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.
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