SB Nation User Blog: Matty I

Independence Day!!

Matty I — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:37:34 -0000

View full size photo uploaded July 3, 2009

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY, EVERYBODY!

Today, our great nation turns 233 years old. And to commemorate that, Americans all over will celebrate their own way. Some will host a barbecue. Some will drink massive quantities of alcohol. Some will head to the beach. Some will shoot off some fireworks. Some will do any combination of those activities.

And then there are some who will eat massive quantities of hot dogs.

However you celebrate, though, be safe and have a great holiday weekend!

Greatest Dolphins of All-Time, By The Numbers: 41-50

Matty I — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:26:28 -0000

Let's carry on with our look back at some of the the Dolphins' all-time greats - as we identify the greatest players in team history to ever wear each individual uniform number. You can see all of my previous picks by clicking here. Today we will focus on numbers 41 through 50.

Read over my picks and then be sure to tell us your thoughts below.

Number 41 - Keith Byars, FB, 1993-1996
This one was a close one. But Byars, in his 3+ seasons with the Dolphins, was a valuable member of Miami's passing attack. Byars, in his three full seasons in Miami, averaged 53 receptions per season for 464 yards. He also made the Pro Bowl in his first season in Miami. No other Dolphin has made a Pro Bowl wearing the #41. But honorable mention has to go to Fulton Walker - who led the league in yards per kick return in 1983 and also returned a kickoff 98 yards in Super Bowl XVII to put the Dolphins on top 17-10 heading into halftime.
Other Candidates: Fulton Walker, Norris Thomas

Number 42 - Paul Warfield, WR, 1970-1974
Ah yes, the great Paul Warfield. No, I wasn't alive to see him play. But the highlights that are shown of him are impressive. Just as impressive are his numbers. He reached the Pro Bowl all five seasons in Miami and was a 2 time first-team All-Pro. But what is most impressive are his yards-per-catch averages. In his five seasons with the Dolphins, Warfield never averaged under 17.7 yards per reception. His career average of 21.5 yards per catch as a Dolphin is tops in team history. He also has the two top yards-per-reception seasons in team history, averaging 25.1 yards per catch in 1970 and 23.2 yards per catch in 1971.
Other Candidates: Jeris White

Number 43 - Terry Kirby, RB, 1993-1995
Though Kirby spent three seasons in Miami, he only wore the #43 for two of them. However, he was wearing it during his outstanding rookie season - and that's enough to earn this honor. That year, as a rookie, he caught 75 passes, a team rookie record. Those 75 catches are also good to rank 5th all-time in team history for any player - rookie or not. His 874 receiving yards as a rookie ranks 2nd in team history - trailing Chris Chambers and his rookie season by just nine yards. And no rookie has ever gained more yards receiving in a single game than Kirby did in December of '93 against the Bills - picking up 148 yards receiving on 9 catches.
Other Candidates: Bud Brown, Bob Neff

Number 44 - Paul Lankford, CB, 1982-1991
Lankford was never outstanding - but he was never terrible, either. He started 72 games for the Dolphins at cornerback - including 65 starts between '85 and '89. He intercepted 13 passes in his career, including a career-high 4 in 1985. And that's enough to get the nod here when your toughest competition is coming from a running back who spent just one year in Miami and a fullback who was good but never great.
Other Candidates: Rob Konrad, Bobby Humphrey

Number 45 - Curtis Johnson, CB, 1970-1978
Johnson spent his entire nine year career with the Dolphins and was part of two Super Bowl winning teams. He started 111 games at cornerback for the Dolphins. His 22 career interceptions ranks Johnson 10th in team history. And his 4 fumble recoveries in 1970 was the 5th most in the league that year.
Other Candidates: Brian Walker

Number 46 - Pete Johnson, FB, 1984
Really not much to choose from here. Only five players have worn the number in team history. It came down to S/KR Don Bessillieu and FB Pete Johnson. Bessillieu has 5 career interceptions in 19 career starts. He also averaged over 22 yards per kick return in 1980. Meanwhile, Johnson had 9 rushing touchdowns in just 13 games as a Dolphin in 1984 - which led the team that year. So I'm giving Johnson the nod here because at least he led the team in something during his very brief time in Miami.
Other Candidates: Don Bessillieu

Number 47 - Glenn Blackwood, S, 1979-1987
This one was pretty easy. Blackwood started 106 games at safety for the Dolphins during his nine years in Miami. And he was a force back there in Miami's secondary. His 29 career interceptions ranks Blackwood 4th all-time in team history (tied with Patrick Surtain).
Other Candidates: Darrell Malone

Number 48 - Gerald Small, CB, 1978-1983
Another number where there really aren't any players who stand out. But Small did start 77 games at cornerback for the Dolphins over his 6 years in Miami. And he ranks one spot ahead of Curtis Johnson in career interceptions (9th place with 23). His 4 interceptions as a rookie in 1978 is the third most in team history.
Other Candidates: Bob Petrella

Number 49 - William Judson, CB, 1982-1989
Some tough competition for this spot among some defensive backs. Charlie Babb had a solid career as a role player for the Dolphins in the '70s. Cornerback Jimmy Warren spent four years in Miami, beginning with the inaugural team in 1966. Warren was actually a Pro-Bowler in '66, too. But Judson had a bigger impact for a longer period of time than those other two. His 24 career interceptions ties him for 6th place all-time in team history. He started 106 games between '83 and '89. And he was always a reliable, if unspectacular, player in the secondary during the '80s.
Other Candidates: Jimmy Warren, Charlie Babb

Number 50 - Larry Gordon, LB, 1976-1982
And now we finally begin our quest into the linebackers. This number came down to two guys, in my opinion - Larry Gordon and Dwight Hollier. But I gave Gordon the edge because he had more sacks, interceptions, and fumble recoveries than Hollier did. Hollier was also only a true starter for four seasons, while Gordon was a starter for all 7 of his seasons in Miami. But Gordon's life came to a tragic end in July of 1983 when he collapsed while jogging in Arizona where he lived. He died that day from what doctors said was "heart disease." Rumors of Gordon's use of cocaine surfaced, too. But toxicology reports did indicate that there was no sign of drugs in his system at the time of his death. Gordon was just 29 years old.
Other Candidates: Dwight Hollier

Charges against Vontae Davis are dropped

Matty I — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:27:42 -0000

Charges against Vontae Davis are dropped

In a statement released by the Champaign Police Department, charges against CB Vontae Davis have officially been dropped.

These charges stemmed from a traffic stop back in June that, as it turns out, wasn't actually Vontae.

Jets LB Calvin Pace suspended for four games

Matty I — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:22:50 -0000

It's been announced today that Jets outside linebacker Calvin Pace will be suspended for the first four games of the 2009 regular season for violating the NFL's "Policy on Performance Enhancing Substances." In a team-issued statement, Pace blames the failed drug test on an over-the-counter dietary substance:

"This is a situation that resulted from an over-the-counter dietary supplement that contained a substance that I did not know violated the League’s policy. I am responsible for what I put into my body and I should have paid closer attention to the League’s guidelines. I regret that this has happened and apologize to my teammates, the entire Jets organization as well as the fans. Hopefully, this does not distract from our ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl."

I can't help but laugh at the final line from Pace's statement. The Jets winning the Super Bowl? I think he's using more than just performance-enhancing supplements, to be honest. Seriously, have you ever heard more cockiness from a team that didn't make the playoffs the previous year and whose quarterbacks have combined for just eight career NFL starts?

What this does mean is that Calvin Pace's first game of the '09 season will be on Monday Night Football in Miami against the Dolphins. So now we got another story line for a game that is already packed with story lines on October 12.

Dolphins sign 7th round pick J.D. Folsom

Matty I — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:32:21 -0000

Scout.com's Adam Caplan is reporting that the Dolphins have come to terms with LB J.D. Folsom - the team's 7th round draft pick.

Folsom's deal is for 4 years and is reportedly worth $1.812 million - including $62,000 in guaranteed money.

Folsom is expected to be in a battle just for a practice squad spot at inside linebacker. At 6'3, 230, he doesn't possess the prototypical size that this regime is believed to like at linebacker. But he has good speed and projects more as a special-teams player than anything else at the next level.

This makes four draft picks now under contract - with John Nalbone, Andrew Gardner, and Patrick Turner being the other three. It's also believed that the Dolphins are close to a deal with safety Chris Clemons.

Three Up and Three Down: Talking storylines

Matty I — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:36:54 -0000

It's Thursday - meaning it's time to once again go "three up and three down." For this week's installment, I wanted to talk about story lines. In particular, let's look at which story lines are most interesting heading into training camp and which have been or will be the most annoying.

Check out my list below and then be sure to share your thoughts below.

THREE STORY LINES I'M MOST INTERESTED IN

1. How quickly the rookie cornerbacks rise up the depth chart
Early offseason reports indicated that Sean Smith was really impressing the media - when they got to attend practices, of course. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism has really translated well on the field during minicamps and OTAs. But there's also no contact during these practices. It'll be interesting to see how Smith performs once the hitting goes live.

On the other hand, there haven't been many reports at all (good or bad) about Vontae Davis - the team's first round pick. But Vontae is a very physical corner, which likely means his chance to shine will come once the pads go on.

Meanwhile, Eric Green - the veteran who is competing for either the starting job or the nickelback spot - has been getting burnt left and right during offseason practices. So just how long will Green remain towards the top of the depth chart with two talented rookies breathing down his neck?

2. How Jason Taylor is utilized in Paul Pasqualoni's defense
The return of Jason Taylor has excited Dolphin fans across the nation. He's an icon in South Florida and I'm confident that he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. But now the question will become how Taylor will be used. The last time Taylor played in the same defense with Joey Porter, neither really played up to their potential. They are similar players who play basically the same position. And Dom Capers never could seem to find a way to get the most out of both Taylor and Porter in 2007. Taylor will also be 35 years old in September and it's likely that the Dolphins will limit the number of snaps Taylor sees. Training camp will be the first time we really get to see Paul P's plans for using Porter and Taylor together - as well as newcomer Cameron Wake.

3. Chad Henne's development
We are all pretty sure that - as of now - Chad Henne is this team's future quarterback. And it's widely believed that Henne will take over by 2010 (though I'm not as sold on that as some). We know that Tony Sparano made it a point to tell the media he plans on getting Henne as much work as he possibly can during camp and, more importantly, during preseason games. How Henne performs in those games will be watched very closely - perhaps too closely. But expectations are high for Henne - and with good reason, until proven otherwise.

THREE STORY LINES I AM OR WILL BECOME TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT

1. Pat White's inconsistency
All offseason long, we've read in the various practice reports that rookie QB Pat White has been erratic throwing the football. Most often, we've read reports of his throws being too high. Generally, high passes are a sign of "over-throwing." Could it be that White has been too pumped up and is pressing to impress his new team? It's feasible. But let's not freak out over this. White completed 64.7% of his passes at West Virginia. And you don't just lose your accuracy overnight.

2. The "quarterback controversy"
You'll notice that I put this one in quotes. Why? Because there is no quarterback controversy. Chad Pennington is this team's starting quarterback. Period. Now there's a small quarterback competition - meaning of Henne completely outplays Pennington in camp, there could be an early hook for Pennington. But I'm not counting on that. I know a lot of you are just dying to see Henne start in the regular season. But let's not create a controversy that doesn't exist.

3. Brett Favre
No - this one isn't exactly related to the Dolphins. But it's going to be insanely annoying having to hear the "will he or won't he" talk continue until Favre makes up his damn mind. Even worse, if Favre does come back and go to Minnesota, we'll have to hear play-by-play from the media about every little thing Brett does. "Brett Favre just put on his Wranglers, took some Prilosec, and applied some Sensodyne so he could drink some milk." Guess what? I don't care - and unless you're a Vikings fan, you probably don't care, either!

I'll be around until they kick me out.

Matty I — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:09:17 -0000

I'll be around until they kick me out.

-Jason Taylor, telling the Miami Herald he doesn't want this year to be his last.

I'm on record: Say "no" to Vick

Matty I — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:15:39 -0000

Let me start off by saying how this is something I really didn't want to talk about. Why? There are a number of issues in play here. There are legal issues. There are moral issues. And then there's the issue of Roger Goodell. After all, the latest rumblings regarding Michael Vick are that Goodell isn't in a hurry to reinstate Vick at all in 2009. And until Vick is reinstated, this topic is pretty much moot.

But then former NFL head coach Dennis Green had to open his mouth and make the following statement during an interview on Sirius NFL Radio:

"I have a hard time believing that Michael Vick is not going to wind up with Bill Parcells simply because he has that creativeness that says that no matter what it takes, he’s going to find a way to get Michael Vick. Now, whether it means convincing the Commissioner or whatever it takes, Michael Vick is probably going to wind up at Miami because of the fact that Bill Parcells is Bill Parcells."

Keep in mind the source of this information when reading it, of course. I highly doubt Dennis Green has any inside info here. And if he did, do you really think Bill Parcells would let the man just blurt out his secrets on national radio?

However, let's get right into it. If Michael Vick was to be reinstated by Roger Goodell once he completes his home confinement in late July, would I want the Dolphins to make a push to sign him? My answer is "no." In fact, it's an "emphatic no."

I'm not saying Vick isn't a talented player. I'm not that dumb. Of course, I will say that he was immensely overrated as a player even before all of the dogfighting. Vick was never as good as the media wanted you to believe. But media hype aside, Vick was a good player.

That brings me to point one. Michael Vick was a good player. But he hasn't played a single down - or even participated in a single practice - in two years. And Vick wasn't the best passer of the football to begin with (a lifetime completion percentage of 53.8%). The fact is we have no idea what kind of player Vick will be nowadays. Couple that with the media circus that would ensue following his signing, I just don't see enough positives to bringing him aboard.

Now let's get to the meat of the issue here. But first, I'll preface this by asking you not bring up NFL players who have killed a person while driving drunk. What Leonard Little and Donte Stallworth did was simply terrible and, if it was up to me, they wouldn't be playing in the NFL. Keep in mind that I wouldn't ban them from the league. After all, as long as they serve their time as determined by the country's legal system (as broken as it might be), they deserve the opportunity to be employed. But I just wouldn't be the one employing them.

I also want to point out that I am, by no means, claiming to be a perfect citizen. I've broken laws before - as we all have. I'm also not a person who thinks of himself as a "moral snob" - which is a person who looks down on those who have done wrong in their lives. I'm not like that one bit.

With that said, everybody needs to think for a second about what Michael Vick did. It's not the dogfighting per se that bothers me. That's bad, but I wouldn't feel as strongly "anti-Vick" as I do now if that was all he did. But what he did to the dogs for which he had no use for is truly disturbing - things like electrocuting them, drowning them, hanging them, and slamming their bodies to the ground multiple times until they died.

It takes a very sick, twisted, and disgusting human being to do what Michael Vick did. It's one thing to get behind the wheel of a car when you're drunk and, in your attempt to get home, you strike and kill a dog. That's a case of being irresponsible. But Vick knew what he was doing. It was premeditated. It was planned. He knew exactly what he was doing and he didn't see anything wrong with it. He didn't hesitate and think, "Hmm - this just seems wrong. I'm going to not participate in this." No - he participated in the killing of at least eight dogs. And that shows that Michael Vick is a despicable person.

Think I'm being harsh? Fine - try going outside, catching a squirrel, and throwing it straight down into the ground repeatedly until it's dead. You can't do it, can you? And that's just a small squirrel - not a 50+ pound dog. Just imagine the kind of disturbing mind you have to have to do what Michael Vick did.

Yes - I'm a die-hard Miami Dolphins fan. I want them to win and I'd give almost anything for them to do so. But I simply have to draw the line somewhere. I wouldn't want a person like Leonard Little or Donte Stallworth on my team. And I also wouldn't want a person like Michael Vick on my team. I wouldn't be able to root for them.

Sports are supposed to be an escape from everyday life. It's supposed to be a way to forget about the troubles in this world. How could you possibly enjoy watching your favorite team play football if you have to constantly be reminded of how ugly "real life" can be?

If the Dolphins ever did sign Michael Vick, I'd still be a Dolphins fan and I'd still root for them each and every game. But I'd also be rooting for Vick to break his leg every time he touched the football. I wouldn't want to see anything life or career threatening. Just something that prevents me from having to watch that man wear the colors of my team.

That's the wrong person to get in a bickering war with, because he can talk all day -- that's...

Matty I — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:42:32 -0000

That's the wrong person to get in a bickering war with, because he can talk all day -- that's Crowder. If he's going to be our voice, then we support him, understanding that I've been in the league a while, and I've just never seen a head coach get into a bickering war with a player. It was kind of immature if you're a head coach.

Dolphins LB Akin Ayodele, in an interview for the Newark Star-Ledger.

Dolphins sign third round pick Patrick Turner

Matty I — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:19:28 -0000

With a little over a month to go before training camp kicks off, contract talks between the Dolphins and their draft picks will heat up. Today, it's being reported that the Dolphins have come to terms with WR Patrick Turner on a four year deal.

Turner's deal is believed to be worth $2.3 million over those four years - including a signing bonus of over $700,000.

At the NFL Symposium today, Turner said he was pleased that the two sides have come to terms:

"Now it’s just football. That stuff is over and done with; it’s a good feeling."

Turner drew rave reviews from both players and media members for his outstanding practices. He's expected to be a key contributor right from the start.

This means three of Miami's nine draft picks are signed - John Nalbone and Andrew Gardner being the other two.