Know your enemy for week 15: Dolphins Edition

Q1: What is going on with Chad Henne? Do you still think he’s the future of the Dolphins or will they be looking for a QB next year?

A1: It seems as though Henne’s leash is getting shorter and shorter every week. If he hasn’t played himself out of the 2011 starting job already, one more multiple interception performance will likely do the trick.  It’s a real shame too considering that he’s arguably flashed more potential than any of the quarterbacks we’ve had to endure since Marino’s retirement. For example, no quarterback other than Marino has thrown for more 300-yard games in franchise history than Henne’s six. But he just can’t seem to establish even a mild level of consistency. He may put together a solid one or two games, but like clockwork, he’ll come out and throw for two or three picks just when you start to think he’s finally coming into his own.

Q2: I was stunned to look at the sack leaders in the NFL to see that Cameron Wake was leading the way with 14. I’m not sure if you guys know, but the Bills were very interested in him when he was making the jump from the CFL. Too bad for us, he went with you guys. Can you explain to me how this guy has become such a player for the Fish?

A2: Frankly, I’m surprised the whole league wasn’t lining up to give Wake a chance considering he was clearly a man among boys north of the border. Coming into the year, we knew Wake had potential to be a premiere pass rusher, but I don’t think anybody saw this type of dominance coming. The Dolphins don’t have another legitimate pass rushing threat, which means defenses can freely commit two blockers to Wake without consequence, but he’s still been virtually unblockable. Sure, his league-leading 14 sacks speaks for itself, but add in the countless times he’s drew a flag for holding and how well he’s beginning to set the edge, and you could make a case for Defensive Player of the Year. He likely won’t get the respect he deserves with much consideration there, though, as he’s currently in danger of missing out on the Pro Bowl.

Q3: If the Dolphins finish below .500, do you see Tony Sparano being on thin ice? Besides his record, I think there might be a concern because your owner, who believes in selling shares of the club to B-level celebrities, may want to hire his own people. Do you sense that?

A3: I think Sparano is safe for this season, but if the Dolphins were to really struggle in these last three games, he would definitely enter 2011 on the hot seat. Offensive coordinator Dan Henning and GM Jeff Ireland should be first in line to get the boot before Sparano becomes vulnerable to a firing in my opinion. When Parcells essentially left the building earlier in the season, many began to fear that Stephen Ross would look to get his own general manager and head coach, but so far, he’s been quick to put those rumors to bed. Ross likes to stay out of the football minds’ way, so he doesn’t necessarily strike me as someone who puts a high priority on hiring his own people.

Q4: What are the Dolphins strengths and weaknesses?

A4: The Dolphins’ strengths obviously reside on the defensive side of the football. As the offense seemingly gets worse and worse, the defense appears to be getting better and better. Early on this season, the defense struggled against the run, but after shutting down Darren McFadden, Peyton Hillis, and the Jets’ ground attack in consecutive weeks, there’s no doubt that this defense is now complete and on the verge of becoming one of the league’s best. There’s a reason why the Dolphins are long shot in the playoff picture, though. On offense, they are built to be a run-first team but can’t run the football. Even when Chad Henne is able to put together a solid drive, more times than not, it’s only going to end in a field goal as the Dolphins’ red zone woes have led to Dan Carpenter kicking five field goals twice this season.

Q5: What has happened to Miami’s running game? Last year, you guys were ranked fourth in rushing. This year, you guys are 20th. Do you guys still run the wildcat? What gives?

A5: When you rank fourth in the league in rushing offense it doesn’t make much sense to replace all three of your starting interior offensive lineman does it? Well that’s exactly what the Dolphins’ did before the season, choosing to save a little cash and risk losing some productivity from the running game. I wasn’t a huge fan of the moves at the time, but I don’t think anybody saw the ground attack falling off like it has. The Dolphins just aren’t getting enough push up front to get anything going. This inability to run the football out of base formations has led to a heavy dose of the wildcat in recent weeks, but without lineman who can effectively pull, the wildcat isn’t nearly what it used to be.

Q6:I asked my followers on twitter what question I should ask you regarding the Dolphins and this was one of the submissions: RobKelley24 asks, “Why has Miami abandoned the running game so early when they have no passing attack & why does Dan Henning calls the plays still? 

A6: I wouldn’t say the Dolphins have no passing attack. Inconsistent? Yes, but Henne has thrown for over 300 yards three times this season, and when healthy, the Dolphins have a very solid receiving core. Even though the passing game has been, for the most part, more productive than the running game, I haven’t agreed with Dan Henning’s philosophy to completely abandon Ronnie and Ricky, like he has several times this season. It seems as though Henning is either way too conservative or pass happy. Regardless, he hasn’t been able to strike up the right balance for this offense to be successful this season and the result should lead to his retirement or firing at the end of the year.

Q7: Who do you have winning and why?

A7: It’s hard to see the Dolphins dropping yet another home game when they’ve been so impressive on the road. I see the Dolphins finally having some breakthrough success on the ground against the league’s worst run defense and no Lee Evans being a big blow to the Bills’ lethal passing attack.

Miami 17 Buffalo 14