With only one day until Miami Dolphins kick off their preseason against the Jacksonville Jaguars, it's time for everyone to purchase their plasmas, get out their giant foam fingers, and practice saying "shush" to anyone with a habit of talking on 4th and one. In a preseason game that means very little - other than which Florida city will get temporary bragging rights - we get our first chance to see the Dolphins newest acquisitions.
Many sports fans will surely turn their heads towards the rookies, stalking Ted Ginn and John Beck as these young draft choices set out to prove themselves worthy of a place in the NFL. But, it's not just the rookies who are new to this team, and it's just not the young guys who have something to prove.
As the Dolphins begin anew without the likes of Daunte Culpepper, Randy McMichael, Sammy Morris, Wes Welker, Joey Harrington, Olindo Mare, Kevin Carter, or David Bowens, they are far from veteran-free. In addition to losing several experienced players, they have also gained a handful, giving sports fans a second chance to watch those who want the same.
The following is a breakdown of the Dolphins veteran acquisitions:
Joey Porter: A linebacker formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Porter, like the Steelers themselves, had a mediocre year in 2006. In 14 games played, he recorded 55 tackles, six and a half sacks, two interceptions, and one interception for a touchdown. Though these numbers would be solid for other players, Porter, a 2003 and 2005 Pro Bowler, is used to making more of an impact. As a Dolphin, he just might get his chance.
Porter will be surrounded by a very strong cast of characters, including Zach Thomas, Vonnie Holliday, Keith Traylor, and the 2006 Defensive Player of the Year, Jason Taylor. In a system like this, Porter should once again be a dominating factor and make the tackles, the sacks, and the rushes on the quarterback for which he is routinely known.
Trent Green: In the eight games he played last year, Trent Green just wasn't himself; anyone who went through what he went through wouldn't have been themselves either. But, with a year gone by, Green has a chance to rebound on a new team, with a new coach, and a second chance in an already solid career.
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