Season-in-review team reports — AFC
East
As published in print Feb. 6, 2002
2001 record: 11-5 |
| Overview |
| The Dolphins’ season was both a great year and a big disappointment,
depending on how you look at it. While the team did reach the playoffs for the fifth
straight season, it bowed out early once again, losing in the first round to the Ravens.
Another reason for disappointment was the high expectations that were placed on the club
by the fans and the media. |
| Turning point |
| In Week 15, the Dolphins lost to the Patriots, basically cementing New
England’s surprising rise to the top of the AFC East. The Dolphins needed a win after
being embarrassed by the 49ers the previous week, if only to save face. But a win over New
England could have put Miami in the driver’s seat in the division. The Patriots would
go on to win the division, and the loss to New England was fodder for the naysayers in
Miami. |
| Offensive MVP |
| Even though rumors continue to fly about the future of QB Jay
Fiedler’s career in Miami, Fiedler had a solid season, improving on his good 2000
campaign. Fiedler developed his leadership skills, and his improvement helped him overcome
some of the early mistakes he made. He also earned his teammates’ respect early,
carrying the team to victory over the Raiders in Week Two, and he got more consistent down
the stretch, posting an 11-4 TD-interception ratio in the final seven games. |
| Defensive MVP |
| Without question, MLB Zach Thomas was the most valuable player of this
stout unit. Thomas has been the backbone of the group during his time in Miami, leading
the team in tackles in five of his six seasons, including this season. His 180 tackles
nearly doubled the number that second-best tackler Brian Walker had (99). When the
Dolphins lost DT Daryl Gardener (back) for the final seven games, Thomas had less
protection up front. But that didn’t seem to make a huge difference. In fact, Thomas
stepped up, registering 55 tackles in his final three games (he was inactive in Week 17). |
| Biggest surprise |
| When the Dolphins took WR Chris Chambers in the second round of the 2001
draft, they believed they had gotten a steal. But they also believed that, with Chambers
coming from a run-oriented Wisconsin program, his skills might be a bit raw. Little did
they know at the time that Chambers would catch on as quickly as he did. He gave the
Dolphins a physical receiver who could get down the field quickly. |
| Biggest disappointment |
| The problem with the Dolphins’ offense was not the passing game.
While Fiedler and his receivers performed well, they could have used some help from the
running game, which never really got on track. RB Lamar Smith had a letdown season after a
huge year in 2000. Inconsistency and injuries on the offensive line hurt, but some say
Smith ran more tentatively and that the game plan wasn’t tailored to his strengths.
Either way, Smith failed to break 1,000 yards and did not strike fear into opposing
defenses. |
| Rookie recap |
| CB Jamar Fletcher didn’t develop quickly after suffering a
quadriceps injury in the offseason. His role remains limited because of Pro Bowl-caliber
CBs Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain. Chambers was a valuable playmaker and came on strong
late. LB Morlon Greenwood earned a starting spot by year’s end, and he and RB Travis
Minor showed lots of potential. Minor was a very good third-down back for Miami. C Troy
Andrew played a little bit and showed promise in that time. |
| Free-agent/trade review |
| OG Todd Perry struggled at first but came on late. WR James McKnight was
an athletic option for Fiedler, but the Dolphins expected more big plays. WR Dedric Ward
and CB Terry Cousin were pleasant surprises. Cousin was very good as the nickel corner,
and Ward became a favorite clutch target for Fiedler. OT Marcus Spriggs got hurt, and his
replacement, Spencer Folau, did a good job, but Miami would prefer to use him as a backup
than a starter. |
| Team leaders |
Rushing — Lamar Smith, 968 yards on 313 carries, 3.1 avg., 6 TDs.
Passing — Jay Fiedler, 273-450 attempts for 3,290 yards, 20 TDs, 19 interceptions,
80.3 rating.
Receiving — James McKnight, 55 receptions for 684 yards, 12.4 avg., 3 TDs.
Scoring — Olindo Mare, 96 points on 39 PATs and 19 FGs.
Kickoff returns — Chris Chambers, 36 for 811 yards, 22.5 avg., 0 TDs.
Punt returns — Jeff Ogden, 32 for 377 yards, 11.8 avg., 0 TDs.
Punting — Matt Turk, 81 for 41.0 avg., 37.6 net, 7 TB, 28 inside 20, 0 blk., 77L.
Interceptions — Brock Marion, 5 for 227 yards, 45.4 avg., 2 TDs.
Sacks — Jason Taylor, 9. |
| Results |
Pointspread Shown Refers to Miami.
| Date |
Opponent |
Spread |
Score |
| Sept. 9 |
At Tennessee |
(+6) |
31-23 |
| Sept. 23 |
Oakland |
(-1) |
18-15 |
| Sept. 30 |
At St. Louis |
(+6) |
10-42 |
| Oct. 7 |
New England |
(-8) |
30-10 |
| Oct. 14 |
At New York Jets |
(-3) |
17-21 |
| Oct. 21 |
BYE |
|
|
| Oct. 28 |
At Seattle |
(-2.5) |
24-20 |
| Nov. 4 |
Carolina |
(-8.5) |
23-6 |
| Nov. 11 |
At Indianapolis |
(+3) |
27-24 |
| Nov. 18 |
New York Jets |
(-5) |
0-24 |
| Nov. 25 |
At Buffalo |
(-4) |
34-27 |
| Dec. 2 |
Denver |
(-3) |
21-10 |
| Dec. 10 |
Indianapolis |
(-4.5) |
41-6 |
| Dec. 16 |
At San Francisco |
(+3.5) |
0-21 |
| Dec. 22 |
At New England |
(+3) |
13-20 |
| Dec. 30 |
Atlanta |
(-7) |
21-14 |
| Jan. 6 |
Buffalo |
(-6) |
34-7 |
| Postseason |
|
|
|
| Jan. 13 |
Baltimore |
(-2.5) |
3-20 |
|
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