Observation deck: Defense still a force

Despite justifiable age concerns, the Dolphins' defense has the potential to be just as good as it was in 2006, writes Len Pasquarelli.

Originally Published: July 31, 2007
By Len Pasquarelli |
DAVIE, Fla. -- Five observations from Miami Dolphins training camp, gleaned from the team's July 30 practices:

1. Defense still going strong

Because of the success that first-year head coach Cam Cameron had in San Diego as the Chargers' offensive coordinator, much of the attention in camp has focused on that side of the ball. But it's the Miami defense that has set the tone in the early days of camp. If the Monday practices are an indication of what's to come, a unit that statistically ranked No. 4 overall in the NFL in 2006 could be just as good in 2007. Cameron made an excellent decision in retaining coordinator Dom Capers from Nick Saban's staff, and so the Dolphins weren't forced to undergo the kind of transition on defense they are encountering offensively.

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