Projections (9/02/03)

Passing Stats

Rush Stats

Receiving Stats

Fantasy

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Quarterbacks
Starter - Jay Fiedler
Backups - Brian Griese, Sage Rosenfels

Starting Quarterback: The Dolphins picked up Brian Griese this offseason but all signs point to Jay Fiedler holding onto his starting job (at least to start with) this season. Fiedler was on the way to a pretty successful season last year until injury struck in week six. He averaged 214.8 passing yards per game during those six games, threw 9 touchdown passes and was intercepted only 5 times. He was also able to complete a solid 63.6% of his passes. He wasn't the same when he came back in week 13 but he still has the trust of both the coaching staff and his teammates. With a terrific defense and a determined running game, the Dolphins won't pass enough to make Fiedler more than a decent fantasy backup but he'll likely have a solid football season.

Backup Quarterback(s): The main downfall of the Dolphins last year was having no real backup quarterback to fill in once Fiedler went down with injury. This year, they have Brian Griese waiting in the wings and he has proven over the last few years that he has the skills to get the job done on the field. He has some off field issues to deal with much like Kerry Collins had several years back but he'll likely get over those as time goes on. Look for him to provide great depth as a backup this year and then really compete for the starting quarterback position in 2004. Sage Rosenfels has talent but is at least a season or two away from competing for a backup spot.

Update - 8/27: Fiedler is not quite 100% healthy, but he is in no danger of losing his starting job as Griese at first underwhelmed the team and is now sitting out with a toe injury. Clint Stoerner (recently waived by the Cowboys) has worked out for the team.

Running Backs
Starter - Ricky Williams
Backups - Travis Minor, Robert Edwards
Fullbacks - Rob Konrad, Deon Dyer, Obafemi Ayanbedejo

Starting Running Back: Ricky Williams exploded in his first season with the Dolphins, rushing for 1853 yards on 383 carries (a stellar 4.8 yards per carry) and scored 16 times on the ground. He added 47 receptions for 363 yards and another TD through the air. Williams was rightfully voted to his first Pro-Bowl as a result of those efforts. In 2003, Williams should once again thrive in the Dolphins' offense - the emotional problems that plagued him in New Orleans look like they are a thing of the past, and the team has a solid core of other skill position players (Chris Chambers, Randy McMichael, Jay Fiedler) who will force defenses to stay honest - giving Williams plenty of running room behind the excellent Miami offensive line. As of 6/29/03, we see Williams charging ahead for 1575 yards on 350 carries with 15 rushing scores, while adding 333 yards receiving on 45 receptions with 2 more receiving TDs That's #3 among all fantasy backs, making Williams one of the premier picks in 2003.

Backup Running Back(s): Travis Minor is a solid back-up who has averaged 4.5 yards per carry over his two year career (103 rushes for 461 yards and 4 scores, with 29 receptions for 263 yards and 1 score). He'll see limited duty when Williams needs a breather during 2003. #3 on the depth chart is the gutsy tough-guy Robert Edwards, a player with plenty of heart and will - some doctors wondered if he'd ever walk again after tearing up his knee playing beach volleyball, but he's back in the NFL.

Fullback(s): Rob Konrad saw increased action in the passing game last year, hauling in 34 receptions for 233 yards and a career high 3 scores - not much of a fantasy threat. Deon Dyer and Obafemi Ayanbedejo are #2 and #3 on the depth chart.

Update - 8/27: Miami's offensive line has been sub-par in pre-season, but the unit is aware that it needs to improve before regular season opens. Mark Dixon should be back by the regular season opener, which will be a big help. Bottom line: don't worry about Ricky Williams putting up -1 yards rushing in a game during the regular season. We still see him amassing 1575/15 rushing and 348/2 receiving in 2003 (#3 among all fantasy backs). The team is working the kinks out in a vanilla offensive scheme - which is why they play pre-season games. Obafemi Ayanbedejo is now atop the depth chart at FB. Deon Dyer was traded to the Houston Texans, but he failed their physical so the deal feel through.

Wide Receivers
Starters - Chris Chambers, James McKnight
Backups: Derrius Thompson, Oronde Gadsden, J.R. Tolver

Starting Receiver(s): Chris Chambers had some trouble last year adjusting from lining up in the slot as the #3 WR to battling double-teams as the #1 WR. Chambers does have the athleticism, hands, and big-play ability to be a legitimate #1 WR in the NFL, and the Dolphins are counting on him to play a larger role in their offense this year. Heading into training camp, James McKnight will line up as the starter opposite Chambers, but will face stiff challenge from former Redskin Derrius Thompson. McKnight has excellent speed, but has been inconsistent throughout his career.

Backup Receiver(s): Derrius Thompson is a physical receiver with good hands, and has been impressive in the Dolphins' offseason workouts. We think he has a better-than-even chance of winning the starting job from McKnight before mid-season. Oronde Gadsden will try to climb his way back up the depth chart after re-signing with the Dolphins somewhat late in the offseason. Gadsden has some of the best hands in the league, but lacks speed. The Dolphins are considering carrying only four WRs on their active roster this year, but if they carry a fifth, rookie J.R. Tolver is the current favorite to win the last spot.

Update - 8/27: Derrius Thompson has been one of the stars of camp, and has secured a starting job opposite Chris Chambers. Chambers, meanwhile, has been bothered by a hamstring injury during camp, and has not looked sharp. There is some speculation that Thompson could end up becoming the Dolphins' featured receiver this year, although we still see Chambers in that role. James McKnight has locked up the #3 WR position. There appears little chance for Gadsden to remain with the team.

Tight Ends
Starter - Randy McMichael
Backup(s) - Marco Battaglia
Randy McMichael exploded onto the scene last season with a couple of Sportscenter highlight grabs. After the first half of the season McMichael appeared to be the top rookie TE in a superb group, but he faded and seemed to disappear during the second half of the season. McMichael was great value as a very late pick or free agent pickup last season. This season he'll be taken as a top 10 TE in most drafts.

Place Kicker
Olindo Mare: Mare finished 2002 as the number eleven kicker despite the lowest accuracy of his career. He should remain a top ten kicker in 2003 if he remains near his career average field goal percentage.

Offensive Line
C-Tim Ruddy; G-Jamie Nails; G-Todd Perry; T-Mark Dixon; T-Todd Wade
Last season, the Dolphins offensive line had some injury woes to deal with. However they managed to do a solid job both protecting the quarterback and opening holes for running back Ricky Williams. The Dolphins had the most rushing yardage of any team in the AFC. The starting five are a veteran bunch with over 32 years of experience and if healthy should be one of the stronger units. The backups are young and talented, led by Seth McKinney and this seasons draft picks, Wade Smith and Taylor Whitley.