So I'm in Ohio till New Years, cleared my schedule for the day... and now the Baltimore game is on. WTF! I realize that these things change, but does anyone know why CBS made the switch? I saw the Fins for about... 4 seconds before they stuck with this game. Grrrrr.....

doot... doot... jets suck... doot doot... pats suck... need a few more words here to meet the minimum for a fanpost... doot doot... go fins...

Let me begin by saying.... why does anyone have a birthday party for their kid at 10am on a Saturday??? Okay, back to the Phins.

 

 

While most folks would automatically default to thoughts of the Dolphins trying to manipulate the injury report in order to mask an injury, the truth is they could be manipulating the injury report to mask their displeasure with Allen.

Allen, you see, has very slim chances of playing on defense Sunday, according to a couple of people I have spoken with. But it has nothing to do with injury. It has to do with his ability.

Two team sources have told me that the Dolphins believe Allen isn't very good, despite the common perception that he has done quite well in the time he's had playing the third cornerback spot in nickel and dime packages.

 

Furthermore, believe it or not, the sources tell me the coaching staff thinks Joey Thomas played better last week against the St. Louis Rams than Allen played the week before against New England. And so, despite the fact the team believes Allen can play and the injury isn't an issue, the decision will likely be made to bench him from the nickel and dime package because of his ability.

[Note by bassman, 12/06/08 1:13 PM EST ] Sorry, forgot to add citation. It's from Armando's blog at the herald, which I know we have to take with a grain of salt (or two) http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2008/12/jason-allen-lat.html

I for one have still been holding out hope that we could turn him into a serviceable player if not a playmaker, and I'm leery when it comes to the "I heard from a team source" routine, but I honestly think that there's some level of truth to that--or maybe it's just the optimist in me.

So if the coaching staff really thinks that Joey Thomas is better, than wow... this might really be the end of the line for Jason Allen in Miami.

 

 

 

Paul Soliai's days with the Miami Dolphins seem numbered.

Soliai is out of Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams because he has been suspended by the team. The team declined further comment on the matter.

Look for Randy Starks to get snaps at nose tackle when starter Jason Ferguson needs a rest.

 

 

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2008/11/nt-paul-soliai.html

 

If he wasn't going to be cut before, I'm almost positive he's gone at the end of the season. 

Here's what they've got to say:

[Note by bassman, 09/20/08 6:44 PM EDT ] Sorry, I completely forgot to add the link, and I've been moving furniture all day. It's from profootballweekly, http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/AFC/AFC+East/Miami/WWHI/default.htm

 

Pennington's struggles open door for Henne to start

 

The Chad Henne era soon could be upon us in Miami. Sources in Miami tell us Chad Pennington is quickly losing the favor of the coaching staff, demonstrating none of the efficiency he played with in the preseason. Henne was drafted in the second round out of Michigan back in April to be the future of the franchise, and he deftly directed the offense on an 89-yard, 18-play touchdown drive on his only series in the loss to the Cardinals. "He made some throws that Pennington couldn’t dream of completing," one source said. Furthermore, numerous players have remarked about how Henne's confident demeanor in the huddle reminds them nothing of a rookie, as he shows poise beyond his years. Should Pennington struggle Sunday against the Patriots in Foxborough, we hear it’s likely the coaches will use their Week Four bye to prepare Henne for a Week Five start against the Chargers.

If that's the plan... I still don't know how I feel about it. Our passing offense might not be explosive, but it's ranked 14th in yards. I would love to see Henne at the helm, and I think it would help our rushing game too, since teams would have to be ready for deep passes.

 

[Editor's Note by Matty I] I just saw on ESPN that the Dolphins are getting an undisclosed draft pick in exchange for McCown. [end note]

Per ProFootballTalk:

Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reports that the Miami Dolphins have traded quarterback Josh McCown to the Panthers.

Terms of the deal are not yet known.

So McCown is a Panther and who knows what we're getting in return. Likely a low-round pick, or maybe even a player? I have no idea. O-line depth would be nice, and I believe they had some to spare. I can see it more likely being a pick though with the way they've been stockpiling them. 

I like the move--Pennington is the starter, and I feel comfortable with Henne as the backup. Why not keep the (relative) youth to develop for the heck of it?

 

Here're two radiolinks for the game. I believe WQAM can't play the games, so give these a shot.

 

the quality on this one isn't the greatest, but at least it works. http://praise95.net/

Supposedly going to start the game at 7:30, so we'll see  http://www.sunny1059.com/

 

Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep

 

As we all know, our first preseason game is coming up this weekend. Does anyone know if the game is going to be televised or broadcasted online (for those of us who aren't local)?  It's listed as WFOR on the Dolphins website so I doubt it'll be anything other than regional... but just in case anyone has more info on it. Thanks!

[Note by bassman, 08/05/08 1:12 PM EDT ] I'm assuming there'll be radio coverage too, so that should be an option.

 

one two three four five six seven eight nine ten (and I'm at 75 words)

From the Sun sentinel (I guess it happened yesterday, so my apologies if you saw it already):

Roster moves

The Dolphins waived T Reuben Riley less than a week after signing him. They also waived Aaron Halterman, who tweaked his back earlier this week.

 

So now we let the speculation begin. Glenn? Carter? Farve? Yada yada yada. I'm sure they'll bring in another OT to replace Riley since we're so thin, and I'm comfortable with the TE depth, so who knows who they'll bring in for Halterman

I don't think I'm quite sipping the kool-aid yet, but it's still nice to think that we might be fixing this thing the right, finally.

Given everything that’s transpired over the offseason, you would think that the vibes emanating out of Kansas City and Miami these days would be similar. Both the Chiefs and the Dolphins took almost identical approaches to rebuilding their clubs, each deciding that an influx of young, fresh faces would be needed in the hopes of reversing their fortunes....

Yet despite all the similarities the teams share, they are hardly on equal footing when it comes to the future. In Miami, optimism has been restored, whereas in Kansas City, the outlook is bleaker than it has ever been.

 

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/Commentary/Columns/2008/sohn072808.htm

Apparently the Fins are interested in KJ, as they were one of four teams at his workout. Could be interesting, I assume they'd be looking for a backup, but who knows. I remember being impressed by him while he was at VT (I'm a canes fan by the way, so it took a lot to admit that) and he should be solid if healthy.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3465537

So here are a few spots from PFW's latest Whispers section

 There appears to be a lot of misinformation regarding the severity of Dolphins CB Michael Lehan’s injured ankle. Not only is there a question of whether it’s a severe sprain or a dislocation, but the timetable for his return is also a bit of a mystery. Coach Tony Sparano has said Lehan should be ready to go full speed in a couple of weeks, but a team insider who saw the injury occur and has been monitoring Lehan’s progress said it would be fortuitous if he could even make it back for training camp. Nonetheless, Lehan remains in the mix for a starting job.

 WRs Derek Hagan and Davone Bess impressed Dolphins coaches during minicamp. Bess, an undrafted rookie out of pass-happy Hawaii, has the best set of hands on the team, according to one club source.

 

Makes me worry a little bit more about our CB situation, but as long as he comes back fine, we should be okay.

I know we've gotten similar things from our local beat writers, but its still nice to see positive headlines about our UFAs. 

[Note by bassman, 05/15/08 8:48 PM EDT ] By the way, its from Sporting News http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=411900

 

Continue reading this post »

Here's an interesting article from the Herald (Darlington's piece) that breaks down drafting an OT in the top few slots, as well as a pass rusher. He looks at some busts, risks, etc.

http://www.miamiherald.com/616/story/499051.html

 And for those who don't want to actually read it, a lot of it centers on the idea that if you draft an OL, you have a fallback- an LOT can move to the right, and if he sucks there, you can always pull him inside to guard.

This is from PFW's Whispers:

"A source close to the Dolphins said new head coach Tony Sparano can't stop gushing about Lorenzo Booker. Although Booker is slightly built (5-10, 191), Sparano said the second-year running back jumps off the screen in game tape, with a burst that's comparable to that of ultra-quick WR Ted Ginn Jr."

So apparently Miami has started contract talks with Gholston in addition to Jake Long, but no mention of them talking to Chris Long yet. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how many people they bring into the circus tent before they pick.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-flspdolphins10sbapr10,0,7093217.story

from the PBP:
"Forget everything you've heard or read about the Dallas Cowboys being interested in trading for the Dolphins' No. 1 draft pick.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, speaking exclusively to The Palm Beach Post, shot down the theory that has been a popular topic on message boards and sports call-in shows.

"We haven't talked about that at all," Jones said Saturday afternoon at the NFL Scouting Combine."

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphins/content/sports/epaper/2008/02/23/cowbys_0223.html

The fact that they haven't talked about it doesn't completely discount the idea of Dallas trading up, and we all know not to believe everything we hear this time of the year. The article mentions briefly the numbers involved and Jones being scared of them, as can be expected. Lets just hope he realizes how much he "needs" (wants) McFadden

We haven't heard much, so I figured anything is better than nothing. This is from the Herald:

"Todd France, Ronnie Brown's agent, said he has had ''zero issues'' in his rehabilitation (knee injury) and should be ready by the start of Dolphins training camp."

It's his agent, so I'm sure we have to take it with a grain of salt, but its still nice to see that he's healthy and should be back on time.

I know I'm likely getting the reputation as a PFT apologist, but so be it. Here's what they said earlier:

HOWIE'S SON RISING

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that there's a growing buzz that Virginia defensive end Chris Long, son of Hall of Famer Howie Long, will be the first overall pick in the draft.

The widespread thinking is that the Miami Dolphins ultimately will regard Chris Long as entailing the least risk in return for a contract that will carry roughly $35 million in guaranteed money.

Of course, Long's prospects could change if the Dolphins obtain an acceptable trade offer for the top pick.

Other names that have been pegged as the potential top pick include Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden.

It's always nice to see positive things about who may become our new HC.

How well-regarded is Tony Sparano, the Cowboys' assistant head coach/offensive line coach who interviewed for the Dolphins' head coaching job Saturday?

Dallas' Jason Witten credits Sparano for transforming him into a Pro Bowler and one of the league's top tight ends. Guard Leonard Davis credits Sparano for the improvement of the Cowboys' offensive line, which has three Pro Bowlers this season.

And former Browns pro personnel director Keith Kidd, who worked with Sparano when he was Cleveland's offensive line coach in 2000, said, ``You knew being around Tony, he had special qualities. He demands respect and players respond.''

Sparano -- who worked four years with new Dolphins czar Bill Parcells in Dallas -- yells when needed (unlike Cam Cameron), but players like him, Cowboys people say.

''He's very well-organized, very well-respected by the players,'' Cowboys quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson said. ``He is up-tempo, and those guys [offensive linemen] are not the easiest guys, but he keeps them motivated and on their toes.''

With Sparano calling the plays, Dallas' offense finished fifth in the league in 2006. ( Jason Garrett took over those duties this season after being lured from the Dolphins). Sparano went 41-14-1 as a college head coach at New Haven (1994-98), and later spent single seasons as an assistant with the Browns, Redskins and Jaguars.

Sparano never complained after Parcells would not let him leave to become Sean Payton's offensive coordinator with New Orleans before the '06 season."

(from the Herald)

I toasted to the Dolphins getting more than one win next year after my parents went on spiels about health et al. Happy New Year, and lets hope for the best next year, in football and anywhere else you'd like.

On another note, who knew there was a minimum length for diary posts. Doo do doo do doodoo do doo

So here are two separate rumors from Profootballtalk.com (and please, we're not here to discuss faith in their rumors)

A league source tells us that the guy whom Fins poobah Bill Parcells would most like to hire to be the head coach for the attempted turnaround in Miami is none other than Browns coach Romeo Crennel.

and the second:

In April, many fans and league observers expected the Miami Dolphins to take quarterback Brady Quinn with their first-round pick in the NFL draft.  After the 2007 season, it could be that the Fins use a first-round pick (or more) on Quinn's teammate, Derek Anderson.

Several readers tell us that Cleveland radio personality Tony Rizzo said on Monday that the Miami Dolphins could be making a play for Anderson as part of an effort to get better ASAFP under the leadership of Bill Parcells.

Let's talk about Anderson first. I'll admit to not having seen a whole lot of him, so anyone who's seen more Browns games feel free to chime in. He's got a much better supporting cast there, so how would he fare down here? The line is worse, our recievers are less dependable, and we don't have a real tight end. Doesn't sound so promising. And what would we give up for him? I don't know that I'd do the 1st rounder, certainly not more than that. Sure he might be worth it, and better to spend it on someone we know can play at the NFL level than a rookie QB, but I don't know... I'm sick of trading for QBs, and I know most of you are in the same boat there.

And now the Crennel rumor?
PFT also points out that "Crennel is under contract for two more years.  So the Browns surely won't let him go without compensation."   I really can't see Parcells giving up picks to get a coach with the dearth of talent on the team. The draft is too valuable for that, the Tuna knows it. But I guess more important is to see what kind of coach he's looking at--someone who has experience in pressured situations, and someone who has won (even if it wasn't as a HC). And we all saw the Browns floundering for the last few years, so I'd have to think Bill would have some patience. Crennel is hardnosed, and a defensive guy. Either way, that doesn't sound too promising for Cam.

What're your thoughts?

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-1222dolphins,0,7350801.story

So we've now got Casey Bramlet on the active roster after not having 3 active QBs since Green went down (as far as I know). I'm guessing this is part of the talent evaluation process, just to see what's there. But it's still a little strange that we'd activate another QB instead of a LB or a safety. Oh well.

[editor's note, by Matty I] This is a great find by "bassman" so I thought I'd move it to the main page. Some interesting nuggets to chew on. [end note]

    * Trent Green is unlikely to return at quarterback for the Dolphins next season. He could, however, return in a coaching capacity. We hear that Green has long harbored ambitions of coaching, and head coach Cam Cameron sees him as a natural fit on his staff. It's unclear as to the spot he'd best fit, and there are rumors that he could possibly take over offensive coordinator duties -- a position Cameron currently holds, in addition to being the head coach.

    * We're hearing that this is most likely the final NFL season for Dolphins NT Keith Traylor and MLB Zach Thomas. Both have significantly regressed this season and realize this offseason is the time for them to hang up the pads. The same cannot be said for DE Jason Taylor, who still has a couple of solid seasons left in the tank.

The prospect of Trent being some sort of offensive coach is a nice one, but I can't see a leap all the way up to OC. And I don't agree with the Zach evaluation, at all. Your thoughts?