ESPN analysts Jon Gruden, Ron Jaworski show some love to the Miami Dolphins

Oddsmakers in Las Vegas set the Dolphins’ over/under on wins this season at 8 ½, and Sports Illustrated recently picked the Dolphins to finish third in the AFC East at 9-7. The Monday Night Football crew expects big things out of the Miami Dolphins this year / AP But count ESPN Monday Night Football analysts Ron Jaworski and Jon Gruden among those who believe the Dolphins will be playing well into January this season. Speaking on a conference call Wednesday to preview the upcoming MNF season, Gruden and Jaworski both picked the Dolphins as one of their most underrated teams entering 2010. “ Bill Parcells did a great job building that team,” Jaworski said. “If Chad Henne comes through with a big year, they will be a playoff team and a Super Bowl contender.” Said Gruden: “I think with Brandon Marshall, I think with that offensive line improving, and a young quarterback getting some experience last season, I think they have a chance to sneak up on people and win 10 or 11 games.” Jaworski and Gruden took a few more questions on the Dolphins. Gruden on the Dolphins’ young defense, which will likely start six players in their first or second NFL season: “They gave up way too many big plays last year, that’s all I know, and I think they’re going to get that solved. I think Mike Nolan is an x-factor here. He’s done an excellent job I think with all kinds of different teams, and I think Vontae Davis is an emerging player in the league. I think they’re going to be much better at the safety position, but if they can eliminate the big plays, I think that will really help the Miami Dolphins stay in games and win games, cause they can really run the ball, and they’re unique.” Jaworski on the addition of Brandon Marshall: “It’s about explosive plays, and that’s what Brandon Marshall will bring to this offense. He’s one of

those guys, he’s going to drop a few. That’s just the way he is. But he’s going to make a number of absolutely incredible catches.” “The one thing I thought was consistent that we heard from defensive coaches and players, this preseason in particular, was not allowing the big play, and that plays right into what Brandon Marshall does. This guy can stretch the field, he’s explosive, he’ll become a go-to guy for Chad Henne. He is exactly what this offense needed, a guy that can put six points on the board at any time.” Gruden on Marshall’s potential impact on the Dolphins’ offense: “The big thing that Brandon is going to do is help Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams . You’re going to have to think twice now about playing an eight man front, showing your hand and trying to stop this running game. You’re going to have to back off a little bit, rotate to Marshall or he could just kill you. So I think it’s a double-edged sword for defenses. “I think Marshall’s ability after the catch is as good as anybody in the league. He can take a 5-yard pass for a touchdown, he can run over you, he can run around you, he can jump over you, he’s an amazing talent. I’m anxious to see his stamina down there in Miami. It’s a little bit hotter than it is in Denver, and a lot of receivers will tell you it’s a tough place to be a receiver down in South Beach. If he can get acclimated to the weather and be a force at the end of halfs, end of games, his conditioning is top flight, I really think he can be an equalizer in that division and change the way that you’ve prepared for Miami in the past. I like him a lot.”

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ESPN analysts Jon Gruden, Ron Jaworski show some love to the Miami Dolphins

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