Extra Points

Fisher Hold Up Likely Due to Money

2012-01-12T10:51:00.000-05:00

There’s an old saying in the news business: Where’s there’s smoke, there’s fire. This seems to apply to the rumors that Jeff Fisher has chosen the Miami Dolphins over the St. Louis Rams and is currently in negotiations with owner Stephen Ross.

The most credible source of the “smoke” is a story yesterday by NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi that asserts Fisher prefers the Dolphins and that he is getting “close” to a deal to become the 8th head coach in team history.

Lombardi has a very good reputation and there is credibility to his account of the situation.

So what’s the hold up?

As is the case with any high level executive in business or football, hiring delays are almost always caused by disagreements related to power or money. In Fisher’s case, it’s probably money as power structure is not a major issue with Ross.

Yes, Ross has deep pockets. But he won’t feel good about his relationship with Fisher if he gets taken on an exorbitant contract. So this, in my opinion, is the probable delay in announcing Fisher.

Could Fisher have a third suitor in play? Sure, it’s possible. The Colts would be the likely team in that scenario. But SI’s Peter King shot that idea down today on Twitter: “Not an open competition…Miami or St.L.”. Like Lombardi, King is pretty good and can be trusted.

So my advice to those anxious over Fisher’s pending decision: be patient through tomorrow. However, if Fisher doesn’t decide by tomorrow the Dolphins should begin to worry about his true commitment to the job. In that event, it would be prudent for the Dolphins to move on to a solid candidate like Mike Zimmer.

2012 Opponents

2012-01-03T13:58:00.000-05:00

The NFL has announced the Miami Dolphins’ 2012 home and away opponents.

Aside from the regular divisional home and away games (Buffalo, New England, New York Jets), the Dolphins will face the following teams:

HOME
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tennessee Titans
Oakland Raiders
St. Louis Rams
Seattle Seahawks

AWAY
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts
Cincinnati Bengals
Arizona Cardinals
San Francisco 49ers

Times and dates will be announced over the summer by the league.

Statement from Jeff Ireland on Coaching Search

2012-01-02T13:21:00.000-05:00

The Dolphins just issued the following statement from GM Jeff Ireland. Take it for what it's worth...

"Steve Ross and I have a plan in place that is designated to insure that we identify and interview an outstanding set of candidates for the head coaching position. The process will be thorough, it will be in compliance with NFL policies, and will provide the best possible result for the franchise.

That search has begun and there is no designated timetable; it will be conducted in a manner that gives us the greatest opportunity to hire the individual we feel is best suited to become the team’s head coach. Steve and I are excited to embark on this process, and we are confident that it will result in the selection of an outstanding individual who will return the Dolphins to their long-time status as one of the most successful teams in the league."

Shouldn't Ross Sack Ireland Too?

2011-12-12T09:23:00.000-05:00

A coach is like a gourmet chef. His dishes are only as good as the ingredients he's given to work with. Once in a great while, the chef can turn out a meal that exceeds the sum of the parts. But more often than not, the meal ends up being a direct reflection of the quality, or lack thereof, provided.

If recent reports from The Miami Herald's Armando Salguero prove true, the message from owner Stephen Ross is clear: he thinks Tony Sparano was given quality ingredients but failed to produce a winning meal.

Give us a break, Ross.

I will spare my readers a long list of mistakes made by Ireland during his Dolphins tenure, a list widely and often chronicled. And I will swiftly remind everyone here that despite Bill Parcells' domineering presence in the organization for three of the past four seasons, Ireland was still accountable for the personnel.

So while a good coach can sometimes make chicken soup out of chicken feathers, the fact that he was asked to use feathers falls on the GM.

Remember, Ireland and Sparano are a package deal. Both came here with the singular goal of getting this team on a championship track.

Both failed, after having a very fair chance to succeed. And three consecutive losing seasons, a feat not seen in these parts since before most Dolfans were born, means that progress has not been made.

Ross is right to sack Sparano. But he also needs to fire the guy who failed to find a QB, decent offensive linemen, and defenders who can cover and tackle.

Things I Am Thankful For

2011-11-24T07:30:00.000-05:00

For many, Thanksgiving is a day for reflection. And so I offer up a few of the things that I am (and would be) thankful for this year.

• I'm thankful for a wonderful wife for all the love she brings to our family...and her tolerance of my mood swings where the Miami Dolphins are concerned.
• I'm thankful for two wonderful, healthy, and happy children. Believe me, I know how lucky I am.
• I'm thankful for my mom and all the love she brings to our family.
• I'm thankful to all of the NFL players, coaches, and people who give generously of their time to help those less fortunate. They may never know or be able to fully appreciate the joy they truly bring into the lives of the people they touch.
• I'm thankful for living in a great country where a man can enjoy freedom and build a wonderful life for himself and his family.
• Speaking of freedom, I'm thankful to all the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who are spending their holidays away from their families and friends so that I can spend mine with mine in peace.
• I’d be thankful if the NFL would get a pay-per-view deal done with cable TV. Enough is enough!
• I'm thankful for Instant Replay. A referee's mistake shouldn't decide the outcome of a game. Ever.
• I'm thankful for the Internet, simply one of the greatest innovations of our time.
• I'm thankful for cruise ships. For a week, an oasis of peace and relaxation.
• I'm thankful for golf...except when I three-putt.
• I’d be thankful if more folks would play the game of golf at a reasonable pace. It’s easy…just pick a club, step up to the ball, take a practice swing (if you must), and hit the damn ball. Please.
• I'm thankful for the determination and "no quit" mindset of Tony Sparano and his players. The fans deserve nothing less.
• I'm thankful for the changing of the seasons. Nothing defines the passing of time better.
• I'm thankful for good Brooklyn pizza and cold beer, one of the world's most perfect food combination.
• I’d be thankful if Washington would come up with a plan for affordable healthcare.
• As a Florida State alumnus, I'm thankful for Bobby Bowden. A first class man who ran a first class program.
• I'm thankful for Starbucks coffee. Anytime.
• I'd be thankful for an evening when I can get seven uninterrupted hours of sleep.
• I’d be thankful not to have to shovel as much snow as I did last year. Man that sucked!
• I'm thankful for airplanes and how they make the world smaller.
• I'm thankful for football, the greatest game ever invented. God, I love it so.

Three Dolphins Named HOF Semi-Finalists

2011-11-23T14:30:00.000-05:00

Former Miami Dolphins Director of Personnel and Pro Scouting George Young, who ran the team's scouting operation from 1975-1978, has been named a semi-finalist for the 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame.

During Young's tenure, the Dolphins began the process of rebuilding the core of the team after the great Super Bowl teams of the early 70s began to wane. Some of the fine players acquired during his tenure include WR Freddie Solomon, LB Steve Towle (1976 team MVP), DE/LB Kim Bokamper (Pro Bowler), WR Duriel Harris (Hook and Lateral fame), RB Gary Davis, CB Norris Thomas, DE/LB A.J. Duhe (Pro Bowler), NT Bob Baumhower (Pro Bowler), FB Leroy Harris, WR Jimmy Cefalo, CB Gerald Small, T Eric Laakso, DE Doug Betters (Pro Bowler and NFL Defensive Player of the Year), TE Bruce Hardy (#1 all-time in receptions for a Dolphin TE), and C Mark Dennard.

Young left the Dolphins to become General Manager of the New York Giants, where they won three Super Bowls. Don Shula called him "instrumental in any success that this league has had in a lot of different ways".

Young passed away in 2001.

Former Dolphins Executive Vice President of Football Operations Bill Parcells is another semi-finalist. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Coach of the Year award winner.

Finally, WR Cris Carter, who played for the 2002 Miami Dolphins, is a semi-finalist. He was also a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings where his Hall-worthy resume was built.

Congratulations to these well-deserving men!

Can the Dolphins Win Six Straight?

2011-11-23T12:40:00.000-05:00

For those of you clinging to the notion of the 3-7 Dolphins making the playoffs, the recipe is simple. They must win out and hope for a lot of help. In other words, you need a pretty thick rug for the kind of praying required between now and January 1.

But even if the playoffs are unattainable, can the Dolphins win six straight?

Sure, anything can happen. But luck aside, the real question to ask is "are they good enough to do it?".

Every team the Dolphins will face here on out, except one, has a .500 record or better. The best of the lot is New England at 7-3 and that game is at Gillette Stadium. Half of their remaining games are at home, half on the road.

So on paper this stretch of games will be the toughest test we've seen the Dolphins face in the Tony Sparano era.

Three things must continue if the Dolphins are to have a shot at winning out:
1) QB Matt Moore must continue to play well.
2) The offensive line must keep him clean, and
3) The defense must continue the level of play commensurate with its talent.

If the Dolphins win out but miss the playoffs, it says here that coach Tony Sparano and GM Jeff Ireland keep their jobs. Owner Stephen Ross would have no choice, really.

2011 Miami Dolphins Alumni Unsung Hero Award

2011-11-16T11:38:00.002-05:00

The Miami Dolphins need your insight and vote to select the next winner(s) of the Unsung Hero Award.

The Alumni Association’s Unsung Hero Award was established in 2004 to honor former Dolphins players who did not receive the recognition that he deserved during his playing days. In order to be nominated for the award, a retired player must have seen action in a minimum of four seasons during the allotted time period and not earn All Pro or Pro Bowl recognition.

Previous winners include quarterback Earl Morrall in 2004, running back Tony Nathan in 2005, wide receiver/tight end Jim Jensen in 2006, defensive tackle Manny Fernandez in 2007, running back Bernie Parmalee In 2008, quarterback Don Strock in 2009 and Shawn Wooden in 2010.

This year, the nominees are players who saw action during the 2000-10 time period. They are:
DE David Bowens
G Mark Dixon
QB Jay Fiedler
WR Oronde Gadsden
S Trent Gamble
LB Morlon Greenwood
FB Rob Konrad
RB Travis Minor
TE/LS Ed Perry
T Todd Wade

The team is asking Dolfans to select the final three nominees from the list on the attached link, with the Dolphins Alumni Association selecting the final winner(s).

My recommendations are:
1) QB Jay Fiedler: Third all-time in attempts, completions, passing yards (11,040), and touchdowns (66). #1 in career rushing TDs by a QB (11).
2) G Mark Dixon: Came to the Dolphins from the CFL; one of the best free agent finds in team history; a terrific all-around lineman with crazy good fundamentals.
3) WR Oronde Gadsden: An arena league receiver who became a quality NFL starter. Famous for catching Dan Marino's last TD pass (#420) and other clutch one-handed receptions.

Please click on the following link and cast YOUR votes today!
2011 Unsung Hero Award

Attention Dolfans -- Vote Matt Moore for FedEx Air Player of the Week

2011-11-09T10:00:00.001-05:00

Courtesy Miami Dolphins

One of the bright lights in this otherwise dim season was the play of QB Matt Moore in last Sunday's 31-3 blowout win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Moore's performance was the best among all NFL QBs last week, and the best by a Dolphin QB in years. He threw for 244 yards, 3 TDs, and 0 INTS for a sparkling 148.5 passer rating.

Fittingly, the NFL is recognizing Moore for his fine play with the AFC Offernive Player of the Week award and a FedEx Air Player of the Week nomination. Congratulations Matt!

NOW HERE'S YOUR PART, DOLFANS: Click on the following link and vote for Matt for FedEx Air Player of the Week. He is up against Aaron Rodgers of the Packers and Matt Ryan of the Falcons. Show your appreciation for his fine work and let's get some POSITIVE national recognition to a Miami Dolphin for a job well done!

CLICK HERE: FedEx Air Player of the Week Ballot.

Moore's Performance Leaves Us Wanting More

2011-11-07T14:31:00.000-05:00

The Dolphins got off the schneid in a big way yesterday when they throttled the Chiefs, with Matt Moore reminding us what could be possible with quality QB play.

The stats show Moore was 17-of-23 for 244 yards with three touchdowns and no picks for a sparkling QB rating of 147.5, the best of his career. It was a refreshing performance we've not seen around these parts since Chad Pennington was at the helm in 2008. Moore was accurate, did not dink-and-dunk, was not sacked, and once again flashed excellent mobility.

Was this just a one week aberration? Probably; his inconsistency thus far suggests nothing else. But we now have to pause just a bit to watch further because there are QBs in this league, like Ryan Fitzpatrick, who suddenly “get it” in Year 4 or 5 for some inexplicable reason.

Could Moore be next in line? Sometimes it is a virtuoso performance like the one Moore delivered on Sunday that cements confidence in a guy, the “I can do this” conviction that changes careers. One game can’t tell us if that’s happened, but the possibility certainly exists.

For now, let’s not get carried away. Let’s see Moore do it again next week against the Washington Redskins, and the following week against Fitzpatrick’s Buffalo Bills during this upcoming home stand. If he gets the job done, we'll have something "Moore" to talk about.

0-16 Would Be a Disgrace

2011-11-05T16:07:00.000-04:00

I get the idea of “Suck for Luck”. Dolfans and local media types have been served empty promises and broken dreams for a dozen seasons since You Know Who retired. Patience is now exhausted, to the point of extreme measures. Thus, “Suck for Luck”.

Let me be clear: I’m as frustrated and disgusted with the state of affairs as the next loyalist. I want change too. I want to see this team get back to their customary station among the league elite.

But root to go 0-16?

As Meatloaf would sing, “No I won’t do that”.

In fact, I will be rooting for the Dolphins to win tomorrow at Kansas City. And the week after that versus the Redskins. And so on. I want this team to go 9-7. I want this team to be respectable and a winner THIS season, rather than speculate on Andrew Luck who may (or may not) end up in Miami and be (or not be) the next great QB in team history.

Any why is that?

Pride. Honor. Character. And yes, Integrity to those of you who think this 0-7 slide is on purpose.

For those of you who believe in it, add Karma to that list because losers do get what they deserve in the end.

All of these things matter in life, people. Demand it!

Bottom line: A Dolphins team with this amount of talent that can’t win even one lousy game would be a disgrace, among the worst in NFL history. There’s no excuse for that, no pardoning or justifying it.

No, not even the chance to get Andrew Luck.

Are the Dolphins Failing on Purpose?

2011-10-11T12:26:00.001-04:00

From time to time I receive e-mail suggesting that the 2011 Miami Dolphins are failing on purpose in an effort to gain the top pick in the 2012 draft. These conspiracy theorists reason that subtle actions have been taken to set the team up to lose each and every week.

These are wild takes that are admittedly funny to read. But I think losing on purpose in the NFL is a pretty far-fetched theory.

Simply put, it would require a lot of people to be in on the conspiracy and to be quiet about it. At a minimum, owner Stephen Ross, GM Jeff Ireland, coach Tony Sparano, and coordinators Brian Daboll and Mike Nolan would have to be complicit. Ross would have to guarantee job security and/or a lot of money in exchange for their overall silence. And you’d have to find a way to keep the locker room intact, because if players had a whiff of such a plan, the revolt would be instantaneous.

That being said, I do acknowledge the peculiarity of the low level of play relative to the apparent talent level, especially on defense. There’s no way that unit should be ranked 28th in total defense and 31st in passing, even with the injuries to DBs Vontae Davis and Chris Clemons. Arguably, they almost have to be trying to be that bad given the talent and the level of play from last year.

Of course offense is a lot easier to screw up by inserting a bad player here and there (or a bunch of underachieving ones) and tweaking the playcalling. But again, it would take too many people to be in on the scheme for it to work, and leaks would invariably happen.

So while the conspiracy theorists offer interesting takes, the real fact of the matter is that this is just a bad football team hampered by the lockout (conditioning and offensive/defensive preparation) and a losing culture that has taken hold of this moribund season.

There's Only One Solution For These Dolphins

2011-10-05T08:32:00.001-04:00

It’s become a tiresome affair, these Dolphins. Once again on the wrong side of .500. Once again with a slow start. Once again with trouble scoring points. And now, shockingly, trouble with stopping others from doing the same.

It was supposed to be different. 2007 was never supposed to happen again, a virtual impossibility under a Bill Parcells-built organization. After all, the coaches are different and the front office has been almost completely turned over. So has the roster as only four players remain from that 1-15 season: Yeremiah Bell, Vernon Carey, Brandon Fields, and Paul Soliai.

Now, there's only one path forward for the Miami Dolphins.

This week on Phins.com, I focus on the future and the balance of this season. Here's a link, check it out: There's Only One Solution For These Dolphins

Four Reasons Why Dolphin D Failed

2011-09-13T09:08:00.002-04:00

For me, the biggest surprise from last night’s opening loss to the Patriots was the ease with which Tom Brady and friends carved up the Dolphin defense. This was supposed to be a Top 10 caliber unit. But the pass rush was lame and the defensive backs didn’t consistently challenge receivers. The result was 600+ yards of offense surrendered in one of the worst defensive performances we’ve seen in these parts since Tom Olivadotti was Jim Kelly's whipping boy. It was a complete and thorough embarrassment.

So how did a defense that was touted as being elite go so wrong? There were several reasons, but four in particular jumped out at me.

1) Insufficient Conditioning: The defense was not in good enough shape to go four quarters in the South Florida heat and humidity, an unpardonable sin. Worse, they were not even in good enough shape to go four quarters with a team from the Northeast US where humidity tends to be a fraction of the wet blanket levels we are used to in South Florida. Once again, we cast a wary eye at the Nick Saban Memorial Bubble, which the Dolphins continue to use liberally. The intent of that bubble was to avoid missed practices when lightning threatened, a sensible contingency. But coach Tony Sparano uses it much more often than that. Once while I was at the facility on a beautiful September day, Sparano inexplicably had his players working indoors. Would Don Shula do that? I think not. We should also be suspicious of the lockout and the overall conditioning of the players when they reported.

2) Poor Gameplanning: Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan was outcoached last night, plain and simple. The Pats 'no huddle' scheme prevented Nolan from implementing more variation in his calls and he was clearly not prepared for that or was unable to adjust to it. The Dolphins were therefore forced to rotate among a handful of standard sets for most of the game. This confined OLB Cam Wake mostly to the strongside rather than Nolan's preferred approach of moving him around. This in turn made the job of the Pats offensive line much easier. By keeping the Dolphins vanilla, Brady was able to consistently exploit known weaknesses. It was a very well conceived gameplan by the Patriots offensive staff and it worked to near perfection.

3) Overmatched Secondary: Rookie FS Reshad Jones is not a starting caliber NFL safety. The Patriots knew that (A.J. Edds the source?) and exploited Jones repeatedly, suckering him into misreads and blown coverages. Starting CBs Vontae Davis and Sean Smith played well below their respective ability levels, raising doubts about their prospects as difference makers. Nickel and dime backs were clearly outclassed by the Patriot receivers. On one scoring play, DB Benny Sapp’s feet seemed stuck in cement as TE Rob Gronkowski ran an inside slant for the easy TD. On another, a 99 yard scoring play by former Dolphin WR Wes Welker, Benny Sapp was stiff-armed to the ground. Once again, Sparano’s decision to bypass veteran Will Allen in favor of younger talents proved foolish.

4) Poor Tackling: Patriot ballcarriers consistently broke tackles or ran over Dolphin defenders. I saw a lot of sloppy technique, especially arm tackles and a failure to finish after making contact. For a defense, there can be no worse indictment than poor tackling.

Dolphins: Six Keys to Success for 2011

2011-09-12T10:58:00.000-04:00

It’s at the start of the season when hope blossoms at its fullest. That blossom of hope either glistens into the New Year or wilts away before the holidays arrive.

There have been far too many wilted holidays for Dolfans over the past 10 years. I could write volumes as to why, but this annual column is really about hope. It’s about why you should (or shouldn’t) have faith in the upcoming season.

After one of the most disruptive and unsettled offseasons in team history, GM Jeff Ireland and coach Tony Sparano set out to re-tool the offense (players and philosophy) while dealing with a crippling labor crisis and the major fallout from consecutive losing seasons. So, understandably and deservedly, criticism and skepticism were the themes du jour.

As the regulars here know, my own view of the Dolphins has been quite guarded since this past January. It had to be after back to back 7-9 seasons, with Bill Parcells skulking off and the owner looking like the second coming of Dan Snyder. And so the days of taking the word of team leadership at face value are past. Actions and results are all that matter now.

This is how the 2011 Dolphins must ultimately be judged. But more to the point, it is how the current regime will be judged.

That being said, I am encouraged by what I have seen during the abbreviated offseason and preseason. QB Chad Henne looks to have grown, both mentally and physically. The offensive skill positions are improved. Special teams, that ongoing burden, look as solid as I’ve seen them. And the defense, under the steady hand of Mike Nolan, has a chance to be elite.

The sum of all this should be a playoff berth, provided that my "Six Keys to Success” are realized, which is the subject of my column this week on Phins.com: Six Keys to Success for 2011.

I hope you stop over and check it out before tonight's kickoff. Good luck Dolphins!

Fan Support Must be Earned

2011-09-08T08:56:00.002-04:00

Dolfans are among the most intelligent and discriminating fans in the game. They KNOW what good football is. And the Dolphins consistently delivered that product to South Florida over the first 35 years of the club's history. The result? A full stadium, an enthusiastic fan base, the admiration of peers, titles, and a reserve of goodwill.

Sadly, the Dolphins squandered that goodwill through much of the last decade and into the new. The fan base has grown skeptical, enduring fiasco after fiasco since Jimmy Johnson's departure in 1999.

Not surprisingly, the Dolphins are now struggling to sell tickets to their games with a desperate regime trying to hide the incompetence of the past behind flashy stars and silly promos. The latest insult is a gimmick called “Gator Day”, more evidence that the front office has lost touch with the fan base.

There is such a thing as trying to do too much, and the time has come for the front office to stop selling NY Jets jerseys in the team store and other stupid moves and just support the football side of the house anyway they can. Only Tony Sparano and the players can win the fans back, sell tickets to the faithful, and reestablish home field advantage because THEY are the product! THEY are the Miami Dolphins. Only THEY can earn back the trust and good faith by going out and WINNING. When that happens, people will return.

Gator Toast Another Front Office Mistake

2011-08-29T16:03:00.000-04:00

The recent news out of Davie that the Dolphins will honor the University of Florida 2008-2009 National Championship team during the October 23 game versus Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos ranks among the dumbest decisions this current regime has made.

I'd put it just above the decision to sell New York Jets gear in the team store as it is another example of threatening home field advantage in order to make money.

It's true; Steve Ross and his lieutenants are VERY desperate to sell tickets these days. Clearly, they'll do ANYTHING to make money, even bring in enemy NY Jets fans. That's not to say that all Gator fans hate the Dolphins. But many Gator fans do not like the Dolphins, and it is easy to see how those Gator fans could get carried away rooting for the Tebow's team, even if Tebow doesn't play. And the Broncos would be stupid not to play him in front of sympathetic road fans.

This is also a bit of a P.R. gaff. The Miami Hurricanes are tenants at Sun Life Stadium and bear no love whatsoever for the Gainesville faithful. And while Dolfans who went to the "U" aren't going to dump their Dolphins season tickets over this perceived insult, they are going to be annoyed. And annoying season ticket holders is just plain stupid.

At a time when the Ross regime should be doing everything they can to encourage home field advantage, it makes no sense whatsoever for them to suggest anything that would detract from that objective. Unfortunately, this latest gaff does just that and once again raises suspicions that wins are being jeopardized in order to make money.

Treason at SunLife Stadium

2011-07-20T10:16:00.003-04:00

Today, The Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero posted this picture on his Twitter account. It was reportedly taken in the Miami Dolphins Team Store at SunLife Stadium.

Yes, you read that right: The Dolphins Team Store.

The shirt reads “Home of the Jets”

Seriously.

So what does this tell us?

One obvious conclusion is that not everyone in the Miami Dolphins organization is a loyalist. Somewhere in the organization is a loser who thinks the team is better off by whoring themselves to people who wish the Dolphins the worst.

What kind of a moron does Stephen Ross have running the show over there? Or is this being done at Ross's direction?

Do you think the Jets are reciprocating right now? How about the Patriots or the Bills?

This is an outrage and an embarassment to every loyal Dolfan out there, the latest in a string of embarassments that the dysfunctional team has endured in the past 12 months. And it's not a singular event...the team has been offering Jets gearfor sale now in their team store for years!

Enough is enough!

Are the Dolphins more interested in winning or in making money?

You be the judge.

Players' Comments Troubling for Dolphins

2011-07-13T11:19:00.001-04:00

We’ve seen some ominous signs recently from the NFL players that suggest the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations are not going as swimmingly as some in the media have suggested.

Late last week, one member of the negotiating team representing the players told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that their concessions and overtures to the owners “have not been reciprocated."

Today, a statement was issued by QBs Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees calling the players’ proposals “fair for both sides and it is time to get this deal done. This is the time of year we as players turn our attention to the game on the field. We hope the owners feel the same way."

Folks, statements like these aren’t made when two parties are just days away from ratifying a new CBA. Rather, it’s a sign that significant hurdles remain to be cleared before the lockout can end.

For the Miami Dolphins, a team in transition in the front office and on the field, time is especially precious. Camp is scheduled to begin July 27, yet the team must still fill out the roster with much needed free agents. Most important is the need to sign a legitimate contender for the starting QB role to compete with incumbent Chad Henne. Complicating all of this is the fact that the Dolphins have a new offensive coordinator (Brian Daboll) and a new system to implement, which a shortened schedule doesn’t facilitate very well.

Common sense tells us that teams that are settled and stable will have a much easier time dealing with a shortened NFL year. Teams in transition, like the Dolphins, will likely have a tougher time of it. That’s why it is vital to the Dolphins’ playoff hopes that this lockout gets resolved, and quickly.

My fear is that the owners, collectively, aren’t going to simply cave in just to save preseason games. It will cost them millions more, but they’ve already risked too much of their own credibility and wealth in setting off this labor crisis to back off sheepishly now. This is why the comments above from the players’ side could be an ominous sign that weeks, not days, remain before the NFL year can begin.

Progress? Probably. But How Much?

2011-06-28T12:09:00.001-04:00

We are now just about a month away from the scheduled start of training camp as the NFL labor standoff drags into the height of summer. The best connected NFL beat reporters out there have only scant information to share, and most of it is speculative. This leaves us with little sense as to how close the owners and players truly are to concluding a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Logic says that money will be the forcing factor here because neither side wants to lose a penny of income. And lost games mean lost income.

But this doesn’t mean that the owners will cave into a bad agreement just to avoid losing games. That would defeat the purpose of the current standoff, which they precipitated in order to improve the terms by which revenues are shared with the players. And the players themselves won’t cave either; it would set a bad precedent that would take decades for them to overcome.

Said Texans LB DeMeco Ryans, "It's not about getting a deal done as quickly as possible, it's about getting a fair deal done. Whenever that time comes, when a fair deal is on the table, that's when it will get done. We're not in a big panic to get something done, just for the sake of getting it done."

That’s the right position for the players to take because they stand to lose the most if they don’t have a “fair deal”.

But time is starting to become a factor. Many NFL insiders feel an agreement will have to be reached within a week or two for the impact on the upcoming season to be minimal. This would allow for a reasonable free agency period in advance of the scheduled starts of training camps. I agree with this thinking.

Can a new agreement be achieved in a week? Are they close enough to get it done in a month? How much progress has been made and how much of it is real? I find myself asking these questions frequently as we search for a hint of evidence that this season can be kept whole.

Managing Expectations

2011-06-15T10:06:00.000-04:00

With the lockout turning out to be much worse than we hoped, and an offseason beset by confusion, disappointment, and betrayal, the 2011 season is shaping up to be the most unpredictable in recent memory.

Do we even know when this season will begin?

Do we know many games will be played, or how long will teams have to prepare for them? Will there be a free agency period and how long will it last? What will be the quality of the product that we see on the field?

All of these questions certainly impact the Miami Dolphins, top to bottom, but perhaps more so than other, more stable situations. That’s why it’s best to keep our expectations for this season in check.

To understand better what I mean, check my column this week on Phins.com: Managing Expectations

Heat’s Loss is Dolphins’ Gain

2011-06-13T13:30:00.004-04:00

Since the day the Miami Heat strolled out the Three Kings at their now infamous intro-palooza at the Triple A, the Miami Dolphins have been in danger of becoming a second fiddle in South Florida. It’s an uncomfortable spot for a team that has been used to being their own unquestioned King of the market.

The Dolphins then exacerbated their situation with a 7-9 season punctuated by poor QB play. The cherry on top has been a disappointing offseason that can be described as just short of a fiasco. Meanwhile, the Heat were ascending to elite status in the basketball world.

I believe that, had the Heat defeated the Dallas Mavericks for the NBA title, the Dolphins would have rightfully conceded their crown for the rest of the current decade. Not even the Miami Hurricanes in their glory years could have pulled that off.

But none of it matters now, as the Mavericks took The Finals and the title with a 4-2 series win.

So the Mavs won. But so did the Dolphins.

The Dolphins will continue to get their fair share of sponsorship money, already tight in a tough economy and flowing in increasing amounts away from the Dolphins and towards the Heat. Ditto media buzz and discretionary income used to buy tickets, merchandise, etc.

Meantime, the race for supremacy in South Florida will continue. The Dolphins won't stay on top by default. Not anymore. Not as long as the Three Kings occupy the big arena on Biscayne Blvd. You can bet the Heat will make moves to try and get over the hump. Question is, can the Dolphins find their QB and get back to being an annual playoff participant and contend for their own championship?

In short, can the Dolphins bring their own talents to South Florida and remain king of the market before the Heat dethrone them for good?

Dolphins Shouldn't Invest a Lot in a Veteran QB

2011-05-17T22:38:00.000-04:00

The long term answer to the Dolphin QB issue isn't among the likely list of veteran passers that can be had via trade or free agency. What the team will try to gain, if they do sign a veteran, is someone who will provide a legitimate challenge to Chad Henne.

If this seems unpalatable to you, you have my sympathies. But the reality of the decisions made in last month's draft pretty much condemned 2011 as a wasted season.

This is why the Dolphins should not spend very much on a veteran QB. The best approach, in my opinion, is to wait for players to be released and choose from there. The Dolphins got great value in 2008 by going this route with Chad Pennington.

One player who I think would be an excellent pick up as a free agent (or even a low round trade) would be Vince Young. While his behavioral issues are well documented, his talent is compelling. The one thing VY brings to the table that others do not is considerable upside and potential. Young might thrive under the straightshooting Sparano, supported by a solid locker room. And the Dolphins lose very little if he doesn't work out, which is why the risk is worth the potential payback.

Blowing another 2nd round pick on another scrap heap QB is not in the team's best interest. As we've painfully learned, it's a failed formula that only retards the rebuilding process.

Ireland Did What Was Safe, Not What Was Necessary

2011-05-06T08:54:00.000-04:00

There's a famous quote by Jimmy Johnson that really speaks to how greatness is achieved in the NFL: “Do you want to be safe and good, or do you want to take a chance and be great?”

Jeff Ireland runs counter to this philosophy. The Dolphins GM let the draft “come to him”, not taking any big chances and, by his own account, making “safe” picks at need positions.

Some in media actually think his work deserves an “A”.

Not me.

This week on Phins.com, I give my take on Ireland's work in this year's draft and tell you why I think he fell short of the work required of him: Ireland Did What Was Safe, Not What Was Necessary

A Must Read: today's Hyde column

2011-04-28T12:27:00.000-04:00

I don't usually post links to someone else's work here. But as I set out this morning to vigorously pen a column about tonight's first round draft picks, and how Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland was obligated to solve the team's long standing QB issue this evening, I came across a masterfully written and reasoned piece from the Sun Sentinel's Dave Hyde. And Hyde articulated the argument so clearly with his hard hitting column that I simply closed my Word document.

Really, there is nothing more I can offer on the eve of tonight's draft than a link to Hyde's column. Read it and, if you care about Miami Dolphins football, pray that Ireland does the same.

Link: Hyde: This is Ireland's chance to find a QB

Remembering Jim Mandich

2011-04-27T10:58:00.000-04:00

Courtesy Miami Dolphins

Most Dolfans today, I presume, know of Jim Mandich first as a radio guy. Asked to name some individual accomplishment of his as a former player, I doubt most could come up with one. But they’d immediately know his signature “AWWWright Miami!” line, the one he’d bark out whenever his Miami Dolphins made a great play.

This was his latter day occupation, the one where he became beloved by Dolfans and South Florida .

For me, it's Jim Mandich the Player I'll remember first, never afraid to get his #88 jersey dirty on offense and special teams from 1970-1977.

A second round pick in 1970 (29th overall), Mandich was not cut in the mold of today’s pass catching tight ends though he was a capable receiver (121 receptions, 1406 yards, 23 TDs). His signature play as a Dolphin was a critical 19 yard reception from QB Bob Griese in Super Bowl VII that moved the ball down to the Redskins’ two yard line. That play led to the winning TD, a World Championship, and a Perfect Season.

But where Mandich the Player excelled the best was in run blocking, which he did most of the time. His contributions in this area, which I believe are underappreciated, were a difference-maker in powering the great run units of the early to mid 70s. He was unselfish and the consummate teammate.

"I was sad to hear about Jim’s passing," said Don Shula. "I know he fought a courageous battle, but that was typical of his fighting spirit. When I think about Jim, I always looked at him as a guy who was bright, well prepared, and competitive. He was someone who I could count on as a player and was instrumental in the success we had during his time with the Dolphins. Mary Anne and I want to pass along our condolences to his wife, Bonnie, and the rest of his family."

Added former teammate Nat Moore, "No Miami Dolphins player has given more of themselves to the Miami Dolphins family than Jim Mandich. On the field, he did whatever was needed to help the team win. Even when he retired from the game, he was always there to help the members of the Dolphins family as a broadcaster and as fundraiser leading his "Touchdown Club" which contributed over $300,000 to help former players who have fallen on hard times. We will all miss him greatly."

Somewhere the Mad Dog is “never better”, pain free and enjoying a cold Heineken and a good cigar.

Rest in peace, and thanks for the happy memories.

Ireland Q & A Transcript

2011-04-21T16:51:00.001-04:00

Here's the transcript from today's pre-draft Q & A session with the media at the Miami Dolphins Training Facility in Davie.

(Opening Statement) – “First of all, I would like to make an announcement, you guys got the release that we have promoted Brian Gaine to the Director of Player Personnel. I am very pleased about that. Brian has been a guy that has been a great asset to me in Dallas as well here. I think it is appropriate that he gets elevated to help me with the draft obviously. In free agency, he is going to be my right hand man since Bill has left. He has been my right hand man really since I had him in Dallas. I am very pleased with him. He is a strong evaluator and I am glad to have him in the position he is in.”

(On Brian Gaine’s role and strengths) – “Where Brian’s strengths are marrying the free agency to college. He is a guy that in the last year that Bill has left…it hasn’t been a year, but I got out him out on the college side of things. He does some evaluative things. I give him the top 100 list of players to evaluate. He helps marry what is out in free agency to what is out there in the draft and so there is not only my eyes doing the exact same set of things, now there are two sets of eyes doing it, so we will collaborate together in that process.”

(On how Brian Gaine’s duties will change with the promotion) – “They change a little bit for certain. He was pretty much over the pro side of things. I am going to have him really help me supervise both college and pro.”

(On putting together draft board with draft taking place before free agency) –“In preparation with the draft board, it hasn’t changed too much. You still put up the board pretty much the same way I have always put it up. Free agency doesn’t affect how you evaluate these players. It affects your strategy. I think that is the most important thing that it affects your strategy going into the draft. Normally by this time, you have hit some musts or some needs or some things that you needed to put on your team. Now it is kind of wide open. Your musts, your wants and your needs are all there and you just have to supplement it with free agency after the draft.”

(On how concerned he is with running game and if he has to draft a running back) – “Not necessarily. I don’t feel that way that I have to. I am going to go into this draft pretty much the way I always go into it. I don’t want to reach for players, just to fill a roster spot. You have to be smart. Free agency will open up again. I do know that. Brian Gaine has reminded me a thousand times that free agency will open again. I go through the draft the same way, not the same way, but pretty much the same way in the fact that I don’t want to reach for anybody and I want to make sure that I get the right contributing players for this football team.”

(On how dynamics of draft room changes without Bill Parcells) – “Well, Bill brought a sense of awareness to everybody in the room. He had an aura about him. He always made it fun, but everyone knew when it was time to get down to business. That hasn’t changed, but I am not naïve to the fact that I don’t have that aura, but the mechanics have not changed. As a matter of fact, we probably are more focused on just work most of the time, because there are usually some storytelling involved in the draft room with Bill, so it is focused and the mechanics of it really haven’t changed as much.”

(On what kind of position he is in having inventory to make a trade and if he is restricted by the current labor situation) – “We are not allowed to trade players. That’s one thing. That restricts you. We don’t have a second round pick, that’s obvious. So you are a little bit restricted to go up for sure, but I am game for anything. If there is a player that we feel and when we are done strategizing that we feel like we need to go up and get, you always have some ammunition you can use. My phone is there. It can ring anytime to trade up or back. It just has to be the right time and right player.”

(On trading for active players) – “You can’t do that.”

(On trading players once the opportunity arises and a Collective Bargaining Agreement is reached) – “I haven’t really thought about past the draft and trading for players and things like that. That’s going to open up too at some point, just hasn’t been an active thought of my thought process leading into the draft because I know I can’t trade players.”

(On whether the lockout puts a greater emphasis on drafting NFL ready prospects) – “I think it does put an emphasis on it. I think you certainly want players that you’re confident with conviction that they can learn and come in right away and not need just a ton of the process to get it moving in the right direction I should say. There is more emphasis on that in my opinion.”

(On the communication he can have with draft picks once they are selected) – “I’m not so sure I can even talk about it to be honest with you, about the rules and everything to be honest with you. I know I can call them. I know I can call them and say congratulations. I don’t think I can call anybody after the last pick of the draft. I think I’m supposed to have no contact after the last pick of the draft.”

(On whether he has a general philosophy on drafting a running back as high as pick number 15) – “Yeah I do have a philosophy about it. I don’t know if I want to tell you my philosophy about it. I think that like most players…everybody says you can find running backs later in the draft. Well, you can find receivers late in the draft, and you can find guards late in the draft, and you can find tight ends late in the draft. It goes for every position in my mind. I think if you look at the top running backs in this league over time, they’re going to be first and second round picks. I do know that.”

(On whether that is the same with quarterbacks) – “Yeah, that study is probably accurate as well.”

(On what the main thing he looks for while evaluating quarterbacks) – “You know, you’re looking for all of it. You’re looking for Peyton Manning. You’re looking for Tom Brady. You’re looking for all those things, obviously. You’re looking for arm strength. You’re looking for accuracy. You’re looking for a quick release. You’re looking for good footwork. You’re looking for intangibles. You’re looking for smarts. You’re looking for mentally tough. You’re looking for all those things, and you just have to go through the process of evaluating that when you’re with the kid, watching through tape, watching tape with the kid. There’s a certain process that you go through, and we felt like we’ve done our due diligence there.”

(On whether an effective running game is more based upon the running back or the offensive line) – “Well it’s a team sport, so I think that good teams have, good running games have the combination of a good offensive line and a good running back. I think you have to have a combination of both.”

(On how thoroughly they have investigated Ryan Mallett and his impressions of Mallett) – “Well I have spent a lot of time with him, not going to deny that. I went there to visit with him. He’s come here to visit with me and to visit with him as well. I feel like we’ve been very thorough in that, in that process, much like we are with every player that we are considering drafting. Sometimes when there’s information out there you want to dispel rumors and get as much information that you can with any player out there, and that’s why we went through the process. He’s a nice young man, very talented kid, got a bright future.”

(On the current quarterback class) – “I think it’s good depth. I like the players that are in this draft. I think there’s good depth there. I think you can find a good player. I don’t have a crystal ball about what kind of players they’re going to be in this league. There’s a lot of things that go into that play, but I think it’s a good depth group. I think there’s, I think there’s starters to be had.”

(On how using seven of eight picks on defense in last year’s draft affects this year’s draft) – “Well I think with last year, to be honest with you, I wasn’t really aware of, until the end that it was seven of eight picks to be honest with you. It wasn’t the strategy that we had that we’re going defense, defense, defense. It’s kind of the way it fell. The draft board fell that way, so this year going into it I’m obviously more aware of what we did last year. The board has to fall the right way. You can’t, you have to either go up, go down, or stay put obviously, but I don’t feel like I have to just go out and get certain, certain positions. I don’t feel that way. Again, free agency is going to open up again. I feel like we’d be an active player in free agency if that was to, when that time comes, so I’m going to try to draft good players that can contribute fast.”

(On if it will be more difficult to get the second round pick that was traded to Denver last year back due to the labor issue) – “I can’t tell you what the mindset of the other teams are; I think that there will be quite a bit of movement though. I think there will be movement, you just never can tell. You are going to get the same answer from most GM’s, you are going to have to see how the board falls, where the movement is. I feel confident where the strengths of the board are, at least our board, and I am going to try to stay in those particular rounds as much as I can because that’s where the strength is, according to our board. It may be different with other places.”

(On if he is uncomfortable going into the draft without a second round pick) – “Yeah, you wish you had it, for sure, but I know I got a great player out of it to. So last year that was the right thing to do and I am glad we got the player, but now I’m ‘dangum I wish we had that second round pick’, but you pay for what you get. We got a great player and I am very proud of that. The great thing about this year is we really have an extra first round pick and an extra fourth round pick, because neither one of those guys have played, (2010 first round pick) Jared (Odrick) and (2010 fifth round pick) A.J. (Edds), so those two picks are really going to impact this year’s draft class more than last year.”

(On if a running back by committee lessens the value of the position compared to years past) – “Lessen the value? No, I don’t think so Omar, I don’t think it lessens the value. I think you have to go after as good a player as you can, because you never know when that player is going to get hurt in this business. I don’t think it lessens the value, I think you after the best players you can possibly get. Right now, we only have two running backs right now on our roster, you don’t know if you are going to get another one and another one at some point, so it doesn’t lessen the value, but no.”

(What are the tangible skills that you look for in a running back, do you separate the position by styles) - “Tangible skills? Well certainly with a running back you got to have instinct. You got to have quickness. You got to have vision. You got to have low center of gravity. You got to be tough; those are, I think those are critical.”

(On if he feels more prepared with the Draft this year compared to years past because there is no free agency) –“Certainly it has allowed us to focus on one thing, and it’s been all hands on deck, it really has, we have used everyone on our coaching staff, every person on our scouting staff. It has been great focus, great evaluative efforts here, so my hats off to my entire coaching staff and everybody in the building for that matter who has helped me focus on it. So yeah, I think you are prepared for it for sure.”

(On where he is in the draft process as a result of the ‘All hands on deck’ approach) – “Yeah, you know we started off like gang busters, we go from eight to eight and eight to nine and we just go real hard and we got ahead of ourselves a little bit so we kind of slowed down a little bit. The great thing is I can give my staff off for Easter, so they got a little bit of a break for Easter and then we go back hard come Monday. So we are right where we need to be, to be honest with you.”

(On how many Mock Drafts they do and if he looks at other peoples mock drafts) – “Yeah I really don’t look at too many of them up until about now. I start looking at a few certain ones that have a little merit to them. We start ‘mocking’ ourselves this week, that’s pretty much ‘the hay’s in the barn’ and now its strategizing and things like that were , trying to do. So we start ‘mocking’ and that just gives me a little bit of a thought process, a little bit of vision of what might happen. I have never ‘mocked’ and been satisfied with it, usually the draft actually leads to better results than the actual mocking does. My scouts, when we ‘mock’, they know my board and sometimes there are players that are not on my board that get drafted and those are the things that you obviously can’t predict, but I do look at them, they are fun to do.”

(On the way the 2011 schedule looks) –“I think there are some tough stretches, obviously, I am happy we are opening up at home on Monday Night, that’s exciting, against the Patriots. That’s extremely exciting. It’s one of the best teams in the league, your opening on Monday Night, you’re at home, we have something to prove at home, so I am very excited about that, and that’s all I have really looked at is game number one. But I think the schedule is good, we play on Thanksgiving it kind of a little bit of a homecoming for me, and I thought the schedule worked out nicely for us.”

(On if there are many stretch the field running backs in the draft) – “However we find it, we need to try and find it. I don’t know that we will and the answer could be on our team right now because we have some guys that didn’t play. So I am not sure. There are a handful of guys there that can run, now how they fall and whether, now there is no science to this thing, so whether or not it’s there or free agency or any of those things.”

(On how he feels about the 15th overall selection) –“The number itself or the pick itself (laughing). I mean the pick is great. I’ve always joked around with this but regardless of where you are picking in the draft, in my opinion, you usually are two players short of what you would need to get that pick. And so, in other words, you never have 15 players that you’d love to have at 15. You usually have 12 or 13 and so you’re betting on someone else being picked. Whether you’re the 27th pick, you never have 27 players. Or the fifth pick. You never have 5. Only one time that I had just one…the first pick and obviously I was proud of that one.”

(On if they are better served moving down in the draft) – “Like you said it’s the same in every draft.”

(On if he gave every quarterback the same test he gave Andy Dalton) – “Every quarterback we went to look out was put through the same process. You have to do your homework that way. We didn’t send them a playbook. We send them kind of a study guide. So we put every single player through the same process. You’ve got to be able to compare one apple to next apple. And so that’s what we did.”

(On how much weight he puts on the combine vs. the playing season) – “I’m a tape guy. Video guy…what do they call it these days. It’s not tape. But I watch the video. I’m a tape guy. I’m going to go by what I see on that video tape and how they play the game. Football players play football and obviously you want to verify what you see on tape with the combine numbers and things like that and sometimes it opens your eyes; a performance at the combine would open your eyes to something that you’re not seeing on tape. And so you get back and you watch it again, but you want those two to marry together. I put more weight on what I see as a football player playing the game of football.”

(On going up or down in the draft) – “I have a fairly good sense of who I would take at that spot. There’s no doubt about it. I mean I think if you can come down to two or three guys. So, yeah, I do and you know there are also scenarios to go up and get a guy if falls or go down two or three guys are not there.”

(On how much information out there is misinformation) - “First of all I don’t know if I believe even if I told him exactly what I was going to do. Because I think there is misinformation out there. I don’t think the misinformation comes from the player itself. I think sometimes misinformation, its rumor, its hearsay. It’s from someone that they thought they heard sometime, I don’t think it’s all on purpose sometimes. I couldn’t tell you how much is misinformation. I can tell you that some of it, a small portion of what you hear out of our building is misinformation. So, but I can’t tell you what the other stuff. I don’t know what other than misinformation other teams are putting out there. But I’ve got to go by what I see. I’ve got to go by what I’ve been able to gather from my scouts and myself, my coaching staff and that’s the information that’s most important to me.

On Rumors and Playing it Safe

2011-04-20T16:06:00.001-04:00

It's lying season time, and that means that we are being bombarded with rumors. Everything that is reported can or should be considered with skepticism, including the timing.

Meanwhile, Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland and Coach Tony Sparano are refining their draft strategy for next week. Should they take a chance or play it safe?

Rumors and draft strategy are the subjects of my latest column on Phins.com: On Rumors and Playing it Safe

Is Ponder the Target?

2011-03-29T08:10:00.001-04:00

Courtesy Florida State University

Those who read my stuff know that I believe that the Dolphins will use their first rounder (15th overall), directly or indirectly, in a move to draft a QB. That belief remains unchanged, regardless of the CBA status on April 28.

Even with the potential constraints in being able to move up and down the draft board as a result of the CBA impasse, there are ways the Dolphins can still get to their man. One approach is a trade down to re-gain a second round pick.

Recall that GM Jeff Ireland expressed an interest in doing just that, a move I find completely plausible. While such a play would probably remove the top two QB talents from consideration, it would bring others into the picture. One man in particular who I find intriguing in this scenario is Florida State’s Christian Ponder.

To find out why Ponder could be the Dolphins' pick, check out my column for the week on Phins.com: Is Ponder the Target?

Rule Change on Kickoffs Could Help Dolphins

2011-03-23T12:16:00.001-04:00

At this week's NFL winter meeting in New Orleans, the league voted to change some rules regarding kickoff returns. One rule in particular will have a profound effect on the game---placement of the spot of kickoffs at the 35 yard line.

The 35 yard line rule was in effect from 1974-1993, before owners moved kickoffs back 5 yards to encourage more returns and make the game more exciting. But in recent years the concern of injuries on kickoffs have increased, thus prompting the return of the spot of the kickoff to the 35 yard line.

The net result of this is that there will be a lot more touchbacks, which is what the teams wanted (26-6 in favor).

According to ESPN's Jason Vida, touchbacks occured 27% of the time in 1993. But kickers are a lot more powerful now than they were in 1993, so I believe this percentage will be even higher this time around. Vida's research shows that in 2005, 9.1% of kickoffs resulted in touchbacks. That number has jumped to 16.4% as of last season.

The Dolphins weren't very good with returns last year, ranked 22nd with a 21.4 yard average. So the change doesn't mean much to them going forward in terms of starting position as touchbacks place the ball on the 20 yard line.

Where the rule could help the Dolphins is with kickoff coverage, where they were among the worst in the league with a 24.6 yard average allowance (28th) and two touchdowns surrendered. In fact the Dolphins have been consistently ranked middle of the pack to poor on kickoff coverage since Mike Westhoff was fired by Dave Wannstedt in 2000.

If K Dan Carpenter can take advantage of the extra five yards, the Dolphins' return allowance should come down in 2011.

Ireland: "We're Close"

2011-03-18T16:32:00.000-04:00

"We have to find a way to become more consistent and make plays when they are there. We’re close. I really feel like it. The message is be patient. We are looking for a big step this year. I really believe, with the right additions, we can be where we need to be." -- Miami Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland

This is one of several quotes to be gleaned from an interview that Dolphin Digest Editor Andy Cohen published today on the official Dolphins web site. Ireland, in his usual style, revealed little as to what the the team intends to do in this upcoming draft (April 28). Yet what he said, conveyed in a hopeful context, actually struck me in an uncomfortable manner.

I'm talking about the "we're close" declaration, the one we've heard time and again in the new millennium.

"Close" to me means not just the playoffs, but the Super Bowl. Dave Wannstedt was already a multi-season playoff coach when he talked about being "close" in the proper context before getting killed by the press and the fans for falling short of the lofty expectation.

Sadly, Ireland's Dolphins haven't been close to Wannstedt's performance. They have made one playoff appearance during Ireland's tenure, and that was three seasons ago. Since then, they've endured back-to-back 7-9 campaigns. So I don't see how he could characterize the Dolphins as being "close" in terms of contending for a championship.

So what does Ireland mean when he says "we're close"? Close to earning a wild card berth? Close to winning the division? Close to being a team that can go deep in the playoffs? Close to being a championship contender?

The answer could very well define his expectations for the upcoming season.

Dolphins Likely Targeting QB with Top Pick

2011-03-17T09:16:00.001-04:00

There are years when intentions heading into the NFL Draft are tough for me to read.

This isn’t one of those years.

This week at Phins.com, I tell you why it is my fervent belief that the Miami Dolphins will target a quarterback with the team’s top pick (15th overall), either directly or through a trade up the draft order.

Here's a link to this week's column: Dolphins Likely Targeting QB with Top Pick

Average Americans Can’t Relate to Labor Issues

2011-03-14T11:03:00.000-04:00

So now that the NFL owners have locked out the players, and the players have disbanded their union, the door to the courts has been flung open. It is now up to the federal justice system to weigh in on litigation from individual players themselves (like Tom Brady) alleging anti-trust practices by the league.

At stake are the billions of dollars in revenues…our money, really…that the greedy owners and players are fighting over. Each side wants their share of it, and they don’t really care about the fans. That’s why we don’t have a seat at the table, a table WE set with OUR money. It’s also why they’d never give the money back and make the game more accessible to all Americans.

Let’s be clear: “America’s Game” really isn’t that anymore with ticket prices, stadium licensing fees, subscription fees, and merchandising prices that shut out middle and lower class Americans.

To attend a Miami Dolphins game, it costs a minimum of $34 per person. Factoring in concessions, parking, and merchandise, a family of four will spend between $300 and $500 to attend one game.

That’s outrageous.

This is why most Americans don’t really care about what’s happening with the NFL labor strife. They are struggling to make ends meet in a difficult economy and cannot relate to millionaires and billionaires fighting over sums that most will never earn in their lifetimes.

They Have a Plan

2011-02-16T12:21:00.000-05:00

One thing I've learned from talking to GM Jeff Ireland and coach Tony Sparano is their plan for getting ready for the NFL draft.

The first task...stacking the board...is mostly complete. The Dolphins do this horizontally by position, not vertically as other teams do. No more than 150 players overall are on it. By now they’ve all been graded and debated at least once. By the end of March, it will be twice or thrice. From that debate, Ireland and Sparano will finalize their short list (five names or less) of prospects that they will choose from with their top pick.

The second task, running through their mock draft scenarios, began this month and will continue right up until the April draft. This process goes through several iterations and will be ongoing as new competitive intelligence flows in, superior to anything the public sees on a consistent basis. Yes, the Dolphins do look at the opinions of the more reputable draft gurus, just to digest another point of view, but rely more on their own inside information from people they trust. The outcome of this is an “if-then” decision tree to take guesswork out of making the top picks.

These mock draft are going to be more challenging this year, given the uncertainty surrounding the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This is why the Dolphins will factor in scenarios "with" and "without" a CBA. My gut feel is that there will be a CBA before Independence Day as both sides have too much to lose by not getting it done.

When the Dolphins go on the clock, they’ll look across the board at top rated players at each position and sort out the ones with the highest grade overall. Then they’ll use ‘need’ as a criteria to break ties amongst the group to determine the final choice.

Allen to Return in 2011

2011-02-10T10:59:00.009-05:00

Courtesy Miami Dolphins

Don Shula once said that you can never have enough good defensive backs. With this wisdom in mind, the latest news regarding CB Will Allen is welcomed indeed.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus told WQAM's Joe Rose Show this morning that he and the Dolphins have re-worked Allen’s contract, increasing the likelihood that the solid veteran will be a part of next year’s squad.

"(Allen's) knee is back and it's great news for Will", said Rosenhaus. "He's excited to continue his career with the Dolphins. He had another year left on his contract, and, of course, we reduced his salary, he was scheduled to make over $5 million and so, we were able to do something we thought was fair for both sides. I take my hat off to the Dolphins. Jeff Ireland and I worked this deal out and Will had a great meeting with Tony Sparano, and I think this is a step in the right direction for Will and the Miami Dolphins".

The key to Allen making the 2011 team will be health; he hasn't been right since suffering a knee injury Week 6 of the 2009 season. Allen missed all of the 2010 season after being placed on injured reserve with lingering effects from the injury.

His experience has made him a mentor to the younger DBs on the team. While it is unlikely that he is being considered for a starting job, Tony Sparano may find it difficult to keep Allen on the bench if he outperforms CB Sean Smith in camp. Vontae Davis, the other starting corner, had a solid sophomore season and is a sure bet to continue as the team’s lockdown defender in 2011.

Deep DL Offers Trade Flexibility

2011-01-26T11:30:00.000-05:00

GM Jeff Ireland is hunting for a deal to replace the second rounder the team lost in the Brandon Marshall trade last year. One area he might draw on to fetch additional picks in April's NFL Draft is the defensive line.

With the emergence of NT Paul Soliai, the rotation is now deep with talented players. Soliai, Kendall Langford, Jared Odrick, Tony McDaniel (FA), Phillip Merling and Randy Starks give the Dolphins a very strong rotation for their three man front. Reserves Robert Rose, Chris Baker, and Ryan Baker currently round out the group.

The one player who would seem to carry the most market value right now is Starks. He just earned his first Pro Bowl trip, so his stock is highest. Given Soliai's emergence, the pain of losing Starks would be easier to take at this time.

I would be somewhat surprised to see Ireland agree to another draft day trade down as he did last year, given the acute need at QB. This is why trading Starks might be a more palatable option, especially if they re-sign McDaniel.

Ferg Praises Soliai’s Season

2011-01-13T12:44:00.000-05:00

Count former Dolphin nose tackle extraordinaire Jason Ferguson amongst those who are gushing over the breakout season that Paul Soliai had.

Ferguson was a mentor to Soliai during his two seasons with the Dolphins. Soliai, the team’s 2007 fourth round pick out of Utah, struggled in his rookie season before Ferguson came aboard. When Ferg arrived, he began showing Soliai what it took to be a professional and what it took to play NT at a dominant level in the NFL.

Ferguson saw the potential in Soliai and isn’t shocked at what he was able to accomplish this past season. But he also knew that it was up to Soliai to do what was needed to realize that potential. To Soliai's credit, he listened to the veteran's advice.

“I'm really not (surprised)”, Ferguson told Phins.com. “Paul has all and more than enough tools to be successful in this league. It has always been up to Paul how good he wants to be.”

What Ferguson is referring to is Soliai’s training and eating habits, which were inconsistent. Soliai was too heavy, wasn’t working hard enough to develop and improve his technique, and wasn’t watching enough film.

That all changed this offseason because Soliai decided to change it. And Ferguson is quite pleased.

“He has gotten better at his preparation and accountability”, observed Ferguson. “That's what I'm so proud of.”

Two Dolphins Named HOF Finalists

2011-01-11T12:46:00.000-05:00

Former Miami Dolphins Director of Personnel and Pro Scouting George Young, who ran the team's scouting operation from 1975-1978, has been named a finalist for the 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame.

During Young's tenure, the Dolphins began the process of rebuilding the core of the team after the great Super Bowl teams of the early 70s began to wane. Some of the fine players acquired during his tenure include WR Freddie Solomon, LB Steve Towle (1976 team MVP), DE/LB Kim Bokamper (Pro Bowler), WR Duriel Harris (Hook and Lateral fame), RB Gary Davis, CB Norris Thomas, DE/LB A.J. Duhe (Pro Bowler), NT Bob Baumhower (Pro Bowler), FB Leroy Harris, WR Jimmy Cefalo, CB Gerald Small, T Eric Laakso, DE Doug Betters (Pro Bowler and NFL Defensive Player of the Year), TE Bruce Hardy (#1 all-time in receptions for a Dolphin TE), and C Mark Dennard.

Young left the Dolphins to become General Manager of the New York Giants, where they won three Super Bowls. Don Shula called him "instrumental in any success that this league has had in a lot of different ways".

Young passed away in 2001.

WR Cris Carter, who played for the 2002 Miami Dolphins, is also a finalist. He was also a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings where his Hall-worthy resume was built.

Congratulations to both men!

A Letter from Stephen Ross to Season Ticket Holders

2011-01-09T11:31:00.001-05:00

To Our Loyal Season Ticket Members,

The first of the three commitments that I made to all of our fans when I purchased the Miami Dolphins was that I would do everything possible to bring a Super Bowl championship back to South Florida. That, above all else, is what I want for this franchise, for this community and what you, as a season ticket member, deserve.

So there is no confusion about our recent actions, and because you are entitled to our trust and confidence, I want you to hear directly from me about the evaluation process of the past week.

Going into the 2010 season, my expectation was that we had a team and an organization that was capable of reaching the Super Bowl. We fell short of that goal and, furthermore, the season was disappointing for a few reasons. We were very aggressive during the offseason and added players and coaches that we believed were the missing pieces to put us over the top. While many of those new faces were outstanding contributors this season, we still fell short in other areas. Additionally, our performance at home was bitterly disappointing. The reasons as to why we played so much better on the road than at home are hard to figure. As a fan myself, I know how frustrating this season was on all of you.

The results were unacceptable. We hold ourselves to higher standards and have loftier goals for this franchise. We fell short of our mission of returning to the postseason and did not measure up to the high standards we set for ourselves. As a result, I felt it was incumbent upon me to explore options to improve this team.

I met with Tony Sparano on Monday to discuss the season and understand his plan of what needed to change as we headed into the offseason. I told him that I needed time to digest what I had heard and that I would get back to him with my thoughts later in the week. Meanwhile, I received word that Jim Harbaugh made it clear that his intention was to pursue a career in the NFL. As news reports began to surface on Tuesday that Jim was interviewing with other teams, I made the decision to reach out to Jim to see whether or not he would be a beneficial fit for the organization.

General Manager Jeff Ireland and I met with Jim on Thursday. At the end of the meeting, I thanked Jim for his time, wished him well and soon let him know that we would not pursue the discussion any further. To be clear, I made no offer to Jim Harbaugh. Reports to the contrary and the associated outrageous financial terms that were rumored with those reports were completely inaccurate. We never spoke to any other coaching candidates, including Bill Cowher, Jon Gruden or any other names that have been rumored to be a candidate.

Tony Sparano is the best person to lead this team. Tony’s contract has been extended through the 2013 season, and I wholeheartedly believe that the combination of Jeff and Tony represents one of the strongest organizations in all of football. I remain committed to supporting them in any way possible and will always provide the financial resources to make us a winner.

I am obsessed with winning and will do whatever it takes to make us a perennial Super Bowl contender. Many of the model franchises over the course of NFL history have been built on a commitment from ownership to chart a course for the organization, select the right people to execute that strategy and allow them the time to finish what they started. Stability and consistency are two of the most important virtues of ownership.

I realize your faith in us has been put to the test this week, but I assure you we are well positioned to return to the winning ways that have defined this franchise.

Let me end by thanking you for hanging in there and supporting us throughout the year despite our struggles at home. For that, we are sincerely grateful. You have my personal and unwavering commitment that we will do our part to create a true home field advantage with your help in the future. Rest assured, there are better days ahead for the Miami Dolphins.

With sincere thanks and appreciation,

Steve Ross

Path Forward is Clear for Dolphins

2011-01-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

This has probably been one of the most, if not the most, embarrassing weeks of Stephen Ross’s life.

Morphing into the second coming of Dan Snyder, Ross overreacted to the irrational criticisms from media and fans alike and fell into madness by meddling in the team’s football affairs. The results were predictably disastrous.

To put it bluntly, Ross got royally burned. And he deserved it.

He bungled a coaching search where one was not needed, bungled it as badly as one could be bungled. He trusted the wrong people (i.e. Carl Peterson, former Chiefs GM who won NOTHING in all his years there). He alienated himself from Tony Sparano and perhaps Sparano from GM Jeff Ireland as well. And he may have crippled his team’s chances of hiring a top notch offensive coordinator.

But worse than all that, Ross labeled himself as the latest in a line of sadly incompetent owners who pretend to understand football but fail badly at it. This places an ugly stigma on the team and scares away the best coaches and free agents who want nothing to do with an incompetent, meddling owner.

And we were complaining about the team’s fight song!

And now here is Ross, where he should have been a month ago, signing Sparano to a multi-year contract extension. Instead of allowing his passions to dominate clear thinking, he should have been working to preserve stability in leadership and philosophy. In short, he should have kept his eye on the ball and his fanny out of the way, like he promised when he bought the team from H. Wayne Huizenga.

But like the old saying goes, crying about spilt milk won’t help. It’s time for the Dolphins to move forward.

How should they do this? Check out my column this week on Phins.com.

Here's the link: Path Forward is Clear for Dolphins.

Be Skeptical, Dolfans

2011-01-08T11:38:00.003-05:00

Today the Dolphins are going to have a press conference to start to clean up the enormous mess that is laying in a smelly pile in Davie. Their agenda is simple: create a face of harmony and unity.

But talk is cheap and credibility is low for the current regime and owner. This is why we must be very skeptical of anything coming from them at this point in time. This includes coach Tony Sparano. A lot of damage was done these past four weeks, and owner Stephen Ross, GM Jeff Ireland, and Sparano all had a hand in it.

Ross, succumbing to emotion and an overinflated opinion of his football prowess, morphed into the second coming of Dan Snyder. He tossed Bill Belichick money at Jim Harbaugh, a college coach with a paper thin resume. He bungled that, and the rest of his coaching search, at a time when one was not needed. He trusted the wrong people and he alienated himself from Sparano and perhaps Sparano from GM Jeff Ireland as well.

You really have to try hard to mess up as badly as he did. In short, he got royally burned. And he deserved it.

Ireland's hand in this began when the 2009 season ended. He failed to stock the team with enough talent to be competitive on offense. Depending on what his role was in helping Ross with his fishing expedition this week, Ireland may also have some serious fence-mending to conduct.

As for Sparano, he himself said it best, " You are what your record says you are". And 7-9 in these here parts is just not very good.

So listen skeptically to anything this owner and regime say. From now on, actions will speak loudest.

Update: Head Coach (and Quarterback)

2011-01-05T16:49:00.000-05:00

It's Day Three of the Dolphin offseason and little has changed from an organizational perspective. Jeff Ireland is still General Manager, Tony Sparano is still the Head Coach, and some futures contracts (players) have been signed.

But bigger changes could be forthcoming.

It is all too clear that owner Stephen Ross is on the hunt for a head coach with star power. He has reportedly courted Stanford's Jim Harbaugh and former Steelers coach Bill Cowher. However neither man seems assured of getting an offer at this time.

Harbaugh's asking price is allegedly north of $6M per year, an outrageous sum for a man with zero NFL head coaching experience. Harbaugh is also being heavily courted by the 49ers, who are reported to have the inside track on him. Other suitors, such as the University of Michigan, are apparently out of the running with the Michigan AD being quoted as saying he believes Harbaugh is headed for the NFL.

As for Cowher, he wants full control of the football organization, something Ross is reticent about though he reportedly prefers to keep Ireland on board.

Meanwhile, Sparano is being hung out to dry. As I reported yesterday, the longer this goes on the more his credibility as a leader is damaged, especially as some of his players have taken to criticizing other Dolphin players and coaches in the press. To make matters worse, Sparano is in the final year of his deal (i.e. lame duck). Of course Sparano's situation is salvageble but it will take a multi-year contract extension, big staff changes, and some thick praise from Ross to do it. We'll see if that's forthcoming, but I won't hold my breath.

On the QB front, news out of Tennessee regarding the future of QB Vince Young is of potential interest to the Dolphins. According to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora, Titans' senior management has advised owner Bud Adams to cut ties with Young and retain coach Jeff Fisher as the relationship between the two men seems irretrievably broken. If Adams heeds this advice, the Dolphins would certainly have to weigh a move to acquire the talented but troubled Young. Of course this would mean that another potential coaching candidate (Fisher) would be off the market.

Latest on Dolphin Coaching Situation

2011-01-04T21:55:00.000-05:00

The big news today from various media sources is that Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh is in the running for the Dolphins head coaching job. Depending on who you wish to believe, owner Stephen Ross and CEO Mike Dee have met with Harbaugh and may do so again this week. Harbaugh is also allegedly being pursued by the 49ers and Broncos, as well as the University of Michigan.

According to SI's Peter King, however, the Dolphins do not have the inside track and may even be out of the running for Harbaugh's services. So is ESPN color analyst Jon Gruden, according to the Miami Herald's Jeff Darlington.

That leaves current head coach Tony Sparano, who met with Ross, Dee, and Ireland on Monday. The meeting reportedly went well, which suggests that Sparano has a good chance of being retained. But nothing is imminent, according to Darlington, who reports that this will be a "day to day" process rather than an "hour by hour" story.

Twisting in this flurry of news is Sparano. The longer this goes on, the more his credibility is damaged. Already we have seen players like Brandon Marshall and Ricky Williams taking shots at the coaching and QB Chad Henne; outspokeness has been a big no-no under the current regime. If Sparano stays, look for the players to start clamming up.

By most accounts, GM Jeff Ireland is safe. That could change if the Dolphins get serious about Bill Cowher. Cowher reportedly wants full control of all football related decisions, including hires. For now, Cowher is not in contention as Ross is reportedly comfortable with Ireland.

More to come tomorrow.

Next for Dolphins: Black Monday

2011-01-02T17:30:00.001-05:00

Today's 38-7 thumping at the hands of the New England Patriots was the direct result of a team that had lined up in the express lane to check out. The Dolphins weren't motivated at all to play hard today. They wanted to get this game over as quickly as possible and go home. Several other teams in the same boat performed the same, predictable manuever today.

So what comes next?

Black Monday is tomorrow, the proverbial firing day for head coaches on the hot seat. And Tony Sparano's fanny is squarely on that seat. The question for the next 24 hours is whether or not he will survive the day as head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Those of who you read my stuff know where I stand, and that opinion wasn't changed by anything we saw today. But it's owner Stephen Ross who gets to decide, and we shall soon see if he agrees with me that Sparano and Ireland should be retained.

Meanwhile, I am very glad to have this season over with. For me, it ranks as one of the least memorable and enjoyable of my 35+ years of following the Dolphins. While a lot of good was accomplished this year, the team didn't win enough and they were flat out boring to watch.

The End.

Thank God.

Dolphin Likes, Dislikes for 2010

2011-01-02T09:54:00.000-05:00

It’s another cold January for Dolfans.

Weather? Yes.

But what really chills the bones of the faithful is the absence yet again from the playoffs.

2009 was a train wreck, with NFL MVP runner up Chad Pennington going down early and a defense that couldn’t stop anyone from hitting them up for big plays. In short, it was a major comedown from a division championship.

2010 started off with real promise, but will end on Sunday with a dull thud. Even a win over the Pats won’t offer much relief. And yet it would be wrong for us to consider the season a total loss. That’s why I am pairing my “likes” with my “dislikes” for 2010 in my weekly column at Phins.com.

Check it out: Dolphin Likes, Dislikes for 2010

A Tribute to Eric Laakso

2010-12-29T10:46:00.004-05:00

Photo courtesy Miami Dolphins

Eric Laakso, one of the best offensive linemen in Miami Dolphins history, passed away on Christmas night, apparently of natural causes. He was only 54, but was suffering from heart disease for some time. He's another player from that era to leave us far too soon, joining QB David Woodley and FB Andra Franklin from the starting offense that faced the Redskins in Super Bowl XVII. Laakso also started in Super Bowl XIX against the San Francisco 49ers.

Eric Henry Laakso played seven seasons (1978-1984). He was drafted in the fourth round of the 1978 NFL Draft (106th overall) out of Tulane University and immediately stepped in as a back-up to Larry Little at guard. He became the first Dolphin rookie to make his first start in a playoff game versus the Houston Oilers.

Laakso soon showed his excellent versatility and athleticism on the offensive line, prompting coach Don Shula to move him to right tackle where he did most of his work. He appeared in 86 games over the span of his career with 61 starts, which included a streak of 48 straight starts. He appeared in eight playoff games, including Super Bowls XVII and XIX.

Laakso reminds us of the importance of a solid offensive line in the success of a young QB. Together with C Dwight Stephenson, G Bob Kuechenberg, G Ed Newman, and T Jon Giesler, they gave a rookie named Dan Marino time to make decisions and learn the game. While Marino was shattering NFL passing records, it was Laakso and his offensive line mates who gave Marino and his receivers the time to do the wonderous things they did that season.

Laakso will be laid to rest today at 2 p.m at Menorah Gardens, 21100 West Griffin Road, South Ranches, FL.

Rest in peace, Eric. And thanks for the happy memories.

Congratulations to Jake Long and Cameron Wake: Pro Bowlers!

2010-12-28T20:39:00.001-05:00

Hot off the press from the Dolphins. Congrats to Jake and Cam!!!!

Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jake Long and outside linebacker Cameron Wake have been selected as starters to the 2011 AFC Pro Bowl squad. The annual contest matching the AFC and NFC will be played on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.

“I am happy Jake was selected to the Pro Bowl as a starter, especially given the injuries he has played through this year,” said Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano. “Performing at such a high level all season despite those obstacles shows his love for the game along with his leadership abilities, and being named a starter is a well-deserved reward.”

Long has started all 47 games at left tackle for the Dolphins since becoming the first overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft, and joins Richmond Webb (1992-1995) as the only Dolphins offensive tackle to be named a Pro Bowl starter. Long becomes the first Dolphins offensive lineman selected to three straight Pro Bowls since Webb was named to seven straight Pro Bowls (1990 – 96).

“It is also gratifying to see Cam recognized for his outstanding season as well,” explained Sparano. “For a player who entered the league as a free agent a year ago, he has come a long way. When he was given an opportunity to start this year, he made the most of it, working hard all season to become a complete player. I’m glad his efforts paid off with his selection as a Pro Bowl starter.”

Wake, a second-year pro from Penn State, spent two seasons with the CFL’s BC Lions prior to being signed by the Dolphins as a free agent on January 19, 2009. He moved into the Dolphins starting lineup in 2010 and has flourished as a pass rusher as he currently leads the NFL with 14 sacks. Wake is the eighth linebacker in club history to be chosen to the Pro Bowl, joining Nick Buoniconti (1972-73), Kim Bokamper (1979), A.J. Duhe (1984), John Offerdahl (1986-90), Bryan Cox (1992, 1994-95), Zach Thomas (1999-2003, 2005-06) and Joey Porter (2008).

The selection of Long and Wake as starters marks the first time since the 2006 season that the Dolphins have had two players named starters to the AFC Pro Bowl squad when Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas were named starters.

End of Henne Era in Miami

2010-12-26T16:40:00.001-05:00

It's very difficult to see how QB Chad Henne's career in Miami will be able to survive today's devastating loss to the Detroit Lions. With 9:44 to play, the Dolphins enjoyed a 10 point advantage. But a leaky defense, two bad interceptions, some inexplicable decision making by Henne, and terrible time management by the offense (again) cost the Dolphins their seventh home loss, matching the futility record set in 2007 when they went 1-15.

Nothing Henne does next week will matter. Legit QBs don't lose to the Detroit Lions like this. The fans, chanting "Henne sucks", underscored his performance today.

This has been a dull and miserable season, a losing one if the Dolphins cannot defeat the Patriots next week in Foxborough.

The happy news is that the good and loyal home faithful won't have to pay to watch it. As for me, I would opt to mow my lawn or play golf if there wasn't snow on the ground here.

The Long Term View

2010-12-20T10:33:00.001-05:00

Jake Long is one tough SOB. He plays, and plays well, through injuries that would sideline other guys. Now wrapping up his third season, Long has turned in another Pro Bowl effort on a bad wheel since August, together with an injured shoulder he suffered several weeks ago.

It's very impressive stuff, which is why I am becoming more and more convinced that he is the greatest left tackle in team history. When his career is done, he may even be regarded as one of the best left tackles in NFL history.

Yeah, he’s that good. It’s what you want from the first overall pick in the NFL draft. It’s why the critics who question the decision to draft Long over QB Matt Ryan are clueless.

With the playoffs officially shot, now is the time to think about Jake Long’s future. He needs shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum, a process requiring six to eight months of recovery. He probably needs knee surgery as well.

This is why it’s time for Long to go on Injured Reserve, time for him to begin the healing process so he will be 100% for next season.

Understand: Long won’t like going on IR. The guy wants to play. He wants to finish. He takes his Captaincy very seriously.

But also understand: Its coach Tony Sparano’s decision. And no one appreciates Long's toughness more than Sparano.

Look, Sparano knows Long could finish out the season. But what would it accomplish at this point? Long isn't the difference in winning two more games....not with the other issues in play on offense.

This is why it says here that the right move is to shut Long down. It's something the Dolphins can do now to get ready for 2011.

Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen

2010-12-19T16:38:00.003-05:00

It's another season down the drain, Dolfans.

The epitaph?

"They Couldn't Win at Home."

No one, and I mean NO ONE, can explain this team's inability to defend their home field. Good and bad teams alike, it doesn't matter. It boggles my mind.

The bottom line is that no team that goes 1-6 at home deserves to sniff the postseason. And fiitingly, these Dolphins won't.

So now the Dolphin spin machine will shift into high gear. We'll hear the same dull refrains from Tony Sparano and the Dolphin media machine for the next two weeks. Rumors of Bill Cowher's imminent arrival will fly across the airwaves unabated.

We've seen this movie before. Only Steve Ross knows how it will end.

Stay tuned.

Dolphins Should Press NFL on Alignment Issue

2010-12-14T10:16:00.001-05:00

A former colleague of mine (Mike Florio, now with Profootballtalk.com) raised a very good point today relative to the alignment of Jets’ personnel on the sidelines during punt returns. The alignment, which involved six men standing side-to-side along the sideline barrier stripe, appears to be a deliberate action intended to impede an opposing flyer or gunner should he be knocked out of bounds. This action could help to open a lane along that sideline for a friendly punt returner to exploit. Florio suggests that the NFL should investigate this practice to determine if it was a deliberate or accidental act, and to take action to prohibit it.

According to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, there is no rule today against this practice and the league is not investigating this specific matter. He did say that the league is studying “sideline protocol” on a broader scale, whatever that means.

No one understands the rules better than Jets special teams coach Mike Westhoff. I’m a Westhoff fan from his days as a Miami Dolphins assistant, and appreciated the creativity and effectiveness of his gameplans. Having two guys trap a gunner or flyer on the sidelines and forcing him out of bounds is really a smart move because it helps your blockers to set up a return lane. This happened to the Dolphins at least twice in the game, once with Nolan Carroll and once with Reshad Jones. Jones was actually penalized for not promptly returning to the field of play! But where this strategy crosses the line, in my opinion, is where non-competing personnel are used to affect the results on the field.

While I am not suggesting that Westhoff is alone in this practice of sideline alignment, or that he had a direct hand in the unsportsmanlike actions of Jets assistant Sal Alosi, I strongly believe the alignment should be made illegal for two reasons:

1) Safety issue – as we saw with Dolphins DB Nolan Carroll, a player can be injured by accidental contact or, in Alosi’s case, deliberate contact. But now that the trick has been exposed, I am concerned that players may now decide to start using force on sideline personnel to protect themselves or to return to the field of play. Channing Crowder’s vow to ‘break someone’s leg’ in a similar circumstance is both disturbing and a warning call to the NFL to take action now.

2) Competitive issue – The rules say that each team is allowed to field 11 players. Deliberately running a gunner or flyer into sideline personnel who are purposefully aligned to impede or block that player’s prompt return to the field, is clearly unsportsmanlike. This situation is quite different from the offense using a referee to run a “pick” play because the referee is not intending to impede a defender’s progress and has the freedom of action to get out of the way if he recognizes the move.

So I agree with Florio that this is indeed an integrity issue that should be swiftly resolved by the NFL.

Special Teams Finally Step Up

2010-12-13T09:23:00.003-05:00

Anthony J. Causi/New York Post

The big news after the Dolphins ground out a 10-6 win over the Jets was a suffocating defense that denied Jets offense time and again. Richly deserving of an assist, however, were the much-maligned special teams units. They showed up big time yesterday, outplaying Mike Westhoff’s guys. Their performance proved critical in getting the win.

Deserving of extra special mention is punter Brandon Fields and the punt coverage units. Time and again they flipped field position on the Jets, with booming punts that regularly forced Jet returners into a full-fledged retreat as Dolphin cover men bore down in hot pursuit. Of Fields’ ten punts, nine were returned for a measly 68 yards. That’s less than an 8 yard average. Good stuff.

As for Fields, he was Roby-esque with 10 punts for an impressive 56.4 average with one kick downed inside the Jet 20. His kicks not only had distance, they had excellent hang time which allowed his cover men to swarm to the ball. He was clearly the player of the game and is in line for Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

So a hearty congratulations to coach Darren Rizzi and the Dolphin special teams. Well done!

Dolphins Need Stability

2010-12-11T12:33:00.001-05:00

No one likes to see a 6-6 record. No one likes to see the latest starting QB struggle. No one enjoys seeing the New England Patriots and the New York Jets defeating the Dolphins at home.

I get it. Really, I do.

But what’s important for the critics and, most importantly, owner Stephen Ross to understand is that the Miami Dolphins don’t need another housecleaning. They need coherence. They need perseverance. They need continuity in leadership and organizational philosophy. That’s how championships are built and winning sustained over a long period of time.

This is the topic I tackle this week in my column at Phins.com: Dolphins Need Stability

Check it out.

Fan Loyalty Efforts Ruined by Home Losses

2010-12-06T16:09:00.000-05:00

One of owner Steve Ross’s top priorities has been to re-energize the local fan base. Aside from selling the home games out, which carries obvious financial benefits, the goal is to establish Sun Life Stadium as one of the tougher NFL venues for opponents to play in. According to CEO Mike Dee, the Dolphins even intend to make changes to the lower bowl to bring the fans closer to the action as they were in the Orange Bowl.

So it’s a shame that the team’s efforts in this regard have gone to waste this season with the pathetic 1-5 record at home. You can imagine how frustrating this is for the front office, Tony Sparano, and the players. But it is probably more frustrating for the fans, who are the only ones who are paying to come and watch their team win. Everyone else, including the media, is walking away with money in their pockets so it's not a total loss for them.

I, for one, am unable to explain why the team has struggled so badly at home. I could throw out guesses left and right, but I’d be as accurate as Sparano and the players have been in self-diagnosing it.

So now the Dolphins are 6-6 and consigned to the boundaries of the AFC playoff picture. The sad part of their predicament is that if they could have just won half of their home games, by no means a good performance, they’d be in the thick of the playoff race.

Low Point of the Season

2010-12-05T16:32:00.001-05:00

"Low point of the season" is what Dolphins radio color man Jim Mandich called today's ugly 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns. It's hard to disagree with him.

The offense was more inept than ever, with QB Chad Henne tossing three picks, the last one a deflection that the Browns used to set up the game winning field goal. Defensively, the story was the exact opposite as the Dolphins did an excellent job holding RB Peyton Hillis to just 57 yards rushing. Six of the thirteen points the Browns scored were the direct result of the interceptions. The defense deserved a win today.

Of course it wouldn't be a Dolphin game unless the special teams produced a gaffe. This time it was a blocked FG that cost them. Terrible.

It's seems ever more clear that the Dolphin offense will undergo some major changes this offseason, perhaps an entire re-build.

On a positive note, congratulations are in order to K Dan Carpenter who set a new franchise record for the longest field goal in team history, a 60 yarder right at the end of the first half. Well done, Dan!

Redemption for Henne? Not yet.

2010-11-30T21:51:00.000-05:00

Let's start with an admission: there's not a Dolfan out there who wouldn't take 300 yards passing, two TDs, and 1 INT from QB Chad Henne every week.

The reason is simple: those numbers make the Dolphins winners most weeks, especially with the solid defense they possess.

So good for Henne in his first start since getting the hook from coach Tony Sparano two weeks ago. I was very happy for him. Yet he must understand that one good game cannot wash away the fact that he was benched for non-performance. This means that Henne has to continue to play well in order to repair the damage to his reputation and end the questions about whether or not he is truly the future at QB.

Fortunately for Henne, the perfect opportunity has presented itself.

It just so happens that the Dolphins need to win their final five games in order to have a realistic shot at the playoffs. To pull this daunting task off, they'll need solid play from Henne. If Henne responds with productive outings like the one he had against the Raiders, the uncertainty around his future will surely evaporate.

The worry here is that Henne hasn't been able to string together multiple productive outings as a pro. And that's the real issue...a lack of consistency cobbled together with the occasional boneheaded play that has driven people to doubt him.

Can Chad Henne put the doubts to rest? Can he prove Sparano and others wrong? We're about to find out.

Offense Outmanned

2010-11-19T10:36:00.002-05:00

Last night the offense went from being inconsistent to being outmanned. I know Tony Sparano and his players are a "no excuse" bunch, but the reality of the situation right now is plain to see.

The problems start up front across the offensive line, which might just be the most unsettled in the NFL right now. They have second and third teamers trying to man the interior of the line, some out of position, none of having played together OR with starting tackles Jake Long and Vernon Carey. That means there is a complete lack of chemistry right now. And don't forget that Long and Carey are both playing hurt. Carey's knee is really bothering him; his quickness was just not up to his usual standards last night. The Bears took full advantage of the collective state of affairs.

The struggles on the line had a profound impact on the job Tyler Thigpen did last night. One of the things you want to be able to do for your third string QB is protect him so he can make sound judgements. I felt for Thigpen last night because he didn't have enough time to do much except run for his life and improvise. You can't win games doing that for four quarters.

The running game was also adversely impacted. Some people are criticizing offensive coordinator Dan Henning for not using the Wildcat last night, or not running more, but it is hard to do much more than the basic running plays when your line is a patchwork. In my opinion, running the Wildcat would have been a big mistake. Likewise, running the ball more than they did would have yielded little because the line was being defeated by the Bears' front seven.

To make matters even worse, the loss of WR Brandon Marshall to a hamstring injury robbed Thigpen of his best weapon. This was keenly felt against the Bears as they are susceptible to the pass. It was also a huge factor because the line wasn't giving Thigpen time to let other guys get open.

Mix in the fact that the Dolphins had a short week to prepare and you have a recipe for disaster, which is exactly what happened last night.

It's time to call up some reinforcements, and I would start with Jake Grove and Donald Thomas, both of whom are still free agents. I don't know if either one is healtly, in shape, or even willing, but it's worth a sniff at least.

The other option is much more sobering...stick with what you have and reap the benefits of a losing record in next year's NFL Draft as this team is still several drafts away from becoming a playoff force.

Hard as it is to accept, it's going to be very hard for the Dolphins to make a playoff run with most of their best players on offense in the training room.

Dolphin Injury Report as of 3:30pm ET Today

2010-11-17T16:55:00.001-05:00

Hot from Davie, here's the latest on the Dolphin injury situation for tomorrow night's game versus the Chicago Bears (8:30pm ET, NFL Network). It does not look good.

Out
C Joe Berger (Knee)
S Chris Clemons (Hamstring)

Doubtful (25% chance of playing)
QB Chad Henne (Knee)

Questionable (50% chance of playing)
T Jake Long (Shoulder)
S Tyrone Culver (Ankle)
WR Roberto Wallace (Knee)

Probable (75% chance of playing)
S Yeremiah Bell (Toe)
LB Channing Crowder (Ribs)
LB Karlos Dansby (Elbow)
T Vernon Carey (Knee)
LB Tim Dobbins (Ankle)
DE Kendall Langford (Ankle)
WR Brandon Marshall (Hamstring)

Injuries Causing Game Plan Issues for Dolphins

2010-11-16T09:42:00.002-05:00

At the Miami Dolphins Training Facility in Davie, Tony Sparano and his coaching staff have sorted through the mess of injuries that have hit their roster. By now you've probably got the dope on the list of walking/limping wounded.

Now that the front office has brought in a replacement for QB Chad Pennington (I/R) in Patrick Ramsey, as well as a warm body to run the scout team in place of newly named starter Tyler Thigpen, the next task is to figure out how to manage a game that will kick off in just two days.

In short, figure out how to break the huddle on offense, defense, and special teams.

At QB, the reality of the situation is that the Dolphins will go into the game without a safety net as it is difficult to see how Chad Henne could possibly play this week. Ramsey will get one live practice in today, in addition to a walkthrough tomorrow, before the game kicks off. While I'm sure QB coach David Lee will force feed him the playbook in the interim, Ramsey isn't going to know very much by Thursday evening. He'll probably be able to do handoffs (with help in the huddle from Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams), and run about five passing plays competently.

So pray Tyler Thigpen stays healthy.

On the offensive line, Sparano and offensive coordinator Dan Henning will probably have to give LT Jake Long some help with Bears DE Julius Peppers. This means that the protection schemes will have to be adjusted, a tricky thing given the struggles/injuries that the interior of the line has been facing (e.g. C Joe Berger has a knee problem and couldn't practice yesterday), in addition to the knee and back injuries that RT Vernon Carey has been battling through.

If Long has indeed injured his labrum, as is being reported by local media, I can tell you from personal experience with that same injury that he can definitely play with it. I don't think run blocking will be the big issue, but rather pass protection will be. Long will have a tough time extending his arms in front of him (with strength) to punch or redirect Pepper's energy where he wants given the weakness in the shoulder.

Defensively, it looks as though OLB Cameron Wake will be able to play through his hip injury, but how effective will he be? We can expect that defensive coordinator Mike Nolan will use Quentin Moses more than normal, but the issue of creating a consistent pass rush will be paramount in his mind. Without a consistent pass rush, there will be added pressure on the secondary, especially at Safety where captain Yeremiah Bell is fighting through a painful toe injury and Chris Clemons is slowed with a hamstring injury. While Nolan appreciates their grittiness, he knows that a DB without his legs is a potential liability and that liability is larger if the pass rush is a non-factor. This is why we can expect rookie Reshad Jones to continue to see action. But we can also expect Nolan to dig deeper into his bag of tricks to compensate. The rub here is that Bears QB Jay Cutler is as good as anyone in making defenses pay for taking risks.

Falcons Show Why Henne Had to be Benched

2010-11-12T11:35:00.000-05:00

If you don't think QB Chad Henne was costing the Dolphins wins, you should have watched last night's tilt between the Atlanta Falcons and the Baltimore Ravens.

It is not a secret that the Ravens once vaunted D has been susceptible to the pass this year. The Patriots, Bills, and now Falcons all took full advantage of this weakness. Only the Bills failed to come out on top, despite QB Ryan Fitzpatrick's 382 yards and 4 TDs.

Last night the Falcons wasted no time in lining up in a spread formation, running quick plays in a no huddle style cadence that netted QB Matt Ryan 316 yards and 3 TDs in a 26-21 win. The Ravens, exhausted in the end, simply couldn't stop it.

Recall that the Dolphins tried to follow the pass heavy formula last week against the Ravens, but failed miserably as Henne was picked three times in a 26-10 loss.

There are just too many good skill position weapons on the Dolphin offense, including perhaps the best tackle tandem in the NFL, for them to be yielding so few points. If you doubt that Henne's play was the prime causal, Matt Ryan showed you why you are wrong.

Midseason Grades, More on QB Change

2010-11-11T09:22:00.001-05:00

Winless at home and a .500 record is not what we expected from the 2010 Miami Dolphins. This was supposed to be the year that they became a quality playoff team and the excitement was returned to the hometown fans.

Instead these Dolphins have become a dull flop. In fact, they are just one game better than last year’s disappointing 3-5 midseason mark.

This is what they are. You have to accept it, but you don’t have to like it.

Of course we now know that Tony Sparano doesn't like it, and has wasted little time in replacing Chad Henne at QB with former NFL MVP runner up Chad Pennington. It was the right move, the smart move. Some in the media, unfortunately, are now predicting doom for the current regime and for Henne's future with this change. How sad.

Sometimes it's better to sit a guy down for a while when he is struggling rather than continue to allow him to fail. That's why this move makes sense. Henne's tough-minded and a hard worker, so I expect he will use this time to watch Pennington play and learn how to run the offense more efficiently.

Yes, this is a blow to the team's hopes of Henne becoming the future at QB. But this doesn't mean that Henne cannot bounce back. Others in the media are expecting the worst. I prefer to hope for the best.

This week on Phins.com, I hand out my Midseason Grades, which was published one day before Sparano made his decision. Check them out.

QB Change: Pennington Replaces Henne

2010-11-10T13:36:00.004-05:00

In my column this week on Phins.com, I wondered how much longer coach Tony Sparano could be patient with QB Chad Henne and his developmental struggles in light of the team's precarious 4-4 record, especially with a proven winner like Chad Pennington healthy and ready to go.

Turns out the answer to my question was 'two days'.

Today, Sparano dropped a minor bombshell when he announced that Pennington would replace Henne as the team's starting QB for the rest of the season.

"After making long evaluations of all the details involved, what I've decided to do here as we move forward is Chad Pennington is going to be the quarterback," Sparano said. "Took a lot of things into consideration, weighed an awful lot of options out. This is not an indictment at all. This is not an indictment on (Henne's)future. This player has gotten an awful lot better right now. He's come two-fold from where he was. But this is something I need to do. At this particular time as I look ahead, my decision is Chad Pennington's strengths are a little bit better suited for where we need to be right now."

The big question now is how to interpret the move relative to Henne's future. From my perspective, sometimes it's better to sit a guy down for a while when he is struggling rather than continue to allow him to fail. Henne's tough-minded and a hard worker, so I expect he will use this time to watch Pennington play and learn how to run the offense more efficiently. Certainly Henne's disappointed, but he can't dismiss the reasons for the decision.

That being said, there's also no escaping the fact that this is a blow to the team's hopes of Henne becoming the future at QB.

For the 2010 season, it says here that Sparano made the right decision. If the Pennington of 2008 shows up, this team's chances of making the playoffs just increased dramatically.

Three Dolphins on NBC's Midseason All-Pro Team

2010-11-09T10:23:00.000-05:00

The Dolphins might be mediocre, but their representation on NBC's midseason All-Pro team sure isn't.

LT Jake Long, OLB Cameron Wake, and K Dan Carpenter were named by writer Evan Silva to the list.

Long is quickly gaining acclamation as the league's best tackle. Keep in mind that he is having a tremendous season despite enduring a knee injury in the last preseason game. Jake Long is the rare player you get when you combine extraordinary physical and mental talent with toughness.

Wake is currently second in the league in sacks with 8.5. While his pass rushing skills are very impressive, his ability to stay on the field this year in run situations is really the key to his success. This is where Wake's game is most improved.

Carpenter has been as close to automatic on field goals as a kicker can get in the NFL. He kicked 14 successful FGs in a row before missing one against the Ravens this past Sunday. He might be the Dolphins MVP.

Congratulations to Jake, Cameron, and Dan!

To see the entire NBC All Pro list, click here: NBC All-Pro Team.

Focus Should Be on Improvement, Not Excuses

2010-10-28T03:22:00.002-04:00

If there is one word that best describes the 2010 Miami Dolphins, it's "inconsistency". This bunch seems like world beaters on one drive and chumps the next.

Coach Tony Sparano is fighting a daily battle to steady things down.

On offense, it's all about getting his young QB to grow quickly without tearing his team's playoff chances to bits. That involves a lot of careful game planning with offensive coordinator Dan Henning, based on what they see in practice and on film. On defense, it's overcoming injuries and unsettled situations at CB opposite the solid Vontae Davis, and at strongside OLB. And certainly least of all is the special teams, which are once again undertalented and undercoached, and costing the team two wins thus far.

This is why I can't get too wrapped up with the blown call by the refs at the end of the Steelers game. The Dolphins put their fate in someone else's hands, and the outcome of such situations can sometimes be unfair. Sparano says he doesn't get into excuse-making, and I agree with him 100%.

His efforts are better spent trying to get his guys to play better ball, which they are certainly capable of. So if you want to be frustrated about anything involving the Miami Dolphins, be frustrated that they aren't living up to their talent.

Parcells' Mysterious Departure

2010-10-19T10:55:00.005-04:00

As I wrote in this blog last month, the timing of Bill Parcells' departure from the Miami Dolphins is confusing. All we really have is a terse statement issued by the team, together with some ambiguous comments from Parcells himself to the New York media as to his future intentions.

Are things really as he says? Is GM Jeff Ireland truly ready to stand on his own two feet? Is coach Tony Sparano no longer in need of guidance? Are the Dolphins confidently on the path towards the Vince Lombardi trophy, so much so that Ireland and Sparano can finish the journey on their own?

Or is it that the relationship between Parcells and owner Stephen Ross has gone sour? Did Ross pressure Parcells to cut personnel at the end of the preseason in order to help cut into the team's reported $7.7 million defecit, reportedly the highest in the NFL in 2009? Did Ross blow up over the wasted bonus dollars thrown at the likes of Gibril Wilson and Jake Grove? Is Parcells fed up with how Ross is marketing the team during game days? Has pal and former Chiefs GM Carl Peterson been whispering in Ross's ear? Did Ross's meddling push Parcells out the door? One thing is certain: Ross is much more active in team affairs than his predecessor Wayne Huizenga was. Just how active he is on the football side of the house is the big unknown question.

Or is it that Sparano and Ireland, who meet frequently whereas Sparano and Parcells do not, have drifted away from Parcells philosophically? Did they decide that it was better for their long term futures to be loyal to Ross versus Parcells? Did Parcells, sensing this, decide that departure was better than dissention?

As you can see, there are a lot of unanswered questions here. The fans deserve to know what's going on with their beloved team, directly from Parcells himself.

Now some people suggest that all of this is a non-story, that Parcells was going to leave the Dolphins sooner or later. It's true, he was. Yet people just don't resign their jobs and clean out their offices this way during the season if everything is peachy. It just doesn't happen, people. Had Parcells waited to do this at the end of the season, few would have uttered a word. What's the big mystery here?

I just wish I knew what to believe.

Dolphins Get Season Back on Track

2010-10-18T12:21:00.003-04:00

Yesterday's solid 23-20 overtime win over the Packers was very important to the Dolphins postseason chances. After dropping two losses at home to the Jets and Patriots in consecutive weeks, the sense of urgency to get the season back on the positive side of the ledger was very palpable. Good playoff teams always stay on the right side of the win-loss column. The coaches and players knew they had to improve the execution of their responsibilities if they were to come out of Lambeau Field with a win, and I thought they did a good job of that on Sunday.

It's very weird how the Dolphins (3-2) play under control and highly focused on the road versus the sloppiness of their two home losses. I cannot explain it. Talent is not the issue; they have enough to be a playoff team. Again, it's weird. Let's just hope they bring the good mojo into Sun Life Stadium this Sunday when they face Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers (1pm EDT, CBS).

I think Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers gave the Dolphin D a very good preview as to what to expect from Roethlisberger. Like Rodgers, Roethlisberger will move around a lot to buy extra time for his receivers. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan will have to figure out how to get pressure on Roethlisberger; the defensive backs will have to bring their "A+" games if the Dolphins are to defeat the Steelers.

Sparano is Right to Stick with Henne

2010-10-06T11:41:00.000-04:00

Being patient is not the general nature of football fans. We are a "now" society, usually more focused on the results than the process. It's not right or wrong, it just is.

When we apply this attitude to the Miami Dolphins, it's easy to understand why people are up-in-arms over QB Chad Henne. We don't want to hear that it takes time for a young quarterback to develop; we want Dan Marino and we want him right now!

Yeah, I know that's stretching it; no one really expects Henne to be the next Marino. We'd be happy if Henne turns out to be a productive, winning QB who could beat teams with his arm when the need arises.

But getting Henne, who has started roughly a season's worth of games, to that point WILL take time. And he WILL make mistakes. And it WILL be frustrating to endure. But it remains in the best, long term interest of the team that we do endure it if the Dolphins hope to be a winner of championships in this decade and the next.

Some perspective, if I may, for those of you who don’t have an appreciation for what Henne is going through: it is one thing to complete passes in practice, with a non-contact jersey on, and quite another to do it at game speed with over a thousand pounds of malice trying to tear your head off. Think about that, because in the course of gaining that experience Henne has to also worry about not doing anything to hurt the team (i.e. interceptions).

Against the Patriots, we saw what can happen when a young QB starts trying to do more than he is ready for. Don't get too caught up in Henne's stats; I like 300 yard games as much as the next guy. It's the first two picks that Henne threw which serve as all the evidence we need that the learning process is still happening. Both throws were really bad decisions, a sign of Henne's inexperience and impatience in a situation where Henne could have afforded patience.

These teaching moments will continue to happen this season. I guarantee it. So I hope Sparano will stick with Henne as long as he is playing reasonably well. Setting boundaries in this regard makes sense, such as adhering to Don Shula's three interception rule.

It would also help if Sparano could tighten up other areas of the team, such as special teams, so that Henne and the offense aren't forced to play from behind.

Time Running Out for Channing Crowder

2010-10-02T21:31:00.002-04:00

Dolphins LB Channing Crowder suffered another setback today when he was scratched from the line-up versus the Patriots on Monday night.

Crowder, who has been out two months now, has been slow to recover from some sort of abdominal injury. A few days ago, he went to see a specialist as the injury wasn't improving. Some are speculating that the injury might actually be a sports hernia, which could require surgery to correct.

Unlike the situations with CB Will Allen and OL Nate Garner, who both ended up on Injured Reserve before the season began, the Dolphins have been very patient with Crowder in the hope of getting him back for the bulk of the season. Two weeks ago he began very limited work in practice, which was viewed as encouraging. Unfortunately, Crowder's recent visit to the specialist must be interpreted as a sign that his recovery is not coming along as hoped.

While we all wish the best to Crowder in getting back 100% healthy, the 2010 season is starting to slip away for him. It may now be a question of "when", not "if", Crowder is placed on IR.

No Moral Victories in Loss to Jets

2010-09-29T11:31:00.001-04:00

"Nothing."
-- Miami Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall, in response to a question about positive takeaways from the loss to the NY Jets.

I don't think Brandon Marshall could have said it any better for me in describing a game where the Dolphins were defeated by the Jets in all three phases: Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Yes, the Dolphins fought hard to overcome a slew of errors and missed opportunities. Unfortunately that old nemesis--finishing--was problematic once again.

I also thought that Tony Sparano and his staff were outcoached by Rex Ryan and his staff, and that this had a profound effect on the game's outcome.

Check out my complete post-game analysis on Phins.com: No Moral Victories in Loss to Jets.

Next up is a familiar foe in a Monday Night match-up, the New England Patriots (8:30pm ET, ESPN). As disappointing as this loss was, the Dolphins still have a great opportunity to hit the season quarterpole with a nice 3-1 record and two divisional wins in hand if they can defeat the Pats. Knowing Tony Sparano, he'll have his guys focused on this positive milestone.

Offense Not Passable

2010-09-24T08:42:00.000-04:00

Twenty offensive points in total over the course of two games is not what anyone expected out of an offense loaded with skill position talent and buttressed by a strong offensive line.

As always, the quarterback is an easy target. Chad Henne understands this all too well. And while the stats strongly suggest that the offense is indeed playing down to his level, the issue is not that clear cut.

Where it comes to the passing game, it doesn’t matter that the Dolphins have a very good offensive line.

It doesn’t matter that they have two Pro Bowl caliber runners.

It doesn’t matter that they have one of the best receivers in football, a Pro Bowler coming off of three consecutive 100 catch seasons.

It doesn’t matter that they have a seasoned offensive coordinator.

It only matters if all of those pieces are working well together. Through the preseason and halfway into September, they haven’t been.

This week on Phins.com, I wrote about the issues on offense. You can check it out by clicking here: Offense Not Passable.

Rewind: Ted Ginn Owning the New York Jets

2010-09-22T15:16:00.001-04:00

Game 1

Game 2

Who Will Be the New Jet Killer?

2010-09-22T14:09:00.005-04:00

No one was happier about Ted Ginn, Jr. being traded to the San Francisco 49ers than NY Jets coach Rex Ryan. Ginn was a pain in his, erm, neck all last season, first burning All-Pro Darrelle Revis for a 53 yard touchdown in Miami and then single-handedly winning the re-match in The Meadowlands with two 100 yard kickoff returns for scores.

"Ted Ginn destroyed us," Ryan said. "I know people in Miami said, 'Oh, he's disappointing,' and all that but you look at the games last year against us, he destroyed us."

Ginn's jersey now hangs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in honor of his record-setting returns. As for Ginn himself, say what you will but he was a bonafide Jet killer, an intangible who was a difference in both wins last year.

Who, if anyone, will step up and fill that role that Ginn was so good at? Who is the guy who will make himself the Jets new daddy?

Will it be one of the cornerbacks, Vontae Davis or Jason Allen?

Will it be WR Brandon Marshall?

Will it be LB Cameron Wake or Karlos Dansby?

Who is that explosive player who will frustrate Rex Ryan and the Jets once again?

Defense Leads Dolphins to 2-0

2010-09-19T16:37:00.002-04:00

The top-ranked Dolphin defense once again led the way in securing another low scoring, hard fought 14-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field.

Three interceptions punctuated the effort, together with a bend-but-don't-break approach in containing RB Adrian Peterson who rushed for the most harmless 145 yards you will ever see. As for Brett Favre, victimized by the Dolphin secondary all day, it was clear that he was affected by the pass rush and a dearth of quality, healthy receivers. OLB Cam Wake nailed him in the Vikings endzone on one pass play, causing a fumble that fellow OLB Koa Misi fell on for a defensive TD.

It was an amazing effort when we consider that the offense only managed 7 points and turned the ball over twice, once on their own 2 yard line when Ricky Williams fumbled the ball. That led to the Vikings' only TD of the day.

Overall, the playcalling and the play of QB Chad Henne was very conservative and just not good enough to win games over the long haul. It seems such a waste considering the dominating play of the offensive line, especially LT Jake Long, in opening holes for the running game and providing Henne with loads of time to throw the football.

If this is how the Dolphins plan to win games in 2010, they would be much better off playing QB Chad Pennington. Henne just isn't good enough, isn't experienced enough, to lead the offense to scoring points under such limiting parameters. The almost complete and total lack of a middle-to-deep passing game is exasperating, especially for a strong-armed passer like Henne and a top-notch WR like Brandon Marshall. The good news is that, once again, Henne did not throw an interception. But the lack of productivity from the passing game (a pitiful 9 completions for 114 yards, 46 of it coming on the first offensive play) is putting way too much pressure on the ground game.

It is a real testament to the greatness of this year's defense that the Dolphins are 2-0 despite scoring a total of 20 offensive points over back-to-back road games. That's very hard to do in the NFL.

Stronger Secondary Bodes Well for Dolphins

2010-09-14T14:22:00.004-04:00

The excellent play of the secondary against the Bills really stood out to me. With the loss of CB Will Allen for the season, the struggles of second year man Sean Smith, and the inexperience of FS Chris Clemons, I was expecting some problems guarding Buffalo's receivers.

Those worries proved unfounded.

What's heartning is that, for the most part, the improvement has come from players who were on the team last year. This means the coaches are doing a good job in developing them.

Vontae Davis, now the team's best cover corner, is every bit as good as the gurus said he would be in grading him as the top corner in the 2009 draft. He has fine fundamentals, is strong and fast, tough against the run, maintains an even disposition, and isn't afraid of anyone. I like those things in a cornerback. His potential arrow is pointing way up.

Jason Allen, the much maligned first rounder in 2006, seems to have finally "got it" at CB. We've seen it in fits and bursts in the past, but never consistently. Against a fine #1 receiver in Lee Evans, Allen did more than hold his own. He may be the most physically gifted defensive back on the roster. If Tony Sparano and DB coach Todd Bowles have somehow managed to get Allen's brain to catch up with his body, we might just have ourselves a player.

Yeremiah Bell, starting strong safety and a defensive team captain, is in the prime of his career. Coming off his first Pro Bowl berth, this 2003 sixth round pick and practice squad player is a self-made man in every sense of the word. We knew he was tough against run and very capable in pass protection, but now he's taking it all to the elite level.

Chris Clemons, new in his starting free safety job, has a fine nose for the football and excellent range. WE knew those things from last year. But now HE "knows", as Sparano is want to say, and he can tackle. Whenever you can take good ability and marry it mentally to the speed and complexity of the pro game, you've got something. Clemons is a player I am going to enjoy watching in the years to come.

Sean Smith, recently deposed as a starting CB, is on the sophomore skids right now but that doesn't mean he can't get back into his groove in short order. He's very talented, tough and smart...what he needs is more of that fourth element that Jeff Ireland and Sparano crave: discipline. Smith is too good not to get there.

Benny Sapp, acquired from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for WR Greg Camarillo, showed well against the Bills. He almost had an interception for a touchdown and seems to be a sure tackler. The one major negative was the TD pass to Roscoe Parrish that was an obvious miscommunication with S Tyrone Culver in a Cover 4 look. Was the TD Culver's fault, or Sapp's residual unfamiliarity with the Dolphin D?

Next up are the aforementioned Vikings, who have a better QB chucking the ball than the Bills do...some guy named Brett Favre. Together with the inside knowledge that Camarillo brings to the Vikes, especially with the strengths and weaknesses of the Dolphin DBs, Sunday's contest should prove to be a solid test for the Dolphin secondary.

Ugly is Beautiful When It's a Win in Buffalo

2010-09-13T08:59:00.000-04:00

The sign of a good team is getting a win on the road when they left their "A" game back home. That's exeactly what the Dolphins did yesterday for the first time in six games up here in windy Western New York versus the Bills.

Ah, the wind. It was Buffalo's 13th man all day (Bills fans were their 12th). That Lake Erie Air took an errant Dan Carpenter kickoff and moved it fully out of bounds, giving the Bills the ball at their own 40 yard line and leading to a field goal. It also contributed to an underthrown Chad Henne pass to Brandon Marshall that should have gone for a deep touchdown. That's a ten point swing, folks. Still, the Dolphins will take the wind and the divisional win anytime.

I won't dwell on the inconsistencies that drove Dolfans nuts, so here are a few impressions of yesterday's much appreciated win.

Patience my friends, patience; Henne is still very much a work in process. I thought his indecision yesterday hurt him more than anything else. Perhaps it was his deep desire not to turn the ball over in a tight game, as he did three times in last year's season-crushing loss. One thing he will tear the stubs of his hair out on today after he watches the film: poor ball position on throws, which caused his receivers to forego a lot of yards-after-catch.
Continuity is still a problem for the offense; they are not as sharp as they should be right now. I think they are probably two weeks away from getting into a nice groove. Problem is, they have Brett Favre and the Vikings next...on the road...coming off a loss...in just six days.
The improved speed of the front seven on defense was really apparent yesterday, both in pursuit and in rushing the QB. I also thought the linebackers, missing two starters, did a very good job of not letting Buffalo's blockers tie them up inside. ILB Karlos Dansby was pretty much unblockable yesterday and flashed better pass rushing skills than I gave him credit for.
Except for one bad miscommunication between Benny Sapp and Tyrone Culver, the secondary was very good throughout. Yes I know Trent Edwards isn't Peyton Manning, but they still guarded and tackled well. I'm sure DB coach Todd Bowles will have them run some extra reps in ball drills this week, given the two dropped Pick-Sixes.
Don't be too uptight with the Ronnie and Ricky change-ups, or the Wildcat comings and goings. O-boss Dan Henning knows his guys a lot better than we do. This will continue until Henne proves he is an elite QB. For now, Henning is right to keep Ronnie and Ricky fresh and to force opponents to stress out on defending the Wildcat.
Brandon Fields erased a poor day punting with his final one of the day, which was downed on the 6 inch line. He couldn't have walked down there with the ball and hand-placed it any better. That kick essentially won the game for the Dolphins.
I think Brandon Marshall was legitimately covered on no more than 25% of the pass plays. Been a long time since I've seen that level of proficiency from a Dolphin WR. His blocking was, once again, an impressive part of his game. He also catches the ball outside the frame of his body, the fundamentally sound way to do it. What a joy it is watch him work!

Grove Cut; Did Parcells Back Out or Fall Out?

2010-09-09T13:28:00.004-04:00

One day after Bill Parcells abruptly handed the keys of the football operations to GM Jeff Ireland, the Dolphins promptly continued their salary purge by cutting C Jake Grove.

Grove was arguably the best lineman on the team after LT Jake Long. The Dolphins brought him in to handle guys like the Jets' Kris Jenkins and the Pats' Vince Wilfork. But Grove was constantly injured or dinged, and the Dolphins decided that he was no longer worth the $29.5 million contract ($14.5 million guaranteed) he signed last season.

That Grove couldn't stay healthy wasn't a surprise. Over six NFL seasons, Grove has started all 16 games just once. In contrast Samson Satele, the 2008 starter at Center, is still going strong with the Oakland Raiders (Grove's former team). Once the Dolphins signed Grove, they traded Satele to the Raiders for a 6th round pick (used to draft OT Andrew Gardiner, no longer with the team).

Think Al Davis got the better of that deal? You bet your binky he did.

So Joe Berger has won the Center job for the season. Berger, by the way, works a lot cheaper than Grove did (approx. $2.2 million, 3 years). He is also less talented.

Now back to Parcells for a moment.

Today the Tuna was seen taking practice golf strokes in front of the team's practice facility. He did not attend the media-attended portion of practice, and it is not known if he attended practice at all. This is very odd for a man who has reportedly attended team practices religiously.

I've speculated in this week's blog entries that Parcells and owner Stephen Ross may have had a falling out, and that Parcells has decided to leave early. My suspicions began with a number of surprising and senseless veteran cuts and decisions over the weekend and into this week that did nothing to help the 2010 Dolphins win games. In fact, the primary purpose of those cuts was to save money.

Make no mistake: the Miami Dolphins are a less talented team today as a result of these cuts.

Could it be that Ross leaned on Parcells and Ireland to cut salaries, far and away the biggest operating cost, in order to cut into the team's $7.7 million defecit? As such, did Parcells come to the conclusion that Ross isn't as committed to winning as previously believed?

Parcells' cavalier attitude today in front of the team's training facility, in plain view of the media, did nothing to settle the matter. Superficially, he is acting like a man who is suddenly happy to be rid of a meddling owner.

True or false? Only Parcells can tell us.

Timing of Parcells Decision is Confusing

2010-09-08T09:51:00.000-04:00

"Effective immediately, Jeff Ireland will assume full control over all aspects and decisions in regard to the Miami Dolphin football team and support staff. This was the intent of the structure put in place in the past. Bill Parcells will remain with the club on a daily consultant basis."
-- statement from Miami Dolphins, 9/7/2010

That's it. No explanation, and no intention to explain further.

Wow.

And so, once again, we are left to speculate as to the true reasons behind a major team decision.

Why did Parcells choose this moment in time, early in year three of his four year deal, to step back and cede day-to-day operational authority to GM Jeff Ireland?

I think there are two possibilities.

The first is fairly straightforward; as the statement suggests, Parcells was planning to do this all along. He felt that Ireland was now ready for the responsibility. And, by remaining as a consultant, he helps Ireland transition into the larger role in a more comfortable and confident way. This way, Ireland runs the show for the rest of this season and at least through next year's draft with a safety net. Sometime thereafter, Parcells probably leaves the organization.

The second possibility is more disturbing.

As we know, the Dolphins recently dumped the contracts of several veterans in favor of cheaper inexperienced free agents. Other vets, such as Will Allen, were placed on Injured Reserve as a likely prelude to being released.

The indisputable result of these moves is that the Dolphins sacrificed quality depth in order to save money.

Speculation: Could it be that owner Stephen Ross leaned on Parcells to cut operating costs in order to help reduce the team's reported $7.7 million loss in 2009? As a result of this meddling, could it be that Parcells has decided that he and Ross no longer share the same vision of putting the best product on the field?

One of the fears that team watchers had when Ross bought the Dolphins was that he would inevitably meddle on the football side of the house, and that this meddling would end up chasing Parcells away.

Now there is no hard evidence to suggest that this has occured. All we have here is circumstancial evidence and speculation, all of which could be dead wrong. Yet it is unsettling when we see an abrupt announcement like this by Parcells, right before the season opener and immediately after a series of cuts that left the team worse off than it was.

Here's hoping that Parcells explains his decision in clearer terms than yesterday's terse and bland statement did.

How Committed are the Dolphins to Winning in 2010?

2010-09-06T09:48:00.003-04:00

Let's start by dispensing with some bull.

The Miami Dolphins are not better off as a net result of the moves they made these past two days.

John Nalbone is not better than David Martin.

Nolan Carroll is not better than Will Allen.

Reshad Jones is not better than Nate Ness, not based on what we saw in the preseason.

Clifton Geathers and Robert Rose are not better than Marques Douglas and Charles Grant.

Jermey Parnell and Joe Reitz may not be better than Nate Garner and Donald Thomas, and can't really help the Dolphins until they learn the system, a task which will take weeks.

So what were the Dolphins thinking when they made the latest round of roster moves?

It sure wasn't winning in 2010.

Instead, two other things were accomplished. First, they saved money by paying street free agents versus veteran salaries. Second, they got younger.

The latter is conducive to winning...in the future.

The former is important when considering the salary cap. But the NFL is operating with an uncapped season in 2010, so that can't be it. This leaves me wondering if owner Stephen Ross is leaning on Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland to do their share in cutting costs.

Why would that be?

Well, if Forbes magazine is to be believed, the Dolphins were the biggest money loser in the league last year ($7.7 million in the red). The recent cuts would certainly help to reduce that defecit as player salaries are, by far, a team's biggest operating expense.

Yesterday, Tony Sparano maintained that the playoffs remain the team's goal for 2010.

"I think that for us, we want to be in the playoffs, so those are the expectations", Sparano said. "Now some people can stand up there and talk about it and not really feel like they have a chance to do it but think it’s the right thing to say. I really believe that we have a chance to do this. This football team walking in the door on Monday knows the expectations clearly. They’re not going to back down from the expectations, and that’s what I would tell you. I mean the expectations for us are that we continue to improve here and get to the playoffs and give ourselves a chance.”

Yes, they have a chance. But I can't help but feel those chances were diminished over the past two days.

Some Surprises as Dolphins Make Final Cuts

2010-09-04T20:40:00.000-04:00

The Dolphins have made their final roster cuts today, needing to get down to the mandatory 53 man limit by 6pm ET.

Three of the cuts surprised me.

TE David Martin - There was a firm conviction that he would become an important part of the two TE offense, which the Dolphins employed with great success two seasons ago. Instead, the Dolphins elected to keep John Nalbone. Why?
OG Donald Thomas - I suppose Tony Sparano was just fed up with his inconsistency and flat out gave up on him. For a team short on depth at guard, it is the only explanation I can come up with.
DB Nate Ness - I felt he was the one of the more consistent young players in the secondary. They decided to invest in Reshad Jones and Nolan Carroll instead.

The rest of cuts are as follows:
S Jonathon Amaya
DT Ryan Baker
DE Lionel Dotson
G Ray Feinga
LB J.D. Folsom
T Andrew Gardner
OL Andrew Hartline
CB Kevin Hobbs
FB Rolly Lumbala
LB Chris McCoy
WR Julius Pruitt
LB Austin Spitler
WR Patrick Turner
LB Erik Walden
S Ross Weaver
QB Pat White

Also, DT Montavious Stanley's contract was terminated.

Keep in mind that there will be some signings of players cut by other teams, as well as some trades, so stay tuned. One trade went down yesterday with the Dolphins acquiring G/T Pat McQuistan from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for an undisclosed 2011 draft choice.

Time to Get Down to Business

2010-09-03T11:40:00.003-04:00

Tony Sparano and the Miami Dolphins barely escaped a devastating injury to LT Jake Long last night in the final exhibition match, a 27-25 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. True to his word, Sparano played his starters well into the first half. However, during a frenzied scramble for a Chad Henne fumble, Long got his knee rolled up. He reportedly looked OK after the game, but the entire episode did nothing for Dolphin hearts while the team's best lineman was lying on the ground.

As I expressed in my blog entry on Wednesday, this is the type of risk Sparano was willing to take in order to get his starters ready to face the Buffalo Bills on September 12. Was the risk warranted? Was it truly worth it?

I suppose it's all water under the bridge this morning, as are the excuses about the preseason not counting.

This is why my advice to you today is to let the preseason go. It's a notoriously bad predictor of future success anyway, as well as a general waste of energy to those outside the Dolphin organization.

In nine days we will see the real Miami Dolphins in action. There will be no holding back, no excuses. Your questions will soon be answered. Your eyes won't lie. Paper will meet reality.

As we approach the season opener on September 12, look for my blog entries here on Extra Points and a column or two on Phins.com as the team gets ready to face the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York (1pm ET, CBS).

Football season is here. GO DOLPHINS!

Dolphin Likes, Dislikes

2010-09-02T08:38:00.000-04:00

Tonight marks the final preseason game for the Miami Dolphins as they face the Dallas Cowboys in the new Texas Stadium (8pm ET, WFOR local TV). For the most part, training camp has come and gone pretty much as expected. But the Dolphins haven't been as consistent in the previous three exhibition games as Tony Sparano would have liked.

In my latest column on Phins.com, I lay out my own list of Dolphin Likes, Dislikes. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Sparano Taking a Risk with Starters vs. Cowboys

2010-09-01T12:36:00.000-04:00

"I have no idea how much the starters will play. That's not up to me; that's up to them." -- Tony Sparano

It's always difficult to know when to pull back on preparations during the preseason.

At some point during the third quarter of the third preseason game, a coach usually decides that the risk of continuing to line his starters up against guys desperate to do anything to win a job becomes counterproductive...almost foolish...in the face of injury.

Apparently, Tony Sparano hasn't crossed that threshold yet.

Clearly unhappy with how his starters performed against the Falcons under the guidance of a gameplan ("We stunk the other night"), Sparano could be feeling that there is more to be gained than lost by giving his starters extended duty against the Cowboy scrubs in the final preseason game.

In contrast, Dallas coach Wade Phillips seems to have no intention of exposing his best players to injury in this final tune-up. In fact, it's third string QB Stephen McGee who will likely start the game.

I think it is foolish to coach scared; Sparano needs to do what he feels is best to have his guys ready to go against Buffalo on September 12. On the other hand, given the hundreds of snaps his starters have already had, what real benefit is there to be gained from an additional 30-50 snaps this late in preseason?

Is Sparano doing this to satisfy his own need to see a sense of urgency from his starters? If yes, what does it really prove if they drive down the field and score a touchdown against Dallas's second team defense?

This we do know:

Phillips will get a lot more out of this than Sparano will.
Sparano will be skewered if he loses a starter to injury by playing him well into a meaningless preseason game.

For the good of the team, I hope Sparano plays his starters for no more than a series or two before making wholesale substitutions. Like it or not, the time for extensive live scrimmaging has past...just as the threshold where risk outweighs reward has past. If the Dolphin starters have squandered that live scrimmage time, then so be it; there are other less risky ways to continue to sharpen the edge.

Here's hoping the starters take care of business quickly and effectively. The alternative could be ruinous for the season.

Saban: It Was a Mistake Coming to Miami

2010-08-31T10:14:00.001-04:00

Fox Sports' Rick Horrow, The Sports Professor, interviewed former Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban; that interview was recently posted on You Tube by Fox. In the interview, Saban points out two big mistakes he made with the Dolphins:

1) Leaving the college game in the first place.
2) How he handled his departure.

There's more to Saban's departure than what he says in the interview, like the situation with his wife Terry being unhappy in Miami, his mismangement of personnel, and his unwillingness to endure the time it was going to take for him to turn the Dolphins into winners. This is typical of Saban, never really telling the whole truth. And it's a bit disingenuous of him to try and cast himself in a sympathetic light.

Here's the interview in its entirety. Apologies to those of you who have seen it already:

Sparano Partly to Blame for Inconsistency

2010-08-31T09:42:00.000-04:00

Coach Tony Sparano’s game of musical chairs with his interior offensive linemen has now gone beyond a reasonable assessment of talent. All of the candidates have had hundreds of reps already. Little more, if anything, will be learned from the next hundred. Yet Sparano inexplicably holds off deciding on who his starters will be.

Why is that?

Never have I seen him more unsure about anything having to do with the Miami Dolphins. It’s really out of character for him, and it is hurting the continuity on offense with the running game and pass protection. This was clearly evident against the Falcons, where both sides came into the game with a gameplan. The Falcons were able to take advantage of the unsettled situation on the Dolphins side, as quarterbacks Chad Henne and Chad Pennington were under constant pressure and the running game was stuffed.

Sometimes you can stare at a problem so long and so microcosmically that you lose the big picture. In this case, the continuity of the offensive line and the offense as a whole is suffering from Sparano’s indecisiveness. This could come back to bite the Dolphins hard in the season opener against the Bills in Orchard Park on September 12.

Memo to Sparano: Another four quarters of exhibition play against Dallas won’t tell you any more than you and line coach Dave Deguglielmo already know. You need to decide, like yesterday.

Thank You, Greg Camarillo

2010-08-25T14:02:00.004-04:00

Today the Dolphins traded WR Greg Camarillo to the Minnesota Vikings for CB Benny Sapp. The Vikings were is desperate need of WR help with Sydney Rice (hip) on the mend, and the Dolphins needed help with CB Will Allen hobbled by a bad knee.

Camarillo will always be remembered in team history for scoring the winning TD against the Ravens in 2007, giving the Dolphins their only win that year and avoiding the ignominy of an 0-16 season. That play was called Scat Left Ernie, and Camarillo has been asked about it so many times that he named his dog "Ernie".

Here is a link to our Phins.com interview with Camarillo earlier this year: Phins.com Interview with Greg Camarillo.

You can also learn more about Scat Left Ernie by checking out NFL.com's Anatomy of a Play, hosted by Brian Baldinger. He breaks it down for us.

I know all loyal Dolfans will join me in wishing Greg all the best in Minnesota, and thank him for that all important win in 2007. To us at Phins.com, he was always gracious with his time.

Team Shaping Up Mostly As Expected; Other News

2010-08-25T09:04:00.000-04:00

For me, this preseason has been all-too-predictable.

We knew the Dolphins would have a potentially explosive offense. We knew there were some issues on defense that needed attention. And we worried about the special teams, an annual ritual in the Tony Sparano era.

All of these things have come to pass.

This week on Phins.com, I wrote about how the 2010 Dolphins are coming together. To access the column, click here: Team Shaping Up Mostly As Expected.

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In case you missed it, former Dolphin NT Jason Ferguson gave me his take on how he thinks Randy Starks is doing as the team's new NT. You can read Ferg's take here: Ferg Gives Starks an "A".

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Friday's all-important third preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons will give us the best glimpse yet into the state of the Miami Dolphins as they prepare for the September 12 season opener against the Buffalo Bills. The coaches will prepare and implement an actual game plan for facing and defeating a playoff caliber team. It should be a quality test as the starters will see action into the third quarter.

"As I told the team, this is a really good test for us because this is a team that I consider a playoff team from the, from the NFC and from our end here, we consider ourselves to be one", said Sparano. "So I think this is a good test, it will be a good challenge for us in this ball game, and we’re looking forward to it."

"I’d like to play well in this game obviously when you bring your first groups out there for a little bit more time. I have no way of knowing what (Atlanta Head Coach) Mike Smith is going to do with his units and how long they’re going to be in and how long (they’re going to play). It’s not going to be a whole lot more from my end than it was last week. You do want to heat them up in the second half and play them, get them coming out of halftime a little bit that way. After that, start to play some bubble guys and some of those type of things. I’d like to play well but I want to make sure we get the evaluations right too."

Friday's game at Sun Life Stadium kicks off at 7:30pm ET (weather permitting...LOL) and can been seen locally on WFOR. The NFL is also selling On Demand subscriptions to preseason games on NFL.com. You do not need DirecTV to view these games; they can be viewed over the Internet. This offering is long overdue and, in my opinion, the beginning of the end of DirecTV's exclusive license to broadcast out of market games.

Ferg Gives Starks an "A"

2010-08-23T21:40:00.000-04:00

Count former Dolphins NT Jason Ferguson amongst those who thought NT Randy Starks had a fine game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"He played like I thought he would. And that's very good", said Ferguson, in a message to me today via Twitter. "He has great instinct and great punch at the point".

Starks had two tackles including a sack of Jaguars QB Luke McCown. The sack was especially impressive as Starks used his quickness to blow past Jaguars C Brad Meester and get to McCown before he could even set up to pass.

"A", said Ferguson, his grade for Starks' performance.

What is Wrong with White?

2010-08-20T09:56:00.002-04:00

A three-year starter, he was the sixth winningest QB in NCAA history when he graduated from West Virginia. He completed 65% of his passes with 56 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. He set the NCAA record for rushing yardage by a quarterback with 4,480 yards. He's the seventh player in NCAA history to rush and pass for more than 3,000 yards during a career. He set 19 school, Big East Conference and major college records, and was the first starting quarterback in NCAA history to win four bowl games.

These are Pat White's impressive credentials when he was selected in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. The guy can play.

HOWEVER, two years later as a Miami Dolphin, White now finds himself in a totally different place. He's running fourth string now, into the second year of his conversion from a spread offense QB to a pro offense QB. His passes are often off-target, and he is often criticized by local media types seemingly hell bent on making their predictions of his release/trade come true.

Few outside the team seem to know what is wrong with White, but it could be that personal matters are affecting his on-field performance. He's just too talented for what we've seen out of him.

Whatever the causal(s), White is putting the Dolphins in a very tough spot. Tyler Thigpen, competing with White for the third QB spot on the roster, has outplayed him thus far. And while yours truly believes a Thigpen trade could be in the works, what's left is a situation where the Dolphins still must decide what to do with White.

If indeed there are personal matters affecting White's play, the Dolphins must decide if they can afford to see White through them. The reward in the end would be a happy, loyal, and very productive football player. But patience comes with a cost, in this case a roster spot.

Ricky Williams called White the most improved player during the offseason. If true, something happened between the heart of the offseason and the start of training camp that sent White's game into disarray.

I'm certain the Dolphins know what it is. How will they deal with it?

Roster, Starters Firming Up

2010-08-19T09:23:00.000-04:00

If Tony Sparano weren’t a football coach, he might be a mechanic. Such is his love for tinkering.

Nowhere is this more evident than with the interior of the offensive line, where Sparano and line boss Dave DeGuglielmo have been switching around the pieces on a practice-by-practice basis, trying to find the best combinations to go to battle with.

These sorts of experiments are useful during OTAs and the first half of the preseason; you need a reasonable body of work in order to make informed decisions.

“I have four preseason games right now and as I look at them, I can’t find enough time for some of the players that I have to see,” Sparano complained. “There are some guys that you really have to see a lot of when you start counting quarters with what you’re first group needs because they need time. You just can’t roll those guys out there and let them play.”

Unfortunately for Sparano, the time for this sort of thing is quickly running out. But this is also a good thing because forces the focus to shift to his finalists and the business of winning.

Thankfully, no one understands this better than Sparano.

"Yesterday,'' Sparano said, in reference to when the tinkering needs to end. “I wish it was done already, but it's not done. We'll keep slugging it out here but I think it has to settle down by the next week, or by the end of this preseason game. I kind of got to get it settled down one way or the other.”

Yes he does, and he’ll have to make it happen between now and the end of the critical third preseason game. The good news is that he and his staff are already pretty close to setting the roster.

This week on Phins.com, I delve into how I think the roster and starters will likely pan out. Check it out here: Roster, Starters Firming Up

Thigpen on the Trading Block?

2010-08-18T12:17:00.001-04:00

Like many of you, I found it odd that the Dolphins played QB Tyler Thigpen late into the fourth quarter of Saturday's 10-7 exhibition win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Chad Pennington, who is competing with Thigpen for the #2 job behind Chad Henne, didn't take a snap; Tony Sparano explained that there isn't anything to be learned about Pennington that he doesn't already know.

As such, the conclusion that some have come to is that Pat White is on his way out.

I disagree. I think Thigpen's the one who could be departing. Here's why:

1) Thigpen was kept as an insurance policy to back-up Henne in the event that Pennington was not physically capable. But Pennington is all but certain now to assume that role given that his shoulder appears OK.

2) The Dolphins invested a second round pick on White last year. It is therefore unlikely that they would cut him after just one season. Sparano has already said they aren't moving him to a different position.

3) The Dolphins aren't going to keep four QBs. Sparano intently focuses on the number of jobs he can get out of each active player on game days. Carrying a fourth QB saps him of a roster spot and flexibility; this flies in the face of his philosophy.

4) Thigpen has better trade value right now than White does to a team in need of QB depth. The Dolphins aren't trading Pennington. As back-up to Henne, Thigpen is therefore expendable.

5) It's a classic tell when a player is showcased like Thigpen was against the Bucs. It usually means there is at least one interested buyer who wanted some current year tape on the guy.

Am I saying that White is better than Thigpen? Not at all. But I won't disagree with the assertions by many of the vets that White was the most improved player coming out of the offseason. Not yet, not until I see him in a game.

Stay tuned...

Long Helping Odrick Like Webb Helped Taylor

2010-08-11T11:29:00.000-04:00

Training camp practice observers continue to speak positively about rookie DE Jared Odrick's development, with a growing sense that Odrick will not only win the RE job but will acquit himself well.

It occurs to me that going up against LT Jake Long day-after-day will do wonders in speeding up Odrick's learning curve, just as it did for Jason Taylor in going up against Richmond Webb during the early part of his career.

“When I first came in, Richmond was a veteran and one of the best at the position”, Taylor said last year in a column I did for Phins.com. “He obviously taught me a lot against him, and having to lose rushes to him everyday taught me how to rush the passer.”

It will be a huge boost to the Dolphin D if Odrick can be a factor this season, especially with the loss of Phillip Merling and the move of Randy Starks from DE to NT. Thus far, the signs are encouraging.

Thurman Thomas Still Relishes Dolphin Days

2010-08-10T15:33:00.003-04:00

Ten years ago, one of the biggest Dolphin killers in history actually signed with the Dolphins for a single season.

I'm talking about Thurman Thomas of course.

Thomas, who played 12 years for the Bills, decided to end his career in Miami. His decision to sign with the Dolphins, which shocked folks across the country, was partly due to a grudge he had against the Bills for releasing him without his supposed knowledge.

"...seeing my name on ESPN2 going by, saying that I had been released and not knowing it", Thomas tweeted today, looking back on his decision in 2000. And he's still admant about it. To those in Buffalo who still cringe at the sight of him in Dolphin colors? "DEAL WITH IT, THE BILLS STARTED THE SH*T..... I JUST FINISHED IT OFF".

Thomas still relishes his memories of that season, especially the 22-13 win over the Bills in which he played a big role in getting the W. "We kicked ass that game", Thomas tweeted. "Payback is a B*#€h".

Thomas was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

Offense Has Potential to be Explosive

2010-08-10T08:23:00.010-04:00

The Dolphin offense is not the sum of its pieces. Not yet. That much is certain.

This is what training camp and preseason games are for. You drill and drill, and drill some more, until you have a cohesive unit. Then, and only then, do you really know what you’ve got.

Now you know why I’m usually reticent when it comes to making bold predictions early in the season.

But this year is different, especially in regards to the Dolphin offense. Things are clearer, more obvious this season. Anyone with a shred of football acumen can see that there is an abundance of talent now, and it is mostly deep. And there is a distinct cohesiveness that is starting to form.

Yes, I like what I am seeing from white-shirted side of the Dolphin practice pitch. I think they’re going to be good.

Very good.

Find out why by checking out my latest column on Phins.com: Offense Has Potential to be Explosive.

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Yesterday's premature cancellation of Monday Night Lights, the evening practice and events scheduled for last night, was disappointing for Dolfans. Some didn't get the message and showed up to an empty stadium. The Dolphins blamed a faulty weather forecast for forcing an early decision, which is understandable. But many fans didn't get the cancellation message in a timely way. So once again, I strongly recommend that fans call the Dolphins practice hotline at (954) 452-7004 for the most up-to-date status of practices before they head out to Davie. Unfortunately, the team's plans can change in just a few hours.

Martin's Return a Boost to Offense; Monday Night Lights

2010-08-09T11:29:00.000-04:00

I like the recent decision by Bill Parcells and friends to bring back TE David Martin. Martin, who was released from the Reserve/Injured list last December, was essentially out of football last season. The specific reason for his unemployment was a knee injury during training camp, but he also suffered several concussions during the 2008 season...most notably in the regular season finale at the NY Jets which forced him from the game permanently.

Now that he is back, and medically cleared, the offense gets to benefit again from his route running and receiving ability, which is far and away the best amongst the team's current stable of TEs. He is very good one-on-one against LBs and Safeties, and runs the seam route as good as any TE in the NFL. I believe Chad Henne will come to appreciate his talents as much as Chad Pennington did two years ago.

Pennington passed to Martin often in a two TE set opposite starter Anthony Fasano, and Martin went on to enjoy his finest season as a pro with 31 receptions for 450 yards and three touchdowns. Martin's run blocking was also noticeably improved.

Does this signal an intent by the Dolphins to return to a more frequent two TE look? That depends on Martin. If healthy, he is arguably more versatile than any of the other WRs not named Brandon Marshall. Martin is also a tougher match-up for defenses to counter. If they try to cover him with a LB or Safety, the Dolphins usually gain an advantage in the passing game. If they put an extra DB on the field to guard him, the running game gets an edge.

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"Monday Night Lights"
The Dolphins are practicing at Sun Life Stadium this evening, and the team has planned fan events around the practice itself. The event gets underway at 5pm, with practice starting at 7:15pm.

What to see and do:

A full two hour practice.
Public announcement of the 2010 radio broadcast team.
Cheerleaders practice performance and meet-and-greet opportunity.
Alumni autograph session.
Fun with TD, the Dolphins’ mascot
Games and giveaways by the Fins Force
Contests and prizes including a chance to win season tickets, an Executive Suite, Ford Sideline Club and Lounge tickets and more.
Select-A-Seat – pick your seat; available seats will be tagged
Wheel – win autographed items and memorabilia with proceeds benefitting the Miami Dolphins Foundation

Admission and parking are free. Parking gates will open at 4 p.m. and Stadium gates will open at 5 p.m.

Schobel to Dolphins?

2010-08-04T11:33:00.002-04:00

ESPN is reporting that the Buffalo Bills will release two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Schobel today. Schobel, who trails only Bruce Smith in all-time sacks as a Bill, has fallen out of favor with the team and the separation appears to mutually desired. Schobel has spent most of his career as a DE in a 4-3 defense, but has the size (6-4, 243) and the athletic skills to play OLB in a 3-4 set.

If the Bills indeed release Schobel outright, he would be free to sign with any team. Logically, two of his best options would be the Dolphins and Patriots; both teams could use help at OLB.

The case for the Pats is easy with Derrick Burgess contemplating retirement. But the Dolphins?

Also easy, given that OLB is the most unsettled spot on the defense.

Rookie Koa Misi and Cam Wake, last year's pass rushing sensation, are currently penciled in as starters on the strong and weak side respectively. But Wake has yet to prove to the Dolphins that he is an every down player, especially versus the run. And while Misi is making terrific strides, he has a ways to go as he transitions from a "hands-on-the-ground" guy to a stand-up LB who must be versatile against the run and pass.

By signing Schobel, the Dolphins would solidify their defense with a veteran who is very good against the run and is well-suited to defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's collection of dogs and front seven alignments. Football-wise, it makes a lot of sense.

The rub here is the whole story behind his falling out with the Bills. Some say Schobel had become disgruntled with the direction of the team and has threatened to retire rather than endure another losing season. The fall out from that, especially in regards to his relationship with new GM Buddy Nix, supposedly brought Schobel and the Bills to where they are today. If this is true, then the Dolphins have nothing to worry about. But if there is something else in play that could cause trouble for the Dolphins, they would be better off passing on Schobel.

Player Conditioning Tests This Morning

2010-07-30T09:34:00.001-04:00

Here is a view from inside the Dolphins locker room this morning, courtesy of CB Sean Smith. This was taken right after the players came in from taking their morning conditioning test, which is mandatory for all players. Last night, players were medically checked and cleared for play. There are no reports of anyone failing their medical or conditioning tests. In fact, two players...Smith and DE Kendall Langford...have already tweeted the news that they passed.

The coaches have been busy as well, tweaking the training schedule for August. I have updated my earlier post regarding the training camp schedule to reflect the new times for August 4, 5, and 10. Again, I strongly suggest that you call the Dolphins practice hotline at (954) 452-7004 for the latest before you head out to Davie.

When the players arrived at the training facility, these T-shirts were waiting for them...any questions?

Remembering Harry Galbreath

2010-07-28T14:11:00.004-04:00

Harry Galbreath was the classic overachiever. He didn't have prototypical size or skills. That's why he lasted until the 8th round of the 1988 NFL Draft. That draft is remembered mostly in these parts for the infamous first round selection of Eric Kumerow, one of the biggest busts in team history. But it should also be remembered for the tough, scrappy guard out of the University of Tennessee.

From the very start, the 6-1, 275lb Galbreath made it clear that he wasn't going to be satisfied with just making the team. He wanted to contribute. His natural strength and toughness gave him the edge he needed to beat out incumbent Tom Toth for the starting right guard job. Galbreath went on to enjoy a terrific rookie season, earning NFL All-Rookie honors.

In his five seasons with the Dolphins, Galbreath is best remembered for his toughness and tenacity. He was probably one of the nastiest players in team history, an attitude that coaches crave in their linemen. And he was dependable, missing only two games in his Dolphin career. Off the field, his strong dedication to community service is a wonderful legacy.

Galbreath played four more years after leaving the Dolphins, three with the Packers and one with the Jets. Nine seasons in all, which is not too shabby for an undersized 8th round pick.

Heart disease may have claimed him, but his heart for football and people will endure in team history.

Rest in Peace, Harry.

Who to Blame for Bugs and Slime at Sun Life Stadium?

2010-07-27T10:07:00.003-04:00

A report this week carried by several media outlets disclosed food service vendor inspection results for major sports venues in the United States. Sadly, Sun Life Stadium was the worst in the NFL and among the worst in the nation.

According to the report, 93% of Sun Life's vendors had critical health violations. In one case, a whistle blower reported insects in a frozen drink machine. A follow up inspection revealed slime.

Aside from the fact that these conditions are disgusting and dangerous, it is clear that this disturbing report is a setback for Stephen Ross and the Dolphins in their efforts to attract more customers to games and other events. Previously, Dolphins CEO Mike Dee has said that their goal is to increase season ticket sales. But will people be as eager to come to the stadium if they cannot trust the food concessions they and their families consume? What will the NFL say about future Super Bowl and Pro Bowl bids? What will Sun Life say about their brand being mentioned in these reports, even though they have nothing to do with the food vendors?

How could the situation be allowed to get so bad? Where was stadium management in all this? And how do the Dolphins quickly restore public trust in the safety of the food and drinks with the season just weeks away?

These are a few of the questions that Ross and his managers are facing today. Did Ross's shake-up of stadium management somehow lead to this lack of oversight? Or is it just a coincidence that the departure of former stadium boss M. Bruce Schulze and other members of his team preceded this poor health safety report?

We don't know yet. But the heat is on Ross, Dee, and Stadium GM Todd Boyan to get the concessions cleaned up as soon as possible and to take steps to ensure this never happens again.

Meanwhile, I'd recommend tailgating until the situation is independently certified as being safe.

10 Questions Going Into Training Camp

2010-07-26T13:34:00.000-04:00

Seven wins is not what the 2009 Miami Dolphins had in mind as an encore to their 2008 AFC East Championship season. Starting the season with a terrible 0-3 record, a skid that was lowlighted by a bad loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Dolphins seemed forever on their heels. I could write paragraphs laying out all the reasons for last year's backslide. It doesn’t matter now. In the end, Bill Parcells’ simple words ring true: you are what your record says you are.

What's it going to take for the Dolphins to get back on track? "Hard work", says Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland.

“Are we where we want to be?”, asked Ireland. “Hell no, we’re not where we want to be. I’m not happy with it. (Sparano) is not happy with it. Bill Parcells is not happy with it. We’ve got to do a better job coaching. We’ve got to do a better job making decisions, finding players. What I do know is that when we watch the tape, we played some pretty good football. We just (didn’t) finish games. We had some of the best teams in this league where we wanted them in the fourth quarter, and we just didn’t finish games. That’s all “coulda, shoulda, woulda”, right? That’s part of not being good enough. We’re close to being a pretty good football team. What’s it gonna take (to get there)? Hard work.”

Yes, hard work. That means training camp.

In my recent column at Phins.com, I offer up my top 10 questions (in no particular order) as the Dolphins get ready for the July 30 start of Training Camp 2010. Check it out.

Here's the link: 10 Questions Going into Training Camp

Dolphins Announce Practice Dates And Times For 2010 Training Camp

2010-07-22T11:07:00.002-04:00

Hot off the Dolphin Press...

Location: All practices will be held at the team’s Nova Southeastern University training facility in Davie, Fla.
Admission: free
Special Events: On Saturday, July 31st. during both practices Dolphins’ fans and their families are invited to “Family Day at Dolphins Camp” to enjoy the first Saturday team practices and all of the festivities surrounding the return of football. Among the FREE activities fans from all ages will be able to enjoy are face painters, inflatable’s, meet-and-greet Dolphins Cheerleaders, fun with TD and the Fins Force, and other surprises. In addition, the team merchandise store, Miami Dolphins Official Pro Shop, will re-open after being temporarily closed for renovations. The new store is larger and will offer fans a vast inventory of team merchandise.
Seating: Seating at the team’s facility will be available for the first 2,000 fans in the bleachers, located on the west side of the practice facility.
Parking: Parking is available at the Nova Southeastern University Medical School garage (HPD Garage), which is next to the Dolphins Pro Shop, and located near the intersection of University Drive and S.W. 30th Street, between Griffin Road and I-595. Access to this garage is off University Drive and S.W. 30th Street. The HPD Garage will be available to the public from Friday, July 30th until Sunday, August 1st. Due to the start of the academic year at Nova, beginning Monday, August 2nd the public is instructed to park at the LRITC Garage near the Nova Library due to limited space in the HPD Garage.

TENTATIVE DAY-BY-DAY TRAINING CAMP PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Date/Times
July 30 Fri. 2:00 p.m.
July 31 Sat. 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Aug 1 Sun. 2:00 p.m.
Aug. 2 Mon. 9:00 a.m.
Aug. 3 Tues. 2:00 p.m.
Aug. 4 Wed. 8:00 p.m.
Aug. 5 Thurs. 3:00 p.m.
Aug. 6 Fri. 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Aug. 7 Sat . 2:00 p.m.
Aug. 8 Sun. PLAYERS OFF
Aug. 9 Mon. 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Aug. 10 Tues. 3:00 p.m.
Aug. 11 Wed. 9:00 a.m.
Aug. 12 Thurs. 9:00 a.m.
Aug. 13 Fri. TBD
Aug. 14 Sat. Preseason Game vs. Bucs, 7:00 PM (WFOR)
Aug. 15 Sun. PLAYERS OFF
Aug. 16 Mon. 2:00 p.m.
Aug. 17 Tues. 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Aug. 18 Wed. 2:00 p.m.
Aug. 19 Thurs. 9:00 a.m.

NOTE: Practice times are subject to weather conditions and may be changed on very short notice. The most updated information can be obtained by calling the Dolphins practice hotline at (954) 452-7004.