Miami Dolphins News and Notes, Tuesday 1/18

Jan. 18 News and Notes no comments

With the unofficially hiring of Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator, the Miami Dolphins might keep quiet on the news front for a while.  We say unofficial because the Dolphins haven’t made the news official yet.  With the last major piece of the coaching staff in place, the Dolphins can now start to plan and strategize how they will attack the 2011 offseason.  As soon as news breaks, we’ll have it here at Phinnation.com and on Twitter @phinnation.  Here’s a look at what’s going on today in Phin Nation:

Pennington not pulling a Favre

Yesterday we received news that a crafty old veteran quarterback turned in his retirement papers.  Hopefully he (Favre) stays retired this time!  The Dolphins backup quarterback, Chad Pennington, he of the 3 shoulder surgeries, has decided he wants to try to play again.  Many thought Pennington could be looking at a coaching position (QB coach?) for the Dolphins in 2011.  But it seems that he is ready to get back on the football field as a player.

Misi, Jerry, Long Honored

Congrats to Koa Misi and John Jerry as they have been named to the Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie Team.  Special congratulations to Jake Long who was named the All-NFL Left Tackle.  Great job gentlemen!

Daboll is growing on People

As soon as the news broke about Brian Daboll becoming the next OC of the Dolphins we had a similar reaction to many others.  Who is Brian Daboll and what has he done to earn the OC position?  As we learn more about him and the reasons for his hiring, we may change our minds.  Greg Cote of the Herald writes a good article about why Daboll could give a lift to the offense that looked so terrible in 2010.  In addition, Brian at PhinPhanatic.com has calmed down a bit and realizes the hire might not be as bad as it seems.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @phinnation for the latest Dolphins news

Daboll is the Dolphins New Offensive Coordinator, what does that mean?

Jan. 18 Opinion no comments

We have to say, the ESPN news that the Miami Dolphins will select Brian Daboll as their new Offensive Coordinator, has sent shockwaves throughout Phin Nation.  The reaction that we’ve heard is that Dolfans are disappointed by the hire.  We aren’t 100% sure what the motivations were for Tony Sparano and Jeff Ireland.  However, as ThePhinsider.com points out, while we are unsure of exactly what Daboll will bring, it is wrong to not give the guy a chance.   Like we said yesterday when we wrote our initial post on the Daboll hire, we weren’t in the interview room.  We do not know what plan Daboll laid out for the Dolphins brain-trust.

So what ‘might’ have been in the plan that Daboll laid out?  Perhaps he told the Dolphins brass that he knows how to fix the Dolphins offense.  Perhaps spreading the field out and going 4 wide can help improve the running game by taking defenders out of the box.  Perhaps he told the Dolphins brass that he knows the New England Patriots and New York Jets inside and out.  He did coach for both teams within the last 6 years.  Also, he did put up 20 points on the Jets (L) and 34 points on the Patriots (W).  He did this with a less talented team in Cleveland than the Dolphins have.  Further, the Browns would likely have won both games if they don’t fumble in OT, when in field goal range.

We’re not defending the hire.  Far from it.  We have concerns, just like many other members of Phin Nation.  Daboll’s offenses did rank 32nd in 2009 and 29th in 2010 in total offense.  All we’re saying is that there must be a reason that Sparano and Ireland decided to hitch their trailer to Daboll, when they know that their jobs are on the line in 2011.  The official announcement hasn’t even been made yet.  We haven’t heard from the Dolphins brass on the reasons for the hire.  The best thing we can do is wait and see.   Unfortunately, we’ve been down this waiting road before.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @phinnation for the latest Dolphins news

Breaking News: Brian Daboll named Dolphins Offensive Coordinator

Jan. 17 Breaking News no comments

ESPN’s Chris Mortenson is reporting that the Miami Dolphins will hire Brian Daboll as their next Offensive Coordinator.  Yesterday Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com tweeting that his ‘guess’ for the next OC of the Dolphins would be Brian Daboll.  Official news of the hiring should be announced in the next day or so by the Miami Dolphins.  We don’t know what went on in the interview room or what Daboll did to sell himself to the braintrust (Sparano and Ireland), but we are not very excited by this hire.

dawgpounddaily.com

So who is Brian Daboll?  Daboll is 35 years old and will turn 36 in April.  He has most recently coached under Eric Mangini in Cleveland in 2009 and 2010 as their offensive coordinator.  He didn’t exactly impress there, leading the 2009 Browns to the worst Total Offense in the league (32nd, 260 yards per game).  In 2010, it wasn’t much better.  The Browns offense ‘improved’ to 29th overall in offense, totaling 289 yards per game.  His resume doesn’t exactly make him the sure fire fix the Miami Dolphins were looking for.

Before ending up in Cleveland, Daboll spent time as the wide receivers coach in New England from 2002-2006 and the Jets QB coach afterwards.

He’s a young, likely inexpensive Offensive Coordinator.  Would he even have had another opportunity if not for the Dolphins?  We can’t say that.  We think he would have been a better option at QB Coach for the Dolphins, but the Offensive Coordinator?  We wonder what Stephen Ross had to say about this hire.  He was the one who proclaimed the Dolphins would be more exciting on offense.  How could he have signed off on this hire, for a coordinator who’s track record isn’t exactly stellar.  This certainly is a bit of a head scratching decision by a regime that needs to show progress quickly.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @phinnation for the latest Dolphins news

Miami Dolphins Offensive Coordinator Update, 1/17

Jan. 17 News and Notes no comments

The Miami Dolphins are spending the 2010 playoffs at home.  However, they aren’t sitting idly by, waiting for something to happen.  The Dolphins have been interviewing a wide range of candidates to fill their Offensive Coordinator position, left vacant by the part of the team and Dan Henning.  Stephen Ross proclaimed that he wants the Dolphins offense to be more explosive and dynamic.  With this proclamation, Ross essentially told the Dolphins’ regime that they have to change their way of thinking on offense.  This, is a welcome sign.

chicagobearsreview.com

The Dolphins have interviewed a list of candidates thus far, including John Garrett, Rob Chudzinski, Brad Childress, Brian Daboll, and Chris Palmer.  A curious tweet yesterday by Omar Kelly suggested that Rob Chudzinski is the front-runner for the Offensive Coordinator position in Miami.  However, it should be highlighted that Chudzinski remains good friends with Ron Rivera, the recently hired coach of the Carolina Panthers.  And, oh yeah, the Panthers are in need of an Offensive Coordinator too.  So while the Dolphins may have Chud on the top of their wish list, it is possible that the Dolphins are not at the top of his.

Many Dolphins fans want Brad Childress to bring the success to South Beach that he had with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this century.  There are a few problems with Childress landing in Miami.  1st, he runs a West Coast offense that would likely mean quite a bit of personnel change for the Dolphins.  2nd, he is still being paid by the Vikings.  He’s being paid by the Vikings whether he coaches in the NFL or sits on his couch and eats potato chips.  So what would his motivation be?  Perhaps to prove he’s still got it?  No one knows for sure.

We also found out that the Dolphins can cross John Garrett off their list, as he has informed the team that he will return to the Dallas Cowboys in 2011 to serve under his brother, Jason Garrett.

One coach that won’t be going to Dallas, is Dolphins secondary coach, Todd Bowles.  He interviewed for the Dallas defensive coordinator position that has reportedly gone to Rob Ryan.

One of our favorite candidates has not been associated with the Dolphins in ANY reports yet.  Mike Leach.  Yes, that Mike Leach.  The former coach at Texas Tech.  PhinPhanatic makes the case for Leach in their post today.  We wholeheartedly agree.  We think that Leach could bring the type of exciting offense the Dolphins owner (and fans!) are looking for.   This is exactly the type of risk Jeff Ireland and Tony Sparano should be taking, as we wrote about earlier today.

Follow us on Twitter @phinnation for the latest on the coaching search

Miami Dolphins can learn from the NY Jets

Jan. 17 News and Notes no comments

We can’t believe we just wrote that either.  But watching the New York Jets win another playoff game means one thing for Miami Dolphins fans: Another week of chatter.  Yes, the Jets winning on Sunday means that the Dolphins, their fans, and all NFL fans, will have to put up with another week of the Jets boisterous, chest puffing talk.  We can only hope that the Steelers can beat them on Sunday….Wishful thinking.  As happy as we were to see the Patriots knocked out of the playoffs, did we really want to see the freaking Jets win?  We didn’t, that’s for sure.  But give the Jets credit, they went up to Foxboro and manhandled Tom Brady and the Patriots.  They cashed the check their mouths wrote.

Before the game yesterday we thought that the Jets were the team that the Dolphins had a better chance of catching in 2011.  We thought the Pats and their 14-2 record and 6 draft picks in the first 3 rounds of the April Draft would be still be a juggernaut.  While that still may be true, the Dolphins have a lot to do before football kicks off in Miami in September.  There is a lot of uncertainty in the league surrounding the CBA.  No trades can be made, even draft picks, until the CBA is announced.  No players can be free agents, unless they are released.  Even draft picks selected cannot be signed until the CBA is finalized.

Looking ahead, it’s clear that the Jets gambled this past offseason and are still on a possible Super Bowl run.  They have A LOT of players with expiring contracts (Brad Smith, Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, David Harris, etc.).  Will the new CBA mean that they lose most of those players?  Only time will tell.  But what we do know is that the Jets have a better quarterback than the Dolphins right now.  They also have a better (albeit larger and more loose lipped) head coach than the Dolphins right now.  Isn’t the QB/Head Coach combination one of the most important in football?  Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, Chuck Knoll and Terry Bradshaw, this list goes on.   The Miami Dolphins have a good head coach, we really like Tony Sparano, but he must find the QB that can make the team dynamic….and he must find him soon.

So what can the Miami Dolphins learn from the Jets good fortune?  Well, the regime can realize that taking risks is sometimes how you can reap the biggest rewards.  Perhaps it’s wise to trade up to get a quarterback in the Draft instead of settling for one in the 2nd round.  Perhaps is worthwhile to sign an aging running back with a hunger to be a champion.  Perhaps it’s okay to take a run at a dynamic receiver, even if he has a looming suspension.  Okay, okay, the Dolphins did gamble and trade 2 second round picks for Brandon Marshall.  That’s a step in the right direction.  But more must be done this offseason.  More chances taken.  We know this.  The Dolphins’ regime knows this.  Keep in mind that Tony Sparano and Jeff Ireland must show marked improvement in 2011 to keep their jobs.  For Dolphins’ fans, another season of non playoff football and our lives will go on.  For the Dolphins’ regime, their jobs will be lost if the Dolphins don’t make the playoffs. We should expect only the best from the Miami Dolphins in 2011.  With no playoff football, that’s all we’re left with, expecting and believing.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @phinnation for the latest Dolphins news

Miami Dolphins News and Notes, Sunday 1/16

Jan. 16 News and Notes no comments

Watching all of these other teams play this weekend adds to the aggravation of being a fan of the Miami Dolphins.  I know it will happen, and I know it will likely happen soon, but until the Dolphins are serious playoff contenders again, this stinks!  Anyway, here are some Dolphins related stories that I thought were interesting, along with our thoughts:

Tougher Rebuilding Now?

Armando Salguero proclaims something that we have been saying for some time.  It’s easier to go from terrible to decent than it is to go from good to great in the NFL.  The Dolphins were turned around quickly from the 1-15 disaster that was 2007.  For 2011, it’s actually tougher to improve the team to take it to the next step; Championship caliber football.

So Faaar Awaaaay

Dave Hyde discusses the Pats/Jets matchup this afternoon and says that it will show the Miami Dolphins, just how far away they are from being serious contenders.  Truth be told, we don’t think the Dolphins are THAT far away.  From the Pats, yes, the Phins have a lot of catching up to do.  But the Dolphins can finish ahead of the Jets, NEXT YEAR.

Running Back Dilemma in 2011

Dolphinshout.com takes a look at the Running Back quandary the Dolphins face for 2011.  Ricky Williams has basically talked his way out of town.  Ronnie Brown wants a big contract, so both could be gone.  Who will the Dolphins have toting the rock in 2011?

Dolphins What If’s

PhinPhanatic.com takes a look at many of the What Ifs that have tormented us as Dolphins fans over the last few seasons.  Chad Henne and Jake Long over Matt Ryan?  Daunte Culpepper over Drew Brees.  There are a slew of What Ifs with this franchise.  Maybe someday soon other franshises will be second guessing themselves for players that actually ended up in Miami.

NFL Divisional Matchups from the Dolphins View

Jan. 15 Opinion no comments

As fans of the Miami Dolphins, we sit here on January 15th with our favorite team sitting at home at playoff time. The Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game in what seems like an eternity. Sure, Chad Pennington came to Miami in 2008 and led the Dolphins to a AFC East Title and an 11-5 regular season record. However, the Miami Dolphins were torn apart by the Baltimore Ravens that year in the first round of the playoffs.

So, as we watch the ‘Big Boys’ enter the playoffs this week, we can look at how much work needs to be done in Miami for the Dolphins to reach this level of the postseason. In fact, of the 8 remaining teams in the playoffs, the Dolphins faced 6 of them. The Dolphins played a total of 8 games against the teams that are still playing this weekend. They went a combined 2-6, with wins over the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers. They lost to the Bears, Steelers, Jets, Patriots at home. They also lost in New England and in Baltimore. If you are going to join the big boys and go deep into the playoffs, you have to beat them in the regular season…especially at home. The Dolphins didn’t do that, so they are watching games on TV instead of playing in them.

Here’s our look at the 4 games this weekend, along with our predictions sure to go wrong:

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
The Dolphins weren’t competitive in the game against the Ravens. We all know what happened in Miami against the Steelers. I was actually sitting near the end zone where the disputed fumble happened. The Dolphins should have won that game against Pittsburgh. We believe the Steelers, with a week off, should prevail in this matchup. It’s likely to be a tough, brutal, hard hitting game.  The rest should help the Steelers prevail.  We’ll say 24-16 Steelers.

Green Bay Packers @ Atlanta Falcons

The Dolphins didn’t play the Falcons, but they did beat the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau this year.  Granted, the Packers had a number of injuries, but they’ve had them all year.  The Falcons don’t usually lose at home.  In fact, Matty Ice has only lost twice at home since becoming the starter in Atlanta.  We’ll go with the Falcons here, 31-24.

Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears

The Seahawks surprised everyone last week, beating the New Orleans Saints in Seattle.  Shocked everyone is more likely.  They are looking to move onto the NFC Title game, with a 7-9 regular season record.  The Dolphins didn’t play them this year, but we wish they would have!  The Dolphins did play the Bears and got whitewashed at home 16-0 with Tyler Thigpen at quarterback.  We think the Bears are going to win a close game, let’s say 24-21.

New York Jets @ New England Patriots

You all know this already, but the Dolphins went a combined 1-3 against these two teams.  We’ve enjoyed the trash talking back and forth this week between the two, as they have said what many of us think!  Word out today is that a bounty could be on Wes Welker’s head for his comments on Thursday.  We’ll be pulling for the Pats because we hate the Jets even more.  We don’t think a repeat of the 45-3 will happen, but the Pats should prevail 30-21.

So there you have it, we picked all of the home teams and favorites.  History tells us that at least one of those picks will be wrong.  At least one home team in the divisional round has lost in the last few years.  Enjoy the non-Miami Dolphins football this weekend….Maybe next year we’ll have a game to talk about!

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @phinnation for the latest news on the Dolphins OC search

One Dolphins fan’s appreciation of the NE Patriots and NY Jets

Jan. 14 Opinion no comments

As a fan of the Miami Dolphins, it is hard for me to sit at home on Sundays during the NFL playoffs, watching other teams play.  The Dolphins missed the playoffs the last 2 years and even the year that they made it, 2008, they weren’t competitive against the Baltimore Ravens.  Living in New Jersey, I’m surrounded by NY Jets fans.  I am forced to listen to sports radio and hear Jets fans call in and boast how great their team is.  But this is nothing new for Jets fans.  They have been an annoying bunch since before Rex Ryan ever showed up.

Patriots fans aren’t much better.  However, at least the Patriots are a winning organization.  They have Super Bowl trophies to show off.  The Jets, they just talk for the sake of talking.  Don’t get me wrong, as a Miami Dolphins fan I hate both teams.  I hate the Pats for how good they have been since Brady and the hooded one took over.  I hate the Jets because they run their mouths like Ricky Williams used to run.  Having said all that, it has been comical this week to hear the two hated rivals voicing their disdain for one another through the media.

The latest poking came from former Miami Dolphin, Wes Welker.  He didn’t do it in as direct a manner as the Jets seem to do.  But reporters and any average fan could tell what he was getting at in his press interview yesterday.  Take a look for yourself:

It all started with Rex Ryan.  He truly believes in his own hype.  He believes the New York Jets are the best team in football.  He also believes that saying it will make it happen.  In that case, I want to win the lottery because I believe I’m going to win the lottery…I hope to claim my winnings tomorrow…

Rex Ryan said earlier this week that this match-up is between him and Bill Belichick. He took responsibility for the Jets 45-3 thrashing a month ago in Foxboro.  He essentially said that the personnel on both teams was equal.  Yeah, Tom Brady vs. Mark Sanchez is a toss up, Rex! Belichick responded by saying that neither he, nor Rex would be making any tackles or blocks on Sunday…..Well maybe not Rex, but what about Sal Alosi?

Then, Antonio Cromartie basically called Tom Brady an expletive that we can’t write in this space. If you want to read that story, you can check here. Brady rebutted calmly by saying that he’s been called worse. It would have been even better if he said “I’ve been called worse by better players”.  He didn’t.

What all of this has shown us is that the Jets will continue to talk.  The Patriots will talk, but in a more subtle manner.  As Miami Dolphins fans, it’s great to sit back and watch them bash each other, because it’s quite comical.  In fact, the two teams are saying things that many Dolfans are thinking!

If you missed our Dolphins news and notes for today, you can check them out here

Follow us on Twitter @PhinNation for the latest news and analysis of the Miami Dolphins!

Miami Dolphins News and Notes, Friday 1/14

Jan. 14 News and Notes no comments

It may be the offseason, but there is a lot to write and talk about regarding the Miami Dolphins.  They are currently conducting a search for offensive assistants, including a new offensive coordinator.  The Dolphins are also in the process of reviewing the 2010 season and grading each player on the team to see who they want on the 2011 roster.  While the Dolphins are working as if there will be a season in 2011, there is the chance that the NFL Owners will lockout the players.  This means that no one has any idea what the new Collective Bargaining Agreement will look like.  Here’s a look at some of the happenings in Miami regarding the Dolphins:

Cam Newton is NOT the answer

Armando Salguero discusses the pros and cons of Cam Newton, before coming to the conclusion that he is NOT the answer for the Miami Dolphins.  The evaluation process is just starting with Newton, but we think he could, one day, be a good pro.  The problem is that with Newton there are a lot of red flags and many ‘experts’ think that he will take time to groom.  However, keep in mind that for the Dolphins current management (Sparano and Ireland), it’s win now mode.  If they want a mobile QB, Vince Young of Donovan McNabb, if available, would likely be the Dolphins choice.

Hiring Childress could mean Kolb or McNabb?

As we discussed yesterday, the Miami Dolphins have an interview set up for tomorrow with former Vikings HC, Brad Childress.  Before becoming the Minnesota HC, Childress was the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia where he successfully called plays with Donovan McNabb as his quarterback.  McNabb is expected to be available this offseason after falling out of favor with Mike Shanahan in Washington.  Another West Coast style QB could also be available, Philadelphia’s Kevin Kolb.  Kolb is the backup to Comeback Player of the Year, Michael Vick, and isn’t too happy about it. This was supposed to be Kolb’s year to start and take over the Eagles.  However, Vick’s emergence as a Pro Bowler shelved that idea.  This year Kolb had 7 TDs and 7 INTs and had a QB rating of 76.1.  The Eagles are said to want a 1st round pick for Kolb, which they will not get.  He’ll likely get traded for a 2nd or a 3rd rounder, which we still think is too much.

OC Update/QB Coach Update

Most of this article is news that you’ve already read.  It discusses the 5 candidates for the Dolphins offensive coordinator position.  But, we found the last paragraph of the article interesting.  Ben Volin says that Daboll, Palmer, and Garrett have a better chance of landing as the QB coach while Childress and Chudzinski are more likely to be the offensive coordinator.  Interesting.

New OC will need a new QB

DolphinsShout.com takes a look at the possibilities at the QB position and gives an opinion on who might best fit in Miami.  They argue that the offensive coordinator can only do so much with the lone QB remaining on the Dolphins roster, Chad Henne.  We all know that an upgrade is needed.  But who will it be?

Check back later today as we have a video that you do not want to miss. It’s really Must See TV!

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @phinnation for the latest Dolphins news

Offensive Coordinator Update: Childress to speak with Dolphins

Jan. 13 News and Notes no comments

Give the Miami Dolphins credit, as they conduct their search for their next Offensive Coordinator.  They are certainly leaving no stone unturned!  ESPN is reporting that the Dolphins will interview former Minnesota Vikings Head Coach, Brad Childress, on Saturday for their OC position.  Childress was fired earlier this season after falling out of favor with Brett Favre and the Vikings Owner.  Childress runs a West Coast style offense that proved very successful in Philadelphia.  He was the Offensive Coordinator when the Eagles were going to all of those NFC Championship games.  If he’s hired, we can already see the tweets and blog posts speculating that Donovan McNabb will be the next QB to bring his talents to South Beach.  The problem with that scenario is that McNabb would be one of the only players that knows Childress’ system.  And with the lockout looming, there might not be OTAs, mini-camps, etc. to install a new system for the entire offense. We’re talking hypothetically at this point though, Childress hasn’t even spoken with the team yet.

ciskie.blogspot.com

The Sun Sentinel reports that Tony Sparano has spoken with his protege, Chris Palmer about the position.  Yesterday, the team is said to have interviewed John Garrett, TE coach for the Dallas Cowboys and Brian Daboll, OC of the Cleveland Browns.

The hottest name in the Offensive Coordinator market is probably Rob Chudzinski, OC of the San Diego Chargers.  Although, he is probably a long shot to end up in Miami, as he will likely take his services to Carolina.  Earlier this week the Panthers named Ron Rivera their head coach.  Rivera was previously on the Chargers staff with Chudzinski, so there are ties there.  If Miami thinks Chudzinski is the best man for the job, they will likely need Stephen Ross to open up his wallet to get him.

One thing is certain, whomever the Dolphins select as their next Offensive Coordinator will have his work cut out for him.  The Dolphins have some talented receivers, but need to identify a quarterback, 1-2 running backs, and a few interior lineman.  With new players and a potentially shortened offseason program, it will be difficult for major changes in Miami.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @phinnation for the latest Dolphins news