Miami Dolphins post draft.

[JoeLegend]

I took a couple days to let it all soak in and I have to say I love this draft. I really wanted Mark Ingram but Mike Pouncey was #2 on my list. As of now they have him playing center which will be alot better than Joe Berger last year. My starting O-line projection looks like this so far.

Tackle Guard Center Guard Tackle
Jake Long Ritchie Incognito Mike Pouncey Nate Garner Vernon Carey

For those that dont know that is a beastly O-Line and we also have John Jerry as a back up Guard. Then you add RB Daniel Thomas behind this O-Line and it tells teams they are gonna pound it at ya. It should get Miami back to a top 5 running game if Thomas holds on to the ball or Miami still gets DeAgelo Williams and Sproles through free agency.

I am very surprised we got Edmond Gates in the 4th. I dont expect much out of the gate but for him to be a KR but he gets to watch and learn and we gets on the field with the 4.28 speed the safetys will step back and Marshall and Bess will pick apart the underneathe stuff. Not to mention if Thomas gets past the front 7 he could beast through the DBs.

When i 1st saw Miami picked Charles clay I flipped. Thats becuase ESPN had him as a FB then I watched highlights of him and I am excited He is a HB/FB/TE and can play in the slot. That means Miami can get back to the 2 TE sets they were so good at before and blocking down field. Clay also has great hands and could be that pass catching TE we have been looking for.

I am excited I give Miami a B+

Frank Kearse and Jimmy Wilson will be good depth players but will have to make the team through the practice squad IMO. I also see Jimmy Wilson as a safety. Kearse is in the mold of randy Starks is either a 5 tech DE or NT. good pick ups.

Most important. Miami did not reach on a QB. Now I really wante Ryan Mallett when we traded into the 2nd but he does have issues and RB was a far greater need than QB.
Next year needs. QB/CB/FS/ILB/RTand G/C

This is Hennes final shot as well as Sean Smith. Clemons showed promise but we could get better. Crowder is not worth the pain. Vernon Carey is getting old and showed it last year. We can get better at RG.

[miamidolphin4life]

That's not beastly but it's a solid offensive line. Depsite the fact people will call me a homer I think we have a chance to contend for a playoff spot(NOT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS BUT WE SHOULD CONTEND). I think it all comes down to what we are able to do at the QB position. Henne has the potential to get it done, but I think his mindset is out of football(in multiple games he seriously looked like he didn't care and it eventually dragged on to the entire team).

I would hope in FA we go after Matt Hasselbeck, Donavon McNabb, or even Kyle Orton, but I feel as if we have to at least get some competition for Henne. I still expect Miami to go after a RB in FA even though they traded their entire draft essentially for Thomas. In FA if we could get DeAngelo Williams that would be awsome.

[pheltzbahr]

In before:

[JoeLegend]

That's not beastly but it's a solid offensive line. Depsite the fact people will call me a homer I think we have a chance to contend for a playoff spot(NOT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS BUT WE SHOULD CONTEND). I think it all comes down to what we are able to do at the QB position. Henne has the potential to get it done, but I think his mindset is out of football(in multiple games he seriously looked like he didn't care and it eventually dragged on to the entire team).

I would hope in FA we go after Matt Hasselbeck, Donavon McNabb, or even Kyle Orton, but I feel as if we have to at least get some competition for Henne. I still expect Miami to go after a RB in FA even though they traded their entire draft essentially for Thomas. In FA if we could get DeAngelo Williams that would be awsome.

I got bored and did a walk through of the schedule and had Miami just missing the playoffs by losing to the Jets week 17. Jets 11-5 Miami 9-7.

[RoxOnlyFan]

This is Hennes final shot as well as Sean Smith. Clemons showed promise but we could get better. Crowder is not worth the pain. Vernon Carey is getting old and showed it last year. We can get better at RG.

I'll never understand 'Phins fans hate for Smith, just because he drops so many picks...at least the guy gets in position for them in the first place. But to say it's his "final shot" is just a completely inaccurate opinion based on your own dislike for him...he was so much better in his second season, especially after the benching, and there's no reason to think he won't continue to make strides...unless the Dolphins decide they simply can't pay both corners, in which case they'll definitely choose Vontae, I can't possibly see them letting Smith walk

You guys gotta lighten up and enjoy watchin the young guys improve..I'd be pissed about him dropping some of those gift-wrapped picks too, but you can't hold it against him forever!

[miamidolphin4life]

I'll never understand 'Phins fans hate for Smith, just because he drops so many picks...at least the guy gets in position for them in the first place. But to say it's his "final shot" is just a completely inaccurate opinion based on your own dislike for him...he was so much better in his second season, especially after the benching, and there's no reason to think he won't continue to make strides...unless the Dolphins decide they simply can't pay both corners, in which case they'll definitely choose Vontae, I can't possibly see them letting Smith walk

You guys gotta lighten up and enjoy watchin the young guys improve..I'd be pissed about him dropping some of those gift-wrapped picks too, but you can't hold it against him forever!

I love me some Sean Smith. He can't catch the ball for his life but he played extremely well down the stretch. As I have said before I belive Miami has found their number 2 CB. He played so well down the stretch that he took the need for drafting a CB off the board early off. I would hope he only gets better

[miamidolphin4life]

The definitive look at the remaining QB possibilities

The Dolphins will address their need to add a quarterback to the roster once the league year begins and free agency and trades are allowed. That isn't speculation.

The Dolphins will do this because they could not find a quarterback in the draft they were willing to take when they were on the clock.

“Well I think we’ll have to look in free agency if we’re going to do that," general manager Jeff Ireland said. "Certainly we’ll look at all the quarterbacks in depth and (you know) the board didn’t fall right for us to pick up a quarterback. I didn’t feel like we were desperate for one and so we didn’t adjust our board to try to go after one. We stuck with our board and let it fall as it did.”

In a perfect world, the Dolphins would be able to find a player that could be a franchise caliber quarterback. there is really only one of those in the group that is likely to be available. His name is Carson Palmer. If Palmer doesn't become available, and the chances are good he will not, the Dolphins have to get creative and lower their expectations all at once.

What follows is an extensive look at the quarterbacks who are likely to be available and what their situation looks like. I present to you the signal-callers in order of how likely each player would be the answer for the quarterback-hungry Dolphins.

Carson Palmer: I told you in mid March that Dolphins sources were telling me he would be their No. 1 option if he becomes available and at the right time. The Cincinnati Bengals own his rights. He hates the idea of going back to Cincy to a degree that he's promised to retire if he's not traded. The Bengals have said they will not trade him, but they also have obviously moved on -- picking Andy Dalton in the second round of last week's draft. So perhaps the Bengals stick to their word. And perhaps they try to get something for Palmer. It could be nothing. It could be everything! If the Bengals put Palmer on the market, I report to you the Dolphins will be in line to get him. But even if that happens, other teams might also be in line, including Seattle and Arizona. Palmer has stated he'd like to play on the west coast. Seattle coach Pete Carroll coached him at USC. One small bit of trivia: Palmer's agent was also Dan Marino's agent back in the day. Don't know what that means, or if its too much information but I want to share as much with you as possible.

Marc Bulger: He will be starting his 11th NFL season in 2011. He was once considered among the most accurate and most-gifted quarterbacks in the NFL. That was circa 2004-2006. That was also when he was playing behind a solid offensive line and with some talent around him. But the Rams declined as the talent around Bulger aged and disappeared. So he declined. He got beat up and seemed beat down when I saw him play against Miami in 2008. He was bailing out of the pocket. He was rushing his throws. He had happy feet. Bulger was injured in 2009 and then signed a one-year free agent contract with the Ravens in 2010. He did not throw a pass in a game. Some people believe that year off served as a rehab of sorts for Bulger -- a time to heal and find himself again. He will be on the market. And there will be takers because Arizona, for one, might see him as a reclamation project similar to the one they undertook with Kurt Warner -- which worked out pretty well. I believe if the Dolphins cannot get Palmer, Bulger will be their second target. Not anything anyone has whispered to me. Speculation. But it is logical. The Dolphins can sign Bulger for a year or two and offer him a chance to win a starting job. If he beats out Henne, so be it. If he doesn't, he sits. Arizona might be able to offer him the starting job outright. We'll see.

Kyle Orton: He is limited. He is also under contract in Denver. This would have to involve a trade. That would mean the Broncos would have to be willing to get rid of a security blanket. It would signal that club president John Elway is handing the keys to the franchise to Tim Tebow. I don't know that Denver would be ready to do that in the offseason. Elway might want to wait until a training camp competition decides matters. If Elway is convinced Tebow is going to be his quarterback, he might want to get rid of Orton to avoid a QB controversy and also to save Orton's salary and and get compensation for Orton in return. That's not really a situation the Dolphins or any other outside team can really drive.

Matt Flynn: He is never, ever, ever going to play in Green Bay unless something happens to Aaron Rodgers. So the Packers might be willing to part with this youngster (and winner) for the right draft pick compensation. He played when Rodgers was injured last season. He had a nice performance (3 TD, 1 INT) versus the Patriots in a 31-27 loss. It was his only start of the season. The case for Flynn is simple: He played collegiately in the Southeastern Conference and helped LSU win the national title. He's been very well coached in Green Bay. He's only 25 years old which suggests he could be part of the future. But ... He's unproven and moreso than Henne. He has played in the West Coast offense and the Dolphins don't run that. If the Dolphins are looking at the QB spot with a view of the future, this might be a good move. If they want someone for right now, and aren't eager to give up even modest draft picks, this isn't the move.

Kerry Collins: If this was 2001 instead of 2011, Collins would make great sense. But Collins is 38 years old now and there is no knowing how much he has left in the tank. I'd say he's a good option as a veteran backup that can pick up a game or two in a crisis. But compete to win the job? that is seriously hoping against hope. So why is Collins on this list? He's still got a great arm. He's good in the locker room. He's a professional. He has no off-the-field issues. To me, he makes perfect sense back at Tennessee where he can tutor Jake Locker. I assume that will be his preference. But you never know. He's one of the few guys on this list that isn't exclusively a West Coast offense quarterback.

Matt Hasselbeck: He was amazing in the postseason, throwing seven TDs and and only one INT. I don't know if he was finally healthy. I don't know if he was playing for a new contract. I don't know if the 35-year-old took a drink from the Fountain of Youth. Whatever, Hasselbeck positioned himself into being valuable to someone in free agency. Don't get too excited. Before he played a Pro Bowl player in the playoffs, Hasselbeck was bad in the regular season -- throwing 12 TDs and 17 INTs. That's really no upgrade in stats over what Henne offered the Dolphins. Hasselbeck is and has always been a classic West Coast offense guy, which is not a great fit for Miami's offense. Can the old dog learn a new offense? Will he want to? And would he want to come to a mediocre team in Miami for what might be the end of his career?

Kevin Kolb: He lost the starting job to Michael Vick last season and could now be expendable. The Eagles are expected to entertain trade offers. There are rumors the San Francisco 49ers covet Kolb. There are other reports the Arizona Cardinals will be players in the derby for his services if and when the Eagles open the market for him. I see Arizona as his most likely landing spot. I don't see the Dolphins participating to any degree because the price for him will be higher than any other QB on the trade market -- higher than Palmer, if Cincy budges -- because of his age. But that high price comes with limited experience. He has played 19 games in four years. He has 11 career TDs and 14 career INTs. There are NFL people that see him as a sure thing. There are NFL people that see him as a question mark. The detractors also say Kolb is more suited for a West Coast offense. It's what he knows. It suits his skill set. The Dolphins do not use the West Coast offense.

Vince Young: The Titans are parting ways with their former first-round draft pick. That should give you pause. It would be the second Titans coaching staff that would be comfortable with the idea of getting rid of Young. That should give you pause. And, ultimately, the separation is not really a matter of performance on Young's part but rather because of his locker room and off-the-field and personal dealings with coaches and teammates. That, again, should really give pause. Finally, on the field, Vince Young has been a winner but not really spectacular. Young has played 54 games. He's thrown 42 touchdowns. And 42 interception. I don't see how this makes sense.

Donovan McNabb: What happened? Two years ago he was a really good player. But much like other Philadelphia quarterbacks that go to other teams, McNabb suddenly stunk, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns for the first time in his career. Should McNabb become available, the Redskins will probably try to get something in trade for him. I don't see his trade value to be very high. Maybe a fifth-round pick. The Dolphins and Redskins have a relationship in that they made a trade in the most recent draft. (Maybe TMI again on my part.) I must tell you McNabb was excellent in Andy Reid's west coast offense but he didn't seem to take a shine to Mike Shanahan's run-heavy version of the offense. He also didn't seem to particularly endear himself to Shanahan behind the scenes so that raises red flags as well. Don't see him as a fit.

Kellen Clemens: He's a free agent. He's been with the Jets since 2006 and was once considered the future starter until Mark Sanchez came along. He has a nice arm, a nice disposition, and a history with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. No, he's not the answer to the quarterback question. He's a possibility as a backup. He would be a guy to remember if the Dolphins fail to find a veteran that can actually go toe-to-toe in a legitimate competition with Henne. Failing that ... Clemens is a possibility. Not possible, you say? Dolphins don't sign good guys when they cannot start in the NFL, you say? Two words: Josh McCown.

Brett Ratliff: You've never heard of the 6-4, 224-pounder from Utah. Neither had I until I started doing some homework. Ratliff played for Dolphins offensive coordinator Brian Daboll in New York. He was traded to the Browns when Daboll came on board in 2009. Somehow he ended up on the New England practice squad. I assume the Browns cut him. And then the Browns signed him off the Patriots practice squad last season. No, he didn't start. He hasn't ever thrown a pass in a game. But if you're looking for a name that Miami might be interested in as a third QB toward the end of training camp, this is the one. Ratliff signed a future's contract with the Titans so he belongs to them right now. (Hey, we're talking QBs here. Everyone's important.)

Yeah, that's about it at the moment. Maybe somebody loses their mind and becomes suddenly available. Otherwise, maybe Dan Marino is itching for a comeback.



Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/#ixzz1LRb9fWCN

Well I guess it's a lock Henne starts now. Please don't trade anything more than a 3rd round pick for Palmer(which even then would sorta be a stretch)

How would Hasselbeck fit into Daboll's system? He's the number one QB on my BB in FA.

[JoeLegend]

I'll never understand 'Phins fans hate for Smith, just because he drops so many picks...at least the guy gets in position for them in the first place. But to say it's his "final shot" is just a completely inaccurate opinion based on your own dislike for him...he was so much better in his second season, especially after the benching, and there's no reason to think he won't continue to make strides...unless the Dolphins decide they simply can't pay both corners, in which case they'll definitely choose Vontae, I can't possibly see them letting Smith walk

You guys gotta lighten up and enjoy watchin the young guys improve..I'd be pissed about him dropping some of those gift-wrapped picks too, but you can't hold it against him forever!

No he gets burnt constanly he cant jam WRs so plays off alolt leaving the underneathe **** open. and lets not forget he lost his starting spot to Jason Allen last year.

[JoeLegend]

Well I guess it's a lock Henne starts now. Please don't trade anything more than a 3rd round pick for Palmer(which even then would sorta be a stretch)

How would Hasselbeck fit into Daboll's system? He's the number one QB on my BB in FA.

I would rather trade for Palmer or Orton. at least with Orton he would b here for awhile.

[miamidolphin4life]

I would rather trade for Palmer or Orton. at least with Orton he would b here for awhile.

There's no QB in FA that I would want on my roster for more than 2 years and with the crop of QB's in the draft next season, I'm more than willing to go after one of those vets and just see what they can do with this roster for one season before we go after our franchise QB

[JoeLegend]

There's no QB in FA that I would want on my roster for more than 2 years and with the crop of QB's in the draft next season, I'm more than willing to go after one of those vets and just see what they can do with this roster for one season before we go after our franchise QB

I want a QB next year as well but I want them to sit one year. That is if by some miricle Henne does not finally get it and go off next year.

[miamidolphin4life]

I want a QB next year as well but I want them to sit one year. That is if by some miricle Henne does not finally get it and go off next year.

I see but with how rookie QB's have made things work I would not mind starting our guy from day one. Then again we're talking about something that's over year later so we'll see. With how teams recently have contended for a playoff spot or how bright the future looks for most of these teams I'd proly be one of those eager fans who would like to see our guy start from day one

[JoeLegend]

I see but with how rookie QB's have made things work I would not mind starting our guy from day one. Then again we're talking about something that's over year later so we'll see. With how teams recently have contended for a playoff spot or how bright the future looks for most of these teams I'd proly be one of those eager fans who would like to see our guy start from day one

Depends. We could get Bradford or we could get Cluasin.

[miamidolphin4life]

Depends. We could get Bradford or we could get Cluasin.

Clasuen dropped to 48 for a reason. If we take a QB high in the first round we should give him the keys to starting job day one. He's going to have Marshall, Thomas, DeAngelo Williams(hopefully lulz), and Edmund Gates. He should be fine.

[JoeLegend]

Clasuen dropped to 48 for a reason. If we take a QB high in the first round we should give him the keys to starting job day one. He's going to have Marshall, Thomas, DeAngelo Williams(hopefully lulz), and Edmund Gates. He should be fine.

Not to mention a awesome O-Line. Thats if Mike Pouncey is a fraction as good as his brother.

[miamidolphin4life]

Not to mention a awesome O-Line. Thats if Mike Pouncey is a fraction as good as his brother.

I would almost become such a homer that I would predict 11-5 and a playoff win or bust. **** this if Henne doesn't succed with that offense then he should go kill himself

[JoeLegend]

I would almost become such a homer that I would predict 11-5 and a playoff win or bust. **** this if Henne doesn't succed with that offense then he should go kill himself

11-5 isnt out of reach. when i said 9-7 i have the pats sweeping us and splitting games between bills and jets. so win 1 against the pats and sweep either bills or jets and we could be 11-5.

[miamidolphin4life]

11-5 isnt out of reach. when i said 9-7 i have the pats sweeping us and splitting games between bills and jets. so win 1 against the pats and sweep either bills or jets and we could be 11-5.

Man, I can't wait for the season to begin! But I'm talking 2 season from now when Gates, and Thomas develop a little more.

[JoeLegend]

Man, I can't wait for the season to begin! But I'm talking 2 season from now when Gates, and Thomas develop a little more.

Oh ok. Yeah I cant wait to see what Gates and Clay become. I'm a little skeptical on Thomas but we will see.

[miamidolphin4life]

Thomas and D-Will btw(it's a wet dream but I really belive it's a plausible senario, but that would make us look stupid because we traded a 3rd, 5th, and a 7th just to go out and give huge money to another RB in Williams)

[JoeLegend]

I still hope we get D-Will. D-Wills speed with Thomas's power could be a good 1 2 punch. we will probably get Sproles though.

[miamidolphin4life]

I still hope we get D-Will. D-Wills speed with Thomas's power could be a good 1 2 punch. we will probably get Sproles though.

It would be an elite 1-2 punch, but I doubt we would ever be able to see how dominant they could be because Williams is hurt always it seems

[wraith36444]

11-5? Really? What the hell are you all smoking?

[JoeLegend]

11-5? Really? What the hell are you all smoking?

I said 9-7 but 11-5 is a possibilty. I dont get why you are ending the season already. You are the only person I know that did not like Miami's draft.

[wraith36444]

I said 9-7 but 11-5 is a possibilty. I dont get why you are ending the season already. You are the only person I know that did not like Miami's draft.

I live in NY, so I get to watch the Jets a lot. This team reminds me of a lesser version on offense of the 2009 Jets, and a lesser version on defense of the 2010 Jets...

[miamidolphin4life]

11-5? Really? What the hell are you all smoking?

That's the ceiling for us(which is already very unlikely). Unlike you, I don't think 5-11 max amount of wins we may have when the season finishes

[wraith36444]

That's the ceiling for us(which is already very unlikely). Unlike you, I don't think 5-11 max amount of wins we may have when the season finishes

Okay, of this schedule, where do you see the wins coming from, considering our team and our history against some of these opponents:

Buf (@ and vs)
NYJ (@ and vs)
NE (@ and vs)
vs WAS
vs PHI
@ NYG
@ DAL (Thanksgiving)
@ CLE
vs HOU
vs OAK
vs DEN
@ KC
@ SD

I will break it down as follows:

Definite Wins (90% chance of win):
Vs. Buf, Vs. Was, Vs. Den

Likely Wins (75% of win): (3-4 wins with top 2 categories)

Vs OAK

Possible Wins (50-50 shot) (~ 1 win)

@ NYJ, @ KC

Unlikely Wins: (75% of loss) (1 win)

vs NE, @ CLE, vs HOU, @ SD, @ NYG, @ BUF

Definite Loss (90% of Loss)

@ NE, vs NYJ, vs PHI, @ DAL

[JoeLegend]

Week 1 VS Patriots.Miami could very well pull a upset here and shock everyone. Week 1 tends to favor home teams. last year only 3 teams won on the road week 1.

Week 2 VS Texans. Miami has never beaten the Texans. But the Texans did nothing to improve there D Jake Long will slow down Mario Williams, Brandon Marshall will be open all day, and the D will stuff the run. All we need is Cam Wake to force Shuab into mistakes and Vontae to slow down AJ

Week 3 @ Cleveland. Miami is a very good road team The Dolphins built there O-LIne to pound the ball and Cleveland did not improve there D that well. Miamis front 7 will stuff Hillis and force McCoy to pass but to who.

Week 4 @ San Diego Loss

Bye

Week 6 @ Jets. These games always come down to a coin flip but I give this one to Miami since they have won 3 straight in New York VS the Jets.

week 7 VS Denver. Pay back game for Marshall and to be honest the Broncos are just horrible. Broncos Typically dont play well in Miami. I expect a blow out.

week 8 @ Giants. Like I stated before Miami is a solid road team. Miami has a great match up here Shut down the pass rush and you can pick apart the Giants On D get at Eli he makes mistakes.

week 9 @ KC back to back road games will be tough But its KC who will likely have a set back. You stop the run you beat KC. Vontae can handle Bowe. KCs D is weak Jake Long will make Hali a non factor.

week 10 VS Redskins. Redskins will be one of the worst teams in the league next year.

week 11 VS Bills. We beat the Bills at home

week 12 Thanksgiving @ Cowboys. Loss

week 13 VS Oakland. You stop the run you beat the raiders. Without Nnamdi the D wont be the same.

week 14 VS Eagles Loss

week 15 @ Bills. Buffalo in December has not been kind to Miami but we can pull it out they are not a good team.

week 16 @ Patriots. Loss

week 17 VS Jets. Like I said coin flip but Jets are always good when its on the line. Loss.


I explained how Miami can win 10-11 games next season. but Like I said I have us at 8-8 9-7 right now. we always have a bad game.

[wraith36444]

Things you are forgetting:

Miami was dismal at home last year, if you want to say that last year makes us a good road team then you also need to say that we are a bad home team.

I honestly expect the defense to regress to the middle of the pack as opposing OCs have an offseason to dissect Nolan's defense. I am also not a believer in Soliai, our FS situation, or Smith.

Our record is dismal vs CLE recently as well.

We also do not have the offense, with installing a new system at some point, can be absolutely awful, to blow anyone out.

[JoeLegend]

Things you are forgetting:

Miami was dismal at home last year, if you want to say that last year makes us a good road team then you also need to say that we are a bad home team.

I honestly expect the defense to regress to the middle of the pack as opposing OCs have an offseason to dissect Nolan's defense. I am also not a believer in Soliai, our FS situation, or Smith.

Our record is dismal vs CLE recently as well.

We also do not have the offense, with installing a new system at some point, can be absolutely awful, to blow anyone out.

Home games are easier to fix than road games. I see the D getting better they are young and showed so much last year. I am high on Solia but have been for some time I like Rashard Jones and cant wait to see how much better he got. We have the same feelings on Sean Smith though I would rather see him at FS. Cleveland is not a good team. Your right Miami never blows anyone out but we showed still beat Denver and Washington pretty easy.

[pheltzbahr]

I have to agree with wraith here, the Dolphins will suck this year.

[JoeLegend]

I have to agree with wraith here, the Dolphins will suck this year.

LMAO should I be surprised.

[wraith36444]

Pheltz is usually pretty even keeled on these things. He did say last year that he expected the Fins, Pats and Jets to be within a game of each other, which is about what MF4L and I were saying.

[JoeLegend]

Pheltz is usually pretty even keeled on these things. He did say last year that he expected the Fins, Pats and Jets to be within a game of each other, which is about what MF4L and I were saying.

The season relys on Henne. If he comes out and folds its gonna be a long season. But I dont see it. People talk **** on him alot but he is a fighter. He competes but he also makes some bone head plays that makes me wanna tip my TV over.

[wraith36444]

Home games are easier to fix than road games. I see the D getting better they are young and showed so much last year. I am high on Solia but have been for some time I like Rashard Jones and cant wait to see how much better he got. We have the same feelings on Sean Smith though I would rather see him at FS. Cleveland is not a good team. Your right Miami never blows anyone out but we showed still beat Denver and Washington pretty easy.

The other issue is that Miami has not been practicing together during this lockout for any real length of time, while other teams are.

How do you honestly see the D improving? We seem to lose to Houston and Cleveland no matter how good their team is.

Also, with a likely 0-4 start to the season looming, the team can likely quit on Sparano who can be a lame duck with that sort of start.

[wraith36444]

The season relys on Henne. If he comes out and folds its gonna be a long season. But I dont see it. People talk **** on him alot but he is a fighter. He competes but he also makes some bone head plays that makes me wanna tip my TV over.

Hence my prediction for a lousy season. He has to learn a new offense, with a supporting cast and coaches who have all but given up on him, in a very short amount of time.

[JoeLegend]

The other issue is that Miami has not been practicing together during this lockout for any real length of time, while other teams are.

How do you honestly see the D improving? We seem to lose to Houston and Cleveland no matter how good their team is.

Also, with a likely 0-4 start to the season looming, the team can likely quit on Sparano who can be a lame duck with that sort of start.

I heard Jake Long has been running work outs. But I could have misunderstood that. Vontae in his 3rd year. 2nd year of Dansby, Misi, and Wake at LB plus we get Odrick back allowing more depth on the D-Line. If Miami does get off to a 0-4 start (I dont see it) They will quit on Sprano I agree.

[JoeLegend]

Hence my prediction for a lousy season. He has to learn a new offense, with a supporting cast and coaches who have all but given up on him, in a very short amount of time.

Only player that gave up on him was Marshall and now he is back tracking all statements.

[wraith36444]

Only player that gave up on him was Marshall and now he is back tracking all statements.

Hartline made some comments that indicated that Marshall was not alone in his sentiments after the NE game as well. It also fails to address the change in offenses...

[wraith36444]

I heard Jake Long has been running work outs. But I could have misunderstood that. Vontae in his 3rd year. 2nd year of Dansby, Misi, and Wake at LB plus we get Odrick back allowing more depth on the D-Line. If Miami does get off to a 0-4 start (I dont see it) They will quit on Sprano I agree.

Not as often as other teams.

0-4 is much more likely than you think.

vs NE-Outclasses by a lot

vs HOU-We ALWAYS lose against the Texans

@ CLE-Another team we perennially suck against

@ SD-Loss

[JoeLegend]

Hartline made some comments that indicated that Marshall was not alone in his sentiments after the NE game as well. It also fails to address the change in offenses...

I forgot about Hartline. But he may be on his way out as well.

[wraith36444]

After two years. Also, when people say stuff like that out loud and no one else on the team says anything to the contrary, it tends to mean that those sort of ideas are close to universal.

[miamidolphin4life]

Okay, of this schedule, where do you see the wins coming from, considering our team and our history against some of these opponents:

Buf (@ and vs)
NYJ (@ and vs)
NE (@ and vs)
vs WAS
vs PHI
@ NYG
@ DAL (Thanksgiving)
@ CLE
vs HOU
vs OAK
vs DEN
@ KC
@ SD

I will break it down as follows:

Definite Wins (90% chance of win):
Vs. Buf, Vs. Was, Vs. Den

Likely Wins (75% of win): (3-4 wins with top 2 categories)

Vs OAK

Possible Wins (50-50 shot) (~ 1 win)

@ NYJ, @ KC

Unlikely Wins: (75% of loss) (1 win)

vs NE, @ CLE, vs HOU, @ SD, @ NYG, @ BUF

Definite Loss (90% of Loss)

@ NE, vs NYJ, vs PHI, @ DAL

From an absolute homers stand point
Week 1: Pats: W
Week 2: Texans: L
Week 3: Browns: W
Week 4: Chargers: L
Week 6: Jets: W
Week 7: Broncos: W
Week 8: Giants: L
Week 9: Chiefs: W
Week 10: Redskins: W
Week 11: Bills: W
Week 12: Cowboys: L
Week 13: Raiders: W
Week 14: Eagles: W
Week 15: Bills: W
Week 16: Patriots: L
Week 17: Jets: W

There you go. I don't expect us to be anywhere near 11-5, and it's very unlikely but you never know, we may have a season like we did in 2008 where everything happens to go right(once again EXTREMELY unlikely). Personally knowing the Dolphins as we play I'm sure we're going to win a couple games we aren't suppose to(the Eagles games sticks out to me for some reason and lets say the Giants overlook) and we are going to inexplictably loss some games that we shouldn't(Texans and Browns). Personally looking at the schedule and seriously going through it I expect us to finish around 7-9 like we have the past two seasons.


Things you are forgetting:

Miami was dismal at home last year, if you want to say that last year makes us a good road team then you also need to say that we are a bad home team.
What makes you think that wasn't just one season? We were 4-4 at home 2 season ago with losses to 3 playoff teams and the Texans(who we never beat). I know you want us to suck but you're looking way into that one stat. The samething with our road trend.

I honestly expect the defense to regress to the middle of the pack as opposing OCs have an offseason to dissect Nolan's defense. I am also not a believer in Soliai, our FS situation, or Smith.
Why so? Soliai will be looking for a mega deal as we gave him the franchise tag so I expect him to be as dominant as he was last season. Reshad Jones. Get to know the name. If he gets his shot this season he will be the player and steal that we all thought and hoped he was when we drafted him(he was your favorite prospect outta the draft two seasons ago. Sean Smith was good to end the season. He can't catch and isn't a great tackler but he's a solid cover guy. I think he'll be fine in his third season and hopefully Vontae can be the same.

Our record is dismal vs CLE recently as well.
I'll agree that that last season was absolutely awful and I almost killed myself after watching that. The benefit of the doubt on that except it'll be at Cleveland and if it's really a homefield problem we will be at their place so maybe we can buck that. Nothing to really complain of here.

We also do not have the offense, with installing a new system at some point, can be absolutely awful, to blow anyone out.
I agree.



How do you honestly see the D improving? We seem to lose to Houston and Cleveland no matter how good their team is.

Also, with a likely 0-4 start to the season looming, the team can likely quit on Sparano who can be a lame duck with that sort of start.
If you want to use the fact that we suck and always seem to lose against certain teams(which we do) you should remember that we've owned the Pats when they have come down here in the past couple of years. I doubt that we will win but it's something to consider. I also doubt that our ST debacle will happen again so it should be interesting to see. Remember also the Pats embarressed the Dolphins 41-7 in week 17 so Miami should surely have revenge in their minds. The Chargers almost always find ways to lose against teams early in the season and maybe they'll do the same against us this season.




Hence my prediction for a lousy season. He has to learn a new offense, with a supporting cast and coaches who have all but given up on him, in a very short amount of time.
I think we will be going after someone in FA. Our ideal choice sadly is Carson Palmer :(. I'd love to take a shot with Hasselbeck because we have talent all around our offense but just need someone who can lead us.


Only player that gave up on him was Marshall and now he is back tracking all statements.
This.


Hartline made some comments that indicated that Marshall was not alone in his sentiments after the NE game as well. It also fails to address the change in offenses...
I think that was made moreso towards Henning. Marshall was also upset that he and his QB couldn't change things on the fly because their lousy OC was way too inept to do anything right. Daboll blows as well but if he's just 1/4 as bad as Henning was then we should be a lot better on offense.


Not as often as other teams.

0-4 is much more likely than you think.

vs NE-Outclasses by a lot
Revenge factor

vs HOU-We ALWAYS lose against the Texans
I agree but they will be going through lots of changes on the defensive side. Just something to consider since we will have the same problems

@ CLE-Another team we perennially suck against
Ya.

@ SD-Loss
Proly

[miamidolphin4life]

After two years. Also, when people say stuff like that out loud and no one else on the team says anything to the contrary, it tends to mean that those sort of ideas are close to universal.

If we ever get a FA I have to think Miami will at least entertain offers from another QB. All Hasselbeck here

[wraith36444]

If we ever get a FA I have to think Miami will at least entertain offers from another QB. All Hasselbeck here

He would probably want too much money for a stopgap QB...

[miamidolphin4life]

He would probably want too much money for a stopgap QB...

One year. Get with it or get lost. The only teams I really belive will entertain for a starting QB are us, the 49ers, Seahawks and Redskins. Not many options...

[wraith36444]

One year. Get with it or get lost. The only teams I really belive will entertain for a starting QB are us, the 49ers, Seahawks and Redskins. Not many options...

Bengals? Cardinals? Raiders?

[miamidolphin4life]

Bengals? Cardinals? Raiders?

I left our the Cards, but they are the only teams which you step in and start from day one.

I really belive Dalton will start week one and the Raiders starting QB is already on their roster.

People are saying that Carson Palmer is at the top of our wishlist. Top 10 here we come....

[wraith36444]

I left our the Cards, but they are the only teams which you step in and start from day one.

I really belive Dalton will start week one and the Raiders starting QB is already on their roster.

People are saying that Carson Palmer is at the top of our wishlist. Top 10 here we come....

I doubt Dalton will start from day 1, considering that Lewis had Carson sit behind Kitna, when he drafted Kitna.

[miamidolphin4life]

I doubt Dalton will start from day 1, considering that Lewis had Carson sit behind Kitna, when he drafted Kitna.

Do you really belive in Jordan Palmer? And this is a different game than what it was in 2003. Dalton may not start day one but by week 6-7 I expect him to starting for the Bungels.

[JoeLegend]

Whats the deal with Hasstlebeck. Why all the love for him becoming a Dolphin.

[wraith36444]

Do you really belive in Jordan Palmer? And this is a different game than what it was in 2003. Dalton may not start day one but by week 6-7 I expect him to starting for the Bungels.

So wouldnt that mean that the Bengals are in the market for a stopgap QB?

[wraith36444]

Oh goody, more Wildcat this year...

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/a9prF

[Phatal]

Oh goody, more Wildcat this year...

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/a9prF

Bleacher isn't a very good source imo. They do have some nice rankings though.

[miamidolphin4life]

Whats the deal with Hasstlebeck. Why all the love for him becoming a Dolphin.
Nah, it's just me. I rarely get Seattle games but he was awsome in the playoffs and since then I've been rooting for him to become a Dolphin


So wouldnt that mean that the Bengals are in the market for a stopgap QB?
The Bungels are no where near a playoff team and they still have 80 meg in the bank for Carson Palmer.

I still belive Dalton will start but I think a Bulger or Volek is more likely than Hasselbeck


Oh goody, more Wildcat this year...
http://bleacherreport.com/tb/a9prF

Bleacher isn't a very good source imo. They do have some nice rankings though.
He just wants to find a reason to be upset.

[wraith36444]

Bleacher isn't a very good source imo. They do have some nice rankings though.

I got the link from BR, but it is a Miami Newspaper, if you click it.

[miamidolphin4life]

I got the link from BR, but it is a Miami Newspaper, if you click it.

I read it and am somewhat worried. If they serioulsy belive the WC should return than that changes how little faith they have in Henne which would be pathetic.

We are going 5-11 if we bring it back though and I will resort to the tiny amount of faith wraith has in us.

[Phatal]

I got the link from BR, but it is a Miami Newspaper, if you click it.

Okay.

[SanchoPanza]

Oh goody, more Wildcat this year...

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/a9prF

Ahahahaha

[JoeLegend]

Oh goody, more Wildcat this year...

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/a9prF

You didn't think that is was going away did ya. Both Thomas and Clay ran it. The new OC ran it in Cleveland with Cribbs.

[JoeLegend]

I read it and am somewhat worried. If they serioulsy belive the WC should return than that changes how little faith they have in Henne which would be pathetic.

We are going 5-11 if we bring it back though and I will resort to the tiny amount of faith wraith has in us.

The Wildcat is a great play when it works. But when teams shut it down they give up on it too quick. I like to see it 5-10 times a game.

[miamidolphin4life]

The Wildcat is a great play when it works. But when teams shut it down they give up on it too quick. I like to see it 5-10 times a game.

Yes, and they've followed everything and the trend is DEAD. Sure it may work the first couple of times we use it, but it will eventually die out.

Don't forget how we always seem to use it when our QB's begin to get in rhythm and probably will screw Henne the 4-5 times he looks good this season.

[JoeLegend]

Yes, and they've followed everything and the trend is DEAD. Sure it may work the first couple of times we use it, but it will eventually die out.

Don't forget how we always seem to use it when our QB's begin to get in rhythm and probably will screw Henne the 4-5 times he looks good this season.

It keeps the Defense on there heels. I love the wild cat. The worst thing they did was draft Pat White to do it when Brown, Williams, and Cobbs do or did such a good job with it. I still hate that pick what a waste of a pick.

[Hyperborean]

I like to see it 5-10 times a game.

No, just No.

[JoeLegend]

No, just No.

I like comments like this. gets his point across.

[Hyperborean]

I like comments like this. gets his point across.

Well I also could have written a wall of text on how it would be extremly foolish for Dolphins to use something that has been largely ineffeicient during the last two seasons on 10-20% of their offensive snaps, but I chose the more direct approach.

[JoeLegend]

Well I also could have written a wall of text on how it would be extremly foolish for Dolphins to use something that has been largely ineffeicient during the last two seasons on 10-20% of their offensive snaps, but I chose the more direct approach.

You spend too much time looking at the stats. It is effective. Its gives the opposing team something else to study. Sure it dont work everytime but it also does not get shut down everytime as well. We stop doing it then we are giving opposing D's a break.

[miamidolphin4life]

You spend too much time looking at the stats. It is effective. Its gives the opposing team something else to study. Sure it dont work everytime but it also does not get shut down everytime as well. We stop doing it then we are giving opposing D's a break.

It also helps us a lot when we use it on 1st and 2nd down and gain a total of 2 yards setting us up in third & 8 leading to a three and out.

[JoeLegend]

It also helps us a lot when we use it on 1st and 2nd down and gain a total of 2 yards setting us up in third & 8 leading to a three and out.

You think thats the only plays that do that. Miami's running game last year wasn't that good at all. That and Henning went away from it to early. But if we want to quit doing plays that are not always successful then we should stop Reverses, WR Screens, HB Screens, and FB Dives. Actually lets go through he whole playbook and cut everything out that didn't work last year so Defenses have a easier time studying are tape. The Wildcat may not be effective every game but as long as they are spending practice time trying to stop it then thats less time on other things. The more you can do is better.

[wraith36444]

You think thats the only plays that do that. Miami's running game last year wasn't that good at all. That and Henning went away from it to early. But if we want to quit doing plays that are not always successful then we should stop Reverses, WR Screens, HB Screens, and FB Dives. Actually lets go through he whole playbook and cut everything out that didn't work last year so Defenses have a easier time studying are tape. The Wildcat may not be effective every game but as long as they are spending practice time trying to stop it then thats less time on other things. The more you can do is better.

The issue is with the Wildcat package, teams know, assuming that the Wildcat QB cannot throw well, about what to expect the moment they see the package and can load up the box to stuff it for minimal gain.

[JoeLegend]

The issue is with the Wildcat package, teams know, assuming that the Wildcat QB cannot throw well, about what to expect the moment they see the package and can load up the box to stuff it for minimal gain.

True but its still a gain and teams still have to prepare for it.

[pheltzbahr]

The preparation argument works both ways. Wraith's point about not having to fear the pass out of the formation takes away the uncertainty that the WC is supposed to create. Now that the league has seen most of the wrinkles, it is time for this novelty to fade away. That, or find new wrinkles and use the pass option to make it effective once again.

[JoeLegend]

The preparation argument works both ways. Wraith's point about not having to fear the pass out of the formation takes away the uncertainty that the WC is supposed to create. Now that the league has seen most of the wrinkles, it is time for this novelty to fade away. That, or find new wrinkles and use the pass option to make it effective once again.

You pass with the formation then its just like having VY or Vick back there and running a reverse. I love the way Miami runs it cuz you have to guess which RB is gonna get it and if you guess wrong its a 5 yards easy or more.

[downunderdolphin]

the phins need to brick back ricky for 1 more year so he can become the all-time leading rusher
he still averaged over 4 ypc with a pos line HE DESERVES IT LOVE U RICKY

[JoeLegend]

the phins need to brick back ricky for 1 more year so he can become the all-time leading rusher
he still averaged over 4 ypc with a pos line HE DESERVES IT LOVE U RICKY

Ricky wont come back.

[Scar]

He might?

Anyways, the Phins need to take a dump on Henne and flush him down the toilet. He is trash.

Pick up Young, or Orton. Kolb is going to be too expensive.

Keep Ricky or Ronnie for one more year to give Daniel Thomas some tips/ mentoring, advice. That, or drop them both and sign Deangelo Williams.

Their WRs are okay, a Steve Smith or Moss might be good.

Their defense is almost their at the elite level. They need someone opposite of Davis though because that spot is the hole that needs to be plugged.

But QB is their biggest weakness right now.