"As the Miami Dolphins open their training camp, Vice President Bill Parcells (right) is depending on a crew of veterans, such as 11-year vet Jason Ferguson, to renovate and rebuild the team. And many of the new faces at camp are coming from teams that made the playoffs in 2007, players that General Manager Jeff Ireland calls "good character guys who are winners." Here's a rundown:

Key position battles

Quarterback: Josh McCown, John Beck and Chad Henne will split repetitions with the first team evenly at the start of training camp. Whoever scores touchdowns, drives the offense and limits turnovers will get first crack at the starting job.

Jason Ferguson: He's the linchpin of the 3-4 defense the Dolphins are expected to install. If Ferguson, who missed most of last season with a torn biceps, struggles or is injured again, the Dolphins face another difficult season on defense.

Signs of promise

If Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams become one of the best tailback tandems, their success will alleviate some of the pressure the quarterbacks face by creating ideal down-and-distance situations.

The defense needs Joey Porter to become a dominant linebacker again, and Quentin Moses and Charlie Anderson to step up to help the front produce more than two sacks a game."