By John Clayton

ESPN.com

 

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Wondering about the Dolphins' annual December fade? Don't ask. It's a touchy subject. Defensive end Jason Taylor is sick of being asked about it. Coach Dave Wannstedt doesn't have any answers other than to bring in more veteran leadership to change it.

 

"This is my ninth year, and it's the same, repeat process," middle linebacker Zach Thomas said. "It's kinda like the movie 'Groundhog Day.' "

 

Which is why Wannstedt hopes that he's stumbled upon the right formula for reversing the Dolphins' annual late-season retreat. He brought in veterans whose actions speak louder than words. Linebacker Junior Seau, defensive tackle Jeff Zgonina, strong safety Sammy Knight and cornerback Terrell Buckley let their actions speak for them. Wannstedt is hoping that leadership by example can lead the Dolphins to the playoffs and beyond.

 

 

Jason Taylor wants his teammates to forget about past late-season struggles.

"Football is simple; you go out there and make plays," Seau said. "The Dolphins know about my credentials. They have my r?sum?. But everything starts in practice in trying to be consistent in what you do."

 

Seau is among nine current and former Pro Bowlers on the Dolphins' defense. Often, they sit around the Pro Bowl looking at each other wondering why a group this talented on one side of the ball can't make it to the Super Bowl. Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain are the game's best tandem of cover cornerbacks. Taylor is a defensive player of the year following an 18?-sack season.

 

"People over-analyze things and try to psycho-analyze everything," Taylor said. "Every year, it's the same old thing. We get into late November or the first week in December and we start getting the questions. They are asking about losing and faltering on the road, all that talk. It starts getting in people's heads. People start thinking about it. To me, it's history. Don't talk about it. Don't worry about it."

 

The Dolphins won't know until December whether their fortunes will fade, but they know in August that they are loaded with talent. Bettors in Las Vegas are wagering heavily on the Dolphins. The Dolphins haven't had a losing season since 1988, but they have lost at least two games in the month of December each of the past seven seasons. During that span, they've been 13-16.

 

There should be optimism. Halfback Ricky Williams dropped his weight to 228 pounds and is running quicker than his 1,853-yard season in 2002. Wide receiver Derrius Thompson, who signed as a free agent after two seasons with Washington, is the Dolphins' sleeper whom Wannstedt believes will offer Jay Fiedler a big target and a big-play threat. Their major concerns are at left tackle because starter Mark Dixon has a history of back problems and may not be able to stay healthy for 16 weeks.

 

Defensively, the Dolphins have ranked no lower than sixth in the NFL since 1998. On paper, they're better and deeper.

 

What is noticeable is the professionalism, enthusiasm and attention to detail offered by some of the newest Dolphins. Between dual practice sessions Friday with the Titans in Nashville, Knight and safety Brock Marion spent two hours on the chalkboard looking at plays and studying tape while others rested their camp-weary legs.

 

Seau comes to Miami on a mission. After 13 seasons, including 12 consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl, Seau was traded by the Chargers even though he wanted to finish his career there.

 

In Miami, he's all business. Seau's taken his conditioning to a new level. His weight has dropped from 255 to 245 pounds. His face is leaner and meaner than in the past. On the field, when he isn't making plays, he works on footwork techniques and pass drops.

 

Ankle problems nagged him last year, but he kept trying to play. In 13 starts, he had a career-low 60 tackles and 24 assists, but he kept trying to make it through on guts and smarts.

 

"I shouldn't have played some of those games," Seau said. "I had the ankle shot every Saturday and Sunday and it was something I wanted to gut out. Obviously, I was judged on that. Here I am a Miami Dolphin, and the ankle is doing fine."

 

Seau and Thomas are an interesting pair at linebacker. Both are among the game's best anticipators of plays. During minicamps and training camp, the two perennial Pro Bowlers are learning how to work with other.

 

"He's the bigger guy; I'm the smaller guy," Thomas said. "He's got the better pass rush game going after the sack. I'll be the coverage guy. I think I blitzed eight times the whole year last season. I think we will be blitzing a little more because of Junior. He does a great job of getting to the quarterback."

 

Wannstedt wants Seau to turn the weak-side linebacker position into the strength of the defense even though he's starting his career over at the age of 34.

 

"The skilled part of his game is amazing," Wannstedt said. "The way he runs is amazing. The way he reacts is truly amazing. I don't even know how old he is or how long he's been playing when I've watched him. It doesn't enter my mind. He's in such great shape."

 

This could be a good system for Seau. Wannstedt's scheme has the linebackers playing a yard or two deeper than most defenses. His defensive linemen are active and their mission is to funnel the ballcarrier to the linebackers. Seau loves the action and so does Thomas, who says he enjoys working with the future Hall of Famer.

 

"Junior can do a lot of stuff in this defense," Thomas said. "The defense is disciplined but you can flow, set up the middle linebacker and let the weak-side linebacker make plays. If we stay disciplined, we'll definitely have a great year."

 

Statistically, the Dolphins have a great year every season on defense. But stats aren't enough. Last year, the team, along with the defense, struggled in road games, another baffling characteristic of a Dolphins team that tied for the AFC East lead but finished third because of tie-breakers. Maybe at 34 Seau isn't any better than former Dolphins linebacker Derrick Rodgers, who was traded to New Orleans.

 

Here's the Dolphins' thinking: Seau will provide energy and confidence to the Dolphins in some of those road games. He makes big plays. He's smart. He can still run. He's on a mission, and so is Knight.

 

"It's exciting," Seau said. "I'm coming to a great organization and a great team. There is a lot of talent and great character. We've got to turn the corner and build a dominating defense."

 

Another thing the Dolphins know for sure is that they have a dominating running attack. Williams looks so much better than last year that it's scary to think of the numbers he's going to put up this season.

 

Minor shoulder surgery improved some of the pain he was having last season. Williams is more comfortable than he's been at anytime in the NFL. He no longer wears a helmet to hide his face during interviews. Williams is still shy, but he's thoughtful, well-spoken and seems comfortable with his teammates and his coaches.

 

"I'm a couple pounds lighter than last year, and I've been working hard in the offseason," Williams said. "The biggest thing this season is that I need to build on what I did last year. I'm just trying to be consistent and stay focused. I feel good."

 

The Dolphins feel good, too. We'll see how they feel come December.

 

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

Its all camp fodder for now.

 

The big thing up here is about the LB's. Its all optimism until the season starts.

Its all optimism until the season starts.

And yet, there seems to be good reasoning for this optimism...

It looks good on paper.

 

But on the other side of the paper every national sports source has you guys faltering.

 

But thats a debate I'm not touching until December.

It looks good on paper.

 

But on the other side of the paper every national sports source has you guys faltering.

 

But thats a debate I'm not touching until December.

Again, I'm waiting to see any proof that everyone has us faltering.

 

VEGAS has us winning the super bowl for god sakes!

Vegas doesnt have you guys winning the Super Bowl

 

Whered you dig that one up?

 

It was just on ESPNEWS and I tape ESPNEWS.

 

Tampa Bay is the odds on favorite to win it all.

 

Followed in order by...

 

Philadelphia

Tennessee

Green Bay

Oakland

Atlanta

New England

 

Don't B-S me Wild Card. I just saw it yesterday, they had the dude from Vegas on too.

 

Thats crap WC, please quit the b-s kid.

Vegas doesnt have you guys winning the Super Bowl

 

Whered you dig that one up?

 

It was just on ESPNEWS and I tape ESPNEWS.

 

Tampa Bay is the odds on favorite to win it all.

 

Followed in order by...

 

Philadelphia

Tennessee

Green Bay

Oakland

Atlanta

New England

 

Don't B-S me Wild Card. I just saw it yesterday, they had the dude from Vegas on too.

 

Thats crap WC, please quit the b-s kid.

On ESPN, during an interview on SpirtsCenter, Dan Le Batard stated that Las Vegas had Miami as the odds on favorite to win the Super Bowl...

Dan LeBetard has a nickname around the country if you havent heard it... (this is a nickname given to him by other sportswriters)

 

"Dan LeRetard"

 

 

He is wrong. Cuz on ESPNEWS they had an actual guy from Vegas on. They had the order of the favorites up on the screen while the Vegas dude talked on the side of the screen.

 

and plus Dan LeBetard is a Miami writer. He probably fixed it because there is a minor Casino in Vegas (nothing major like MGM, or Caeasars), but small time casino that has the Fins picked. But that Casino isn't in the Major casino line that makes the picks for football.

 

So when he said that it was probably a word play or just the "LeRetard" coming out in him.

Eagles 4:1

Bucs 4:1

Steelers 5:1

Rams 5:1

Dolphins 11:2

(this is a nickname given to him by other sportswriters)

 

"Dan LeRetard"

I'm pretty sure this board gave him that name. No writers call hm that...publically. And there is a reason he works for ESPN. He's actually the most pessimistic south Florida writer there is, for any sport. So get your stories straight. AGain, find me a list showing me who the odds on favorites are.

Well it would probably be on ESPNews.com

 

Ramp the Eagles arent with the Bucs.

 

And the Fins weren't even in the top 10. Where'd you get that?

 

The Falcons are there because they have Vick, Dunn, Duckett, Crumpler, Price, Finneran and a Top 10 Defense.

 

The Bills were favored over the Fins from Vegas on what I saw on ESPNEWS and I am watching the tape as I type this.

why is atlanta there?

why is atlanta there?

And the Steelers...

The Bills were favored over the Fins from Vegas on what I saw

From that right there, I can tell you must have misread the screen... :lol

Oh and Wild Card if ESPN hires guys like Mark Schlereth and Mike Golic who call "Brett Favre the most overrated player in the game and shouldn't be in the Hall of Fame"

 

Dan "LeRetard" can get on there.

Oh and Wild Card if ESPN hires guys like Mark Schlereth and Mike Golic who call "Brett Favre the most overrated player in the game and shouldn't be in the Hall of Fame"

 

Dan "LeRetard" can get on there.

Le Batard isn't stupid about what he speaks of. He;s actually pretty knowledgable. He's just pessimistic.

No I havent.

 

Im looking at the screen on Pause.

 

A Poll done by USA Today or some national newspaper I saw on TV shows that the Fans think the Bills/Falcons will be in the Super Bowl.

I believe the fans are dead wrong.

 

 

But I do believed the Bills will be better then the Dolphins this year.

 

They have a tons better offense.

 

Bledsoe is way better then any of your QB's.

 

Henry is 1,400 yd rusher, Olandis Gary whose a 1,200 yd. rusher IS BACKING HIM UP.

 

Sam Gash one of the best blocking and recieving FB's besides William Henderson is back.

 

Moulds is one of the 15 best WRs there is. Josh Reed caught 500 yds. in his rookie year which is phenomonal for a rookie WR, he should snag 1000 yds easy this year.

 

And the Bills have a great OLine.

 

And their Defense will be great!

 

They are doing just what Baltimore did the year the Ravens won it all.

 

The Bills have 2, 325 pound Defensive Tackles to hide Takeo Spikes (the MLB) and London Fletcher and Posey.

 

The Bills have one of the 5 best LB trios in the league now and Baltimore had Adams (now a bill) and Siragusa both 325+ to hide Ray Lewis and let him, Sharper and Boulware make plays. When the Bears were 13-3 they did the same thing, 2, 330+ DTs with Traylor and Washington to hide the best LB trio of the day Urlacher, Colvin, and the other name escapes me. So the Bills Run D will be great. And even though the Bills were almost last in INT's they were still in the Top 7 in Pass Yards Allowed.

 

This is a GREAT DEFENSE and a GREAT OFFENSE.

No I havent.

 

Im looking at the screen on Pause.

 

A Poll done by USA Today or some national newspaper I saw on TV shows that the Fans think the Bills/Falcons will be in the Super Bowl.

I believe the fans are dead wrong.

 

 

But I do believed the Bills will be better then the Dolphins this year.

 

They have a tons better offense.

 

Bledsoe is way better then any of your QB's.

 

Henry is 1,400 yd rusher, Olandis Gary whose a 1,200 yd. rusher IS BACKING HIM UP.

 

Sam Gash one of the best blocking and recieving FB's besides William Henderson is back.

 

Moulds is one of the 15 best WRs there is. Josh Reed caught 500 yds. in his rookie year which is phenomonal for a rookie WR, he should snag 1000 yds easy this year.

 

And the Bills have a great OLine.

 

And their Defense will be great!

 

They are doing just what Baltimore did the year the Ravens won it all.

 

The Bills have 2, 325 pound Defensive Tackles to hide Takeo Spikes (the MLB) and London Fletcher and Posey.

 

The Bills have one of the 5 best LB trios in the league now and Baltimore had Adams (now a bill) and Siragusa both 325+ to hide Ray Lewis and let him, Sharper and Boulware make plays. When the Bears were 13-3 they did the same thing, 2, 330+ DTs with Traylor and Washington to hide the best LB trio of the day Urlacher, Colvin, and the other name escapes me. So the Bills Run D will be great. And even though the Bills were almost last in INT's they were still in the Top 7 in Pass Yards Allowed.

 

This is a GREAT DEFENSE and a GREAT OFFENSE.

You're right, Bledsoe is better than any of Miami's QB's. And they do have Moulds. BUT, Miami has more depth at WR. Buffalo has a better O-Line. The Bills have a 1,400 yard RB, Miami has an 1,800 yard RB. The Bills have a 1,200 yard RB backing him up, so do the Dolphins for Williams (Robert Edwards). The Bills lost Reimersma, one of Bledsoe's fav targets, while Miami has a great TE on their offense. The Bills have a slight advantage offensively because of their QB and Line. But the Bills, nor can any other team but Tampa, can't compare to Miami's defense. You;re insane if you think Buffalo is better than Miami, none the less more of a Super Bowl contender.

 

INSANE. And I GUARENTEE you ANY other football fan would agree with me on this.

Take this to a nuetral forum.

 

Wild Card your the idiot in this case.

 

Your blind pride is just sickening.

Take this to a nuetral forum.

 

Wild Card your the idiot in this case.

 

Your blind pride is just sickening.

Bring this dicussion to ANY forum, and I GUARENTEE you everyone sees it my way. YOU are the one wearing the bandana over your eyes if you think Buffalo is better than Miami.

Phlub you are the idiot so called "MR.Football".

i dont really care about what sports reporters or Vegas says anymore. this league is just to damn unpredictable. when your last 4 SB champions are the Rams, Ravens, Patriots and Buccaneers it kinda makes all these predictions worthless. the Dolphins have the talent, and im glad they look good, but what happens in December and January is what matters to me. im going to do what i do every year. start the season cheering hard, keep going and once December comes, hold my breath, take out a Bible and hold up a Dolphins banner and pray that they get it done. i really dont care what phlub or clayton or lebatard say. this team is good, but can they hold up during the final month and a half? thats the question

Looks like Minus hates me.

 

(whats new?)

i miss my season tickets!!!!! :boo-woo damn priorities. so much s*** i want to get, not enough money. maybe this will be the year.

 

i am now done b***hing about my former season tickets and i will not cry anymore. (at least not in public) back to the discussion

Well it would probably be on ESPNews.com

 

Ramp the Eagles arent with the Bucs.

 

And the Fins weren't even in the top 10. Where'd you get that?

 

The Falcons are there because they have Vick, Dunn, Duckett, Crumpler, Price, Finneran and a Top 10 Defense.

 

The Bills were favored over the Fins from Vegas on what I saw on ESPNEWS and I am watching the tape as I type this.

i got it from my gambling site