consider them a solid No. 2 DST unit.
5/1/2006
, ,
CB/S Allen lands with Miami
News: The Dolphins spent their first-round pick, 16th overall, on Tennessee CB/S Jason Allen. Allen, who missed a chunk of 2005 with a hip injury, has good height and speed, two thing that help when playing in the NFL.
Analysis: Allen adds depth to Miami's defensive backfield, and that only strengthens that unit. Miami's defense won't be so bad in 2006, especially since they'll play weak offenses like Buffalo and the N.Y. Jets twice each. Consider them a No. 2 DST unit.
4/5/2006
, ,
Cooper joins Dolphins' DBs
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that safety Deke Cooper and the Dolphins have agreed to a one-year contract.
Analysis: The Dolphins have some nice depth in the defensive secondary this offseason. They could become a sleeper DST unit in 2006.
3/20/2006
, ,
Will Allen joins Miami
News: CB Will Allen has agreed to a four-year contract with the Dolphins. The former Giants DB should compete for a starting job with Will Poole, Travis Daniels and Andre Goodman.
Analysis: Allen will give Miami depth at cornerback, something they were missing last season. Allen is injury prone, though, so don't expect him to help Miami too much.
3/13/2006
, ,
Dolphins land Goodman, Hodge
News: The Miami Herald reports the Dolphins have signed CB Andre' Goodman to a three-year, $5 million contract and LB Sedrick Hodge to a two-year contract worth $2 million.
Analysis: The Dolphins will look different on defense with Goodman and Hodge and without CBs Sam Madison and Reggie Howard, SS Tebucky Jones and LB Junior Seau.
3/8/2006
, ,
Miami releases LB Junior Seau
News: The Miami Dolphins have released LB Junior Seau. The team saved $2.92 million against the salary cap by cutting the veteran linebacker.
Analysis: Seau's best seasons are in the rearview mirror, but there's still a chance he'll land on another team at some point in the offseason.
News: The Miami Dolphins have released CBs Sam Madison and Reggie Howard. SS Tebucky Jones was also released as a result of the recent collective bargaining agreement issues.
Analysis: Madison hasn't been the same cornerback in recent seasons, but he'll find a new team sooner than later. The Dolphins DST should still be considered a late-round seleciton in drafts.
1/5/2006
, ,
Dolphins DST disappoints
News: The Dolphins DST did not impress in 2006, ranking 18th overall in the NFL and in the second third in Fantasy scoring. Owners may have used them as a bye-week replacement, but otherwise the Dolphins weren't anything special, notching a plus-1 in the turnover department.
Analysis: The Dolphins are expected to improve on both sides of the ball and should be better defensively now that they have a year in Nick Saban's scheme under their belts. If the secondary is upgraded, they may be considered a sleeper unit for 2006 drafts.
12/24/2005
, ,
Dolphins' D stumps Titans' O
News: The Miami Dolphins allowed 10 points and 234 yards in Week 16 vs. Tennessee. They also forced three turnovers and four sacks.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST faces a tough Patriots offense in Week 17 on the road. Consider them a risky start for a championship game.
12/18/2005
, ,
Six sacks for Miami DST
News: The Dolphins DST couldn't hold the Jets out of the end zone in Week 15, but they did make six sacks -- three by Jason Taylor.
Analysis: Miami's DST will be kept busy vs. Tennessee in Week 16.
12/15/2005
, ,
Zach Thomas questionable
News: Dolphins LB Zach Thomas (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Week 15. Also on the injury report are CB Reggie Howard (ankle; questionable) and DT Keith Traylor (knee; questionable). Thomas should play as he practiced earlier this week.
Analysis: The Jets offense should be grounded by the Dolphins, especially on the ground. Consider the Dolphins DST a sleeper unit for Week 15.
12/11/2005
, ,
Dolphins give up 21 points
News: The Miami Dolphins gave up 21 points in Week 14 at San Diego. They allowed 341 yards of offense, but they forced three turnovers and recorded three sacks.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST has a decent matchup against a poor Jets offense in Week 15.
12/8/2005
, ,
Zach Thomas expected to play
News: MLB Zach Thomas is expected to start against San Diego after missing the past two games with shoulder and ankle injuries. Thomas, who wore a red (non-contact) jersey during Wednesday's practice, isn't even listed on the team's injury report.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST unit is not a recommended option this week.
12/7/2005
, ,
Keith Traylor injured
News: The Miami Herald reports DT Keith Traylor is expected to miss two games after undergoing knee surgery.
Analysis: DT Jeff Zgonina will likely start in Traylor's place in Week 14. The Dolphins DST isn't a recommended option in Week 14 at San Diego.
12/6/2005
, ,
Zach Thomas to practice?
News: According to reports, Zach Thomas (ankle/shoulder) will attempt to return to practice this week.
Analysis: Regardless of Thomas' status, the Dolphins DST is not a recommended option for Week 14 at San Diego.
12/5/2005
, ,
Dolphins give up 23 points
News: The Miami Dolphins allowed 23 points and 294 yards in Week 13 vs. Buffalo.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST is not a recommended option at San Diego in Week 14.
12/2/2005
, ,
Taylor listed as probable
News: The Herald reports Jason Taylor (illness) has been added to the injury report for Week 13. He is listed as probable.
Analysis: Barring setbacks, Taylor will start against Buffalo. The Dolphins DST should be considered a decent option in leagues with 12-plus teams.
12/1/2005
, ,
Zach Thomas won't play
News: Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban announced that middle linebacker Zach Thomas (shoulder/ankle) will not play vs. Buffalo in Week 13 despite being listed as doubtful, and not out, on the injury report. Thomas is still recovering from injuries he suffered in Week 11 at Cleveland.
Analysis: Without Thomas, rookie Channing Crowder will make his second consecutive start at middle linebacker against Buffalo. The Dolphins DST is middle-of-the-road option for Week 13. Crowder should be considered a No. 2 LB in IDP leagues as long as he is starting.
11/29/2005
, ,
LB Thomas cleared to return
News: The Herald reports renowned sports doctor James Andrews has cleared Zach Thomas to play despite the torn labrum in his right shoulder. Thomas, who also has a high ankle sprain, plans to wear a harness in his attempt to return in Week 13.
Analysis: The potential return of Thomas would be great news for owners who have the Dolphins DST. Keep tabs on his status throughout the week.
11/27/2005
, ,
Dolphins DST get seven sacks
News: The Dolphins DST unit allowed 21 points to Week 12 in Oakland, while registering two interceptions and a whopping seven sacks.
Analysis: The strong performance may have been more of a result of Oakland's hapless offense as opposed to Miami's defense. That said, they face another struggling offense in Week 13 vs. Buffalo.
11/25/2005
, ,
Miami adds Zeke Moreno
News: The Sun-Sentinel reports the Miami Dolphins have signed Zeke Moreno.
Analysis: The 'Fins needed to add a linebacker with Zach Thomas and Junior Seau both out.
11/25/2005
, ,
Seau gone for the year
News: Miami Dolphins linebacker Junior Seau is out for the season with a calf injury. The loss of Seau further depletes a linebacking corps already missing Zach Thomas, who is expected to be sidelined two games with a shoulder injury. The Dolphins play at Oakland in Week 12.
Analysis: Seau should be dropped from all seasonal IDP leagues or reserved in keeper leagues. The Dolphins DST is not a recommended Fantasy option in Week 12.
11/21/2005
, ,
LB Thomas to miss two games
News: Dolphins LB Zach Thomas (shoulder) will miss at least two games with a separated shoulder suffered in Week 11 at Cleveland.
Analysis: Miami's defense couldn't stop the Browns. They should not be used in leagues.
11/20/2005
, ,
Miami D gets a pick
News: The Dolphins DST came up with an interception and little else in their Week 11 game at Cleveland. The Browns rushed for over 150 yards and won the game, 22-0. What's more, LB Zach Thomas hurt his arm in the first half and could miss some time.
Analysis: Miami heads to Oakland in Week 12, so don't count on the DST doing much.
11/13/2005
, ,
It's a two-fer for Miami's D
News: Miami's defense had two sacks and two interceptions vs. New England in Week 10.
Analysis: Miami DST is a decent start at Cleveland in Week 11.
11/9/2005
, ,
Poole won't return in '05
News: The Herald reports Will Poole (knee) was not activated for practice by the league deadline and will not be eligible to return this season from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Analysis: With or without Poole, the Dolphins DST is not a recommended option for Week 10 against the New England Patriots.
11/6/2005
, ,
Dolphins DST gets three sacks
News: Dolphins DST recorded three sacks while giving up 17 points in a loss to Atlanta in Week 9. They had zero interceptions and failed to score against Michael Vick and Co.
Analysis: Dolphins DST isn't a recommended play in Week 10 vs. New England.
11/2/2005
, ,
CB Madison day to day
News: CB Sam Madison's (hip) physical condition was listed Monday as "day to day" by coach Nick Saban. "You can't play his position if you can't run," Saban said. LB Junior Seau (calf)is "probably getting a little closer" to playing again, Saban said.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST is not a recommended option this week vs. QB Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons.
10/30/2005
, ,
Dolphins D tees off on Saints
News: Miami's defense had its way in a 21-6 win over the Saints in Week 8. The unit sacked Aaron Brooks five times and recorded a safety as well. They also picked off Brooks once and recovered a fumble.
Analysis: Miami's defense continues to be the team's strength and is a solid option in Week 9 when the Dolphins host the Falcons.
10/30/2005
, ,
Madison, Seau inactive
News: Miami's DST took a big hit when CB Sam Madison and LB Junior Seau were listed as inactive for Week 8 at New Orleans.
Analysis: Miami's defense should yield some big plays.
10/29/2005
, ,
DL Jason Taylor might play
News: The Palm Beach Post reports that Taylor (foot) remains questionable for Sunday's game, despite practicing Friday. He will likely play against the Saints.
Analysis: Even partially healthy, Taylor is a dangerous defender with sack potential. Consider using him as your No. 3 or 4 DL this week. The Dolphins DST is still a decent one-week option in leagues with 12-plus teams.
News: The Herald reports CB Sam Madison has not practiced this week because of a hip pointer. CB Reggie Howard will start in Week 8 if Madison is unavailable.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST is a decent one-week option in leagues with 12-plus teams.
10/21/2005
, ,
Miami's D gets run over by KC
News: Chiefs RBs Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson combined for 183 rush yards and three TDs at the Dolphins in Week 7. The only positives for the Dolphins D is that it held Trent Green touchdownless and they sacked him twice.
Analysis: Owners should shy away from using the Miami DST unless they play an absolutely horrible offense. Miami is at the Saints in Baton Rouge in Week 8, so don't use them there.
10/21/2005
, ,
Jason Taylor to start
News: CBS Sports reports that Jason Taylor (foot) will start in Week 7, though he won't be 100 percent.
Analysis: In other news, Junior Seau (calf) is out against the Kansas City Chiefs.
10/21/2005
, ,
Jason Taylor out?
News: The Herald reports Jason Taylor (foot) is not expected to play in Week 7 because the game has been moved up two days due to Hurricane Wilma. "It will be a challenge for us, especially with Jason out, to try to get after their quarterback," said Taylor's teammate, David Bowens.
Analysis: Fantasy Footballers who have the Dolphins DST might want to consider other options.
10/20/2005
, ,
Jason Taylor questionable
News: Jason Taylor (foot) has been listed as questionable for Week 7 vs. Kansas City, but he expects to be active in the contest. Junior Seau (calf) is also questionable.
Analysis: Owners who have the Dolphins DST should keep tabs on Taylor's status as well as the weather, because Hurricane Wilma is expected to hit South Florida on Sunday.
10/18/2005
, ,
'Fins DE Taylor has swollen foot
News: DE end Jason Taylor was on crutches Monday because of a foot injury, leaving his status for Sunday's game against Kansas City uncertain. Taylor was hurt during the first quarter of Sunday's loss at Tampa Bay. He returned to the game but said he was slowed by the injury. The Dolphins didn't disclose the nature of the injury, but coach Nick Saban said Taylor's foot was swollen. "We're going to keep him off the foot for a couple of days and evaluate his status later in the week," Saban said.
Analysis: Taylor has made 87 consecutive starts since sitting out one game with an ankle injury in 1999. It looks like he might miss Week 7 vs. Kansas City, though. His absence would make a risky Fantasy DST play in that matchup even worse. Consider reserving the Dolphins defense if you can afford picking up an alternative.
10/16/2005
, ,
Miami's D struggles at TB
News: Miami's DST registered three sacks and that's all at Tampa Bay in Week 6.
Analysis: Miami's defense will be in for a test when they play vs. Kansas City in Week 7.
10/9/2005
, ,
Miami D not impressive
News: The Miami DST unit had three sacks, and a fumble recovery at Buffalo in Week 5. Jason Taylor had two of the sacks.
Analysis: Miami's DST could be useful against the hobbling Bucs offense in Week 6, so keep them in mind.
10/4/2005
, ,
Junior Seau questionable
News: The Miami Herald reports LB Junior Seau (calf) did not practice Monday and will be listed as questionable for Week 5.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST is a nice option against a weak Bills offense.
9/27/2005
, ,
LB Seau leaves with cramps
News: Junior Seau left Sunday's game against Carolina in the fourth quarter due to a strained Achilles' tendon. "It just cramped up, and I didn't want to risk anything," Seau told the Miami Herald.
Analysis: Seau should be fine, as the Dolphins have off in Week 4 before returning to play in Week 5 at Buffalo.
9/25/2005
, ,
Miami's defense does its job
News: The Dolphins DST had an interception, four sacks and two fumble recoveries vs. Carolina in Week 3.
Analysis: Miami is off in Week 4, but the DST is well worth starting at Buffalo and J.P. Losman in Week 5.
9/18/2005
, ,
Dolphins DST limited vs. Jets
News: Miami managed just two sacks and no turnovers in Sunday's loss to the Jets.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST remains a solid Fantasy unit and should start in Week 3 vs. Carolina.
9/11/2005
, ,
Dolphins D shackles Broncos
News: Miami's defense held the Broncos' vaunted running game to 70 yards and picked off Jake Plummer twice in Week 1. To top it off, Jason Taylor had an 85-yard fumble return to end the game.
Analysis: Miami's DST could be a nice bye-week replacement unit. They could be worth starting in Week 2 when they play at the Jets (who lost 27-7 in Week 1 to Kansas City).
8/10/2005
, ,
Seau back at Dolphins practice
News: The Sun-Sentinel reports LB Junior Seau was back at practice, apparently healed from a calf injury he suffered this offseason. No word if he will play against the Jaguars. "He did well, actually better than I thought he would," head coach Nick Saban said.
Analysis: Miami's DST has been a staple in Fantasy Football for years, but until they can piece together a cohesive secondary they should be avoided.
8/9/2005
, ,
Miami's D changed up
News: The Dolphins defense sported some new looks in their first preseason game against the Bears. Notably, the team lined up in the 3-4 defense to start the game with Jason Taylor playing OLB. Also, CB Reggie Howard got the start but was picked on often by the Bears' offense. He was later replaced by rookie Travis Daniels.
Analysis: Miami's DST has been a staple in Fantasy Football for years, but until they can piece together a cohesive secondary they should be avoided.
7/27/2005
, ,
Dolphins' Taylor at linebacker
News: The Sun-Sentinel reports that Jason Taylor spent time playing outside linebacker in practice, specifically when the team practiced in a 3-4 alignment. Rookie Matt Roth played end when Taylor was at LB.
Analysis: The Dolphins' defense has always been talented, but the move to 3-4 could help them shut opponents down if they can make the transition this year. For now, they're a strong No. 2 DST unit.
7/15/2005
, ,
Dolphins choose DT Wright
News: The Miami Dolphins chose USC DT Manuel Wright in the fifth round of the NFL's supplemental draft. Wright, who was entering his junior season, was the only player chosen in the draft. He was eligible because he is three years out of high school.
Analysis: White is a definite project, but he has potential and the Dolphins need assistance on their defensive line. By using a fifth-round choice to take him, the Dolphins forfeit their fifth rounder in 2006.
6/25/2005
, ,
Miami cuts safety Q. Williams
News: The Miami Dolphins cut Quintin Williams on Friday, just one day after the second-year safety was arrested. "This is not the kind of behavior we expect from our players," Dolphins coach Nick Saban said Thursday after learning of the arrest.
Analysis: Williams' absence makes no difference to the solid Fantasy value of Miami's DST.
6/9/2005
, ,
Tim Bowens released
News: The Miami Herald reports the Dolphins have released Bowens. "Tim talked to me and said he wanted to retire as a Dolphin," head coach Nick Saban said in a release. "We wanted to accommodate his request."
Analysis: The team added DT Keith Traylor to replace Bowen on the defensive line.
5/24/2005
, ,
'Fins sign DT Keith Traylor
News: The Miami Dolphins have signed Keith Traylor to a two-year contract.
Analysis: The possible retirement of Tim Bowens (back) made this a necessary move for the Dolphins.
5/23/2005
, ,
DT Bowens to retire?
News: The Miami Herald reports Tim Bowens (back) might decide to retire. He received bad news last week when he visited a specialist and was told he has made no progress in recovering from the back ailment that forced him to miss most of last season.
Analysis: Doctors also told Bowens there was little that could be done to improve the ailment, outside of long-term rest.
5/9/2005
, ,
Dolphins lose CB Poole
News: Will Poole (knee) will miss the entire 2005 season. He sustained the ailment in minicamp.
Analysis: Look for the Dolphins to sign another cornerback in the near future.
4/1/2005
, ,
Surtain headed to K.C.?
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Surtain have hammered out a contract extention should he be traded to the team.
Analysis: The Dolphins don't want less than a first-day selection in the draft for Surtain, but that could change as we get deeper into April.
3/10/2005
, ,
'Fins won't trade DE Taylor
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports Dolphins coach Nick Saban emphasized the team will not trade Jason Taylor. "Everything we have done is to build our defense around what Jason does best," Saban said. "He's an outstanding player and we want him to be a focal point of our defense. We will use him in schemes that best feature his talent. We have no intention of moving or trading Jason Taylor."
Analysis: The Dolphins have added DEs Vonnie Holliday and Kevin Carter in the past week, which has fueled speculation that Taylor could become a hybrid defender.
3/8/2005
, ,
Taylor won't move to LB
News: The Palm Beach Post reports Jason Taylor's agent says his client isn't interested in converting to linebacker. "He's the man, he's started in the Pro Bowl," agent Gary Wichard said. "He's not looking to become a situational, standup outside linebacker. At this point in his career, it's not the right position.
Analysis: The Dolphins have added DEs Vonnie Holliday and Kevin Carter in the past week, which has fueled speculation that Taylor could become a hybrid defender.
News: According to reports, the Miami Dolphins have signed Kevin Carter to a five-year, $30 million contract.
Analysis: Carter recorded six sacks with the Tennessee Titans last season.
3/6/2005
, ,
'Fins add DL Vonnie Holliday
News: The Miami Dolphins signed Holliday to a two-year contract over the weekend. The team was also looking at DL Kevin Carter, but if the team changes to a 3-4 defensive scheme like is being reported, then they are likely done adding players in that area. The team also signed S Travares Tillman for depth.
Analysis: Holliday's addition strengthens an already solid defense for the Dolphins. They will again be a highly-coveted Fantasy unit on Draft Day in most formats.
3/4/2005
, ,
LB Seau to return
News: The Palm Beach Post reports Seau will return to the Miami Dolphins next season.
Analysis: The veteran could be moved to inisde linebacker if the team goes to a 3-4 defense.
12/27/2004
, ,
Miami DST clamps down on Browns
News: The Dolphins DST allowed only 285 net yards and seven points to Cleveland on Sunday.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST remains a must-start unit at Baltimore in Week 17.
12/22/2004
, ,
Zach done for year?
News: According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, linebacker Zach Thomas might not play again this season. Thomas tore his hamstring in Week 12 at San Francisco. "Zach is going to try to practice tomorrow and play this week," agent Drew Rosenhaus said. "He obviously is giving his best effort to get well. But it's up in the air right now. It's very questionable whether he can play this year. He's very frustrated. It's a shame the hamstring has not responded to the treatment."
Analysis: Thomas has been replaced by rookie Derrick Pope, who will start again in Week 16 against Cleveland if he can't play. The Dolphins are worth starting in larger leagues as a Fantasy D/ST.
12/20/2004
, ,
LB Zach Thomas is inactive
News: LB Thomas (hamstring) is inactive for Week 15 against the Patriots.
Analysis: Thomas had been doubtful all week. Morlon Greenwood, Derrick Pope and Brendan Ayanbadejo will make up the linebacking corps.
12/7/2004
, ,
LB Zach Thomas OUT
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports Thomas (hamstring) is out for Week 14. "I want to compete, but I have to be smarter this time," Thomas said.
Analysis: Derrick Pope will continue to start in his absence.
12/5/2004
, ,
Miami DST tries to hold the fort
News: The Dolphins DST allowed only 105 rushing yards and made three sacks, but they were only able to create one turnover against the Bills Sunday.
Analysis: Miami faces another tough test at Denver in Week 14. The DST are still worth starting in most leagues however.
12/1/2004
, ,
Zach Thomas out
News: Linebacker Zach Thomas (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 13 against Buffalo. He might also be forced to miss Week 14 at Denver because of the injury. Rookie Derrick Pope will likely start in his place. "He was really going to push himself trying to get back," coach Jim Bates said. "But this week, he's ruled out."
Analysis: Thomas was injured in Week 11 at Seattle. He has a team-best 132 tackles and has made at least 11 stops in each of Miami's first 10 games.
11/28/2004
, ,
Dolphins D sharp in victory
News: The Miami Dolphins defense stepped up and held the San Francisco offense to 10 points and only 224 total net yards. The 49ers defense accounted for seven of the team's 17 points.
Analysis: LB Zach Thomas (hamstring) had only one assist in the game and was a non-factor. The Dolphins posted eight sacks and three fumble recoveries. They will have their hands full with RB Willis McGahee and the Bills in Week 13.
11/26/2004
, ,
Zach Thomas doubtful
News: Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas (hamstring) is doubtful for Week 12 against the 49ers after missing practice Wednesday. Other defensive players listed on the Miami injury report for Week 12 against San Francisco include: LB Tony Bua (quad, out), S Yeremiah Bell (knee, probable), DT Mario Monds (hand, probable) and CB Jimmy Wyrick (trapezius, probable).
Analysis: Thomas, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, leads Miami with 131 tackles but was injured in Week 11 at Seattle.
11/23/2004
, ,
Zach likely out
News: According to the Miami Herald, linebacker Zach Thomas (hamstring) has a Grade 1 partial tear of his hamstring and could be out one to three weeks. "It still pulls, but I'm going to hydrate as much as possible and treat it as much as possible to see if I can play Sunday," Thomas said. "But I know I don't want to push it and then it becomes something that affects me the rest of my career. That wouldn't be smart, so we'll just have to continue to evaluate it."
Analysis: The Dolphins are an attractive Fantasy D/ST in Week 12 at San Francisco. Derrick Pope likely would start at middle linebacker if Thomas can't go.
11/22/2004
, ,
Miami D banged up
News: According to the Miami Herald, linebacker Zach Thomas hurt his hamstring in the first half of Week 11 at Seattle and was not able to return. He is questionable for Week 12 at San Francisco. "I don't know, we're going to have to check it out," said Thomas. In other news, linebacker Tony Bua (quadriceps), defensive end Jason Taylor (back spasms) and cornerback Patrick Surtain (calf) suffered injuries in Week 11 but none appear to be serious.
Analysis: Miami is an attractive starting D/ST when they face the 49ers in Week 12.
11/22/2004
, ,
Dolphins DST plays tough
News: The Miami DST allowed only 177 yards passing through the air while recording three sacks at Seattle Sunday.
Analysis: Start the Dolphins DST in Week 12 at San Francisco.
11/18/2004
, ,
Dolphins D/ST injury update
News: The Dolphins listed the following defensive players on their injury report for Week 11: DT Mario Monds (hand, questionable) and S Yeremiah Bell (ankle, probable).
Analysis: Miami should be used in larger leagues when they face the Seahawks in Week 11.
11/9/2004
, ,
Shawn Wooden on I-R
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports the Dolphins will place S Wooden (back) on injured reserve.
Analysis: Wooden hasn't played this season and is on the team's physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
11/5/2004
, ,
Dolphins D shuffles
News: According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, with the news that weakside linebacker Junior Seau is out for the year with a torn pectoral muscle, 2003 second-round pick Eddie Moore will get his first NFL start in Week 9 against Arizona. "He's got to go out there and not press and not [think he has to] make plays like Junior made," said middle linebacker Zach Thomas. "If he presses and tries to make plays, you're not going to make plays. You're going to hurt the team, so I hope he studies hard and goes out there and plays football, run around and not think too much, because that'll mess you up."
Analysis: Strongside linebacker Morlon Greenwood will replace Seau in the nickel package, and Moore will back up Thomas in the 4-6 alignment. The Dolphins are a nice option in Week 9 against the Cardinals.
11/3/2004
, ,
LB Seau has torn pectoral muscle
News: LB Junior Seau is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to a torn pectoral muscle, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Analysis: It is uncertain who would step into the starting lineup in Seau's absence.
11/2/2004
, ,
LB Junior Seau injured
News: The Miami Herald reports Seau suffered a pectoral muscle in Week 8.
Analysis: His status for Week 9 is uncertain.
11/2/2004
, ,
Dolphins D flamed by Jets
News: The Miami Dolphins defense allowed 41 points and 472 total net yards in Week 8 at N.Y. Jets. Curtis Martin and LaMont Jordan helped the Jets produce 275 net yards rushing.
Analysis: The Dolphins defense will look to rebound in Week 9 against the Cardinals.
10/28/2004
, ,
Jason Taylor probable
News: According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor (knee) is probable for Week 8 at the New York Jets. In other news, LB Junior Seau (groin/quadricep, questionable) said he will "definitely" play against the Jets. Finally, kick returner Wes Welker (toe) is probable.
Analysis: It is safe to keep the Jets active for Week 8.
10/27/2004
, ,
Bowens placed on I-R
News: Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Tim Bowens (back) was placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season. To fill his roster spot, the Dolphins signed defensive tackle Mario Monds off the New York Giants' practice squad.
Analysis: Bowens had only been able to play in two games this year because of the back injury.
10/27/2004
, ,
Bowens likely out for Week 8
News: According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, defensive tackle Tim Bowens (back) is likely out for Week 8 at the New York Jets after he aggravated a herniated disc against St. Louis in Week 7.
Analysis: If Bowens can't go Bryan Robinson will start in his place.
10/26/2004
, ,
LB Seau to play Sunday
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Junior Seau (groin) will likely play Monday at the Jets.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST continues to be a solid Fantasy unit. Start them in all leagues.
10/24/2004
, ,
Dolphins stop Rams
News: Miami limited St. Louis to just 14 points in Week 7 to get their first win of the year.
Analysis: Miami has been a solid defense all season long and is well worth using in Fantasy formats. The Dolphins face the New York Jets on Monday night in Week 8.
News: Miami Dolphins starting free safety Antuan Edwards (groin) hasn't practiced all week and is doubtful for Week 7 against St. Louis. Three other Miami defenders were listed on the injury report as "probable": DE David Bowens (knee), DT Tim Bowens (back) and LB Junior Seau (quadricep).
Analysis: Edwards will be replaced by Arturo Freeman. The Dolphins are a solid Fantasy defense.
10/17/2004
, ,
Dolphins get dented
News: Miami lost in Week 6 to Buffalo by a score of 20-13. Making the first start of his NFL career, Willis McGahee rushed for 111 yards against the Dolphins.
Analysis: Miami is a solid No. 1 Fantasy defense. The Dolphins host the Rams in Week 7.
10/15/2004
, ,
DE Ahanotu leaves the team
News: DE Chidi Ahanotu has left the Miami Dolphins and asked to be released or traded. He complained of a lack of playing time through the first five games.
Analysis: Ahanotu's departure does not lessen the Fantasy appeal of the Miami defensive unit from a Fantasy perspective.
10/12/2004
, ,
DT Bowens still sidelined
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Tim Bowens (back) has not been given clearance to return to practice.
Analysis: Continue starting the Dolphins DST in all leagues.
10/10/2004
, ,
Miami can't handle Pats
News: The Dolphins couldn't contain Tom Brady and the Patriots in Week 5, losing by a 24-10 score.
Analysis: The Dolphins held the Patriots to just 205 total yards but couldn't keep them out of the end zone when it counted. They remain a top defense in the NFL and are worth using in all leagues. Miami travels to Buffalo in Week 6.
10/4/2004
, ,
Dolphins D sharp against Jets
News: The Dolphins defensive unit was sharp against the Jets in Week 4, allowing only 235 net yards. The unit also recorded three sacks and one interception. They were led by LB Zach Thomas (shoulder) who had four solo tackles and nine assists. LB Junior Seau (groin) was second with three solo tackles and seven assists.
Analysis: The team was again without DL Tim Bowens (back). The defense has not been the problem in Miami's 0-4 start. They have yet to yield more than 17 points in a game. Miami's defense remains a must-start in Week 5 at New England.
10/2/2004
, ,
Zach Thomas to play Sunday
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Thomas (shoulder) practiced Thursday and is expected to play against the Jets in Week 4.
Analysis: Thomas' presence helps make the Dolphins DST unit a solid start in all leagues.
9/27/2004
, ,
Dolphins defense sharp in Week 3
News: The Dolphins defensive unit did everything it could to win in Week 3 against the Steelers, but the team fell to 0-3 for the first time since 1969.
Analysis: LB Junior Seau (toe), CB Patrick Surtain (groin), LB Zach Thomas (concussion) and DL Jason Taylor (foot) were all about to play in the game. They are still a top-notch Fantasy unit despite their winless record.
9/25/2004
, ,
Dolphins/Steelers postponed
News: According to local television reports, the Miami Dolphins have postponed their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday due to the threat of Hurricane Jeanne.
Analysis: A rescheduled date has not yet been given, but on Friday, coach Dave Wannstedt said the game could be played Monday or possibley even Tuesday.
9/22/2004
, ,
Tim Bowens doubtful
News: According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Tim Bowens is doubtful for Week 3 against Pittsburgh. Bowens is needed back with the news that Larry Chester is out for the year with a knee injury he sustained in Week 2 at Cincinnati. "It's tough," said Jason Taylor. "Obviously they are two big men. That's 700 pounds of meat between the two of them. They are two big run stoppers for us that make plays for us and two guys that we need to have. It's very disappointing. Hopefully Timbo can get his back healthy soon."
Analysis: Other Dolphins listed on the injury report are: Linebacker Tony Bua (hamstring), doubtful; cornerback Patrick Surtain (groin), questionable; cornerback Reggie Howard (hamstring), questionable. Miami is a solid defensive team but are on are the field far too long due to their poor offense.
9/21/2004
, ,
'Fins release Lamont Brightful
News: According to reports, Brightful has been released by the Miami Dolphins.
Analysis: He has no value in Fantasy Football.
9/20/2004
, ,
Larry Chester out for year
News: According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Miami defensive lineman Larry Chester is out for the year with a knee injury he sustained in Week 2 at Cincinnati. "It's a torn ACL with a little meniscus tear," Chester said. "I went to plant and change direction and I got hit from outside and I felt it pop and I fell. I couldn't move my knee so I knew it wasn't good. I thought it was a break, but the x-rays confirmed it was an ACL." In other news, Jason Taylor (foot) and Zach Thomas (concussion) were injured in Week 2 but able to finish the game.
Analysis: Despite the team's struggles on offense, the Dolphins remain a solid defensive club. Keep them active in all leagues. Miami faces off against Pittsburgh in Week 3.
9/20/2004
, ,
Dolphins DST plays solid again
News: Miami allowed only three field goals to Cincinnati's offense Sunday. They also gave up 94 yards rushing and only 116 yards passing.
Analysis: Miami registered five sacks and one interception. Start them in all leagues for Week 3 against Pittsburgh.
9/18/2004
, ,
Surtain likely out Sunday
News: The Miami Herald reports that Patrick Surtain (groin) is not expected to play at Cincinnati Sunday night. He missed his third consecutive practice Friday.
Analysis: Surtain's backup, Reggie Howard, is also hobbled by a hamstring injury. Will Poole would move to corner if both can't play. The Bengals could have a nice day with a weak side of the defense to concentrate on. However, the Miami DST is still worth starting in all leagues because they are an opportunistic group that should register some sacks and turnovers.
9/17/2004
, ,
Bowens still doubtful
News: According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Tim Bowens (back) was finally able to practice on Thursday and might play in Sunday night's game at Cincinnati, although he remains doubtful on the injury report. Other Dolphins defenders on the injury report are: Questionable - CB Patrick Surtain (groin). Probable - CB Lamont Brightful (shoulder), CB Reggie Howard (hamstring), DT Bryan Robinson (hand), DT Dario Romero (ankle) and LB Junior Seau (quadricep).
Analysis: The Dolphins are a good start in Week 2 against the Bengals.
9/14/2004
, ,
DT Bowen still out
News: According to the Miami Herald, DT Tim Bowens (back) is likely to miss two or three more games.
Analysis: Bowens' absence was obvious in Week 1, as Titans running back Chris Brown rolled up 100 yards in the first half.
9/10/2004
, ,
Dolphins D to face McNair and Co.
News: The Miami Dolphins will try to slow down Steve McNair and the Tennessee Titans this Saturday.
Analysis: A good test for Miami in Week 1. The Dolphins have been a very solid Fantasy defense for a number of years and that should continue this season. Keep them active in all leagues.
9/8/2004
, ,
Dolphins defense injury update
News: The Dolphins have several key members of their defensive unit nursing minor injuries. LB Zach Thomas is listed as probable for Week 1 against the Titans due to a hip injury. Barring any setbacks, Thomas will be in the lineup for most of the team's plays on defense.
Analysis: CB Patrick Surtain is also probable for the opener due to a minor groin injury. The most serious injury is that of DT Tim Bowens, who is out with a back injury. The Dolphins are a top defensive unit in all Fantasy leagues.
9/7/2004
, ,
FS Antuan Edwards to start
News: The team's official website reports Edwards will start over veteran Arturo Freeman at the free safety position.
Analysis: In other news, recently added CB Lamont Brightful will serve as the team's punt and kick returner against Tennessee in Week 1.
8/26/2004
, ,
Miami looking at Brackens
News: According to the Times-Union, the Dolphins may have an interest in signing defensive end Tony Brackens. Brackens was released by Jacksonville last week.
Analysis: Brackens would provide some depth at defensive end in the wake of Miami trading Adewale Ogunleye.
8/23/2004
, ,
LB Thomas back in action
News: LB Zach Thomas (knee) saw limited action in Saturday's preseason game against the Redskins.
Analysis: In other news, David Bowens got the start at left defensive end and he registered two tackles. Bowens is replacing DE Adewale Ogunleye, who was traded to Chicago on Saturday.
8/21/2004
, ,
Dolphins ship Ogunleye away
News: Miami traded DE Adewale Ogunleye to Chicago for Marty Booker and a third-round pick for 2005 Saturday according to broadcast reports. Ogunleye has to reach an agreement with the Bears for the conditional trade to be completed.
Analysis: Ogunleye was holding out with Miami and the Dolphins were ready to enter the season without him. David Bowens is listed as the starter at right defensive end now. Expect the team's sack totals to drop a bit, but they remain a stellar unit that is worth drafting as a No. 1 DST in all leagues.
8/20/2004
, ,
Zach back to game action
News: According to the Sun-Sentinel, Zach Thomas will see his first game action of the preseason in Saturday night's game against Washington.
Analysis: Thomas had left knee surgery on July 9. The Dolphins will need him 100 percent to start the regular season so it will be good to see him playing this Saturday.
8/19/2004
, ,
Ogunleye prepared to sit
News: According to the Miami Herald, Adewale Ogunleye is still not close to signing with the Dolphins. Apparently the two sides are $10 million apart. The defensive end said he was prepared to sit out the season. "I'm very prepared," Ogunleye said. "I know what my worth is, and if we come to an agreement on what that worth is, I'll play. If not, I'll sit."
Analysis: This certainly won't help the Dolphins defense this season. Still, they should be drafted in all Fantasy formats.
8/17/2004
, ,
Miami shopping Ogunleye?
News: According to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins have sent out feelers to other teams to guage interest in trading for unsigned defensive end Adewale Ogunleye in recent weeks.
Analysis: Ogunleye went to the Pro Bowl last year after leading the AFC in sacks with 15. His absence would hurt the Miami pass rush.
News: LB Zach Thomas (knee) will sit out Saturday's preseason opener against the Jaguars as a precaution, according to the Miami Herald.
Analysis: Initial reports had Thomas sitting out the first two preseason games, although he might see limited action on Aug. 21 against the Redskins.
8/9/2004
, ,
Dolphins activate Zach Thomas
News: The Dolphins activated Thomas (knee) from the PUP list on Monday. He rejoined the team for practice.
Analysis: Thomas is expected to practice only once a day until he gets back into playing shape. He is expected to miss the team's first two preseason games.
8/8/2004
, ,
Miami's injury woes continue
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports S Chris Akins suffered a season-ending knee injury over the weekend. S Shawn Wooden (back) might also be forced to have season-ending corrective surgery. "Those were the two best guys I had," special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong said.
Analysis: The loss of Wooden will mildly affect the Fantasy value of the defensive unit as a whole, but they are still considered a top unit in all formats. Akins' loss has no affect on the appeal of the defensive unit.
7/31/2004
, ,
Dolphins placed two on PUP list
News: The team placed LB Zach Thomas (knee) and S Shawn Wooden (back) on the PUP list over the weekend, according to the team's official website.
Analysis: Both players are expected to be ready for the regular season. The team also agreed to terms with fourth-round pick CB Will Poole.
12/12/2003
, ,
Rob Burnett goes on IR
News: Burnett (knee) was placed on injured reserve Friday by the Dolphins.
Analysis: Burnett is out for the season.
12/10/2003
, ,
Dolphins defense injury update
News: The Dolphins defense has a number of their top defensive players listed on the injury report this week, although no one injuries appears serious. LB Junior Seau (finger, shoulder) is listed as probable for Week 15 against the Eagles. DL Jason Taylor (shoulder) and LB Zach Thomas (hip) are also probable.
Analysis: Other injuries include: DT Tim Bowens (calf) is questionable, DE Rob Burnett (ankle, knee) is questionable, LB Morlon Greenwood (quadriceps) is probable and S Shawn Wooden (ankle) is probable. The Dolphins face a balanced offense in Philadelphia, but they are still a recommended Fantasy unit.
12/7/2003
, ,
Dolphins hold Patriots to three
News: The Dolphins defense held the Patriots to three points on offense in Week 14. LB Zach Thomas (hip) was able to play, contributing four solo tackles and assisting on seven others.
Analysis: The Dolphins defense is still a very formidable unit. They will look to stop the streaking Philadelphia Eagles and Donovan McNabb in Week 15 on Monday Night Football.
12/4/2003
, ,
LB Zach Thomas has hip injury
News: Thomas suffered a hip injury during practice on Wednesday. He was added to the injury report on Thursday as questionable for Miami's huge AFC East battle at New England in Week 14.
Analysis: Thomas should be reserved in individual defender leagues, but it is safe to use Miami's top Fantasy defense, regardless if Thomas plays or not. Obviously his loss will hurt the defensive unit a bit, but they still remain a top option in most leagues.
11/27/2003
, ,
LB Zach Thomas shines
News: Thomas (concussion) posted five solo tackles, one sack and one interception in Week 13.
Analysis: The Dolphins defense remains a good No. 1 Fantasy unit.
11/26/2003
, ,
LB Thomas is questionable
News: Zach Thomas (concussion) is questionable for Thursday's game at Dallas. Thomas was able to practice on Tuesday, according to the Miami Herald.
Analysis: DT Larry Chester (quadriceps) is also questionable. Still, Miami's defense should be an effective Fantasy unit against the Cowboys.
11/24/2003
, ,
CB Surtain plays in Week 12
News: Patrick Surtain (ankle) was active in Week 12.
Analysis: He posted three solo tackles.
11/18/2003
, ,
Surtain should play Sunday
News: According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Patrick Surtain (ankle) will be able to play in Week 12. Surtain had left the Week 11 game against Baltimore after the third play.
Analysis: Miami's defense is a good starting option with Zach Thomas back in action and Surtain likely to play.
11/16/2003
, ,
Dolphins get back top defenders
News: Patrick Surtain (ankle) and Zach Thomas (groin) returned to the Miami lineup Sunday against Baltimore. They combined for six tackles.
Analysis: The Miami defense is at its best when both players are healthy. Expect a solid outing in Week 12 against the mediocre Redskins.
11/13/2003
, ,
Surtain and Thomas questionable
News: The Dolphins have listed CB Patrick Surtain (sprained right ankle) and LB Zach Thomas (strained right groin) as questionable for Week 11 against Baltimore. Both players practiced Wednesday and are expected to go.
Analysis: DT Larry Chester is also dealing with a hamstring and quadriceps injury, but he is probable and expected to start. The Dolphins are a recommended Fantasy defense against Anthony Wright and the Ravens.
11/7/2003
, ,
Zach Thomas might sit
News: Thomas did not practice on Thursday, and said his injured groin is not healing as fast as expected. "I don't think I've ever missed a Thursday and played in a game. I'll do it. I'll do what's best for the team. I just don't want to reinjure it," he told the Miami Herald.
Analysis: CB Patrick Surtain is also questionable with an ankle injury. The Miami defense is now a suspect Fantasy option against Tennessee.
11/2/2003
, ,
CB Sam Madison active
News: Madison (quadriceps) played in Week 9. He had three tackles in a 23-17 loss to Indianapolis.
Analysis: The Dolphins defense posted four sacks and an interception in the game.
10/6/2003
, ,
Dolphins questionable for Week 6
News: Junior Seau has a strained left hamstring and initially will be listed as questionable for Miami's game at Jacksonville. Seau underwent tests Monday for an injury that happened in the fourth quarter of the Dolphins' 23-10 win over the New York Giants on Sunday. Coach Dave Wannstedt said Monday that Seau will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis.
Analysis: If Seau can't play Sunday, Tommy Hendricks would start, Wannstedt said. Hendricks has made only one start at linebacker in his four seasons with the Dolphins, but is Miami's special teams captain.
9/18/2003
, ,
Dolphins defenders ready to play
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports safeties Brock Marion (quadriceps) and Shawn Wooden (hand, hamstring) will play in Week 3. Jason Taylor (ankle) and Zach Thomas (ribs) are probable.
Analysis: Miami's defense could give up more points than expected in a divisional shootout with the Bills, but the unit has too much talent not to be used every week.
9/9/2003
, ,
Madison hopes to play
News: The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports CB Sam Madison (ankle) hopes to play in Week 2 against the Jets. He is wearing a protective boot and has been receiving treatment for the injury.
Analysis: Terrell Buckley will likely replace Madison if he is unable to play.
9/7/2003
, ,
Dolphins D nicked up in loss
News: The Miami Dolphins defensive unit suffered a couple of injuries in Sunday's shocking loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday. CB Sam Madison left Sunday's game with a twisted ankle, although he expects to practice this week.
Analysis: Reserve CB Shawn Wooden also left Sunday's game with a broken hand and strained hamstring. Madison will likely play in Week 2 at N.Y. Jets. The loss of Wooden does not significantly decrease the Fantasy value of the defensive unit, although they were certainly not as good as advertised Sunday allowing 393 total net yards to the second-year Houston team.
8/19/2003
, ,
David Bowens mending
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Bowens is ahead of schedule in recovery from knee surgery. Bowens tore the ACL in his right knee in early July. He said the knee is tested every few days to gauge its strength and that doctors told him it's healing faster than expected.
Analysis: Bowens said he should be cleared to run in mid-September. However, the Dolphins expect him to be out until at least November.
8/15/2003
, ,
DE Burnett still sidelined
News: DE Rob Burnett (knee surgery) might play in the final preseason game at New Orleans. However, he is more optimistic about being ready for the season opener. "I can probably be ready to play [against the Saints], but I doubt it," Burnett said. "If they want me to go out and run around for 10 plays [at New Orleans], then I might."
Analysis: Burnett's injury doesn't alter the value of the Dolphins defense, especially with Junior Seau and Sammy Knight both on the roster.
8/12/2003
, ,
Miami rookie out for season
News: The Miami Herald reports Eddie Moore will miss the season after undergoing surgery on a fracture in his left foot.
Analysis: Moore was not a projected starter, and his loss won't adversely affect the performance of the Miami defense.
8/11/2003
, ,
Dolphins lose rookie LB
News: The Miami Herald reports rookie LB Eddie Moore (foot) is expected to miss the final three exhibition games and possibly time during the regular season.
Analysis: Moore is not a starter, and the Miami defense will not be adversely affected by his loss.
8/5/2003
, ,
Patrick Surtain sidelined
News: According to the Miami Herald, Patrick Surtain underwent an arthroscopic procedure Tuesday morning to clean out his already surgically repaired left knee. He is expected to miss several weeks of training camp and the preseason. "He'll get in here [Wednesday] and start rehabbing," coach Dave Wannstedt said. "We'll just kind of take it on a week-to-week thing and get him back as quick as we can."
Analysis: Surtain is expected to be ready for the regular season-opener against Houston. Jamar Fletcher and Terrell Buckley will vie for the starting position during the preseason in his absence.
News: Ogunleye is not considered to be among the better linemen available in individual defender leagues.
Analysis: Miami's defense should still be a top Fantasy unit this year, and Ogunleye should continue to be a reliable lineman for the Dolphins.
7/24/2003
, ,
Dolphins DE to ink deal
News: Agent Drew Rosenhaus told the Miami Herald says he expects unsigned defensive end Adewale Ogunleye to report to camp on time. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel says Ogunleye will sign a one-year deal. Backup David Bowens (knee) is expected to be placed on the reserve/non-football injury list on Friday. He is out until at least November.
Analysis: Miami's defense should still be a top Fantasy unit this year, and Ogunleye's signing is very important with Bowens out.
7/3/2003
, ,
Dolphins add defensive end
News: The Dolphins signed defensive end Corey Callens to a two-year deal.
Analysis: Callens, who played in NFL Europe, has no Fantasy appeal in individual defender leagues.
