4 excruciating hours after it all began, this one is in the books. The only thing worse than the game was Joe Buck. I won't type up a summary out of self-pity, but here are my notes from the 2nd half:
-Back to our offense to start the second half: Ricky being Ricky, and then Chad fakes out the galaxy on play action before hitting a wide open Hartline for a 55 yard gain! Penalty aside, Hartline has over 100 yards today.
-Pennington's accuracy just hasn't been there today. He couldn't have missed an easier touchdown to Ginn in the corner of the end zone.
-Fasano is wide open in the end zone, and just like that we have the lead. 10-6 Miami after the first drive of the second half, and I think that will do it for Pennington.
-The defense, led by JT, is really starting to get after the quarterback. Credit McCown for hanging in there, but I am pleased to see Miami making his life miserable.
-Henne is in, but his accuracy is not. Maybe this weather is worse than I'm giving it credit for...nobody has been consistently accurate thus far.
-These announcers are wrong. Freeman has no business being on the field to start this season...not on this team. I could see a scenario where he is phased into the lineup late in the year if he is ready, but there is no need to break him right now. Besides, the veteran options give this team a better chance to win right now, and that's what this decision ultimately has to be based off of.
-Camarillo is finally in...with the backups. Maybe I was wrong about the Dolphins' plans for him. Regardless, it baffles me that somebody as productive as him could be this buried. I really hope that he didn't lose a step with his injury.
-Bess has done nothing on punt returns through three quarters.
-Lex Hilliard fumbles...not a good way to convince the coaches to keep a fourth halfback.
-Erik Walden, on the other hand, making the case for a roster spot with a sack! A play after Moses had another nice pressure.
-Camarillo. Makes. Plays. Wes Welker Jr needs to start and be Chad Pennington's possession guy.
-Red zone pick by Henne. I'm still excited for his future, but he does have some learning to do. Pennington needs to stay healthy this year.
-Davis and Smith played well, but far from perfectly tonight.
-I can't complain about the defense tonight. 6 points allowed is excellent, as was the pressure in the second half. Still, I don't have a good taste about much of anything tonight.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Halftime: 6-3 Bucs
-Paul Soliai cleaned up a coverage sack. He is really coming around.
-And Nate Jones got through for another sack on the next play. Let's go!
-That's more like it...Bucs are forced to punt. Can we do something with the ball now before halftime??
-No.
-The only benefit of this weather delay is that we are skipping a lot of commercials now. Among the many negatives: Joe Buck. And more Joe Buck. Never have I been so happy that the Fins are in the AFC.
-Another sack (intentional grounding)! Q Moses!! Now we are starting to hit some people! (Moses, btw, is just about a lock to make the roster).
-Please, do something in the 2 minute drill...great opportunity to get some work and WAKE UP on offense.
-Finally, a positive play by Hartline tonight. Still wondering where is Camarillo??
And after an EXCRUCIATING first half, the Dolphins are down 6-3. In short, the offense has been horrible, and the defense has done its best impression of a well-built bridge: bending, but not breaking. This is not the type of effort you would have liked to see coming into tonight, filled with 3 & outs and missed tackles, but I have a feeling that Miami will fix their attitude as the first team comes back out to start the second half. At least I hope...
-And Nate Jones got through for another sack on the next play. Let's go!
-That's more like it...Bucs are forced to punt. Can we do something with the ball now before halftime??
-No.
-The only benefit of this weather delay is that we are skipping a lot of commercials now. Among the many negatives: Joe Buck. And more Joe Buck. Never have I been so happy that the Fins are in the AFC.
-Another sack (intentional grounding)! Q Moses!! Now we are starting to hit some people! (Moses, btw, is just about a lock to make the roster).
-Please, do something in the 2 minute drill...great opportunity to get some work and WAKE UP on offense.
-Finally, a positive play by Hartline tonight. Still wondering where is Camarillo??
And after an EXCRUCIATING first half, the Dolphins are down 6-3. In short, the offense has been horrible, and the defense has done its best impression of a well-built bridge: bending, but not breaking. This is not the type of effort you would have liked to see coming into tonight, filled with 3 & outs and missed tackles, but I have a feeling that Miami will fix their attitude as the first team comes back out to start the second half. At least I hope...
And we're back...sorta...
-Quick note about the Bucs: they may have low expectations this year, and they will probably have their struggles, but I really like the way they're doing things. They seem to be establishing a good culture a la Miami 2008, and I think they are putting Freeman in a position to succeed down the road.
-This team needs to wake up. A play after Luke McCown earned 5 yards with a hard count, Channing Crowder passed on an opportunity to take his head off. Not Miami Dolphins football.
-And it continues. The Bucs are running all over us, and we aren't tackling anybody. This is the most important game of the preseason...right now, it is an embarrassment.
-This team needs to wake up. A play after Luke McCown earned 5 yards with a hard count, Channing Crowder passed on an opportunity to take his head off. Not Miami Dolphins football.
-And it continues. The Bucs are running all over us, and we aren't tackling anybody. This is the most important game of the preseason...right now, it is an embarrassment.
Weather Delay!
-Offense looks terrible. Our starters are being outplayed by the lowly Bucs on both sides of the ball after two possessions each. We need to run this offense through our running backs...get back to what we do best.
-Not that this game was anything really worth watching for us so far, but a weather delay?? Really?!?
-Not that this game was anything really worth watching for us so far, but a weather delay?? Really?!?
End of the 1st Quarter
-Ginn on kickoff returns is something that I'm still in favor of (I'm also in favor of anything involving Patrick Cobbs...); impressive that he didn't run out of bounds!
-Hartline with another start...I'm still betting on Camarillo in Week 1.
-Not gonna complain cause it's the preseason, but I'm also not going to fault Hartline for that OPI call. Looked like the defended initiated the contact. The rookie will learn, and I remain impressed by the 39 yard completion.
-Akin Ayodele really came to play today.
Bucs are set to kick another field goal as we begin the 2nd Quarter...let's get something doing on offense, please.
-Hartline with another start...I'm still betting on Camarillo in Week 1.
-Not gonna complain cause it's the preseason, but I'm also not going to fault Hartline for that OPI call. Looked like the defended initiated the contact. The rookie will learn, and I remain impressed by the 39 yard completion.
-Akin Ayodele really came to play today.
Bucs are set to kick another field goal as we begin the 2nd Quarter...let's get something doing on offense, please.
Live Blog-ish
-Since competition has been introduced, it seems like Carpenter kicks off much further. Let's hope that he keeps it up in the regular season.
-I know it's the preseason and you don't want to show anything, but it's my opinion that our pass rush is much too simple. The offense almost always knows who is coming and where they are coming from. It has been a continuation of that same 40 front that we showed last year on 3rd downs, and I think we need to shake things up a little bit come the regular season.
-Excellent special teams work by who else than #38 with the punt block. Bad break that the Bucs got the ball back, but that's a teachable preseason moment.
-Big run by Cadillac Williams. No surprise: it was in the direction of Joey Porter, and Merling was also in the play, running around a block.
-Kendall Langford!! HUGE sack and forced fumble on 1st and Goal. He is beginning to look like an elite defensive end.
-Gibril Wilson hits HARD!
3-0 Bucs...
-I know it's the preseason and you don't want to show anything, but it's my opinion that our pass rush is much too simple. The offense almost always knows who is coming and where they are coming from. It has been a continuation of that same 40 front that we showed last year on 3rd downs, and I think we need to shake things up a little bit come the regular season.
-Excellent special teams work by who else than #38 with the punt block. Bad break that the Bucs got the ball back, but that's a teachable preseason moment.
-Big run by Cadillac Williams. No surprise: it was in the direction of Joey Porter, and Merling was also in the play, running around a block.
-Kendall Langford!! HUGE sack and forced fumble on 1st and Goal. He is beginning to look like an elite defensive end.
-Gibril Wilson hits HARD!
3-0 Bucs...
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Note on Green, Wilford cuts
The Dolphins ate some of their ill-fated contracts last week in rather interesting fashion. As you know, last year's marquee bust, Ernest Wilford, was let go. He had no chance of making the roster as either a wideout or a tight end: good riddance. Additionally, Eric Green, who was brought in at corner this offseason, was quickly jumped by "Surtain squared" on the depth chart (see last post). So, he found his place on the curb as well.
Clearly, the most interesting aspect of those two moves was not that two under-performing players were released...this much seems logical. What is truly intriguing is that this regime had the fortitude to admit its mistakes, do what was best for the future of the franchise, and move on. There are only a handful of other staffs in the league that would have even considered benching Wilford for all of last year, and even fewer that would have released him AND another free agent bust...before the latter even played in a real game!
I really respect that Parcells, Sparano, and Co (Ireland=Co) would do this, and even though I obviously wish they had never given away the wasted bonus money to begin with, there are few things they could be doing better towards making this franchise the best it could possibly be. That said, with an eye towards the future, here are two more players who I am pulling to see on the final roster cuts:
1) David Martin.
The man can catch passes. Unfortunately, however, not as well as a wide RECEIVER. Also unfortunate for him is that there is more to his position than catching passes. He is also expected to block somebody from time to time, and he simply does not get it done.
His contract is up after this year anyway (which means cutting him would cost a minimal cap hit...and free up his yearly salary), and you bet that Fasano is the only TE on this team with a big payoff on the horizon. Additionally, the Dolphins have two young tight ends, Haynos and Nalbone, who they seem to really like. If either or those guys is ready to be the #2 TE on this team, cut Martin now! The future is here, and it can block. I don't want to risk losing one of these young guys by trying to stow them on the practice squad.
2) Charlie Anderson
Anderson's situation is a bit more complicated, and a bit less of a no-brainer if you ask me, but I still think the Fins should consider it. Simply put, assuming Matt Roth stays off IR (maybe a big assumption), the Dolphins have 4 OLBs that are easily ahead of Anderson in my eyes (Taylor, Porter, and Wake being the others). My prerogative: cut one more failed free agent and let the young guys hold down the depth. Erik Walden on special teams was way more valuable to the 2008 Dolphins than Anderson as our pass rushing specialist. Unless he is flashing some real upside in his second camp with the Fins, I think it's time to move on (albeit much less confidently than with Martin...).
Clearly, the most interesting aspect of those two moves was not that two under-performing players were released...this much seems logical. What is truly intriguing is that this regime had the fortitude to admit its mistakes, do what was best for the future of the franchise, and move on. There are only a handful of other staffs in the league that would have even considered benching Wilford for all of last year, and even fewer that would have released him AND another free agent bust...before the latter even played in a real game!
I really respect that Parcells, Sparano, and Co (Ireland=Co) would do this, and even though I obviously wish they had never given away the wasted bonus money to begin with, there are few things they could be doing better towards making this franchise the best it could possibly be. That said, with an eye towards the future, here are two more players who I am pulling to see on the final roster cuts:
1) David Martin.
The man can catch passes. Unfortunately, however, not as well as a wide RECEIVER. Also unfortunate for him is that there is more to his position than catching passes. He is also expected to block somebody from time to time, and he simply does not get it done.
His contract is up after this year anyway (which means cutting him would cost a minimal cap hit...and free up his yearly salary), and you bet that Fasano is the only TE on this team with a big payoff on the horizon. Additionally, the Dolphins have two young tight ends, Haynos and Nalbone, who they seem to really like. If either or those guys is ready to be the #2 TE on this team, cut Martin now! The future is here, and it can block. I don't want to risk losing one of these young guys by trying to stow them on the practice squad.
2) Charlie Anderson
Anderson's situation is a bit more complicated, and a bit less of a no-brainer if you ask me, but I still think the Fins should consider it. Simply put, assuming Matt Roth stays off IR (maybe a big assumption), the Dolphins have 4 OLBs that are easily ahead of Anderson in my eyes (Taylor, Porter, and Wake being the others). My prerogative: cut one more failed free agent and let the young guys hold down the depth. Erik Walden on special teams was way more valuable to the 2008 Dolphins than Anderson as our pass rushing specialist. Unless he is flashing some real upside in his second camp with the Fins, I think it's time to move on (albeit much less confidently than with Martin...).
Preseason Game 2: Carolina @ Miami
I finally got a chance to review the film from the Panthers-Dolphins game. A few quick notes:
-Henne played nicely again, but I wouldn't mind seeing some more consistent accuracy. Maybe I'm spoiled by Chad #1.
-Lex Hilliard had a great game, which everybody is talking about, but even more impressive (and important) was the play of the first team offensive line and Ronnie Brown. The rushing attack is really starting to take shape.
-I like the continued progress of Hartline and Turner. Don't sleep on Camarillo though. He was a terrific receiver for us last year until he was injured, and I expect a lot of reps for him in the all-important preseason #3. If he can shake the injury rust, he should and will be our #2 receiver.
-I got a chance to watch a bit up front defensively, and I couldn't be more excited about our first string defensive line. The backups don't look so bad either: Merling can really rush the passer, and Paul Soliai played as well as I've seen from him against the Panthers. That is spectacular news.
-Vontae Davis had the bull's-eye on him, and he went out and played great. He had good coverage for four quarters, and he excelled making tackles in the open field. He and Smith will be compared to Madison and Surtain, but they could more aptly be compared to Surtain and Surtain. Surtain squared, if you will (and I bet you will).
-Is it just me, or has Yeremiah been picked on in coverage a bit? I'm not worried about him in the least, but I'll have an eye on him tomorrow.
-Finally, on both offense and defense, the Dolphins are as strong and physical as I have ever seen them. This team is going to beat the snot out of everybody they face all year long, and that bodes well in a league where you have to play 60 minutes, 16 times. Watch: there will be teams that cower.
-Henne played nicely again, but I wouldn't mind seeing some more consistent accuracy. Maybe I'm spoiled by Chad #1.
-Lex Hilliard had a great game, which everybody is talking about, but even more impressive (and important) was the play of the first team offensive line and Ronnie Brown. The rushing attack is really starting to take shape.
-I like the continued progress of Hartline and Turner. Don't sleep on Camarillo though. He was a terrific receiver for us last year until he was injured, and I expect a lot of reps for him in the all-important preseason #3. If he can shake the injury rust, he should and will be our #2 receiver.
-I got a chance to watch a bit up front defensively, and I couldn't be more excited about our first string defensive line. The backups don't look so bad either: Merling can really rush the passer, and Paul Soliai played as well as I've seen from him against the Panthers. That is spectacular news.
-Vontae Davis had the bull's-eye on him, and he went out and played great. He had good coverage for four quarters, and he excelled making tackles in the open field. He and Smith will be compared to Madison and Surtain, but they could more aptly be compared to Surtain and Surtain. Surtain squared, if you will (and I bet you will).
-Is it just me, or has Yeremiah been picked on in coverage a bit? I'm not worried about him in the least, but I'll have an eye on him tomorrow.
-Finally, on both offense and defense, the Dolphins are as strong and physical as I have ever seen them. This team is going to beat the snot out of everybody they face all year long, and that bodes well in a league where you have to play 60 minutes, 16 times. Watch: there will be teams that cower.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Preseason Game 1: Jags @ Fins
I have no idea where I'm going with the blog this year, except that I can pretty much guarantee that it won't be the analytical epic that I wrote last year. Especially since I'm interning with the Saints for the preseason, the blog will be a great deal lighter for the time being. Regardless, I managed to find a rough feed of the Fins game online, so here are a few of my thoughts:
-The first team defense was great. They absolutely shut the Jaguars down in the first quarter. Joey Porter and Jason Taylor were terrific together, a complete 180 from what we saw under Cam Cam. Taylor looked like his old self, and the two promise to only feed off of each other and the reduced attention which they will bring one another.
-Ted Ginn, likewise, showed some great signs early. He was heavily involved, and he looked good. A big factor in taking this offense to the next level will be whether or not he can emerge as a true #1 this year.
-I really like how the offense seems to have picked up right where they left off last year in terms of development. As I wrote about extensively (understatement) last season, I really thought the Dolphins were onto something in the progression of last year's offense. It's nice to see that they are continuing with a lot of the same multiple back concepts, as the offense seems poised to take off in terms of creativity.
-Chris Williams made a couple of early mistakes returning the football, but that's what they play the preseason for. I'll take it, especially if it comes coupled with the potential brilliance that he exhibited on some other runbacks. It will be very interesting to see if he can earn himself a spot on this team.
-Speaking of mistakes, Vontae Davis made his share. He had a couple of bad penalties, and was surely humbled by his first NFL experience.
-Along with David, Eric Green also didn't look great. I'll hold my judgment on these two corners for the time being.
-I won't hold my judgment on Sean Smith; he was terrific! He deserved his interception, and looks like he could be an all-rookie corner.
-Even though they didn't allow too many points, there was a huge drop off in general from the first D to the backups. Still, a lot of young players got some good experience, and a few new faces stood out. Tony McDaniel was stout as advertised against the run, and Cameron Wake had a nice pressure.
-Ricky Williams was a force to be reckoned with. He doesn't seem to be slowing down, possibly thanks to his premature retirement. Lex Hilliard also ran extremely well.
-The coaches seemed to ease Chad Henne into the offense with a lot of first down runs early. Once, he got into a rhythm, he looked pretty good, completing passes to rookies Hartline and Turner. Ricky dropped a touchdown, but overall I was happy with Henne early.
-Unfortunately, it wasn't all good for Henne. The backup o-line allowed some pressure, and when the pressure came there was some bad mixed in with the good. He threw an interception when he should've eaten it, but it was a teachable moment.
-Patrick Turner and Brian Hartline look like big, athletic targets out there. Signs from their first experience were encouraging.
-Ernest Wilford, who doesn't look a bit like a tight end, made a nice play to score a touchdown. If he can do more of that in the preseason, he could make this team. For now, I still think he's on the outside looking in.
-As Pat White came in with the 3's, he looked like a gamer. He really didn't make many bad throws; in fact, his accuracy surprised me. Don't be fooled by his stat line: his interception and many of his incompletions were on drops. I'm excited for his future. And oh yeah...he is FAST.
-It was hard for me to get a good look up front, but I would be surprised if Donald Thomas wasn't starting next week.
-Put Jason Allen in the Wilford category. He is fighting an uphill battle, but made some nice plays and has some value as a special teamer.
-Carpenter kicked off nicely, but had an extra point blocked in the mud. Whatever...
Those are just some quick thoughts. Don't read too much into anything, including the score, but those last two breakups by JAllen and Bryan plus the WILDPAT were a nice way to seal it! Let's tune it up some more next week, and I can't wait to see the Fins on a real TV for the 8/29 dress rehearsal, and in person to close out the preseason in the Superdome.
-The first team defense was great. They absolutely shut the Jaguars down in the first quarter. Joey Porter and Jason Taylor were terrific together, a complete 180 from what we saw under Cam Cam. Taylor looked like his old self, and the two promise to only feed off of each other and the reduced attention which they will bring one another.
-Ted Ginn, likewise, showed some great signs early. He was heavily involved, and he looked good. A big factor in taking this offense to the next level will be whether or not he can emerge as a true #1 this year.
-I really like how the offense seems to have picked up right where they left off last year in terms of development. As I wrote about extensively (understatement) last season, I really thought the Dolphins were onto something in the progression of last year's offense. It's nice to see that they are continuing with a lot of the same multiple back concepts, as the offense seems poised to take off in terms of creativity.
-Chris Williams made a couple of early mistakes returning the football, but that's what they play the preseason for. I'll take it, especially if it comes coupled with the potential brilliance that he exhibited on some other runbacks. It will be very interesting to see if he can earn himself a spot on this team.
-Speaking of mistakes, Vontae Davis made his share. He had a couple of bad penalties, and was surely humbled by his first NFL experience.
-Along with David, Eric Green also didn't look great. I'll hold my judgment on these two corners for the time being.
-I won't hold my judgment on Sean Smith; he was terrific! He deserved his interception, and looks like he could be an all-rookie corner.
-Even though they didn't allow too many points, there was a huge drop off in general from the first D to the backups. Still, a lot of young players got some good experience, and a few new faces stood out. Tony McDaniel was stout as advertised against the run, and Cameron Wake had a nice pressure.
-Ricky Williams was a force to be reckoned with. He doesn't seem to be slowing down, possibly thanks to his premature retirement. Lex Hilliard also ran extremely well.
-The coaches seemed to ease Chad Henne into the offense with a lot of first down runs early. Once, he got into a rhythm, he looked pretty good, completing passes to rookies Hartline and Turner. Ricky dropped a touchdown, but overall I was happy with Henne early.
-Unfortunately, it wasn't all good for Henne. The backup o-line allowed some pressure, and when the pressure came there was some bad mixed in with the good. He threw an interception when he should've eaten it, but it was a teachable moment.
-Patrick Turner and Brian Hartline look like big, athletic targets out there. Signs from their first experience were encouraging.
-Ernest Wilford, who doesn't look a bit like a tight end, made a nice play to score a touchdown. If he can do more of that in the preseason, he could make this team. For now, I still think he's on the outside looking in.
-As Pat White came in with the 3's, he looked like a gamer. He really didn't make many bad throws; in fact, his accuracy surprised me. Don't be fooled by his stat line: his interception and many of his incompletions were on drops. I'm excited for his future. And oh yeah...he is FAST.
-It was hard for me to get a good look up front, but I would be surprised if Donald Thomas wasn't starting next week.
-Put Jason Allen in the Wilford category. He is fighting an uphill battle, but made some nice plays and has some value as a special teamer.
-Carpenter kicked off nicely, but had an extra point blocked in the mud. Whatever...
Those are just some quick thoughts. Don't read too much into anything, including the score, but those last two breakups by JAllen and Bryan plus the WILDPAT were a nice way to seal it! Let's tune it up some more next week, and I can't wait to see the Fins on a real TV for the 8/29 dress rehearsal, and in person to close out the preseason in the Superdome.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The AFC East
There has been a lot of talk the last few days about who the team to beat is in the AFC East. While I understand that common knowledge points to Belichick and Brady, I just want to take a close look at the champs...show me where the flaws are....
Pennington is coming off an MVP runner-up season, with a strong up-and-coming quarterback behind him, and Pat White set to take the Wildcat to a whole new level. Ronnie Brown is in the prime of his careeer and coming off a Pro Bowl, while Ricky Williams and Patrick Cobbs provide enviable depth.
The offensive line consists of two absolute bookends locked down for years, including last year's #1 overall pick coming off a Pro Bowl. The guards, a patchwork position for all of last year, are healthy and guaranteed to provide an upgrade, and the strength issues we had last year at center have been addressed through free agency.
Anthony Fasano has his eyes set on becoming an elite player, while there is so much competition behind him at tight end that David Martin may not even make the team. Finally, Ted Ginn appears ready to explode in his third season, and if he can become a true #1, the group behind him at from two through five look awfully impressive.
On defense, more of the same. We have two young stud defensive ends, with Langford already resembling Richard Seymore and Merling showing the potential to dominate. Ferguson holds down the nose, while Channing Crowder, the emotional leader of the team, orchestrates behind him.
Our pass rush was an issue last year, but between defensive player of the year candidate Joey Porter, two time CFL devensive MVP Cameron Wake, and the greatest Dolphin defender of all time Jason Taylor, 2009 should be different.
In the secondary, Will Allen is a high level corner supported by first round pick Vontae Davis, the impressive, 6'3" Sean Smith, and vet Eric Green, so there is depth and size to match up with Randy and Terrell. And Yeremiah Bell and Gibril Wilson present potentially the best pair of safeties this team has had since Jake Scott and Dick Anderson.
Just to be thorough, names like Walden, Chatman, Hartline, London, Folsom, and Clemons will all hold it down in the special teams.
This team is well built and ready to explode. As long as we get consistent play from the quarterback position, which relies on either Chad Pennington's health or Chad Henne's emergence, I'm confident enough in this team's ability to put a physical beatdown on any team, combined with its cleverness and versatility, to say that the AFC East goes through Miami.
Pennington is coming off an MVP runner-up season, with a strong up-and-coming quarterback behind him, and Pat White set to take the Wildcat to a whole new level. Ronnie Brown is in the prime of his careeer and coming off a Pro Bowl, while Ricky Williams and Patrick Cobbs provide enviable depth.
The offensive line consists of two absolute bookends locked down for years, including last year's #1 overall pick coming off a Pro Bowl. The guards, a patchwork position for all of last year, are healthy and guaranteed to provide an upgrade, and the strength issues we had last year at center have been addressed through free agency.
Anthony Fasano has his eyes set on becoming an elite player, while there is so much competition behind him at tight end that David Martin may not even make the team. Finally, Ted Ginn appears ready to explode in his third season, and if he can become a true #1, the group behind him at from two through five look awfully impressive.
On defense, more of the same. We have two young stud defensive ends, with Langford already resembling Richard Seymore and Merling showing the potential to dominate. Ferguson holds down the nose, while Channing Crowder, the emotional leader of the team, orchestrates behind him.
Our pass rush was an issue last year, but between defensive player of the year candidate Joey Porter, two time CFL devensive MVP Cameron Wake, and the greatest Dolphin defender of all time Jason Taylor, 2009 should be different.
In the secondary, Will Allen is a high level corner supported by first round pick Vontae Davis, the impressive, 6'3" Sean Smith, and vet Eric Green, so there is depth and size to match up with Randy and Terrell. And Yeremiah Bell and Gibril Wilson present potentially the best pair of safeties this team has had since Jake Scott and Dick Anderson.
Just to be thorough, names like Walden, Chatman, Hartline, London, Folsom, and Clemons will all hold it down in the special teams.
This team is well built and ready to explode. As long as we get consistent play from the quarterback position, which relies on either Chad Pennington's health or Chad Henne's emergence, I'm confident enough in this team's ability to put a physical beatdown on any team, combined with its cleverness and versatility, to say that the AFC East goes through Miami.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Site Change
Man-o-Dolphins is back to being only about the Dolphins and football analysis, and it will be on a relative hiatus for a while.
However, I have started a new blog with links to movies, music, comedy, and sports.
Check out Raising Eyebrows
However, I have started a new blog with links to movies, music, comedy, and sports.
Check out Raising Eyebrows
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Unbelievable...
ESPN contempates whether or not two time Pro Bowler Rodney Harrison belongs in the Hall of Fame:
There is an easy answer to this one...
There is an easy answer to this one...
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Secondary Situation
Last offseason, the Dolphins essentially ignored their secondary, choosing to allocate their resources to rebuilding up front. They decided to let the veteran defensive backs play and to reevaluate the position this offseason, when a handful of contracts at that spot would expire.
As the season played out, things obviously worked out pretty well for Miami, but it wasn't without a hitch. With Chris Crocker in the starting lineup for the first two games, it looked like it was going to be a very long season for the Dolphins defensive backs. However, after the embarrassment at the hands of Arizona, Renaldo Hill took over the free safety position, and that's when things started to fall into place. Will Allen continued his work as a high level corner, a healthy Yeremiah Bell starred and led the team in tackles, and even Andre Goodman came around when the team discovered his tremendous ability in man to man. The secondary was settled, and the Dolphins won the division.
However, with the entire secondary advancing in age, the Dolphins went into this offseason with a decision to make on 3/4 of their starting unit. Bell, Goodman, and Hill were all unrestricted free agents, and Will Allen's contract was set to expire next year. This was certainly all calculated last year, when the Trifecta likely assumed they would let the free agents go after the season, but the way these guys played down the stretch made that awfully difficult.
As for the safeties, on the strong side Yeremiah Bell left no decision to be made. He was everywhere around the ball last year and an absolute stud. Wisely, the Dolphins reupped with him for 4 years and 20 million dollars, with 10 of that guaranteed. He will hold down that position with style for the duration of his long-awaited and much-deserved contract, as long as he can stay healthy.
As for the free, though Renaldo Hill's emergence was what led to the turnaround, the truth is that he is no all-star. In fact, his only real standout quality is his superior communication skills. Thanks to those, he was able to organize the secondary and be a very effective player, but at the end of the day the Dolphins need somebody who can provide value above replacement in that role.
So, the Dolphins ended up going after Gibril Wilson, the league leader in tackles amongst defensive backs last year. Wilson, at the prime of his career at age 27, got a 5 year deal worth up to $27.5 million, with 8 of that guaranteed. The hope is that the one time Super Bowl champ can take over the free and become half of one of the finest safety tandems in the league.
You have got to love where the Dolphins stand at safety right now. They have two versatile guys who are tackling machines in the primes of their careers. From cover 2 to a zone blitz, the Dolphins safeties allow them a lot of freedom to be creative. As we look towards the future, expect big, cheap, young guys who can contribute on special teams, like 5th round draft pick Chris Clemons, to fill in behind our starters.
As we move to corner, the Dolphins had yet another decison to make, this one of the toughest of them all. Andre Goodman, creeping into his 30's, finally showed some ability down the stretch this year, and he did it in a big way. Goody became a blanket cover corner in man to man, and he stepped up huge in the division-clinching win against the Jets. Still, as good as Goodman was, we can't forget how bad he had been. Once a pass interference machine, though the flags slowed down, Goodman still never displayed a mastery of coverage in zone.
Eventually, the decision was made to let him go. The Broncos (who also grabbed Hill for 4 years and $10 million), overspent on Goodman, giving him 5 years and $25 million, but they also left Miami with a hole. Without Goodman, Will Allen remained the only viable starting corner on the team, and even he had only one year left on his contract.
The Dolphins decided to look for value in free agency when they went after Eric Green, most recently of the Super Bowl runner-up Cardinals. Green, at age 27, is an athletically gifted player in the prime of his career, the type that Parcells covets, but has not yet proven to be a starting calliber corner. With a 2 year, 6 million dollar contract, the Dolphins made a low risk investment, and Green will likely serve as a 3rd or 4th corner, an important position filled efficiently.
Nevertheless, with only a #1 and #3 corner locked down for 1 and 2 years, respectively, cornerback was the Dolphins greatest position of need heading into the draft. With a lot of money already locked up at safety and the need for an infusion of talent and youth, the Dolphins did not mess around. They drafted two corners in the first two rounds, and they expect these youngsters to come in and contribute early and often.
Vontae Davis, the muscular younger brother of 49er Vernon, was considered by many to be the best pure corner in the draft, and the Dolphins snatched him up with their first pick. Shortly thereafter, the Dolphins went after Sean Smith at the end of the 2nd round, the 6'3" giraffe surely brought in to counteract the Randy Mosses and T.O.'s of the AFC East. The Dolphins are hoping for both of these players to pan out as big and physical corners who receivers hate to play against, with the goal being that one of the two can start this year and that over time they handle the corner position a la Madison and Surtain, bringing stability to this important position down the road.
After an active offseason retooling the defensive backs, the Dolphins finally appear to be in great shape. Bell and Wilson have the potential to be a potent tandem at safety, morphing the emergency room unit of Cam Cameron's Dolphins into a bonafide strength. Likewise, Davis and Smith are being counted on to step up and fortify the defensive backfield for even longer. As for right now though, Green will provide depth, and Will Allen's deal has been extended to last 3 more years. Whether you look in terms of today or 3 years from today, as I always like to do, the Dolphins secondary is no longer rebuilding - it is built. The only question now is, Can it produce?
As the season played out, things obviously worked out pretty well for Miami, but it wasn't without a hitch. With Chris Crocker in the starting lineup for the first two games, it looked like it was going to be a very long season for the Dolphins defensive backs. However, after the embarrassment at the hands of Arizona, Renaldo Hill took over the free safety position, and that's when things started to fall into place. Will Allen continued his work as a high level corner, a healthy Yeremiah Bell starred and led the team in tackles, and even Andre Goodman came around when the team discovered his tremendous ability in man to man. The secondary was settled, and the Dolphins won the division.
However, with the entire secondary advancing in age, the Dolphins went into this offseason with a decision to make on 3/4 of their starting unit. Bell, Goodman, and Hill were all unrestricted free agents, and Will Allen's contract was set to expire next year. This was certainly all calculated last year, when the Trifecta likely assumed they would let the free agents go after the season, but the way these guys played down the stretch made that awfully difficult.
As for the safeties, on the strong side Yeremiah Bell left no decision to be made. He was everywhere around the ball last year and an absolute stud. Wisely, the Dolphins reupped with him for 4 years and 20 million dollars, with 10 of that guaranteed. He will hold down that position with style for the duration of his long-awaited and much-deserved contract, as long as he can stay healthy.
As for the free, though Renaldo Hill's emergence was what led to the turnaround, the truth is that he is no all-star. In fact, his only real standout quality is his superior communication skills. Thanks to those, he was able to organize the secondary and be a very effective player, but at the end of the day the Dolphins need somebody who can provide value above replacement in that role.
So, the Dolphins ended up going after Gibril Wilson, the league leader in tackles amongst defensive backs last year. Wilson, at the prime of his career at age 27, got a 5 year deal worth up to $27.5 million, with 8 of that guaranteed. The hope is that the one time Super Bowl champ can take over the free and become half of one of the finest safety tandems in the league.
You have got to love where the Dolphins stand at safety right now. They have two versatile guys who are tackling machines in the primes of their careers. From cover 2 to a zone blitz, the Dolphins safeties allow them a lot of freedom to be creative. As we look towards the future, expect big, cheap, young guys who can contribute on special teams, like 5th round draft pick Chris Clemons, to fill in behind our starters.
As we move to corner, the Dolphins had yet another decison to make, this one of the toughest of them all. Andre Goodman, creeping into his 30's, finally showed some ability down the stretch this year, and he did it in a big way. Goody became a blanket cover corner in man to man, and he stepped up huge in the division-clinching win against the Jets. Still, as good as Goodman was, we can't forget how bad he had been. Once a pass interference machine, though the flags slowed down, Goodman still never displayed a mastery of coverage in zone.
Eventually, the decision was made to let him go. The Broncos (who also grabbed Hill for 4 years and $10 million), overspent on Goodman, giving him 5 years and $25 million, but they also left Miami with a hole. Without Goodman, Will Allen remained the only viable starting corner on the team, and even he had only one year left on his contract.
The Dolphins decided to look for value in free agency when they went after Eric Green, most recently of the Super Bowl runner-up Cardinals. Green, at age 27, is an athletically gifted player in the prime of his career, the type that Parcells covets, but has not yet proven to be a starting calliber corner. With a 2 year, 6 million dollar contract, the Dolphins made a low risk investment, and Green will likely serve as a 3rd or 4th corner, an important position filled efficiently.
Nevertheless, with only a #1 and #3 corner locked down for 1 and 2 years, respectively, cornerback was the Dolphins greatest position of need heading into the draft. With a lot of money already locked up at safety and the need for an infusion of talent and youth, the Dolphins did not mess around. They drafted two corners in the first two rounds, and they expect these youngsters to come in and contribute early and often.
Vontae Davis, the muscular younger brother of 49er Vernon, was considered by many to be the best pure corner in the draft, and the Dolphins snatched him up with their first pick. Shortly thereafter, the Dolphins went after Sean Smith at the end of the 2nd round, the 6'3" giraffe surely brought in to counteract the Randy Mosses and T.O.'s of the AFC East. The Dolphins are hoping for both of these players to pan out as big and physical corners who receivers hate to play against, with the goal being that one of the two can start this year and that over time they handle the corner position a la Madison and Surtain, bringing stability to this important position down the road.
After an active offseason retooling the defensive backs, the Dolphins finally appear to be in great shape. Bell and Wilson have the potential to be a potent tandem at safety, morphing the emergency room unit of Cam Cameron's Dolphins into a bonafide strength. Likewise, Davis and Smith are being counted on to step up and fortify the defensive backfield for even longer. As for right now though, Green will provide depth, and Will Allen's deal has been extended to last 3 more years. Whether you look in terms of today or 3 years from today, as I always like to do, the Dolphins secondary is no longer rebuilding - it is built. The only question now is, Can it produce?
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Linebacker Situation
Outside Linebacker:
Last season, Joey Porter had a career year, which is saying a lot by his standards. He singlehandedly provided the Dolphins with a pass rush, and proved that he can still play the Will at a very high level. On the strong side, Matt Roth transitioned to outside linebacker very well, and he physically abused tight ends all year long on 1st and 2nd down. In fact, he was second on the team in sacks despite not playing the nickel, which says a lot about his early down domination. Unfortunately, it also says a lot about Charlie Anderson and the other outside backers who replaced Roth in nickel situations. None of them made an impact rushing the passer, and nickel pass rush became a huge issue at times.
So, heading into the offseason, the picture at outside linebacker was clear. Joey Porter is set at the Will for another couple of years, and Roth is set at Sam except when extra defensive backs take the field. The obvious need was for a young pass rusher to spell Roth on 3rd downs this year, and to eventually replace Porter as the every down Will whenever the changing of the guard takes place.
Many expected Parcells and company to address this need in the draft, as the Tuna continues his perpetual search for the next Lawrence Taylor. However, the draft came and went without any action. What gives?
His name is Cameron Wake.
The former Nittany Lion was such a pass rushing standout in the CFL that he earned defensive player of the year honors in each of the last two seasons. At only 26, he has as much upside as any outside linebacker in the draft, and the Dolphins got him at the cost of zero draft picks and a 4 year contract averaging under $1 million per year. Humble, hungry, high motor, explosive, dominant: all of these words have been used to describe Wake. Without a doubt, this is a low risk, high reward, slam dunk deal for the Dolphins.
The hope is that the Dolphins hit on Wake and that he not only fills their glaring need this offseason, but that he stars on this defense for years. If he can pan out, the Dolphins should have a chance at achieving something really special.
Moreover, though last offseason I believed the Dolphins would improve drastically and I supported most of the moves that the Trifecta made, I did not agree with the decisions to part ways with Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas. In the case of Zach, who was had for a cheap one year contract by the Cowboys, I understood the argument to get younger, but I still believe that at the time it made more sense to keep him at a pay cut, and I believe that the Dolphins would've fared much better with him this past season at the linebacker position. Zach is still an excellent every down player with polished covering skills, and his presence would've enabled Channing Crowder to excel with no 3rd down responsibilities. Instead, the Dolphins gave Reggie Torbor a horrible $14 million contract and our inside linebackers struggled in coverage all year long. More on the inside linebackers later, but the point is that I believe letting Zach Thomas go was a mistake.
Likewise, I thought the Dolphins mishandled Jason Taylor as well. Yes, history vindicated Parcells and company because Taylor was injured for much of the year and had his worst NFL season, but I still feel that at the time the Dolphins made the wrong move. A healthy Taylor would have thrived last year if properly used opposite Joey Porter, but instead the Dolphins lacked any semblance of a complimentary pass rusher. Ultimately, we lost to a team in the playoffs that harassed our quarterback more than we did theirs. There is no way you could have known that the previously durable Taylor would've had an injury-riddled year, and so I still believe that the Dolphins should've hung on to the best defensive player in franchise history a year ago.
Nevertheless, a best case scenario worked out for the Dolphins brass, and suddenly the Dolphins pass rush has the potential to be scary in 2009. With the draft pick acquired in exchange for JT, the Dolphins picked up Pat White, a terrific addition on offense, and thanks in part to his injury, Taylor was released. Then, when it seemed inevitable that Taylor would end up with the Patriots, he spurned all other offers and told the Dolphins to name their price. I'm almost embarrassed that the Trifecta only gave him $1.1 million, but the bottom line is that Jason Taylor will be on the Miami Dolphins this year, and it wasn't so long ago that JT was the best defensive player in the league.
The fortuitous additions of Wake and Taylor could have a huge impact in 2009. Combined with the young defensive ends maturing in the system and an overauled secondary, including two safeties with the ability to blitz, the Dolphins pass rush has monster potential. I don't want to get ahead of myself, and obviously Chad Pennington needs to stay healthy, but these additions could make Miami a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
_________________________________________________________________
Inside Backer:
While the offseason has ostensibly made outside linebacker a strength, the same cannot be said for the interior position. In fact, considering the upgrades made at basically every other position of need, inside linebacker might be the weakest on the team right now. If it is, however, that would be a good sign for Miami, because Channing Crowder was a solid player last season, and that would mean that every other unit would do at least as well as his. Still, when I consider the current and long-term health of this position, it is merely mediocre, its growth handcuffed by mistakes made last offseason.
Mistake number one, as I discussed above, was Zach Thomas. He was had by Dallas for a one year contract after the Dolphins didn't even give him the chance to renegotiate, and all he did was record 94 tackles for the 'Boys. Meanwhile, Channing Crowder, who would have excelled as the second inside linebacker on this team, was instead merely mediocre as the main guy, a below replacement coverage linebacker on 3rd down. Keeping Thomas would've enabled Crowder to star in his role, but instead he was meerly average, filling boots a size too large.
Mistake number two was the contract given to Reggie Torbor. Torbor, who projects as nothing more than a backup for the duration of his 4 year, 14 million dollar contract, is tieing up resources that should be going to an impact starter. If just 3 of his 14 million had gone to Thomas for example, the Dolphins would have a potent 1-2 punch at ILB plus room to groom a youngster. However, as it stands currently, Torbor's contract is wasting away behind the sufficiently average Akin Ayodele. I think the Dolphins realize that they made some mistakes last year, overspending on middling free agents like Torber, Wilford, and Charlie Anderson, but there is little that they can do about those contracts today.
So, where did all of this leave us heading into this offseason? With 2 average #2 ILBs and a free agent stud #2 ILB trapped in oversized, every down shoes. As far as the decision on Crowder went, there were really no good answers. Resign him to a long term deal and you are committing a lot of money to a guy who hasn't yet quite proven worth it as an every down linebacker. Let him go and you are even more screwed, with no hope at anybody who can orchestrate this defense on the roster. So, the Dolphins took the middle ground.
They signed Crowder to a 3 year deal, and the hope is now that he can shape up into a true star linebacker. If it works out, great. Ayodele will be solid behind him, and Crowder is the emotional type of leader you like on your team. However, the Dolphins have also hedged their bets a bit in case Crowder does not prove capable on every down. With only 3 years on the contract, you haven't commit too much money to him, and if need be you can draft and groom or simply pay somebody to replace him.
The Dolphins are fine enough at inside linebacker this year regardless, but there are some cracks in the foundation of how this unit was built. Let's hope that Crowder really turns it up, or else this will become a major position of need in 2010.
Last season, Joey Porter had a career year, which is saying a lot by his standards. He singlehandedly provided the Dolphins with a pass rush, and proved that he can still play the Will at a very high level. On the strong side, Matt Roth transitioned to outside linebacker very well, and he physically abused tight ends all year long on 1st and 2nd down. In fact, he was second on the team in sacks despite not playing the nickel, which says a lot about his early down domination. Unfortunately, it also says a lot about Charlie Anderson and the other outside backers who replaced Roth in nickel situations. None of them made an impact rushing the passer, and nickel pass rush became a huge issue at times.
So, heading into the offseason, the picture at outside linebacker was clear. Joey Porter is set at the Will for another couple of years, and Roth is set at Sam except when extra defensive backs take the field. The obvious need was for a young pass rusher to spell Roth on 3rd downs this year, and to eventually replace Porter as the every down Will whenever the changing of the guard takes place.
Many expected Parcells and company to address this need in the draft, as the Tuna continues his perpetual search for the next Lawrence Taylor. However, the draft came and went without any action. What gives?
His name is Cameron Wake.
The former Nittany Lion was such a pass rushing standout in the CFL that he earned defensive player of the year honors in each of the last two seasons. At only 26, he has as much upside as any outside linebacker in the draft, and the Dolphins got him at the cost of zero draft picks and a 4 year contract averaging under $1 million per year. Humble, hungry, high motor, explosive, dominant: all of these words have been used to describe Wake. Without a doubt, this is a low risk, high reward, slam dunk deal for the Dolphins.
The hope is that the Dolphins hit on Wake and that he not only fills their glaring need this offseason, but that he stars on this defense for years. If he can pan out, the Dolphins should have a chance at achieving something really special.
Moreover, though last offseason I believed the Dolphins would improve drastically and I supported most of the moves that the Trifecta made, I did not agree with the decisions to part ways with Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas. In the case of Zach, who was had for a cheap one year contract by the Cowboys, I understood the argument to get younger, but I still believe that at the time it made more sense to keep him at a pay cut, and I believe that the Dolphins would've fared much better with him this past season at the linebacker position. Zach is still an excellent every down player with polished covering skills, and his presence would've enabled Channing Crowder to excel with no 3rd down responsibilities. Instead, the Dolphins gave Reggie Torbor a horrible $14 million contract and our inside linebackers struggled in coverage all year long. More on the inside linebackers later, but the point is that I believe letting Zach Thomas go was a mistake.
Likewise, I thought the Dolphins mishandled Jason Taylor as well. Yes, history vindicated Parcells and company because Taylor was injured for much of the year and had his worst NFL season, but I still feel that at the time the Dolphins made the wrong move. A healthy Taylor would have thrived last year if properly used opposite Joey Porter, but instead the Dolphins lacked any semblance of a complimentary pass rusher. Ultimately, we lost to a team in the playoffs that harassed our quarterback more than we did theirs. There is no way you could have known that the previously durable Taylor would've had an injury-riddled year, and so I still believe that the Dolphins should've hung on to the best defensive player in franchise history a year ago.
Nevertheless, a best case scenario worked out for the Dolphins brass, and suddenly the Dolphins pass rush has the potential to be scary in 2009. With the draft pick acquired in exchange for JT, the Dolphins picked up Pat White, a terrific addition on offense, and thanks in part to his injury, Taylor was released. Then, when it seemed inevitable that Taylor would end up with the Patriots, he spurned all other offers and told the Dolphins to name their price. I'm almost embarrassed that the Trifecta only gave him $1.1 million, but the bottom line is that Jason Taylor will be on the Miami Dolphins this year, and it wasn't so long ago that JT was the best defensive player in the league.
The fortuitous additions of Wake and Taylor could have a huge impact in 2009. Combined with the young defensive ends maturing in the system and an overauled secondary, including two safeties with the ability to blitz, the Dolphins pass rush has monster potential. I don't want to get ahead of myself, and obviously Chad Pennington needs to stay healthy, but these additions could make Miami a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
_________________________________________________________________
Inside Backer:
While the offseason has ostensibly made outside linebacker a strength, the same cannot be said for the interior position. In fact, considering the upgrades made at basically every other position of need, inside linebacker might be the weakest on the team right now. If it is, however, that would be a good sign for Miami, because Channing Crowder was a solid player last season, and that would mean that every other unit would do at least as well as his. Still, when I consider the current and long-term health of this position, it is merely mediocre, its growth handcuffed by mistakes made last offseason.
Mistake number one, as I discussed above, was Zach Thomas. He was had by Dallas for a one year contract after the Dolphins didn't even give him the chance to renegotiate, and all he did was record 94 tackles for the 'Boys. Meanwhile, Channing Crowder, who would have excelled as the second inside linebacker on this team, was instead merely mediocre as the main guy, a below replacement coverage linebacker on 3rd down. Keeping Thomas would've enabled Crowder to star in his role, but instead he was meerly average, filling boots a size too large.
Mistake number two was the contract given to Reggie Torbor. Torbor, who projects as nothing more than a backup for the duration of his 4 year, 14 million dollar contract, is tieing up resources that should be going to an impact starter. If just 3 of his 14 million had gone to Thomas for example, the Dolphins would have a potent 1-2 punch at ILB plus room to groom a youngster. However, as it stands currently, Torbor's contract is wasting away behind the sufficiently average Akin Ayodele. I think the Dolphins realize that they made some mistakes last year, overspending on middling free agents like Torber, Wilford, and Charlie Anderson, but there is little that they can do about those contracts today.
So, where did all of this leave us heading into this offseason? With 2 average #2 ILBs and a free agent stud #2 ILB trapped in oversized, every down shoes. As far as the decision on Crowder went, there were really no good answers. Resign him to a long term deal and you are committing a lot of money to a guy who hasn't yet quite proven worth it as an every down linebacker. Let him go and you are even more screwed, with no hope at anybody who can orchestrate this defense on the roster. So, the Dolphins took the middle ground.
They signed Crowder to a 3 year deal, and the hope is now that he can shape up into a true star linebacker. If it works out, great. Ayodele will be solid behind him, and Crowder is the emotional type of leader you like on your team. However, the Dolphins have also hedged their bets a bit in case Crowder does not prove capable on every down. With only 3 years on the contract, you haven't commit too much money to him, and if need be you can draft and groom or simply pay somebody to replace him.
The Dolphins are fine enough at inside linebacker this year regardless, but there are some cracks in the foundation of how this unit was built. Let's hope that Crowder really turns it up, or else this will become a major position of need in 2010.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Defensive Line Situation
Note: I ran down the state of every offensive position before the draft. Now, I'm going to analyze each defensive position before signing off of man-o-dolphins indefinitely. More on that later...
Last year, one of the Dolphins main focuses was rebuilding the defensive line with an eye towards the future. They traded for Jason Ferguson to plug the nose for a few seasons, drafted two true 3-4 ends, Merling and Langford, and added another young end, Randy Starks, to compliment the rookies and holdover Vonnie Holliday.
The results were, overall, very successful. The Dolphins run defense was generally very stout, and the rookies developed nicely over the course of the season. However, this unit is not without issues.
At nose, Jason Ferguson is a tremendous 1st and 2nd down player, but there is little depth behind him. As it stands, Paul Soliai is the backup and future of the position, but it is unclear whether or not he is up to the task. The Dolphins surprised a lot of people by not drafting their "tackle of the future," but they really were in no position to, with greater needs and little value available when they picked.
My opinion is that this was well-calculated by the Trifecta. The Dolphins are good enough at nose for one more year as long as Ferguson stays healthy, and like I said, nobody in the draft really presented an upgrade over Soliai (although I'm sure the staff would be ecstatic if undrafted rookie free agent Louis Ellis could suplant him). The Dolphins will play this year out at the status quo and then spend a high pick, likely their first rounder, on an elite nose tackle next year. There's really no sense in paying a first round pick to sit for a year anyway, so he will be forced to contribute immidiately, and I think this all makes for a sound philosophy considering the state of the Dolphins right now.
As for the end position, the Dolphins let go of Vonnie Holliday, who was a valuable member of the team last year. However, the reason they could do that was because they felt so confident in the youth at the position. To start, the Dolphins couldn't be happier with what they got from Kendall Langford. A starter throughout the season, he figures to start on this team for years to come. Phillip Merling also had a nice year, especially as he rounded into form late in the season. No play was bigger for the Fins than his interception return for a touchdown in Week 17 against the Jets. Randy Starks, on the other hand, was excellent in the early part of last year, but saw his play tail off down the stretch. Still, he figures to compete with Merling for the starting job opposite Langford, and all three will play significant roles in the rotation.
So, between Starks, Merling, and Langford, the Dolphins have three young players who will take care of the position for now and into the future. Thanks to last year's draft, defensive end is a strength, despite that Starks' contract is a bit bigger than was justified from his play. The only real question with this unit then becomes how they are featured in the nickel.
Nickel pass rush was a huge issue for the Dolphins last year. Much has been made about how Joey Porter was our only source of pressure, and rightfully so. Though responsibility is shared with the strongside backer position, the line needs to play a roll in pressuring the passer, especially on 3rd down.
Specifically, the Dolphins chose to reallign up front in nickel situations last year. The nose tackle would leave the game, and the ends would slide down to the inside. Additionally, the outside backers would drop down into three point stances and flank the oxymoronic interior ends as if they were normal 4-3 defensive ends. The results were putrid. In my opinion, this eliminated one of the great advantages of the 3-4, that the quarterback never knows where the pressure is coming from. However, this should all change this year.
With Jason Taylor and Cameron Wake joining the linebacking corps, Miami would do well to find ways to get both of them on the field on third down. As I see it, the easiest and most effective way to accomplish this would be by taking a lineman off of it. I think the Dolphins would be smart to play with only one true defensive lineman on the field, keeping a 3-4 look as opposed to a 4-3, to beef up the nickel pass rush.
Say Kendall Langford and Randy Starks end up starting and playing 1st and 2nd downs, as they figure to. The odd man out, in this case Merling, could simply sub in when the three starting defensive linemen leave on 3rd down and line up as the nose. This frees up Porter, Taylor, and Wake to all enter the game, and that should spell huge issues for opposing quarterbacks, who won't know where the pressure is coming from.
Moreover, whether or not the Dolphins adopt the aforementioned system to help fix the nickel pass rush, the defensive ends need to play a bigger role in harrasssing the Mark Sanchezes and Tom Bradys of the world. Besides that and drafting a top tier nose next year, the defensive line is a position of strength for now and beyond for the Miami Dolphins.
Last year, one of the Dolphins main focuses was rebuilding the defensive line with an eye towards the future. They traded for Jason Ferguson to plug the nose for a few seasons, drafted two true 3-4 ends, Merling and Langford, and added another young end, Randy Starks, to compliment the rookies and holdover Vonnie Holliday.
The results were, overall, very successful. The Dolphins run defense was generally very stout, and the rookies developed nicely over the course of the season. However, this unit is not without issues.
At nose, Jason Ferguson is a tremendous 1st and 2nd down player, but there is little depth behind him. As it stands, Paul Soliai is the backup and future of the position, but it is unclear whether or not he is up to the task. The Dolphins surprised a lot of people by not drafting their "tackle of the future," but they really were in no position to, with greater needs and little value available when they picked.
My opinion is that this was well-calculated by the Trifecta. The Dolphins are good enough at nose for one more year as long as Ferguson stays healthy, and like I said, nobody in the draft really presented an upgrade over Soliai (although I'm sure the staff would be ecstatic if undrafted rookie free agent Louis Ellis could suplant him). The Dolphins will play this year out at the status quo and then spend a high pick, likely their first rounder, on an elite nose tackle next year. There's really no sense in paying a first round pick to sit for a year anyway, so he will be forced to contribute immidiately, and I think this all makes for a sound philosophy considering the state of the Dolphins right now.
As for the end position, the Dolphins let go of Vonnie Holliday, who was a valuable member of the team last year. However, the reason they could do that was because they felt so confident in the youth at the position. To start, the Dolphins couldn't be happier with what they got from Kendall Langford. A starter throughout the season, he figures to start on this team for years to come. Phillip Merling also had a nice year, especially as he rounded into form late in the season. No play was bigger for the Fins than his interception return for a touchdown in Week 17 against the Jets. Randy Starks, on the other hand, was excellent in the early part of last year, but saw his play tail off down the stretch. Still, he figures to compete with Merling for the starting job opposite Langford, and all three will play significant roles in the rotation.
So, between Starks, Merling, and Langford, the Dolphins have three young players who will take care of the position for now and into the future. Thanks to last year's draft, defensive end is a strength, despite that Starks' contract is a bit bigger than was justified from his play. The only real question with this unit then becomes how they are featured in the nickel.
Nickel pass rush was a huge issue for the Dolphins last year. Much has been made about how Joey Porter was our only source of pressure, and rightfully so. Though responsibility is shared with the strongside backer position, the line needs to play a roll in pressuring the passer, especially on 3rd down.
Specifically, the Dolphins chose to reallign up front in nickel situations last year. The nose tackle would leave the game, and the ends would slide down to the inside. Additionally, the outside backers would drop down into three point stances and flank the oxymoronic interior ends as if they were normal 4-3 defensive ends. The results were putrid. In my opinion, this eliminated one of the great advantages of the 3-4, that the quarterback never knows where the pressure is coming from. However, this should all change this year.
With Jason Taylor and Cameron Wake joining the linebacking corps, Miami would do well to find ways to get both of them on the field on third down. As I see it, the easiest and most effective way to accomplish this would be by taking a lineman off of it. I think the Dolphins would be smart to play with only one true defensive lineman on the field, keeping a 3-4 look as opposed to a 4-3, to beef up the nickel pass rush.
Say Kendall Langford and Randy Starks end up starting and playing 1st and 2nd downs, as they figure to. The odd man out, in this case Merling, could simply sub in when the three starting defensive linemen leave on 3rd down and line up as the nose. This frees up Porter, Taylor, and Wake to all enter the game, and that should spell huge issues for opposing quarterbacks, who won't know where the pressure is coming from.
Moreover, whether or not the Dolphins adopt the aforementioned system to help fix the nickel pass rush, the defensive ends need to play a bigger role in harrasssing the Mark Sanchezes and Tom Bradys of the world. Besides that and drafting a top tier nose next year, the defensive line is a position of strength for now and beyond for the Miami Dolphins.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Miami Dolphins' Randy Starks arrested on South Beach
Story
It's worth noting that Starks denies basically all allegations except having an overstuffed car filled with nine people (not thirteen as the cop alleges). However, if Starks is guilty here, this could mean big problems for the Fins D-line. Holliday was available to be let go because of our perceived depth at end, but without Starks it would all but disappear.
It's worth noting that Starks denies basically all allegations except having an overstuffed car filled with nine people (not thirteen as the cop alleges). However, if Starks is guilty here, this could mean big problems for the Fins D-line. Holliday was available to be let go because of our perceived depth at end, but without Starks it would all but disappear.
Miami Dolphins extend CB Will Allen's contract
VIEW SUN-SENTINEL ARTICLE
Also, as ProFootballTalk points out, this deal isn't nearly as fiscally irresponsible as meets the eye. Essentially, the Dolphins gave their best corner two guaranteed years at $5 million and change, over which time he should continue to perform as an elite corner, and they have what amounts to a club option on a 3rd year. In fact, this deal makes a lot of sense to me.
_________________________________________________________________
PFT article below:
$12.2 Million In New Money For Will Allen
Posted by Mike Florio on May 27, 2009, 9:50 a.m.
Also, as ProFootballTalk points out, this deal isn't nearly as fiscally irresponsible as meets the eye. Essentially, the Dolphins gave their best corner two guaranteed years at $5 million and change, over which time he should continue to perform as an elite corner, and they have what amounts to a club option on a 3rd year. In fact, this deal makes a lot of sense to me.
_________________________________________________________________
PFT article below:
$12.2 Million In New Money For Will Allen
Posted by Mike Florio on May 27, 2009, 9:50 a.m.
Even spread over three years, a $16 million contract with more than $10 million guaranteed looks on the surface to be excessive for Dolphins cornerback Will Allen — especially in light of the “English Muffin under high heat” imitation he pulled during last year’s playoff loss to the Ravens.
We’ve tracked down the details, and in context the deal seems to be more in line with Allen’s skill and age.
The 2001 first-rounder will indeed receive more than $10 million guaranted on his new contract. But it comes in the form of a guaranteed base salary of $4 million in 2009, a guaranteed base salary of $5.2 million in 2010, and a signing bonus of $1.5 million.
Allen already was due to make $4 million this year, but the payment wouldn’t have been guaranteed until the start of the regular season (due to the “termination pay” rules of the CBA).
Under the new contract, Allen also is scheduled to earn a base salary of $5.5 million in 2011.
So it’s a $12.2 million in new money, $6.7 million of which is guaranteed.
Recent Dolphins News
It's been a while since I've posted anything Dolphins on this site. So I'm gonna get cracking on the recent stories of interest (in other words, if you wanted to read about Plexiglass coming to the Fins, go back to ESPN.com):
Dolphins' Ernest Wilford embraces experiment as tight end/H-back
Very interesting...more cleverness from the coaching staff for a guy who had no chance of making the team as a receiver.Friday, May 22, 2009
Shocking
Ex-Chargers QB Leaf indicted on drug charges
"The indictment said Leaf presented an incomplete medical history to several physicians between January 2008 and September 2008 to get or try to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone."
What would Ryan Leaf need painkillers for??
"The indictment said Leaf presented an incomplete medical history to several physicians between January 2008 and September 2008 to get or try to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone."
What would Ryan Leaf need painkillers for??
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Sports news/commentary
Gruden joins 'Monday Night Football'
Gotta love Kornheiser. Everybody was excited when he first joined MNF, but even he agreed that it never really worked. Now, not only am I excited about PTI's possible return to prominence, but I think the Monday Night booth has potential to be its best in years.
Jaws is hands down the best analyst in football right now, so good that a two man booth with he and the consumate professional Tirico alone would've made for a great team. However, Gruden is the perfect final piece. He is a smart, interesting football insider coming off an extremely successful tenure with the Bucs, but since he is new to the booth, we shouldn't have to worry about him talking too much. I look forward to Tirico providing the glue while Jaws and Gruden combine for interesting analysis and debate. Finally, ESPN makes a decision benefiting the intelligent fan.
Sources: Wall picks Kentucky
Wall, the top rated point guard coming out of high school is a ridiculous athlete, and this decision has huge ramifications on the entire college basketball landscape. I don't know what kind of recruiting Callipari does, but wow that guy must be persuasive. Kentucky is already a national contender, months into his tenure there. For the sake of college basketball, I really hope that there is no foul play involved.
Source: Favre doesn't want surgery
Whether or not Favre has surgery, whether or not he joins the Vikings, whether or not he is obviously just waiting for offseason workouts to pass before signing, everybody short of Tony Dungy is tired of this story (yeah...Dungy is that patient).
But the thing that bothers me most is the big deal about his "injury" last year. A partially torn biceps tendon is a NON-ISSUE. The tendon that Favre tore is completely unneccesary, so much so that the easiest way to fix it is...completing the rupture! There is no structural damage to the body, and the pain that Favre might be presently feeling would be vanquished completely. John Elway won the Superbowl without that tendon!
Any excuses Favre has from last season that have to do with this injury are laughable. If he is still feeling pain from his performance, that is a different issue, but I really don't want to hear about this tendon anymore.
And if you must know, as much as I would love to see the Jets get even more screwed over by this whole ordeal, I really hope Favre doesn't join the Vikings. He may not realize it, but doing so would tarnish his Packer legacy, and that's just not right for football.
Gotta love Kornheiser. Everybody was excited when he first joined MNF, but even he agreed that it never really worked. Now, not only am I excited about PTI's possible return to prominence, but I think the Monday Night booth has potential to be its best in years.
Jaws is hands down the best analyst in football right now, so good that a two man booth with he and the consumate professional Tirico alone would've made for a great team. However, Gruden is the perfect final piece. He is a smart, interesting football insider coming off an extremely successful tenure with the Bucs, but since he is new to the booth, we shouldn't have to worry about him talking too much. I look forward to Tirico providing the glue while Jaws and Gruden combine for interesting analysis and debate. Finally, ESPN makes a decision benefiting the intelligent fan.
Sources: Wall picks Kentucky
Wall, the top rated point guard coming out of high school is a ridiculous athlete, and this decision has huge ramifications on the entire college basketball landscape. I don't know what kind of recruiting Callipari does, but wow that guy must be persuasive. Kentucky is already a national contender, months into his tenure there. For the sake of college basketball, I really hope that there is no foul play involved.
Source: Favre doesn't want surgery
Whether or not Favre has surgery, whether or not he joins the Vikings, whether or not he is obviously just waiting for offseason workouts to pass before signing, everybody short of Tony Dungy is tired of this story (yeah...Dungy is that patient).
But the thing that bothers me most is the big deal about his "injury" last year. A partially torn biceps tendon is a NON-ISSUE. The tendon that Favre tore is completely unneccesary, so much so that the easiest way to fix it is...completing the rupture! There is no structural damage to the body, and the pain that Favre might be presently feeling would be vanquished completely. John Elway won the Superbowl without that tendon!
Any excuses Favre has from last season that have to do with this injury are laughable. If he is still feeling pain from his performance, that is a different issue, but I really don't want to hear about this tendon anymore.
And if you must know, as much as I would love to see the Jets get even more screwed over by this whole ordeal, I really hope Favre doesn't join the Vikings. He may not realize it, but doing so would tarnish his Packer legacy, and that's just not right for football.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Big Daddy Drew Rant
F-CK YOU, BRETT FAVRE
The greatest thing about Big Daddy Drew, and really all the guys at Kissing Suzy Kolber, is that as profane and hilarious they are, they always manage to keep their credibility, even in a rant like this. Even though it looks like Favre is staying retired for now, BDD's commentary was spot-on as usual. And did I mention hilarious...
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
I wish John Beck all the best...
Former Miami Dolphins QB John Beck signs with Ravens
...but not with Cam CameronFriday, May 1, 2009
Rey Maualuga grinding on Erin Andrews...
Hilarious. Never saw this before, but just stumbled upon it. Kinda makes me wish the Fins drafted him...
Bad Jason Taylor news...
Patriots have strong interest in Jason Taylor; Miami Dolphins not serious
In other news, Dolphins Stadium apparently might be renamed LandShark Stadium, at least for the time being. Stephen Ross is very serious about selling the naming rights, and it seems that a short term deal may be in place with Jimmy Buffet and company.Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Dolphins Draft Recap - What they didn't do...
With their late round picks, the Dolphins addressed the tight end position, depth at offensive tackle, and added a safety. None of these moves were surprises. Cheap, young players, but little more, was called upon to fill these positions.
However, the Dolphins made important decisions on the future of the linebacker and nose tackles positions by what they didn't do.
Specifically, the Dolphins didn't spend a high round draft pick on a pass-rushing outside linebacker and didn't draft a nose tackle to groom into the starting role when Jason Ferguson runs out of gas. The only thing they did do was draft JD Folsom, a seventh round Weber State inside linebacker project. The moves the Dolphins didn't make tell us a lot and will have great ramifications on the team now and into the future.
At nose tackle, I don't take the Dolphins not drafting anybody as a definite sign that they are happy with Paul Soliai to eventually take over for Jason Ferguson. I think they are happy enough with him that they felt confident leaving him as the #2 guy for another year, developing him in the process, but I don't think they are set on him as the answer.
The most likely reason the Dolphins passed on a nose is because there aren't many great noses available. People just don't come that big very often, so when there is a big body like that who is good enough to consistently eat up two gaps, they are hard to miss. The Dolphins had greater needs to take care of in the early rounds, and my best bet is that as opposed to drafting somebody mediocre now, they plan on drafting a first round nose in the next year or two, somebody who can come in and star(t) right away once Jason Ferguson is done. I think this is sound logic on the part of the Dolphins.
As for the lack of an outside linebacker, it takes a closer look at what the Dolphins currently have to get an idea of what's going on. On one side, they have Joey Porter, who figures to hold down the Will job for another couple of years. On the other, Matt Roth is a strong first and second down player, but the Dolphins didn't have good production from Charlie Anderson on third downs last year. So, that leaves the Dolphins looking for somebody to play on third downs and eventually succeed Joey Porter as the Will.
Anderson will certainly be in the mix for that role, but I believe that Cameron Wake will be given every opportunity to show off his considerable talent in that position. If you look at Wake as a sort of high round draft pick equivalent, it makes a lot of sense that the Dolphins felt less of a need at outside linebacker than they did at wide receiver or corner. You can never have too many pass rushers, but I think the Dolphins are putting their stock in Wake for a reason.
Meanwhile, the fact that the Dolphins didn't draft a linebacker can only be a positive sign for those hoping to see Jason Taylor in aqua and orange again. For the right price, bringing JT back makes a lot of sense, and I think we will find out in the coming days whether or not Parcells, Ireland, and Sparano agree. With him in the mix, the Dolphins pass rush could be downright scary once again.
However, the Dolphins made important decisions on the future of the linebacker and nose tackles positions by what they didn't do.
Specifically, the Dolphins didn't spend a high round draft pick on a pass-rushing outside linebacker and didn't draft a nose tackle to groom into the starting role when Jason Ferguson runs out of gas. The only thing they did do was draft JD Folsom, a seventh round Weber State inside linebacker project. The moves the Dolphins didn't make tell us a lot and will have great ramifications on the team now and into the future.
At nose tackle, I don't take the Dolphins not drafting anybody as a definite sign that they are happy with Paul Soliai to eventually take over for Jason Ferguson. I think they are happy enough with him that they felt confident leaving him as the #2 guy for another year, developing him in the process, but I don't think they are set on him as the answer.
The most likely reason the Dolphins passed on a nose is because there aren't many great noses available. People just don't come that big very often, so when there is a big body like that who is good enough to consistently eat up two gaps, they are hard to miss. The Dolphins had greater needs to take care of in the early rounds, and my best bet is that as opposed to drafting somebody mediocre now, they plan on drafting a first round nose in the next year or two, somebody who can come in and star(t) right away once Jason Ferguson is done. I think this is sound logic on the part of the Dolphins.
As for the lack of an outside linebacker, it takes a closer look at what the Dolphins currently have to get an idea of what's going on. On one side, they have Joey Porter, who figures to hold down the Will job for another couple of years. On the other, Matt Roth is a strong first and second down player, but the Dolphins didn't have good production from Charlie Anderson on third downs last year. So, that leaves the Dolphins looking for somebody to play on third downs and eventually succeed Joey Porter as the Will.
Anderson will certainly be in the mix for that role, but I believe that Cameron Wake will be given every opportunity to show off his considerable talent in that position. If you look at Wake as a sort of high round draft pick equivalent, it makes a lot of sense that the Dolphins felt less of a need at outside linebacker than they did at wide receiver or corner. You can never have too many pass rushers, but I think the Dolphins are putting their stock in Wake for a reason.
Meanwhile, the fact that the Dolphins didn't draft a linebacker can only be a positive sign for those hoping to see Jason Taylor in aqua and orange again. For the right price, bringing JT back makes a lot of sense, and I think we will find out in the coming days whether or not Parcells, Ireland, and Sparano agree. With him in the mix, the Dolphins pass rush could be downright scary once again.
Dolphins Draft Recap - Pat White/Receivers
Initially, when the Dolphins drafted Pat White, I had figured that besides his role in the Wildcat, he would be used as a receiver, at least for the time being. However, with the Dolphins drafting both Patrick Turner in the third round and Brian Hartline in the fourth, it seemed to indicate that the Dolphins had a different role for White in mind.
On Monday, it was confirmed when the Dolphins dropped John Beck. Pat White, besides being the Wildcat back, will be the Dolphins' third quarterback.
From the quarterback situation's standpoint, this makes a lot of sense. As I called for the Dolphins to do in my pre-draft positional breakdown, the Dolphins dropped John Beck and replaced him since they were convinced he wasn't going to work out here (for his sake, let's hope that Cam Cameron didn't permanently break him). They added somebody with more upside (and unique roster flexibility) to replace him, and the quarterback position is even stronger today than it was a week ago today.
Moreover, as for the receivers, the Dolphins got two players who seem to fit in very well and who they obviously really like. Turner is a big red-zone target, they type of player Parcells has coveted, and Hartline is a polished, versitile Ohio State receiver who will also contribute on special teams.
Interestingly, Turner and Hartline, along with Ginn, Camarillo, and Bess, add up to five receivers who are very likely to make the Dolphins final roster. At the most, I could see them keeping only one more, which puts the jobs of Ernest Wilford and Brandon London in jeopardy. Turner figures to fill the niche that Wilford never did, being the big touchdown machine, so I'd put good money on a quick exit for Ernest from the roster. Hartline, likewise, fills London's special teams role, but I wouldn't be so sure that he is on his way out. You can never have too many good special teamers, and London established himself as a valuable member of the team last year. Still, six receivers is a lot to carry.
All side-chatter aside, the most important thing is that the Dolphins added some playmakers. Pat White, from the Wildcat role, has a chance to further revolutionize the league. With him at the helm, the Dolphins are going to take a shot at incorportating a legitimate spread scheme into their NFL offense. At wide receiver, the hope is that one of Hartline and Turner becomes a game-changing player, and suddenly depth at the position is a strength. Quarterback and wide receiver are both sufficiently upgraded, and it will be interesting to see how the rookies fare in their first season.
On Monday, it was confirmed when the Dolphins dropped John Beck. Pat White, besides being the Wildcat back, will be the Dolphins' third quarterback.
From the quarterback situation's standpoint, this makes a lot of sense. As I called for the Dolphins to do in my pre-draft positional breakdown, the Dolphins dropped John Beck and replaced him since they were convinced he wasn't going to work out here (for his sake, let's hope that Cam Cameron didn't permanently break him). They added somebody with more upside (and unique roster flexibility) to replace him, and the quarterback position is even stronger today than it was a week ago today.
Moreover, as for the receivers, the Dolphins got two players who seem to fit in very well and who they obviously really like. Turner is a big red-zone target, they type of player Parcells has coveted, and Hartline is a polished, versitile Ohio State receiver who will also contribute on special teams.
Interestingly, Turner and Hartline, along with Ginn, Camarillo, and Bess, add up to five receivers who are very likely to make the Dolphins final roster. At the most, I could see them keeping only one more, which puts the jobs of Ernest Wilford and Brandon London in jeopardy. Turner figures to fill the niche that Wilford never did, being the big touchdown machine, so I'd put good money on a quick exit for Ernest from the roster. Hartline, likewise, fills London's special teams role, but I wouldn't be so sure that he is on his way out. You can never have too many good special teamers, and London established himself as a valuable member of the team last year. Still, six receivers is a lot to carry.
All side-chatter aside, the most important thing is that the Dolphins added some playmakers. Pat White, from the Wildcat role, has a chance to further revolutionize the league. With him at the helm, the Dolphins are going to take a shot at incorportating a legitimate spread scheme into their NFL offense. At wide receiver, the hope is that one of Hartline and Turner becomes a game-changing player, and suddenly depth at the position is a strength. Quarterback and wide receiver are both sufficiently upgraded, and it will be interesting to see how the rookies fare in their first season.
Dolphins Draft Recap - Cornerbacks
Though I believe that trying to grade drafts immediately is an exercise in futility, I do think it's worthwhile to take a close look at who the Dolphins picked to try to make sense of where the team stands and what the front office was trying to do.
In the first round, as I said Saturday, there was no surprise. The Dolphins greatest position of need was corner, and they picked up their likely starter opposite Will Allen in Vontae Davis. Davis, the brother of Niners TE Vernon, is physical and talented, and though inconsistent at times, he was considered the best pure corner in the draft.
While we're on the topic of corners, though, there was a mild surprise when the Dolphins decided to go with another one before the end of the first day. With their third pick in the draft, the Dolphins traded down to the bottom of round two and took Utah cornerback Sean Smith. At 6'3", Smith is a big, fast, athletic, and durable former receiver.
What does the selection of Smith mean for the Dolphins? It really confirms just how great a position of need corner was for the trifecta heading into the draft. With Andre Goodman gone, Will Allen having only one year left, and Jason Allen continuing to subsist as a giant question mark, Eric Green was brought in this offseason as a free agent, but thankfully Parcells and company don't have any delusions about what he brings to the table.
On my depth chart, I am pencilling in Davis opposite Allen in the starting lineup this season. Behind them, Green and Smith provide the Dolphins with important talent for when opponents line up multiple wide receivers. Additionally, as we look towards the future, the Dolphins have now positioned themselves with a healthy secondary for years to come. The Dolphins will likely decline to resign Will Allen to an expensive contract next offseason, but Davis, Smith, and Green provide a young and talented nucleus that should serve Miami for several years down the road.
In the first round, as I said Saturday, there was no surprise. The Dolphins greatest position of need was corner, and they picked up their likely starter opposite Will Allen in Vontae Davis. Davis, the brother of Niners TE Vernon, is physical and talented, and though inconsistent at times, he was considered the best pure corner in the draft.
While we're on the topic of corners, though, there was a mild surprise when the Dolphins decided to go with another one before the end of the first day. With their third pick in the draft, the Dolphins traded down to the bottom of round two and took Utah cornerback Sean Smith. At 6'3", Smith is a big, fast, athletic, and durable former receiver.
What does the selection of Smith mean for the Dolphins? It really confirms just how great a position of need corner was for the trifecta heading into the draft. With Andre Goodman gone, Will Allen having only one year left, and Jason Allen continuing to subsist as a giant question mark, Eric Green was brought in this offseason as a free agent, but thankfully Parcells and company don't have any delusions about what he brings to the table.
On my depth chart, I am pencilling in Davis opposite Allen in the starting lineup this season. Behind them, Green and Smith provide the Dolphins with important talent for when opponents line up multiple wide receivers. Additionally, as we look towards the future, the Dolphins have now positioned themselves with a healthy secondary for years to come. The Dolphins will likely decline to resign Will Allen to an expensive contract next offseason, but Davis, Smith, and Green provide a young and talented nucleus that should serve Miami for several years down the road.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Dolphins Draft Pat White!
With the first of the Dolphins two second round selections, with the pick acquired in last year's Jason Taylor trade, the Miami Dolphins chose Pat White from West Virginia.
Personally, I could not have been more excited on draft day.
I considered in my pre-draft positional overviews including a section on the "Wildcat" position. I decided against it, figuring that if in the unlikely scenario that something came up, I could just write about it as it happened. Here it is:
The Dolphins ran the Wildcat with great success last year, but by the end of the season, teams had found a way to bottle it up pretty effectively. The reason for this was that they could commit extra defenders to the run, since Ronnie Brown did not present a great passing threat. So a way to upgrade the offense would be finding somebody who presents a running option, but also could keep defenses honest with his arm. The Dolphins got the only guy in the draft who could do that today in Pat White.
Pat White, for those of you who are less than familiar, started 40 games for West Virginia over his four seasons there, and brought football success to the Mountaineers in a way that they had never seen before. A steady passer with blazing speed, he ran the spread offense to perfection as he was the first quarterback in FBS (Division 1) history to win four bowl games as a starter. Still, Pat White was considered a tweener in the eyes of NFL scouts, without a true quarterback skill set, so his draft status was relatively uncertain. ESPN, for example, to this day lists him as a QB/WR, truly in the Kordell Stewart mold.
As the story goes, at the end of his senior season, White was told that he should approach NFL workouts as a wide receiver. He was told that his skills did not project to becoming an NFL quarterback. So, he did the only logical thing, and impressed Senior Bowl scouts all week long with his arm before winning the game's MVP award at quarterback.
Now, make no mistakes. I have no false hope that White will be the Miami Dolphins quarterback of the future. Right now that distinction belongs to Chad Henne, maybe John Beck. However, he is a great fit for a football team looking to build and take themselves over the top.
I believe the Dolphins will use him the only way they can. He will join their receiving corps and compete for playing time. He has a lot to learn to develop into an NFL receiver (although I've always found that quarterbacks are the ones who end up having the best hands...and they do have certain mental advantages in learning how to become an effective receiver). However, he will also present an amazing X-factor that can't be understated.
With him on the team, the Dolphins figure to up the use of the Wildcat formation to about 10-12 plays per game. I suspect that during most of those, White will play the Wildcat position (the deep back who receives the snap). With him in that role, not only will defenses be forced to play the pass much more honestly, but it enables new mixes of players in different roles, including the possibility of Ronnie Brown in the motion-back role. Likewise, in situations where Ronnie Brown takes snaps, you can move White all over the field to give defenses headaches. There becomes a limitless amount of moving parts that Dan Henning can play with to give defenses headaches, something which he has already proved more than effective at.
Moreover, out of the base, I believe that White as a wideout might present an even greater upside than a first round wide receiver might have. Besides his great speed, he can bring new things to your offense, a la Antwan Randle El. He will always have to be accounted for when he is on the field, and suddenly the Dolphins have great balance in their receiving corps between the explosive Ginn and White and the efficient Camarillo and Bess. As I pointed out before, you might be surprised at how smooth the quarterback to receiver transition can be.
The Dolphins got a gamer today. At the very least, he will help take the Wildcat to a new level and give defensive coordinators all over the league headaches. He also adds a much needed jolt of explosivity to the receiving unit, not to mention that the act of passing on a receiver in the first round should be interpreted as a vote of confidence for Ted Ginn by the trifecta. Additionally, my hope is that a year down the road, White can enable the Dolphins to free up a roster spot by only keeping two true quarterbacks on the roster, a luxury which shouldn't be understated.
White brings all kinds of positives to the table, and is one of the most exciting draft picks by the Dolphins in recent memory. He is a football guy and a gamer who did nothing but win at West Virginia. I am excited to welcome him to the Miami Dolphins.
Personally, I could not have been more excited on draft day.
I considered in my pre-draft positional overviews including a section on the "Wildcat" position. I decided against it, figuring that if in the unlikely scenario that something came up, I could just write about it as it happened. Here it is:
The Dolphins ran the Wildcat with great success last year, but by the end of the season, teams had found a way to bottle it up pretty effectively. The reason for this was that they could commit extra defenders to the run, since Ronnie Brown did not present a great passing threat. So a way to upgrade the offense would be finding somebody who presents a running option, but also could keep defenses honest with his arm. The Dolphins got the only guy in the draft who could do that today in Pat White.
Pat White, for those of you who are less than familiar, started 40 games for West Virginia over his four seasons there, and brought football success to the Mountaineers in a way that they had never seen before. A steady passer with blazing speed, he ran the spread offense to perfection as he was the first quarterback in FBS (Division 1) history to win four bowl games as a starter. Still, Pat White was considered a tweener in the eyes of NFL scouts, without a true quarterback skill set, so his draft status was relatively uncertain. ESPN, for example, to this day lists him as a QB/WR, truly in the Kordell Stewart mold.
As the story goes, at the end of his senior season, White was told that he should approach NFL workouts as a wide receiver. He was told that his skills did not project to becoming an NFL quarterback. So, he did the only logical thing, and impressed Senior Bowl scouts all week long with his arm before winning the game's MVP award at quarterback.
Now, make no mistakes. I have no false hope that White will be the Miami Dolphins quarterback of the future. Right now that distinction belongs to Chad Henne, maybe John Beck. However, he is a great fit for a football team looking to build and take themselves over the top.
I believe the Dolphins will use him the only way they can. He will join their receiving corps and compete for playing time. He has a lot to learn to develop into an NFL receiver (although I've always found that quarterbacks are the ones who end up having the best hands...and they do have certain mental advantages in learning how to become an effective receiver). However, he will also present an amazing X-factor that can't be understated.
With him on the team, the Dolphins figure to up the use of the Wildcat formation to about 10-12 plays per game. I suspect that during most of those, White will play the Wildcat position (the deep back who receives the snap). With him in that role, not only will defenses be forced to play the pass much more honestly, but it enables new mixes of players in different roles, including the possibility of Ronnie Brown in the motion-back role. Likewise, in situations where Ronnie Brown takes snaps, you can move White all over the field to give defenses headaches. There becomes a limitless amount of moving parts that Dan Henning can play with to give defenses headaches, something which he has already proved more than effective at.
Moreover, out of the base, I believe that White as a wideout might present an even greater upside than a first round wide receiver might have. Besides his great speed, he can bring new things to your offense, a la Antwan Randle El. He will always have to be accounted for when he is on the field, and suddenly the Dolphins have great balance in their receiving corps between the explosive Ginn and White and the efficient Camarillo and Bess. As I pointed out before, you might be surprised at how smooth the quarterback to receiver transition can be.
The Dolphins got a gamer today. At the very least, he will help take the Wildcat to a new level and give defensive coordinators all over the league headaches. He also adds a much needed jolt of explosivity to the receiving unit, not to mention that the act of passing on a receiver in the first round should be interpreted as a vote of confidence for Ted Ginn by the trifecta. Additionally, my hope is that a year down the road, White can enable the Dolphins to free up a roster spot by only keeping two true quarterbacks on the roster, a luxury which shouldn't be understated.
White brings all kinds of positives to the table, and is one of the most exciting draft picks by the Dolphins in recent memory. He is a football guy and a gamer who did nothing but win at West Virginia. I am excited to welcome him to the Miami Dolphins.
First Round Tidbits
My thoughts upon the completion of a first round filled with quality players, if few stars:
-Matthew Stafford's huge contract will likely be the biggest rookie contract that we will see for quite some time. With the new collective bargaining agreement being negotiated, I don't think teams will be willing to pay such astronomical figures to top 10 picks anymore. It's a big risk for the Lions, and I really hope for their sake that it works out.
-The Jets took care of what they needed by moving up and drafting Mark Sanchez. Interestingly, because of the aforementioned astronomical figures being payed to high draft picks, especially quarterbacks, the Jets didn't have to pay a huge price to move up. They gave up only one other draft pick, their 2nd rounder this year, and three players on their roster. It works out for Mangini, because he gets his guys, but the real biggest price for the Jets will be whatever contract they end up giving to Sanchez. I would have to expect it to total well over $50 million.
-The three big tackles went in the first eight picks. These are smart, low risk, safer picks for teams who are rediscovering the supreme importance of tackles in the NFL.
-Darrius Heyward-Bey is an incredible physical talent, and he has a huge upside in the NFL. That said, Really Oakland?? Really??
-All of the picks from #9-#15 were smart, great value picks, in my opinion. All of those teams got good players who will come in and help win games.
-The Josh Freeman pick by Tampa Bay, on the other hand, seems like a huge reach at #17. Again, the NFL draft is largely a crapshoot, so nobody really knows, but he seems like just another quarterback at that same, insufficient talent-level for the Bucs. I think there are other ways they could have helped their team. The only thing I will says is that Tampa Bay will pay him a small fraction of what Detroit and the Jets will be paying their guys, a very important consideration in the dollars and sense salary cap NFL.
-From #19 through #26, I think you again saw some really good value picks. I pray that Detroit does something to help themselves out up front, but Pettigrew is a great value, a complete, polished player, and will be Stafford's best friend. Alex Mack, likewise, is one of the players I was highest on in the draft. Look no further than Kevin Mawae for an example of what a cerebral and tough center can mean to your line. Additionally, Percy Harvin makes a lot of sense with the Minnesota Vikings. He will bring a new dimension to their offense, and their Wildcat game with him and AD could be scary. Excellent moves throughout, and with Cushing and Raji, the Green Bay Packers defense could get downright scary.
-Finally, I was surprised to see Hakeem Nicks last so long, because I have him ranked right up there with Heyward-Bey for receivers, but he was a nice pick for the Giants. He will really fill the Plaxico role very well, and if he matures, he could become an elite receiver in the NFL.
-Matthew Stafford's huge contract will likely be the biggest rookie contract that we will see for quite some time. With the new collective bargaining agreement being negotiated, I don't think teams will be willing to pay such astronomical figures to top 10 picks anymore. It's a big risk for the Lions, and I really hope for their sake that it works out.
-The Jets took care of what they needed by moving up and drafting Mark Sanchez. Interestingly, because of the aforementioned astronomical figures being payed to high draft picks, especially quarterbacks, the Jets didn't have to pay a huge price to move up. They gave up only one other draft pick, their 2nd rounder this year, and three players on their roster. It works out for Mangini, because he gets his guys, but the real biggest price for the Jets will be whatever contract they end up giving to Sanchez. I would have to expect it to total well over $50 million.
-The three big tackles went in the first eight picks. These are smart, low risk, safer picks for teams who are rediscovering the supreme importance of tackles in the NFL.
-Darrius Heyward-Bey is an incredible physical talent, and he has a huge upside in the NFL. That said, Really Oakland?? Really??
-All of the picks from #9-#15 were smart, great value picks, in my opinion. All of those teams got good players who will come in and help win games.
-The Josh Freeman pick by Tampa Bay, on the other hand, seems like a huge reach at #17. Again, the NFL draft is largely a crapshoot, so nobody really knows, but he seems like just another quarterback at that same, insufficient talent-level for the Bucs. I think there are other ways they could have helped their team. The only thing I will says is that Tampa Bay will pay him a small fraction of what Detroit and the Jets will be paying their guys, a very important consideration in the dollars and sense salary cap NFL.
-From #19 through #26, I think you again saw some really good value picks. I pray that Detroit does something to help themselves out up front, but Pettigrew is a great value, a complete, polished player, and will be Stafford's best friend. Alex Mack, likewise, is one of the players I was highest on in the draft. Look no further than Kevin Mawae for an example of what a cerebral and tough center can mean to your line. Additionally, Percy Harvin makes a lot of sense with the Minnesota Vikings. He will bring a new dimension to their offense, and their Wildcat game with him and AD could be scary. Excellent moves throughout, and with Cushing and Raji, the Green Bay Packers defense could get downright scary.
-Finally, I was surprised to see Hakeem Nicks last so long, because I have him ranked right up there with Heyward-Bey for receivers, but he was a nice pick for the Giants. He will really fill the Plaxico role very well, and if he matures, he could become an elite receiver in the NFL.
Dolphins Draft Vontae Davis
Sitting at #25, the Dolphins had plenty of options. At wide receiver, Hakeem Nicks of North Carolina was still on the board and at linebacker Clay Matthews was still available, but the Dolphins went with their greatest position of need, and went with Vontae Davis, the corner from Illinois.
My snap judgment is that this was a very good pick, and probably a no-brainer for the Dolphins. Vontae Davis was the best pure cornerback available in the draft, and a great value where the Fins got him. Vernon's younger brother projects to start from day one with Miami, and he completes a very good-looking secondary. Even though he certainly fills a huge need, I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't the highest ranked player overall left on the Dolphins board.
Look for the Dolphins to go after a wideout and a linebacker before the day is over. I also wouldn't count out a nose tackle if Parcells has somebody who he likes.
My snap judgment is that this was a very good pick, and probably a no-brainer for the Dolphins. Vontae Davis was the best pure cornerback available in the draft, and a great value where the Fins got him. Vernon's younger brother projects to start from day one with Miami, and he completes a very good-looking secondary. Even though he certainly fills a huge need, I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't the highest ranked player overall left on the Dolphins board.
Look for the Dolphins to go after a wideout and a linebacker before the day is over. I also wouldn't count out a nose tackle if Parcells has somebody who he likes.
Friday, April 24, 2009
The Offensive Line Situation
Last season, the Dolphins biggest change outside of Chad Pennington might have been the reliability of the offensive line. While they didn't dominate, they were pushovers no more. The team ranked 12th in the NFL in both pass and run blocking according to Football Outsiders, and though they certainly improved throughout the year, 2008 was merely phase one. Sparano wants to keep building up front, as this year was proof that there are lots of talented skill players in this league, but you need big guys to make them look good.
As far as offseason activity goes, there was plenty of it along the offensive line. First of all, the coaching change from Maser to DeGuglielmo can only be interpreted as a positive change. Sparano is obviously an offensive line guy, and DeGuglielmo is somebody who he knows very well. The line will definitely be taught exactly how Sparano likes.
As far as the players go, last year Jake Long stepped into the left tackle position and found himself in Hawaii in February. Likewise, Justin Smiley was the big free agent prize last year, and he had himself a solid season until it was shortened by injury. Those two will be back, so the left side of the line should be stable.
On the other side, there was much more uncertainty. The biggest question up front was whether Vernon Carey would be back, and Bill Parcells made sure he got his guy by paying him. Carey got 6 years and $42 million, including $14 million guaranteed. While this was a high price, this is probably what the market would've demanded, and the trifecta wanted to make sure they got their guy. Now the Dolphins have bookends at the tackles for the next five years, so you can understand the willingness to spend a bit.
Meanwhile, at right guard, the Dolphins rotated multiple players in after promising preseason rookie starter Donald Thomas went down in Week 1. However, this year the Dolphins are excited to have the mamoth back to see what he can do over the course of a season. The likes of Andy Alleman and Ike Ndukwe remain providing interior depth.
Finally, despite Samson Satele starting his first two years at center, the Dolphins really weren't happy with his play. Specifically, he did not carry the size that Parcells and company like to see up front. So, they went in search of an upgrade this offseason.
Jason Brown of the Ravens was the consensus best center available in free agency, but he was snatched up by the Rams for 5 years and $37.5 million, more than the Dolphins were willing to pay. So, the Dolphins ended up with Jake Grove, a 29-year-old rescued from Oakland. They piad him $29 million over 5 years, and if that doesn't seem like much less, consider that Miami is paying him $14m in guarantees, as opposed to $24m with Brown.
I must say, if the Dolphins were weary of giving that much money to Brown (which confuses me to begin with, because he has been a better player than Carey, $42m, to this point in his career), I would have rather they went with a cheaper option or the draft. Matt Birk, for example, who is more than capable of leading an offensive line, went for only $12 million over 3 years. I understand that he is older, but at some point value comes with age. Also, I don't know much about Grove, so I would like to refrain from passing judgement, but the reviews of him seem to be mixed at best, a 2nd round pick who never materialized into something special. We will have to wait and see...
As far as the draft goes, don't expect the Dolphins to draft up front early. I would've very much liked to see them go with centers Alex Mack or Max Unger in the first round, both of whom could step into an NFL lineup and start, but with Grove's 29 milli in the equation, this doesn't seem so likely.
Joe Berger was added to bring depth to the interior, so I wouldn't expect the Dolphins to draft anyone there later either. The only real draft need on the line is some depth at tackle behind Long and Carey, so look for the Dolphins to spend at least one late round flier there, maybe two.
The bottom line is that the line is set for years to come. I pray that Jake Grove can exceed expectations, because if he does the Miami Dolphins will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
As far as offseason activity goes, there was plenty of it along the offensive line. First of all, the coaching change from Maser to DeGuglielmo can only be interpreted as a positive change. Sparano is obviously an offensive line guy, and DeGuglielmo is somebody who he knows very well. The line will definitely be taught exactly how Sparano likes.
As far as the players go, last year Jake Long stepped into the left tackle position and found himself in Hawaii in February. Likewise, Justin Smiley was the big free agent prize last year, and he had himself a solid season until it was shortened by injury. Those two will be back, so the left side of the line should be stable.
On the other side, there was much more uncertainty. The biggest question up front was whether Vernon Carey would be back, and Bill Parcells made sure he got his guy by paying him. Carey got 6 years and $42 million, including $14 million guaranteed. While this was a high price, this is probably what the market would've demanded, and the trifecta wanted to make sure they got their guy. Now the Dolphins have bookends at the tackles for the next five years, so you can understand the willingness to spend a bit.
Meanwhile, at right guard, the Dolphins rotated multiple players in after promising preseason rookie starter Donald Thomas went down in Week 1. However, this year the Dolphins are excited to have the mamoth back to see what he can do over the course of a season. The likes of Andy Alleman and Ike Ndukwe remain providing interior depth.
Finally, despite Samson Satele starting his first two years at center, the Dolphins really weren't happy with his play. Specifically, he did not carry the size that Parcells and company like to see up front. So, they went in search of an upgrade this offseason.
Jason Brown of the Ravens was the consensus best center available in free agency, but he was snatched up by the Rams for 5 years and $37.5 million, more than the Dolphins were willing to pay. So, the Dolphins ended up with Jake Grove, a 29-year-old rescued from Oakland. They piad him $29 million over 5 years, and if that doesn't seem like much less, consider that Miami is paying him $14m in guarantees, as opposed to $24m with Brown.
I must say, if the Dolphins were weary of giving that much money to Brown (which confuses me to begin with, because he has been a better player than Carey, $42m, to this point in his career), I would have rather they went with a cheaper option or the draft. Matt Birk, for example, who is more than capable of leading an offensive line, went for only $12 million over 3 years. I understand that he is older, but at some point value comes with age. Also, I don't know much about Grove, so I would like to refrain from passing judgement, but the reviews of him seem to be mixed at best, a 2nd round pick who never materialized into something special. We will have to wait and see...
As far as the draft goes, don't expect the Dolphins to draft up front early. I would've very much liked to see them go with centers Alex Mack or Max Unger in the first round, both of whom could step into an NFL lineup and start, but with Grove's 29 milli in the equation, this doesn't seem so likely.
Joe Berger was added to bring depth to the interior, so I wouldn't expect the Dolphins to draft anyone there later either. The only real draft need on the line is some depth at tackle behind Long and Carey, so look for the Dolphins to spend at least one late round flier there, maybe two.
The bottom line is that the line is set for years to come. I pray that Jake Grove can exceed expectations, because if he does the Miami Dolphins will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
The Wide Receiver Situation
Finally a fun one.
Last season, the Dolphins had three wide receivers catch over 50 passes. Ted Ginn Jr. took a step forward from his rookie season with 790 yards, including 14.1 per clip, though his step forward may not have been big enough for many observers...his DVOA as measured by Football Outsiders was below the league average. On the other hand, the other two receivers with over 50 catches were two undrafted players, Greg Camarillo and Devone Bess, both of whom certainly won the hearts of Dolfans. Both are possession receivers, and both impressively did their work in shortened seasons, Camarillo's by injury, Bess' due to a late emergence. Each was slightly above the league average in value measured by DVOA.
Brandon London, a special teams standout and lead cheerleader at Dolphins games, also contributed, quietly serving as the wideout in double tight sets towards the end of the season. Additionally, Ernest Wilford's contract managed to make it throught the end of the season, though he hardly ever played. Joining them on the current roster are former practice squader Anthony Armstrong and the 6'3" longshot Todd Lowber.
Common knowledge points to wideout as a huge need position for the Dolphins right now. Camarillo and Bess, while impressive and beloved, are both considered best suited in peripheral roles. Ginn, despite his high draft pedigree, is likewise considered a #2. Despite his speed, he hasn't demonstrated that he can be an elite-caliber receiver, and most are calling for a big, strong #1 receiver in the draft. In fact, if Bill Parcells were not running this team, it would probably be a foregone conclusion that the Dolphins would draft a receiver in the first round.
However, Bill Parcells is the VP of Football Operations, and common knowledge does not manage the team. So, while wide receiver is certainly the most glaring need on offense, we need to take a deeper look at Ted Ginn to evaluate his value.
Ginn certainly hasn't been an elite receiver in his first few seasons in the league. There is no disputing that. But how many first or second year receivers are elite? The answer is not many. It's counterintuitive because it seems like a simple enough position (run the route, catch the ball), but receiver is one of the hardest positions to adjust to in the NFL. The general rule of thumb in league circles is that it takes until a receiver's third season before he really adjusts to the NFL.
Additionally, while Ginn hasn't been elite, and hasn't even been an every down player in many cases, he does bring speed to the equation. If you break down offensive tape of the Dolphins, you will notice that teams played us very differently last year with Ginn on the field. Teams usually rotated a safety over him, respect that they didn't pay to any of our other receivers. Much like Randy Moss does in New England for Wes Welker, Ginn can help dictate what coverages the defense can't play, opening the door for Camarillo and Bess underneath.
Consider all of this along with the application of the principle that whoever we draft this year will likely take three years himself to develop, and suddenly drafting a wideout at #25 is not such an obvious proposition.
Moreover, the Dolphins will have five (maybe six) receivers on their roster on opening day, and you can all but guarantee that four of those will be Ginn, Camarillo, Bess, and London (especially the first three). The fifth will be a draft pick, and likely a high draft pick, but the great mystery right now is whether or not it will be our first rounder. Parcells, Ireland, and Sparano need to do some seriously thinking about what they think Ted Ginn can be. And they need to make sure that if they are drafting somebody, it is the right somebody. It will be an interesting and telling moment in Dolphins history when they announce their pick on Saturday.
Last season, the Dolphins had three wide receivers catch over 50 passes. Ted Ginn Jr. took a step forward from his rookie season with 790 yards, including 14.1 per clip, though his step forward may not have been big enough for many observers...his DVOA as measured by Football Outsiders was below the league average. On the other hand, the other two receivers with over 50 catches were two undrafted players, Greg Camarillo and Devone Bess, both of whom certainly won the hearts of Dolfans. Both are possession receivers, and both impressively did their work in shortened seasons, Camarillo's by injury, Bess' due to a late emergence. Each was slightly above the league average in value measured by DVOA.
Brandon London, a special teams standout and lead cheerleader at Dolphins games, also contributed, quietly serving as the wideout in double tight sets towards the end of the season. Additionally, Ernest Wilford's contract managed to make it throught the end of the season, though he hardly ever played. Joining them on the current roster are former practice squader Anthony Armstrong and the 6'3" longshot Todd Lowber.
Common knowledge points to wideout as a huge need position for the Dolphins right now. Camarillo and Bess, while impressive and beloved, are both considered best suited in peripheral roles. Ginn, despite his high draft pedigree, is likewise considered a #2. Despite his speed, he hasn't demonstrated that he can be an elite-caliber receiver, and most are calling for a big, strong #1 receiver in the draft. In fact, if Bill Parcells were not running this team, it would probably be a foregone conclusion that the Dolphins would draft a receiver in the first round.
However, Bill Parcells is the VP of Football Operations, and common knowledge does not manage the team. So, while wide receiver is certainly the most glaring need on offense, we need to take a deeper look at Ted Ginn to evaluate his value.
Ginn certainly hasn't been an elite receiver in his first few seasons in the league. There is no disputing that. But how many first or second year receivers are elite? The answer is not many. It's counterintuitive because it seems like a simple enough position (run the route, catch the ball), but receiver is one of the hardest positions to adjust to in the NFL. The general rule of thumb in league circles is that it takes until a receiver's third season before he really adjusts to the NFL.
Additionally, while Ginn hasn't been elite, and hasn't even been an every down player in many cases, he does bring speed to the equation. If you break down offensive tape of the Dolphins, you will notice that teams played us very differently last year with Ginn on the field. Teams usually rotated a safety over him, respect that they didn't pay to any of our other receivers. Much like Randy Moss does in New England for Wes Welker, Ginn can help dictate what coverages the defense can't play, opening the door for Camarillo and Bess underneath.
Consider all of this along with the application of the principle that whoever we draft this year will likely take three years himself to develop, and suddenly drafting a wideout at #25 is not such an obvious proposition.
Moreover, the Dolphins will have five (maybe six) receivers on their roster on opening day, and you can all but guarantee that four of those will be Ginn, Camarillo, Bess, and London (especially the first three). The fifth will be a draft pick, and likely a high draft pick, but the great mystery right now is whether or not it will be our first rounder. Parcells, Ireland, and Sparano need to do some seriously thinking about what they think Ted Ginn can be. And they need to make sure that if they are drafting somebody, it is the right somebody. It will be an interesting and telling moment in Dolphins history when they announce their pick on Saturday.
The Tight End Situation
In 2008, the tight end position had an awakening with Anthony Fasano and David Martin heavily involved in the offense. Each had over 30 receptions for over 450 yards, and they combined for 10 touchdowns, including 7 for Fasano. Both ranked in the top ten in the NFL in DYAR (total value) for tight ends (Note: Football Outsiders only measures tight ends as receivers, not blockers), and both ranked in the top five in DVOA (value per play).
Still, while the tight ends were a great fit in the offense, enabled the Wildcat to be installed, and were very efficient and productive in the passing game, their ability as blockers seemed to diminish throughout the season and, in the case of David Martin, became a liability. Additionally, while nothing should be taken away from their productivity, the Football Outsiders statistics should be taken with a grain of salt because the nature of the Dolphins offense surely inflated these figures.
Both guys will be around this year, and we can expect similar contributions from the two of them that we got last year. So, for the time being we are set. This is where most analysis that I have read has stoppped, and where in my opinion, the real decision making begins.
If the Dolphins do nothing about the tight ends in the draft, it will become a major position of need in the next offseason. They would have Joey Haynos under contract, and nobody else. In the Dolphins' system, which requires two good tight ends, they would have the decision of either resigning their two free agents (expensive), resigning one and spending a high draft pick on a tight end (a different kind of expensive), or going with Joey Haynos (unproven) along with either a free agent or a draft pick.
In my opinion, the Dolphins can get away with resigning one of either Fasano or Martin next year (preferably Fasano because of his age and blocking ability), but resigning both would put too much money invested in the position and be a poor allocation of funds. Therefore, the big question then moves to Joey Haynos. If the Dolphins believe he can be a 30 catch tight end for years to come, then by all means sit back and pass on every tight end in this draft. However, if the Dolphins have their doubts about the 6'8" Maryland product, it might be prudent to bring in somebody to compete on the second day of the draft.
Still, while the tight ends were a great fit in the offense, enabled the Wildcat to be installed, and were very efficient and productive in the passing game, their ability as blockers seemed to diminish throughout the season and, in the case of David Martin, became a liability. Additionally, while nothing should be taken away from their productivity, the Football Outsiders statistics should be taken with a grain of salt because the nature of the Dolphins offense surely inflated these figures.
Both guys will be around this year, and we can expect similar contributions from the two of them that we got last year. So, for the time being we are set. This is where most analysis that I have read has stoppped, and where in my opinion, the real decision making begins.
If the Dolphins do nothing about the tight ends in the draft, it will become a major position of need in the next offseason. They would have Joey Haynos under contract, and nobody else. In the Dolphins' system, which requires two good tight ends, they would have the decision of either resigning their two free agents (expensive), resigning one and spending a high draft pick on a tight end (a different kind of expensive), or going with Joey Haynos (unproven) along with either a free agent or a draft pick.
In my opinion, the Dolphins can get away with resigning one of either Fasano or Martin next year (preferably Fasano because of his age and blocking ability), but resigning both would put too much money invested in the position and be a poor allocation of funds. Therefore, the big question then moves to Joey Haynos. If the Dolphins believe he can be a 30 catch tight end for years to come, then by all means sit back and pass on every tight end in this draft. However, if the Dolphins have their doubts about the 6'8" Maryland product, it might be prudent to bring in somebody to compete on the second day of the draft.
The Running Back Situation
Like the quarterback position, the Dolphins are in great shape at running back. It was the strength of the offense last year, led by Pro Bowler Ronnie Brown, and it promises to be a strength again this year.
Besides Ronnie Brown, who stood out at the helm of the Wildcat, his partner in crime (and horizontal threat in the Wildcat) Ricky Williams also had a great year, at times taking over as the featured back. However, the surprise of the season was Patrick Cobbs. Every time the Dolphins devised a new way to involve him, Cobbs rewarded the offense with nothing but production and big plays. The Dolphins offense was at its best with all three of these players on the field, whether it was in the Wildcat, the full house, or any other of Dan Henning's concoctions.
Moreover, Football Outsiders statistics highlight the efficiency of Miami's running corps. Ronnie Brown ranked 15th in the NFL in DYAR (overall value) for running while ranking 19th in receiving amongst running backs. This consistency and versatility will keep the 27 year old featured in the offense for at least the next few years. Cobbs, meanwhile, was ridiculously impressive in his role. Amongst running backs, he ranked 3rd in the NFL in value per play catching passes out of the backfield, over 50% better than the average player! That kind of value is why the Dolphins reupped and locked the 25 year old down midseason. Additionally, even Lousaka Polite held down the seldom-used fullback position with remarkable efficiency in short yardage. As any Dolfan will tell you, we have yet to see him fail in a short yardage situation.
What these statistics don't tell you though, is that the key to each running back having so much success was using them together. The only position on this offense that really scared anybody this year was the running backs, and the Dolphins rightfully exploited their strength. By using multiple back concepts, throught different formations (Wildcat included) and backfield actions, every defense was forced to focus their attention on stopping the Dolphins running backs. If you wanted to stop Ronnie Brown, Williams and Cobbs were waiting. If you wanted to load up, Pennington was faking. If you wanted to follow flow, our guards were misdirecting. No matter what we were doing, the foundation was always the talent of our multiple running backs. (For an in-depth discussion of the Dolphins offense, especially the running game, see Special Analysis: Offensive Breakdown, written towards the end of last season).
Luckily, the Dolphins will have all their running backs back next year. Brown and Cobbs paint an especially bright picture for now and three years down the road. The only question is the guy who always seems to be the question, Ricky Williams. However, the question this time is, when will he be too old? The usual rule of thumb is that running backs produce and produce and produce, turn 30, and fall apart. 30 is the industry standard for when a running back is over the hill. Williams is 31, but the question becomes, how old is he in "running back years"?
Williams withstood a lot of overuse in his early years, but then didn't really play football for a while there. Does he get those years back? Also, he seems to take extraordinarily good care of his body these days. Could that mean something different in his aging pattern?
The answer with Williams, as it usually is, is that we really don't know. Fortunately, however, he is not our main guy anymore, and we even have depth behind him in the #2 role if need be. Therefore, it's okay not to know. At 31, we should take any production that we get from him as a bonus. He obviously is a guy with huge upside who can make a big difference in any game. However, if the wheels fall off, if he is injured, or if he retires at any point...no problem.
As it stands, the Dolphins have four guys who make up an excellent running corps right now. As we look three years down the road, we can expect an aging Ronnie Brown looking to be replaced, Patrick Cobbs in the prime of his career, and little more. However, not much needs to be done now to rectify that. Miami will carry 4-5 backs this year, and four of them are set. Additionally, Lex Hilliard stands a good chance to make the team if the Dolphins decide to carry 5. Look for the Dolphins to pass on running backs in the 2009 draft, the only real possibility being a value pick on the second day.
Besides Ronnie Brown, who stood out at the helm of the Wildcat, his partner in crime (and horizontal threat in the Wildcat) Ricky Williams also had a great year, at times taking over as the featured back. However, the surprise of the season was Patrick Cobbs. Every time the Dolphins devised a new way to involve him, Cobbs rewarded the offense with nothing but production and big plays. The Dolphins offense was at its best with all three of these players on the field, whether it was in the Wildcat, the full house, or any other of Dan Henning's concoctions.
Moreover, Football Outsiders statistics highlight the efficiency of Miami's running corps. Ronnie Brown ranked 15th in the NFL in DYAR (overall value) for running while ranking 19th in receiving amongst running backs. This consistency and versatility will keep the 27 year old featured in the offense for at least the next few years. Cobbs, meanwhile, was ridiculously impressive in his role. Amongst running backs, he ranked 3rd in the NFL in value per play catching passes out of the backfield, over 50% better than the average player! That kind of value is why the Dolphins reupped and locked the 25 year old down midseason. Additionally, even Lousaka Polite held down the seldom-used fullback position with remarkable efficiency in short yardage. As any Dolfan will tell you, we have yet to see him fail in a short yardage situation.
What these statistics don't tell you though, is that the key to each running back having so much success was using them together. The only position on this offense that really scared anybody this year was the running backs, and the Dolphins rightfully exploited their strength. By using multiple back concepts, throught different formations (Wildcat included) and backfield actions, every defense was forced to focus their attention on stopping the Dolphins running backs. If you wanted to stop Ronnie Brown, Williams and Cobbs were waiting. If you wanted to load up, Pennington was faking. If you wanted to follow flow, our guards were misdirecting. No matter what we were doing, the foundation was always the talent of our multiple running backs. (For an in-depth discussion of the Dolphins offense, especially the running game, see Special Analysis: Offensive Breakdown, written towards the end of last season).
Luckily, the Dolphins will have all their running backs back next year. Brown and Cobbs paint an especially bright picture for now and three years down the road. The only question is the guy who always seems to be the question, Ricky Williams. However, the question this time is, when will he be too old? The usual rule of thumb is that running backs produce and produce and produce, turn 30, and fall apart. 30 is the industry standard for when a running back is over the hill. Williams is 31, but the question becomes, how old is he in "running back years"?
Williams withstood a lot of overuse in his early years, but then didn't really play football for a while there. Does he get those years back? Also, he seems to take extraordinarily good care of his body these days. Could that mean something different in his aging pattern?
The answer with Williams, as it usually is, is that we really don't know. Fortunately, however, he is not our main guy anymore, and we even have depth behind him in the #2 role if need be. Therefore, it's okay not to know. At 31, we should take any production that we get from him as a bonus. He obviously is a guy with huge upside who can make a big difference in any game. However, if the wheels fall off, if he is injured, or if he retires at any point...no problem.
As it stands, the Dolphins have four guys who make up an excellent running corps right now. As we look three years down the road, we can expect an aging Ronnie Brown looking to be replaced, Patrick Cobbs in the prime of his career, and little more. However, not much needs to be done now to rectify that. Miami will carry 4-5 backs this year, and four of them are set. Additionally, Lex Hilliard stands a good chance to make the team if the Dolphins decide to carry 5. Look for the Dolphins to pass on running backs in the 2009 draft, the only real possibility being a value pick on the second day.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Still Champions
Whenever I get into a bad mood, I like to think about the 2008 AFC East Champion Miami Dolphins. Here are some AP pictures from Week 17 to help reminisce (is that really how that word is spelled?). My favorite is the Merling TAINT (Touchdown After INT, above) because you can see a ruined Favre laying in the background as big Phillip takes it to the house. Enjoy.
Ted Ginn makes one of his two huge catches, this for a touchdown
The tiny but tough Bess fights for extra yardage
Y Bell can hit a little bit
Goodman's first of his two interceptions
Sorry, Brett
After picking up the big 4th and 1, Chad's demeanor spoke the story of the season
"How did that #4 work out for y'all?? We won the division..."Thursday, April 2, 2009
The Quarterback Situation
In 2008, Chad Pennington turned in the best season ever by a Dolphins quarterback not named Dan Marino. The career Jet turned Favre-related discard was gladly taken in by Bill Parcells' Dolphins, and all he did was lead the team to the division championship while coming second in MVP balloting and winning his second Comeback Player of the Year award in three years. It was a magical season for Chad, probably the best of his career and one that will be remembered by Dolfans forever. The crowning moment was winning the AFC East Championship in his former home against his former mates in Week 17, sending Brett Favre into retirement.
Nevertheless, as we look ahead at the quarterback position, we need to remove ourselves from all those lingering feelings from last year and examine Pennington with a rational mindset. Though this can be very difficult to do, as football fans have a way of being very shortsighted and sensitive in their mindset, the thing that is going to give any football team the greatest chance for success is planning equally for now and for three years from now in our evaluations and transactions.
Chad Pennington has a track record of, despite never having a quarterback rating below 80 in any season where he has played more than four games, alternating between double-digit and single-digit starts every year over the last seven years.
Year Starts Rating
2000 0 127.1
2001 0 79.6
2002 12 104.2
2003 9 82.9
2004 13 91.0
2005 3 70.9
2006 16 82.6
2007 8 86.1
2008 16 97.4
Career 77 90.6
Pennington is 32 years old, not necessarily at the end of his career in terms of quarterbacks, but despite being on top of his game last year (with improved arm strength coming thanks to renewed work with an old trainer), his arm has been through a lot. Even with his diligent training, Pennington will always be amongst the weaker arms in the league, and in the modern NFL where it is rare that one quarterback can make it through an entire season healthy, it would be a minor miracle if somebody with Pennington's injury history could make it through two in a row.
So, where does that leave us? It leaves us hoping for a continuation of last year's magic, but planning more rationally. There is no doubt that the MVP runner-up will be our starting quarterback on day one, and he will be given every chance to succeed. After all, it's not like Pennington's efficiency is a mystery. He gets it done with unparalleled leadership, intelligent decision-making, and the best play fake in NFL history, so there is plenty of reason to believe he will succeed when he is in there. Still, there remains the very strong chance that he won't make it through the season and/or that his effectiveness will drop off to better match his career averages.
Moreover, with the presence of the promising Chad Henne behind him, Pennington has become the hanging Chad, likely riding out the last year of his contract before either free agency or retirement; at best, the Dolphins could resign him to another reasonable short-term deal after this season. In all likelihood, though, Penny has had his best season as a Dolphin. Still, the one-year-plan for the Dolphins quarterbacks is well in place (remember, I always like to evaluate in terms of right now AND three years from now). Should anything happen to Pennington, the Dolphins have given us every reason to believe that Chad Henne will be able to step in and get the job done, especially with another preseason under his belt.
So, we turn our attention to the future. How does our quarterback position today project forward to three years from now? What type of shape are we putting ourselves in?
The obvious beginning to the answer to that question revolves around Chad Henne. If all goes well, the strong-armed 2nd year player out of Michigan will step in whenever Pennington steps down, and will become our quarterback for the next ten years. If that happens, if all our wildest dreams come true and he is, in fact, the second coming of Dan the Man, then we are fine with John Beck as his backup.
However, the reality of the NFL is that we need to plan for anything. Maybe Henne will become a mediocre quarterback. Maybe he will go the route of Ryan Leaf. With him as the only sure bet to be on the roster as a quarterback in 2010, we need to plan behind him.
So, with QB1 and QB2 (Matt Saracen? FNL? Anybody??) in place, the question moves to what cheap player with upside we want filling the #3 role. Keep in mind that this player will likely become our #2 next year, and that means he will likely play at some point or another. So far this offseason, despite speculation that John Beck would be traded, he hasn't gone anywhere.
What does that tell us about the man Cam Cameron had ahead of Brady Quinn on his draft board? Clearly that he presents a better option at his price (cheap) than any free agents that were available this year (expensive and crappy), but not necessarily that he is better than the upside that a second day draft pick would bring. It will be telling to see on draft day whether the Triumvirate will keep the soon-to-be-28-year-old-with-only-four-career-starts put, or trade him for a late round pick and draft somebody to groom.
Though it may not seem like quarterback is a pressing issue (I haven't read one thing about the Dolphins possibly drafting one), quarterback is ALWAYS a pressing issue. It is the one position which is BY FAR the most important position on the field, and you always need to be diligent about planning three years ahead. Parcells' buddy Ron Wolf used to draft a quarterback every year, no matter what, even when he had Favre. While I am not necessarily advocating that, I am saying that only the Dolphins know if they think John Beck can meet the Dilfer Standard*, and if they don't think he can, then NOW is the time to cash in your assets and try to start building. Chad Henne is far from a guaranteed thing, and having a veteran #3 quarterback means nothing to you this year. Groom your guy now or else one day you might wake up with no more Pennington and an ineffective Henne, and at that point your name might as well be Wannstedt.
Allow me to clarify by saying that I am not calling for Beck to be traded. In fact, I would really like to see him given a shot. He had 0% chance to succeed when he was in the lineup behind the putrid 2007 offensive line and had to learn a new playbook in each of his first two years in the league. I would love to see what he could do this preseason with another year of camp under his belt and some stability on offense. However, if Parcells, Ireland, and Sparano have already seen enough to know that he will not be a winning quarterback on this team, it is their responsibility to turn in their cards and try their luck with a new, young hand.
To conclude, despite all of the complexities that I have discussed as we move forward, the Dolphins really are in great shape at the quarterback position, especially in 2009. We have yet to make any moves at quarterback this offseason, and the only way we will is if the management decides that they've seen enough of John Beck. Pat White has impressed and would obviously be an intriguing option to run the Wildcat offense, but in all likelihood, the Dolphins probably wouldn't take a QB in the draft until the 6th round, if at all. Soon we can turn our attention to training camp where it will be exciting to see how the Chads fare. Will Pennington be able to rekindle the magic of 2008? Will Henne step in at some point this year and become the face of the Miami Dolphins? That, ladies and gentlemen, is why they play the game.
*The "Dilfer Standard" is defined as being capable of consistently winning games from the quarterback position in the NFL. While great quarterbacks easily meet the Dilfer standard, it is named for Trent Dilfer, who won Superbowl XXXV with the Baltimore Ravens through exceptional game management and decision making. The "Dilfer Standard" is not to be confused with its antithesis, the "Cutler-fucker," a quarterback who is a complete waste of God-given talent (Kenny Powers? Eastbound and Down? Anyone?? Buhler...)
Nevertheless, as we look ahead at the quarterback position, we need to remove ourselves from all those lingering feelings from last year and examine Pennington with a rational mindset. Though this can be very difficult to do, as football fans have a way of being very shortsighted and sensitive in their mindset, the thing that is going to give any football team the greatest chance for success is planning equally for now and for three years from now in our evaluations and transactions.
Chad Pennington has a track record of, despite never having a quarterback rating below 80 in any season where he has played more than four games, alternating between double-digit and single-digit starts every year over the last seven years.
Year Starts Rating
2000 0 127.1
2001 0 79.6
2002 12 104.2
2003 9 82.9
2004 13 91.0
2005 3 70.9
2006 16 82.6
2007 8 86.1
2008 16 97.4
Career 77 90.6
Pennington is 32 years old, not necessarily at the end of his career in terms of quarterbacks, but despite being on top of his game last year (with improved arm strength coming thanks to renewed work with an old trainer), his arm has been through a lot. Even with his diligent training, Pennington will always be amongst the weaker arms in the league, and in the modern NFL where it is rare that one quarterback can make it through an entire season healthy, it would be a minor miracle if somebody with Pennington's injury history could make it through two in a row.
So, where does that leave us? It leaves us hoping for a continuation of last year's magic, but planning more rationally. There is no doubt that the MVP runner-up will be our starting quarterback on day one, and he will be given every chance to succeed. After all, it's not like Pennington's efficiency is a mystery. He gets it done with unparalleled leadership, intelligent decision-making, and the best play fake in NFL history, so there is plenty of reason to believe he will succeed when he is in there. Still, there remains the very strong chance that he won't make it through the season and/or that his effectiveness will drop off to better match his career averages.
Moreover, with the presence of the promising Chad Henne behind him, Pennington has become the hanging Chad, likely riding out the last year of his contract before either free agency or retirement; at best, the Dolphins could resign him to another reasonable short-term deal after this season. In all likelihood, though, Penny has had his best season as a Dolphin. Still, the one-year-plan for the Dolphins quarterbacks is well in place (remember, I always like to evaluate in terms of right now AND three years from now). Should anything happen to Pennington, the Dolphins have given us every reason to believe that Chad Henne will be able to step in and get the job done, especially with another preseason under his belt.
So, we turn our attention to the future. How does our quarterback position today project forward to three years from now? What type of shape are we putting ourselves in?
The obvious beginning to the answer to that question revolves around Chad Henne. If all goes well, the strong-armed 2nd year player out of Michigan will step in whenever Pennington steps down, and will become our quarterback for the next ten years. If that happens, if all our wildest dreams come true and he is, in fact, the second coming of Dan the Man, then we are fine with John Beck as his backup.
However, the reality of the NFL is that we need to plan for anything. Maybe Henne will become a mediocre quarterback. Maybe he will go the route of Ryan Leaf. With him as the only sure bet to be on the roster as a quarterback in 2010, we need to plan behind him.
So, with QB1 and QB2 (Matt Saracen? FNL? Anybody??) in place, the question moves to what cheap player with upside we want filling the #3 role. Keep in mind that this player will likely become our #2 next year, and that means he will likely play at some point or another. So far this offseason, despite speculation that John Beck would be traded, he hasn't gone anywhere.
What does that tell us about the man Cam Cameron had ahead of Brady Quinn on his draft board? Clearly that he presents a better option at his price (cheap) than any free agents that were available this year (expensive and crappy), but not necessarily that he is better than the upside that a second day draft pick would bring. It will be telling to see on draft day whether the Triumvirate will keep the soon-to-be-28-year-old-with-only-four-career-starts put, or trade him for a late round pick and draft somebody to groom.
Though it may not seem like quarterback is a pressing issue (I haven't read one thing about the Dolphins possibly drafting one), quarterback is ALWAYS a pressing issue. It is the one position which is BY FAR the most important position on the field, and you always need to be diligent about planning three years ahead. Parcells' buddy Ron Wolf used to draft a quarterback every year, no matter what, even when he had Favre. While I am not necessarily advocating that, I am saying that only the Dolphins know if they think John Beck can meet the Dilfer Standard*, and if they don't think he can, then NOW is the time to cash in your assets and try to start building. Chad Henne is far from a guaranteed thing, and having a veteran #3 quarterback means nothing to you this year. Groom your guy now or else one day you might wake up with no more Pennington and an ineffective Henne, and at that point your name might as well be Wannstedt.
Allow me to clarify by saying that I am not calling for Beck to be traded. In fact, I would really like to see him given a shot. He had 0% chance to succeed when he was in the lineup behind the putrid 2007 offensive line and had to learn a new playbook in each of his first two years in the league. I would love to see what he could do this preseason with another year of camp under his belt and some stability on offense. However, if Parcells, Ireland, and Sparano have already seen enough to know that he will not be a winning quarterback on this team, it is their responsibility to turn in their cards and try their luck with a new, young hand.
To conclude, despite all of the complexities that I have discussed as we move forward, the Dolphins really are in great shape at the quarterback position, especially in 2009. We have yet to make any moves at quarterback this offseason, and the only way we will is if the management decides that they've seen enough of John Beck. Pat White has impressed and would obviously be an intriguing option to run the Wildcat offense, but in all likelihood, the Dolphins probably wouldn't take a QB in the draft until the 6th round, if at all. Soon we can turn our attention to training camp where it will be exciting to see how the Chads fare. Will Pennington be able to rekindle the magic of 2008? Will Henne step in at some point this year and become the face of the Miami Dolphins? That, ladies and gentlemen, is why they play the game.
*The "Dilfer Standard" is defined as being capable of consistently winning games from the quarterback position in the NFL. While great quarterbacks easily meet the Dilfer standard, it is named for Trent Dilfer, who won Superbowl XXXV with the Baltimore Ravens through exceptional game management and decision making. The "Dilfer Standard" is not to be confused with its antithesis, the "Cutler-fucker," a quarterback who is a complete waste of God-given talent (Kenny Powers? Eastbound and Down? Anyone?? Buhler...)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
New and Improved Man-O-Dolphins
Welcome back Dolfans and brilliantfootballcommentaryfans. I hope you've enjoyed your offseason so far. Over the course of my usual depression which follows the end of the NFL season, I was rendered unable to write, but alas it is April Fools day and I am back with a vengeance now that the draft is within reach.
I have some good news for all of you. As you may have noticed, there are some changes being made to the blog. Much to my chagrin, it will no longer be completely boring and unreadable to those of you who are not both football intellectuals and Dolphin fanatics (though you wouldn't know it by this sentence). The new Man-O-Dolphins will include content pertaining to music, comedy, and other things that normal people find interesting. For more on that, see the new sidebar conveniently located to your right.
For those of you who are skeptical about the change (nobody), have no fear. There will still be plenty of the best Dolphins insight you can find on the web, but now it will be supplemented by even more fabulous Manoism. It's amazing how much can change when you add an 'n' to a predominant form of communism!
This month, I'll be adding a post on every weekday, with the first series of posts being on the status of every position on the Dolphins as we approach the draft. That will include my recap of all offseason happenings so far, so be sure to check back every day while you're bored at work. Additionally, look out for the new array of randomness that will define the NEW Man-O-Dolphins.blogspot.com. Your Google Reader is going to love it.
I leave you with the future of our pass rush:
I have some good news for all of you. As you may have noticed, there are some changes being made to the blog. Much to my chagrin, it will no longer be completely boring and unreadable to those of you who are not both football intellectuals and Dolphin fanatics (though you wouldn't know it by this sentence). The new Man-O-Dolphins will include content pertaining to music, comedy, and other things that normal people find interesting. For more on that, see the new sidebar conveniently located to your right.
For those of you who are skeptical about the change (nobody), have no fear. There will still be plenty of the best Dolphins insight you can find on the web, but now it will be supplemented by even more fabulous Manoism. It's amazing how much can change when you add an 'n' to a predominant form of communism!
This month, I'll be adding a post on every weekday, with the first series of posts being on the status of every position on the Dolphins as we approach the draft. That will include my recap of all offseason happenings so far, so be sure to check back every day while you're bored at work. Additionally, look out for the new array of randomness that will define the NEW Man-O-Dolphins.blogspot.com. Your Google Reader is going to love it.
I leave you with the future of our pass rush:
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Fins/Ravens: Key Sequences
When I look back at the Ravens game, there were really three turns of events that led to the end of the Dolphins season. Yes, there was an 18 point final margin of victory, and depending on what you read, people will tell you that the Dolphins got killed, but these three moments really changed the complexion of the entire contest. The Dolphins would have needed some breaks to win Sunday, but they didn't get them, so credit the Ravens for a brilliant defensive performance. We got a lot of breaks all year long, so you really can't be too bitter about this one.
Sequence #1: Settling for a field goal early
The Dolphins got off to a great start against the Ravens, forcing an early turnover and driving down the field quickly. They earned themselves a 2nd and goal opportunity from the one yard line, and against a rookie quarterback, an early lead could have been huge. Just look at how big the interception return to go up by seven was for the Ravens; I believe an early touchdown by the Fins could have been equally catastrophic for Baltimore.
On 2nd down, I thought the Dolphins made a great call on the bootleg. I believe that if you are going to try to pass, 2nd down is the time to do it down there, and the receiver (Martin, I believe) was open. Unfortunately, the execution was not there, and the Dolphins had nobody to blame but themselves. Ike Ndukwe missed his block, pulling out too wide and neglecting to clean up inside out, and Pennington had to throw the ball away.
On 3rd down, it was the coaches' turn to make a mistake, and they did by choosing to run right behind the tight ends. Why you would choose to run, in such a big spot, behind Ndukwe, Carey, Fasano, and Martin, matched up against the bulk of the Baltimore defense, instead of Long and Alleman is beyond me. Also, not handing the ball to short yardage specialist Polite is questionable. The result was a stuff.
Finally, on 4th down, the Dolphins decided to kick, which I thought was also a troubling decision. I understand momentum in a big game is vital, but even if you get stuffed, you still have the home crowd in Flacco's ear in his own end zone. I understand the argument that three points against the Ravens is huge, but the fact is that you are on the one yard line and your strategy should remain consistent. Billick lost a game and was later fired last year after he kicked a field goal from the Dolphins' one; the opportunity for six is far too great to kick from that range.
Ultimately, the game proved that three points weren't so important, and also that the Ravens offense had a lot of trouble getting anything on their own. Even if the Dolphins had been stuffed, going for the touchdown would have been the right call. The Dolphins blew an opportunity to put the Ravens into a very difficult situation, and instead they found themselves in a hole because of a sequence at the end of the first half.
Sequence #2: Interception return for touchdown leads to 13-3 halftime deficit
After an even first half dominated by defense, the score reflected the 3-3 stalemate. The Ravens had been doing a lot of the same as in the first meeting between the two teams, and the Dolphins had equal parts success (passing into the flat well, stuffing the run, goal line stand on defense) and trouble (couldn't get after Flacco or protect Pennington very well). With about three minutes left, the Dolphins were backed up with third and long, needing to just play it safe, punt the ball, and take the tie into the half.
Unfortunately, Ed Reed must have read my pregame post about how big an interception for a touchdown can be. Ginn had the corner beat, but was tripped up a bit on what was called incidental contact, and Pennington's throw was way too far towards the middle of the field. Reed made a play, and the rest was history. To make matters worse, the Ravens managed another field goal before the half.
13-3 versus 3-3 completely changed the complexion of the game, and it was because of a poor call (vertical passing was not working), a poor throw (put it to the sideline, away from Ed Reed), poor luck (Ginn got tripped), and a great play by Reed. It was a bad break, but one that the Ravens earned. Baltimore played even more aggressively from this point forward, and they were even free to sit on their pedestrian running game to milk their lead in the second half. Without ever really moving the ball they took the lead and control of the game, thanks to one huge play made by a great player. It completely changed the dynamics of the matchup.
Sequence #3: The botched end around dooms the comeback
With all the mistakes that the Dolphins made, they still had a chance to come back in the second half. The defense had continued to play great, not allowing the Ravens running game to get anywhere, and the offense was playing inspired trying to get a rally going. Ronnie Brown converted a beautiful touchdown to bring the Dolphins within 20-9, but unfortunately, there were more mistakes - a turnover in Ravens territory and a missed extra point - which prevented the Dolphins from moving within 7.
Regardless, the Dolphins were again moving down the field, and a touchdown would've put some real pressure on the Ravens. As they moved into field goal range, it was the perfect time for some Miami magic, and Dan Henning dialed up the end around to Ted Ginn Jr.
It was the perfect call. The Ravens came on a blitz up the middle, and if Ginn had grasped the ball cleanly, it was an easy touchdown. There was nobody on the Ravens that would have even had a chance at stopping him, but credit Baltimore because it was them who made the play. They managed enough pressure to force a rushed exchange between Pennington and Ginn, the ball was fumbled, and after a huge loss, the Dolphins chances of scoring and winning were all but gone.
Moreover, even after all the horrors at the end of the first half, and the Ravens quick score to start the second, the Dolphins could easily have won this game. Make a routine extra point, kick a field goal instead of throwing that red zone interception, and exchange a handoff cleanly, and the score would have been tied. Unfortunately, that wasn't the way things went for the Dolphins, and after a year where we got all those breaks, you really can't complain. The Ravens came out and played a great game defensively, and they deserved every bit of their 27-9 victory.
These are the breaks, but hey...the Miami Dolphins are still 2008 AFC East Champions.
Sequence #1: Settling for a field goal early
The Dolphins got off to a great start against the Ravens, forcing an early turnover and driving down the field quickly. They earned themselves a 2nd and goal opportunity from the one yard line, and against a rookie quarterback, an early lead could have been huge. Just look at how big the interception return to go up by seven was for the Ravens; I believe an early touchdown by the Fins could have been equally catastrophic for Baltimore.
On 2nd down, I thought the Dolphins made a great call on the bootleg. I believe that if you are going to try to pass, 2nd down is the time to do it down there, and the receiver (Martin, I believe) was open. Unfortunately, the execution was not there, and the Dolphins had nobody to blame but themselves. Ike Ndukwe missed his block, pulling out too wide and neglecting to clean up inside out, and Pennington had to throw the ball away.
On 3rd down, it was the coaches' turn to make a mistake, and they did by choosing to run right behind the tight ends. Why you would choose to run, in such a big spot, behind Ndukwe, Carey, Fasano, and Martin, matched up against the bulk of the Baltimore defense, instead of Long and Alleman is beyond me. Also, not handing the ball to short yardage specialist Polite is questionable. The result was a stuff.
Finally, on 4th down, the Dolphins decided to kick, which I thought was also a troubling decision. I understand momentum in a big game is vital, but even if you get stuffed, you still have the home crowd in Flacco's ear in his own end zone. I understand the argument that three points against the Ravens is huge, but the fact is that you are on the one yard line and your strategy should remain consistent. Billick lost a game and was later fired last year after he kicked a field goal from the Dolphins' one; the opportunity for six is far too great to kick from that range.
Ultimately, the game proved that three points weren't so important, and also that the Ravens offense had a lot of trouble getting anything on their own. Even if the Dolphins had been stuffed, going for the touchdown would have been the right call. The Dolphins blew an opportunity to put the Ravens into a very difficult situation, and instead they found themselves in a hole because of a sequence at the end of the first half.
Sequence #2: Interception return for touchdown leads to 13-3 halftime deficit
After an even first half dominated by defense, the score reflected the 3-3 stalemate. The Ravens had been doing a lot of the same as in the first meeting between the two teams, and the Dolphins had equal parts success (passing into the flat well, stuffing the run, goal line stand on defense) and trouble (couldn't get after Flacco or protect Pennington very well). With about three minutes left, the Dolphins were backed up with third and long, needing to just play it safe, punt the ball, and take the tie into the half.
Unfortunately, Ed Reed must have read my pregame post about how big an interception for a touchdown can be. Ginn had the corner beat, but was tripped up a bit on what was called incidental contact, and Pennington's throw was way too far towards the middle of the field. Reed made a play, and the rest was history. To make matters worse, the Ravens managed another field goal before the half.
13-3 versus 3-3 completely changed the complexion of the game, and it was because of a poor call (vertical passing was not working), a poor throw (put it to the sideline, away from Ed Reed), poor luck (Ginn got tripped), and a great play by Reed. It was a bad break, but one that the Ravens earned. Baltimore played even more aggressively from this point forward, and they were even free to sit on their pedestrian running game to milk their lead in the second half. Without ever really moving the ball they took the lead and control of the game, thanks to one huge play made by a great player. It completely changed the dynamics of the matchup.
Sequence #3: The botched end around dooms the comeback
With all the mistakes that the Dolphins made, they still had a chance to come back in the second half. The defense had continued to play great, not allowing the Ravens running game to get anywhere, and the offense was playing inspired trying to get a rally going. Ronnie Brown converted a beautiful touchdown to bring the Dolphins within 20-9, but unfortunately, there were more mistakes - a turnover in Ravens territory and a missed extra point - which prevented the Dolphins from moving within 7.
Regardless, the Dolphins were again moving down the field, and a touchdown would've put some real pressure on the Ravens. As they moved into field goal range, it was the perfect time for some Miami magic, and Dan Henning dialed up the end around to Ted Ginn Jr.
It was the perfect call. The Ravens came on a blitz up the middle, and if Ginn had grasped the ball cleanly, it was an easy touchdown. There was nobody on the Ravens that would have even had a chance at stopping him, but credit Baltimore because it was them who made the play. They managed enough pressure to force a rushed exchange between Pennington and Ginn, the ball was fumbled, and after a huge loss, the Dolphins chances of scoring and winning were all but gone.
Moreover, even after all the horrors at the end of the first half, and the Ravens quick score to start the second, the Dolphins could easily have won this game. Make a routine extra point, kick a field goal instead of throwing that red zone interception, and exchange a handoff cleanly, and the score would have been tied. Unfortunately, that wasn't the way things went for the Dolphins, and after a year where we got all those breaks, you really can't complain. The Ravens came out and played a great game defensively, and they deserved every bit of their 27-9 victory.
These are the breaks, but hey...the Miami Dolphins are still 2008 AFC East Champions.
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