Other than the big game obviously Monday night....

I am making my way to South Florida by way of NY this weekend.  Does anyone know if the Dolphins are sponsoring any pre-game rallies or anything?  Is anyone going and plan on tailgating?  Any players visiting local bars or anything Sunday?

I am looking to make the most out of my trip - since i don't get a chance to come down very often.  Any help would be awesome.  Wouldn't mind meeting up with any other Phinsiders out there for some tailgating before hand!

Thanks guys - Go Dolphins

In another blow to NYK's chances to land LeBron, ESPN.com is reporting that the New Jersey Nets will have the first opportunity to meet with the most coveted free agent of this year's class.

LeBron to meet teams in Cleveland

Although the single threat of New Jersey getting the first crack at LeBron may not seem too severe, there was another tidbit in the article that potentially could be the Vulcan Death Grip on the Knicks recruiting plans.  According to the article, there will be NO recruiting tour by LeBron - a once thought certainty from the Knick camp.  As a matter of fact, we have all read that Donnie and Co.  were planning on a Wine-Em, Dine-Em Extravaganza with the hopes of knocking LeBron's socks off with the allure and prestige of NYC.  This news, if true, could strike the achilles heel of the Knicks "Plan A". 

Questions to consider:

Does this news trouble you? 

Does this mean that the big star studded recruiting plan is saved for Kyle Korver? 

Do you think that this news, coupled with what happened during the draft (ie Bulls/Heat clearing cap space) all but ends NYKs chances to get LeBron?

What do you feel are the Knicks' chances of being 'shut out' in free agency?

Personally, I consider this to be very crippling news in the pursuit of LeBron.  I find it troubling that LBJ, while approaching the free agency period, was quoted as saying he was looking forward to these recruiting tours and now suddenly he wants to meet these teams in Cleveland.  Obviously, the main thing we had going for us at this point in time, was the allure of NYC, selling MSG's renovations, a possible LeBron channel, NY stars and personalities....Now....all for naught.  The advantage we had over some of the other suitors was the name on our shirt but it's a much tougher sell with postcards and DVDs

Chandler busted for pot

Yes indeed.  It looks like Wil the Thrill is seeking alternative ways to deal with his recent ankle surgery rehab and apparently is taking medical advice from Renaldo Balkman.  Gettin lifted with Greg

I wonder how this will affect Wilson Chandler's status as one of the only few players as a "lock" on our team for next year. 

He joins a growing list of Isiah Thomas draftee's who like to get lifted (See Renaldo Balkman)

Sitting here watching Sportscenter this morning - and Adam Schefter - love him, or hate him, seems to be spot on with his NFL intel - says that Jason Taylor will be visiting the New York Jets today!!!

This is certainly a 180 from the Miami Herald's report saying that Miami has reached out to JT. 

What do you think?  Is this JT's way of getting the Dolphins to commit to him.  I have a very hard time believing Jason Taylor would sign with the Jets of all teams!

God Schefter - can you please be wrong on this one?

You'll have to excuse my negativity, but I am starting to get a little annoyed with the direction of our football team.  Of course, winning is the ultimate cure but the verdict is still out of this coming year.  Despite having fewer wins last season than the previous year, Coach Sparano thinks this team is "closer" to where they need to be.  At the end of the day, however, we were a 7-9 team which was a tremendous disappointment.

So what have we done to address this?  Hmmm let's see.  The Dansby signing was good.  The Mike Nolan can only be good.  But we cut Joey Porter.  We cut Gibril Wilson.  We cut Akin Ayodele.  It seems like we have quite a few gaping holes.  We need a Free Safety.  Badly.  The Front Office, unwilling to pay the dollars, lost out to what would have been a major upgrade in either Antrel Rolle and Ryan Clark.  We also sat on the sidelines and watched Baltimore scoop up Anquan Boldin.  Our Nose Tackle is out for 8 games which all but opens up the middle of our defense, unless we grab a top flight DT in the draft - adding yet another gaping hole and pressing need.  As much of a pain in the ass Porter was/is, we need to replace his production.  He is a talented player and his departure creates another gaping hole.  Oh yeah, how's our #1 Receiver thing going?

In many ways, I respect the way the Steelers and Colts for example, build through the draft year after year.  Our team has some of the brightest football minds in the business, so I trust what this Front Office will do when it comes to the draft.  But in some ways, the draft can also be a major crap shoot.  I just hope that we can address all of these needs:  FS, DT, OLB, WR, TE, etc.  in the draft alone. That's a daunting task for any Front Office - even the best in the business.

I have been a Diehard Dolphins fan my entire life.  I trust this Front Office/Coaching Staff as much, if not more, than any that has preceded them.  However, these recent swing and misses in Free Agency has made me a little irritated.  To top it off, I live in NY.  I keep reading headlines about the Jets picking up more and more key pieces (ie LT, Cromartie). This team was 20 minutes away from the Super Bowl last year and it seems they aren't wasting anytime in confidentally filling their needs.  In fact, rumor has it, the Jets are in the Brandon Marshall sweepstakes as well.  What's even more frustrating is we SWEPT these guys last year!!!!  So what are we doing to compete with our AFC East rival this offseason?  What are we doing to keep pace with an up and coming Jets team and a perennial power in the Pats?  We're hosting Richie Incognito this weekend.  Sigh...

Well so much for that.  Another disappointing loss for our Knicks.   This is the second really disappointing game I've attended in the last month.  I was at the 50 point debacle on a Sunday afternoon vs. Dallas and now, on Knicks Legends Night, the Knicks crapped in a bag and called it a basketball game.  The night, however, was a memorable one for me as a fan.

Last night, the Knicks offered a ticket package which included a free t-shirt and a chance to meet four-point play specialist Larry Johnson.  I was pleasantly surprised by the whole experience.  We only had to stand in line for 20 minutes or so and Larry was awesome.  Real cool guy - crackin jokes and a real good sport about autographs.  I got him to sign my shirt but before I did, I mentioned to him that I thought he was great in Space Jam.  It was clearly a joke - I'm a diehard Knicks fan and I loved the 1999 Eastern Conf Champion Team and remember everything Larry provided for the Knicks.  His leadership and clutch play were hallmarks of his brief Knick career. 

Then, to my surprise, after meeting LJ, the Knicks staffed showed all of us who met LJ to our seats behind the basket to watch the team shootaround.  What an awesome experience.  For the most part, we watched Sergio Rodriguez toss up a few bricks and Al Harrington miss a couple of point blank hook shots.  Oh, and Dan D'Antoni throws a crisp chest pass.

And last but not least this was the 2nd Annual Knicks Legend Night.  Great halftime presentation featuring and honoring the 1969-1970 Championship team.  Moving speech and arousing ovation by Clyde almost made me forget how disappointing the final score of the game that was being played last night. 

In this last year's draft, we really missed out on a stud.

As everyone has probably seen by now, Stephen Curry continued his hot play as the fresh faced guard recorded his first Triple Double last night for the Warriors.  We missed this guy by one stinking pick.  D'Antoni was on his nuts.  My man Allan Houston said that Curry, if drafted by the Knicks, would have gone down as the best shooter in Knicks history.  It's not only his shooting prowess.  The guy is a play maker....droppin dimes all over the place.  This kid truly is dynamite and watching him light up the Western Conference is only darkening the black cloud over Madison Square Garden this season.  Meanwhile, Jordan Hill, who could end up being a very good player, isn't even getting a shot.  Ouch.  Regardless, our bad luck seems to continue as we truly missed out on a potential superstar player.  Kinda makes ya think what could have been?

Something that needs to be said here.  Congrats to Gallinari for the recognition.  As we have all heard by now,  The Rooster was fully anticipating this invite and went as far to say last week (before even being named officially) that he's "going there to win it".  I, as many of you, enjoy his rooster cockiness and I fully expect a great show next weekend.

Gallo will be representing the NYK along with a pretty star studded and formidable field.  Gallo has been on a bit of a cold streak here recently, but I expect him to perform well in the contest.   It should be fun for Knicks fan to watch as we will see Current NYK Gallinari go head to head with NBA Superstars and former Knick Channing Frye and Should Have Been Knick Stephen Curry.  There are some real sharpshooters in this year's contest.

I'm pickin the Rooster in a Nailbiter over Steph Curry...

Who Do You Think will win the NBA All Star 3-Point Shootout in Dallas Next Weekend???

According to ESPN.com, Jason Taylor would like his career to continue in Miami.  I know JT is a class act and always says the right thing - but personally, this comes as a bit of a surprise to me because rumors that we have heard so far this offseason have been to the contrary.  Reports I have seen up till now, have had JT landing in New England next year.

What are your thoughts?  Do we cut our ties and move on?  Do we rely on Free Agency and the Draft and an unproven but talented Cameron Wake?

My opinion:  I think JT was an above average linebacker last year and I believe he could play at least one more year at a high level.  I would ideally like to see JT in a speciality 3rd down package - possibly back on his strong side position.  I think his time as an every down linebacker has fcome and gone but I know that he could provide a spark as a pass rusher.  Remember, Sparano and Co have always said that you can't have too many good pass rushers.  And, at the discount price we got JT last year, Taylor's locker room prescence alone would be worth the price of the minimum contract.  At the same time, it is a business and I'll be interested to see what the Front Office does with him.  Of course, as a die hard Dolphins fan, I would love to see JT come back and retire as a Dolphin.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4871168

Please vote below

As we have all read now, Parcells Buddy Al Groh has decided to take the position at Ga Tech.  My opinion, personally, is that is a good thing.  I think we definitely need to incorporate more "exotic" blitz packages (I hate to say it - A'la the NY JETS)  So I was naturally hoping that we would take a chance on the other name floating out there - Butler, the LB Coach from the Steelers.  Well, so much for that.  ESPN is reporting that Butler coming to Miami is not likely.  So, where does that leave us?  I've heard the Dolphins are looking to fill this position immediately.  I think our best bet is to promote current DB Coach Todd Bowles to the position.  He has done an excellent job with the secondary.   He was also a hot name last year being mentioned for Head Coaching Vacancies around the NFL.  I think he has garnered alot of respect around the league in the last few years for what he did with Dallas' DBs and now Miami's young and talented group.  With the hiring of a "Linebacker" Guy, Bill Sheridan to coach that group, I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea to promote Bowles.  Give him a promotion, make him happy because I think we're actually lucky to have this guy and it's only a matter of time before someone offers this guy a head coaching position.  What are your thoughts?  Now that we know Groh and Butler aren't coming to Miami, do you think it would be a good idea to promote Todd Bowles or should we see if other names come up?  Maybe a Perry Fewell from Buffalo? 

Just bought tickets to the Dolphins game on Nov 29th in Buffalo...Sweet seats...Lower Level Row 6...Definitely rockin out in all my Dolphins gear

Anyone interested in going - the tickets are, as expected, pretty cheap.

Any Upstate NY Dol-Fans going to the game?  My buddy and I will be tailgating and are lookin for other Dolphins fan to hang with and celebrate with on enemy grounds.

PS - Ricky Williams is an animal

I, like every red-blooded American man, watch Sportscenter every morning before work.  I, however, every NBA season become infuriated with the Dee-Dee-Dee commentary for Knicks highlights.

Take for example, this morning.  Josh Elliot.  Deuchebag.  Doing the Celtics-Knicks highlights....First of all, not Josh's fault, but ESPN shows like 90 percent Celtics highlights.  They show Garnett dunking all over the Knicks.  Granted, he played well. But I did not see one move from Gallinari - who played well.  I did not see one move by Harrington - who also played well.  Of course they showed Al Harrington getting stuffed by Garnett.  They also showed Garnett pulling the chair (the biggest cop-out move on Defense of all time - just ask Kurt Thomas) on David Lee.  Made Lee look like a herb.  Actually, my man had 19 and 16.  Not only that, Josh Elliot says "Lee did what he could...but the Celtics kept coming".  When you say it that way, it sounds like David Lee's performance is coming in a losing effort.  They won.  They played well.  I know what you're saying.  It's just pre-season.  I'm knitpicking.  Just watch a Knicks highlight on ESPN.  Even when we were a playoff team with Allan Houston, they'd show highlights of the other teams stars, show one jumper by Allan, then put up the score.  Such weak coverage.  I've heard Linda Cohn, a "Knick fan" and native New Yorker mispronounce players names and shit.  Preseason or Regular season.   It will either humiliate you or humor you.  Either way, the coverage stinks.

On Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs released Dolphins legend Zach Thomas.  According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.com, Zach still very much has the desire to play football this season.  The questions began immediately.  Will the Miami Dolphins consider signing Zach Thomas to a one-day contract so that he may retire in the Aqua and Orange?  Or will Zach address his desire to play one more year in another uniform?  Or would the Miami Dolphins consider signing Zach Thomas to provide more veteran leadership for the upcoming season and pair him once again with his perennial pass rushing partner Jason Taylor?  Do you think another NFL will give Zach Thomas a shot?  Personally, I didn't pay close attention to him in Dallas last season - so I have no idea how much he actually has left in the tank.  I, being a Dolphins fan, am warm to the idea of signing Zach Thomas to our 53 Man Roster.  This is one of the hardest working guys in the NFL and has overcome obstacles (his size, draft status, etc.) to excel in the NFL for over a decade.  But of course, I'm sure that my fantacism is based on old memories of 54 in his prime - so it may not be the best football decision in the world.  At the very least, I hope that he is able to retire as a Dolphin. 

What do you think? 

Will Zach play on another NFL team this season or will he come home to retire as a Dolphin or perhaps even sign to our 53 Man Roster this season?

Vote in the poll below

According to ESPN Insider, which admittedly is a hotbed of half rumors and should never be taken as gospel, reports that disgruntled wide receiver Anquan Boldin has yet again mentioned that he would "love" to play in Miami.

Greg Cote, of the Miami Herald, has written an article today talking about Miami's possible "win-now" mentality.  I think the Jason Taylor signing is definitely a sign that Miami is ready to defend last year's AFC East Crown and make a Super Bowl Run rather than accept a building mode mentality.   The Taylor signing also shows the patience and savvy of the Trifecta - holding out for Taylor and getting him at a "no-brainer" bargain price.  With rumors circulating around draft time that Boldin would be available for a 2nd round pick, do you think we could grab him at an even better price now?  Do you think this is all part of the Trifecta's plan?  Part of me wouldn't be surprised if the Dolphins made a move for Boldin this week or at least hear some talks heating up.  Hey, the JT signing came out of left field.  I think most of us in the Dol-fan community felt that JT was all but going to the Pats.  I guess we'll just have to wait and see...

I will be at the game this Sunday...the Dolphins first "playoff" game in years.   The first game played in December in some time that carries some real weight.  It's real simple.  Win and We're In.  We are in the driver's seat.

Couple of questions --

Who else is going to the game? We're talkin some cold conditions here and in pretty hostile territory at the Meadowlands...  We're gonna have NY/NJ guys like Joey Baggodonuts gettin burly in the stands.  I AINT SCURRRRED!

Which Dolphin Defense will show up?  Our last game vs. Chiefs proved we need Crowder in the middle tearin through linemen and delivering sacked lunches.

Which NYJ TEAM will show up?  The one who smoked the Patriots and Titans? or the sallys who let the three worst teams in the league walk all over them?

Either way, I look forward to the Dolphins takin care of business...We had our cold weather test against a tough KC team last week....I'm also interested to see which national football personalities will jump on our bandwagon before the game and then after the game when we beat the Jets.  Trent Dilfer, just to throw a name out there....everyone remembers his "EXPERT ANALYSIS" on Espn two weeks ago...had the Fish losin to the Niners and the Jets winning out.  I almost puked last night watching him on ESPN "Oh yea I love the Dolphins they're a hard fighting gritty team"....yea of course you love them now - they're favorites to win the AFC East.  Talk about Fairweather.  Anyway, I have been pleasantly surprised with the number of personalities on other networks who are giving the Dolphins respect.  And let's remember one thing - this season has already been an astounding success.  Best one season turn around in NFL history.  Period.  That's something to be proud of Dol-fans.

With that said,

YOU GOTTA BELIEVE! LET'S GO DOLPHINS!  TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS THIS WEEKEND! I CAN SMELL THE AFC EAST TITLE AND IT SMELLS BETTER THAN NEW JERSEY! WHOOOOOO!