From: v077mdph@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (John of Gaunt)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro
Subject: Re: Buffalo Bills
Date: 31 Jul 92 20:31:00 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: University at Buffalo
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41

In article <794@ceylon.gte.com>, chf0@gte.com writes...
>In article <Bs7vGA.LIp@acsu.buffalo.edu>, v077mdph@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (John
>of Gaunt) writes:
>|> In article <1992Jul29.143326.1340@makesys.com>, john@makesys.com (John
>|> Turman) writes...

>|>>3. Miami drafted 2 impact players in the first round, pending
>|>>   contract signings  
>|>>   these 2 will definitely help upgrade this unit, along with the 3rd round
>|>>   pick Larry Webster who is impressing coaches with his ability look for a
>|>>   much improved Miami defense.

>|> I doubt those players will be of significant impact this season.

>There are actually several reasons to be optimistic about the Dolphins
>defense this year:
> 
>	1. I expect that Vincent will be an impact player from the
>	first day he starts,  if only because Miami lacked any decent
>	cornerbacks last year.  Even if he is only "pretty good", he
>	will significantly improve the defense.  Not to mention his
>	kick return ability.
> 
>	2. I have more doubts that Coleman will be an impact player at
>	first, because it's harder to come in as a linebacker and make
>	an immediate impact.  But, except for Jeff Cross, it's been a
>	long time since Miami has had a decent outside pass rush, so
>	Coleman should make at least SOME impact this year. (if they
>	can get him in camp!!!)  
>	
>	3. Offerdahl and Grimsley are both 100% back from their
>	injuries. It's too soon to tell how rusty they will be 
>	(especially Grimsley), but they should both improve the inside
>	run defense.
> 
>	4. "Mean" Joe Greene is coaching the defensive line this year.
>	This has been the worst aspect of Miami's defense, but
>	hopefully Greene can put some fire into this bunch.  He
>	certainly knows what it means to win.
> 
>	5. The Dolphins also have a large pool of healthy talent to
>	shore up the defensive line.  With the rookies and the guys
>	who were injured last year (Oglesby, Lee) back, the defensive 
>	line should be a lot better.

	The new Dolphin defenders will make a difference only if they get to
camp soon.  The new coaching will certainly make a difference.

>And to top it all off, both Denver and Washington gave clinics on how
>to stop the Bills' offense at the end of last year.  The Dolphins will
>learn a lot from this (as will all the other AFC East teams) this
>year.  

	Those "clinics" really won't have any relevance for the new season.
Buffalo's main offensive problems last year were a falloff in offensive line
play toward the end of the season, and predictability.  Their new offensive
coordinator, Tom Bresnahan, will make sure those problems don't persist.
Also, they have two new coaches, Jim Shofner and Charlie Joiner, who should
improve the play of the quarterbacks and receivers.

>Buffalo will still be a good team, but I think they are going to have
>a lot more competition this year than they have in the past.

	Exactly.  The Bills are better team, in my opinion.  However, other
AFC East teams, notably New England, have improved considerably.  The Bills
are bound to lose in Miami, though, no matter how good they are, if the Dolphins
are smart enough to use Fred Marion! :)

>Curt "I always pick the Dolphins - even against Buffalo!"  Fennell
>			DOLFAN in New England.             
>'72 Dolphins - The perfect team in the perfect season - 17-0

Snoopy