Recently, I wrote a post titled 'Can Henne be the Greatest?'. With all the hype our owner has recently created for our young QB, I wanted to make a post comparing him to the great Dan Marino. This one will be a follow up post, taking a deeper look into the statement saying that we will be playing in the Superbowl come February 2011.

While this statement isn't completely ridiculous and is definitely possible, the odds are not in our favor. Being in the AFC East will be tougher than it has ever been, with three legitimate contenders in the division this year. The Pats got better this year through the draft, adding more weapons for Brady. Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez should definitely improve their offense and open up the passing game. Plus they're still the Pats. 

The Jest have gotten better on paper, and in my opinion have been over hyped this offseason. I don't believe that replacing Washington and Jones with Greene and LT is an upgrade, not at all. However they did steal Santonio Holmes, who will be a legitimate playmaker for them. The loss of Kerry Rhodes hurts. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the second best safety in the league overall. Brodney Poole is not an upgrade there. In addition to that, they brought in Antonio Cromartie who should help take the pressure off Revis Island, if he returns to his form in 2007 (18 passes defended, 10 ints in only 8 starts). 

Not only will the AFC East be the toughest division in the NFL, but we have a very tough schedule in the first 9 weeks. Let's take a look:

Regular Season

SEPTEMBER
@ Buffalo Bills	Sunday, September 12 2010	1:00 PM EDT	coverage
@ Minnesota Vikings	Sunday, September 19 2010	1:00 PM EDT	coverage
New York Jets	Sunday, September 26 2010	8:20 PM EDT	coverage
OCTOBER
New England Patriots	Monday, October 04 2010	8:30 PM EDT	coverage
@ Green Bay Packers	Sunday, October 17 2010	1:00 PM EDT	coverage
Pittsburgh Steelers	Sunday, October 24 2010	1:00 PM EDT	coverage
@ Cincinnati Bengals	Sunday, October 31 2010	1:00 PM EDT	coverage
NOVEMBER
@ Baltimore Ravens	Sunday, November 07 2010	1:00 PM EST	coverage
Tennessee Titans	Sunday, November 14 2010	1:00 PM EST	coverage
Chicago Bears	Thursday, November 18 2010	8:20 PM EST	coverage
@ Oakland Raiders	Sunday, November 28 2010	4:05 PM EST	coverage
DECEMBER
Cleveland Browns	Sunday, December 05 2010	1:00 PM EST	coverage
@ New York Jets	Sunday, December 12 2010	4:15 PM EST	coverage
Buffalo Bills	Sunday, December 19 2010	1:00 PM EST	coverage
Detroit Lions	Sunday, December 26 2010	1:00 PM EST	coverage
JANUARY
@ New England Patriots	Sunday, January 02 2011	1:00 PM EST	coverage

As you can see, other than the Bills, we have a very hard road in the first 9 weeks. The Vikings, Packers, Bengals and Ravens especially scare me. I think we beat the Bills week 1 because well, they're terrible. But after that we have 8 possible losses in front of us. Now I'm not saying we will lose all of those games, but it will be tough. If we're able to beat the Vikings in week two, that would be a huge momentum boost for us, and hopefully that momentum can carry over to the entire season. Confidence and momentum can be a huge factor in football (see 2009 Saints), and if we can beat a team like the Vikings early in the season like that, we can make a nice run.

Although we have a tough first half of the season, we were luckily blessed with a fairly easy second half. So even if we lose some of the harder games in the first 9 weeks, we can still make a playoff run late in the season.   

What makes a Superbowl contender? (No particular order)

1) A stellar offensive line

This is one thing I have extreme confidence in when it comes to the Dolphins. I think we had a top 5 O-line last year and we improved it this year by signing Incognito. We also drafted John Jerry in the 3rd round, but I think that Donald Thomas will end up being the starter. He's been overlooked a lot but I believe he has what it takes to improve, and be a solid starter at right or left guard for us.

2) A solid run-game

I think we all know that the Dolphins have much more than just a "solid" run game. With Ronnie, Ricky, Cobbs, and Polite, we have one of the best in the league. I'm hoping that Ronnie will stay healthy all year, and if he does we could have the best ground game in the league. 

3) A top 10 passing game

For the last few years as we all know, the league has been pass-happy. In reality, you need to have at least  a good passing game in order to get deep into the playoffs.  The Jest did it without one last year, but they also did it behind the best defense and running game in the league.  As we all know, they weren't able to put up enough points to get to the big game. If any of you didn't  watch the AFC Championship game, Sanchez threw an INT in the last 2 minutes of the game, sealing the deal for the Colts. 

Obviously the progression of Chad Henne is crucial to our passing game next year, and the addition of Brandon Marshall will definitely help that come along. There were many moments of last season where Henne was forced to put the team on his shoulders and come from behind to win games. And he executed very well, especially in high pressure situations. If there's one thing Ross said that we all know for a fact, it's that Henne can handle pressure. I believe that with our o-line and our now complete receiving corps, it's possible for us to have a very deadly passing game. 

4) The hidden stat: Turnover Ratio/Top ten defense

In the past I have been a strong believer in the phrase "defense wins championships". However this past year the New Orleans Saints won the Superbowl without a statistically good defense. They were ranked 20th in points allowed, 25th in yards, 26th in passing yards, and 21st in rushing yards. I thought, how could a team with this bad of a defense win the big game? This brings me to the "hidden stat": the turnover ratio. The Saints had 26 interceptions and 15 forced fumbles in the 2009 regular season. They were +11 when it came to turning the ball over. This is why they were able to get away with their lack of defense, they made plays. 

With the addition of Mike Nolan and Karlos Dansby, our defense should be improved this season. Although the loss of JT hurts, getting rid of J Peezy is what I'd like to call, addition by subtraction. Plus, I think we will see a breakout season from Cameron Wake this year. Also with the progression of our two young corners, our defense should be interesting to watch. Recently I read that Nolan has instituted the "every ball is in play" rule in practice, to instill a more aggressive mentality in the defense. I think this will help us make plays in the season, and even if we don't have a top defense, we should hopefully be on the positive side of the turnover ratio. 

Reasons for Optimism

This coming season is going to be a tough one, while competing in the AFC East and having a not so easy schedule to look forward to, the 2010 year should be fun to watch. We have a young strong armed QB in Chad Henne, and with Brandon Mashall in the mix, the passing game should open up tremendously. Now that we have a legitimate #1 threat at WR, it will open things up for guys like Bess, Hartline, and Camarillo. Also with the R&R Express back in full gear, I think this should be the most well-balanced Dolphins team in years. I mean think about it. Back in the Marino days, we didn't have a running game. Then after he left, we didn't really have much of a passing game to talk about, and it was all about the run. It's been that way since, until now. 

Next year is more realistic

I hate to break it to all the homers here, but Stephen Ross' recent comments putting us in February's Suberbowl, were mainly to sell tickets. Ross is a business man, and a good one at that. I know that before the season begins, every teams' goals should be to get to the Superbowl. So no it's not farfetched to say we can do it, but we're still young, and most likely won't be able to make it to the big game til 2011. Actually, we have a very good chance of getting there in the 2011 season, as long as we keep improving. The Jest are going to have some serious contract issues in 2011, and I think the Patriots' downfall is looming near. 

With all of these factors, the odds seem to favor us in 2011. With another good draft under our belts, and time for our young guys to develop, 2011 looks promising. Bill Parcells has been building a powerhouse for the future since 2008, and he has been doing it from the inside out. I believe that with all of the progress we've made, we should be a serious contender for years to come.

Ok, so I know that we're all very excited about our very promising future QB in Chad Henne. His stats from last year don't really do his game any justice. He showed confidence and poise in the pocket, not to mention he has a cannon for a right arm. And as the year went on, he looked better and better with both his accuracy and decision making. He showed the ability to not only fit the ball into tight spaces, but to do it quickly and with extreme velocity.

However, there were some extremely critical mistakes that he made last season. The interceptions vs. Tennessee and Buffalo stick out in my mind. Especially the one in over time against the Titans. Now some of his ints last year came from deflections so you can't lay all of them on his shoulders. Also it's not easy being a QB in the NFL without any #1 WR to demand double coverage and open up the passing lanes. Obviously Brandon Marshall will solve this problem and it will be exciting to see what Henne is able to do with a top 3 WR to throw to. 

Now the reason I'm writing this post is because of the statements made by out fearless spender, Mr. Stephen Ross. I'm glad to see that he's excited about the team he's invested millions of dollars in, and why shouldn't he be? We will have a very potent offense next year with both the run and the pass game. Marshall will open up so much for all of our other receivers. I'm also expecting us to see breakout seasons for both Hartline and Bess. I think next year the league should take notice to our WR corps. And with the edition of Mike Nolan who turned Denver's defense around dramatically last season, next year definitely shows promise. So with all that being said, I really like the statement about us being in the Superbowl this coming season. What I don't like, is the comment he made about Henne possibly surpassing Marino. It's great to be excited about your team's QB, but it's way too early to be making those types of predictions. Especially when Henne doesn't even have one full 16 game season under his belt. I'm not saying Henne can't do it, but it's definitely putting a lot of pressure on a QB who is still maturing and finding his swagger. The statement by Ross made me want to take a closer look at each of their stats side by side. 

Continue reading this post »

My thoughts going into the offseason were that we needed to greatly improve our defense if we wanted to be a serious contender in the AFC East. While I have been skeptical of the move to not re-sign JT, I think that in the process we made a lot of other big moves that will improve our defense overall, and win us some games. So  after the jump, here are ten reasons why I'm not worried about the Dolphins' defense in 2010. 

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Ok, So I've been hearing a lot of people say that the Jets are going to win the AFC East, possibly the entire AFC. But what have the Jets really done this offseason? Let's see...first, they release their most productive RB after having his best year. Then they sign Ladanian Tomlinson after having his WORST year. He is washed up, end of story. Now they do still have Shon Greene but there are still questions as to whether he can take on the role as the starter. 

Now I believe that the only reasons the Jets went to the AFC Championship game was due to their top rushing offense and their number 1 defense. I'm not saying these stats aren't impressive or valid in any way. But I do not think they're going to be as good of a team this year. With the loss of their two best running backs, the offense is going to lean more on Mark Sanchez throwing the ball. Mark Sanchez, who threw 20 ints and 12 tds last year. In my opinion, they are way too optimistic about Sanchez's progress. Watching their offense last year, it just could not get the job done. So where have they improved? They got Santonio Holmes but how good is he going to be with dirty sanchez throwing to him? I mean how are they going to score without a passing game or a dominating running attack? Hmm very interesting questions that I honestly couldn't give a shit about how their answered because the jets suck and we're going to sweep them AGAIN next year. 

Now I know that last season, they were able to pass on us A LOT, especially in that first game. I think it was mostly due to Braylon Edwards wanting to prove that he doesn't have butterfingers like everyone thought. If you noticed, he had a lot more dropped balls after that game. Furthermore our secondary blew last year. Terribly. We had the most plays for 40+ yards against us, yikes! I think this was due to us having two rookie corners and a glaring hole at FS. I think that whoever we have starts next year at FS it will be an improvement from girbil wilson. Whether it be Jones, Clemons, Culver, or a FA (Darren Sharper hopefully). I believe that this year our corners will be one of the best tandems in the league.  They will have come a long way from last year. 

So I wonder if the overconfident Jets will be ready next year for the new and improved Phins. Having lost twice last year they'll have had a lot of time to contemplate how they plan on beating us. The only reason they shut us down in the second game was because they stacked the line of scrimmage like no other. Now if they do that we can just throw it to The Beast, and he'll burn em for six. God I can't wait for next season! Hopefully BMarsh will take Ted Ginn's place as the official JET KILLER.

GO DOLPHINS!!!!! 

In 2009 the New Orleans Saints had an incredible season almost going undefeated (sigh). In 2008 the Saints didn't even end up with a record above .500. Darren Sharper is the main reason IMO for the Saints' huge turn around. He had 9 key interceptions that helped them win as many games as they did. I don't think that we would've seen the elite team that they were in 2009 without him. I believe he is the best answer to our FS need. He would be a great mentor for our two young corners and also the FS we take in the draft (assuming we do at some point). Let me just throw some numbers at you. In 2008 the Saints had 15 interceptions, and their turnover ratio was -4. In 2009 the Saints had 26 interceptions and a turnover ratio of +11. That's a HUGE difference. Sharper had 9 of those, returning 3 for TD's. His touchdowns went for 99, 97, and 42 yards. 

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Hey guys so I know a lot of us are pretty upset about JT signing with the jets but who cares? All that means is he's now going to be on the losing end of this AFC East battle royale. I say let's all move on just look towards the future. 

So I found this video on youtube today and thought it was pretty awesome. Someone figured out how to update the rosters to next year and get BM on the phins. I'd really like to figure this out so if anyone knows please do tell. 

I found this post on the chiefs blog site and found it very interesting. If we really want to get Berry this is how we'd do it. I don't know what we would have to offer but Berry I think is really the most solid pick for us to take in the first. I don't know if I see this actually happening but who knows.

This is the post:

Last year about this time, Michael Lombardi of the National Football Post first reported that the Chiefs were "in love" with LSU DE Tyson Jackson. A few days later and Jackson was the Chiefs pick in the draft.

Now Lombardi reports that the Chiefs are trying like hell to move down in the draft.

"The Chiefs are trying, and I mean really trying, to move down," Lombardi reports. "My sources tell me they'll be willing to go down as far as 15 for the right deal because they feel they can find a player in that range."

It's a fine line between trading down and trading down too far. According to Lombardi, our theory of the Eaglesoffering up the 24th and 37th picks for the Chiefs fifth pick doesn't look like it's happening. By staying around 15, they can still have a shot at a game changer -- Alabama LB Rolando McClain and Texas S Earl Thomas come to mind here -- as well as picking up extra selections.

That said, who's the Chiefs trading partner? SB Nation's Mocking The Draft takes an excellent look at this situation and comes to the conclusion that San Francisco might be the only team in that area that has a chance of moving up.

Lombardi reports the Chiefs are hoping someone wants to get in line to pick Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen.

Since we don't have Ginn anymore we really don't have anyone that can stretch the field. Not saying that none of our receivers can't go deep but they don't have the elite speed like ginn has to beat the double coverage entirely. Just watch this video of that TD that didn't count against Houston (only time i've cursed lousaka polite) and see what you think. Henne has a ridiculous arm. Like WOW. Just watch and feel good about how spectacularly far our QB of the future can throw that pigskin : )

Before anyone tears me a new one for wanting a new WR when we just picked up BMarsh, I'm NOT saying this is a huge need. I think we need to take care of our more obvious needs (FS, NT, OLB) first, in the earlier rounds of the draft. 

Ok so I haden't even watched this guy play until about ten minutes ago. I don't know why we haven't given this kid a chance on the field yet, he looks like he could be a potential playmaker. I'm not necessarily saying he could be an every down back, but he could be a complimentary guy. Kinda like CJ Spiller? I don't know check this video out and tell me what you guys think. The dude's got speed and can break some ankles.

I was having an argument with this guy I work with who was saying that Dirty Sanchez is going to be a better NFL QB than Chad Henne. I said no way.

Let's take a look at both of their stats from last year and make some comparisons shall we?

Henne

 Games    GS   comp att comp pct. yds avg    td int      scks        sckyds       rate

Sanchez

Game       GS comp            att              comp pct.           yds                avg          td         int         scks        sckyds      rate

WOW big dirty had 6 more INTS than our Chad Henne. Henne also had a better comp pct and had a better overall rating. Jets fans might make the argument that Henne was a second year player and Sanchez was a rookie, but this was his first year actually playing. He even had more yards when sanchez played two and a half more games than him. There was no real reason for this post other than I'm pretty stoked to watch Chad Henne develop into the franchise qb I think we all believe he can be...and I hate the Jets ALMOST as much as the patriots : )  Plus it's nice to focus on other things than the draft sometimes. Anyways I hope everybody enjoys reading this post as much as I did writing it.

GO DOLPHINS!

P.S. - I know the categories don't line up with the stats, I couldn't get it to work. It should still be legible unless you're a total ruh-tard : )

Ok so like a lot of you I have been waiting for the Phins to sign our "#1 receiver." Me personally, I would love to see us trade our 2nd and possibly a later rnd pick for Brandon Marshall. If you watch his highlight film you seem to forget about all his past issues. This dude's a beast and he's only 25. I think possibly the hardest WR to tackle in the NFL. Now unfortunately I don't see the FO actually doing this. 

So I have a backup plan for the Phins. Sign Javon Walker. He'll come cheap and he's a decent veteran WR that can teach our younger receivers. Now he has had some injury problems but I watched an interview with him and he's completely healthy and ready to go. He's a true possession receiver and he could be the big target on the field that Chad Henne needs to develop. I'd also like to see us draft a WR in one of the later rounds like Demaryius Thomas or possibly Brandon Lafell. 

Now I'm not saying that Walker is the answer to all our problems at WR, but he'll definitely make an impact. He could be the #1 WR on the Dolphins with the receivers we have to work with. He's basically a temporary solution that should come cheap because no one seems to be interested in him. This guy's done pretty good when he's been healthy and I think he could be a big help for the dolphins. What does everybody think?