MIAMI DOLPHINS
Culpepper Looks to Roll As He Returns From Injury
Daunte Culpepper went to three Pro Bowls while starting at quarterback for the Vikings. He hopes to recapture that magic with the Dolphins.
(By Streeter Lecka -- Getty Images)
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For the first time since Dan Marino retired, the Miami Dolphins have legitimate hope that they possess an elite quarterback. They can't know for sure, because Daunte Culpepper, a three-time Pro Bowler with the Vikings, is coming off surgery to repair three torn ligaments in his right knee. He suffered the gruesome injury in the Vikings' seventh game last season and has been rehabbing ever since, and he absorbed his first real contact Aug. 19.
If Culpepper can recapture the form he had in Minnesota, the Dolphins have the best chance of any team to topple New England for the AFC East crown. Judging by his preseason performance, Culpepper is poised for a resounding comeback. He looked confident during the preseason and did not favor his knee when he was forced to scramble. Culpepper's signing turned what had been a division of pushovers into one with two playoff contenders.
Miami, hapless two seasons ago, showed signs last season in a 9-7 campaign that it's ready to join the AFC playoff hunt. Chris Chambers has the talent to be a star wide receiver, and Marty Booker is a nice complement. Ronnie Brown has the backfield to himself now that Ricky Williams has gone to Canada.
The defense remains strong, with middle linebacker Zach Thomas and defensive end Jason Taylor anchoring the unit.
Nick Saban, the man who puts it all together, is one of the sharpest coaches in the NFL. He led the Dolphins to six straight victories to finish last season.
