SB Nation Blog: Matty I

Happy 4th of July!!!

Matty I — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:15:50 -0000

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!

I hope you all have a great holiday! And be safe!!

After the jump is a video that's becoming a 4th of July tradition here at the site. It's none other than Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band performing "4th of July, Asbury Park." It's a classic song and this particular video is a classic performance from back in 1975. Also be sure to take notice of the late Danny Federici, the greatest rock 'n roll accordion player of all-time!

The video is below...

Jeff Ireland interview

Matty I — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:08:19 -0000

Among the things talked about was the status of the 3 unsigned rookies. Ireland says that the 4th of July holiday slows things down this time of year. But come the 7th, it'll be business as usual and he expects all 3 to be signed before too long.

Joey Porter: "I'm going to be the guy..."

Matty I — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:22:25 -0000

"I'm going to be the guy fans were coming to see."

That's what Joey Porter told the Palm Beach Post recently. And Porter also called 2007 the worst year he's ever had. Many fans would probably agree, especially when you consider the contract Miami signed him to last offseason (5 year, $32 million w/ $20 mil guaranteed). But the good thing here is that Joey realizes he disappointed last year and he accepts the fans' anger towards his 2007 performance:

"Fans have some say. To point their fingers, I understand. [They say] 'We brought this guy in here and he's not taking over games like we thought he was going to do.'

"But last year is last year. I'm so happy to put that behind me. I think this year is going to bring a lot better things for us."

And his enthusiasm for this upcoming season is easy to see. Tony Sparano says:

"You look at a veteran player like him and he wasn't afraid to come in here and say, 'Coach me and tell me how to get better. I think that's important. He listened to his coaches - in the weight room and out here on the field."

Defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni also adds that Porter looks stronger than he ever has - without losing any quickness. And that's going to be important considering Porter's role as the strong-side linebacker in Pasqualoni's 3-4 defense - the same role he had in Pittsburgh and what he thought he was going to be doing in Miami last year. Instead, Porter was asked to line up opposite of an offensive tackle in a 3-point stance 40 or 50 times per game - something he had never done.

It's no wonder why his production wasn't there last season. And don't forget that Porter had knee surgery in early August and didn't even get back onto the practice field until close to opening day. But even so, his 2007 numbers don't really look that bad when compared to those of previous seasons:

Season	Tkls	Scks	TFLs	Ints	PD
1999	25	2	1	0	0
2000	60	10.5	3.5	1	3
2001	61	9	8	0	3
2002	89	9	1.5	4	10
2003	66	5	2.5	0	4
2004	54	7	7	1	12
2005	57	10.5	3	2	4
2006	55	7	3.5	2	5
2007	66	5.5	7	2	5

Ronne Brown rehab update

Matty I — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:23:42 -0000

Everything sounds encouraging and it's great that Ronnie talks to Edgerrin James often considering James is an example of a back who was able to come back and be successful after a torn ACL. But like Terrell Davis says, we better hope that both Ronnie and this coaching staff are cautious and allow Brown to ease back into things. But I sure am damn excited about the Ricky & Ronnie combo this year!!

Two economic issues facing the NFL today

Matty I — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:33:46 -0000

Recently in the news were two different economic issues that the NFL is facing. One is more of an issue among the players while the second issue is a direct attack on the fans' loyalty to their team.

ROOKIE SALARIES
The contracts that rookies are signing continues to be a growing problem. Take this year for example. Jake Long's 5 year, $57.5 million ($30 million guaranteed) makes him the league's highest paid offensive lineman. Matt Ryan's deal of $72 million of 6 years ($34.5 million guaranteed) represents an increase over JaMarcus Russell's contract last year despite the fact that Russell went #1 overall and Ryan was picked 3rd. And Darren McFadden's deal that includes $26 million in guaranteed money represents a 40% increase over the guaranteed money that 2007 4th overall pick Gaines Adams received.

At the rate we're going, it's not crazy to think that a rookie will sign a deal worth $100+ million within a couple of years from now. Clearly, something has to give.

Luckily, commissioner Roger Goodell also sees that as an issue that must be resolved. He says:

"[Jake Long] doesn't have to play a down in the NFL and he already has his money. Now, with the economics where they are, the consequences if you don't evaluate that player, you can lose a significant amount of money. And that money is not going to players that are performing. It's going to a player that never makes it in the NFL. And I think that's ridiculous."

And he's right. It is ridiculous. The problem here, though, is that the Players' Association would also have to support any kind of rookie pay structure if that's the route the NFL wants to go. And even though there are whispers that the NFLPA might actually not be totally against this idea, Gene Upshaw, the voice of the Players' Association, is not likely to give in to the demands of the owners. After all, this next CBA will likely be his last as the head of the PA and he's not going to want this to be his legacy.

Therefore, this is going to be something to keep a close eye on as we inch closer towards a labor dispute following the 2010 season, unless of course a new CBA can be reached.

And for those that wondering what a rookie pay scale would be like, look no further than the NBA. Here's a chart that lays out the NBA rookie pay scale. As you can see, it's a nice, neat way to handle the rookie contracts. It would basically eliminate any potential rookie hold-outs and seems like a fair way to compensate unproven players who haven't earned anything at the professional level. After all, can anyone name me a job where, right out of college, you earn more than most coworkers? Didn't think so.

PERSONAL SEAT LICENSES
Ah yes, the dreaded "personal seat license," or PSL. For those that don't know what a PSL is, you're lucky. It means you, as a fan, haven't had to pay one. In a nutshell, it's a payment that a season ticket holder must pay for the right to purchase their season tickets, which generally occurs when new stadiums are being built. It's a revenue generator to help pay for the new facility. But it's a total crock to those fans who have been long-time season ticket holders.

The latest case of this is with the New York Giants. Their new stadium in the Meadowlands is scheduled to open in 2010. And to help pay for it, they are forcing their season ticket holders to pay PSLs, meaning that, depending on where their tickets are, they must pay anywhere between $1,000 and $20,000 per seat just for the right to purchase their season tickets - tickets that may have been in their family for decades. And this is happening despite the fact that they are splitting the costs of the new stadium with the Jets, who will also be playing at this stadium.

It goes without saying that fans are, of course, outraged. And they should be. This idea of PSLs is just ridiculous. Think about this: what about the fan who doesn't have too much money, works hard, and his one simple pleasure in life (his pride and joy) are the 6 season tickets that he has in the lower level of Giants Stadium around the 45 yard line? This is the guy who might not have a big house or anything, but likes taking his friends and family to see the Giants each week from very good seats. Say his seats are in the $20,000 range of PSLs. This guy will now have to pay a lump sum fee of $120,000 just for the right to buy his season tickets. Odds are that "this guy" won't be able to come up with that kind of cash. Instead, he'll likely have to give up these tickets.

The problem here? The Giants could care less. Because they know that there are thousands of more fans on the season ticket waiting list who would do anything to finally get their hands on some season tickets.

So, unfortunately for Giants fans (and likely Jets fans, though they haven't announced it yet), they will be forced to bow down to the power of the NFL and dish out the cash needed to pay for their PSL if they want to remain season ticket holders. And perhaps the lesson learned here is that NFL fans are insanely loyal - perhaps too loyal. Truth is, though, that the NFL knows this and will always use it to their benefit, no matter how many fans get stepped on in the process.

July 1 is here...and still 3 rookies remain unsigned

Matty I — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:27:42 -0000

Remeber the self-imposed deadline that GM Jeff Ireland proclaimed a couple of weeks ago? He said that he wanted all his rookies signed by July 1.

Well today is obviously July 1. And no, there haven't been any signing. And there likely will not be any signings this week or even next week. Why? Jeff Ireland is on vacation. In fact, so is Tony Sparano and Bill Parcells. So don't waste your time staring at the clock all day over the next few days waiting for Phillip Merling, Chad Henne, and Kendall Langford to get signed. It's not going to happen.

However, that same article also points out that the agents for the 3 players all say "the contracts will be completed soon." So don't expect any holdouts, either. They'll all be there on July 26, which is now just 3 and a half weeks away!

Training Camp Primer: 3 positions that could use an upgrade

Matty I — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:56:57 -0000

As June turns into July and we continue to inch closer and closer to training camp, it's time to now take a look at 3 areas of the team where the Dolphins could use an upgrade, whether it's prior to camp or following the rounds of cuts that are to come.

OFFENSIVE LINE
This is clearly the biggest issue facing the Dolphins in terms of potential upgrades. Sure, the Dolphins have already improved the offensive line this offseason with the selection of Jake Long and the signing of Justin Smiley. But as GM Jeff Ireland even recognizes, the Dolphins have an issue at the other guard spot as well as with their depth.

The starting guard spot opposite of Justin Smiley is up for grabs. Competing for the job will be two rookies, Shawn Murphy and Donald Thomas, as well as 2 inexperienced veterans, Ike Ndukwe and Trey Darilek. Also, Steve McKinney, who is still rehabbing his knee, could be a potential option. But as this article points out so well, these options aren't anything to get excited over. All lack experience (except for McKinney) and the rookies are very raw in terms of technique.

So what can the Dolphins do? The only viable free agent option right now is LeCharles Bentley. And while the Dolphins have reportedly taken a look at him, he's coming off serious injury issues and he might be too expensive in terms of what he might want compared to what he would provide the Dolphins on the field.

Depth is also a concern with this team. Consider the fact that if either starting tackle, Jake Long or Vernon Carey, were to get hurt, it would be Julius Wilson stepping into the starting spot as of now. Ugh.

While this team has some promising young players who will be projects (Thomas, Murphy, Daren Heerspink, Dan Gore), definitely expect the Dolphins to pay close attention to other team's cuts as camp wears on in August.

WIDE RECEIVER
This is an interesting aspect of the 2008 Miami Dolphins. I, personally, am actually excited about how the top 3 Dolphin receivers could potentially perform in '08 and beyond. I like Ted Ginn a lot. Ernest Wilford was a terrific acquisition because of hi size and reliable hands. And Derek Hagan seems to be a man on a mission this offseason, with the coaching staff singing his praises often through the OTAs and minicamps. He has a lot to prove this year and he seems to be motivated to prove himself in what could be his "make or break" season.

Beyond those 3, though, is anyone's guess. I've said all along that I do like Davone Bess, the undrafted rookie out of Hawaii. And I do think he'll make the team this year (like I said the moment he was signed). But that other spot really worries me. I do like Greg Camarillo and could live with him or David Kircus as the final wide receiver on the roster, I do think the Dolphins will monitor the waiver wire closely. Camarillo has proven to have reliable hands and seems like a good route runner. But he lacks speed and is quite inexperienced. Kircus is also inexperienced but does possess good speed and strength. However, his off-the-field issues worry me a little. After all, Mike Shanahan wouldn't just give up on a talented player unless he had some concerns about his character.

So where does that leave the Dolphins in terms of players that might become available. Matt Jones, the Jags' former 1st round pick, is one guy who is rumored to be a potential cut. But I just can't get excited over him. He's been a pure bust so far in this league. Terry Glenn is at a crossroads in Dallas right now and he could become available. But his injury history worries me. After all, he wouldn't be much help to this team if he's injured for half the season. Joe Horn is another veteran who might be looking for a new team soon. But he's also a bit too old for my taste and likely would want to play for a contender in '08.

So this will be something to monitor closely over the coming weeks. Will the Dolphins make a move for another WR or will they stand pat with what they got?

The Phinsider Fantasy Football

Matty I — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:40:36 -0000

Hey all,

I just wanted to let you know that I am planning on putting together a fantasy football league for our community. I plan on doing one league with between 8 and 12 teams.

More info will come in the near future. But I do want to gauge the interest in this.

So if you are interested in this, let me know below. And please leave your e-mail address so that I can contact you all when the time comes and the league gets up and running.

It will be first come, first served. So if you are interested, let me know.

And yes, it is a free league.

Weekend Roundup

Matty I — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:59:33 -0000

We are now less than 4 weeks away from the beginning of training camp. And we actually have some legitimate news to discuss from this past weekend.

RICKY MAKES PREDICTIONS
Oh that Ricky Williams. You never know what to expect from him. And any time his name comes up prior to the start of training camp, it's hard not to think of the events of 2004. But this offseason, Ricky's making different headlines. And as "LeftCoastFinFan" points out in this fanpost, he's making some bold predictions.

Prediction #1: Ricky says that the Dolphins will win "at least 9 games" in 2008. You read that right. Nine. For you non-math majors, that's 8 more wins than last season. And I know what you're thinking: what is Ricky smoking now? But seriously, in this day and age of football, anything can happen year in and year out. While I find it highly unlikely, you never know what might happen.

Prediction #2: Ricky believes that both he and Ronnie Brown will rush for over 1,000 yards in 2008. And to be perfectly honest, this might be even more unlikely than the 9 wins. This is a feat that has only been accomplished 3 times in NFL history, the last time being more than 20 years ago. Sure, the offensive line is improved, especially in terms of their run-blocking. But it's hard to imagine a feat like this being accomplished by one RB who is coming off of a torn ACL and another who has just 6 carries over the past 2 seasons.

Prediction #3: Ricky "hopes" to play for 4 more years. This is probably the most interesting prediction because he only has 1 year remaining on his contract. So what will his future in Miami hold? I don't think anyone can really be sure. But it's good news that he and Bill Parcells seem to be hitting it off. However, if Ricky was to have a solid season, would he want to come back to Miami as part of a RB combo with Ronnie or would he look for a more solid starting role? At this point, it's anyone's guess. Trying to get inside the head of Ricky Williams is something that even the best psychologist probably couldn't do. So we'll have to wait and see.

TE BATTLE TO BE INTERESTING
As "OnTheGo" points out in this fanpost, there's an interesting little nugget in Pro Football Weekly's latest edition of "whispers" in regards to Miami's tight end situation:

TE David Martin may have started for the Dolphins in 2007, but word out of South Florida is that he’ll have to fight to merely keep a roster spot in training camp. Newcomers Anthony Fasano and Sean Ryan and holdover Justin Peelle could end up being the team’s TE corps.

OK. So we all know that David Martin's first year in Miami was a rather disappointing one. Remember, SI.com had Martin pegged as one of 10 players who would break out in '07. But that never happened, and 3 reasons can be blamed. First of all, the inconsistencies regarding the team's QB situation really didn't help any of the team's pass catchers in '07. Second, Cam Cameron's offense wasn't exactly one that would lend itself to solid passing numbers. And lastly, Martin dropped a ton of passes.

Justin Peelle, on the other hand, actually made some big plays for the Dolphins last year. He's got less upside than Martin, but is also less of a risk and more consistent.

Meanwhile, the two newcomers are really unknowns. Sean Ryan is reportedly more of a blocking tight end, which is certainly not something to be taken lightly. I can recall our QBs last year getting lit up numerous times because of missed blocks by the tight ends (Martin in particular). And Anthony Fasano, while he's a guy with a ton of potential, he hasn't really shown anything at this level since being a 2nd round pick. And he's also coming off an injury, so he hasn't even taken part in team drills yet.

So as it stands now, the TE battle will be one of the more competitive battles to watch when camp kicks off in less than a month.

QUICK HITS
-The Dolphins were one of four teams to watch free agent running back Kevin Jones work out. I don't think the Dolphins have that much interest, though. I think it's more of them making sure they do their due diligence and leave no stone unturned.

-Here's a great article about the new atmosphere in Miami thanks to the new regime.

-Reagan Mauia and Paul Soliai are taking part in a Somoan football camp being run by June Jones and Greg McMackin.

So that's all for now. Be sure to leave all your thoughts below.

Also, just one day left for the Dolphins to meet Jeff Ireland's goal of signing the 3 remaining unsigned draft picks by July 1. Yeah, don't count on it. However, also don't worry about a holdout. Phillip Merling. Chad Henne, and Kendall Langford will be in camp on time.

Video Time!

Matty I — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:52:12 -0000

Damn, is it Saturday already? These weeks seem to be flying by. But I'll tell you, they certainly cannot go by quick enough as we inch towards July 26 and the beginning of the training camp.

Anyways, today's video is of the "fake spike." After all, I don't think anybody can get enough of this play - perhaps the greatest play in Dan Marino's prolific career. Enjoy:

Well that's all for now. I'll be back Sunday night/Monday morning - unless there's any breaking Dolphins news (which is unlikely).

Have a good weekend, all!