Since the 1800s, Friday the 13th has always been a day considered for unluckiness. The number “13” is thought of as being unlucky. One retired number with the Miami Dolphins is number “13.” Dan Marino, a hall of famer, had worn that number from 1983 to 1999. Dan Marino holds many NFL records and is among the top five in almost every quarterback statistic. There is one lingering accomplishment that he does not hold, and that is a Super Bowl win. With his raw talent and eye-popping stats, one would think many rings would be shown on his fingers. Maybe the unluckiness of the number had a role in this non-existent Super Bowl win.
During Dan Marino’s college years, he played football at the University of Pittsburgh. He played from the year 1979 to 1982. He didn’t have a good senior year at Pittsburgh, and was the main reason his draft stock fell during the 1983 NFL Draft. There were a lot of quarterbacks taken before him, and there were some pretty big names. Jim Kelly and John Elway, both hall of famers, were drafted before Dan Marino. There were also quarterbacks that didn’t live up to their potential that were drafted/picked ahead of Marino. Some names include tony Eason and Ken O’Brien who played for the New York Jets (Miami Dolphins rival). Eventually, Marino was selected at number 27 by the Miami Dolphins. After that Dan Marino will soon become the best quarterback in Dolphin’s history. Some may argue he was the most prolific passer in NFL history.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Dolphin's Jason Taylor
Jason Taylor will be remembered as one of the Miami Dolphins greatest players. He will probably be inducted into the Hall of Fame at some point. But he is still 34 years old and is continuing to play. He may also remember Jason Taylor on the hit show, “Dancing with Stars.” He was also married to Zach Thomas’s sister. When it’s all said and done his name will be mentioned with Larry Csonka, Dan Marino, Don Shula, and others. As mentioned in another article about Jimmy Johnson, he was drafted in 1997 by the Miami Dolphins. He was a big part of the Miami defense that was great for a long time under Johnson’s draft picks. Jason Taylor was drafted by the Dolphins in the third round out of Akron, even though his career played out as top first round pick for defensive ends.
Taylor played all four years at Akron with three years of starting. During his junior and senior year, Jason Taylor was selected as a two-time First Team All Mid American Conference. Fans will probably remember Taylor as only a defensive end, since that was his main position (standing on the line with the defensive tackles and rushing the QB). His junior year with Akron he was playing as a linebacker. With the Dolphins, he did play as a hybrid DE, which was both standing on the line and dropping back as a LB. He didn’t play as hybrid until Dom Capers showed up in Miami with his 3-4 defensive scheme. Taylor was then moved to left side of the defensive line his senior year at Akron. In that year, he earned a Defensive Player of the Week against Virginia Tech. He recorded two sacks and recovered two fumbles in that game. Jason Taylor is not your prototype DE in a 3-4 scheme. He is tall and lanky, and that’s why he was also able to play basketball in the college ranks.
Taylor played all four years at Akron with three years of starting. During his junior and senior year, Jason Taylor was selected as a two-time First Team All Mid American Conference. Fans will probably remember Taylor as only a defensive end, since that was his main position (standing on the line with the defensive tackles and rushing the QB). His junior year with Akron he was playing as a linebacker. With the Dolphins, he did play as a hybrid DE, which was both standing on the line and dropping back as a LB. He didn’t play as hybrid until Dom Capers showed up in Miami with his 3-4 defensive scheme. Taylor was then moved to left side of the defensive line his senior year at Akron. In that year, he earned a Defensive Player of the Week against Virginia Tech. He recorded two sacks and recovered two fumbles in that game. Jason Taylor is not your prototype DE in a 3-4 scheme. He is tall and lanky, and that’s why he was also able to play basketball in the college ranks.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Dolphin's Pat White's Bio...
Miami (WAS)
Round 2
Selection 12 (44 overall)
Position Quarterback
School West Virginia
Year SR
DOB 2/25/1986
Height 6-1
Weight 192
High School Daphne (Daphne, Alabama)
Two-time Big East Conference Offensive Player of the Year and a member of several All-America teams...A dual-threat quarterback at West Virginia, many assume that White will be a wide receiver in the NFL, but he was impressive under center in pre-draft workouts and may have an opportunity to play his preferred position in the pros...Has breakaway speed and sees the field extremely well as both a runner and a passer...Is an elusive open field runner with a tremendous arsenal of moves...Has good arm strength and is able toscramble while keeping his eyes down field...Is a left-handed passer who lacks ideal size to play the quarterback position in the NFL...White is a bit of a wild card, but his tremendous athleticism, leadership and winning track records will have him playing in some capacity on Sundays.
Round 2
Selection 12 (44 overall)
Position Quarterback
School West Virginia
Year SR
DOB 2/25/1986
Height 6-1
Weight 192
High School Daphne (Daphne, Alabama)
Two-time Big East Conference Offensive Player of the Year and a member of several All-America teams...A dual-threat quarterback at West Virginia, many assume that White will be a wide receiver in the NFL, but he was impressive under center in pre-draft workouts and may have an opportunity to play his preferred position in the pros...Has breakaway speed and sees the field extremely well as both a runner and a passer...Is an elusive open field runner with a tremendous arsenal of moves...Has good arm strength and is able toscramble while keeping his eyes down field...Is a left-handed passer who lacks ideal size to play the quarterback position in the NFL...White is a bit of a wild card, but his tremendous athleticism, leadership and winning track records will have him playing in some capacity on Sundays.
Dolphins 2nd Pick....
I didn't see this coming with Pat White. I thought the QB depth was good enough w/ Pennington and Henne. I think Pat White was picked for the "Wild Cat." Here's a story about the pick. What do you think?
By Kevin Clark | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
DAVIE - The Miami Dolphins selected former West Virginia quarterback Pat White with their second pick in the draft, 44th overall. The choice most likely signals the team's willingness to continue running the Wildcat formation.
White, known for his speed, said in an interview after the selection that he's expecting to play multiple positions, and said he "fits very well" in the Wildcat, which he said is similar to what he ran at West Virginia. He will probably be featured at wide receiver and running back.
White has said in the past he hopes to play quarterback in the pros, but seems happy to be in the NFL regardless.
White threw 56 touchdown passes over his four year career, but more importantly for the Dolphins, he scored 47 rushing touchdowns. He won both the Fiesta and Gator Bowl MVPs in his time as a Mountaineer.
"I've definitely heard a lot about the Wildcat, and I'm just happy to be a part of it," said White. "I had no expectations [entering the draft]. I was just hoping that somebody would give me a chance. The Dolphins have, and I'm definitely grateful, and ready to get to work."
White, who closed out his college career as the NCAA's all-time leader in rushing yards (4,480) by a quarterback, was told by the Dolphins decision-makers that the plan is to use him at multiple positions, including receiver. While he's never caught passes at any level, White said he's open to whatever gets him on the field.
"I just want the opportunity to play, and now that I got it I'll do what the coaches ask me to do," said White, who is the first player in Big East history to gain over 10,000 yards in total offense (10,529), and set a Big East record for touchdowns scored (103). "I've been raised to have the mindset that everything happens for a reason and there is definitely a reason this happened and I'm ready to find out why."
"I just want the opportunity to play, and now that I've got it, I'm going to do what the coaches ask me to do," White said.
By Kevin Clark | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
DAVIE - The Miami Dolphins selected former West Virginia quarterback Pat White with their second pick in the draft, 44th overall. The choice most likely signals the team's willingness to continue running the Wildcat formation.
White, known for his speed, said in an interview after the selection that he's expecting to play multiple positions, and said he "fits very well" in the Wildcat, which he said is similar to what he ran at West Virginia. He will probably be featured at wide receiver and running back.
White has said in the past he hopes to play quarterback in the pros, but seems happy to be in the NFL regardless.
White threw 56 touchdown passes over his four year career, but more importantly for the Dolphins, he scored 47 rushing touchdowns. He won both the Fiesta and Gator Bowl MVPs in his time as a Mountaineer.
"I've definitely heard a lot about the Wildcat, and I'm just happy to be a part of it," said White. "I had no expectations [entering the draft]. I was just hoping that somebody would give me a chance. The Dolphins have, and I'm definitely grateful, and ready to get to work."
White, who closed out his college career as the NCAA's all-time leader in rushing yards (4,480) by a quarterback, was told by the Dolphins decision-makers that the plan is to use him at multiple positions, including receiver. While he's never caught passes at any level, White said he's open to whatever gets him on the field.
"I just want the opportunity to play, and now that I got it I'll do what the coaches ask me to do," said White, who is the first player in Big East history to gain over 10,000 yards in total offense (10,529), and set a Big East record for touchdowns scored (103). "I've been raised to have the mindset that everything happens for a reason and there is definitely a reason this happened and I'm ready to find out why."
"I just want the opportunity to play, and now that I've got it, I'm going to do what the coaches ask me to do," White said.
The New Dolphin Bio (Davis)
Started all 12 games as a true freshman in 2006 and named to Freshman All-American First-Teams by The Sporting News, Scout.com and Rivals.com after posting 52 tackles and an INT...Established himself as a sophomore, when he logged 76 tackles and four picks on his way to First-Team All-Big Ten honors...As a junior, he amassed 78 stops, including seven for losses, to go with two INTs and eight PBUs...Was a First-Team all-league selection once again in 2008...Has ideal height and frame...Blazing speed...Durable,didn't miss a game in college...Playmaker with good hands and vision...Brother of 49ers' TE Vernon Davis, so athleticism obviously runs in the family...Didn't show much improvement from his sophomore to junior campaign...Coverage technique could use a slight improvement.
Team Miami
Round 1
Selection 25 (25 overall)
Position Cornerback
School Illinois
Year JR
DOB 5/27/1988
Height 6-0
Weight 204
High School Dunbar (Washington, D.C.)
Team Miami
Round 1
Selection 25 (25 overall)
Position Cornerback
School Illinois
Year JR
DOB 5/27/1988
Height 6-0
Weight 204
High School Dunbar (Washington, D.C.)
Miami Dolphins Take Vontae Davis
Here's a story from the Sun Sentinel about the first pick from the Miamid Dolphins.
By Kevin Clark | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
DAVIE - The Miami Dolphins took a step toward improving their 25th-ranked passing defense with their first-round pick Saturday, drafting Illinois cornerback Vontae Davis.
Davis, picked 25th overall, said in an interview after the selection that he considers himself a "compete corner."
He had only two interceptions last season, but had seven tackles for loss among his 78 total tackles. He also forced three fumbles.
He will compete for a starting job with Jason Allen and Eric Green for the right to play alongside Will Allen, who is locked in at one cornerback.
Davis (5-11, 203) was picked over the likes of USC linebacker Ray Maualuga and Ohio State running back Chris Wells, who were still available.
Davis heard the news in a restaurant in his hometown of Washington, D.C., where he was surrounded by more than 100 friends and family members. Davis' brother, Vernon, is a tight end for the San Francisco 49ers.
The Miami Dolphins selected West Virginia quarterback Pat White with their first pick in the second round of the NFL Draft.
The Dolphins still have one selection in the second round tonight, the 56th overall pick.
By Kevin Clark | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
DAVIE - The Miami Dolphins took a step toward improving their 25th-ranked passing defense with their first-round pick Saturday, drafting Illinois cornerback Vontae Davis.
Davis, picked 25th overall, said in an interview after the selection that he considers himself a "compete corner."
He had only two interceptions last season, but had seven tackles for loss among his 78 total tackles. He also forced three fumbles.
He will compete for a starting job with Jason Allen and Eric Green for the right to play alongside Will Allen, who is locked in at one cornerback.
Davis (5-11, 203) was picked over the likes of USC linebacker Ray Maualuga and Ohio State running back Chris Wells, who were still available.
Davis heard the news in a restaurant in his hometown of Washington, D.C., where he was surrounded by more than 100 friends and family members. Davis' brother, Vernon, is a tight end for the San Francisco 49ers.
The Miami Dolphins selected West Virginia quarterback Pat White with their first pick in the second round of the NFL Draft.
The Dolphins still have one selection in the second round tonight, the 56th overall pick.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Mandich's Dolphin Draft Analysis
What do you think are the primary needs? Here's the Dolphins broadcaster's thoughts.
By JIM MANDICH | 560 WQAM Sports Radio
This is one of the real great times of the year. We have been doing our homework and the draft is coming right at us.
We have been talking to college coaches, player personnel people, pro coaches and general managers. We are on it and LOVE this time of year.
On Saturday, April 25, this place becomes a madhouse. Unlike last year when the Dolphins were sitting on the first pick and it was a foregone conclusion that they were going to take Jake Long, this year presents itself with a lot more uncertainty.
The Dolphins have the 25th pick in the first round and two second-round picks (Nos. 44 and 56). So, I think, it is going to lend itself to a lot of fun and perhaps some movement.
Now, we know where the Miami Dolphins will not go. They are set on the offensive line and they are really set on the defensive line, as they drafted three good, young players a year ago.
The quarterback position is set. Where the Fins have the greatest need is at cornerback, wide receiver and outside linebacker.
Why is that?
Well they lost Andre Goodman in free agency and that presents a big need on the defensive wing. At the receiver position when you look at Ted Ginn, Greg Carmarillo and the other receivers, they kinda look the same. They don't have that big-phsyical-get-down-the-field-get-up-and-get-it wide receiver. That is their need.
They also have a need at outside linebacker. I am not sure if Charlie Anderson is the answer opposite Joey Porter.
This is a draft where the Dolphins will go with their board because they have so much uncertainty, and so many diffrent ways they could go. They are just going to line them up 1-100. Jeff Ireland and all the scouts are going to stick with that and go right down the list. It's simply quantitative at this time. What kind of number does their guy have? This much I do know: Unlike some of the idiots in the past that were drafting for us, I have great confidence in the Bill Parcells' team. In Parcells I trust. Look at last year's draft. Thay hit on nearly every pick. An awesome draft! And sunday afternoon we are going to know this at the end of the day, the Miami Dolphins are going to be a better football team.
Do you want a name? Do you want a guy that is going to have my toes tingling if the Miami Dolphins are sitting there looking at him? Well, it ain't wide receiver and it's not cornerback. It's the outside linebacker from USC. He has great bloodlines. I would be thrilled if when the commissioner came to the podium and said, "With the 25th pick, the Miami Dolphins select from the University of Southern California, outside linebacker Clay Matthews."
By JIM MANDICH | 560 WQAM Sports Radio
This is one of the real great times of the year. We have been doing our homework and the draft is coming right at us.
We have been talking to college coaches, player personnel people, pro coaches and general managers. We are on it and LOVE this time of year.
On Saturday, April 25, this place becomes a madhouse. Unlike last year when the Dolphins were sitting on the first pick and it was a foregone conclusion that they were going to take Jake Long, this year presents itself with a lot more uncertainty.
The Dolphins have the 25th pick in the first round and two second-round picks (Nos. 44 and 56). So, I think, it is going to lend itself to a lot of fun and perhaps some movement.
Now, we know where the Miami Dolphins will not go. They are set on the offensive line and they are really set on the defensive line, as they drafted three good, young players a year ago.
The quarterback position is set. Where the Fins have the greatest need is at cornerback, wide receiver and outside linebacker.
Why is that?
Well they lost Andre Goodman in free agency and that presents a big need on the defensive wing. At the receiver position when you look at Ted Ginn, Greg Carmarillo and the other receivers, they kinda look the same. They don't have that big-phsyical-get-down-the-field-get-up-and-get-it wide receiver. That is their need.
They also have a need at outside linebacker. I am not sure if Charlie Anderson is the answer opposite Joey Porter.
This is a draft where the Dolphins will go with their board because they have so much uncertainty, and so many diffrent ways they could go. They are just going to line them up 1-100. Jeff Ireland and all the scouts are going to stick with that and go right down the list. It's simply quantitative at this time. What kind of number does their guy have? This much I do know: Unlike some of the idiots in the past that were drafting for us, I have great confidence in the Bill Parcells' team. In Parcells I trust. Look at last year's draft. Thay hit on nearly every pick. An awesome draft! And sunday afternoon we are going to know this at the end of the day, the Miami Dolphins are going to be a better football team.
Do you want a name? Do you want a guy that is going to have my toes tingling if the Miami Dolphins are sitting there looking at him? Well, it ain't wide receiver and it's not cornerback. It's the outside linebacker from USC. He has great bloodlines. I would be thrilled if when the commissioner came to the podium and said, "With the 25th pick, the Miami Dolphins select from the University of Southern California, outside linebacker Clay Matthews."
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Dolphins Draft Analysis
From the Sun Sentinel
CHRIS HARRY | Sentinel Staff Writer
What do the Dolphins need?
MIAMI DOLPHINS 2008 record: 11-5 (AFC East champions)
Offseason newsmakers: Most of their work focused on re-signing players that played key roles to the monumental turnaround, like S Yeremiah Bell, OT Vernon Carey and LB Channing Crowder, though losing CB Andre Goodman to Denver was a blow. S Gibril Wilson, a big-money free agent a year ago in jumping from the world champion New York Giants, was signed after being released by Oakland. Don't be surprised if the Dolphins re-sign DE Jason Taylor, either, after his unceremonious release following a forgettable (but well paid) season in Washington.
Picks (9): 1st rounder, two in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, two in 7th
Gotta have it! CB and WR
The buzz: Miami's pass defense was ranked 25th last season and with those coming-and-goings, Bill Parcells definitely will devote some his big draft horde -- which starts at pick No. 25 -- to the secondary. Receiver, too. Ted Ginn improved last season from his busted rookie year, but he's far from being the home run hitter the club envisioned. Rich Camarillo proved to be more polished (and productive) than Ginn, actually. All facets of the defense, particularly end, nose tackle and outside linebacker require addressing. If one area looms more important than the other, it's probably the front, where age is starting to be a consideration, with DT Jason Ferguson, who was solid after coming over from Dallas in a trade last season, turning 35 next fall.
CHRIS HARRY | Sentinel Staff Writer
What do the Dolphins need?
MIAMI DOLPHINS 2008 record: 11-5 (AFC East champions)
Offseason newsmakers: Most of their work focused on re-signing players that played key roles to the monumental turnaround, like S Yeremiah Bell, OT Vernon Carey and LB Channing Crowder, though losing CB Andre Goodman to Denver was a blow. S Gibril Wilson, a big-money free agent a year ago in jumping from the world champion New York Giants, was signed after being released by Oakland. Don't be surprised if the Dolphins re-sign DE Jason Taylor, either, after his unceremonious release following a forgettable (but well paid) season in Washington.
Picks (9): 1st rounder, two in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, two in 7th
Gotta have it! CB and WR
The buzz: Miami's pass defense was ranked 25th last season and with those coming-and-goings, Bill Parcells definitely will devote some his big draft horde -- which starts at pick No. 25 -- to the secondary. Receiver, too. Ted Ginn improved last season from his busted rookie year, but he's far from being the home run hitter the club envisioned. Rich Camarillo proved to be more polished (and productive) than Ginn, actually. All facets of the defense, particularly end, nose tackle and outside linebacker require addressing. If one area looms more important than the other, it's probably the front, where age is starting to be a consideration, with DT Jason Ferguson, who was solid after coming over from Dallas in a trade last season, turning 35 next fall.
Dolphins Wanting Boldin?
This is a source from the Sun Sentinel
By Ted Hutton | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin motioned to the table behind him Friday evening where Arizona receiver Anquan Boldin was signing autographs.
"Any team would be smart to get him," Irvin said when asked if the receiver-needy Dolphins should be looking to make a trade with the Cardinals, who said this week they are entertaining deals for Boldin.
Irvin said if he were starting a team, his first choice of receiver would be Boldin, even ahead of Arizona's other receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, who sat two players away from Boldin at the autograph table set in the Pahokee High School gym.
"He's a beast. He's physically aggressive, and I want that on my offense because it sends a message to the defense," Irvin said about Boldin.
Irvin had come to Pahokee at the invitation of Boldin, who was hosting the fifth annual Q-Festival, a three-day event that raises money for the Anquan Boldin Foundation, which supports youths and charities in Pahokee, Boldin's home town.
Boldin, who has asked to be traded since after the 2007 season, when Fitzgerald signed a $40 million, four-year extension, had earlier expressed an interest in the Dolphins but wouldn't go into specifics Friday.
"For me, the entire situation is completely out of my hands. [Arizona] will do what is in the best interest of the team. I have to sit back and wait. Life will go on," Boldin said.
Boldin's agent, Drew Rosenhaus was on hand for Friday's event, but he wouldn't discuss the situation, other than to say he was being lobbied hard by Cardinals players to keep him on the team and by members of other teams to get him on their side.
The Dolphins may not be willing to pay the price for Boldin, with the Cardinals said to be asking for a first- and third-round pick in next weekend's draft.
Boldin (6 feet 1, 217 pounds) is 28 and went to Florida State before being drafted in the second round in 2003 by the Cardinals, where he has played the last six seasons.
He has 502 catches for 6,496 yards and 40 touchdowns and he and Fitzgerald are considered the top wide receiver tandem in the NFL.
Fitzgerald said he is doing all he can to keep Boldin as a teammate, including talking to management.
By Ted Hutton | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin motioned to the table behind him Friday evening where Arizona receiver Anquan Boldin was signing autographs.
"Any team would be smart to get him," Irvin said when asked if the receiver-needy Dolphins should be looking to make a trade with the Cardinals, who said this week they are entertaining deals for Boldin.
Irvin said if he were starting a team, his first choice of receiver would be Boldin, even ahead of Arizona's other receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, who sat two players away from Boldin at the autograph table set in the Pahokee High School gym.
"He's a beast. He's physically aggressive, and I want that on my offense because it sends a message to the defense," Irvin said about Boldin.
Irvin had come to Pahokee at the invitation of Boldin, who was hosting the fifth annual Q-Festival, a three-day event that raises money for the Anquan Boldin Foundation, which supports youths and charities in Pahokee, Boldin's home town.
Boldin, who has asked to be traded since after the 2007 season, when Fitzgerald signed a $40 million, four-year extension, had earlier expressed an interest in the Dolphins but wouldn't go into specifics Friday.
"For me, the entire situation is completely out of my hands. [Arizona] will do what is in the best interest of the team. I have to sit back and wait. Life will go on," Boldin said.
Boldin's agent, Drew Rosenhaus was on hand for Friday's event, but he wouldn't discuss the situation, other than to say he was being lobbied hard by Cardinals players to keep him on the team and by members of other teams to get him on their side.
The Dolphins may not be willing to pay the price for Boldin, with the Cardinals said to be asking for a first- and third-round pick in next weekend's draft.
Boldin (6 feet 1, 217 pounds) is 28 and went to Florida State before being drafted in the second round in 2003 by the Cardinals, where he has played the last six seasons.
He has 502 catches for 6,496 yards and 40 touchdowns and he and Fitzgerald are considered the top wide receiver tandem in the NFL.
Fitzgerald said he is doing all he can to keep Boldin as a teammate, including talking to management.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Dolphins In Prime Time
This is from the Sun Sentinel
By Harvey Fialkov | SunSentinel.com
Are you ready for prime-time football?
After having no games on national prime-time television for the first season in 39 years, the AFC East champion Dolphins return with with four evening games this season, including their home opener against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts on ESPN's Monday Night Football in Week 2.
Three weeks later, quarterback Chad Pennington will get another shot to beat his former team, the Jets, again on MNF at home. The third prime-time game takes the Dolphins to Carolina on Thursday, Nov. 19, on NFL Network. The Dolphins are 3-0 against the South Division champion Panthers.
They'll wrap up their prime-time schedule at home against a returning Tom Brady and the Patriots on Dec. 6 on NBC's Football Night in America.
Since their 11-5 season ended, the Dolphins knew they'd be facing the toughest schedule in the NFL based on their opponent's cumulative winning percentage of .594. Instead of facing the cream puffs from the NFC and AFC West again, they've got the tougher NFC and AFC South divisions, which had just one team under .500 last season (Jacksonville).
The sudden national attention stems from the Dolphins' remarkable 10-game turnaround that was orchestrated by vice president of football operations Bill Parcells, GM Jeff Ireland and first-year coach Tony Sparano.
"With the NFL scheduling us for four prime-time games this season, it reflects the national following the Dolphins have built over time and it's indicative of the progress we've made in the last year," Sparano said. "There certainly are some challenges. The schedule has several playoff teams from last year and conference opponents right at the top, so we need to be ready to go right from start, underlining the importance of our offseason program and training camp."
The Dolphins will begin their season on the road against the 11-5 Atlanta Falcons and blossoming quarterback Matt Ryan.
They'll then play four of their next five games at home, including divisional games against the Bills and recently acquired receiver Terrell Owens, and the aforementioned Monday night game against the Jets.
Sandwiched between the Colts' home opener and the two division games, the Dolphins will make their lone West Coast trip of the season to San Diego on Sept. 27. The Dolphins have won seven in a row against the Chargers, including last year's 17-10 victory.
Then it's a bye week before hosting the Saints for the first time since 1998. The Dolphins will play all four preseason opponents, including the Jaguars, Panthers, Bucs and Saints, in the regular season.
The Dolphins don't have a 1 p.m. home game until Nov. 15 against the Bucs, thus eliminating any home-field heat advantage in September. Conversely, both their road games with the Jets and Bills will be done before December. A Dec. 20 game in Nashville against the Titans (13-3) could be chilling in more ways than one.
The Dolphins finish the season with home games against Houston and the Super Bowl champion Steelers. Miami is 0-3 against the Texans, the only team in the NFL they've yet to beat, and has lost three straight to Pittsburgh.
By Harvey Fialkov | SunSentinel.com
Are you ready for prime-time football?
After having no games on national prime-time television for the first season in 39 years, the AFC East champion Dolphins return with with four evening games this season, including their home opener against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts on ESPN's Monday Night Football in Week 2.
Three weeks later, quarterback Chad Pennington will get another shot to beat his former team, the Jets, again on MNF at home. The third prime-time game takes the Dolphins to Carolina on Thursday, Nov. 19, on NFL Network. The Dolphins are 3-0 against the South Division champion Panthers.
They'll wrap up their prime-time schedule at home against a returning Tom Brady and the Patriots on Dec. 6 on NBC's Football Night in America.
Since their 11-5 season ended, the Dolphins knew they'd be facing the toughest schedule in the NFL based on their opponent's cumulative winning percentage of .594. Instead of facing the cream puffs from the NFC and AFC West again, they've got the tougher NFC and AFC South divisions, which had just one team under .500 last season (Jacksonville).
The sudden national attention stems from the Dolphins' remarkable 10-game turnaround that was orchestrated by vice president of football operations Bill Parcells, GM Jeff Ireland and first-year coach Tony Sparano.
"With the NFL scheduling us for four prime-time games this season, it reflects the national following the Dolphins have built over time and it's indicative of the progress we've made in the last year," Sparano said. "There certainly are some challenges. The schedule has several playoff teams from last year and conference opponents right at the top, so we need to be ready to go right from start, underlining the importance of our offseason program and training camp."
The Dolphins will begin their season on the road against the 11-5 Atlanta Falcons and blossoming quarterback Matt Ryan.
They'll then play four of their next five games at home, including divisional games against the Bills and recently acquired receiver Terrell Owens, and the aforementioned Monday night game against the Jets.
Sandwiched between the Colts' home opener and the two division games, the Dolphins will make their lone West Coast trip of the season to San Diego on Sept. 27. The Dolphins have won seven in a row against the Chargers, including last year's 17-10 victory.
Then it's a bye week before hosting the Saints for the first time since 1998. The Dolphins will play all four preseason opponents, including the Jaguars, Panthers, Bucs and Saints, in the regular season.
The Dolphins don't have a 1 p.m. home game until Nov. 15 against the Bucs, thus eliminating any home-field heat advantage in September. Conversely, both their road games with the Jets and Bills will be done before December. A Dec. 20 game in Nashville against the Titans (13-3) could be chilling in more ways than one.
The Dolphins finish the season with home games against Houston and the Super Bowl champion Steelers. Miami is 0-3 against the Texans, the only team in the NFL they've yet to beat, and has lost three straight to Pittsburgh.
Miami Dolphins 2009 Schedule
Sept. 13 at Atlanta Falcons 1:00 p.m. CBS
Sept. 21 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (Monday night) 8:30 p.m. ESPN
Sept. 27 at San Diego Chargers 4:15 p.m. CBS
Oct. 4 BUFFALO BILLS 4:05 p.m. CBS
Oct. 12 NEW YORK JETS (Monday night) 8:30 p.m. ESPN
Oct. 18 BYE WEEK
Oct. 25 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 4:15 p.m. FOX
Nov. 1 at New York Jets 1:00 p.m. CBS
Nov. 8 at New England Patriots 1:00 p.m. CBS
Nov. 15 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 1:00 pm FOX
Nov. 19 at Carolina Panthers (Thursday night) 8:20 pm NFL
Nov. 29 at Buffalo Bills 1:00 pm CBS
Dec. 6 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 8:20 pm NBC
Dec. 13 at Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00 pm CBS
Dec. 20 at Tennessee Titans 1:00 pm CBS
Dec. 27 HOUSTON TEXANS 1:00 pm CBS
Jan. 03 PITTSBURGH STEELERS 1:00 pm CBS
Sept. 21 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (Monday night) 8:30 p.m. ESPN
Sept. 27 at San Diego Chargers 4:15 p.m. CBS
Oct. 4 BUFFALO BILLS 4:05 p.m. CBS
Oct. 12 NEW YORK JETS (Monday night) 8:30 p.m. ESPN
Oct. 18 BYE WEEK
Oct. 25 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 4:15 p.m. FOX
Nov. 1 at New York Jets 1:00 p.m. CBS
Nov. 8 at New England Patriots 1:00 p.m. CBS
Nov. 15 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 1:00 pm FOX
Nov. 19 at Carolina Panthers (Thursday night) 8:20 pm NFL
Nov. 29 at Buffalo Bills 1:00 pm CBS
Dec. 6 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 8:20 pm NBC
Dec. 13 at Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00 pm CBS
Dec. 20 at Tennessee Titans 1:00 pm CBS
Dec. 27 HOUSTON TEXANS 1:00 pm CBS
Jan. 03 PITTSBURGH STEELERS 1:00 pm CBS
Percy Harvin...The Next Bust?
From the Sun Sentinel for the Miami Dolphins....
Before the NFL Scouting Combine, University of Florida star Percy Harvin should have gotten drunk out of his gourd, puked on his shoes and passed out behind the wheel of his car.
If only he had done that instead of hypothetically smoking a marijuana joint and perhaps laughing uncontrollably at The Three Stooges Meet Hercules then maybe Pro Football Weekly would not be calling Harvin the biggest risk in the upcoming NFL draft.
Sadly, this is the confounding, contradictory world we live in -- a world where Harvin would be more appealing to NFL teams if he'd been arrested for a police-confirmed DUI than he is now because of an unproven Internet report that he tested positive for marijuana at the Combine.
The unconfirmed report, printed by NFLDraftBible.com, set the wheels in motion for Harvin to be labeled a monumental character risk by Pro Football Weekly. Meanwhile, the ruling hypocrisy of sports continues to promote and glamorize the use of a much more dangerous and prevalent controlled substance -- alcohol -- through its lucrative beer sponsorships on TV and beer sales inside stadiums and arenas.
Dolphins will wait til second day to draft WR: Harvey Fialkov answers YOUR Miami Dolphins questions
Future Dolphins?: Top seniors showcase skills at Senior Bowl Photos The legality of the two substances notwithstanding, nobody can deny that alcohol causes much more pain and suffering in sports than marijuana. Case in point: The two recent and fatal sports-related accidents tied to drinking and driving
Last week, promising young California Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was among three people killed after an alleged drunk driver with a blood-alcohol content three times the legal limit blew through a red light and broadsided the car Adenhart was riding in.
Last month, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth hit and killed a pedestrian who was crossing a causeway in South Florida. Blood tests revealed Stallworth had a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit and he was charged with DUI manslaughter.
No, I'm not here today to give Harvin a free pass if he smoked pot. If indeed the reports are true he tested positive for marijuana, I'd be wary about drafting him. Not because of the evils of reefer madness, but because any player dumb enough to smoke weed when he knows he's going to be drug-tested probably isn't very committed to his profession.
Still, it's hard to ignore the massive double standard in sports between alcohol and marijuana. Look no further than Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, whose sport suspended him and a major sponsor abandoned him when a photograph surfaced recently showing Phelps using a marijuana bong. Contrast that mammoth controversy to five years ago when Phelps was arrested for drunken driving and was allowed to continue swimming and didn't lose a single endorsement.
Now ask yourself: What's worse -- taking a bong hit at a college party or getting snockered and putting yourself and others at risk by climbing behind the wheel of your Hummer?
Why are professional athletes repeatedly suspended and fined for smoking pot, but not so much for abusing alcohol? Why do most pro sports leagues have black-and-white policies and punishments for marijuana use, but a gray area when it comes to DUI or other alcohol-related crimes?
One marijuana advocacy group -- Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) -- is asking these very questions. The organization was launched in Denver four years ago after two alcohol overdose deaths on college campuses in Colorado. Mason Tver, co-founder of SAFER, notes that there has never been a documented case of anyone dying of a marijuana overdose.
"Marijuana is much safer than alcohol and we want to highlight the harm and irrationality of laws and penalties that steer people -- athletes and sports fans included -- toward drinking and away from marijuana use," Tver says.
Full disclosure here: I love a beer or two when tailgating with friends or watching the Magic play in a sports bar. Most fans do, in fact, drink responsibly and believe a couple of beers positively enhance their sporting experience. But you're blind if you can't see that alcohol abuse is a much more serious problem in sports than is pot smoking.
Whenever an athlete gets arrested for domestic violence, a fight or any other act of aggression, alcohol is invariably involved. Meanwhile, there has never been any reputable study that linked marijuana to violent behavior -- unless, of course, you count the pot smoker's customary terrorization of a bag of Oreos.
The same goes for fan behavior. The biggest brawl in NBA history was started when a beer was thrown on Ron Artest. And who will ever forget the tragic shooting death of an undercover police officer during a drunken tailgating party at a UCF football game four years ago? Witnesses at the time said the accidental shooting occurred when one of the officers confronted a rowdy group of tailgaters, some of whom threw beer on him.
Such is the duplicity of sports.
You can go 10 drinks over the legal limit and you're fine, but if you go one toke over the line you suddenly become a character risk.
Before the NFL Scouting Combine, University of Florida star Percy Harvin should have gotten drunk out of his gourd, puked on his shoes and passed out behind the wheel of his car.
If only he had done that instead of hypothetically smoking a marijuana joint and perhaps laughing uncontrollably at The Three Stooges Meet Hercules then maybe Pro Football Weekly would not be calling Harvin the biggest risk in the upcoming NFL draft.
Sadly, this is the confounding, contradictory world we live in -- a world where Harvin would be more appealing to NFL teams if he'd been arrested for a police-confirmed DUI than he is now because of an unproven Internet report that he tested positive for marijuana at the Combine.
The unconfirmed report, printed by NFLDraftBible.com, set the wheels in motion for Harvin to be labeled a monumental character risk by Pro Football Weekly. Meanwhile, the ruling hypocrisy of sports continues to promote and glamorize the use of a much more dangerous and prevalent controlled substance -- alcohol -- through its lucrative beer sponsorships on TV and beer sales inside stadiums and arenas.
Dolphins will wait til second day to draft WR: Harvey Fialkov answers YOUR Miami Dolphins questions
Future Dolphins?: Top seniors showcase skills at Senior Bowl Photos The legality of the two substances notwithstanding, nobody can deny that alcohol causes much more pain and suffering in sports than marijuana. Case in point: The two recent and fatal sports-related accidents tied to drinking and driving
Last week, promising young California Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was among three people killed after an alleged drunk driver with a blood-alcohol content three times the legal limit blew through a red light and broadsided the car Adenhart was riding in.
Last month, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth hit and killed a pedestrian who was crossing a causeway in South Florida. Blood tests revealed Stallworth had a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit and he was charged with DUI manslaughter.
No, I'm not here today to give Harvin a free pass if he smoked pot. If indeed the reports are true he tested positive for marijuana, I'd be wary about drafting him. Not because of the evils of reefer madness, but because any player dumb enough to smoke weed when he knows he's going to be drug-tested probably isn't very committed to his profession.
Still, it's hard to ignore the massive double standard in sports between alcohol and marijuana. Look no further than Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, whose sport suspended him and a major sponsor abandoned him when a photograph surfaced recently showing Phelps using a marijuana bong. Contrast that mammoth controversy to five years ago when Phelps was arrested for drunken driving and was allowed to continue swimming and didn't lose a single endorsement.
Now ask yourself: What's worse -- taking a bong hit at a college party or getting snockered and putting yourself and others at risk by climbing behind the wheel of your Hummer?
Why are professional athletes repeatedly suspended and fined for smoking pot, but not so much for abusing alcohol? Why do most pro sports leagues have black-and-white policies and punishments for marijuana use, but a gray area when it comes to DUI or other alcohol-related crimes?
One marijuana advocacy group -- Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) -- is asking these very questions. The organization was launched in Denver four years ago after two alcohol overdose deaths on college campuses in Colorado. Mason Tver, co-founder of SAFER, notes that there has never been a documented case of anyone dying of a marijuana overdose.
"Marijuana is much safer than alcohol and we want to highlight the harm and irrationality of laws and penalties that steer people -- athletes and sports fans included -- toward drinking and away from marijuana use," Tver says.
Full disclosure here: I love a beer or two when tailgating with friends or watching the Magic play in a sports bar. Most fans do, in fact, drink responsibly and believe a couple of beers positively enhance their sporting experience. But you're blind if you can't see that alcohol abuse is a much more serious problem in sports than is pot smoking.
Whenever an athlete gets arrested for domestic violence, a fight or any other act of aggression, alcohol is invariably involved. Meanwhile, there has never been any reputable study that linked marijuana to violent behavior -- unless, of course, you count the pot smoker's customary terrorization of a bag of Oreos.
The same goes for fan behavior. The biggest brawl in NBA history was started when a beer was thrown on Ron Artest. And who will ever forget the tragic shooting death of an undercover police officer during a drunken tailgating party at a UCF football game four years ago? Witnesses at the time said the accidental shooting occurred when one of the officers confronted a rowdy group of tailgaters, some of whom threw beer on him.
Such is the duplicity of sports.
You can go 10 drinks over the legal limit and you're fine, but if you go one toke over the line you suddenly become a character risk.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Dolphins drafting a WR in First Round?
This is from Sun Sentinel.com
While I've openly argued that the Miami Dolphins SHOULD NOT select a receiver in the first-round of the NFL draft, and provided plenty of evidence which backs up my argument, IF the Dolphins decision makers go that route there is one player in this draft whose skill sets fit this team's needs.
His name is Hakeem Nicks, and he played for former Hurricanes coach Butch Davis at the University of North Carolina. He's no stranger to anyone who follows the Atlantic Coast Conference.
I've been told by a couple of scouts he's the one receiver in this draft that has Bill Parcells written all over him, and the Dolphins have not been hiding their level of interest in the first receiver to crack the 1,000 yard mark in UNC history.
Nicks, who set 14 school records in three seasons, has been extremely productive throughout his college seasons, catching 181 passes for 2,840 yards.
He knows how to get into the end zone, scoring 21 touchdowns as a Tar Heel, 12 his junior season.
He's got decent size (close to 6-foot-1, 212 pounds), which REALLY impressed me when I stood next to him at the combine. Not to mention respectable speed (4.49 in the 40), and great hands.
While I've openly argued that the Miami Dolphins SHOULD NOT select a receiver in the first-round of the NFL draft, and provided plenty of evidence which backs up my argument, IF the Dolphins decision makers go that route there is one player in this draft whose skill sets fit this team's needs.
His name is Hakeem Nicks, and he played for former Hurricanes coach Butch Davis at the University of North Carolina. He's no stranger to anyone who follows the Atlantic Coast Conference.
I've been told by a couple of scouts he's the one receiver in this draft that has Bill Parcells written all over him, and the Dolphins have not been hiding their level of interest in the first receiver to crack the 1,000 yard mark in UNC history.
Nicks, who set 14 school records in three seasons, has been extremely productive throughout his college seasons, catching 181 passes for 2,840 yards.
He knows how to get into the end zone, scoring 21 touchdowns as a Tar Heel, 12 his junior season.
He's got decent size (close to 6-foot-1, 212 pounds), which REALLY impressed me when I stood next to him at the combine. Not to mention respectable speed (4.49 in the 40), and great hands.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Dolphins at Number 25
Here is another mockdraft from pick 20 thru 25. Who would you choose if these players were available? This mock from newnfldraft.com has us going with V Davis from Illinois. I would think he would be gone by number 25, but a young CB is needed by the Dolphins. Will Allen isn't getting any younger, and Jason Allen hasn't proved himself yet. I am really rooting for J Allen to finally come out, but The Dolphins still needs a good shutdown corner, and V.Davis could be that guy.
Visit www.yourmiamidolphins.webs.com
20. Detroit Lions (Dallas): Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
The Lions go after a very good defensive player here. Cushing has the potential to go in the top ten but I have him falling because the great DE’s in the 2009 NFL Mock Draft. Lions will be thrilled to get a play maker like Cushing with the 20th pick.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
The Eagles get a very good RB here who can both run up the middle as well as catch the ball out of the back field. He not only will help complement Westbrook but he will stay healthy as well.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Duke Robinson, OT/G, OU
The Vikings Offensive line isn’t getting any younger and they could lose some guys in the offseason. Duke Robinson has all the potential in the world to play any offensive line position.
23. NE Patriots: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio St.
The Patriots could go with another ILB to match up with Jerod Mayo the beast from Tennessee. So they do exactly that and get James Laurinaitis from OSU. I think Laurinaitis is going to show he isn’t a great ILB but in the Patriot scheme he could be very good I believe.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Louis Delmas, FS, W. Mich
The Falcons get a good safety here from a small school. Delmas has come out as the top Safety in this 2009 NFL Draft class.
25. Miami Dolphins: Vontae Davis, CB, ILL
Whatever Parcels decides to do in the 2009 NFL Draft I will agree with I am just guessing. They Badly need a corner in the 2009 NFL Season and Vontae Davis brings a lot of play making ability to a secondary.
Visit www.yourmiamidolphins.webs.com
20. Detroit Lions (Dallas): Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
The Lions go after a very good defensive player here. Cushing has the potential to go in the top ten but I have him falling because the great DE’s in the 2009 NFL Mock Draft. Lions will be thrilled to get a play maker like Cushing with the 20th pick.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
The Eagles get a very good RB here who can both run up the middle as well as catch the ball out of the back field. He not only will help complement Westbrook but he will stay healthy as well.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Duke Robinson, OT/G, OU
The Vikings Offensive line isn’t getting any younger and they could lose some guys in the offseason. Duke Robinson has all the potential in the world to play any offensive line position.
23. NE Patriots: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio St.
The Patriots could go with another ILB to match up with Jerod Mayo the beast from Tennessee. So they do exactly that and get James Laurinaitis from OSU. I think Laurinaitis is going to show he isn’t a great ILB but in the Patriot scheme he could be very good I believe.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Louis Delmas, FS, W. Mich
The Falcons get a good safety here from a small school. Delmas has come out as the top Safety in this 2009 NFL Draft class.
25. Miami Dolphins: Vontae Davis, CB, ILL
Whatever Parcels decides to do in the 2009 NFL Draft I will agree with I am just guessing. They Badly need a corner in the 2009 NFL Season and Vontae Davis brings a lot of play making ability to a secondary.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Miami Dolphins Trade for a DT
Tony McDaniel from Jacksonville was traded to the Miami Dolphins for a 7th round pick. It looks like the Dolphins are trying to add depth at every position. Last year, I think that was lacking (depth). Parcells and Company have brought in a LB (Cameron Wake), a FS (Gribril Wilson), a CB (Green), a center (Jake Grove), and now traded for a DT, which may be converted to DE and replace Vonnie Holliday. Here is the full article from Sun Sentinel.com,
"The Dolphins got significantly bigger on the defensive front Friday when a trade for defensive tackle Tony McDaniel was finalized with the Jaguars.
McDaniel, who reportedly carries his 6-foot-7, 310-pound frame well, instantly becomes the Dolphins' biggest defensive lineman, and adds much needed depth and experience to the defense's young front line.
The trade, which was finalized when McDaniel passed a physical on Friday, sends Jacksonville one of the team's three seventh-round picks.
It is the first move the Dolphins have made to sure up a unit that saw defensive end Vonnie Holliday, the unit's leader, get released earlier this month to trim salary.
Examine the Dolphins' present team needs Nose tackle Jason Ferguson, who turns 35 this year, may be in his final season considering he's openly talked about retirement after playing 12 seasons. McDaniel will likely compete with Paul Soliai and former Gator Joe Cohen for the role as Ferguson's primary backup.
He contributed 16 tackles and half a sack in 10 games for the Jaguars last season before going on the injured reserve.
The Dolphins will pick up McDaniel's existing contract, which calls for the 24-year-old to make $1 million in 2009, and $1.85 million in 2010."
"The Dolphins got significantly bigger on the defensive front Friday when a trade for defensive tackle Tony McDaniel was finalized with the Jaguars.
McDaniel, who reportedly carries his 6-foot-7, 310-pound frame well, instantly becomes the Dolphins' biggest defensive lineman, and adds much needed depth and experience to the defense's young front line.
The trade, which was finalized when McDaniel passed a physical on Friday, sends Jacksonville one of the team's three seventh-round picks.
It is the first move the Dolphins have made to sure up a unit that saw defensive end Vonnie Holliday, the unit's leader, get released earlier this month to trim salary.
Examine the Dolphins' present team needs Nose tackle Jason Ferguson, who turns 35 this year, may be in his final season considering he's openly talked about retirement after playing 12 seasons. McDaniel will likely compete with Paul Soliai and former Gator Joe Cohen for the role as Ferguson's primary backup.
He contributed 16 tackles and half a sack in 10 games for the Jaguars last season before going on the injured reserve.
The Dolphins will pick up McDaniel's existing contract, which calls for the 24-year-old to make $1 million in 2009, and $1.85 million in 2010."
Saturday, March 14, 2009
...FA Signings Continued
NEW YORK JETS_Signed Bart Scott, LB; Jim Leonhard, S; and Larry Izzo, LB. Re-signed Brandon Moore, G; Tony Richardson, FB; and Jay Feely, K.
OAKLAND RAIDERS_Re-signed Nnamdi Asomugha, DB; and Shane Lechler, P.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES_Signed Stacy Andrews, OT; Sean Jones, S; and Rashad Baker, S. Re-signed Joselio Hanson, CB; and Tank Daniels, LB.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS_Re-signed Max Starks, T (f); and Willie Colon, T; and Chris Kemoeatu, G.
ST. LOUIS RAMS_Signed Jason Brown, OL; and James Butler, S. Re-signed Ron Bartell, CB.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS_Agreed to terms with Kevin Burnett, LB. Re-signed Kynan Forney, G.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS_Signed Damon Huard, QB; Brandon Jones, WR; and Demetric Evans, DE. Re-signed Takeo Spikes, LB; Moran Norris, FB; and Allen Rossum, CB-KR.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS_Signed T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR; John Owens, TE; and Colin Cole, DT. Re-signed Ray Willis, OL.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS_Signed Mike Nugent, K; and Derrick Ward, RB. Re-signed Luke McCown, QB; WR Michael Clayton; Jermaine Phillips, S; Jerramy Stevens, TE; Cortez Hankton, WR.
TENNESSEE TITANS_Signed Nate Washington, WR; and Jovan Haye, DT.
Re-signed Rob Bironas, K; Justin McCareins, WR; Kerry Collins, QB; and Vincent Fuller, DB. Agreed to terms with Craig Hentrich, P.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS_Signed Derrick Dockery, G; Albert Haynesworth, DT; Dirk Johnson, P; Dave Rayner, K; Dominique Dorsey, KR. Re-signed Ethan Albright, LS; Alfred Fincher, LB; Reed Doughty, S; and DeAngelo Hall, CB
OAKLAND RAIDERS_Re-signed Nnamdi Asomugha, DB; and Shane Lechler, P.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES_Signed Stacy Andrews, OT; Sean Jones, S; and Rashad Baker, S. Re-signed Joselio Hanson, CB; and Tank Daniels, LB.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS_Re-signed Max Starks, T (f); and Willie Colon, T; and Chris Kemoeatu, G.
ST. LOUIS RAMS_Signed Jason Brown, OL; and James Butler, S. Re-signed Ron Bartell, CB.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS_Agreed to terms with Kevin Burnett, LB. Re-signed Kynan Forney, G.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS_Signed Damon Huard, QB; Brandon Jones, WR; and Demetric Evans, DE. Re-signed Takeo Spikes, LB; Moran Norris, FB; and Allen Rossum, CB-KR.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS_Signed T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR; John Owens, TE; and Colin Cole, DT. Re-signed Ray Willis, OL.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS_Signed Mike Nugent, K; and Derrick Ward, RB. Re-signed Luke McCown, QB; WR Michael Clayton; Jermaine Phillips, S; Jerramy Stevens, TE; Cortez Hankton, WR.
TENNESSEE TITANS_Signed Nate Washington, WR; and Jovan Haye, DT.
Re-signed Rob Bironas, K; Justin McCareins, WR; Kerry Collins, QB; and Vincent Fuller, DB. Agreed to terms with Craig Hentrich, P.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS_Signed Derrick Dockery, G; Albert Haynesworth, DT; Dirk Johnson, P; Dave Rayner, K; Dominique Dorsey, KR. Re-signed Ethan Albright, LS; Alfred Fincher, LB; Reed Doughty, S; and DeAngelo Hall, CB
Friday, March 13, 2009
Dolphins FA Signings and Other Teams Signings..
ARIZONA CARDINALS— Signed Keith Lewis, S; Bryant McFadden, CB; and Mike Leach, LS. Re-signed Kurt Warner, QB; Ben Graham, P, and Brian St. Pierre, QB.
ATLANTA FALCONS — Signed Mike Peterson, LB; and C Brett Romberg. Re-signed Chauncey Davis, DE; Coy Wire, LB; Justin Peele, TE; Jamal Fudge, S; Jason Jefferson, DT; Ben Wilkerson, OL; and Tony Gilbert, LB.
BALTIMORE RAVENS_Signed Domonique Foxworth, CB. Agreed to terms with Ray Lewis. LB; and Matt Birk, C.
BUFFALO BILLS_Signed Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB; Geoff Hangartner, OL; and Terrell Owens, WR. Agreed to terms with Drayton Florence, CB.
CAROLINA PANTHERS_Re-signed Jordan Gross, OT.
CHICAGO BEARS_Signed Frank Omiyale, OL; Josh Bullocks, S; and Marcus Hamilton, DB. Agreed to terms with Kevin Jones, RB.
CINCINNATI BENGALS_Re-signed Cedric Benson, RB; Darryl Blackstock, LB; Chris Crocker, S, and DeDe Dorsey, WR. Signed J.T. O'Sullivan, QB; Laveranues Coles, WR.
CLEVELAND BROWNS_Re-signed Mike Adams, S. Signed C.J. Mosley, DT; Hank Poteat, CB; Robert Royal, TE; and David Bowens, LB.
DALLAS COWBOYS —Signed Keith Brooking, LB; Igor Olshansky, DE; and Matt Stewart, LB.
DENVER BRONCOS_Signed LaMont Jordan, RB; J.J. Arrington, RB; Correll Buckhalter, RB; Andra Davis, LB; Brian Dawkins, S; Ronald Fields, DT; Jabar Gaffney, WR; Andre' Goodman, CB; Renaldo Hill, S; Lonie Paxton, FS; Darrell Reid, DT; Kenny Peterson, DL; and J'Vonne Parker, DT. Agreed to terms with Chris Simms, QB.
DETROIT LIONS_Signed Grady Jackson, DT; Phillip Buchanon, CB; Bryant Johnson, WR; Eric King, CB; Cody Spencer, LB; and Maurice Morris, RB. Agreed to terms with Daniel Loper, OL. Re-signed Jason Hanson, K; Stephen Peterman, G; and Aveion Cason, RB.
GREEN BAY PACKERS_Signed Anthony Smith, S.
HOUSTON TEXANS_Signed Antonio Smith, DE; Darrell McClover, LB; and Dan Orlovsky, QB. Re-signed Chris White, C; Eugene Wilson, S; Joel Dreessen, TE; and Nick Ferguson, S.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS_Re-signed Kelvin Hayden, CB; and Jeff Saturday, C.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS_Signed Sean Considine, S; and Tra Thomas, T. Re-signed Brad Meester, C; Scott Starks, CB; and Joe Zelenka, LS.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS_Agreed to terms with C.J. Jones, WR; Jon McGraw, S; Darrell Robertson, LB; and Travis Daniels, CB.
MIAMI DOLPHINS_Signed Joe Berger, G; Eric Green, CB; and Jake Grove, C. Re-signed Vernon Carey, OT; Yeremiah Bell, S; and Channing Crowder, LB.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS_Re-signed Heath Farwell, LB; Benny Sapp, CB; Jimmy Kennedy, DT; and Jim Kleinsasser, TE.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS_Signed Chris Baker, TE; Fred Taylor, RB; Leigh Bodden, CB; Shawn Springs, CB; and Nathan Hodel, LS. Re-signed Matt Cassel, QB (f), and traded him to Kansas City; re-signed Russ Hochstein, OL; James Sanders, S; Chris Hanson, P; and LB Eric Alexander. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS_Signed Jabari Greer, CB, and Heath Evans, FB. Re-signed Devery Henderson, WR; Jon Stinchcomb, T; and Jonathan Vilma, LB.
NEW YORK GIANTS_Signed C.C. Brown, S; Lee Vickers, TE; Rocky Bernard, DT; Michael Boley, LB; and Chris Canty, DE. Re-signed Brandon Jacobs, RB (f); and David Carr, QB.
ATLANTA FALCONS — Signed Mike Peterson, LB; and C Brett Romberg. Re-signed Chauncey Davis, DE; Coy Wire, LB; Justin Peele, TE; Jamal Fudge, S; Jason Jefferson, DT; Ben Wilkerson, OL; and Tony Gilbert, LB.
BALTIMORE RAVENS_Signed Domonique Foxworth, CB. Agreed to terms with Ray Lewis. LB; and Matt Birk, C.
BUFFALO BILLS_Signed Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB; Geoff Hangartner, OL; and Terrell Owens, WR. Agreed to terms with Drayton Florence, CB.
CAROLINA PANTHERS_Re-signed Jordan Gross, OT.
CHICAGO BEARS_Signed Frank Omiyale, OL; Josh Bullocks, S; and Marcus Hamilton, DB. Agreed to terms with Kevin Jones, RB.
CINCINNATI BENGALS_Re-signed Cedric Benson, RB; Darryl Blackstock, LB; Chris Crocker, S, and DeDe Dorsey, WR. Signed J.T. O'Sullivan, QB; Laveranues Coles, WR.
CLEVELAND BROWNS_Re-signed Mike Adams, S. Signed C.J. Mosley, DT; Hank Poteat, CB; Robert Royal, TE; and David Bowens, LB.
DALLAS COWBOYS —Signed Keith Brooking, LB; Igor Olshansky, DE; and Matt Stewart, LB.
DENVER BRONCOS_Signed LaMont Jordan, RB; J.J. Arrington, RB; Correll Buckhalter, RB; Andra Davis, LB; Brian Dawkins, S; Ronald Fields, DT; Jabar Gaffney, WR; Andre' Goodman, CB; Renaldo Hill, S; Lonie Paxton, FS; Darrell Reid, DT; Kenny Peterson, DL; and J'Vonne Parker, DT. Agreed to terms with Chris Simms, QB.
DETROIT LIONS_Signed Grady Jackson, DT; Phillip Buchanon, CB; Bryant Johnson, WR; Eric King, CB; Cody Spencer, LB; and Maurice Morris, RB. Agreed to terms with Daniel Loper, OL. Re-signed Jason Hanson, K; Stephen Peterman, G; and Aveion Cason, RB.
GREEN BAY PACKERS_Signed Anthony Smith, S.
HOUSTON TEXANS_Signed Antonio Smith, DE; Darrell McClover, LB; and Dan Orlovsky, QB. Re-signed Chris White, C; Eugene Wilson, S; Joel Dreessen, TE; and Nick Ferguson, S.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS_Re-signed Kelvin Hayden, CB; and Jeff Saturday, C.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS_Signed Sean Considine, S; and Tra Thomas, T. Re-signed Brad Meester, C; Scott Starks, CB; and Joe Zelenka, LS.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS_Agreed to terms with C.J. Jones, WR; Jon McGraw, S; Darrell Robertson, LB; and Travis Daniels, CB.
MIAMI DOLPHINS_Signed Joe Berger, G; Eric Green, CB; and Jake Grove, C. Re-signed Vernon Carey, OT; Yeremiah Bell, S; and Channing Crowder, LB.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS_Re-signed Heath Farwell, LB; Benny Sapp, CB; Jimmy Kennedy, DT; and Jim Kleinsasser, TE.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS_Signed Chris Baker, TE; Fred Taylor, RB; Leigh Bodden, CB; Shawn Springs, CB; and Nathan Hodel, LS. Re-signed Matt Cassel, QB (f), and traded him to Kansas City; re-signed Russ Hochstein, OL; James Sanders, S; Chris Hanson, P; and LB Eric Alexander. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS_Signed Jabari Greer, CB, and Heath Evans, FB. Re-signed Devery Henderson, WR; Jon Stinchcomb, T; and Jonathan Vilma, LB.
NEW YORK GIANTS_Signed C.C. Brown, S; Lee Vickers, TE; Rocky Bernard, DT; Michael Boley, LB; and Chris Canty, DE. Re-signed Brandon Jacobs, RB (f); and David Carr, QB.
Miami Dolphins Sign Eric Green
With Andre Goodman and Renaldo Hill gone, the left side of the backfield was a must to address the Dolphins Secondary. Two free agents have been signed. Gribril Wilson as the FS and Eric Green as the new CB. History shows the Wilson should be an upgrade over Hill, but bloggers have been skeptical of the Green signing. I for one am fine with the signing. I still think the Dolphins will address the CB position early in the draft (D. Butler?). Green/Wilson should be an improvement over Goodman/Hill. Here are Green's stats:
Green (5-11, 196 pounds), started 33 games for the Cardinals over the past four years. Arizona selected him in the third round of the 2005 draft. He started nine games and had 32 tackles and one interception in 2008. In his four seasons, Green has registered 143 tackles (91 solo), forced three fumbles, intercepted two passes, deflected 25 passes, and blocked four kicks.
Green (5-11, 196 pounds), started 33 games for the Cardinals over the past four years. Arizona selected him in the third round of the 2005 draft. He started nine games and had 32 tackles and one interception in 2008. In his four seasons, Green has registered 143 tackles (91 solo), forced three fumbles, intercepted two passes, deflected 25 passes, and blocked four kicks.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Miami Dolphins in Mock Draft...
1. Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
2. Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
3. Chiefs: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
. Seahawks: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
5. Browns: Brian Orakpo, OLB, Texas
6. Bengals: M. Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
7. Raiders: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
8. Jaguars: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
9. Packers: Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
10. 49ers: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
11. Bills: Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
12. Broncos: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
13. Redskins: Brian Cushing, LB, USC
14. Saints: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
15. Texans: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
16. Chargers: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
17. Jets: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
18. BEARS: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
19. Bucs: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
20. a-Lions: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
21. Eagles: Beanie Wells, RB, Ohio State
22. Vikings: Alex Mack, C, California
23. Patriots: Aaron Maybin, OLB, Penn State
25. Dolphins: Larry English, OLB, N. Illinois
26. Ravens: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
27. Colts: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
28. b-Eagles: Louis Delmas, S, W. Michigan
29. Giants: Hakeem Nicks, WR, N. Carolina
30. Titans: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
31. Cardinals: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
32. Steelers: Clay Matthews, LB, USC
2. Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
3. Chiefs: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
. Seahawks: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
5. Browns: Brian Orakpo, OLB, Texas
6. Bengals: M. Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
7. Raiders: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
8. Jaguars: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
9. Packers: Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
10. 49ers: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
11. Bills: Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
12. Broncos: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
13. Redskins: Brian Cushing, LB, USC
14. Saints: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
15. Texans: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
16. Chargers: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
17. Jets: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
18. BEARS: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
19. Bucs: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
20. a-Lions: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
21. Eagles: Beanie Wells, RB, Ohio State
22. Vikings: Alex Mack, C, California
23. Patriots: Aaron Maybin, OLB, Penn State
25. Dolphins: Larry English, OLB, N. Illinois
26. Ravens: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
27. Colts: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
28. b-Eagles: Louis Delmas, S, W. Michigan
29. Giants: Hakeem Nicks, WR, N. Carolina
30. Titans: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
31. Cardinals: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
32. Steelers: Clay Matthews, LB, USC
Free Agents Dolphins Can Still Go After
NEW ORLEANS — Josh Bullocks, S; Mark Campbell, TE; Aaron Glenn, CB; Martin Gramatica, K; Joey Harrington, QB; Terrence Holt, S; Antwan Lake, DT; Mike Lehan, CB; Matt Lehr, G; James Reed, DT; Aaron Stecker, RB.
N.Y. GIANTS — James Butler, S; John Carney, K; Jerome McDougle, DE; R.W. McQuarters, CB/KR; Grey Ruegamer, G/C; Rich Scanlon, LB; Amani Toomer, WR; Anthony Wright, QB; Renaldo Wynn, DL.
N.Y. JETS — Eric Barton, LB; Ahmad Carroll, CB; Jesse Chatman, RB; Bubba Franks, TE; Ty Law, CB; J.R. Reed, S.
OAKLAND — Rashad Baker, S; Cooper Carlisle, G; Drew Carter, WR; Isaiah Ekejiuba, LB; William Joseph, DT; Ashley Lelie, WR; Justin Miller, CB; Marques Tuiasosopo, QB; Sam Williams, LB.
PHILADELPHIA — Jon Runyan, T; L.J. Smith, TE.
PITTSBURGH — Charlie Batch, QB; Mitch Berger, P; Fernando Bryant, CB; Trai Essex, OL; Keyaron Fox, LB; Andre Frazier, LB; Byron Leftwich, QB; Orpheus Roye, DE; Marvel Smith, T.
ST. LOUIS — Oshiomogho Atogwe, S (f); Fakhir Brown, CB; Jason Craft, CB; Anthony Davis, OL; La' Roi Glover, DT; Adam Goldberg, G; Brandon Gorin, OL; Dante' Hall, WR/KR; Nick Leckey, OL; Dane Looker, WR; Ricky Manning Jr., CB; Travis Minor, RB; Eric Moore, DE; Rob Pettiti, OL; Brett Romberg, OL; Gary Stills, LB; Cory Withrow, OL.
SAN DIEGO — Mike Goff, G; Marques Harris, LB; Jeremy Newberry, C; Darren Sproles, RB/KR (f).
SAN FRANCISCO — Billy Bajema, TE; Damane Duckett, DT; DeShaun Foster, RB; Roderick Green, DE; Jamie Martin, QB; Sean Ryan, TE; Donald Strickland, CB.
SEATTLE — Bobby Engram, WR; Charlie Frye, QB; Chris Gray, G; Howard Green, DT; Will Heller, TE; Leroy Hill, LB (f); D.D. Lewis, LB; Wesly Mallard, LB; Steve McKinney, G; Jeff Robinson, TE; Koren Robinson, WR; Leonard Weaver, FB; Floyd Womack, T.
TAMPA BAY — Will Allen, S; Antonio Bryant, WR (f); Kevin Carter, DE; Patrick Chukwurah, LB; Jeff Garcia, QB.
TENNESSEE — Chris Carr, CB/KR; Reynaldo Hill, CB; Justin McCareins, WR; Tyrone Poole, CB; Bo Scaife, TE (f).
WASHINGTON — Ryan Boschetti, DT; Khary Campbell, LB; Phillip Daniels, DE; Jason Fabini, OL; Mike Green, S; Pete Kendall, G
N.Y. GIANTS — James Butler, S; John Carney, K; Jerome McDougle, DE; R.W. McQuarters, CB/KR; Grey Ruegamer, G/C; Rich Scanlon, LB; Amani Toomer, WR; Anthony Wright, QB; Renaldo Wynn, DL.
N.Y. JETS — Eric Barton, LB; Ahmad Carroll, CB; Jesse Chatman, RB; Bubba Franks, TE; Ty Law, CB; J.R. Reed, S.
OAKLAND — Rashad Baker, S; Cooper Carlisle, G; Drew Carter, WR; Isaiah Ekejiuba, LB; William Joseph, DT; Ashley Lelie, WR; Justin Miller, CB; Marques Tuiasosopo, QB; Sam Williams, LB.
PHILADELPHIA — Jon Runyan, T; L.J. Smith, TE.
PITTSBURGH — Charlie Batch, QB; Mitch Berger, P; Fernando Bryant, CB; Trai Essex, OL; Keyaron Fox, LB; Andre Frazier, LB; Byron Leftwich, QB; Orpheus Roye, DE; Marvel Smith, T.
ST. LOUIS — Oshiomogho Atogwe, S (f); Fakhir Brown, CB; Jason Craft, CB; Anthony Davis, OL; La' Roi Glover, DT; Adam Goldberg, G; Brandon Gorin, OL; Dante' Hall, WR/KR; Nick Leckey, OL; Dane Looker, WR; Ricky Manning Jr., CB; Travis Minor, RB; Eric Moore, DE; Rob Pettiti, OL; Brett Romberg, OL; Gary Stills, LB; Cory Withrow, OL.
SAN DIEGO — Mike Goff, G; Marques Harris, LB; Jeremy Newberry, C; Darren Sproles, RB/KR (f).
SAN FRANCISCO — Billy Bajema, TE; Damane Duckett, DT; DeShaun Foster, RB; Roderick Green, DE; Jamie Martin, QB; Sean Ryan, TE; Donald Strickland, CB.
SEATTLE — Bobby Engram, WR; Charlie Frye, QB; Chris Gray, G; Howard Green, DT; Will Heller, TE; Leroy Hill, LB (f); D.D. Lewis, LB; Wesly Mallard, LB; Steve McKinney, G; Jeff Robinson, TE; Koren Robinson, WR; Leonard Weaver, FB; Floyd Womack, T.
TAMPA BAY — Will Allen, S; Antonio Bryant, WR (f); Kevin Carter, DE; Patrick Chukwurah, LB; Jeff Garcia, QB.
TENNESSEE — Chris Carr, CB/KR; Reynaldo Hill, CB; Justin McCareins, WR; Tyrone Poole, CB; Bo Scaife, TE (f).
WASHINGTON — Ryan Boschetti, DT; Khary Campbell, LB; Phillip Daniels, DE; Jason Fabini, OL; Mike Green, S; Pete Kendall, G
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Remaining Free Agents
ARIZONA — Monty Beisel, LB; Bertrand Berry, DE; Elton Brown, OL; Ralph Brown, CB; Karlos Dansby (f); Eric Green, CB; Clark Haggans, LB; Scott Peters, OL; Terrelle Smith, FB; Jerame Tuman, TE.
ATLANTA — Wayne Gandy, OT; Tony Gilbert, LB; Jason Jefferson, DT; Lawyer Milloy, S; Marcus Pollard, TE; Coy Wire, LB.
BALTIMORE — Kyle Boller, QB; Todd Bouman, QB; Terrance Copper; Corey Ivy; CB; Lorenzo Neal, FB; Chad Slaughter, OL; Matt Stover, K; Terrell Suggs, DE/LB (f); Daniel Wilcox, TE.
BUFFALO — Kirk Chambers, OL; Angelo Crowell, LB; Melvin Fowler, OL; Teddy Lehman, LB; J.P. Losman, QB; Corey McIntyre, RB; Duke Preston, OL; Jason Whittle, OL.
CAROLINA — Donte' Curry, LB; Mark Jones, WR/KR; Jason Kyle, LB; Julius Peppers, DE (f); Adam Seward, LB; Darwin Walker, DT.
CHICAGO — Mike Brown, S; Rex Grossman, QB; Kevin Jones, RB; Brandon Lloyd, WR; Darrell McClover, LB; Brandon McGowan, S; Fred Miller, OL; John St. Clair, OL; Cameron Worrell, S.
CINCINNATI — Jamar Fletcher, CB; Eric Ghiaciuc, OL; Shayne Graham (f); John Thornton, DT.
CLEVELAND — Mike Adams, S; Travis Daniels, CB; Darnell Dinkins, TE; Lennie Friedman, G/C; Kris Griffin, LB; Daven Holly; CB; Sean Jones, S; Willie McGinest, LB; Seth McKinney, G; Shantee Orr, LB; Jason Wright, RB; Scott Young, OL.
DALLAS — Brooks Bollinger, QB; Kevin Burnett, LB; Keith Davis, S; Tank Johnson, DT; Carlos Polk, LB; Zach Thomas, LB.
DENVER — Tatum Bell, RB; Ebenezer Ekuban, DE; Darrell Jackson, WR; Marlon McCree, S; Tom Nalen, C; Karl Paymah, CB; Kenny Peterson, DE; Michael Pittman, RB; Jeb Putzier, TE; Patrick Ramsey, QB; Edell Shepherd, DB; Nate Webster, LB.
DETROIT — Aveion Cason, RB; Shaun Cody, DT; Keary Colbert, WR; Damion Cook, OL; George Foster, OT; Rudi Johnson, RB; Paris Lenon; LB; Andy McCollum, G/C; Shaun McDonald, WR; Langston Moore, DT; Ryan Nece, LB; John Owens, TE; Stanley Wilson, CB.
GREEN BAY — Mike Montgomery, DE; Mark Tauscher, T.
HOUSTON — Mark Bruener, TE; DeMarcus Faggins, CB; Nick Ferguson, S; Scott Jackson, OL; Bryan Pittman, OL; Dunta Robinson; CB (f); Cecil Sapp, RB; Jimmy Williams CB; Jeff Zgonina, DT.
INDIANAPOLIS — Matt Giordano, S; Tyjuan Hagler, LB; Keiwan Ratliff, CB; Dominic Rhodes, RB; Hunter Smith, P; Josh Thomas, DE.
JACKSONVILLE — Khalif Barnes, T; Chris Naeole, G; Mike Peterson, LB; Pierson Prioleau, S; Gerald Sensabaugh, S; Reggie Williams, WR.
KANSAS CITY — Jason Babin, LB; Rocky Boiman, LB; Oliver Celestin, S; Adrian Jones, G; Jon McGraw, S; Patrick Thomas, LB.
MIAMI — Al Johnson, C; Tab Perry, WR; Derek Smith, LB.
MINNESOTA — Kenderick Allen, DT; Michael Boulware, S; Heath Farwell, LB; Napoleon Harris, LB; Marcus Johnson, T; Jimmy Kennedy, DT; Benny Sapp, CB; Darren Sharper, S; Dontarrious Thomas, LB; Ellis Wyms, DT.
NEW ENGLAND — Rosevelt Colvin, LB; Rodney Harrison, S; Larry Izzo, LB; Deltha O'Neal, CB; Lewis Sanders, CB; Junior Seau, LB; Kenny Smith, DT; Barry Stokes, OL; Tank Williams, S; Mike Wright, DT.
ATLANTA — Wayne Gandy, OT; Tony Gilbert, LB; Jason Jefferson, DT; Lawyer Milloy, S; Marcus Pollard, TE; Coy Wire, LB.
BALTIMORE — Kyle Boller, QB; Todd Bouman, QB; Terrance Copper; Corey Ivy; CB; Lorenzo Neal, FB; Chad Slaughter, OL; Matt Stover, K; Terrell Suggs, DE/LB (f); Daniel Wilcox, TE.
BUFFALO — Kirk Chambers, OL; Angelo Crowell, LB; Melvin Fowler, OL; Teddy Lehman, LB; J.P. Losman, QB; Corey McIntyre, RB; Duke Preston, OL; Jason Whittle, OL.
CAROLINA — Donte' Curry, LB; Mark Jones, WR/KR; Jason Kyle, LB; Julius Peppers, DE (f); Adam Seward, LB; Darwin Walker, DT.
CHICAGO — Mike Brown, S; Rex Grossman, QB; Kevin Jones, RB; Brandon Lloyd, WR; Darrell McClover, LB; Brandon McGowan, S; Fred Miller, OL; John St. Clair, OL; Cameron Worrell, S.
CINCINNATI — Jamar Fletcher, CB; Eric Ghiaciuc, OL; Shayne Graham (f); John Thornton, DT.
CLEVELAND — Mike Adams, S; Travis Daniels, CB; Darnell Dinkins, TE; Lennie Friedman, G/C; Kris Griffin, LB; Daven Holly; CB; Sean Jones, S; Willie McGinest, LB; Seth McKinney, G; Shantee Orr, LB; Jason Wright, RB; Scott Young, OL.
DALLAS — Brooks Bollinger, QB; Kevin Burnett, LB; Keith Davis, S; Tank Johnson, DT; Carlos Polk, LB; Zach Thomas, LB.
DENVER — Tatum Bell, RB; Ebenezer Ekuban, DE; Darrell Jackson, WR; Marlon McCree, S; Tom Nalen, C; Karl Paymah, CB; Kenny Peterson, DE; Michael Pittman, RB; Jeb Putzier, TE; Patrick Ramsey, QB; Edell Shepherd, DB; Nate Webster, LB.
DETROIT — Aveion Cason, RB; Shaun Cody, DT; Keary Colbert, WR; Damion Cook, OL; George Foster, OT; Rudi Johnson, RB; Paris Lenon; LB; Andy McCollum, G/C; Shaun McDonald, WR; Langston Moore, DT; Ryan Nece, LB; John Owens, TE; Stanley Wilson, CB.
GREEN BAY — Mike Montgomery, DE; Mark Tauscher, T.
HOUSTON — Mark Bruener, TE; DeMarcus Faggins, CB; Nick Ferguson, S; Scott Jackson, OL; Bryan Pittman, OL; Dunta Robinson; CB (f); Cecil Sapp, RB; Jimmy Williams CB; Jeff Zgonina, DT.
INDIANAPOLIS — Matt Giordano, S; Tyjuan Hagler, LB; Keiwan Ratliff, CB; Dominic Rhodes, RB; Hunter Smith, P; Josh Thomas, DE.
JACKSONVILLE — Khalif Barnes, T; Chris Naeole, G; Mike Peterson, LB; Pierson Prioleau, S; Gerald Sensabaugh, S; Reggie Williams, WR.
KANSAS CITY — Jason Babin, LB; Rocky Boiman, LB; Oliver Celestin, S; Adrian Jones, G; Jon McGraw, S; Patrick Thomas, LB.
MIAMI — Al Johnson, C; Tab Perry, WR; Derek Smith, LB.
MINNESOTA — Kenderick Allen, DT; Michael Boulware, S; Heath Farwell, LB; Napoleon Harris, LB; Marcus Johnson, T; Jimmy Kennedy, DT; Benny Sapp, CB; Darren Sharper, S; Dontarrious Thomas, LB; Ellis Wyms, DT.
NEW ENGLAND — Rosevelt Colvin, LB; Rodney Harrison, S; Larry Izzo, LB; Deltha O'Neal, CB; Lewis Sanders, CB; Junior Seau, LB; Kenny Smith, DT; Barry Stokes, OL; Tank Williams, S; Mike Wright, DT.
Dolphins and Terrell Owens?
Don't count on it. Terrell Owens was released from the Dallas Cowboys on 3/4/09. Terrell Owens is still a great player at his age. I think he would help any receving core on a team. But the question remains whether or not he is a "cancer" in the clubhouse. I'm a fan of looking at talent first. I would be ok with hiim going to the Miami Dolphins. In fact, I would welcome it. He is the big receiver that Miami needs. He would compliment the deep threat with Ted Ginn. Chad Pennington is a guy who doesn't focus on one receiver. He has his reads and progressions, but if a player isn't open he is going to the next guy. Pennington likes to spread the ball around. Owens would definitely not be in favor of that. Also, Parcells is a guy who didn't want TO in the first place. It was all Jerry Jones' doing. Jones is more in favor of creating publicity than winning. Ross, the new Dolphins owner, has mentioned that he wants to bring electricity to the Miami franchise. Who knows, maybe he likes to run things like Jerry Jones. I think Ross has kept the personel decisions to Bill Parcells, so I would think Bill has the say whether or not Owens will come to Miami or not. In other words, don't count on it.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Miami Dolphins Sign C Jake Grove.
The Miami Dolphins just signed Jake Grove, who was a center from the Oakland Raiders. Well, at least there will be another Jake on the line. I think Grove will bring a veteran presence that will help the offensive line the Dolphins. He has started most of the games for Oakland. I am happy with the signing. He’s a former 2nd rounder and Grove will add depth to Miami’s line. According to the Sun Sentinel, “The Dolphins will likely have Satele continue to work at center, but, late last season, the coaches experimented with the two-year starter at guard, a position he played in college. His 32 consecutive starts could help him push Donald Thomas for the starting right guard spot.” “The Dolphins identified Grove as a player with the physicality needed to compete against division foes such as the New York Jets' Kris Jenkins, New England's Vince Wilfork and Buffalo's Marcus Stroud, three of the most physically imposing defensive tackles in the NFL.” This will be good if Grove can match up the AFC East’s big tackles. Satele was getting moved around pretty easily when facing big tackles.
Miami Dolphins DBs Gone
Miami’s defensive backs are gone. Both Andre Goodman and free safety Renaldo Hill both signed with the Denver Broncos. “Free safety Renaldo Hill signed a four-year, $10 million deal with the Broncos on Friday, and cornerback Andre' Goodman confirmed he signed a five-year contract with the Broncos that could be worth as much as $25 million on Sunday night.” I think they will be missed as this leaves a big hole for the Dolphin’s defense. Goodman and Hill were both starters, and Goodman did contribute to key interceptions throughout the 2008 season. Hill can easily be replaced as Gibril Wilson was signed. I think Wilson is an upgrade. Jason Allen remains as the starter for now in place of Andre Goodman. I am still a fan of Allen and hope he comes around. Maybe a year under Sparano and Pasqueloni, he has learned to take the reigns of the cornerback position.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Dolphins Offensive Line
Please visit www.yourmiamidolphins.webs.com for more Dolphins news.
As Free Agency is underway. The Miami Dolphins have already been making a splash. There have been a lot of contracts up for the Dolphins after the 2008 season. These have been part of the core success last year. So far so good is what I have to say. The organization have resigned Carey, Crowder, and Bell. Carey has been a decent right tackle, especially in the run game. Jake Long and Justin Smiley are Pro Bowl caliber players and defintely solidify the left side of the line. Samson Satele is a versatile player, but can be over powered at times when playing the center position. According to the Sun Sentinel,
"The Dolphins have approximately $14 million to $16 million in cap space to spend on free agents since the salary cap was increased to $127 million this week.
According to a league source, the Dolphins are a player for Ravens center Jason Brown, who aims to become the highest-paid center in the NFL. Brown and his representatives are pursuing a contract that pays him more than $6 million a season"
With plenty of cap space available, Jason Brown would be good fit. I have wanted him since he became a free agent, because of his size and Parcells likes big people holding the line. The could move Satele to right gaurd and the line will be even more dominate than last year.
As Free Agency is underway. The Miami Dolphins have already been making a splash. There have been a lot of contracts up for the Dolphins after the 2008 season. These have been part of the core success last year. So far so good is what I have to say. The organization have resigned Carey, Crowder, and Bell. Carey has been a decent right tackle, especially in the run game. Jake Long and Justin Smiley are Pro Bowl caliber players and defintely solidify the left side of the line. Samson Satele is a versatile player, but can be over powered at times when playing the center position. According to the Sun Sentinel,
"The Dolphins have approximately $14 million to $16 million in cap space to spend on free agents since the salary cap was increased to $127 million this week.
According to a league source, the Dolphins are a player for Ravens center Jason Brown, who aims to become the highest-paid center in the NFL. Brown and his representatives are pursuing a contract that pays him more than $6 million a season"
With plenty of cap space available, Jason Brown would be good fit. I have wanted him since he became a free agent, because of his size and Parcells likes big people holding the line. The could move Satele to right gaurd and the line will be even more dominate than last year.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
DT Free Agents 2/25/09
Here some of the free agents at the defensive tackle position:
1. Albert Haynesworth
2. Chris Canty
Albert Haynesworth would be the most intriguing player to eye down. He's probably the best defensive tackle available on the market. He will demand big bucks though. According to the Sun Sentinel, he may demand around a $40 million contract. The Dolphins run a 3-4 defense, and I think he would fit well in the system as a big body. As Jason Ferguson is getting up in age, and Haynesworth is still in his 20s, it maybe time to lock in a guy who can anchor the defense. Albert would make the secondary and line backer corp that much better. He is a run stuffer, so the opposing run games should not be much of a factor if Haynesworth is signed.
1. Albert Haynesworth
2. Chris Canty
Albert Haynesworth would be the most intriguing player to eye down. He's probably the best defensive tackle available on the market. He will demand big bucks though. According to the Sun Sentinel, he may demand around a $40 million contract. The Dolphins run a 3-4 defense, and I think he would fit well in the system as a big body. As Jason Ferguson is getting up in age, and Haynesworth is still in his 20s, it maybe time to lock in a guy who can anchor the defense. Albert would make the secondary and line backer corp that much better. He is a run stuffer, so the opposing run games should not be much of a factor if Haynesworth is signed.
WR Free Agents 2/25/09
Here is a list of some of the 2009 WR Free Agents:
Wid Receivers
1. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
2. Devery Henderson
3. Austin Miles
Laveranues Coles is now a free agent. If I were the Miami Dolphins, I would look hard into signing a contract with him. He played with Chad Pennington with the Jets and he was the go-to receiver. he's not a big body, which the Dolphins are looking for. He has the speed to be the number one guy. Ted Ginn is fast, but I don't think he get's the separation like Coles can. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is considered the next best receiver. At age 31, he may not be eyed down the Parcells and the rest of the Dolphins. Some consider him a slot receiver, and that he may only benefit from a number one receiver on the other side.....thoughts?
Wid Receivers
1. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
2. Devery Henderson
3. Austin Miles
Laveranues Coles is now a free agent. If I were the Miami Dolphins, I would look hard into signing a contract with him. He played with Chad Pennington with the Jets and he was the go-to receiver. he's not a big body, which the Dolphins are looking for. He has the speed to be the number one guy. Ted Ginn is fast, but I don't think he get's the separation like Coles can. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is considered the next best receiver. At age 31, he may not be eyed down the Parcells and the rest of the Dolphins. Some consider him a slot receiver, and that he may only benefit from a number one receiver on the other side.....thoughts?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
....Bottom 5 of QBs on Top Ten List
Pat White is a name that has been thrown around the Dolphin news. As the Wildcat broke out in 2008, will a versatile QB be a big part of the plan for 2009? There were a few plays where Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams could not throw a pass, when it was part of the play call. But if a "Vick" type QB is behind Center, it can open up the playbook with a run or pass. Just watch Tim Tebow of Florida. Here is the list from Sports Illustrated:
6. Pat White, West Virginia: The NCAA's all-time rushing leader for quarterbacks has outstanding playmaking ability, but scouts question whether he has the accuracy and touch to develop into a pro-caliber pocket passer. Some teams envision White as a potential utility player who can play receiver/returner/third quarterback. With more teams experimenting with the "Wildcat" formation, White figures to be an intriguing possibility in the middle of the draft.
7. Nathan Brown, Central Arkansas: The small-school standout lacks ideal height but impresses scouts with his instincts and intangibles. He anticipates routes well and displays great awareness by working through progressions quickly under duress. Although he doesn't have the strongest arm, Brown's zip and accuracy are rated above average by most evaluators. That makes him worthy of consideration as a mid-to-late round prospect.
8. Brian Hoyer, Michigan State: After a disappointing senior season, Hoyer was viewed as a free-agent prospect heading into offseason. But a stellar showing at the East-West Shrine Game has scouts rethinking. Blessed with a strong arm, ideal size, and experience running a pro-style offense, Hoyer has convinced a number of scouts that he has the potential to develop into a solid backup.
9. Cullen Harper, Clemson: Once regarded as a highly touted prospect, Harper struggled through an up-and-down senior season. Though he finished as the ACC's leading passer, he finished with a negative touchdown-to-interception differential (13 touchdowns, 14 interceptions). If scouts believe Harper can regain the exceptional form he displayed as a junior, he may go in the latter stages of the draft.
10. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech: The Red Raiders' prolific gunslinger compiled gaudy statistics while directing Tech's wide-open offense. However, his eye-popping numbers don't mask his lack of ideal measurables (scouts question his size, arm strength and ability to run an offense from under center). With Harrell's Red Raider predecessors (Kliff Kingsbury, B.J. Symons and Sonny Cumbie) failing to cut it in the league, some scouts view him as another system quarterback with limited upside.
6. Pat White, West Virginia: The NCAA's all-time rushing leader for quarterbacks has outstanding playmaking ability, but scouts question whether he has the accuracy and touch to develop into a pro-caliber pocket passer. Some teams envision White as a potential utility player who can play receiver/returner/third quarterback. With more teams experimenting with the "Wildcat" formation, White figures to be an intriguing possibility in the middle of the draft.
7. Nathan Brown, Central Arkansas: The small-school standout lacks ideal height but impresses scouts with his instincts and intangibles. He anticipates routes well and displays great awareness by working through progressions quickly under duress. Although he doesn't have the strongest arm, Brown's zip and accuracy are rated above average by most evaluators. That makes him worthy of consideration as a mid-to-late round prospect.
8. Brian Hoyer, Michigan State: After a disappointing senior season, Hoyer was viewed as a free-agent prospect heading into offseason. But a stellar showing at the East-West Shrine Game has scouts rethinking. Blessed with a strong arm, ideal size, and experience running a pro-style offense, Hoyer has convinced a number of scouts that he has the potential to develop into a solid backup.
9. Cullen Harper, Clemson: Once regarded as a highly touted prospect, Harper struggled through an up-and-down senior season. Though he finished as the ACC's leading passer, he finished with a negative touchdown-to-interception differential (13 touchdowns, 14 interceptions). If scouts believe Harper can regain the exceptional form he displayed as a junior, he may go in the latter stages of the draft.
10. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech: The Red Raiders' prolific gunslinger compiled gaudy statistics while directing Tech's wide-open offense. However, his eye-popping numbers don't mask his lack of ideal measurables (scouts question his size, arm strength and ability to run an offense from under center). With Harrell's Red Raider predecessors (Kliff Kingsbury, B.J. Symons and Sonny Cumbie) failing to cut it in the league, some scouts view him as another system quarterback with limited upside.
Top 5 QB Prospects
Sports Illustrated came out w/ a top 10 list of QBs going into the draft. Even though the Dolphins aren't looking at QBs with Pennington conming back and Chad Henne being seen as the future. The question remains about John Beck, and whether or not he can be a backup when Pennington leaves. The Dolphins may look for a QB in the later rounds. Here is a list from Sports Illustrated, and another post have have the bottom five QBs.
1. Matthew Stafford, Georgia: The former Bulldog completed more than 60 percent of his passes while throwing for 3,459 yards with 22 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. As a polished pocket passer with outstanding arm strength and touch, Stafford is at ease directing a pro-style offense. Though he occasionally gets sloppy with his footwork and fundamentals in the pocket, Stafford is the most "pro ready" prospect at the position and will eventually develop into a quality starter.
2. Mark Sanchez, Southern California: The Pac-10's leading passer surprised many with his decision to enter the draft after only one full season as the Trojans' starter. While scouts will downgrade him for his lack of game experience, Sanchez is highly regarded as a pro prospect due to his outstanding physical tools and leadership ability. His spectacular Rose Bowl performance (28-of-35 for 413 passing yards with four touchdowns) is why some view him as a potential franchise-type quarterback.
3. Josh Freeman, Kansas State: As a talented playmaker with a big arm and prototypical size (6-foot-6, 248 pounds), Freeman is likely to shoot up draft boards if he has a strong showing at the combine. Though Freeman leaves as the Wildcats' all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns and total offense, some scouts will poke holes in his game due to his propensity to turn the ball over (34 interceptions in three seasons) and his mediocre record as a starter (14-18). Freeman carries a second-round grade on most boards, but could end up as a late first-round selection.
4. Nate Davis, Ball State: The strong-armed junior completed more than 64 percent of his passes while guiding the Cardinals to a nearly unbeaten regular season. Though Davis finished the season with a pair of disappointing showings, scouts love his pocket presence and improvisational skills. His game should translate well to the pros, making him the latest MAC quarterback (Miami's Ben Roethlisberger, Marshall's Chad Pennington) to find success in the league.
5. Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State: The former Sooner overcame a series of off-field issues to put together a productive career at Sam Houston State. Noted for his strong arm and underrated athleticism, Bomar passed for more than 3,400 yards with 27 touchdowns as a senior, and flashed the ability to develop into a quality starter as a pro. If he can convince scouts that his character concerns are a thing of the past, Bomar could wind up as the biggest draft day sleeper.
1. Matthew Stafford, Georgia: The former Bulldog completed more than 60 percent of his passes while throwing for 3,459 yards with 22 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. As a polished pocket passer with outstanding arm strength and touch, Stafford is at ease directing a pro-style offense. Though he occasionally gets sloppy with his footwork and fundamentals in the pocket, Stafford is the most "pro ready" prospect at the position and will eventually develop into a quality starter.
2. Mark Sanchez, Southern California: The Pac-10's leading passer surprised many with his decision to enter the draft after only one full season as the Trojans' starter. While scouts will downgrade him for his lack of game experience, Sanchez is highly regarded as a pro prospect due to his outstanding physical tools and leadership ability. His spectacular Rose Bowl performance (28-of-35 for 413 passing yards with four touchdowns) is why some view him as a potential franchise-type quarterback.
3. Josh Freeman, Kansas State: As a talented playmaker with a big arm and prototypical size (6-foot-6, 248 pounds), Freeman is likely to shoot up draft boards if he has a strong showing at the combine. Though Freeman leaves as the Wildcats' all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns and total offense, some scouts will poke holes in his game due to his propensity to turn the ball over (34 interceptions in three seasons) and his mediocre record as a starter (14-18). Freeman carries a second-round grade on most boards, but could end up as a late first-round selection.
4. Nate Davis, Ball State: The strong-armed junior completed more than 64 percent of his passes while guiding the Cardinals to a nearly unbeaten regular season. Though Davis finished the season with a pair of disappointing showings, scouts love his pocket presence and improvisational skills. His game should translate well to the pros, making him the latest MAC quarterback (Miami's Ben Roethlisberger, Marshall's Chad Pennington) to find success in the league.
5. Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State: The former Sooner overcame a series of off-field issues to put together a productive career at Sam Houston State. Noted for his strong arm and underrated athleticism, Bomar passed for more than 3,400 yards with 27 touchdowns as a senior, and flashed the ability to develop into a quality starter as a pro. If he can convince scouts that his character concerns are a thing of the past, Bomar could wind up as the biggest draft day sleeper.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Carey Signs New Deal
Here are the details from the Sun Sentinel about Vernon Carey resigning. I'm estatic about the move. He is still young and the line needs to stay cohesive for a while. He would have been considered the best tackle in the market, since Jordan Gross resigned with the Panthers.
Omar Kelly | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
4:22 PM EST, February 20, 2009
INDIANAPOLIS - The Miami Dolphins shouldn't have to worry about the offensive tackle spot for at least a couple of seasons.
Right tackle Vernon Carey signed an extension that will allow the Miami native and former University of Miami standout to remain one of the bookends on the Miami Dolphins' offensive line opposite Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long.
A league source said the new contract is a six-year deal that could pay Carey as much as $42 million if all incentives are reached. The signing bonus was not disclosed but Carey's new contract guarantees him $15 million.
The Miami Dolphins opted not to place the franchise tag on the four-year starter Thursday because the feeling was all parties were close to finalizing a long-term deal that will allow the former first-round pick to possibly finish his career with the NFL team he cheered for as a child.
Omar Kelly | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
4:22 PM EST, February 20, 2009
INDIANAPOLIS - The Miami Dolphins shouldn't have to worry about the offensive tackle spot for at least a couple of seasons.
Right tackle Vernon Carey signed an extension that will allow the Miami native and former University of Miami standout to remain one of the bookends on the Miami Dolphins' offensive line opposite Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long.
A league source said the new contract is a six-year deal that could pay Carey as much as $42 million if all incentives are reached. The signing bonus was not disclosed but Carey's new contract guarantees him $15 million.
The Miami Dolphins opted not to place the franchise tag on the four-year starter Thursday because the feeling was all parties were close to finalizing a long-term deal that will allow the former first-round pick to possibly finish his career with the NFL team he cheered for as a child.
Dolphins in the Market for a Nose Tackle
Here is an article form Sun Sentinel, written by Omar Kelly. With Ferguson not getting young this may be a wise choice to be looking for a new news tackle.
INDIANAPOLIS - When Dolphins coach Tony Sparano was reminded that nose tackle Jason Ferguson is getting up there in years he quickly warned: "Don't tell him that!"
But Ferguson, who is routinely called on to anchor the middle of the Dolphins' defensive line, is a 34-years-old, 12-year veteran, who has openly talked about playing another season or two.
And on top of that, not only is his position the most vital one to a 3-4 defense scheme's success, but most NFL executives and scouts admit nose tackle is the single hardest football position to find and develop.
"It's a hard position to find. A really hard position to find in any draft. Those guys are unique because you've got to want to take on double teams," Sparano said. "You've got to be strong enough to do those kinds of things."
That's why acquiring Ferguson, who contributed 27 tackles last season, was one of the first thing Dolphins vice president of football operations Bill Parcells did when he joined the team. He traded away this year's sixth-round pick, and swapping fifth rounders last year with Dallas to get the big man Parcells initially drafted with the Jets back in 1997, and brought with him to the Cowboys.
"Ferguson has been a good player in this league for a long time, and probably doesn't get the credit he deserves to be honest with you," Sparano said. "I was in Dallas when he got hurt (in 2007) and the hole that was left there was tremendous. Now, to have him for a whole year in Miami, and to have him for 17 games, you see his value. To replace him, or find guys to replace [nose tackles] is a hard job to do."
That's why the process needs to start early because it would be beneficial for Ferguson to groom his replacement.
Last season, when Ferguson suffered an oblique injury in the regular season 27-13 loss to Baltimore defensive end Randy Starks filled in at his spot. But the Dolphins gave up 139 rushing yards in that game.
Second-year defensive tackle Paul Soliai is Ferguson's present backup, but the former fourth-rounders development has been slow (six tackles and a forced fumble in two seasons). Soliai was also suspended twice last season.
Finding a young nose tackle in this draft could become critical if one isn't added in free agency, but defensive tackle is one the thinnest units in the 2009 draft according to most scouts and analysts. And out of that lackluster crop of big men only a handful of the prospects have the size, strength and athleticism needed to play nose in a 3-4 scheme.
Behind Boston College's B.J. Raji, the elite defensive tackle prospect, his college teammate Ron Brace is the best suited to play 3-4 nose considering he's 6-foot-3, 330 pounds.
"Guys like Mississippi's Peria Jerry and [Missouri's] Evander Hood are all 3-technique, undersized guys," said ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay. "So if you don't get Brace in the first two round you'll be looking for backup guys in the fourth, fifth or sixth round."
INDIANAPOLIS - When Dolphins coach Tony Sparano was reminded that nose tackle Jason Ferguson is getting up there in years he quickly warned: "Don't tell him that!"
But Ferguson, who is routinely called on to anchor the middle of the Dolphins' defensive line, is a 34-years-old, 12-year veteran, who has openly talked about playing another season or two.
And on top of that, not only is his position the most vital one to a 3-4 defense scheme's success, but most NFL executives and scouts admit nose tackle is the single hardest football position to find and develop.
"It's a hard position to find. A really hard position to find in any draft. Those guys are unique because you've got to want to take on double teams," Sparano said. "You've got to be strong enough to do those kinds of things."
That's why acquiring Ferguson, who contributed 27 tackles last season, was one of the first thing Dolphins vice president of football operations Bill Parcells did when he joined the team. He traded away this year's sixth-round pick, and swapping fifth rounders last year with Dallas to get the big man Parcells initially drafted with the Jets back in 1997, and brought with him to the Cowboys.
"Ferguson has been a good player in this league for a long time, and probably doesn't get the credit he deserves to be honest with you," Sparano said. "I was in Dallas when he got hurt (in 2007) and the hole that was left there was tremendous. Now, to have him for a whole year in Miami, and to have him for 17 games, you see his value. To replace him, or find guys to replace [nose tackles] is a hard job to do."
That's why the process needs to start early because it would be beneficial for Ferguson to groom his replacement.
Last season, when Ferguson suffered an oblique injury in the regular season 27-13 loss to Baltimore defensive end Randy Starks filled in at his spot. But the Dolphins gave up 139 rushing yards in that game.
Second-year defensive tackle Paul Soliai is Ferguson's present backup, but the former fourth-rounders development has been slow (six tackles and a forced fumble in two seasons). Soliai was also suspended twice last season.
Finding a young nose tackle in this draft could become critical if one isn't added in free agency, but defensive tackle is one the thinnest units in the 2009 draft according to most scouts and analysts. And out of that lackluster crop of big men only a handful of the prospects have the size, strength and athleticism needed to play nose in a 3-4 scheme.
Behind Boston College's B.J. Raji, the elite defensive tackle prospect, his college teammate Ron Brace is the best suited to play 3-4 nose considering he's 6-foot-3, 330 pounds.
"Guys like Mississippi's Peria Jerry and [Missouri's] Evander Hood are all 3-technique, undersized guys," said ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay. "So if you don't get Brace in the first two round you'll be looking for backup guys in the fourth, fifth or sixth round."
Sunday, February 15, 2009
72 Dynasty
Which team do you think had the best Dynasty?
The 1972 Miami Dolphins became the first and only undefeated NFL football team in history. You can say this was an era in which the Miami Dolphins held a dynasty that will be remembered. Fans of the team and fans of the game would remember the staff and the players that played during that era. Every dynasty has a few outstanding players that are remembered, for example, the Dallas Cowboys had Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and Emmitt Smith during the early 90s. Also in the 1970s, there was the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty. They had a defense known as the “Steel Curtain.” Chuck Noll came in as the head coach and “Mean” Joe Green. The history of the 1972 Dolphins shows that teams can be remembered as well. Don Shula, Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick, etc. were all well known then and are remembered today.
The 1972 Miami Dolphins became the first and only undefeated NFL football team in history. You can say this was an era in which the Miami Dolphins held a dynasty that will be remembered. Fans of the team and fans of the game would remember the staff and the players that played during that era. Every dynasty has a few outstanding players that are remembered, for example, the Dallas Cowboys had Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and Emmitt Smith during the early 90s. Also in the 1970s, there was the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty. They had a defense known as the “Steel Curtain.” Chuck Noll came in as the head coach and “Mean” Joe Green. The history of the 1972 Dolphins shows that teams can be remembered as well. Don Shula, Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick, etc. were all well known then and are remembered today.
Bill Parcells: continued
After Parcells had taken reign of Miami’s football operations, a complete overhaul had taken place in the organization. You can say jobs weren’t safe anymore in South Florida sports. Since its expansion, the Miami Dolphins had held a winning franchise with the likes of Don Shula, Dan Marino, Bob Griese, and Jimmy Johnson. Ever since Marino retired from the game, you can say a downward spiral had occurred for the new millennium. From draft blunders, coaches, and quarterback changes; Miami was setting a new tone, but not a good one. Dave Wanstedt was the last coach to take the Dolphins to the playoffs, and that was in 2001. Nick Saban came in hoping to revitalize the team. He took a 4-12 team to a 9-7 record in his rookie year as head coach. Things had looked promising after acquiring Daunte Culpepper as the new quarterback. The Dolphins fell to 6-10 in Saban’s second year. Nick Saban was still the coach, but decided to leave the franchise to go back to college football. This made headlines as it was unexpected. With the team still trying to find its way, Cam Cameron came in to bring the offense to “powerhouse” material. With the worst record in the organization’s history, Huizenga decided enough is enough. Bill Parcells came and brought in a trusted staff. Jeff Ireland took over as the new general manager. Chad Pennington was brought in as the new quarterback. He was the QB Parcells had picked when he was with the New York Jets.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Mock Draft
according to draftsite.com,
What you like to see picked at #25? More mocks will come.
1. Detroit Andre Smith* OT 6'5" 340 Alabama
2 St. Louis Matthew Stafford* QB 6'3" 237 Georgia
3 Kansas City Michael Johnson DE 6'7" 247 Georgia Tech
4 Seattle Michael Crabtree** WR 6'3" 214 Texas Tech
5 Cleveland Chris Wells* RB 6'1" 235 Ohio State
6 Cincinnati Michael Oher OT 6'5" 325 Mississippi
7 Oakland Brian Orakpo DE 6'4" 248 Texas
8 Jacksonville Eugene Monroe OT 6'6" 318 Virginia
9 Green Bay Malcolm Jenkins CB 6'1" 203 Ohio State
10 San Francisco Aaron Curry OLB 6'2" 246 Wake Forest
11 Buffalo Jason Smith OT 6'5" 300 Baylor
12 Denver Everette Brown* DE 6'4" 254 Florida State
13 Washington Aaron Maybin** DE 6'3" 250 Penn State
14 New Orleans Vontae Davis* CB 6'0" 205 Illinois
15 Houston Jeremy Maclin** WR 6'0" 198 Missouri
16 San Diego Rey Maualuga ILB 6'3" 250 USC
17 NY Jets Knowshon Moreno** RB 5'11" 207 Georgia
18 Chicago D.J. Moore* CB 5'10" 180 Vanderbilt
19 Tampa Bay B.J. Raji DT 6'1" 325 Boston College
20 Detroit (from Dallas) Mark Sanchez* QB 6'4" 220 USC
21 Philadelphia LeSean McCoy** RB 5'11" 205 Pittsburgh
22 Minnesota Percy Harvin* WR 5'11" 181 Florida
23 New England James Laurinaitis ILB 6'2" 244 Ohio State
24 Atlanta William Moore S 6'1" 215 Missouri
25 Miami Alphonso Smith CB 5'9" 191 Wake Forest
What you like to see picked at #25? More mocks will come.
1. Detroit Andre Smith* OT 6'5" 340 Alabama
2 St. Louis Matthew Stafford* QB 6'3" 237 Georgia
3 Kansas City Michael Johnson DE 6'7" 247 Georgia Tech
4 Seattle Michael Crabtree** WR 6'3" 214 Texas Tech
5 Cleveland Chris Wells* RB 6'1" 235 Ohio State
6 Cincinnati Michael Oher OT 6'5" 325 Mississippi
7 Oakland Brian Orakpo DE 6'4" 248 Texas
8 Jacksonville Eugene Monroe OT 6'6" 318 Virginia
9 Green Bay Malcolm Jenkins CB 6'1" 203 Ohio State
10 San Francisco Aaron Curry OLB 6'2" 246 Wake Forest
11 Buffalo Jason Smith OT 6'5" 300 Baylor
12 Denver Everette Brown* DE 6'4" 254 Florida State
13 Washington Aaron Maybin** DE 6'3" 250 Penn State
14 New Orleans Vontae Davis* CB 6'0" 205 Illinois
15 Houston Jeremy Maclin** WR 6'0" 198 Missouri
16 San Diego Rey Maualuga ILB 6'3" 250 USC
17 NY Jets Knowshon Moreno** RB 5'11" 207 Georgia
18 Chicago D.J. Moore* CB 5'10" 180 Vanderbilt
19 Tampa Bay B.J. Raji DT 6'1" 325 Boston College
20 Detroit (from Dallas) Mark Sanchez* QB 6'4" 220 USC
21 Philadelphia LeSean McCoy** RB 5'11" 205 Pittsburgh
22 Minnesota Percy Harvin* WR 5'11" 181 Florida
23 New England James Laurinaitis ILB 6'2" 244 Ohio State
24 Atlanta William Moore S 6'1" 215 Missouri
25 Miami Alphonso Smith CB 5'9" 191 Wake Forest
Top Ten FA
lists are out and signings are about to begin. Who would you choose?
By Adam Schefter | NFL Network
1. Julius Peppers, Panthers defensive end –- Coming off a down year, but teams pay premium for pass rushers.
2. Steven Jackson, Rams running back –- Hard to imagine St. Louis parting ways with its most popular player.
3. Tommie Harris, Bears defensive tackle -– Talks on a long-term contract hit a standstill last month.
4. Marion Barber, Cowboys running back –- Last season, one NFC coach said Barber is an elite back in the same class as LaDainian Tomlinson or Adrian Peterson. Now he wants to be paid that way.
5. Chris Snee, Giants guard –- At a time when interior offensive linemen are cashing in, the son-in-law of Giants coach Tom Coughlin is going to cash in.
6. Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders cornerback –- Oakland plans to franchise him again if he remains unsigned, which is a distinct possibility.
7. Albert Haynesworth, Titans defensive tackle –- Tennessee wouldn’t let Haynesworth leave this offseason, and its stance is unlikely to change.
8. Terrell Owens, Cowboys wide receiver -– At the age of 34, T.O. is performing like he were 24.
9. Will Smith, Saints defensive end -– New Orleans defensive end Charles Grant got his money and Smith intends to do the same.
10. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals wide receiver –- Still waiting for his first big-money deal.
By Adam Schefter | NFL Network
1. Julius Peppers, Panthers defensive end –- Coming off a down year, but teams pay premium for pass rushers.
2. Steven Jackson, Rams running back –- Hard to imagine St. Louis parting ways with its most popular player.
3. Tommie Harris, Bears defensive tackle -– Talks on a long-term contract hit a standstill last month.
4. Marion Barber, Cowboys running back –- Last season, one NFC coach said Barber is an elite back in the same class as LaDainian Tomlinson or Adrian Peterson. Now he wants to be paid that way.
5. Chris Snee, Giants guard –- At a time when interior offensive linemen are cashing in, the son-in-law of Giants coach Tom Coughlin is going to cash in.
6. Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders cornerback –- Oakland plans to franchise him again if he remains unsigned, which is a distinct possibility.
7. Albert Haynesworth, Titans defensive tackle –- Tennessee wouldn’t let Haynesworth leave this offseason, and its stance is unlikely to change.
8. Terrell Owens, Cowboys wide receiver -– At the age of 34, T.O. is performing like he were 24.
9. Will Smith, Saints defensive end -– New Orleans defensive end Charles Grant got his money and Smith intends to do the same.
10. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals wide receiver –- Still waiting for his first big-money deal.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Dolphins DL
Visit www.yourmiamidolphins.webs.com for more Dolphins news and merchandise
Well, there is a mix of youth and veterans on the defensive front for the Miami Dolphins. I hope everyone still remembers that guy...Jason Taylor. He was the cornerstone for the franchise until he was traded last year by the trifecta. In comes two new defensive end rookies of Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford. Merling was a second round pick and a projected first rounder. Bill Parcells wants big bodies up front he got that with these two guys. Vonnie Holliday has stuck around from the previous regime, but Jason Ferguson comes in from the Dallas Cowboys. He played with Parcells when he was the coach with Dallas. Ferguson is the biggest body of front to solidify the run in the 3-4 defense. I wouldn't be suprised if a defensive tackle is taken in the first round as Jason is aging reaching his mid 30s as is Vonnie Holliday. Parcells likes to start up front in the trenches. If by some odd draft that BJ Raji from Boston College falls to #25, look for the Dolphins to pick him up. I doubt he will fall that far, but would trading up be worth it? A defensive tackle to hold up on the 3-4 defense will be a priority pretty soon. Don't forget, Ferguson was injured at one time this year.
Well, there is a mix of youth and veterans on the defensive front for the Miami Dolphins. I hope everyone still remembers that guy...Jason Taylor. He was the cornerstone for the franchise until he was traded last year by the trifecta. In comes two new defensive end rookies of Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford. Merling was a second round pick and a projected first rounder. Bill Parcells wants big bodies up front he got that with these two guys. Vonnie Holliday has stuck around from the previous regime, but Jason Ferguson comes in from the Dallas Cowboys. He played with Parcells when he was the coach with Dallas. Ferguson is the biggest body of front to solidify the run in the 3-4 defense. I wouldn't be suprised if a defensive tackle is taken in the first round as Jason is aging reaching his mid 30s as is Vonnie Holliday. Parcells likes to start up front in the trenches. If by some odd draft that BJ Raji from Boston College falls to #25, look for the Dolphins to pick him up. I doubt he will fall that far, but would trading up be worth it? A defensive tackle to hold up on the 3-4 defense will be a priority pretty soon. Don't forget, Ferguson was injured at one time this year.
Parcells and Co.
Bill Parcells and his staff had built a team that went from 1-15 to 11-5 the following year. Fans and sports pundits thought he could turn the team around, but not to 11-5 regular season record and with a playoff appearance. What’s to come? A new owner is in, but as of now, Parcells still has authority to say where this team will go. You can say he knows success and knows how to build upon it. It sounds like he is sticking around at least another year even with the new owner (Ross) in town. Another year with Parcells should at least solidify a promising future for the Dolphins. I believe he has a strong say in how the draft goes and free agency. He wants real football players and so do the Dolphins. He looks for players with a good grasp of the fundamentals in the game. That had led to the success of this season. He knows how to pick players that play well together. Role players are what I like to call them.
Dolphin's Success
Visit www.yourmiamidolphins.webs.com for more Dolphins news and merchandise.
I believe the schedule played a little easy this season to help the Dolphins go 11-5. You can only play the teams that are put in front of you. The NFL has a lot of paridoy with the salary cap. Some teams could be good one year and bad the next. Next season won't be too favorable with the likes of Pittsburgh on the schedule. But who knows, the Steelers could be a team that others want to play next year. Below are comments Tony Sparano said about the success of Miami.
Tony Sparano said,
It's not something I've sat there and really thought about," Sparano said. "I know we need some pieces to continue to get better and I think that was the plan when we came here. We knew we weren't going to solve everything in year one. We were fortunate to have a little bit of success but we will have a tougher road this yearwhen you look at the schedule.
"That's hard to tell because every year, I don't think people expected some of the teams we played this year not to be ... When you look at this whole thing down the road, I don't know where this whole thing will take us. It's our job to make the sure the team is better and is as well prepared as we can we get out there."
I believe the schedule played a little easy this season to help the Dolphins go 11-5. You can only play the teams that are put in front of you. The NFL has a lot of paridoy with the salary cap. Some teams could be good one year and bad the next. Next season won't be too favorable with the likes of Pittsburgh on the schedule. But who knows, the Steelers could be a team that others want to play next year. Below are comments Tony Sparano said about the success of Miami.
Tony Sparano said,
It's not something I've sat there and really thought about," Sparano said. "I know we need some pieces to continue to get better and I think that was the plan when we came here. We knew we weren't going to solve everything in year one. We were fortunate to have a little bit of success but we will have a tougher road this yearwhen you look at the schedule.
"That's hard to tell because every year, I don't think people expected some of the teams we played this year not to be ... When you look at this whole thing down the road, I don't know where this whole thing will take us. It's our job to make the sure the team is better and is as well prepared as we can we get out there."
NFL Overtime Change?
Roger Goodell (commissioner of the NFL)has said,
"Historically about 30 percent of the games in overtime are decided with the team who wins the coin flip scoring on the first possession,'' Goodell said. "That number has risen to about 47 percent. That's significant, and I think it's something our [rules] committee has to look at. When you couple that with the fact that our field goal kickers are much more accurate than they have been in the past that is a danger.''
I'm not a fan of change, but an overtime rule like the college ranks would only seem fair. I was OK with a coin toss, but now that I think about it, it's truly not up to the teams that win. It's actually luck. A team's offense may never step foot on the field. I think an overtime like college football would bring more excitment in that each team has a chance to score and match the other.
"Historically about 30 percent of the games in overtime are decided with the team who wins the coin flip scoring on the first possession,'' Goodell said. "That number has risen to about 47 percent. That's significant, and I think it's something our [rules] committee has to look at. When you couple that with the fact that our field goal kickers are much more accurate than they have been in the past that is a danger.''
I'm not a fan of change, but an overtime rule like the college ranks would only seem fair. I was OK with a coin toss, but now that I think about it, it's truly not up to the teams that win. It's actually luck. A team's offense may never step foot on the field. I think an overtime like college football would bring more excitment in that each team has a chance to score and match the other.
Re-Signing Carey
According to a source in the Sun-Sentinel,
Harvey Fialkov | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Tampa - A source told the Sun Sentinel that the Dolphins are definitely interested in re-signing free-agent tackle Vernon Carey. Free agency doesn't start until Feb. 27, so negotiations will probably heat up during the week of the NFL Scouting Combine (Feb. 24).
Carey, along with left guard Justin Smiley, were the most experienced players on a young offensive line that took a bad hit when promising rookie Donald Thomas was lost for the season in the first regular-season game.
"The Dolphins want Carey back and they will continue to bolster their offensive line," the source said.
The same probably can't be said for free-agent linebacker Channing Crowder, who was lowballed by the team's first offer.
I say Carey needs to be resigned. He is still young and the offensive line needs to stay cohesive for once. It seems like every year, the OL is re-furnished. Gelling is part of success with the offensive line. He is still a good runblocker and pass protection I think will only get better.
Harvey Fialkov | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Tampa - A source told the Sun Sentinel that the Dolphins are definitely interested in re-signing free-agent tackle Vernon Carey. Free agency doesn't start until Feb. 27, so negotiations will probably heat up during the week of the NFL Scouting Combine (Feb. 24).
Carey, along with left guard Justin Smiley, were the most experienced players on a young offensive line that took a bad hit when promising rookie Donald Thomas was lost for the season in the first regular-season game.
"The Dolphins want Carey back and they will continue to bolster their offensive line," the source said.
The same probably can't be said for free-agent linebacker Channing Crowder, who was lowballed by the team's first offer.
I say Carey needs to be resigned. He is still young and the offensive line needs to stay cohesive for once. It seems like every year, the OL is re-furnished. Gelling is part of success with the offensive line. He is still a good runblocker and pass protection I think will only get better.
Tony Sparano's Future
If the Dolphins have a good record with a playoff birth in 2009, look for Tony Sparano to be a mainstay in Miami, just as Bill Cowher was in Pittsburgh. He was a Parcells guy from the beginning. In one of my earlier posts, I will admit I wanted someone with experience. Brian Billick was actually on the top of my list. Sparano has never had head coaching experience in the NFL, but he was an assistant head coach with the Cowboys. You can say he has seen what it takes. Sparano is a football minded guy. He sticks to the fundamentals. You noticed injuries were not an abundance this year compared to last season with Cam Cameron. Preparation is a huge part of playing the game. Sparano knew what it took and he brought in coordinators assist with his logic and carry a new culture. Sparano brings a certain kind of toughness to the team. It was a bend, but don't break defense this year. Unlike last year and years before, the Dolphins found ways to lose close games instead of winning them.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Dolphins OL
Remember the days when fans and reporters were very skeptical about Miami's offensive line? It felt like a was weak link that past four years, even when Vernon Carey was drafted as a first round pick. If only Culpepper had a line that protected him..remember those days? I believe those days are gone. The pick of Jake Long should be a sign to fans and the franchise that a great offensive line is a major part of team success. Long played well as rookie allowing two sacks and is heading to the Pro bowl as an alternate. an article in the Sun-Sentinel had said the re-signing Carey is part the Trifecta's plan. Justin Smiley played well until his injury. I think we would all like to see what Donald Thomas can do. If he lives up to starter material, this OL can be a big threat to opponents. Look for the run game out of the base offense to open up in 2009. Ireland and Sparano will still be looking at OL in the draft and free agency. 2009 will be a good measuring point to see what this line will be for years to come if healthy.
For more Miami Dolphins news and merchandise, visit www.yourmiamidolphins.webs.com
For more Miami Dolphins news and merchandise, visit www.yourmiamidolphins.webs.com
Monday, January 26, 2009
Dolphins' QBs
Pennington, Henne, and Beck. Well, I can say that's a lot better than and Injured Trent Green, Lemon, and Beck. Pennington needs to start next year, and it sounds like Sparano is on top of doing that. This will probably be the first time in which fans will know who is starting by training camp, since the Jay Fiedler days and that's not saying much. Pennington was on a two year contract, and Miami should let him ride out his contract as the starter for 2009, even if Henne looks sharper in camp than last year. Even with an 11-5 record, the team is still finding an identity. Chad Henne needs to take over when the team is starting to set in with players that will be around him for a long time (2008 and 2009 draft)....
visit www.yourmiamidolphins.web.com for your dolphin news.
visit www.yourmiamidolphins.web.com for your dolphin news.
Dolphin's DBs
Goodman, Bell, and Hill are all free agents. Who does Miami resign? if any? You can make a case for resigning Yeramiah Bell and Andre Goodman, but I think Renaldo Hill can be replaced. In the previous posts, I have noted that Miami should keep getting younger. Both Goodman and Bell in their 30s. I think Jason Allen needs to be on the field. I see him holding his own everytime he's in. Yes, he has made coverage mistakes, but as a #1 pick, I think full time play will get him better and better. He was too big of an investment to have him just playing special teams. If Nnamdi Asomugha is available, i think he is a must in signing first....
Miami's LB Situation
Channing Crowder out? Who will come in? Joey Porter isn't getting any younger at 32 for the next season. I want to see the Dolphins get younger at every position. Cameron Wake just signed and could become a replacement in the future for Porter. Roth is still young. Akin Ayodele is going to hit 30 shortly, but young enough to stay a Dolphin for years to come. I would be OK with the resigning of Crowder, but breaking the bank should not happen for him. If he isn't resigned, look for Miami to pick a LB with one of their two first draft picks. Cushing from USC is an intriguing player if he falls to #25.....
Dolphin's Receiving Corps
Before the season started, I wasn't impressed with the core receivers. I was happy with the Wilford signing, because I knew a big receiver was needed. Obviously that didn't mount to anything, but a wasted $6 mil. A #1 type receiver is still needed, even though Ginn was picked to be that guy. I think he will be a #2 at best. Bess who suprised everyone, I believe will be a very good slot receiver. Camarillo is that steady guy who won't put up dazzling numbers, but could be a go-to guy like Ricky Prohel was. He signed an extension, so he will be around for a while. I honestly don't think a receiver is top priority this draft or free agency, unless a player like Anqaun Boldin is availble for maybe a second round pick....
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Miami Dolphins in Free Agency
The Miami Dolphins should be active during free agency, since I haven't seen them 20+ million under the cap in a long time. It seems Otogwe (DB) from St. Louis will be tagged or resigned. If Nnamdi Asomugha from the Oakland Raiders hits the market, I believe he priority one to sign with a lucritive contract. He's 27, so he is fairly young. When Oakland played Denver on primetime early in the season, the commentators were commenting how balls weren't being thrown his way. That is a sign of a "shutdown" corner. Something that Miami is need of since the Surtain and Madison era. If Goodman tests free agecny, then a DB is a must. Will Allen isn't getting younger at age 30. He is a good corner, but he can't match up with certain receivers that are overpowering.
Dolphins before free agency
Well, the only thing to look forward to with Miami is free agency and the draft. I look at the draft as the way to build a team. Free agency to me is about plugging holes with proven good players, and age doesn't matter as much. Eventually those players will hopefully be taken over by the draft picks after a year or two.
The Dolphins have some key players hitting the free agent market in Vernon Carey, Channing Crowder, Andre Goodman, Yermiah Bell, Renaldo Hill. Am I missing anyone? I believe Bell needs to be resigned with a 1 year contract, and Carey with a long term contract. I want to see Miami get younger, but Bell will turn 31. Otogwe will stay with the rams, Bell needs be re-signed. I say Vernon Carey needs to stay long term because he can play LT if needed, he is still young and I think he excels in the run game. Also, I don't see anybody out there besides Gross, and he'll demand Steve Hutchinson money. I think by locking up Carey, other positions can be focused on with a long term view. I believe Miami needs to dab in the FA market and the draft with a lot of defensive players due to age.
The Dolphins have some key players hitting the free agent market in Vernon Carey, Channing Crowder, Andre Goodman, Yermiah Bell, Renaldo Hill. Am I missing anyone? I believe Bell needs to be resigned with a 1 year contract, and Carey with a long term contract. I want to see Miami get younger, but Bell will turn 31. Otogwe will stay with the rams, Bell needs be re-signed. I say Vernon Carey needs to stay long term because he can play LT if needed, he is still young and I think he excels in the run game. Also, I don't see anybody out there besides Gross, and he'll demand Steve Hutchinson money. I think by locking up Carey, other positions can be focused on with a long term view. I believe Miami needs to dab in the FA market and the draft with a lot of defensive players due to age.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Dolphins in Review
I for one was excited to see the Miami Dolphins go 11-5 this year and see them make the playoffs. It was nice to be able to watch every game this season and know that each one counted. The win against the Jets made the season savoring, even if it was "one and done" in the playoffs.
The Parcells hiring meant that the Organization was going to get "football" minded and bring in a certain culture (toughness) ala Pittsburg Steelers. I liked the hiring of GM Jeff Ireland, but I wasn't sold on Sparano at first. Truthfully I was a Brian Bilick fan, because I wanted someone with NFL head coaching experience. Throughout the season, I noticed it was night and day with Cameron and Sparano (sloppy vs fundamentals).
This team was 1-15 last season, and everyone (ESPN, sports writers, fans) wrote them off this year because of that. It seems nobody understands the parody in the NFL. Remember, this was a team picked to win the Superbowl the season before the 1-15 disaster. I actually predicted a 9-7 record this year with Josh McCown as QB, then I went with a 10-6 record with Pennington as QB. It proves that with one good leader in the clubhouse and on the field a well prepared team can win on any given Sunday. Do you think they would have gone 1-15 if Trent Green stayed healthy? Just look at the Detroit Lions. I don't think they would have gone 0-16 if Kitna was QB. I fell off the 10-6 bandwagon after the Arizona game, but Sparano and the coaching staff proved to me that he is a coach that needs to stay around a long time in Miami. To me, he was the best signing this season.
I was questioning the draft with the two signings of Merling and Langford, wondering why two defensive ends in the early rounds. I was for the Jake Long signing, as a lot of others were for Chris Long. I am a fan of building an offensive line, because a good line will make the passing and rushing game better (killing two birds with one stone). Even though the rushing wasn't good out of the base offense, that may had a lot to do with injuries of Donald Thomas and Smiley later on. After seeing how the run defense played out this season, I am OK with Merling and Langford, because they can only get better. It proves that building a winning team, it starts with the trenches. To build a Superbowl team, that's where skill players come into play.
The Parcells hiring meant that the Organization was going to get "football" minded and bring in a certain culture (toughness) ala Pittsburg Steelers. I liked the hiring of GM Jeff Ireland, but I wasn't sold on Sparano at first. Truthfully I was a Brian Bilick fan, because I wanted someone with NFL head coaching experience. Throughout the season, I noticed it was night and day with Cameron and Sparano (sloppy vs fundamentals).
This team was 1-15 last season, and everyone (ESPN, sports writers, fans) wrote them off this year because of that. It seems nobody understands the parody in the NFL. Remember, this was a team picked to win the Superbowl the season before the 1-15 disaster. I actually predicted a 9-7 record this year with Josh McCown as QB, then I went with a 10-6 record with Pennington as QB. It proves that with one good leader in the clubhouse and on the field a well prepared team can win on any given Sunday. Do you think they would have gone 1-15 if Trent Green stayed healthy? Just look at the Detroit Lions. I don't think they would have gone 0-16 if Kitna was QB. I fell off the 10-6 bandwagon after the Arizona game, but Sparano and the coaching staff proved to me that he is a coach that needs to stay around a long time in Miami. To me, he was the best signing this season.
I was questioning the draft with the two signings of Merling and Langford, wondering why two defensive ends in the early rounds. I was for the Jake Long signing, as a lot of others were for Chris Long. I am a fan of building an offensive line, because a good line will make the passing and rushing game better (killing two birds with one stone). Even though the rushing wasn't good out of the base offense, that may had a lot to do with injuries of Donald Thomas and Smiley later on. After seeing how the run defense played out this season, I am OK with Merling and Langford, because they can only get better. It proves that building a winning team, it starts with the trenches. To build a Superbowl team, that's where skill players come into play.
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