2008 Miami Dolphins season

Infobox NFL_season

team = Miami Dolphins
year = 2008
record = 2-2
division_place = 4th AFC East
coach = Tony Sparano
general manager = Jeff Ireland
stadium = Dolphin Stadium
playoffs = TBD
pro bowlers = TBDThe 2008 Miami Dolphins season is the organization's 39th season in the National Football League and 43rd overall. [cite web | title = Miami Dolphins History | work = NFL-History.com | url = http://www.nfl-history.com/dolphins.php | accessdate = 2 January | accessyear = 2008 ] It is their first season with Bill Parcells as Executive Vice President of Football Operations and Jeff Ireland as General Manager.cite web | title = Parcells Era Begins In Miami; Injury Update | work = MiamiDolphins.com | url = http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5610 | accessdate = 2 January | accessyear = 2008 ] cite web | title = Dolphins Name Jeff Ireland General Manager | work = MiamiDolphins.com | url = http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5620 | accessdate = 2 January | accessyear = 2008 ] It is their first NFL season after head coach Cam Cameron was fired and Tony Sparano replaced him.cite web | title = Dolphins Make Coaching Change | work = MiamiDolphins.com | url = http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5622 | accessdate = 3 January | accessyear = 2008 ] cite web | title = Tony Sparano Becomes Eighth Head Coach In Dolphins History | work = MiamiDolphins.com | url = http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5637 | accessdate = 16 January | accessyear = 2008 ]

With a league-worst 1-15 record in 2007,cite web | title = 2007 NFL Regular Season Standings | work = NFL.com | url = http://www.nfl.com/standings?category=div&season=2007-REG&split=Overall | accessdate = 3 March | accessyear = 2008 ] the Dolphins held the first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and selected Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long. The offseason also saw the departure of two Pro Bowlers and long-time Dolphins with the release of linebacker Zach Thomas and trade of defensive end Jason Taylor.

Offseason personnel moves

Front office

On December 27, Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga hired former NFL head coach and current ESPN analyst Bill Parcells as Executive Vice President of Football Operations. Parcells signed a four-year deal with the Dolphins less than a day after turning down a similar offer from the Atlanta Falconscite web | title = Parcells signs four-year deal to head Dolphins' football operations | work = ESPN.com | url = http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3162909 | accessdate = 2 January | accessyear = 2008 ] .

Just a few days after Parcells' hiring, three men were dismissed from the Dolphins' front officecite web | title = Three Leave Dolphins | work = MiamiDolphins.com | url = http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5617 | accessdate = 2 January | accessyear = 2008 ] . The most notable of which was general manager Randy Mueller, who was hired by the team in 2005cite web | title = Randy Mueller hired as Dolphins GM | work = USAToday.com | url = http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/dolphins/2005-06-06-mueller-hired_x.htm | accessdate = 2 January | accessyear = 2008 ] . Also dismissed were Assistant Director of Player Personnel Mike Baugh and College Scouting Coordinator Rick Thompson.

Three days after Mueller's dismissal, Parcells hired Jeff Ireland as the team's new general manager. Ireland had worked for the Dallas Cowboys the past seven years, including the last three as Vice President of College and Pro Scouting. Ireland had worked with Parcells previously, when the latter was head coach of the Cowboys from 2003 to 2006. Although Ireland was officially given final say on personnel decisions, it was speculated that Parcells was actually in control, and did not hold the title of General Manager so that the team may hire a front office executive from another team.cite web | title = Tuna helper on the menu for afternoon introduction | work = DolphinsInDeth.blogspot.com | url = http://dolphinsindepth.blogspot.com/2007/12/tuna-helper-on-menu-for-afternoon.html | accessdate = 6 January | accessyear = 2008 ]

On January 15, the Dolphins reeled in another former Cowboys executive when they hired Brian Gaine as Assistant Director of Player Personnel.cite web | title = Brian Gaine Named Assistant Director Of Player Personnel | work = MiamiDolphins.com | url = http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5634 | accessdate = 16 January | accessyear = 2008 ] Gaine had previously spent the past three seasons as the Cowboys' Assistant Director of Pro Scouting, working with both Parcells and Ireland during that time.

Following the 2008 NFL Draft, it was reported on May 1 that the Dolphins had fired scouts Ellis Rainsberger, Jack Glowik and Roger Pollard.cite web | title = Fins Firing Scouts | work = ProFootballTalk.com | url = http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/01/fins-firing-scouts/ | accessdate = 5 May | accessyear = 2008 ] The team's vice president of media relations, Harvey Greene, said Rainsberger had retired and did not comment on the other two reported firings.

Coaches

Head coach

Just one day after hiring of Jeff Ireland as general manager, the Dolphins fired head coach Cam Cameron after just one season on the job. Cameron led the Dolphins to an NFL worst 1-15 record in 2007, which was also the worst in franchise historycite web | title = 2007 NFL Regular Season Standings | work = NFL.com | url = http://www.nfl.com/standings?category=div&season=2007-REG&split=Overall | accessdate = 3 January | accessyear = 2008 ] cite web | title = Miami Dolphins Team Encyclopedia | work = pro-football-reference.com | url = http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/ | accessdate = 3 January | accessyear = 2008 ] . Additionally, all but two members of the coaching staff were dismissed. The only coaches retained were assistant special teams coach Steve Hoffman and linebackers coach George Edwards. Both Hoffman and Edwards were coaches for the Dallas Cowboys during Ireland's tenure with the teamcite web | title = Profile - Steve Hoffman | work = MiamiDolphins.com | url = http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/team/coachingstaff/coachingstaff_hoffman_s.asp | accessdate = 3 January | accessyear = 2008 ] cite web | title = Profile - George Edwards | work = MiamiDolphins.com | url = http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/team/coachingstaff/coachingstaff_edwards_g.asp | accessdate = 3 January | accessyear = 2008 ] .

A search for Cameron's replacement began almost immediately after his firingcite web | title = Dolphins can Cameron, search for new coach | work = Herald.com | url = http://www.miamiherald.com/616/story/365360.html | accessdate = 4 January | accessyear = 2008 ] . Various candidates were rumored, many of which had some connection to Parcells and/or Irelandcite web | title = Parcells wants his own guy, so Cameron's out | work = ESPN.com | url = http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=3178799 | accessdate = 4 January | accessyear = 2008 ] . Rumored candidates included Cleveland Browns head coach Romeo Crennel, Dallas Cowboys assistant Tony Sparano, Cowboys secondary coach Todd Bowles, Arizona Cardinals running backs coach Maurice Carthon and Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Additionally, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier were contactedcite web | title = Dolphins contact Rex Ryan | work = Sun-Sentinel.com | url = http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-dolryan010307,0,2496419.story | accessdate = 4 January | accessyear = 2008 ] cite web | title = Dolphins will interview Vikings' Frazier | work = Herald.com | url = http://www.miamiherald.com/616/story/366020.html | accessdate = 4 January | accessyear = 2008 ] . "The Washington Post" suggested that Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams could be a candidate as well.cite web | title = Taylor's Dad Thanks Team for Its Support | work = WashingtonPost.com | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/06/AR2008010602038.html | accessdate = 7 January | accessyear = 2008 ]

The first interview scheduled was Sparano, who met with the Dolphins on Saturday, January 11cite web | title = Dolphins to interview Sparano Saturday | work = Sun-Sentinel.com | url = http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-0104sporano,0,5058179.story?coll=sofla_tab01_layout | accessdate = 4 January | accessyear = 2008 ] . Sparano had previously met with the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens regarding their head coaching vacancies.cite web | title = Source: Sparano will take Dolphins job | work = NHRegister.com | url = http://www.nhregister.com/WebApp/appmanager/JRC/BigDaily?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pg_article&r21.content=/MAIN_REP/Article/2008/01/05/1373966 | accessdate = 6 January | accessyear = 2008 ] On January 6, it was reported that Sparano would be offered the Dolphins' head coaching job, and that he would accept. The Dolphins denied the report later that day, saying it was an initial interview only and that the team had interviews with others planned over the next few days.cite web | title = Dolphins deny report they offered Sparano coaching job | work = Sun-Sentinel.com | url = http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-doldeny010607,0,1976725.story | accessdate = 7 January | accessyear = 2008 ] However, the addition of quarterbacks coach David Lee, a former Cowboys assistant, fueled speculation that Sparano was indeed going to the next head coach of the Miami Dolphins.cite web | title = Dolphins hire QB coach with tie to Cowboys | work = Herald.com | url = http://www.miamiherald.com/616/story/370080.html | accessdate = 7 January | accessyear = 2008 ] cite web | title = Fins situation gets even fishier | work = ProFootballTalk.com | url = http://beta.profootballtalk.com/2008/01/07/fins-situation-gets-even-fishier/ | accessdate = 7 January | accessyear = 2008 ]

The team then proceeded to interview Frazier, Ryan and Tennessee Titans defensive coordiantor Jim Schwartz.cite web | title = Ryan interviews with Dolphins after talking to Ravens | work = ESPN.com | url = http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3187335 | accessdate = 16 January | accessyear = 2008 ] cite web | title = Dolphins Confirm Interview With Schwartz | work = MiamiDolphins.com | url = http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5632 | accessdate = 16 January | accessyear = 2008 ] After the Dallas Cowboys lost to the New York Giants in the divisional round of the on January 13,cite web | title = NFL Game Center: Post Game - New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys - 2007 Division Playoffs | work = NFL.com | url = http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?season=2007&week=POST20&game_id=29523 | accessdate = 16 January | accessyear = 2008 ] speculation grew that Sparano's hiring was imminent.cite web | title = Of four candidates, Cowboys' Sparano out front for Dolphins job | work = ESPN.com | url = http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3196640 | accessdate = 16 January | accessyear = 2008 ] cite web | title = Pieces fall into place for Dolphins hiring of coach | work = Herald.com | url = http://dolphinsindepth.blogspot.com/2008/01/pieces-fall-into-place-for-dolphins.html | accessdate = 16 January | accessyear = 2008 ] On January 16, the Dolphins ended their search by naming Sparano the eighth head coach in franchise history. He received a four-year contract believed to be worth between $2.5 and $2.7 million per season.cite web | title = Dolphins hire Sparano as head coach, replacing Cameron | work = ESPN.com | url = http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3199065 | accessdate = 17 January | accessyear = 2008 ]

Assistants

Parcells and Ireland made their first coaching staff addition on January 7, luring Ole Miss offensive coordinator David Lee to be quarterbacks coach. Lee, who briefly followed Houston Nutt to Ole Miss after serving as his offensive coordinator at Arkansas in 2007, worked with Parcells and Ireland as the Cowboys' quarterbacks coach from 2003 to 2006. The addition fueled speculation that Sparano was indeed going to the next head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Two days after hiring Sparano as their head coach, the Dolphins made their second assistance coach hiring. On January 18, Mike Maser was named the team's new offensive line coach. Maser had previously served in the same capacity for the Carolina Panthers from 2003 to 2006, and worked with Sparano when both were assistants for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2002.

Over the next week, the Dolphins filled various positions on Sparano's staff. On January 22, former Kansas City Chiefs running backs coach James Saxon was hired in the same capacity for the Dolphins.cite web | title = Dolphins Add Marcus And Saxon To Coaching Staff | work = MiamiDolphins.com | url = http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5646 | accessdate = 12 February | accessyear = 2008 ] Also hired that day was former Atlanta Falcons strength and conditioning coach Evan Marcus, who took the same job with Miami.

On January 23, the Dolphins added four more assistant coaches to their staff when they named Paul Pasqualoni as their defensive coordinator, Todd Bowles as assistant head coach/secondary, Kacy Rodgers as defensive line coach and David Corrao as defensive quality control coach.cite web | title = Dolphins Add Four Coaches To Staff | work = MiamiDolphins.com | url = http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5650 | accessdate = 12 February | accessyear = 2008 ] Pasqualoni, Bowles and Rodgers all came from the Dallas Cowboys' staff, while Corrao was most recently linebackers coach at the University of Mississippi.

A day later, former UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell was named the team's new wide receivers coach.cite web | title = Karl Dorrell Named Dolphins' Wide Receivers Coach | work = MiamiDolphins.com | url = http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5652 | accessdate = 12 February | accessyear = 2008 ] Five more coaches were added to the staff on January 28 when the Dolphins named John Bonamego as their special teams coordinator, George DeLeone as their tight ends coach, David Puloka as assistant strength and conditioning coach, Jim Reid as outside linebackers coach and Steve Bush as offensive quality control coach.cite web | title = Dolphins Hire Five Coaches | work = MiamiDolphins.com | url = http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5657 | accessdate = 12 February | accessyear = 2008 ]

The Dolphins made their final addition to the staff on February 4, hiring Dan Henning as offensive coordinator.cite web | title = Dolphins Tab Dan Henning As Offensive Coordinator | work = MiamiDolphins.com | url = http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5670 | accessdate = 12 February | accessyear = 2008 ] Henning, who had most recently served as offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers from 2002 to 2006, had previous worked for the Dolphins under Don Shula as quarterbacks and wide receivers coach in 1979-1980.

Final staff

When the Dolphins' coaching staff was completed with the hiring of offensive coordinator Dan Henning on February 14, only two of the 17 assistant coaches under Sparano (Edwards and Hoffman) were holdovers from the previous season's staff.cite web | title = Sparano Completes Staff Of "Idea People" | work = MiamiDolphins.com | url = http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5676 | accessdate = 12 February | accessyear = 2008 ] Three of the new coaches (Bowles,Pasqualoni and Rodgers) had experience with Parcells, Ireland and Sparano in Dallas. The completed staff was as follows:

2008 NFL Draft

With a league-worst 1-15 record in 2007, the Dolphins secured the first overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26.cite web | title = 2008 NFL Draft order | work = NFL.com | url = http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d805a3a57&template=without-video&confirm=true | accessdate = 3 March | accessyear = 2008 ] In the weeks leading up to the draft, the Dolphins began contract negotiations with Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long.cite web | title = Dolphins begin contract talks with potential No. 1s Long, Gholston | work = Sun-Sentinel.com | url = http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-flspdolphins10sbapr10,0,7093217.story | accessdate = 13 April | accessyear = 2008 ] On April 14, Peter King of "Sports Illustrated" reported that the Dolphins had given Long a deadline to accept their contract offer (believed to be worth less than 2007 No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell received from the Oakland Raiders); otherwise, they would move on to another prospect.cite web | title = Monday Morning QB | work = SI.com | url = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/04/14/draft/1.html | accessdate = 14 April | accessyear = 2008 ] On April 22, the Dolphins officially signed Long to a five-year, $57.75 million contract with $30 million guaranteed, assuring they would take him first overall.cite web | title = Dolphins sign Long, will select OT No. 1 overall | work = ESPN.com | url = http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/news/story?id=3358424&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines | accessdate = 5 May | accessyear = 2008 ]

Including Long, the Dolphins selected the following nine players in the 2008 NFL Draft:cite web | title = ESPN - NFLDraftTracker | work = ESPN.com | url = http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/team?team=mia&draftyear=2008 | accessdate = 25 May | accessyear = 2008 ]

Initial depth chart

Offense

Final preseason roster

* All games are Eastern Time.
# Games that can be potentially moved to Sunday Night Football at 8:15 p.m. on NBC-TV.

Week 1: vs. New York Jets

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Jets
R1=7
R2=6
R3=7
R4=0
RT=20
Home=Dolphins
H1=0
H2=7
H3=0
H4=7
HT=14"at Dolphin Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida"
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST
* Game weather: 88° Mostly Sunny
* Game attendance: 65,859
* Referee: Mike Carey
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz & Phil Simms

Hoping to put a disasterous 2007 season behind them, the Dolphins began their 2008 campaign at home against their AFC East rival, the New York Jets. In this game, QB Chad Pennington would be going up against his former team.

In the first quarter, Miami trailed early as Jets QB Brett Favre completed a 56-yard TD pass to WR Jerricho Cotchery. In the second quarter, the Dolphins responded with Pennington completing a 5-yard TD pass to TE Anthony Fasano. However, New York replied with Favre completing a 22-yard TD pass to WR Chansi Stuckey (with a failed 2-point conversion). In the third quarter, Miami continued to trail as Jets RB Thomas Jones got a 6-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the 'Fins began to rally as Pennington completed an 11-yard TD pass to TE David Martin. Miami did come close to completing their rally, but an endzone interception sealed any chance that the 'Fins had.

With the close loss, the Dolphins began their season at 0-1.

Week 2: at Arizona Cardinals

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Dolphins
R1=0
R2=0
R3=3
R4=7
RT=10
Home=Cardinals
H1=14
H2=3
H3=14
H4=0
HT=31"at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona"
* Game time: 4:15 PM EST
* Game weather: None (Dome Closed)
* Game attendance: 63,445
* Referee: Carl Cheffers
* TV announcers (CBS): Bill Macatee & Steve Beuerlein

Hoping to rebound from their divisional home loss to the Jets, the Dolphins flew to the University of Phoenix Stadium for a Week 2 interconference duel with the Arizona Cardinals. In the first quarter, Miami trailed early as Cardinals QB Kurt Warner completed a 79-yard and a 3-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin. In the second quarter, the 'Fins continued to struggle as Arizona kicker Neil Rackers got a 45-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Dolphins kept on struggling as Cardinals RB Tim Hightower got a 1-yard TD run. Miami would finally get on the board as rookie kicker Dan Carpenter nailed a 32-yard field goal, yet Arizona replied with Warner completing an 8-yard TD pass to Boldin. In the fourth quarter, the 'Fins tried to rally as RB Ronnie Brown got a 1-yard TD run. However, the Cardinals would hold on for the win.

With the loss, the Dolpins fell to 0-2.

Week 3: at New England Patriots

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Dolphins
R1=7
R2=14
R3=7
R4=10
RT=38
Home=Patriots
H1=0
H2=6
H3=7
H4=0
HT=13"at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts"
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST
* Game weather: 72°F Sunny
* Game attendance: 68,756
* Referee: Bill Carollo
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle & Solomon Wilcots

Trying to snap a two-game losing streak, the Dolphins flew to Gillette Stadium for a Week 3 AFC East duel with the New England Patriots. In the first quarter, the 'Fins splashed first as RB Ronnie Brown got a 2-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Patriots responded with kicker Stephen Gostkowski getting a 37-yard field goal. Miami answered with Brown getting a 15-yard TD run. New England would try to catch up as Gostkowski kicked a 44-yard field goal, yet the wily Dolphins answered again with Brown getting a 5-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, Brown continued his impressive performance for Miami as he threw a 19-yard TD pass to TE Anthony Fasano. The Patriots would try to rally as QB Matt Cassel completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Jabar Gaffney. In the fourth quarter, Brown helped the Dolphins pull away with a 62-yard TD run, along with kicker Dan Carpenter nailing a 39-yard field goal.

With the win, not only did the Dolphins head into their bye week at 1-2 (which was only their 2nd win in 22 games), but they gave New England its worst home loss of the Bill Belichick era and snapped their streak of 21 consecutive regular season wins by giving them their first-ever regular season loss since 2006 (21-0 by ironically, the Dolphins).

Ronnie Brown had a field day, running 17 times for 113 yards and 4 touchdowns. Including his 19-yard TD pass, Brown had 132 total yards on the day. He would join the Chicago Cardinals' John "Paddy" Driscoll (in 1923) as the only two players to ever run for 4 touchdowns and throw for a touchdown in the same game.

Week 5: vs. San Diego Chargers

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Chargers
R1=3
R2=0
R3=7
R4=0
RT=10
Home=Dolphins
H1=3
H2=14
H3=0
H4=0
HT=17"at Dolphin Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida"
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST
* Game weather: 86°F (Partly Cloudy)
* Game attendance: 65,063
* Referee: Walt Coleman
* TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson & Steve Tasker

Coming off their bye week, the Dolphins were at home for a Week 5 duel with the San Diego Chargers. In the first quarter, Miami trailed early as Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding got a 34-yard field goal. The 'Fins answered with kicker Dan Carpenter getting a 47-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Dolphins took the lead with QB Chad Pennington completing a 17-yard TD pass to WR Greg Camarillo, along with RB Ronnie Brown getting a 5-yard TD run. In the third quarter, San Diego responded with QB Philip Rivers completing a 17-yard TD pass to former Dolphins WR Chris Chambers. Miami's defense kept the Chargers' offense down for the rest of the game.

With yet another upset win, the Dolphins improved to 2-2.

Week 6: at Houston Texans

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Dolphins
R1=0
R2=0
R3=0
R4=0
RT=0
Home=Texans
H1=0
H2=0
H3=0
H4=0
HT=0"at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas"
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST
* Game weather:
* Game attendance:
* Referee:
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle & Solomon Wilcots

Division standings

References

External links

* [http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/flash_content.asp Miami Dolphins Official Website]

sequence
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list = 2008 Miami Dolphins season
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