Fantasy Impact: Miami Dolphins
6/18/07
New Head Coach: Cam Cameron (SD OC:
2002-2006; WAS QB Coach: 1994-1996)
Previous Head Coach: Nick Saban
(2005-2006)
Cam Cameron's first NFL coaching experience came as a member
of Norv Turner's staff during the 1994-1996 seasons with the Washington
Redskins. Before taking a position in the NFL, he spent 11 years
at the collegiate level with the Michigan Wolverines. He first
became one of Bo Schembechler's assistants in 1983. Two years
later he became the team’s quarterback coach, a position
he held for nine years prior to his work at the pro level. Following
his three-year stint in Washington, Cameron returned to the college
ranks as head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers. After five disappointing
seasons at the university, in which time he compiled an 18-37
record he took a position as the San Diego Chargers offensive
coordinator where he has remained for the last 5 years.
During his time with Marty Schottenheimer in San Diego, Cameron
oversaw the early development of both Drew Brees and Philip Rivers.
Brees became the team’s starter in just his second year,
and though he struggled early, his play following the team’s
pick of Rivers in the 2004 presented a dilemma for the chargers.
Brees eventually left in 2006 via free agency to sign with New
Orleans Saints, where he enjoyed continued success last season.
Rivers started all 16 games for the Bolts last year, and with
LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates' assistance, led the Chargers
to a 14-2 finish.
Under Cameron's guidance the last three seasons, the Chargers
offensive unit has ranked among the best in the league in points
scored per game. While some would be quick to point out the talented
Tomlinson for that accomplishment, it should be noted San Diego
quarterbacks averaged slightly more than 26 touchdown passes per
season during that span. Cameron may not have the same offensive
talent to work with in Miami, but he should be able to create
an offense that gets better results from Ronnie Brown and Chris
Chambers than last year.
Cameron's Impact On The Offense:
Quarterbacks: Trent Green;
Cleo Lemon; John Beck; Daunte Culpepper
Trent Green was recently acquired in a trade with the Kansas
City Chiefs and is expected to start for the Dolphins this season.
Following the acquisition, Daunte Culpepper was informed of the
team’s plans to trade him. With the selection of John Beck
in the second round of this year’s draft, Cleo Lemon is
no longer seen as a potential starter for Miami. At the age of
37 come opening day, Green is likely no more than a one year option
that will give way to Beck in 2008.
While Green isn't the Dolphins QB of the future, he's an established
vet capable of providing the team immediate stability at the position.
He's worked with Cameron in the past, and while Ronnie Brown is
likely to be the player the offense is built around, the air attack
will remain an important part of the game plan.
Chris Chambers is capable of 1000 yards and 8-10 touchdowns this
year. Marty Booker has proven to be a productive number-two wide
out for the past three seasons in Miami, and should provide the
same this year unless second-year wide receiver Derek Hagan outplays
him. Free agent signee David Martin may prove to be a nice addition
as well, giving Green more than a few reliable options to target
with his passes. Don't expect the Dolphins quarterback to match
the 4000 yard outings he had during his time with the Chiefs,
but he should be a good back up in fantasy leagues finishing with
3200-3400 passing yards and 18-22 touchdowns.
Running Backs: Ronnie
Brown; Lorenzo
Booker; Patrick
Cobbs; Ray Perkins; Jesse
Chatman; (Ricky Williams)
Though Ronnie Brown has had two productive seasons since being
selected second overall in the 2005 draft, he is yet to produce
numbers that make fantasy owners consider him among the elite
backs in their leagues. His rookie year it was Ricky Williams
presence that limited him to 907 yards on 207 carries. Last season,
the Auburn alumnus rushed for 1005 yards, but a broken hand forced
him to miss three games and prevented him from amassing more impressive
totals. He is also yet to score more than 5 touchdowns in a season.
While it's unrealistic to expect Miami's third year back to produce
in the fashion Tomlinson has, there's good reason to expect a
career year from the 25-year old. Barring injury, Brown should
near 300 carries while rushing for 1200-1350 yards this season.
He should see an increase in his touchdown and reception totals
as well.
Third round pick Lorenzo Booker is expected to serve as Brown's
back-up, and may prove capable of earning playing time early in
the season. Ricky Williams, if reinstated by the NFL this September,
doesn't appear a likely candidate to remain with the team.
Wide Receivers: Chris
Chambers; Marty
Booker; Derek
Hagan; Ted
Ginn Jr.; Az-Zahir
Hakim; Devin Aromashodu
Cam Cameron is moving Chris Chambers from the Z wide receiver
to the X position. The move is expected to provide him more space
to get open while running his routes. Coming off an extremely
disappointing year in which he recorded a career low 677 yards,
the 7th-year wide out believes he's capable of 80 receptions and
10 touchdowns in his new role. Projecting those numbers may be
a bit generous for him at the moment, but it's a safe assumption
Chambers will produce better than he had in 2006. 70 receptions,
7-9 touchdowns, and 900-1000 yards receiving are what he's likely
capable.
Marty Booker is expected to start opposite Chambers, though he
may get some stiff competition from second-year man Derek Hagan
out of Arizona State. Follow Hagan's progress during the preseason,
though it's unlikely either receiver will be much more valuable
than a number four or five type on your fantasy team.
Tight Ends: David
Martin; Justin
Peelle
After releasing Randy McMichael earlier this off-season, the
Dolphins signed unrestricted free agent David Martin to replace
him. Martin has spent the last six years as a member of the Green
Bay Packers, mostly as a back up after being selected in the sixth
round of the 2001 draft. Over the last two seasons however, he's
managed to start 12 games and record 48 receptions, for 422 yards,
and 5 touchdowns. Though injuries have been a problem of his throughout
his career, Martin is an athletic receiver at the tight end position
and is a good sleeper candidate heading into the season. He may
be no better than a bye week replacement, but the potential is
there for him to do more.
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