Friday, October 30, 2009

The F - Word

Here's a few things to think about, Dolfans:

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Sparano may be getting softer on his players.  Don't get me wrong, he didn't come across as a 'hard-ass' before this season, but some of his comments this year have been downright disheartening to those of us who want the team to get a kick in the arse.  For one, every coach has made some excuse for Ted Ginn's performance in the last couple of weeks.  Sparano has not actually shuffled the roster around at all, leaving Gibril Wilson as starter, and failing to increase Cameron Wake's presence on defense, despite the lackluster season thus far from Joey Porter and to a lesser degree, Jason Taylor.  In a way, he seems to be coddling his veteran starters.  

This is football.  It's a tough game, and sometimes, coaches need to be tough with their players.  The latest words from Sparano on Anthony Fasano's production is a perfect example.  Sparano said that Fasano's drop in production was due to the increased running game, suggesting fewer pass targets.  I'm going to go out on a limb here and call that BS.  If we're going to launch into Ginn for dropping passes, why does Fasano get a free pass?  Truth is, he almost single handedly lost the Atlanta game for us.  He followed it up with another disastrous performance in the Indy game.  He was absent in the San Diego game, especially blocking, allowing the Chargers to have a monstrous day rushing the passer. And of course, he blew it versus the Saints, dropping a perfect 20 yard strike from an under-pressure Ronnie Brown.

Personally, I think the Dolphins made a mistake in thinking that Fasano was the total package.  He seems to be swimming out there, looking confused, and perhaps overwhelmed.  I think a scaled down package would help to get him back in to form.  I also think the Dolphins should dress Patrick Turner and use him in replacement of David Martin, at least a few times a game, to help to open things up for Fasano. Your thoughts?

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The Dolphins two rookie cornerbacks will get a lot more playing time this week.  Regardless of who actually starts, Vontae Davis will no longer be splitting reps with Sean Smith, so both of their rep counts will go up significantly.  Can they handle this?


Last season we saw a dropoff in energy and production from our rookies as they hit that 'rookie wall'.  So the question is, since Davis and Smith were splitting reps until now, does that mean their wall will move back to later in the year, or will it have the reverse effect of having their bodies not adjusted to a full 60 minutes of NFL football, thus wearing them down faster now that they have to play more?


One thing I will say, is that I fully expect our ball-hawkishness to increase.  If Chris Clemons, who got his first action last week playing only special teams, can get on the field at the same time as Smith and Davis, it would be quite a sight, and I'd definitely sit up in expectation of some big plays.

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Tomorrow night is Halloween, be safe, have fun, and then don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour before going to bed.  You wouldn't want to tune in to the game only to have to sit through an hour of CBS pre-game drivel.  Jim Nantz and Phil Simms will be the announcers for the game. 



44 comments:

  1. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 11:32 AM

    What does the F-Word have to do with this blog?  *DONT_KNOW*

    The way Fasano is playing he won't be getting a big free agent contract from any team. Good point on Turner playing the Martin role at least a little bit.

    It will be fun watching the young DBs mistakes and all. The fact that they all have upside is what's important.

    Ronnie Brown showed me on that pass to Fasano that he is so comfortable running the Wildcat that he looked like Michael Vick as a QB on that play. He avoided the rush, pump faked, avoiding the rush again and fired. He didn't panic. Very impressive.

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  2. Tin, I agree with you about Sparano! Also, that defensive coordinator needs a kick in the pants for our defense's lack of halftime adjustments, which was too apparent last week. What is going on with BP, he's supposed to be the top dog on this team and set the tone for football operations. He loves golf, which is a year-round thing in SoFla, but he also loves the ponies with a residence in Saratoga Springs. Got me wondering whether he's packed it in with his guaranteed income and the only thing that interests him now is the draft.

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  3. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 11:55 AM

    This time of year isn't Parcells' time. His job is end of season evaluation and preparing for free agency and the draft next year. He's not going to step on the coaches publicly.

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  4. That one is easy, Fasano wasn't the 9th overall pick.  Not like there is a buttload of other probowel players we could of had other then Fasano.  Not knocking on Ginn or Fasano, just answering your question as to why Ginn gets picked on so much.

    If we lose this game, I hope we see nothing but the rookies and second year players from last years draft. 

    Finally, as far as the coaching staff, I look at them just like the 1st and 2nd year players.  They are on a learning curve too.  I am not saying they are the long term solution but they deserve the chance to learn and grow.

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  5. F-word = F-asano, the F-eeling I get when he drops the ball or turns it
    over or gives up a sack, and finally F-ootball.

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  6. But once again, it's not Ginn's fault where he got drafted. I know, I
    know, I'm the only person in the world who doesn't think about draft
    position as soon as the draft is over.....

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  7. Oh damn, this again.  Again, did Ginn say to Cam "don't draft me here, I am only third round quality".   No, Ginn like every other player does all they can to get drafted as high as they can.  So, yeah, Ginn didnt draft himself, but dont tell me Ginn didnt have something to do with him getting selected in the first round.

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  8. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 12:23 PM

    I agree Tin. ffr still thinks somehow the player is responsible. As if the player and his agent will use the highest moral standard and tell a team where they should be drafted, especially lower than the team was planning on taking him. LOL

    One more time, all draft picks are on the organization.

    Tin, I thought the F-Word was going to be about what we were talking about with herd yesterday. Athletes like Ted Ginn talking about having fun.

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  9. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 12:25 PM

    Okay, how does no one notice his fat head sticking out of the ground and the mess he made to the field? He's spying on the Wildcat you know.  ;)

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  10. yes it's also F-un, lol

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  11. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 12:33 PM

    Yes it is fun. LOL

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  12. Knight, is that Ryan's head sticking out of the feild spying? I thought a stray dog had left a turd on the feild! LOL

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  13. That is so damn funny, you sit here and say a player would never take the highest moral standard and tell the team where he should be drafted and then in the same breath, say the player is not responsible for where he is picked.  Thanks, that was easy you made my point for me.

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  14. DAMN! I before E except after C!!!!! Field!

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  15. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 12:56 PM

    <span style="font-family: Times; ">
    <p>I thought it was Rex. Let me look again.
    </span>

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  16. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 12:57 PM

    I thought it was Rex. Let me look again.

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  17. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 1:04 PM

    ffr, what planet are you from? LOL

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  18. Have you seen this article?

    http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/10/30/bart-scott-wants-to-hurt-chad-henne/

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  19. I'm replying to this thread, even though I'm not really commenting on it.  I'm such a rogue!

    Speaking of f words, what a f ing week.  Another year older, all the kiddies trick or treating crap, er, I mean activities to do, which are still not over.  I also had to work the reception desk and answer calls all week, which I rarely do, all of which seriously curtailed my blog activites!!!

    I didn't want to let this day pass without wishing USF well in the game tonight.  Even though I will be watching the game wearing WV attire(I'm married to one of em), I will be secretly rooting for the Bulls!!!  And, I think they need all the help they can get. 

    BOOOOOOO!

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  20. dman herdfan, you should of just forwarded the calls to my cell phone, i would have been glad to help schedule appointments.  LOL


    Knight,

    just give it a rest.  you know i am right so stop with your silly arguements.  :)

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  21. "Even though I will be watching the game wearing WV attire(I'm married to
    one of em), I will be secretly rooting for the Bulls!!"
    You have some serious issues! LOL

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  22. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 1:31 PM

    The Jets just can't STFU! This is a team that was chirping during OTAs about how good they were. The Dolphins celebrated winning that game because it was a game they had to win and did it with less then a minute left in the game.

    We better kick their ass.

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  23. Damn I totally spaced on the game tonight! I was gonna go shoe shopping!

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  24. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 1:39 PM

    Well... this is a silly place.  :-P

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  25. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 1:39 PM

    That's gay.

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  26. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 1:39 PM

    Is that the same as cheating?

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  27. no it's not gay because I was going shopping for women's shoes, so there!

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  28. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 1:44 PM

    Yeah that clears it up. Were you going to buy a bra and panties too? LOL

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  29. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 1:46 PM

    Oh... so you're one of those who likes a little sumpin sumpin on the side. Your secret is safe with us. However you do know that ffr will be trying to get a date with you now don't you? LOL

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  30. Cheating as in not playing a game fairly, or cheating in the spousal kind of way?  Either way, I say no.  Besides, I am ALWAYS accused of not wanting the Eers to win, so I might as well be guilty of it for a change.  Actually, deep down, I always want them to lose.  Don't tell anyone!

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  31. NO - what do you think I am, some sort of weirdo?

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  32. How is you shopping for women's shoes not gay?  Where are you shopping, trannies R us?  LOL

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  33. That's like me always wanting my wife's tv shows to be canceled....

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  34. Is there any way to add some action to that, make it a video, and have someone run up and kick that head through for a field goal?  ;)

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  35. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 1:54 PM

    LOL, me too. I mean my wife's TV shows, not yours. Unless that makes both of us happy then cancel them all. LOL

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  36. I think you somehow read that wrong. :-[

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  37. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 1:55 PM

    That's an awesome idea. Get back to us on that when you figure that out.  ;)

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  38. The Knight who says Ni!October 30, 2009 at 1:58 PM

    Totally!

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  39. You're right FFR.  Players try to improve there draft position during the combines and pro day workouts we hear that all the time.  If we reverse Tins thoughts, my question would be.  If it were not for his high draft status, would he still be here ?  No way.  It makes no difference what regime drafted nim he is being saved because he was the #9 over all pick in that year.  I think we should ask Ginns Family maybe they could help us fugure his out.

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  40. because i'm buying something for my wife. Therefore, not gay, quite hetero

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  41. What I don't get is the difference in Sparano this year from last. Last year, he seemed more agressive, on the field, more passionate in his pressers and more willing to make changes (cutting, benching and introducing new things)....like I have said before he just seems different.

    The drops are so dishearteneing. It is not like we have an explosive offense that can make up for those drops, so everytime one of them happens, it does seems like a big deal.

    I liked the blogs this week....although if we lose to the jests this weekend I am gonna insert my own F word in there..mmmmmmmmmmmmmk? ;)

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  42. The Knight who says Ni!October 31, 2009 at 8:45 AM

    I heard Sparano was pretty tough on the WRs in practice this week.

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