The network reportedly wants a team in place next month.

It’s likely all 32 NFL teams are considered when producers begin outlining potential storylines. It is unclear where the Miami Dolphins stand in the pecking order.

As a beat reporter, I can identify a bunch of reasons the series would be compelling to watch featuring the Miami Dolphins.
There’s a three-way quarterback battle between a former Pro Bowler (David Garrard), first-round draft pick (Ryan Tannehill) and incumbent (Matt Moore).

There are position battles all over most notably at offensive right tackle, wide receiver and at both safety spots.

Can offensive left tackle Jake Long overcome his first injury plagued season, and win a new contract in the final year of his deal?

There’s also storylines among the coaching staff and front office. Has general manager Jeff Ireland done enough to fend off the sharks that tried to devour him prior to the NFL draft?

After he was fired by Texas A&M, will Mike Sherman’s new West Coast offense succeed with the Dolphins with his former Aggies quarterback in the mix in Tannehill?

There’s also the story of first-year coach Joe Philbin, his first season as a head coach while still coping with the loss of a son.

Our view of the Dolphins is rather bland at this point thanks to the lack of true superstar power.

And for that reason alone, the Dolphins could use the HBO series to help carve an identity while winning some fans.

Of course, it could all go horribly wrong and the presence of constant cameras could derail the mission.

So in this edition of Fan Voice we ask: Should the Miami Dolphins consider HBO’s Hard Knocks?

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Will Michael Egnew become a productive seam threat tight end?

If you were able to watch practices – and saw how involved guys like Charles Clay are regularly – you’d discover that the tight end position is a MAJOR focal point.

Last year Anthony Fasano, Clay, and Jeron Mastrud caught 49 passes for the Dolphins. I’m going to predict the tight end catch totals double in 2012.

The position’s emphasis was one of the driving forces behind Miami’s selection of Missouri tight end Michael Egnew in the third round, when the Dolphins picked a tight end over a receiver sticking to their draft board.

The Dolphins feel that Egnew, who caught 140 passes for 1,285 yards and scored eight touchdowns during his two seasons as a starter for the Tigers, would be able to threaten seam routes regularly.

Think David Martin but younger.

The Dolphins intent is to blend Egnew with the skills veteran like Fasano (rated the 8th best TE last year by ProFootballFocus.com), and Clay, the second-year H-back, bring to the table. All three will be lined up in multiple spots, and used in various roles to create favorable mismatches.

“We like his size, and we like his ability to attack the middle of the field. In the NFL you sometimes get linebackers that are 6’ and 6’1”, and now we have a guy at 6’5” with good length. Even if the linebacker matches him down the field sometimes you can get a back shoulder throw you can get the ball,” Philbin said of Egnew. “Those guys (like Egnew) have a big catching radius where they are big targets. So I think that hopefully in the red zone or other area of the field he can be a threat.”

However, Egnew is a product of the same Missouri offense that produced drafted tight ends Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman. The Dolphins are hopeful that Egnew’s career starts out better than his predecessors.

Both of Missouri’s former tight ends are barely hanging on in the NFL.

Coffman has caught three NFL passes since joining the league in 2009, and this former third-round pick is on his second team. Rucker, a fourth-round pick, has caught two passes in his four seasons, and is on his fifth team since entering the NFL in 2008.

One bust at a particular position is worth monitoring. Two busts at the same position, from the same school, is worth mentioning. A third is an alarming trend because it hints that school produces flawed tight ends.

The one negative about Egnew is he’s a limited blocker, and that showed during my first sneak peak at the rookie during last week’s OTA session. However, General Manager Jeff Ireland points out blocking wasn’t a point of emphasis for the tight ends at Missouri, and during the Senior Bowl Egnew proved he was “a willing blocker.”

It should be interesting to track his progress, and see what type of impact the rookie makes once he learns the offense.

Just a heads up, I’ll be hosting my usual Saturday sports talk show on WQAM (560AM) from 10-noon today talking about the Dolphins and South Florida sports. We’re also expecting a Dolphins player to call into the show.

You can tune in LIVE online through this link.

G.G.G.

Brian Hartline has led the Dolphins in receptions two of his three seasons.

I know why, and YOU know why. The difference between the two of us is I’m not afraid to say it.

Hartline, the Miami Dolphins’ starting receiver, is a victim of racial profiling. Trust me, as a black man (with dreads) living in America I know racial profiling when I see it.

Hartline’s a white athlete playing a skill position that’s dominated by people with darker skin. That’s the reason I suspect many believe he’s an inferior athlete.

That’s the reason most Dolphins fans don’t respect the FACT Hartline has led the Dolphins receivers in yards per reception two of his three seasons.

I suspect his appearance is one of the reasons Hartline, a former Ohio State standout, is consistently disrespected by his own fan base, despite being one of the team’s steadiest players the past three seasons.

I’ve watched Hartline closely, and critically for three seasons. During that time I’ve been won over by his intelligence, and solid route running. I’ve also concluded he’s a solid starter. One that has some upside to do more.

I’ve pointed out Hartline’s numbers in his first three seasons are superior to those of Jordy Nelson, hinting that Hartline could have a similar breakout season to the one Nelson produced in Green Bay’s offense. But few Dolphins fan believe me.

Why? Is it because they haven’t seen him maximize his opportunities as the team’s No. 3 receiver?

While Hartline didn’t get a lot of opportunities the past three seasons – for various reasons -this video proves when his number was called on he usually got open, is quarterback friendly, delivered the catch, and on occasion made a big play.

Yet, most Dolphins fans can’t envision him catching 60 passes for 918 yards (that’s what he’d produce with his 15.3 yards per catch career average), serving as a viable weapon in Joe Philbin’s west coast offense.

Why is that? Dig deep and give an honest answer.

G.G.G.

Reggie Bush takes a water break at Tuesday's OTA's (Photo via Instagram | Izzy Gould)

It’s part of a new West Coast offense designed with a no huddle attack, and an increase in offensive play volume meant to strike quickly while wearing out the opposing defense.

The Dolphins maximized the minutes used in practice leaving little rest between drills, and they will implement a similar style during the course of a football game.

World-class conditioning will be paramount, which was clear as many players appeared exhausted after the two-hour session.

It’s even more clear when you quantify the additional load on the Dolphins hope to place on the offense.

Mike Sherman became the offensive coordinator of the Dolphins after he was fired from Texas A&M. Under his direction in College Station, Texas, the Aggies ran a similar offensive system to the one Sherman is implementing in Miami.

Last season under Sherman, the Aggies averaged 80.3 plays per game. Only Texas Tech and Oklahoma State averaged more plays nationally per game in 2011.

The Aggies ran a season-high 99 plays in a 38-31 loss to Missouri on Oct. 29. They were limited to a season-low 60 plays in a 61-7 victory against Kansas on Nov. 19.

In 2010, the Aggies ran a season-high 106 plays in a 38-35 loss to Oklahoma State.

The 2012 Miami Dolphins would like to average 90 plays per game.

Last season, they averaged 61.8 plays per game.

If the Dolphins were to match the Aggies’ average from ‘11 they would need to add 18.5 more plays per game.

If they are to meet the goals of the Dolphins’ coaching staff in ‘12, the offense would need to add 28.2 more plays.

No wonder Reggie Bush looked gassed after Tuesday’s OTA’s.

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Should Reggie Bush be used as a punt returner in 2012?

Bush rewarded the team by rushing for 1,086 yards on 216 carries.

However, it appears the new coaching staff might want to utilize every attribute Bush, a speedster, brings to the table. The team’s depth at the tailback position, which now features Daniel Thomas and former Hurricanes standout Lamar Miller, might prompt the Dolphins to expand Bush’s workload on special teams.

That could mean Bush returns to the punt returner role he held in New Orleans for many years, which produced four touchdowns on punt returns.

Bush continues to field punts in practices, as he did last year. But could he handle the job full-time?

Davone Bess, who averaged 11.9 yards per punt return last season, has been solid as the punt returner the last four seasons. But he’s not a home run threat like Bush, and might receive a more prominent role as a starting receiver.

“We’ll have to figure out the best ways to move the football, and punt returns are a big weapon in field position and impacts field position,” new coach Joe Philbin said earlier this summer. “We’ll have to evaluate the different candidates that we have for that position and come to the best decision for the football team. I won’t rule anything out, and certainly we are not opposed to using a starting receiver.”

The Dolphins also intend to tryout rookie tailback Lamar Miller, the team’s fourth-round pick, and rookie receiver Rishard Matthews, a seventh-round pick, as returners. Marlon Moore is also working as a returner. As is Marcus Thigpen, a CFL import, who earned a contract with the Dolphins because of his returner skills.

They are among the numerous players expected to field punts and kickoffs this summer.

All four youngsters will be given an opportunity to unseat Bess, and kickoff returner Clyde Gates.

Miller didn’t do much returning during his college career at UM. But he did return 15 kickoffs for 376 yards, and scored one touchdown. He also returned three punts for 16 yards (5.3 yards per return).

Matthews handled 48 punt returns during his two seasons at Nevada. He produced 551 yards (11.5 avg. per return) and scored two touchdowns as a punt returner.  Matthews also returned five kickoffs for 91 yards during his college career.

Thigpen, a tailback who played for the Hamilton-Tiger Cats, became the first player in CFL history to score a touchdown five different ways. In total, he had scored on a kickoff return, punt return, missed field goal return, a running play and a reception.

G.G.G.

Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross (right) speaks with Dolphins CEO Mike Dee at FinsWeekend. (Photo | Izzy Gould)

Everywhere he appears in public he seems to chime in on the Dolphins’ quarterback battle.

Remember his comment when the Dolphins introduced first-round draft pick Ryan Tannehill? How about what he said Tuesday?

If you missed those you can read about them in today’s quarterback battle story.

Dolphins coach Joe Philbin tried wrestling back control of the situation Monday when asked about Ross and his comments regarding Tannehill, Matt Moore and David Garrard.

So in today’s Fan Voice we ask: How does Steve Ross impact the Miami Dolphins QB battle?

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Miami Dolphins left tackle Jake Long made the list Wednesday night at No. 59. He was the first Dolphin named to the list this year.

The former No. 1 overall draft pick in 2008 dropped 31 spots from last years rankings. Long missed the first games of his career coping with injuries, which ultimately ended in December when he was placed on injured reserve and was forced to miss the Pro Bowl.

Long was ranked 28th in last year’s top 100 along with linebacker Cameron Wake, and former Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

Long (6-7, 317 pounds) has started all 62 games he played for the Dolphins including 14 in 2011.

The website is revealing its countdown weekly revealing 10 players at a time.

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Is Marlon Moore ready for a larger role with the Dolphins?

It was a performance so bad everyone was holding their nose.

Karl Dorrell, his position coach at the time, sternly warned Moore that he needed to pick it up and do better or else he won’t have to worry about making the Miami Dolphins roster because Moore might not make it to training camp.

Maybe it was just nerves. Maybe Dorrell’s stern words provided a wake up effect, but here we are two full seasons later and Moore’s entering his third NFL season.

Moore, one of two undrafted receivers to make the team that season, is one of 12 receiver battling for a prominent role, playing time, and a spot on the Dolphins roster.

Moore’s only caught six passes in his previous two seasons, turning them 128 yards and one touchdown (who remember that Oakland game). But he’s typically stepped up when the opportunity presents itself.

He was Chad Pennington’s favorite target during training camp of 2010, and became Matt Moore’s favorite target in training camp of 2011.

But that was when Marlon Moore was the top playmaker on the second line. He was the best of the invisible unit.

Now he’s being called on to step up and prove he’s ready for a larger role, a continued investment.

To survive Moore need to make his presence felt. But this is nothing new.

“It’s a long journey knowing that you’ve got to come from the bottom to the top. Sometimes you don’t even make it to the top. You’re in the middle,” said Moore, who caught 15 passes for 208 yards and scored a touchdown during mop up duty in the past two exhibition seasons. “In the long run it helps your tenacity because you come out here knowing you’ve got a chip on your shoulder and you have to outperform everybody else, whether they are a draft pick or they’ve been here.”

G.G.G.

It referenced the comings and goings of players through various methods such as transfers, attrition, graduation, etc. The roster at Alabama was often a mystery because it was often unclear, who was on scholarship and who was not.

No, they did not tell you specifics. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban often challenged reporters on whether or not the information was public record.

So beat writers often became obsessed with the roster. The main reason was to see if Alabama was oversigning its recruiting classes. In other words, was Alabama participating in signing too many recruits to national letters of intent than they would have scholarships available in the fall?

The practice was not illegal, but it was widely considered unethical.

One of the things I love about the NFL is the access to the roster. I received one during the Miami Dolphins volunteer minicamp, the rookie minicamp and again Tuesday during the first day of organized training activities.

There was no mystery. There were 89 players, including 26 rookies.

We were provided a numerical roster, and an alphabetical roster. I prefer a roster with players grouped by position, so I spent some time today placing such a list together. Based on the Dolphins roster provided Tuesday, below is the entire Dolphins roster by position.

Quarterback
7 Devlin, Pat (6-3, 225), age 24, exp.  2, Delaware
9 Garrard, David (6-1, 235), age 34, exp.  9, East Carolina
8 Moore, Matt (6-3, 203), age 27,  exp. 6, Oregon State
17 Tannehill, Ryan (6-4, 221),  age 23,  exp. R, Texas A&M

Running back
22 Bush, Reggie (6-0, 203), age 27, exp.  7, Southern California
46 Gray, Jonas (5-9, 223), age 21, exp.  R, Notre Dame
35 Messam, Jerome (6-4, 248),  age 27, exp.  1, Graceland
44 Miller, Lamar (5-10, 212), age 21,  exp. R, Miami (Fla.)
23 Slaton, Steve (5-9, 199), age 26,  exp. 5, West Virginia
34 Thigpen, Marcus (5-9, 193), age 26, exp.  1, Indiana
33 Thomas, Daniel (6-1, 228), age 24, exp. 2, Kansas State

Fullback/tight end
42 Clay, Charles (6-3, 239), age 25, exp. 2, Tulsa

Tight end
87 Brown, Les (6-4, 238), age 24, exp.  1, Westminster
84 Egnew, Michael (6-5, 251), age 22,  exp. R, Missouri
80 Fasano, Anthony (6-4, 255), age 28, exp. 7, Notre Dame
88 Mastrud, Jeron (6-6, 253), age 24,  exp. 3, Kansas State
89 Yeatman, Will (6-6 ,268), age 24, exp. 2, Maryland

Wide receiver
15 Bess, Davone (5-10,  190), age 26,  exp. 5, Hawaii
16 Cunningham, B.J. (6-2, 215), age 22, exp.  R, Michigan State
83 Fuller, Jeff (6-4, 223), age 22, exp. R, Texas A&M
10 Gates, Clyde (5-11, 197), age 25, exp. 2, Abilene Christian
82 Hartline, Brian (6-2, 199), age 25, exp. 4, Ohio State
81 Hogan, Chris (6-1, 220), age 23, exp.  1, Monmouth
85 Matthews, Rishard (6-0, 217), age 22, exp. R, Nevada
14 Moore, Marlon (6-0, 190), age 24, exp. 3, Fresno State
86 Moye, Derek (6-4, 209), age 23, exp. R, Penn State
19 Naanee, Legedu (6-2, 220), age 28, exp. 6, Boise State
11 Pruitt, Julius (6-2, 206), age 26, exp. 3, Ouachita Baptist
18 Wallace, Roberto (6-4, 225), age 26, exp.  3, San Diego State

Center
60 Brown, Terence (6-3, 303), age 26, exp.  R, Brigham Young
51 Pouncey, Mike (6-5, 303), age 22, exp.  2, Florida

Guard/Center
62 Cook, Ryan (6-6, 328), age 29, exp.  7, New Mexico

Guard
63 Dennis, Derek (6-3, 315), age 23, exp.  R, Temple
69 Feinga, Ray (6-4, 337), age 26, exp. 3, Brigham Young
68 Incognito, Richie (6-3, 324), age 28, exp.  8, Nebraska
74 Jerry, John (6-5, 328), age 25,  exp. 3, Mississippi
64 Samuda, Josh (6-3, 310), age 23, exp.  R, Massachusetts

Tackle
61 Barker, Will (6-7, 325), age 24, exp.  3, Virginia
75 Garner, Nate (6-7, 325), age 27, exp.  5, Arkansas
73 Hicks, Artis (6-4, 325), age 33, exp.  10, Memphis
77 Long, Jake (6-7, 317), age 27, exp.  5, Michigan
71 Martin, Jonathan (6-5, 304), age 22, exp.  R, Stanford
67 McDonald, Andrew (6-6, 316), age 23, exp.  R, Indiana
76 Murtha, Lydon (6-7, 315), age 26, exp.  4, Nebraska
65 Waldron, Dustin (6-5, 305), age 21, exp.  R, Portland State

Cornerback
43 Agnew, Vincent (5-10, 192), age 24, exp.  1, Central Michigan
32 Brown, Marcus (6-1, 195), age 25, exp.  2, Arkansas State
28 Carroll, Nolan (6-1, 202), age 25, exp.  3, Maryland
21 Davis, Vontae (5-11, 203), age 23, exp.  4, Illinois
47 Hughes, Trenton (5-10, 195), age 23, exp. R,  Maryland
31 Marshall, Richard (5-11, 198), age 27, exp.  6, Fresno State
38 Scott, Kevyn (5-10, 204), age 23, exp.  R, Syracuse
24 Smith, Sean (6-3, 214), age 24, exp.  4, Utah
25 Wade, Jonathan (5-11, 200), age 28, exp.  5, Tennessee
27 Wilson, Jimmy (5-11, 185), age 25, exp.  2, Montana

Defensive end
90 Baker, Ryan (6-5, 295), age 27, exp. 4, Purdue
98 Odrick, Jared (6-5, 304), age 24, exp. 3, Penn State
70 Root, Jarrell (6-3, 270), age 24, exp. R, Boise State
79 Shelby, Derrick (6-2, 266), age 23, exp. R, Utah
72 Smith, Jacquies (6-2, 253), age 22, exp. R, Missouri
94 Starks, Randy (6-3, 305), age 28, exp. 9, Maryland
50 Vernon, Olivier (6-2, 261), age 21, exp. R, Miami (Fla.)

Defensive tackle
66 Alecxih, Chas (6-3, 296), age 23, exp. R, Pittsburgh
78 McDaniel, Tony (6-7, 305), age 27, exp. 7, Tennessee
97 Randall, Kheeston (6-5, 307), age 23, exp. R, Texas
96 Soliai, Paul (6-4, 355), age 28, exp. 6, Utah

Nose tackle
95 Aaitui, Isaako (6-4, 315), age 25, exp. 1, UNLV

Linebacker
56 Burnett, Kevin (6-3, 240), age 29, exp. 8, Tennessee
45 Collins, Cameron (6-2, 241), age 22, exp. R, Oregon State
58 Dansby, Karlos (6-4, 250), age 30, exp. 9, Auburn
49 Freeny, Jonathan (6-2, 242), age 22, exp. 1, Rutgers
59 Guyton, Gary (6-3, 245), age 26, exp. 5, Georgia Tech
57 Kaddu, Josh (6-3, 239), age 22, exp. R, Oregon
48 Lyons, Shelly (6-1, 238), age 22, exp. R, Arizona State
55 Misi, Koa (6-3, 251), age 25, exp. 3, Utah
53 Spitler, Austin (6-2, 243), age 25, exp. 3, Ohio State
93 Trusnik, Jason (6-4, 250), age 27, exp. 6, Ohio Northern
91 Wake, Cameron (6-3, 250), age 30, exp. 4, Penn State
52 Westerman, Jamaal (6-3, 255), age 27, exp. 4, Rutgers

Safety
30 Clemons, Chris (6-1, 210), age 26, exp. 4, Clemson
29 Culver, Tyrone (6-1, 210), age 28, exp. 7, Fresno State
26 Johnson, Tyrell (6-0, 207), age 27, exp. 5, Arkansas State
20 Jones, Reshad (6-1, 214), age 24, exp. 3, Georgia
36 Lawrence, Quinten (6-0, 184), age 27, exp. 2, McNeese State
37 McCray, Kelcie (6-1, 202), age 23, exp. R, Arkansas State
40 Russell, Anderson (6-0, 205), age 24, exp. 2, Ohio State

Specialists
5 Carpenter, Dan K (6-2, 225), age 26, exp. 5, Montana
2 Fields, Brandon P (6-5, 245), age 28, exp. 6, Michigan State
92 Denney, John LS (6-5, 255), age 33, exp. 8, Brigham Young

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This is what the Dolphins' starting offensive line presently looks like.

The Miami Dolphins have morphed into an uptempo team. Everything is rapid fire fast, even in practice.

It’s honestly a struggle keeping track of everything going on because there’s no wasted movement, which means there’s no time to write anything down during 7-on-7, or team drills. Look down or away and you’ll miss something.

Here’s a sample of what it looks like. The first team offense is lined up on one side of the field’s 50  vs. some mix and match defensive unit that might feature the starting linebackers and backup secondary. They go at it for a series.

Once their play is finished offensive coordinator Mike Sherman and defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle, who are standing around the 50, turn the opposite direction and the second team offense does the same thing with another mix and match defense.

Once that play is done they turn and do it again. Then again. Then again. Then again. Then again. At some point you wonder if Sherman and Coyle might get dizzy because it’s an unbelievable pace.

That’s the Joe Philbin era of the Miami Dolphins. Everything is uptempo.

I’ve watched football practices my whole life. I’ve seen it on every level, and I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s FAST!

“It’s definitely different in respects to the tempo you are normally used to,” said quarterback David Garrard, a nine-year veteran. “It is basically like a two-minute drill the entire game. It is going to give the defense a lot of problems.”

Here’s a breakdown of the things we think we know about the new look Dolphins.

Despite what owner Steve Ross says and thinks, Garrard should probably be viewed as the favorite to start the season-opener. Garrard’s quick decisions and accuracy makes him a good fit for the west coast offense. He simply looks better than the other four at this point.

Ryan Tannehill might know the offense, which shows at times, but it is clear he needs time to master the speed of the NFL game.

Matt Moore, who is notorious for inconsistent practices, needs to begin practicing like he plays games on Sunday if he’s going to impresses these new coaches. Last season Moore either blew a team out, or struggled and lost fourth-quarter games because of decision making, and inaccurate passes. He practices the exact same way. He’s either great, or mediocre.

Moore will need to be above average CONSISTENTLY to win the starting job because Garrard is consistent. Not sexy, but consistent. The only concern I’ve noticed about Garrard is he doesn’t throw a good deep ball.

Philbin and the coaches have CONSISTENTLY said the best quarterback will start the season opener, and that player will likely need to produce victories to keep his job….

Lydon Murtha is trying to earn a starting spot in his fourth season.

The Dolphins have four of the nine draft picks under contact so far now that Jonathan Martin has agreed to a four-year deal.

However, Martin is one of the three rookies who can’t participate in practices yet. And here’s why. At this point Lydon Murtha is getting all the works as the starting right tackle, and he hopes to entrench himself. We’ll see.

I vote that the loser of that right tackle battle goes to right guard.

Speaking of line play, Jared Odrick and John Jerry are the front runners to become starting linemen in 2012. Jerry obviously needs to lose some weight considering he’s the biggest offensive lineman.

Here is a breakdown of what was seen and said during Tuesday’s OTA session that was open to the media.

The top performers (in my humble opinion) from yesterday were cornerback Sean Smith (another interception during practice), Lamar Miller (you could feel his speed), Karlos Dansby (impact players should make impact plays regularly), Reshad Jones (the front runner to start at safety), and Charles Clay (he’s a primary target so far).

Areas of concern involve the numerous drops I saw from the receivers, the caliber of backup centers on the roster, questionable depth at tailback with Jerome Messam and Jonas Gray sidelined by injuries (both might start season on the PUP), and depth at cornerback with Vontae Davis sidelined. Who plays nickel if Richard Marshall is asked to play on the boundary?

Again, these observations and opinion are just based on the three practices I’ve personally seen. They are just one man’s opinions. No hard and firm conclusions should be made. No harm, no foul.

But owner Steve Ross clearly likes the progress of his franchise. There’s only one lingering concern.

The Dolphins need to find playmakers, and there’s an ongoing debate about whether that talent is presently on the roster.

You can include Philbin among the people who says there isn’t enough evidence yet to feel comfortable. And the Dolphins’ head coach does have a checklist of what he’s looking for from the receivers who need to step up.

I’ll be here for a little, so if you have questions please post them in the comments section of this blog, and I’ll do my best to address them without tipping too much of the Dolphins’ hand.

The media is allowed to watch OTAs once a week with the understanding that we won’t reveal too much. I’m trying to do my job while not putting the team I cover at a competitive disadvantage. There’s a fine line.

G.G.G.

Roberto Wallace looks like Brandon Marshall, but can he play like him?

Odds are whatever named you picked has a relatively good chance to become the starter in 2012 with a productive offseason because the Miami Dolphins have a wide open competition at receiver.

Based on this franchise’s history, it would be irresponsible to say ANYTHING but any of the 13 receivers on the roster – including the undrafted rookies like Jeff Fuller and Derek Moye - can earn the five or six spots designated for the position.

It would also be wise to conclude that any receiver in this unit – from Legedu Naanee to, Roberto Wallace, Marlon Moore to Julius Pruitt - can become a starter in the west coast offense new head coach Joe Philbin and offensive coordinator Mike Sherman are installing.

There are a bunch of bodies at receiver for the Dolphins. The biggest question is can any of them become playmakers?

Think back and ask yourself who was Victor Cruz a year ago? How about Stevie Johnson three years ago? Both were a nobody fighting to become a somebody, and the same goes for the Dolphins’ receiving corp.

The best thing about this brewing battle is these coaches have no ties to anyone on the roster, and that includes incumbent starters Brian Hartline and Davone Bess, who will be forced to earn their starting spots.

These receivers all have a blank canvas and can paint any picture they want.

The quarterbacks – who are in a heated competition themselves – are looking for wide outs who can create separation, get open, bring down tough catches, and ultimately make them look good.

Those who do that will get more opportunities, and soon enough a go-to target is born.

“I know a lot of people are worried we don’t have a standout guy. Well, that’s baloney,” quarterback Matt Moore said. “We got five guys that are that guy. I mean, especially in this offense, it really tailors to them.  Any one of them can get the ball at any time and that’s just the way it is on all plays.”

Here’s what Philbin is looking for from his young receivers, whom he admits are difficult to evaluate right now because of the limited contract allowed during OTAs.

“It’s going to take some time to figure that out,” Philbin said. “We haven’t seen a lot of press man-to-man yet, one of the things that will be interesting to see will be how we do against man coverage, guys that can separate from man coverage that is going to be important.

“We are looking for guys who can potentially make a play on a vertical ball down the field to the degree that we can practice that, we aren’t going to have all out wars for the ball, but that is something that is going to be very important,” Philbin continued. “And probably third, a guy that is a consistent ball catcher.

“I know that it sounds simple, but it is sometimes overlooked, sometimes the importance isn’t placed on just the ability to consistently catch the football well. Those are three things I know in my mind I’m watching these guys, looking for.”

Miami Dolphins quarterback David Garrard attempts a pass at Tuesday's OTA's. (Photo | Izzy Gould)

Call it the start of the true quarterback competition if you choose, but in my opinion the competition began once the Dolphins drafted former Texas A&M star Ryan Tannehill.

Let’s be honest, he was being judged in his leadership abilities from the moment he stepped in front of the South Florida media last month.

The coaching staff will dissect the good points and the bad points of the quarterbacks as OTA’s continue for the next several weeks.

Reporters basically get one viewing per week, so consider that before passing full judgement on their progress.

To me it was clear as we watched 11-on-11 drills take place back-to-back on opposite sides of the field the difference between a polished NFL veteran and a rookie quarterback still adjusting to the speed of the NFL.

The three quarterbacks competing for the starting job are David Garrard, Matt Moore and Tannehill.

Watching Garrard takes snaps opposite Tannehill was eye opening.

Garrard, who missed the 2011 season and is returning from surgery to repair a herniated disc, showed fast feet, quick decisions and a strong throwing arm. When he took snaps, he used quick tight steps on his drop backs. Garrard scanned his options efficiently, and did not hesitate when firing strong passes mostly with accuracy.

Garrard’s biggest mistake was lofting a fade pass in the direction of wide receiver Roberto Wallace, who was covered one-on-one by Sean Smith. As the jumped for the ball, Smith won the battle giving the defense one of those highly coveted interceptions.

Tannehill’s familiarity with the Dolphins’ new playbook, most of which he studied at Texas A&M under Mike Sherman, was something he admits helped him facing NFL speed for the first time. But his steps were slow, and his hesitation at times would have had him sacked in the backfield if hitting had been allowed.

On one play, Tannehill threw toward double coverage down the middle where cornerback Jimmy Wilson tipped the pass high enough for intended receiver B.J. Cunningham to pull it down for the reception.

Tannehill showed nice touch on a couple of slant patterns he was able to connect on with intended targets.

Moore, who many believe enters the quarterback competition as the front-runner based on his ‘11 finish, appeared to have an average practice.

Again, this is one practice with many more ahead before a decision is made on the Dolphins’ 2012 starting quarterback. But every observation counts whether its a coach, fan or journalist – everyone’s keeping score.

Twitter | @IzzyGould
Facebook | facebook.com/dolphinsbeat
Email | igould@sunsentinel.com
Phone | 954.372.5504

Practice begins at roughly 10 a.m. at the Miami Dolphins training complex in Davie. Post-practice interviews will follow at roughly noon.

They will share information in real time via their Twitter accounts. For those following on the blog, we have set up this live Twitter window for you to follow.

At least, that’s what the Miami Dolphins promised the veteran quarterbacks before selecting Ryan Tannehill in the first-round last month’s NFL draft. And General Manager Jeff Ireland and coach Joe Philbin haven’t backed off that promise, saying the top performer will start the season-opener.

Even though Moore was named the team’s Most Valuable Player in 2011 after leading the Dolphins to a 6-6 record, and producing a 87.1 quarterback rating, he admits he views himself as an underdog yet again.

But Moore said he’s not worried about Tannehill, whom he admits knows more of the Dolphins’ new west coast offense than he does, or David Garrard, a nine-year veteran whose skill sets suit the scheme. He’s focused on himself.

“The competition is one obstacle,” said Moore, who completed 60.5 percent of his passes last season, throwing for 2,497 yards with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. “The main word for me this year would be consistency. There were times last year where things were good, and two second later they were not so great.

“I think when I get the opportunity [I need to be] as consistent as I can. Continue to move the ball and try and limit negative players or bad plays.”

Moore likes Mike Sherman’s offense because it spreads the ball around, and keeps everyone – tight ends, tailbacks, receivers –  involved.

Moore said his time on the field with Sherman has been limited, but he’s hoping the process will speed up this week during OTAs, and in June’s minicamps.

But he does see potential in the new offense.

“It all depends on things like the running game. That’s going to be a big thing as far as play action, but I’m excited,” Moore said. “In the past there’s always been a goto target, and this offense really creates a wide open playing field.

“It’s going to benefit me and a lot of other guys,” Moore continued. “[We're using] the entire field. We’re not pigeon holed on a certain play. We’re going full field progressions and there’s no pressure to get the ball to any one specific guy. You can go back there and just wing it.”

G.G.G.

There’s no other position by safety where TWO STARTING SPOTS are open, and it is any one’s position to earn amongst five veterans who will compete to become the new starters.

Four of those players – Reshad Jones, Chris Clemons, Tyrell Johnson and Tyrone Culver – have starting experience.

And one of them, Jimmy Wilson, is a converted cornerback who was the biggest defensive playmaker of last year’s training camp. And that’s when he was a rookie.

Talk about a battle royale!

The Dolphins jettisoned veteran safety Yeremiah Bell, who signed with the Jets last week, because they were ready to turn the page, going with a younger and more athletic defensive backfield. The Dolphins hope to find two starting free safeties, which will allow the safeties to become interchangeable, changing roles from snap to snap.

We’ll see how that plays out during OTAs, which continue this week, mini camp and training camp.

Each member of this safety competition brings their own strengths, and weaknesses to the table.

Jones is a playmaker. He’ll flash impact plays – sacks, interceptions, forced fumbles – from time to time. But Jones freelances a bit too much, and blows assignments from time to time.

Clemons, who started 14 games in 2010, contributed 61 tackles, one interception and forced two fumbles as a starter two years ago. But he lost his spot to Jones last year, and was slowed by a troublesome hamstring injury. He’s athletic and rangy, but rarely makes impact plays in games and practice. Clemons will need to be around the ball more to thrive.

Culver is the least athletic of the bunch, but he’s the most intelligent and vocal of the group. His leadership and communication skills allowed him to become the glue that make the 2011 defense tighten when he was elevated into a starting role late last season. Culver’s play isn’t sexy, but there’s value to having everyone in the secondary be on the same page.

Johnson, a former second-round pick, was one of the more athletic defensive backs in 2008 draft. But he’s struggled to get into a groove as a starter in Minnesota. He’s known as an in-the-box safety, but has only contributed 123 tackles and two interceptions in his previous four seasons, which featured him starting 27 games.

That’s the most starts of all the Dolphins safeties. But can Johnson cover ground like a free safety?

Wilson, a seventh-round pick in the 2011 draft, shined as a safety in his final season at Montana. That’s why the Dolphins selected him late despite his troublesome background.

Wilson established himself as the biggest defensive playmaker in training camp last year, but he was going against inferior competition regularly. He’s the dark horse of this race, but my favorite based on his knack for always being around the ball, and applying physical hits.

But how will Wilson perform when the level of competition rises? Wilson struggled as a cornerback (allowed the game-sealing touchdown catch in last season’s loss to Cleveland, and got picked on by Giants quarterback Eli Manning) last season, and at 5-foot-10, 190 pounds he’s small for the position.

According to Culver, this battle has already begun considering the safeties are competing at everything.

Dolphins fans should hope the ongoing rivalries raises every one’s talent level, and ultimately leads to a secondary that doesn’t resemble Swiss cheese.

G.G.G.

Miami Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith at 'FinsWeekend' (Photo | Izzy Gould)

Other than the obvious benefit the event provides to the state of Florida in the Dolphins’ community service efforts, it also provides plenty of opportunities for reporters to catch up with many current and former Dolphins.

Since Thursday, we have brought you a ton of content mostly in video form. I’ll post some of the individual links below in case you’ve missed them.

Today, I’m posting this interview with Dolphins defensive back Sean Smith, who enters his fourth season. It’s a critical season for Smith, who enters the final year of his contract. He started 16 games last season with 52 tackles, seven pass deflections and two interceptions.

Part of his new approach is his slick new haircut. His listed at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, but he appears thicker and acknowledges his efforts in the weight room have helped provide the body to make things happen in 2012.

Links
* Miami Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland addresses team’s areas of concern (video)
* Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross: “You can see things are starting to come together” (video)
* Miami Dolphins CB Sean Smith talks about stepping up in 2012 (video)
* Miami Dolphins award Matt Moore as 2011 team MVP
* Miami Dolphins OL Lydon Murtha: ‘I believe it’s my time’ (video)
* Reggie Bush stuck at Fort Lauderdale airport in hazmat incident
* Interview with Miami Dolphins OL Richie Incognito (video)
* Miami Dolphins gather for ‘FinsWeekend’ (photo gallery)
* Tyrone Culver says Dolphins safety competition “brings out most in everyone”
* Joe Philbin explains his vision for the Miami Dolphins
* Legedu Naanee says Dolphins will spread the ball around
* Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline says ‘I’m stepping up.’
* Joe Philbin talks about re-signing Miami Dolphins LB Cameron Wake (video)
* Sights and Sounds from ‘FinsWeekend’ (video)

Twitter | @IzzyGould
Facebook | facebook.com/dolphinsbeat
Email | igould@sunsentinel.com
Phone | 954.372.5504

There’s an easy going vibe to the Miami Dolphins’ new head coach. There’s a classic deadpan sense of humor to him that’s refreshing.

EVERYONE likes people who can make them smile and laugh, and Philbin has done that at everyone of my encounters with him.

Does that mean he can coach, and will lead the Miami Dolphins to a Super Bowl victory? I’ve got absolutely no clue about the answer to that question, but we’ll certainly have a few clues come September when the regular season starts.

But I can definitely say Philbin a few things about the Dolphins’ new coach with conviction. He’s smart, well spoken, and funny. And people like to be around him.

During the Fins Weekend events his players praised his demeanor, and consistently wanted to be around their head coach. And this wasn’t kiss up maneuvering. This wasn’t about Dolphins players telling me what I wanted to hear.

You can genuinely sense the players like Philbin, and his approach. And is obvious he’s a likable guy to those who have an encounter with him.

“He’s definitely brought a whole different demeanor to our football team,” center Mike Pouncey told the NFL Network. “The guys love him.”

During this video Philbin shares his vision for the Miami Dolphins moving forward, and please notice he doesn’t promise wins right away.

Can Brian Hartline produce a Jordy Nelson type breakout season.

We’re talking a few tight rope grabs for this fourth-year receiver, a couple of diving to the ground catches that were Plays of the Day worthy.

Some of his 35 receptions last season hinted that Hartline was ready, and able to carry more of a load for the offense. But it can’t be ignored that this former Ohio State standout the Dolphins selected in the fourth-round of the 2009 draft was usually benefiting from single-coverage due to the attention Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess received regularly.

This season Hartline will be put in position to contribute more than the 549 yards and one touchdown he produced last season because it appears more will be put on his plate in Joe Philbin’s the west coast offense.

The Dolphins traded Marshall to Chicago, and weren’t overly aggressive in their pursuit of another front line receiver because there’s a segment of the front office figures and coaches who believe Hartline can show the type of growth in his fourth season that former Packers receiver Jordy Nelson did last year.

We’re talking about Nelson’s breakout season that saw him transform from Green Bay’s No. 3 receiver into a difference maker who caught 68 passes for 1,263 yards and 15 touchdowns, and was one of the NFL’s most productive receivers per snap.

There’s evidence to back up this theory considering Nelson’s numbers from his first three NFL seasons are thumped by the stats Hartline put up his first three seasons in Miami.

Nelson caught 100 passes for 1,268 yards and scored six touchdowns in his first three seasons.

Hartline caught 109 passes for 1,670 yards and scored six touchdowns (one rushing) in his first three seasons.

G.G.G.

How much will the Dolphins miss some of the team's departing players?

It’s like looking at the before and after pictures of a remodeling job. The best way to see how far a project has come is by looking at the starting point.

A quick look at the outgoing Miami Dolphins – the players the team replaced this season via free agency, trade, or the draft – should make it very obvious the 2012 Dolphins have made substantial improvements to the team.

Not all of the moves made will pay off immediately. But the Dolphins have put together a younger roster, one that possesses some upside.

Here’s a breakdown of each outgoing player, his replacement, and explanation of the position’s status.

FORMER DOLPHINS STARTERS

OLD: Quarterback Chad Henne was signed to a two-year, $6.75 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who envision him become Blaine Gabbert’s backup.

NEW: The Dolphins drafted Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill in the first-round of the 2012 draft, and he is the quarterback of the future. How quickly he becomes the team’s starter is up to Tannehill’s mastery of the offense, and his adjustment to the speed of the NFL game.

STATUS: The Dolphins improved by letting Henne, a quarterback with a 75.7 career quarterback rating, depart as a free agent. The future appears brighter with Tannehill, who is an ideal fit in the west coast offense.

OLD: Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall was traded to the Bears for two third-round picks, the first of which was used to select tight end Michael Egnew after Miami traded down a few spots. The second third-round pick comes in the 2013 NFL draft.

NEW: The Dolphins signed Legedu Naanee to a one-year contract worth $700,000, drafted former Michigan State receiver B.J. Cunningham in the sixth round, and Nevada’s Rishard Matthews in the seventh round. The Dolphins also signed Texas A&M’s Jeff Fuller and Penn State’s Derek Moye as undrafted rookie free agents. All five have a chance to make the 53-man roster, and become contributing players.

STATUS: It is unlikely that all five new receivers, much less one of them individually, will put up the numbers that compare favorably to what Marshall will accumulate in Chicago now that he’s been reunited with Jay Cutler. However, it is possible that someone - Clyde Gates, Brian Hartline, Roberto Wallace, and Marlon Moore - will blossom and have a productive season as the Dolphins’ front line receiver.

OLD: Cornerback Will Allen signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots for the NFL minimum.

NEW: Cornerback Richard Marshall signed a three-year, $16 million contract with the Dolphins and should serve as the team’s nickel cornerback.

STATUS: Marshall is younger (27), and was more productive (78 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions) than an aged Allen last season. He’s one of the best tackling cornerbacks in the NFL, and should help the Dolphins defense become more versatile. However, the Dolphins did lose a veteran leader in the secondary and someone will need to fill that void.

OLD: Defensive end Kendall Langford signed a four-year, $24 million deal with the St. Louis Rams.

NEW: Defensive end Jared Odrick, the team’s 2010 first-round pick, will likely be elevated into Langford’s old role as the starting left end. Last year Odrick split the reps with Langford and contributed 22 tackles, six sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception. Tony McDaniel is also capable of filling the void Langford’s departure creates. And seventh-round pick Kheeston Randall should have a good shot of making the 53-man roster.

STATUS: Langford’s specialty was stuffing the run, which helped the Dolphins limit opponents to 3.7 yards per carry. Odrick has been a capable run stuffer in his first two seasons. The Dolphins are also moving towards a 4-3 front, which means Odrick might be used more as a pass rusher, which plays to his strengths.

OLD: Offensive guard Vernon Carey will possibly be forced into retirement

NEW: John Jerry could return to his status as the starting right guard, a role he held all of 2010, but it is possible he’ll be pushed by Nate Garner, Ray Feinga, newcomer Artis Hicks, and the loser of the right tackle battle.

STATUS: The Dolphins are looking for a younger, and more athletic guard than Carey, who is a 30-year-old converted offensive tackle. Even though Carey played pretty well at his new spot in 2011, it is telling that he still hasn’t found work.

OLD: Offensive tackle Marc Colombo retired as a Cowboy this offseason.

NEW: Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin was drafted in the second-round to play right tackle. To earn the spot he’ll need to beat out Lydon Murtha, who had a productive exhibition season as the starting left tackle before suffering a season-ending foot injury in the preseason finale.

STATUS: Colombo’s retirement came a year too late because his play last season as horrendous. It’s hard to believe Martin or Murtha could perform any worse in their first season as an NFL starter.

OLD: Pass rusher Jason Taylor retired after the 2011 season.

NEW: Former UM standout Olivier Vernon, who contributed 82 tackles and nine sacks in his 30 college games as a Hurricane, was drafted in the third-round to become the pass rusher paired with Cameron Wake.

STATUS: It’s never easy replacing a Hall of Fame caliber player, but Taylor is 37, and has become a one trick pony. However, he did contribute seven sacks last season in a limited role. If Vernon contributed seven sacks in 2012 he’d probably be up for Rookie of the Year honors. Vernon is an unrefined pass rusher that needs a lot of coaching, and playing time.

OLD: Strong safety Yeremiah Bell is unsigned, but has a deal pending with the Chiefs, Eagles or Titans.

NEW: Tyrell Johnson signed a one-year for the NFL minimum, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll be Bell’s replacement. This defense will ideally use two interchangeable free safeties, which means the Dolphins are looking for safeties who are versatile, and can cover large areas of the field. That means Bell wouldn’t fit into defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle’s plans.

STATUS: Johnson, Reshad Jones, Chris Clemons, Tyrone Culver and converted cornerback Jimmy Wilson are all competing for the two starting safety spots. Who gets it, and how they perform will determine if the Dolphins miss Bell, who lead the team in tackles for the past four years.

FORMER DOLPHINS BACKUPS

OLD: Quarterback JP Losman is presently unemployed, and a fringe NFL player.

NEW: Quarterback David Garrard was signed to a one-year deal worth $3.35 million (which included a $1 million signing bonus), and will serve as a veteran presence in the locker room.

STATUS: Garrard has started 76 NFL games and has an 85.8 quarterback rating, which is superior to anything a Dolphins quarterback not named Chad Pennington has accomplished this past decade. However, Garrard’s health issues, especially his back problems, could be a concern. But it’s possible he could be a hold-the-fort down starter in 2012, bridging the gap for Tannehill.

OLD: Defensive end Phillip Merling was released last month after he decided to skip the team’s OTA program. He hasn’t been signed by another NFL team.

NEW: The Dolphins drafted Texas defensive tackle Kheeston Randall to add depth to the defensive line. Miami also signed undrafted rookie free agent defensive linemen Chas Alecxih and Jarrell Root.

STATUS: Merling, a second-round pick in 2008, tallied 66 tackles, one interception and 3.5 sacks in his four seasons with the Dolphins. But he contributed just four tackles and two pass deflections in the 10 games he played in last year. How much are the Dolphins really going to miss this former draft bust?

OLD: Reserve outside linebacker Ikaika Alama-Francis, who sparingly contributed in his two seasons with the Dolphins, hasn’t been signed by another NFL team.

NEW: The Dolphins signed former Jets defensive end/linebacker Jamaal Westerman, who contributed 32 tackle, 3.5 sacks and forced one fumble last season last season. The Dolphins also signed undrafted rookies Derrick Shelby and Jacquies Smith.

STATUS: Even if Westerman become a part-time contributor to the defense he’ll likely be adding more than the one tackle Alama-Francis contributed last season.

OLD: Reserve inside linebacker Marvin Mitchell, who contributed 30 tackles, one sack and one interception last season, signed a one-year deal with the Vikings.

NEW: Former New England Patriot Gary Guyton was signed to a one-year deal worth $765,000.

STATUS: Guyton, who started 32 games for the Patriots over the past four years, contributed 47 tackles and intercepted one pass last season. Guyton has far more starting experience than Mitchell, who started two NFL games in his five seasons, and is a more versatile player.

So, where do you see the most improvements made, and where is the biggest drop off with the 2012 Dolphins roster?
G.G.G.

Not mentioned among the four finalists, the Miami Dolphins.

Potential landing spots mentioned Thursday by Rosenhaus included the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans and the Philadelphia Eagles.

On Tuesday, Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane sent the following Tweet regarding the 34-year-old Bell after his workout in Philadelphia: “#Eagles think he’s done. RT @JoshCahan Why not lock up Yeremiah Bell as insurance? Probably cheap, right?”

Now that it’s clear Bell will sign elsewhere we ask in today’s edition of Fan Voice: Will the Miami Dolphins miss Yeremiah Bell?

And where would you want to see Bell sign?

Twitter | @IzzyGould
Email | igould@sunsentinel.com
Facebook | facebook.com/dolphinsbeat
Phone | 954.372.5504

At least when the World League existed there was something to talk about.

So what do you make of this latest list?

ESPN.com AFC East blogger James Walker, who lives in Miami, ranked the AFC East wide receiving corps this afternoon.

Care to take any guesses as to the order? Read on.

Walker ranks the New England Patriots first with players such as Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Deion Branch, Anthony Gonzalez, Jabar Gaffney, Donte Stallworth, Chad Ochocinco, Julian Edelman, Matthew Slater and Jeremy Ebert. The Patriots had four receivers with at least 51 catches and 702 yards including Welker’s 1,569 yards and nine touchdowns, and tight end Rob Gronkowski’s 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Second are the Buffalo Bills with players such as Steve Johnson, Donald Jones, David Nelson, Marcus Easley and T.J. Graham. Johnson had 76 receptions for 1,004 yards and seven touchdowns. Nelson had 61 receptions for 658 yards and five touchdowns.

Third on Walker’s list are the New York Jets with Santonio Holmes, Stephen Hill, Chaz Schilens, Jeremy Kerley and Patrick Turner. Keller had 65 receptions for 815 yards and five touchdowns. Holmes had 51 receptions for 654 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Dolphins are ranked fourth with paragraph that begins like this: “The Dolphins could presently have the worst group of wide receivers in the NFL. Davone Bess and Brian Hartline top Miami’s depth chart. That is frightening.”

(Click here to read the entire blog entry)

To be fair, the Dolphins traded away leading receiver Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears for two third-round draft picks. He had 81 receptions, 1,214 yards and six touchdowns in 2011. Bess was second best with 51 receptions for 537 yards and three touchdowns. Hartline was third with 549 yards and a touchdown.

Without a proven go-to receiver it’s easy to see why the Dolphins would rank last in Walker’s rankings. But worst in the NFL? It’s all debatable.

So in today’s edition of Fan Voice we ask: Do the Miami Dolphins have the worst wide receivers in the NFL?

Twitter | @IzzyGould
Email | igould@sunsentinel.com
Facebook | facebook.com/dolphinsbeat
Phone | 954.372.5504

Does Joe Philbin have what it takes to lead the Dolphins to a winning season in 2012?

I always give the same answer: The Dolphins are a .500 team that can win two extra games with solid quarterback play, and a healthy roster. Or the Dolphins could lose two extra games because of mediocre quarterback play, and an injury-depleted roster.

It’s REALLY that simple.

The NFL is built for teams to hover around .500, and Miami’s schedule isn’t as fierce as it was in 2011 (the ONLY games that are scary are the season-opener against Houston, San Francisco and the two AFC East games against New England).

Plus, the Dolphins won six of the final nine games last season, and lost four fourth-quarter contests – Cleveland, Denver, New York Giants and Dallas – where a victory was within the team’s clutches if one aspect of the squad had performed in the game’s closing minutes.

That means last year’s team coulda, shoulda, woulda won 10 games with better quarterback play, and a more clutch defense.

Miami’s roster offensive and defensive roster aren’t bad. General Manager Jeff Ireland put together a solid draft, which should help fill some holes.

What the Dolphins need is better quarterback play, and better coaches. This offseason’s moves should help South Florida’s NFL franchise in both those area, but by how much?

Last week I outlined the 10 questions the Dolphins need to find an answer to this offseason. Here’s a look at some favorable answers to those issues.

1. Who will start at quarterback?

It’ll be one of the two veterans unless first-round pick Ryan Tannehill shines in camp. David Garrard makes quick decisions and throws with accuracy. Matt Moore, who had a 87.1 quarterback rating, needs to become a better practice performer to hold Garrard off. Whoever starts the season-opener will have to produce wins to keep Tannehill on the bench. According to the coaches, whoever performs the best in OTAs, minicamp and training camp will win the spot. Tannehill, who knows the offense, will be given every opportunity, but must master the speed of the NFL game.

2. Have Dolphins fixed the troublesome right side of their offensive line?

Does it really get any worse than Marc Colombo? REALLY! I have a hard time believing that’s possible. Lydon Murtha or Jonathan Martin should be an immediate upgrade at right tackle. How good the unit will be depends on who starts at right guard, and how they play. My early money goes to the loser of the right tackle battle because I suspect the Dolphins will start the top five offensive linemen.

Will rookie Olivier Vernon draw some attention from Cameron Wake?

3. Did Miami find Cameron Wake a complementary pass rusher?

Absolutely. Between Jared Odrick , who contributed six sacks last season playing less than 600 snaps, and third-round pick Olivier Vernon, the Dolphins should have someone to put on the opposite side of Wake. But Miami could use a little help from a depth standpoint, which is why it would be ideal if a undrafted rookie like Derrick Shelby or Jacquies Smith develops and makes the 53-man roster.

4. The Dolphins have the personnel to make the west coast offense work?

Only if Brian Hartline takes his game to another level, emerging like Jordy Nelson did last year in Green Bay’s offense. Another receiver – doesn’t matter who it is, but my early guess goes to Clyde Gates, Roberto Wallace, B.J. Cunningham or Jeff Fuller – also needs to step up and contributed a 40 catch, 500 yards receiving season. But the tight ends (think Michael Egnew and Charles Clay) and tailbacks (Reggie Bush and Lamar Miller) should carry this team offensively, creating regular mismatches.

5. Where will leadership come from on the team?

Bush and Davone Bess are both the types of players you want others to follow. They should be elevated to captain status, joining Jake Long and Karlos Dansby. But the Dolphins desperately need a leader to surface in the secondary, and at quarterback.

6. Who will occupy the starting safety spots?

Reshad Jones, Chris Clemons, Tyrell Johnson and Tyrone Culver all have starter experience. But Jimmy Wilson has a knack for making plays, which is why my money is on the converted cornerback rising up the depth chart to pair with Jones. The Dolphins will need to find someone smart enough to tighten up the back end of the defense. Leadership at this spot is more important than most people realize.

7. Can the Dolphins improve on special teams?

Gates will do better now that his groin isn’t strained, and Lamar Miller is a homerun threat, who will probably contribute more on special teams that he did at Miami. Whether someone can unseat Bess as the punt returner likely comes down to what receiver makes the 53-man roster. The Dolphins have aggressively tried to find someone better than Bess, who produced 11.9 yards per punt last season, for four years, and can’t.

8. Can the Dolphins defend against tight ends?

As much as I’d love to say Dansby and Kevin Burnett have the skill set to cover the NFL’s tight ends – they do – history says the Dolphins will get destroyed by that position. They have since 2007. Tight ends have annually been a thorn in the side of the Dolphins defense. Maybe switching to a 4-3 front, and using a quarters defense regularly, will benefit Miami in this regard.

9. How will the switch from a base 3-4 scheme to a base 4-3 scheme affect defensive front?

Randy Starks and Paul Soliai could blossom in a 4-3 front. Soliai is hard to single block, and Starks have produced respectable sack numbers throughout his Dolphins tenure as an inside rusher. Both have played in a 4-3 front before. This unit’s success will likely be determined by how deep the rotation is, and the caliber of players filling in when they need a break. That means Tony McDaniel, Odrick and maybe rookie Kheeston Randall will have to hold the line when Starks and Soliai need a breather.

10. Can Joe Philbin, who is a first-time head coach on any level, command the locker room?

So far we’ve learned he’s smart, but intelligence only carries you so far in the NFL. When the team’s struggling they have to believe that their leader has the answers, the right approach to plug the leak in the dam. Only time will tell if Philbin is a problem solver.

G.G.G.

Bell has been searching for a new team since the Dolphins stunningly cut its captain and four-year leading tackler a week into free agency. He has worked out for the New York Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles. The New England Patriots were also a team reportedly with interest in the 34-year-old Bell.

Bell started 63 of 64 games the past four seasons. He had 107 tackles with four pass deflections and an interception last season.

So why have teams been slow to sign the eight-year NFL veteran?

This Tweet exchange between Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane and a follower might shed some light on the subject:

“#Eagles think he’s done. RT @JoshCahan Why not lock up Yeremiah Bell as insurance? Probably cheap, right?”

So in this edition of Fan Voice, we ask: Have we seen the best – perhaps even the last – of Bell?

Twitter | @IzzyGould
Email | igould@sunsentinel.com
Facebook | facebook.com/dolphinsbeat
Phone | 954.372.5504

NFL free agency and the draft have come and gone. Organized training activities and minicamps will continue, but for the most part it’s simply a waiting game for training camp to begin.

So as we sit and ponder the possibilities for the Dolphins, we begin a periodic blog series forecasting the 2012 season game-by-game. Here we go with the season opener:

Sept. 9
Opponent: Houston Texans
Where: Reliant Stadium (Houston, Texas)
Time: 1 p.m.

Dolphins: The Dolphins open the 2012 season with a new head coach, a new look and a quarterback battle that consumed most of the offseason. At this point, it would appear Matt Moore would likely earn the first snaps of ‘12 based on his performance at the end of 2011, which included a 6-3 finish. That’s conventional wisdom. But consider the Dolphins have a new offensive coordinator in Mike Sherman, who was picked by first-year head coach Joe Philbin. Of course, they drafted former Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, whom Sherman worked with as the Aggies’ head coach. Tannehill will be expected to push quickly for the starting job. Whether or not he’s ready to be the starter from the beginning is unclear at this point. And clearly David Garrard, who played in the 2010 Pro Bowl, will also try to reclaim a starting quarterback position in Miami. There are plenty of other stories, but nothing more important than the Dolphins pulling a road victory out of Houston in the opener. The Dolphins had just two road wins in ‘11.

Texans: The Texans are coming off a 10-6 regular-season campaign, which included winning the AFC South and advancing to the divisional round of the playoffs before a 20-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans are looking to replace defensive end Mario Williams, who signed a free-agent contract with the Buffalo Bills, and linebacker DeMeco Ryans – now with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Prediction: Houston 24, Miami 17

A loss could mean: Losing the season opener on the road would obviously be a bad way to begin under a new head coaching staff. It also would prompt prognosticators to begin debating any position battles, and put plenty of pressure on Miami returning to Sun Life Stadium for its home opener the following week.

A win could mean: Winning the season opener would give the Dolphins their first opening-day victory and opening-day road victory since 2010 when Miami won 15-10 at Buffalo. A victory would inject excitement into the Dolphins fan base after defeating the Texans for the first time in the sixth meeting between the two teams.

Now it’s your turn: Feel free to offer your feedback, insight, thoughts and predictions in the space below. I’ll attempt to interact with you as time permits. Thanks for reading and participating.

Twitter | @IzzyGould
Email | igould@sunsentinel.com
Facebook | facebook.com/dolphinsbeat
Phone | 954.372.5504

Reggie Bush hopes to lead the league in rushing, become a Dolphins captain.

Last season the Miami Dolphins tailback was the polar opposite of a diva.

The former USC standout isn’t selfish, and has a humble, giving spirit.

He’s established a reputation as one of the hardest working players on the team, and builds on it every day.

He’s not a big party guy, and doesn’t live it up on the South Florida social scene.

Bush is one of the players his teammates turn to when searching for leadership. That’s why I expect he’ll be named a team captain in 2012.

Bush is the prime example of how a person’s perception, and image can get distorted by the national media. He’s nothing close to what Star magazine, and the gossip tabloids would have you think.

But Bush is confident, and has reason to be after putting together a career year in 2011, rushing for 1,086 yards in 15 games, catching 43 passes for 296 yards, and scoring a team-leading seven touchdowns.

There’s a possibility Bush can contribute even more for the Dolphins this upcoming season because this west coast offense fits his skill set. Head coach Joe Philbin is excited about the tools in Bush’s tool belt, and has a vision of how to better utilize his skill set, hinting that Bush might line up as a receiver more.

That might explain why Bush told WSVN’s Sports Xtra on Sunday that his goal is to lead the NFL in rushing this season.

Bush’s goal isn’t out of the realm of possibility considering two tailbacks with comparable size – Jacksonville’s Maurice Jones Drew (1,606 rushing yards) and Baltimore’s Ray Rice (1,364) – were the NFL’s leading rushers last season.

And the fourth leading rusher, Philadelphia’s LeSean McCoy, plays in a west coast offense.

“I want the rushing title,” said Bush, who finished 11th in rushing last season. “This offseason I’ve been working towards that goal. Just being effective like I was this past season.

“Every time I rush the ball I want four yards,” said Bush, who averaged 5.0 yards per carry in 2011. ”I’m keeping my focus simple and small, but at same time helping my team progress.”

Bush said he also intends to be a better leader in 2012, and it is likely he’ll take rookie tailback Lamar Miller under his wing, teaching him the ropes of the NFL the same way Deuce McAllister taught him, and he taught Daniel Thomas last season.

“I’m 27, I’m one of those veterans,” Bush said, referring to his status as one of the aged vets on the Dolphins’ roster. “Sounds crazy!”

During his segment with WSVN, Bush also echoed some of his tweets, which expressed disappointment for the punishment the New Orleans Saints organization received for the Bounty scandal.

Bush said NFL players are common day Gladiators, and the the sport’s popularity stems from the violent nature of football.

Bush said he’s positive “a Bounty” has been put on him at some point during his football career because that’s the type of attention, and focus marquee players receive, pointing out teams want to knock them out of the game, but usually don’t have malicious intent.

“Football is a physical game. We’re not out there to end people’s careers,” said Bush, who spent his first five seasons in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints. “We’re out there to hurt you within the rule books.

“[Defenses are] not hitting you to help you feel good.”

G.G.G.