Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Tin Bits - Tuesday, February 2nd - Senior Bowl Edition

Before I jump into some notes on what I saw in the Senior Bowl, I want to thank everyone who wished me well in the past couple of days - for the record I do not have any medical issues - although I just jinxed it by saying that.  I just had too much on my plate to do an update and found out at 5am that Parcells was going to do a live chat - which turned out to be the biggest waste of time ever.  Then today's update was delayed by someone not paying the internet bill.  Seriously, haven't these people ever heard of automatic payments? 

  • One thing I did read into Parcells' 'chat' was that Chad Pennington will not be brought back.  Add this to comments made by Tony Sparano about Pat White, and all indications are that we'll continue into 2010's season with the same 3 QBs we ended 2009 with.  I don't know how I feel about the fact that Sparano wouldn't name Chad Henne the starter, but would put his full endorsement behind Pat White playing QB in the future, despite the results of 2009.  I'm pretty sure I'll know how to feel if we start the season with White as the 2nd string QB again...
  • The Senior Bowl was both surprising and disappointing at the same time.  On the one hand, several of the players I was expecting to do well, did, but there were few standout performances.  For one, the North's defensive line looked to be unstoppable.  The reality is, while they did play well, it was the South's offensive line's play that made it look easy.  They were AWFUL.  The North's O-line was not much better.  Even Mike Iupati  played terribly.  I think he got called for 3 penalties, and there were loads of holding calls not being made on both lines through out the game.
  • With that said, Brandon Graham did look very good, but not for easily running by the left tackle, but for his run defense.  Looking at him I can't help but see someone who could play inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, though he will likely go as a 3-4 OLB in the draft.
  • Sean Weatherspoon is going to be a player in the NFL.  While his game was average, his energy level was off the charts.  Now, I don't know why anyone play-caller would send Dexter McCluster on a deep fade in the end-zone, but did you see Weatherspoon in coverage?  Even a 6'5" receiver wouldn't have stood a chance there.  Weatherspoon was practically running inside of McCluster's shoes there and had enough time to turn around and wait for the ball.
  • Dan Williams.  In the first half, there was no better player on the field than Williams.  He took on double team after double team, occupying space and pushing people around.  Terrence Cody was absolutely invisible even in one-on-one situations.  Williams was clearly the best DT in the game.  The North squad had it too easy against a pathetic South O-line to be able to compare Williams with Jared Odrick and Mike Neal, though both played with a very high motor.  Personally, I'm more interested in Williams now than I was before.
  • None of the wide receivers really moved up or down the boards in my opinion.  In fact, I didn't even see some of them on the field at all.  I was quite upset with the commentators bashing on Dorin Dickerson at least twice during the game, despite the fact he was playing well.  He had a bruising block down on the goal line to open up the go-ahead TD by Blount in the 2nd quarter.  He caught a quick drop-screen and absolutely ran over Patrick Robinson for an extra 4 yards.  He created good separation on a deep slant and Tony Pike overthrew the ball.  If anything, Dickerson proved he can play outside as a WR, but he probably needed to rack up some yards to shut up the Mayock's of the world.  Had he been playing with a QB he had chemistry and time with, I think he could've had a stand out performance.  Mardy Gilyard had the biggest afternoon, but also showed off his immaturity for the cameras whenever he could.  Note to Gilyard, when you're auditioning for a job, don't act like an idiot on the sidelines whenever the camera is on you.
  • Tulane's Jeremy Williams had an amazingly inconsistent game.  I have not seen the stats for the game yet, but I would bet he had close to Gilyard's yardage if not better and definitely caught more balls, but he dropped at leat 3 if not 4 that were right in his hands, and he seemed to show no real energy - he was very sluggish between snaps.
  • South Florida's George Selvie had a mixed game.  He got several QB hurries, but no sacks.  He made a special teams tackle and was around the ball a lot, but the North always seemed to run the play away from him.  The South coaches never played him standing up, which was a huge disappointment and probably hurt his stock.  The other USF Bulls in the game, Safety Nate Allen, and Corner Jerome Murphy, both had bad games.
  • Patrick Robinson and Devin McCourty however, stood out as the two best corners in the game.  Both of them were stuck like glue to their receivers all game.  I was actually really impressed by Robinson, but since he got trucked by Dickerson, and McCourty was spectacular on special teams, I'm going to give the trophy to McCourty (who I actually had in my top 5 corners last year but he decided to stay in school).
  • My 4th ranked Outside Linebacker, Austen Lane of Murray State, lined up at DE in the game and showed tremendous speed as he recovered a fumble then returned it for a touchdown.  Now, I don't know why after showing the replay four times, not a single commentator or referee noticed that he was downed by contact by the QB (he slid into him as he recovered the ball), but it was one of the few moments of the game where someone on the field seemed to understand the rules, as he recovered on the ground, then got up and ran it in.  There were at least 10 moments in the game where guys were standing around not covering up fumbles, or lining up after a 1st down.  
  • Let's talk inside-linebackers. My 9th and 10th ranked LBs, Darryl Sharpton of Miami, and Jamar Chaney of Mississippi State were unimpressive.  My 8th ranked Daryl Washington of TCU looked good early on but his name did not get called much throughout the game.  Weatherspoon was the clear winner here, and the fact that he played both inside and outside during the game really upped his value.
  • RB Joique Bell did what I expected he would do, run-down hill with force and get his name mentioned a few times.  He didn't get a ton of reps, but he was powerful at times.
  • And finally, I don't know who the illiterate guy that NFL Network had patrolling the sidelines was, but he sounded terrible with his crackly yet ultra-nasal voice and his questions were ridiculous.  Anyone watching would be blind to have missed Jim Schwartz' body language towards the guy that said it all.  He thought the guy was a complete idiot, and so did I.   The fact that we missed a good handful of plays, including the Austen Lane fumble recovery because he was trying to make himself look good on the sidelines, really pissed me off.  Come on, NFLN, class it up a little, not all football fans want to pay to listen to some one less understandable than the players themselves.  That said, did anyone see the Myron Rolle interview?  It would be interesting to compare his speech now to how it will sound after 10 years of banging heads in the NFL.
So, in review, there were a lot of things I wish I had seen more of in the Senior Bowl, most of all, more competition - I thought at times some of the players were goofing off too much.  I didn't mind the in between plays celebrations, I actually miss some of the spectacle that the refs have taken away, but there was a lack of energy at times and a definite lack of focus.  Even Coach Sparano looked like he was tripping on mushrooms for half the game.  I didn't see a lot of efforts of the kind you'd expect from the players who are trying to get drafted.  The East-West Shrine Game was much more competitive than this one.  And one of the players from that game, WR Freddie Barnes, remains the top WR from these all-star games.  And Mike Kafka still had the best QB performance of the two games.

Basically, only Brandon Graham clearly moved up his stock this week, with standout performances both in practices and in the game.

Those are my thoughts.  What about you guys?

58 comments:

  1. <span><span>Dan Williams - At halftime, Kris Jenkins praised his play during this past weekend’s all star game

    Graham - Michigan, I really like him, but w/his short arms I’d rather see him standing up more. In the NFL, those tackles will lock you up.

    Weatherspoon - Missouri, very good player, but acts like a retard in front of a camera.
    </span></span>

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  2. Glad to see you back Tin :) ! Was a little worried when you didnt have anything up this morning but no one else did either. I was impressed by Graham and was shocked by the O-lines in the game. Iupati didnt impress but he was the best out there. I pretty much agree with everything you saw and am glad the Tebowfest is mostly over. Time for him to ride the pine!

    Where do you project big Dan, Spoon, and Graham now? I also noticed that no matter how bad some played, NFLN still had reams of glory waiting for them(ex. Mayes).

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  3. Thanks, Japman. Everything is fine on this end but I was here for 4 hours
    before I could use my computer thanks to our idiotic IT dept.
    Again, it's too early to tell because the underclassmen and the biggest
    names were not in this game, but at the moment I'd rank all of the above in
    the latter half of the first. I think Graham will go first around 15th, and
    Williams next around 20th and Weatherspoon in the area of 25.
    Graham showcased himself really well last week, between meetings, practices
    and the game. Williams has now officially leap-frogged Cody and should be
    the 3rd or 4th DT picked. Weatherspoon will go somewhere where they like
    big mouthed brashness. When do the Jets pick?

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  4. For the record, I got crushed on this blog a week or so ago when I hinted we might go Dan Williams if McClain is gone at 12 (although in fairness I didn't throw in the trade down assumption there). Anyway, it was obvious to anyone watching this guy is a force, and honestly now I'm thinking even without trading down, I'd be comfortable with him as our 1st rounder.

    **********
    Also, I thought Cam Thomas looked pretty good as the anchor of that North D-line. And although I trust Tin's assessment of a sloppy South OL, I have point out that the one CT sack (where he drove the Center back and then ripped him and pulled down the QB).... all I can say is, I wouldn't be disappointed if we landed him as well....and McClain in the first, of course.

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  5. Knowno,

    I wasnt as big on Williams after the Bowl game but he did look good during this game and people that were watching him all year said he's the real deal. Two(or more for all I know) of the better NTs in the league are later round picks. Thats my reasoning for someone else earlier as well as the fastest(strongest,etc) LBs go pretty early. I like your 2nd option better but so does probably most people.

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  6. Lol, good call Tin. Where do you have Spikes now and did you read( I forget where) someone mention that the Jets might be interested in Porter after he is gone? What are your thoughts on that situation? I seriously think we have no leverage at all.

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  7. The Knight who says Ni!February 2, 2010 at 2:06 PM

    Good to see you're not dead, Tin. LOL

    The Jets pick 29th. 

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  8. The Knight who says Ni!February 2, 2010 at 2:09 PM

    knowno, Dan Williams was a force in an all-star game against other good college players, not against seasoned NFL Olineman who are better than he is. Let's keep it all in perspective. Williams is not a #12 pick.

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  9. Talking about a different Thomas(Donald), what are the thoughts on his improvement for next year? He's got the whole package for the run game(where we will rightly concentrate) but needs a lot of work with the pass. Im hoping to see the whole package early this next year. Im also hoping to see if Smiley and Grove can come back strong(pretty sure Grove will and pretty sure Smiley wont last the whole season).

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  10. Well, I think Joey is too old for the Jets, they're interested in getting
    younger right now, plus he wants to play on the West Coast. We could find a
    way to cancel his contract after the way he's behaving - they'd have cause
    to - but obviously he has no trade value to us.
    I think the Cardinals could be interested, but not the Chargers - they just
    drafted a pass rusher last year.
    As for Spikes, I think he's still in the middle of the 1st somewhere.
    15-25.

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  11. no, but the point is we may be better off trading down to get him than
    picking someone at 12. I think that's what knowno was saying.

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  12. The Knight who says Ni!February 2, 2010 at 2:34 PM

    Now knowno is saying he'd be comfortable not trading down and just making him (Williams) our 1st round pick. I don't have anything against Williams, I just don't like reaching for need and that's what I see happening here.

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  13. Tin, I know this is off point but I really wish some of the guys at SS and maybe Mando's site(havent been there a while so dont know) would come here more often. The SS just sucks now. I used to just read here and not comment so much but Im just glad for football insight and intelligent conversation. Thanks again for this sanctuary.

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  14. oh ok. I'm the grammar police and you're the 'reaching' police. ;)

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  15. I'm actually in between on Williams, a week ago, I was definitely of the mind that we trade down if McClain isnt' there at take DW in the mid to late 1st.

    Now, I'm thinking we still take that approach (although we can't expect him to get past Pittsburgh at 18), but if we do reach at 12 I won't go all Ted Ginn about it. In plain speak, still looking for at Rolando at 12 or trading a few spots back to get big Dan (ideally).

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  16. Yeah, what about that guy a couple weeks back (not sure if he's still there)trying to save humanity from itself on a football blog. Haha.. I feel bad for the guy, he seemed really committed in showing everyone politicians are evil and processed foods are giving everyone cancer. I mean, I thought those things were pretty obvious, but maybe not? 

    Anyway, I'd still rather talk about the Dolphins when I'm at work, so Tin's blog is definitely the Top bookmark.

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  17. The Knight who says NiFebruary 2, 2010 at 5:07 PM

    No reaching is my motto when it comes to the draft. Dan Williams better be a lot better than any other NT prospect in this draft and from the research I've done on him, I don't see that he is. He might be the best NT prospect rated a 6.5-7.0 (projected future starter), where there are other NT prospects who are 6.0-6.4 (potential future starter) who will be there in the 3rd or maybe even the 4th round. 

    Think about the money Williams will get at #12 or late teens, while a 3rd or 4th not far behind in ability can be had much cheaper. Most NTs are 2-down players. You can't use a high round pick on 2-down players unless they are dominant. Is Williams a dominant prospect? I don't think so. He's never even played NT.

    At #12 if we stay there, has to be an immediate impact player on offense or defense. A guy that can be on the field a lot. 35-50 plays. Not 20 or so.

    That's my take on it anyway.  :-E

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  18. The Knight who says NiFebruary 2, 2010 at 5:09 PM

    Agreed. The trolls are scared to come here because they know Tin uses magic and can expose them and eliminate them like the vermin they are. LOL

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  19. Come on Knight the trolls can't be any more of a jerk than I am. What are they scared of ? 

    I watched the game and didn't gain that much from it.  They seemed to show case the passing game with QBs that weren't very good.  Seemed like everyone was holding back some.  Maybe it was just me, and I expected to much I don't know..

    Any way it's good to see our fearless leader doing his thing, as it appears he sailed through his baseline checkup at the Doctors.  That a way Tin !!!

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  20. I see your point, but the money issue is unavoidable, whoever we pick at #12
    is going to get a fat contract, whether it be an NT, an ILB, or a WR. For
    the record, I'd think the NT would be the *most* likely to be a 3 down
    player than an ILB or WR. Unless we stick with the lousy 2 down lineman
    front that didn't work last year on 3rd downs. I think Nolan will scrap
    that immediately and keep a 3 man front on 3rd and long. The WR would
    likely only play 35 plays a game and the ILB would be pulled in nickel and
    dime packages.
    In fact, the only real value picks IMO in the top 15 is a lineman of the
    offensive kind, a DL that will dominate, a franchise QB, or a RB that is a
    dual threat and commands 30 touches a game.
    Obviously this indicates we should pick CJ Spiller at #12. ;)

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  21. LOL, thanks Fang. For the record, I think all the arseholes/jerks here are
    of the tolerable sort. At the SS I find it too hard to navigate through the
    diatribes and political rants to find actual football talk. It used to be
    better when the authors would actually read and reply as well, but I think
    they gave up one the trolls took over for the same reason I did.
    Re: the Senior Bowl, I think Coach Sparano and Dan Henning really did some
    players a dis-service in the game by not running the ball. They gained 283
    yards through the air and only 30 on the ground. Some of that was due to
    all the sacks, but I think they only called about 11 running plays for the
    whole game. That really hurt the draft stock of both the offensive linemen
    and the RBs in my opinion. But like I said before, it didn't seem like the
    Dolphins staff was taking the game very seriously whereas the Lions staff
    was. I know it was just an All-Star Game, but one thing you'd like to see
    out of your coaching staff is the same competitiveness you'd expect from the
    players.

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  22. The Knight who says Ni!February 3, 2010 at 7:55 AM

    Good point on Nolan. We could see more of a classic 3-4 this year. Though it may not be the same NT on 3rd down. I think that's a position that should be by committee due to the pounding they take.

    I wouldn't have a problem with Spiller at #12. As long as that pick is an impact player with potential greatness.

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  23. I think you make a good point on not reaching Knight, that said we are not at a draft the best player available level yet and if the best player available at 12 is an OL for example there's just no way we pick him.
     Also, I feel it's painfully obvious we need to upgrade our talent level on Defense (and I don't see us going DE, or CB or really even OLB with the pick), so to have that big impact type player you're talking about we might have to turn 180 and address the offense with the pick (inclined to think this won't happen).

    Now, CJ Spiller is electric no doubt, but he is smallish (granted not to the same degree of ginn or white) but is the coaching staff ready to add him to an already crowded back field? I honestly, don't know that answer, I do know they would love his kick return ability (as would I), but how will Dolfans respond if they perceive him that way... obviously, I'm not saying he's ted ginn, but could you imagine if Spiller doesn't play like Percy at the next level and the "B" word starts to get thrown around.  It could a hugely negative impact on the Trifecta standing in S. Florida. 

    Another high impact option for the pick (and one that would also satisfy a position of need) would be at WR, but can any of us reasonably expect Parcells to allow that to happen at 12? And what about that contract... especially if we take the 1st WR in the draft.

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  24. The Knight who says Ni!February 3, 2010 at 8:33 AM

    "we are not at a draft the best player available level yet and if the best player available at 12"

    That's how you build a good team no matter where you are in the standings. Fans tend to get caught up in needs, but you don't reach for them unless you want to draft top 10 for the next 5-10 years. You can address needs in free agency and in other rounds as they fall to you. You don't have to get the most glaring need with the highest pick unless that position is there. That's a mistake a lot of teams have made over the years and they have paid the price.

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  25. I want to agree with you, but I just don't see us drafting a Tackle at 12, no matter whose available, and/or how you feel about Vernon Carey.  Ditto CB...

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  26. The Knight who says Ni!February 3, 2010 at 8:51 AM

    Okay, not only is Porter history but Crowder might not be far behind.

    http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2010/02/like-the-sands-through-the-hour-glass-these-are-the-last-days-of-joey-porters-dolphins-career--the-countdown-clock-is-windin.html

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  27. Knight,
    I agree. Porter AND Crowder are history. We know how much this regime loves players who shoot their mouths off...especially when throwing coaches and other team mates under the bus.

    Also, if there is a talented OL available at #12 (if we don't trade down) don't be surprised if we grab him to replace Carey, who they would probably move to LG.

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  28. The Knight who says Ni!February 3, 2010 at 9:02 AM

    The fact that there are good tackles in this draft will help one of the other positions be there at #12.

    Carey is solid at RT. If a good corner was there when we draft, I wouldn't have a problem drafting another one. In this passing league called the NFL, you need a lot of quality cover guys.

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  29. Did you read the Shriner Game synopsis on Hyde's (SS) blog by a scout. Looks like some interesting talent may be had there.

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  30. I guess that everyone left... I will check back later.

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  31. I think if we hadn't given such a big contract to Carey, there could have
    been precedent for drafting another tackle, but I think we have enough
    bodies on the o-line at the moment. I kind of agree with both sides of the
    argument. I think you should draft the best player available that is going
    to help your team's specific gameplan. Obviously we wouldn't draft the best
    linebacker in the draft at #12 if he was clearly only suited to a 4-3
    scheme. We need bigger bodies at LB, so we wouldn't draft Taylor Mays and
    make him a LB for example.
    CJ Spiller is not smallish at all, he's 5'11" 200 lbs and runs a 4.2. His
    build is not thin like Ginn/White as you mentioned. Also he would not play
    traditonal tailback in the NFL, he would be more of a WR with occasional
    direct snaps IMO. And our backfield is not that crowded once you figure in
    that in 2011 both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams could be gone and we'd
    suddenly be without a feature back. We'd also need to replace Ted Ginn at
    some point if not this year.
    And Parcells said this week that they might pick a WR in the 1st round.
    There's no secret that the Dolphins are very interested in Dez Bryant.

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  32. Not yet but I did watch the game and was far more impressed by the players
    in that game than the senior bowl.

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  33. Not a wise move Channing... someone brought up the point on the AFC East Blog as well that Channing shouldn't be so quick to question Wake getting snaps. If it wasn't for the CW hit on Brady (the one that sealed the win), Channing would still have a big fat "0" under the Career INT section of his player card 

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  34. Tins,

    Glad to see you back.  I think you do an excellent job with this site & this is much more sane environment compared to the Sun.

    BTW--I know we need an eventual or maybe an immediate replacement for Ferguson (if he's not re-signed) BUT with a such a high pick as 12 or even if we trade down, there are going to be better players available than Dan Williams.  

    The two players that might be available @ 12 that REALLY excite me are McClain & Spiller.  And while McClain fills more of an immediate need, I'm not so sure that I would pass on Spiller.  Spiller has proven time & time again throughout his career that he is a rare playmaker & it can't be overlooked that R&R will most likely be playing their last season for the Dolphins in 2010.  In addition Spiller is NOT just a RB & his versatility to make explosive plays can't be ignored.  Although there may be some people who disagree with me but that is also why I beleive Golden Tate, if available, would be an excellent 2nd round pick.

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  35. Knowno,

    That "crowded backfield" won't be so crowded in 2011 assuming there is no lockout.

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  36. Doesn't surprise me, but aren't they driving their trade value down by appearing to be such malcontents?  Also, I wouldn't read too much into the insinuations that Tony lost his team.  The truth is, he counted on a few vets to establish trust and cohesion, and they obviously failed miserably.  I see our young defense coming on strong next year without these guys....

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  37. Bam, 

    reading it now. Thanks for pointing it out. 

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  38. Yep, I was just reading that @ the Herald.  Yes, that is how bad it has gotten, I am reading the Herald since the SS is holding it's 2nd annual blog meltdown.  When I read the stuff about JP I was thinking that last weeks 'alleged' statements by him were undocumented, so I guess he is making sure this week there is ample proof of exactly what he is saying.  And WTF is Crowder thinking?  I think he is making a huge mistake if he's trying to become the 'outspoken character' on the team a la Joey.  bye bye

    Oh yeah, glad you're not dead Tinshaker!  ;)

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  39. It turns out that I was deadwrong about Crowder since I wanted him back after last year albeit not for big money.  In fact all of ILB's are not good enough to start.  It has become abundantly clear that EVERY player that was drafted before Parcells took over has to go.  I'd cut or trade Ginn ASAP & the same for Vernon Carey who I still can't believe got re-upped last year for his uninspiring play.  This team had a HUGE shakeup when Parcells took over & I think we need another one.  I do think Parcells made some questionale signings when he took over but he was starting from scratch.  IMO--Even if you don't agree with Sparano shut up & do your job. He's the Head Coach & he's staying.  You're either on the bus or off the bus.

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  40. Herd,

    I always felt that if a player decides to "talk the talk" he better be prepared to "walk the walk" in terms of performance & Porter & Crowder did not get it done last year.  Crowder is often times out of position & regardless of Porter's nine sacks, he was mostly a non-factor last year.  I don't think it's a stretch to say that Wake had more of an impact in terms of pressuring the QB when he was on the filed.

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  41. The problem with Carey is that no one seems to notice how bad he is. He
    made a couple of All-Pro lists this year and he was awful, even worse than
    2008, IMO. He blocks pass rushers like a Saloon door.

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  42. "Oh yeah, glad you're not dead Tinshaker! ;)"
    You sound like my wife, but you have to have that 'disinterested tone' as
    well.

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  43. The Knight who says Ni!February 3, 2010 at 10:06 AM

    Tin, Well said.

    I didn't hear about Parcells saying they might pick a WR in the 1st round and Dez Bryant is on their radar. Though his skill set makes a lot of sense. Henne needs more weapons who can turn a catch into a big play.

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  44. The Knight who says Ni!February 3, 2010 at 10:09 AM

    Spiller makes people think about players like DeSean Jackson and Percy Harvin. If we drafted Spiller I could see us shopping Ginn right after we hand in our card. No need for both of them.

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  45. The Knight who says Ni!February 3, 2010 at 10:12 AM

    I don't think Tony has lost the team. But changes are going to be made and it's time to expand the youth movement.

    As for trade value, at Porter's age I don't see a lot of value there and Crowder's knees and lack of big play ability probably wouldn't bring back much either.

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  46. The Knight who says Ni!February 3, 2010 at 10:25 AM

    I've always felt Carey has been an under-achiever and he was way overweight this past season. Even though at times he looks like he's getting beat time and time again, I have to say overall Henne had a lot of time to throw. Too often he held onto the ball too long and many of his sacks were due to that and coverage sacks because our guys didn't get open or he felt they did. Rarely did our OL get overwhelmed and we did knock people around pretty good in the run game even with backups in the lineup.

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  47. Knight, Parcells said it in his live chat on Monday, not about Bryant, but
    the WR option. There were reports in December that the Dolphins were
    digging around into the NCAA investigation. They wanted to know what
    actually happened months ahed of the Combine, when they could've asked him
    face to face. That's a lot of calories to burn for someone you're not
    specifically targeting and obviously, the only place he could be drafted is
    in the 1st round.
    Bryant is also prepping for the combine in Florida so they could probably
    keep tabs on him through the grape-vine. And like you said, Henne needs the
    help. At the 12th spot, Bryant, McClain, Spiller, these are the most likely
    options.

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  48. I'm not saying Spiller wouldn't be a nice pick at 12 (assuming he hasn't already been scoped up, Seahawks maybe?), I'm just not sure if the Trifecta and it's "we want big players mantra" would take him. 

    Also, for the record Spillers listed at 5'11 195 for comparison Davone Bess is 5'10 190 and lex hillard is 5'11 240. But as Tin and "Give Me.." rightfully point out CJ is more than just your classic change of pace back. And when it does come to the crowdedness level of our backfield in 2011, I can say that luckily RB, is one of those positions that 1st year guys can step right in and contribute, so I wouldn't be surprised if we focus on the position in the 2011 draft (I should state that I still think we'll pick one late this year to compete with Cobbs, Hillard, and Sheets in camp).

    Again, I'm not saying I wouldn't draft Spiller, I'm just trying to guess what the guys in charge are going to do. 

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  49. The Knight who says Ni!February 3, 2010 at 10:30 AM

    Everyone is always moving Carey to guard. I know he played there in college but he's strictly been a tackle in the NFL. We'll see. He'd be a very expensive guard. I would not be shocked if we drafted another big tackle if the trifecta feels he makes the team better and allows us more flexibility on the OL. With Grove and Smiley always battling injuries, it wouldn't hurt to have more talent and options on the OL.

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  50. The Knight who says Ni!February 3, 2010 at 10:32 AM

    Agreed. Take the BPA! It pays off long term.

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  51. The Knight who says Ni!February 3, 2010 at 10:38 AM

    The Seahawks could definitely take Spiller and if we don't the 49ers will. I don't see him getting past #14, Seattle's 2nd 1st round pick.

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  52. Did I say that out loud?  lol :-[

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  53. I disagree with drafting an OT at #12.  I'm sure when the Trifecta look at their draft charts, they will find a player on defense that's as good as an OL at #12.  If our boy McClain isn't there at 12, I'd love to trade down but that is more dream than reality.  I still see us going defense with this pick.

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  54. The Knight who says Ni!February 3, 2010 at 11:16 AM

    I'm not saying I want to draft an OT at #12 and I don't think we will because we're not moving Carey to guard. I'm just saying I wouldn't be shocked if we did. The trifecta likes big talented OL.

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  55. True.  I guess they would take an OL just about anywhere if they really liked him.

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  56. Knwono I'm not calling you out on this but I have been thinking about the points you have made in this paragraph. 

    "<span>Now, CJ Spiller is electric no doubt, but he is smallish (granted not to the same degree of ginn or white) but is the coaching staff ready to add him to an already crowded back field? I honestly, don't know that answer, I do know they would love his kick return ability (as would I), but how will Dolfans respond if they perceive him that way... obviously, I'm not saying he's ted ginn, but could you imagine if Spiller doesn't play like Percy at the next level and the "B" word starts to get thrown around.  It could a hugely negative impact on the Trifecta standing in S. Florida."</span>

    I think we are not that set at RB as many fans thing we are.  Ronnie can't seem to stay healthy on a consistent bases, and Ricky wears out if he has to carry the load.  Lex athough he looked OK when he had a chance is still an unknown for the team.  Plus with Ricky retiring and Ronnie in limbo with the CBA and a contract expiring who is to say he has many more years with the team ?  So I don't see us as being set at RB.

    This is the real point of my responce to you.  Why should any of us fans be worried about the trifecta staying with the team ?  If they draft players that turn out to be busts they should be sent packing.  It's their job to make the correct choices on FAs and draft picks.  If they show with their picks they can not make the correct choices why must we worry about them being here at all.

    All I want to see, is the team to be able to compete at a playoff level.  Why is it so important to do it with the current players on the team or with the current management team ?  Who cares ?  If the Dolphins are not able to compete at that level I would hope the owner has the balls to make a change.

    I still think the Trifecta are the right group for this team, but if we are unable to reach the level of play to compete in the playoffs.  Then I say send them packing we fans have no vested interest in any players or the management.

    Mr Davis of the Oakland Raiders says it best "  Just Win Baby  "  If they do that, they will keep their jobs if not !!  Say
    Goodbye.....

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  57. Fang,

    I actually agree with you. If your picks are bust then you should be sent packing.

    What I was saying was I don't think the trifecta want to gamble or maybe deviate would be a better word from their formula (which is extra large sized, football passionate guys). Now. I'm not questioning Spillers love for football (and in fact I really like the potential he offers), I'm just saying I don't see the Trifecta "deviating" from their blueprint to take him so early, but who knows maybe they do and if that's the case, I'm happy with the selection (and will watch every second of video of him on the internet over and over again getting amped to see him play for the fins).

    Also, I mentioned this on a previous post, but I think they do bring in another RB this year to compete with Cobbs, Lex, and Kory Sheets. Also, elite RBs don't need to be groomed so if we truly need a play making RB in 2011, then I say we draft one in 2011.

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  58. Fang, 

    Also, when you say "<span>All I want to see, is the team to be able to compete at a playoff level. "</span>


     Yo tambien! I've been a dolphins fan (Miami native, born 1980) since day 1 and I'm just dying to celebrate a Super Bowl win. My Dad saw both in the 70s first hand and I'm sure he's looking forward to seeing some more too.

    I honestly don't care how they do it, I'd just love to see it happen (I did really enjoy sweeping the Jets last year though, I say every season the goals are as follows 1.) Super Bowl win goal 2.) Beating the crap out of New Jersey.

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