Report Card Entering Regular Season
Passing Offense:
A-minus - Outside of one bad quarter, which came in the first quarter of the first preseason game at Atlanta, the Dolphins’ passing offense has been terrific. Both Chad Henne(notes) and backup Matt Moore(notes) finished the preseason with passer ratings of greater than 90.
Rushing Offense:
C-minus - There was a strong performance against Carolina in the second preseason game but not much beyond that. Whether Reggie Bush can be an every-down featured back is still unclear and rookie Daniel Thomas(notes) had an underwhelming preseason.
Pass Defense:
B-minus - Matt Ryan(notes) and the Falcons had their way against the Dolphins’ pass defense in the first preseason game but, after that, the pass defense shaped up. It allowed about 230 passing yards per game in the preseason and finished with three interceptions.
Rush Defense:
A - The Dolphins’ front seven excelled against the run in the preseason, holding opponents to 3.8 yards per carry, and there’s no reason to think that won’t continue in the regular season. The defensive line and linebackers are a team strength.
Special Teams:
B - The kicking game should be among the best in the league with P Brandon Fields(notes) and PK Dan Carpenter(notes). There are some question marks in the return game, though, where rookie Clyde Gates(notes) could make an impact.
Coaching:
B - Sparano and his staff have done a good job preparing this team for the regular season. New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, in particular, has excelled in getting the offense to adopt a new, far more aggressive approach.
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