I was thinking about our offensive woes so far this year, and it got me to thinking about a lot of things in terms of boosting production.  Obviously the biggest problem we've faced this year (other than scoring TD's) has been running the ball.  Last year we were fourth in the league in that category this year not so much.  We have just 1 rushing TD for the year and the WC has looked more like "mildcat".  I'm not a fan of fan of the Wildcat by any stretch but I am a fan of the Fins.  So I thought at length about the state of our offense, and have come to this conclusion.  Why not pick-up some of the guys that were released prior to the start of the season.  The interior line has been the problem all year, why not give Jake Grove another shot (at reduced pay of course).  Why not try Donald Thomas out again since he was a big part of that 4th ranked rushing attack from a year ago (when he wasn't hurt).  Nothing against the guys we have there but running is obviously what Henning knows best so why not get guys that help in that department. All the talk about mixing things up on the O-line and all we've done is replaced good run blockers with a couple of Cowboy rejects, and Richie Incognito.  I applaud the way these guys have played but I just can't shake the feeling that our offense would be a lot better off if we ran the ball better. I also think that is the biggest problem with our redzone offense this year.  If you can run the ball in redzone the defense can't just sit back in their zones waiting on passes and you have a better chance of getting B. Marshall one on one.  Bottom line: It is highly unlikely that the playcalling will ever reach our standards as fans, and even less likely that Henning is gone before the season is over. So we have to make do with what we have but I think these guys that the FO released would be a better fit than some of the guys we have now at least in terms of running the ball.  And quite honestly I think they give us the best chance to win maybe I'm wrong but I'd love to hear what all of you think.

Is it me or is Jason Cole seem to have something against the Dolphins?  Honestly, this dickhead gives us a bad rating every in nearly every single post he makes.  The only time he gave us a good review was when he ranked our O-line, and to be honest that was more than likely to seem unbiased.  I'm on the verge of totally boycotting all of his articles, because according to that guy we aren't worthy of carrying the Jets' equipment, or any other playoff team for that matter.  Our RBs are overrated.  Our WRs (with the exception of BM) are suspect.  Our entire defense is weak at best.  None of our offseason will make an impact.  And our QB will never be any better than average.  I'm a firm believer in the wait and see tactic most of you use on this site.  But if a guy feels so strongly about a team that snuck into the playoffs, why the hell does he seemingly have no respect for the same team the has beat them 3 of the last 4 times.  I know the New York media generates most of these stories, but it just sucks to see his bullshit every-time I go on Yahoo Sports.  In "On the Road: Day 20 … with the Dolphins" Cole predicts the Phins as being no better than a 8-8 team in 2010.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not packing for Dallas....YET.  But I do think we'll be better than 8-8 this year.  On the bright side, I can get more bets from the people that read his columns.

     In an attempt to avoid talking about the same ol' shit, I've been trying to think outside the box.  Needless to say I had very little succes doing so.  But while reading Matty's about post game changing moves and scrolling through the comments.  I came across an intresting point.  62Lou a member of our community stated how he hates the 3-4, and though I didn't agree with the majority of his comment.  I totally agree with the way he feels about the 3-4.  I love the 4-3.  I think it's the best defense....well... period.  There's no transitioning necessary (other than the game speed).  Everyone drafted for the 4-3, typically stays at the same position they played in college.  DE's remain DE's.  OLB's remain OLB's.  Which gives me the impression that there's less of a gamble come draft day.  Not to say there won't be busts, because there's always a chance that a guy won't play up to his potential.  But if you think back to the days of Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor.  One of the weakest positions we had on defense was OLB.  Yet we remained a top tier defense.  Why?  Because the 4-3 has the ability to mask some liabilities in the front seven, if you have a good MLB.  As oppose to a 3-4 scheme  where the overall talent of the defense dictates the unit's effectiveness much more.  I hate to sound like I'm against the 3-4 completely, because I'm not (obviously my favorite team runs it).  But I do miss the days when DE's lead their teams in sacks.  You know those days when DT's were more than run stuffers, and MLB's were took the field one at a time.  Call me old fashioned, but I miss those days.  Don't get me wrong, I love what the trifecta has done with this franchise.  So don't make it seem like I'm calling out the FO in any way.  But this post is about preference, and I prefer the 4-3. 

     So with that in mind.  If you were building a franchise from scracth, what defensive scheme would you use?  And why?

     I know alot of people mock John Madden now-a-days, but I'm one of the guys that actually enjoyed his telecast (when he wasn't on Favre's sack).  And one of the main things I liked was the end of season selections of his "All Madden Team".  As many if not all of you know the All Madden Team was compiled of the toughest players in the league, and for me those are the players that make football football.  I like the long pass plays as much as the next guy, but it's the big hits and physical play that gets me goin'.

     So, in this post I plan to make my own All Madden Team.  I'm only doing MY first team today second team will come later on.  Keep in mind that this team is all about the toughest players in the league, so please don't tell me how good a guy is if he shys away from contact.  Finesse guys have no place in this post.  I'm only including the hard-nosed lunchbox types.  If you disagree (and I'm sure you will) comment on it. 

And as always GO PHINS!!!

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     There was a post the other day about S. Green (Jets RB) being overrated.  While I agree that he is indeed overrated, it got me to thinking.  Who doesn't get enough credit in the NFL?  So I decided to come up with this post.  I will try to be as impartial as possible in my selections.  Keep in mind that these are guys that I feel don't get enough credit.  Also this is just the first installment so just because a guy didn't make the list doesn't mean he won't be on the next one.  And as always your input is encouraged.

     Oh yeah, GO DOLPHINS!!!

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     In my quest to get over the football blues I decided to come up with an all time roster of Phin greats.  Some of you might not agree, but that's why this is my all time team.  I'm 28 yrs old so I haven't had the privilege of seeing some guys in action, but I do know some from watching those films they used to play on ESPN. 

P.S.  Since we've been a 4-3 team for the majority of our existence that's the defense I will be the D I'll be using.  Anyway here we go.

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     Well it's that time again.  Even though it'shard to come up with topics this time of year, I've managed to find something to talk about.  Primarily this post is nothing more but something to get me through this dull dull period of the offseason.  Sooooo...

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     So I was surfing yahoo sports today when I came across an interesting article.  Apparently Shawn Merriman was being shopped by the Chargers on draft day.  The article says there were 3 teams in deep talks with SD but no deal was reached due to disagreements on the contract length.  The Saints were the only team they listed by name which makes me wonder if the Trifecta may have been in the running.  I mean we did do a draft day deal with SD to move back.  And knowing that JT had moved on to the Jets, a proven pass rusher (which SM is) would fill that void.  So knowing how the FO works, it wouldn't surprise me if we indeed were among those three.  Now I know he's considered a one trick pony, but I can't help but think how that one trick would help our defense.  Not that I don't like the guys we have but we all know you can never have too many pass rushers, and at the right price it's worth considering. 

Anyway here's the link:  
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=tsn-merrimantradeseemsmo

Care to discuss?

     Here we go again.  The last installment wasn't viewed as much as I would have liked, but those of you that read it thanks.  Hopefully this time around will be better.  If not it doesn't matter, because I'm gonna keep posting them.  Anyway, this past couple of weeks has been bitter-sweet for the Phins.  After the jump I plan on touching on a few of these topics, so join me won't you.

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     Well since the essence of blogging is state what's on your mind in a community of peers.  So I decided to make a series of post blowing off some steam.  After the jump I'm gonna get into it, so if you've got nothing better to do check it out. 

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     I'm sure you all know by now that Santonio Holmes is now a NY Jerk for a fifth rounder no less.  I for one am not worried about him torching us on the Field.  That said, I am concerned about the fact that the Jerks are getting better and we seemingly are content with status quo.  I hate those a%#holes from up north as much as the rest of you (if not more).  But you really have to be a little jealous with their FO's aggressiveness in the offseason.  I really hope the FO has some tricks up the sleeve to make this offseason one to remember, but right now it's looking like past years of sitting idly by letting everyone else get better while we stay the same. True we snagged Dansby and Incognito, but no splash players on the offense and nothing to help Dansby on defense.  Maybe I'm jumping the gun, but I sure hope this FO does something to compete for more than third best in the AFC East this year.  Well that's the end of my rant, what do you all think.

This post is not a North Vs South post.  Please recognize that fact.

     Well since we signed Karlos Dansby the majority of us figured McClain would no longer be on the the Phins' radar.  But as we all know he recently worked out for us.  So what does it mean, maybe nothing or maybe everything.  If you care to take the jump I will state my personal beliefs on why the Dolphins are still showing interest in a guy who we seemingly don't need.  So without further delay let's get into it.

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     I just saw a column on Yahoo Sports saying that the Browns are shopping NT Shaun Rogers.  The report says they would want a QB in return or some combination of players to seal the deal.  I don't know about you guys but IMO this is big news.  With Ferg more than likely not returnig.  Rogers would be more than a stopgap, he'd be around for at least 4 seasons, and is among the top nose takles in the league.  Not to mention, we have more QB's then we need on the roster.  I'm sure it won't hurt to loose one.  With the draft only yeilding so many big men, not only are we getting a proven guy but we would have more flexablity in the upcoming draft.  So to say the least, I hope the trifecta looks into this possibility soon.

     I'm fairly new to this forum so I don't know if this type of post has been done before.  But I am so tired of seeing mocks and posts about possible offseason moves.  So I decided to do a post of a different nature. 

     Following the departure of the great Don Shula, we went through a series of changes within the team.  The first came when we acquired the world renowned Jimmy Johnson.  I like the masses of Phin Nation was estatic.  What followed was the drafting of some Dolphin greats such as Zack , JT, Sam and Patrick, to name a few.  Jimmy's departure led to uncertainty and low expectations as Dan "The Man" Marino called it a career retirering that same season.  The new millennium ushered in a new look in South FLA.  The dolpins were no longer the an offensive powerhouse.  Defense was the main focus and the offense was an afterthought, but for the most part overachieved most of the season.  With a new QB new coachand scheme the Phinssurprised everyone making it to the playoffs with Jay Feely at the helm.  Anchored by a hard-nosed D, the team took on a new identitywith a new attitude, but the draft was less than kind to the team.  Wanstandt made valiant efforts but was never able to acquire the top tier signal caller the team so desperately needed.  And due to the fact that we overachieved, we weren't able to get thehigh draft picks a team needs to rebuild.  With most of us fans wondering where the offense would come from, due to shady o-line play and spotty play from an oft-injured Fiedler,Wandstandt made a power move by trading for RickeyWilliams.  The move gave hope to us all, and seemed to pay dividends with Ricky rushing for over 1800 yards setting a franchise record, and 16 td's.  But just as always, when the team felt it was about to turn the corner things fell apart once again.  2004 marked the downfall I referredto.  The biggest of which came with the impromtu retiring of Williams.  The team suffered one of the worst seasons in the history of the franchise.  This also marked the end of the Wandstadt era, can't say I was sad about that though.

     2005 marked the beginning of the Satan Saban era.  Once again spirits were high with the thoughts of the possibilities to come.  With the drafting of Ronnie Brown, the team had all but forgotten about the Rickey disaster.  But the year began slow, but ended on high note.  The next year brought about more good vibrations after the 9-7 record a year ago.  The signing of Dante Culpepper was suppose to be the move that put us over the top.  After passing on Drew Brees, the Phins took a chance on Culpepper being "the guy".  Sadly that wasn't the case.  And after a season to forget he was shipped out of town.  Saban lasted just one more full season before leaving town himself for Alabama in January of '07.

    This season marked the start and finish of the worst coach in the history of our beloved Dolphins.  The offseason began with the drafting of Ted Ginn Jr. in the first round of th 2007 draft.  I still don't understand that one.  The end result 1-15, and the first pick of the draft as a consolation prize.

     2008 begin the Parcells regime.  We went from worst to first in the AFC East and stopped the bleeding of coaches past.  The trifecta completely turned things around in one season.  In '09 some say we took a step back but I beg to differ.  We got to see our  new QB take the reigns.  We got to see a revitalized Rickey.  We got to see the return of a Phin great in Jason Taylor.  Not to mention the end of the Porter.  I for one am excited to see what the future holds for us.  And hopefully we can finally make that turn to greatness without any snags because its long overdue.  Let's hope 2010 Marks the end of a cursed past.

Your thoughts.

     A few weeks ago I wrote a post about guys i think we should keep and guys we should dump.  This time I wanted to do something a little different, but still of related to those original thoughts.  As I'm sure you all would agree.  Our need for a big time threat at wideout is in dire straits.  That being said, I think that the need for a pass catching TE is just as huge maybe even more so this offseason.  It has been said that you need two things to aide the development of a young QB.  One is a good running game (which we have top 5 in 09).  The other is the "security blanket" aka dependable tight end.  Make no mistake I'm all for the addition of a #1 and would be the first to do backflips if we land one, but I'm also realistic.  Judging by the moves this FO has made in the past if we don't draft one we probably won't get one.  But all is not lost because if we are able to acquire a consistent TE that can get open down the middle it would be big in the development of not only Chad Henne, but also the young receivers and backs coming out of the backfield.  Up until this 09 the Chargers really didn't have a clear cut #1 go to receiver but they did have LT, Sproles, and Gates.  The Patriots only had Randy Moss since 07, granted they did go 16-0 during that regular season but the rings came without him.  They won titles without the big time #1.  They did however have a tough D with a hard-nosed rushing attack, savvy receiving corp, and a consistent pass catching TE that could get open down the middle.  Think about the nucleus of that team.  A young QB, virtually unknown WR's, stout defense, bruising o-line, and power run game.  Sound familiar.  It should because that is the formula the trifecta has in the works for the Dolphins.  The biggest difference, not the only difference, but the biggest difference is at tight end.  And I believe the FO will address that problem in 2010 along with some of the many other needs on defense.

     The next thing I wanna touch on is the play calling.  What's the use of having a #1 if you never open up the playbook DAN HENNING.  Hopefully this season he takes the handcuffs off and gives Henne a chance to actually go deep more than 2 or 3 times a game.  Not to mention abandon the whole Pat White experiment all together.  It was a noble attempt but ended in absolute failure.  We don't have a lot of speed at wideout and I understand that but the one guy that escaped from "Revis Island" was constantly used on crossing patterns which was not his forte.  I know Ted is a let down compared to what we all expected from him.  But he does do one thing well.  And that thing is run.  He's just flat out faster than most guys and if he is to be effective you have to get him in space so he can do what he's good.  Being faster than most guys.  I just don't think he did that good of a job utilizing everyone's strong suites.  Don't get me wrong, I love what he's done with the unit but I think we left a lot of big plays in the playbook and not the scoreboard.  It's becoming overwhelmingly true in this day and age, you must be able to put up points and in a hurry.  Nickle and dimming the ball down the field doesn't win championships anymore.  You need to get big plays consistently throughout the year from a conventional offense to have a chance at the playoffs.  I hope 2010 marks a new day for the Miami Dolphins' offense.

     In closing.  We all know the offense won't look like it did in the days of Dan "The Man" Marino, and I'm fine with that.  But we can make moves to progress what we have with some simple additions to certain position, and playing to our strengths a little better. 

     That's just my assumption, what's yours?

     A few days ago I posted a blog about "draft sleepers" guys I thought could be contributors in the league and more importantly contributors in Miami.  Some of the players were well known, but I listed them as sleepers because I hadn't seen them referred to in any  of the various posts I read.  I'm telling you this so that this time when you all reply to my post hopefully you'll keep that in mind.  As always I thank you for reading and encourage your feedback.

1.  Lagarrett Blount RB - Oregan

Flat out bruising runner.  Not as expolsive as some of the smaller backs, but he sure as hell gets the job done.  Plays like a linebacker on offense, a contact seeker.  Will get the extra yard or die trying.  (Getting nice reviews at senior bowl practices.)

2.  Joe McKnight RB - USC

Controversy aside, this guy is nearly another Reggie Bush.  Speed, vision, hands, agility, with a little toughness to go along with it.  Great in space and not afraid to go through the middle.  Probably the biggest plus he has is playing for Pete Carrol due to his pro-styled offense so he should transition to the pro game fairly smoothly.

3.  Myron Rolle S -FSU

Size, speed, good football/ all around I.Q. (Rhodes Scholar), and a knack for finding the ball.  There are questions about rust following a break from football so he may not go as high as he would have last year when he was projected to be the first safety taken. 

4.  Dennis Pitta TE - BYU

Maybe the most complete TE in this draft class.  Decent enough speed to stretch the middle of the field.  Solid set of hands.  Good size and feet with a great feel for getting open.  Blocks well in run or pass situations and can be a nice security blanket for a young QB (Henne).

5. Vladimir Ducasse T - UMass

Some say is reminiscent of Broncos tackle Ryan Clady.  Good feet, technique and strength.  Maintains blocks consistently.  Gets a little anxious at times but very good in his stance and an all around gamer.

     I keep seeing different posts and opinions say that we should just cut Joey Porter.  Why?  When there are so many teams out there that would love to have him.  So many GMs that believe he can still play at a high level.  So many coaches that are more than willing to put up with his bullshit.  What this tells me is that he still has some trade value.  Decent trade value might I add in a year that may be uncapped with an upcoming draft that has a lot of possibilities at various positions.  Sure he's not worth a first rounder maybe not even a second, but he is worth something.  The reason for this post is to discuss the possibility of a trade to fill a need and get rid of a problem/ liability.  Porter falls under both categories yet has good trade value unlike Gibril Wilson.  It's been said that the Cardinals will take a second or third round pick and a player for Boldin, and while I don't know how true this is.  Joey might be the player that gets this thing done.  Just do the math.  They need a pass rusher, we need a #1 receiver.  It would be a perfect move for all parties involved and we would still have our first round pick at our disposal to do with it whatever the trifecta deems appropriate. 

Just a thought.

     It seems that around this everyone is starting a bandwagon for players we wanna see in teal.  By now there are posts all over the web promoting this guy and that.  So what I plan on doing in this post is throwing some more names the discussions flooding the net.  Please note these guys are alternate options for various, so let me know what you think.

1.  Cam Chancellor - FS Va. Tech

Formerly a cornerback Chancellor was a staple in Tech's defense all year in '09.  Decent against the run and an absolute playmaker when the ball was in the air.  A bit raw, but has good instincts and a nose for the ball.  Point blank he's a football player.

2.  Javaris James - RB Miami

A powerful runner with moves and deceptive speed.  Catches the ball pretty well out of the backfield.  Not afraid to stick his nose in there in pass blocking and fights for additional yardage.  Good inside runner that very rarely goes down from the initial contact.

3.  Dakota Watson - ILB FSU

Watson was the unquestioned leader of the Seminole D the past couple seasons leading them in tackles and TFL.  Small for a prototypical inside linebacker he makes up for it with speed, instincts, agility, and will.  Good coverage skills and excelent in terms of getting to the quarterback.

4.  Major Wright - SS UF

The anchor of one of the nation's most fear defenses.  An absolute ball hawk that makes the great plays on the ball wherther it be in the air or on the ground.  Good hands, sure tackler, and very football savvy with enough speed to play either saftey position. 

5.  Javier Arenas - S Bama

Doesn't have the ideal speed for the FS position that you want, but has all the intangibles to be a star in the NFL.  Played the run as good as anyone in the this past season, and made QB's think twice every time they dropped back to throw.  Great all around football I.Q. that can cover as well as hit.

6.  Jacoby Jones - WR/KR Clemson

Doesn't have the size of some of the more familiar names coming out this year, but his playmaking ability more than makes up for that.  The Tigers only had two guys on the team opposing coaches lost sleep over and he was one of them.  Explosive, agile, and fast.  This guy will instantly upgrade your return game, and can be a contributor to your receiving corp.  He can stretch the field and will fight for the ball.

     I wanted to address the other guys that are due to become FA's this coming offseason.  We all know about the big names such as Vincent Jackson, Brandon Marshall, Dansby and so on.  But what about the players that no one talks about that could be just as valuable filling the various holes on this team.  So for this post I will be weighing the pros and cons of each of these "under the radar players".

1.  Antonio Bryant-  As oppose to Jackson and Austin, there's a very good chance Bryant won't return to the Bucs.  This means that he'll be available without the loss of any draft picks since he'd UFA regardless of the CBA.  He's played in a Parcells offense before so he should have no problem picking up the playbook.  He's big, strong, physical, and still has enough speed to stretch the field with good enough hands to make the catch.  The two biggest problems that come with signing the guy is; a) He never really flourished in Dallas in the scheme use and at times looked out of place.  b) Has a bit of a rep as being injury prone. 

2.  Shawn Merriman- Three years ago, this guy was the talk of the NFL.  Big, strong, athletic, tenacious, with a nose for the ball.  Now-a-days he seems to be the odd man out on the Chargers defense.  The popular opinion is that he probably won't be resigned, and will be on the market when free agency begins.  He's pretty young and can be an instant contributor to any team.  Biggest knocks;  a)Doesn't make the big time int's that you want from a play making OLB.  b) Off field concerns and character issues raise questions.  c) Past injuries raise question marks on rather he can still be the play maker of old.

3.  Owen Daniels- One of the best players in the league at tight end his position.  This guy upgrades your offense from the moment he signs.  The type of guy that can absolutly pick a D apart down the middle of the field.  As we all know a QB's best asset is a good tight end, and this guy would be worth his weight in gold to a young quarterback.  He can do it all.  Run, catch, and block giving your QB a much need safety valve.  His only drawback is that it's unclear if he'll be available in free agency.

     I've seen so many comments on the upcoming draft, and it seems that Dolphin's Nation is split on who should be taken with the first round pick.  Of course wide out is our biggest need on offense, but if you think about it defense was our biggest liability this past season.  There were times when I wished we had a big time receiving threat.  But overall at the end of games it wasn't the offense giving the game away.  That honor belongs solely to the D.  Too often we mounted a lead that was quickly wiped away due to a defensive breakdown.  True the offense is nowhere near what it could be with the addition of a number one WR, but I believe we may be able to acquire one in the second round, if not free agency or trade.  I also have the gut feeling that McClain could make this defense great, and that Demmaryus Thomas would fit the mold of our team better than Dez Bryant.  For starters he's leaving Georgia Tech, a run heavy school.  If nothing else the guy has to know how to run block.  Two, as one of my fellow Dolfans put it, he reminds you of a smaller version of Calvin Johnson.  Third, and I think most intriguing to this regime, he's a good character guy that does what he's asked to do.  Factor in size and speed and this guy might be the home run threat we've been looking for. 

     As for defense, my argument is simply this.  McClain is the type of inside linebacker that comes around once in a blue moon.  A rare blend of size, speed, stregnth, and athleticism.  A monster against the run that's fast enough to cover tight ends, and most backs coming out of the backfield.  He gives the Fins something we truly truly need, a play maker on the defense.  

     I've also seen a lot of support for Berry at #12 if he's available, and in any other draft I would feel compelled to agree.  But I just think McClain fills a bigger need.  Although I agonized all season long as Gibril Wilsonmissed tackle after tackle, pick after pick, and just all around sucked.  I have faith that Chris Clemons can become a good player under Mike Nolan.  True he is a bit raw but he has all the tools to be successful.  That being said, if we do take Berry I wouldn't complain or be upset with the pick.  Just as long as it's a defensive difference maker.  After all, defense wins championships.

     In this particular post I wanted to address the top three players I feel the Fins should keep as well as the top 3 that should be packin' it up.  I came up with a short list some obvious, and some not so much but I'd like to know your opinions so please comment as much as you'd like.  I'm not listing guys that are vital to success such as Ronnie Brown or Randy Starks.  No this is about guys that are "on the bubble" and or being closely evaluated by the FO.

Keepers:

1.   Jason Taylor

     I know the LB's weren't as good as we would have liked this year, and I'll be the first to admit it.  But it wasn't because of #99.  This guy has played with his hand in the ground his whole career prior to this year.  And while he didn't play like the JT of old, he was pretty effective for a 35 year old guy learning a new position on the fly.  Also keep in mind he was taken out on most passing downs and still had 7 sacks.  In my book that's respectable.  Finally, and most importantly the man bleeds orange and teal, there's not a player that loves being a Fin more than JT.

2.   Channing Crowder

     We all get down on him because he's not a great ILB and I totally understand that, who wouldn't want a Patrick Willis type of guy running the defense.  I know i would.  But he's not.  That being said, he was a pretty good compliment to Zack Thomas during his Miami career.  And I believe he can be a nice compliment to whoever our upgrade in the middle will be.  He's a good character guy that gives it everything he has on and off the field.  And though he's a liability in coverage the defense suffered against the run in his absence.  All B.S. aside, he would really benefit from the addition of a stud MLB.

3.   Joey Haynos

     This guy is kinda iffy with me, but I do believe that a play-maker in the passing game would help him out tremendously.  He's decent backup with great size which is valuable in the red zone.  He's a damn good blocker in the run game and you'd have to imagine he'd come pretty cheap.

Dumpers:

1.   Gibril Wilson

     Need I say more.

2.   Joey Porter

     For all the talk.  For all the antics.  Not a lot of action.  This guy hurts more than he helps.  Sure he had a great season in '08.  And sure he came on strong towards the end of '09.  Sort of.  But when you get right down to it, he's only useful on obvious passing downs.  And there's no guarantee that he'll show up every game.  Then there's the matter of his contract which as big as his mouth and twice as absurd.  Since he and JT don't seem to be able to co-exist do the right thing.  Dump Porter, resign Taylor, draft a replacement, and continue to groom Wake.  This way the FO can save some money and save us all a headache.

3.   Anthony Fasano

     Another one year wonder that just did not get it done this year.  I must confess, I was never high on this guy.  But he got on my good side in '08.  '09 of course was an entirely different story as we all know.  Fasano was about as useful as a bikini in Antartica.  Don't get me wrong, Haynos wasn't great either but at least he's cheap, and held on to the ball more.  Traditonally players turn it up a notch during a contract year, guess Anthony didn't get that memo.  Ted Ginn dropped balls as did a lot of guys and get over that.  But Fasano took it a step further by fumbling in key situations (Atlanta), and nobody seems to remeber that at all.  Turnovers are a part of the game we all know that.  You have to expect picks to be thrown, but fumbles are inexcusable and in my opinion so is he.

  I've been reading a lot of posts about getting rid of Ginn, and to some extent I agree but hear me out on this.  Let's be honest here.  If we get rid of him we're right back to square one in the return game.  True he hasn't been a  #1 caliber receiver, but realistically he wasn't drafted to be.  I don't know about u but I haven't seen anything from Davone Bess, Patrick Cobbs, or anyone else for that matter to warrant dumping our only threat in the return game.  Plus he's not going to be expensive in terms of salary cap this coming season.  Not to mention the fact that we haven't seen what he can do returning punts or when we finally acquire a #1 receiving threat.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not asking Sparrono to make him a part of the offensive game plan, just interested in his special teams possibilities.  In short, I'm not saying he's gonna be great, but I do think  he deserves to do what he was drafted for.  Even though it hurts my stomach to admit it.

What do you think?