Quarterback Jay Fiedler showed the potential to be a quality starter early in the season, but struggled tremendously near the end of the season and during the playoffs. Miami signed free agent quarterback Ray Lucas, who is more athletic and has a stronger arm, to push Fiedler and possibly compete for the starting job.

The Dolphins also added some new weapons by signing free agent receivers James McKnight and Dedric Ward, and drafting wide receiver Chris Chambers and running back Travis Minor. These speedsters will give Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey more flexibility in his innovative scheme. Free agent guard Todd Perry was another great signing, and he will be a huge addition to the offensive line, which lost veterans Richmond Webb and Kevin Donnalley.

Trace Armstrong was a huge loss on the defensive side of the ball, and his league-leading 16 sacks will be very tough to replace. Other members of last year's sixth-ranked defense that are no longer with the club include linebackers Robert Jones and Larry Izzo, safety Greg Jeffries, and cornerback Terrance Shaw.

The Dolphins drafted cornerback Jamar Fletcher (Wisconsin) with their first pick. Most teams had him ranked as the best corner in the draft, and he should contribute to the defensive backfield immediately. Safety Shaun Wooden is also returning to the secondary after a one-year stint with the Bears. Rookie linebacker Morlon Greenwood (Syracuse) has also been impressive in preseason workouts.

Overview

The defense will be the team's strength once again, and the Dolphins will need to keep linebacker Zach Thomas and defensive end Jason Taylor healthy and on the field. In the five games that Thomas missed in 2000, the defense gave up an average of 50 yards more to their opponents than they did when he was in the lineup. Taylor also must stay healthy to help provide the pass rush that was lost when Armstong moved to Oakland.

If Fiedler starts the year the way he finished last season, he won't be the starter for long. The Dolphins need a consistent quarterback that doesn't make costly mistakes. Lucas may seem to have better tools than Fiedler, but he is probably not the answer either. A good running game and strong defense is the only way the Dolphins will reach the playoffs in 2001.