2012 Two-a-Days: Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2012 NFL season I am going to be giving a look to two teams a day. I will give you their impact players on offense and defense, a breakout, and the biggest question as they open training camp.

Offense
QB - Matt Moore
QB - Ryan Tannehill (rookie)
RB - Reggie Bush
RB - Daniel Thomas
WR - Brian Hartline

Defense
DE - Jared Odrick
DE - Cameron Wake
MLB - Karlos Dansby
CB - Sean Smith
CB - Vontae Davis

Cameron Wake DE

Breakout: Daniel Thomas - Reggie Bush posted career number in his first year in South Beach, but the lurking sophomore Thomas is bound to get more touch this season. I also cannot trust Bush to stay healthy, so whether it is through injury or outplaying the former USC Trojan, look for Thomas to lead the Dolphins in rushing this season.

Training Camp Question: At least rookie QB Ryan Tannehill seems like an interesting guy, because with Chad Johnson gone the Dolphins on HBO are not that exciting. At this point we will just watch to see if the 11th overall pick can beat out veteran Matt Moore for the starting gig. But even with a low-key coach Joe Philbin there was no way I was going to stop watching that show. It is so well done.

Last year's record: 6-10

Projected finish: 6-10 (Fourth in the AFC East)

Offense
QB - Christian Ponder
RB - Adrian Peterson
RB - Toby Gerhart
WR - Percy Harvin
TE - Kyle Rudloph

Defense
DE - Brian Robison
DT - Kevin Williams
DE - Jared Allen
OLB - Chad Greenway
CB - Antoine Winfield

Adrian Peterson RB

Breakout: Erin Henderson - The hope is the switch from E.J. to his full first name, Erin, will help him flip the switch on the field. The linebacker out of Maryland has dealt with his share of injuries over the past three years, but a few season of health could help Henderson flirt with 100 tackles. The Vikings need someone other than Jared Allen to makes plays if they going to be successful. I think Henderson could be that guy.

Training Camp Question: Any resemblance of optimism resides in the legs of the one and the only Adrian Peterson. If the all-world running back is healthy the Vikings could enter the season with a positive outlook and remain optimistic for a least a few weeks. There a lot questions in Minny and the health of A.D. is the a fingers crossed situation for the ages.

Last year's record: 3-13

Projected finish: 5-11 (Fourth in the NFC North)


**Check back tomorrow for the Patriots and Saints**