Miami Dolphin fans watch the ugly business of shedding contracts hoping it ends in a sustainable winning team. The Dolphins have dominated free agent signing many times in a twenty stretch of mediocrity without fielding a playoff caliber roster. Finally recognizing that building teams through free agency is not a winning formula in the NFL, Miami embarks on an interesting journey through the minefields of the NFL draft.
"Building through the draft," has a wonderful sound to it, but selecting which human is best prepared for the rigors of NFL football, is an inexact science at the very least, a guessing game at best. Agents have become teachers, processing players through a myriad of classes designed to provide answers to questions in preparation to present the perfect football player. How can a person be courteous and kind, yet mean as rabid pit-bull.
It's an interesting dichotomy...
Meeting face-to-face with prospects about to become the team's future is essential when failure is fatal. Attempts to trip up scripted responses have led to interesting questions. Jeff Ireland's callus inquiries about Dez Bryant's mother, or whether a player prefers men, or how many cars did he steal, have made headlines for all the wrong reasons. In reality, these meetings have little bearing on whether a prospect will make a great professional. During the pageantry, they are actors auditioning, not players playing.
Miami Dolphin fans can relate to Dion Jordan as a great example of all that can go wrong. When it seems too good to be true, it probably is. The Dolphins were picking 12th in 2013 and the Raiders were willing to accept Miami's 12th and 42nd pick to give Miami the 3rd overall pick. One look at these names is all you need to know the Dolphins should have traded down, instead of trading up.
1 Eric Fisher OT
2 Luke Joeckel OT
3 Dion Jordan DE
4 Lane Johnson OT
5 Ezekiel Ansah DE
6 Barkevious Mingo OLB
7 Jonathan Cooper OG
8 avon Austin WR
9 Dee Milliner CB
10 Chance Warmack OG
11 D.J. Fluker OT
12 D.J. Hayden CB
13 Sheldon Richardson DE
14 Star Lotulelei DT
15 Kenny Vaccaro SS
16 EJ Manuel QB
17 Jarvis Jones OLB
18 Eric Reid FS
19 Justin Pugh OT
20 Kyle Long OG
21 Tyler Eifert TE
22 Desmond Trufant CB
23 Sharrif Floyd DT
24 Bjoern Werner OLB
25 Xavier Rhodes CB
26 Datone Jones DE
27 DeAndre Hopkins WR
28 Sylvester Williams DT
29 Cordarrelle Patterson WR
30 Alec Ogletree OLB
31 Travis Frederick C
32 Matt Elam FS
The Dolphins committed the Cardinal Sin of selecting a player based on his measurements and combine numbers. They overlooked the player's obvious troubles, exacerbated by bringing that player within reach of South Beach. Jordan cost Miami picks 12 and 42. Imagine if they had traded down for a couple of 2nds, here are few names selected later in 2013.
35 Zach Ertz TE
37 Giovani Bernard RB
46 Kiko Alonso MLB
48 Le'Veon Bell RB
57 D.J. Swearinger SS
61 Eddie Lacy RB
63 Travis Kelce TE
69 Tyrann Mathieu FS
71 T.J. McDonald SS
76 Keenan Allen WR
85 Jordan Reed TE
Miami actually ended up paying two of these players premium free agent contracts. The problem in today's selection process is placing too much weight on profile numbers and not enough on what's on film. Jeff Ireland's glaring example with Dion Jordan should serve as the poster child for every want-to-be general manager.
It is obvious, Ireland was unprepared for the 3rd pick in that draft. Looking at the first round players, Oakland knew every player in the 3rd slot could be had with the 12th or indeed, the 42nd pick. There were some good offensive linemen at the top of that draft, but Ireland was under pressure to make something happen. He had submarined his coach in a power play, leaving his owner hanging out to dry. Ireland needed to take a chance. In the end, it cost him his job and very nearly his career.
Oakland ended up with D.J. Hayden and Menelik Watson. Watson never turned into much, but Hayden has been a starter in the league since that draft. What rings true is, there are very few can't miss prospects. The only position worth taking risks on is the quarterback. The irony is, there was only one QB taken in the 1st round of that draft, EJ Manuel. In fact, there was only one QB taken in the second round, Geno Smith. Not one true starting QB came from the 2013 draft.
If the only reason to trade up is for a QB, Jeff Ireland did it in the poorest NFL QB draft class in the last twenty years. Ireland believing Ryan Tannehill was a franchise quarterback in 2012, created a disaster from which, the Miami Dolphins have yet to recover.
The reason for this comparison is only two possible franchise QBs are available in this draft, Dwayne Haskins and Kyler Murray. Neither of these QBs is an absolute sure thing which means, the teams at the top of this draft will be looking to opt-out.
Miami must not, for any reason become a player in these reindeer games. The second and third rounds of this draft overflow with talent and this is the prefect year to forget the splash and trade down.
Tyrod Taylor and Teddy Bridgewater have both opted for contracts as backup quarterbacks rather than join the Miami Dolphins as a one-year starter.
The term "placeholder quarterback" has become vogue when discussing the position in Miami. Miami is looking to stock draft picks in the coming years and the most painful way to do that is by losing starters through free agency and not replacing them. This creates opportunities for compensatory draft picks the following year.
If Taylor or Bridgewater was a starting free agent QB in Miami (and indeed, they would) then it would displace the loss of Wake or James. Those two players will start on other teams and by not replacing them, Miami earns compensatory draft picks.
Bridgewater or his agent may have an over inflated idea of his value, but if a QB is coming to a team as the starter, than he should be paid as a starter. Why get killed and not get paid? Miami is not willing to pay a placeholder quarterback and hence, they have no incentive to come to Miami.
The press will malign the Dolphins as a place no quarterback is willing to play. The truth is, this is the pain Miami must endure to erase the errors reaching all the way back to Jeff Ireland.
It's interesting how none of this is ever tied to a man named Bill Parcells, but it was Parcells who began the downhill run. Parcells hired Ireland and Sparano (RIP) without understanding, once Jeff Ireland smelled the scent of power, the strength would overwhelm him.
The Dolphins swapped their 6th round pick for a 7th round pick in the 2019 draft and obtained a 4th round pick in the 2020 draft in trade for QB Ryan Tannehill.
The Dolphins understand, 2019 is not going to be a pretty season so why add players now. It means a QB position manned with marginal talent that will not impair the ability to obtain compensatory draft picks. It also assures the team will not be very good.
It's going to be a tough ride for Miami fans... Rigorously adhering to a plan is painful but there is some relief. In the past, Miami was under the illusion of being constantly one player away from a playoff team. They did not seem to understand the difference between a minor playoff team and a Super Bowl caliber team. The new regime clearly understands this difference and it starts at quarterback.
The quest to find a great quarterback in the draft, begins now...
Buckle your seatbelts, it's going to be an interesting ride Miami Dolphin fans!
Showing posts with label Jeff Ireland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeff Ireland. Show all posts
To Keep, or Not to Keep?
Ladies and Gentlemen. We bring you deep passages from the memoirs of Tony Nicoletti.
I noticed that there was some discussion after my last blog, (Fear Not Dolphin Fans. The Miami Dolphins Will Rise Again!) regarding all the quality players that Joe Philbin has let go of, during his first few years with the Miami Dolphins. While none of us necessarily agree with all the moves that were made, you do have to give him credit for being decisive and holding to a specific vision of what he is trying to accomplish in Miami.
Who's to to say that Joe Philbins, (previous GM, Jeff Ireland) or current GM Dennis Hickey's personnel decisions were bad moves. Especially, those that involved players who were a cancer to the team. Being the new head coach with the Dolphins, Joe Philbin inherited a bunch of leftovers from the, "Tony Sparano" era in 2012. The wholesale housecleaning was going to have to be done sooner or later. Fortunately, it happened sooner.
A change of scenery can be a wake up call for marginal players and some of them wisely, got their act together for their new ball clubs. Their new Coaches/GM's knew of what kind of baggage they were getting with these players. It was already determined that their skill set is needed and welcomed, despite some of their negative traits. However, specific ground rules and incentives are put in place to encourage these players to make the best of their new opportunity, thus taking some of the gamble out of recruiting them. And many of these players also came to realize that this is or may be their last chance and if they screw up they could very will be out of the NFL, altogether. That is why it is not uncommon for these players to prosper with their new team.
We all know that there will always be, "divas" and, "me first" type players in the game. It's part of their competitive nature. I believe the better coaches find ways to incorporate these talented yet, troublesome players into their game plan. They have the ability to determine if the gifts, talents and upside these players bring to the table are worth being patient and working around their eccentricities.
Trouble makers, questionable character on and off the field and all the things that undermine and detract from the goals that a coach is trying to establish with his team, can not be tolerated. And unfortunately, when a coach first takes over a franchise, these are things that he has to assess and weed out quickly. In many instances, he doesn't have the time to sit down with each and every player to make that determination. Especially during the off season when he is trying to familiarize himself with his new surroundings, assemble a coaching staff and get every one on the same page. And then there is the fact that they may have as many as 90+ players at some point, all trying out for the team.
An astute coach can ascertain whether divas are for real or just full of themselves. If they are being selfish in their demands to be a bigger part of the game plan or if there is a possibility they really can contribute more, (if given the chance). They can also tell if it is frustration that causes a player to complain and act out in ways that are unbecoming to a team, and when it is necessary to discipline them or just let them blow off some steam.
Case in point: Mike Wallace.
He is not so much the diva that many top wide receivers are. He tries to put on airs that he is a team player. He has a good work ethic and no, "off the field" issues. He hasn't been as spectacular catching the deep ball as he was with the Steelers. (Catching only about 25% of the long passes that were thrown his way last season). He is not known for being a receiver that will go up and fight for the ball. (Although in 2014, he has shown that he is willing to be aggressive and fight for extra yardage after the catch). It's not certain what really took place in that final game when he was benched in the second half because he supposedly, quit on the team.
To Wallace's credit, he's been successful in his new role and has contributed greatly to this offense. He has demonstrated a willingness to adapt and has proven that he is not just a one trick pony, only capable of using his speed to get down the field to catch balls. But is his performance worth all those millions? His production certainly cannot easily be replaced, on the cheap. And Miami does need to recoup some cap space to bring in some free agent help. (Which makes him a potential target, being the highest paid player on the Dolphin roster). Of course, all of this may be a moot issue if Joe Philbin decides to let him go because of his disenchantment with how he is being utilized and occasional complaints to that end.
If Philbin and Hickey decide not to keep him, a trade is not likely to happen since his contract will come at too high a price for even the most desperate of teams to pick up. Chances are, Miami would wind up having to eat a big chunk of change and dead cap money if they let him go. But one has to wonder if he, (and players like Jared Odrick, who has also let his feelings be known as well) will be on the roster this season.
But as coach Philbin's tenure moves forward and hopefully, draws closer to molding the team into what he feels will be a competitive ball club, an occasion may arise where he has to make a tough decision on a difficult player, again. To summarily dismiss good, talented players is a waste of resources. Especially with a seasoned coach. It's one thing to draw the line and set an example for the rest of the team as to what will be acceptable behavior. But over time, these problems should diminish as the front office, coaching staff and players become better aware of what type of personnel and atmosphere he is trying to cultivate. I would like to think a coach should evolve enough to learn from his past mistakes with the many players that have come and gone.
It's easy in hindsight, to say that Philbin never should have let go of this or that player because they are now model citizens with their new team and/or went on to become great players. We should actually be happy for these reformed players. I mean, isn't it better to know that the players that were given a chance on the Dolphin roster at any given time, did have the potential to eventually play for another franchise? What would it say about the Dolphin recruiting department if a majority of it's choices were found to be unsuitable and could not make it in the NFL at all?
Selecting football players is a crap shoot. Sometimes a team has to sift through some crap to find a jewel and this Miami Dolphin's front office and coaching staff have uncovered a number of gems over the years. Players that do not necessarily fit the typical physical tangibles that are usually associated with a given position. They may lack size or speed but their willingness to work hard, study and prepare, more than compensates for any deficiencies they may have. (Charles Clay comes to mind). He is not the big bodied Tight End target that all coaches covet, but still manages to win his match ups and when healthy, is a defensive coordinators nightmare.
The Dolphins are not opposed to beating the bushes to find players through unconventional means. Cameron Wake, whom we acquired from the CFL is one such example. We have several players from small, obscure colleges that have shown tremendous promise and upside. Like Walt Aikens and Terrence Fede. And let's not forget the injured players that came to the Dolphins whom have become important fixtures on this team. We took a chance on Brent Grimes who was recovering from a serious injury, and on an injury prone Brandon Albert. Both of them are excellent players. (Hopefully, Albert will be again, after his return from major knee surgery).
So you see, Coaches and General Managers are constantly taking chances and gambling with players. Forever searching for the right personnel to fit their schemes, attitude and team identity. Every franchise has allowed a fair share of talented players to slip through their grasp. It is futile for head coaches and general managers to lament and second guess their decisions when they let these players go. All they can do is learn form their experiences, forge ahead and continue their quest to build the best roster they can. It's the nature of the game and how dynasties are made.
As fans, we don't get to see what is actually going on behind closed doors. We only see players come and go. Some of whom, do well with other teams. (Which can be a little puzzling and disconcerting). Rest assured, there are reasons why teams lets go of what appear to be, "good players".
There are instances where some teams have no choice. Cap space limitations or positions that they are well stocked in, force them to release these surplus players so they can free up roster and cap space to pursue other players that they need. Perhaps a new coach or coaching staff has been brought in with a different system which may require them to cut players that do not fit or cannot adapt to these new systems and schemes. It doesn't always mean that these free agents are flawed in some way and unworthy of a roster spot with their previous team.. You need to make room to bring in and develop new players. Sometimes it means getting rid of decent players, as well.
As I write this blog today, I am relieved to see an article claiming that Mike Wallace has been able to sit down with Dennis Hickey to discuss his future with the team. I'm glad that they are trying to work out their differences. I also saw a story about Jared Odrick. The Dolphins have approached him to negotiate a new contract to avoid losing him to free agency.
Could it be that Joe Philbin has finally reached the point in his coaching career with the Dolphins, where he is able and willing to deal with outspoken, problematic players instead of arbitrarily sending them down the road? It's about time.This is definitely a step in the right direction. I'm hoping the Miami Dolphins are able free up the cap space to secure the free agent/draft picks they need to make a push for the playoffs in 2015.
Only then can the question be answered: To Keep, or Not to Keep. Lets hope Joe Philbin and company are keepers!
Go Dolphins!
I noticed that there was some discussion after my last blog, (Fear Not Dolphin Fans. The Miami Dolphins Will Rise Again!) regarding all the quality players that Joe Philbin has let go of, during his first few years with the Miami Dolphins. While none of us necessarily agree with all the moves that were made, you do have to give him credit for being decisive and holding to a specific vision of what he is trying to accomplish in Miami.
Who's to to say that Joe Philbins, (previous GM, Jeff Ireland) or current GM Dennis Hickey's personnel decisions were bad moves. Especially, those that involved players who were a cancer to the team. Being the new head coach with the Dolphins, Joe Philbin inherited a bunch of leftovers from the, "Tony Sparano" era in 2012. The wholesale housecleaning was going to have to be done sooner or later. Fortunately, it happened sooner.
A change of scenery can be a wake up call for marginal players and some of them wisely, got their act together for their new ball clubs. Their new Coaches/GM's knew of what kind of baggage they were getting with these players. It was already determined that their skill set is needed and welcomed, despite some of their negative traits. However, specific ground rules and incentives are put in place to encourage these players to make the best of their new opportunity, thus taking some of the gamble out of recruiting them. And many of these players also came to realize that this is or may be their last chance and if they screw up they could very will be out of the NFL, altogether. That is why it is not uncommon for these players to prosper with their new team.
We all know that there will always be, "divas" and, "me first" type players in the game. It's part of their competitive nature. I believe the better coaches find ways to incorporate these talented yet, troublesome players into their game plan. They have the ability to determine if the gifts, talents and upside these players bring to the table are worth being patient and working around their eccentricities.
Trouble makers, questionable character on and off the field and all the things that undermine and detract from the goals that a coach is trying to establish with his team, can not be tolerated. And unfortunately, when a coach first takes over a franchise, these are things that he has to assess and weed out quickly. In many instances, he doesn't have the time to sit down with each and every player to make that determination. Especially during the off season when he is trying to familiarize himself with his new surroundings, assemble a coaching staff and get every one on the same page. And then there is the fact that they may have as many as 90+ players at some point, all trying out for the team.
An astute coach can ascertain whether divas are for real or just full of themselves. If they are being selfish in their demands to be a bigger part of the game plan or if there is a possibility they really can contribute more, (if given the chance). They can also tell if it is frustration that causes a player to complain and act out in ways that are unbecoming to a team, and when it is necessary to discipline them or just let them blow off some steam.
Case in point: Mike Wallace.
He is not so much the diva that many top wide receivers are. He tries to put on airs that he is a team player. He has a good work ethic and no, "off the field" issues. He hasn't been as spectacular catching the deep ball as he was with the Steelers. (Catching only about 25% of the long passes that were thrown his way last season). He is not known for being a receiver that will go up and fight for the ball. (Although in 2014, he has shown that he is willing to be aggressive and fight for extra yardage after the catch). It's not certain what really took place in that final game when he was benched in the second half because he supposedly, quit on the team.
To Wallace's credit, he's been successful in his new role and has contributed greatly to this offense. He has demonstrated a willingness to adapt and has proven that he is not just a one trick pony, only capable of using his speed to get down the field to catch balls. But is his performance worth all those millions? His production certainly cannot easily be replaced, on the cheap. And Miami does need to recoup some cap space to bring in some free agent help. (Which makes him a potential target, being the highest paid player on the Dolphin roster). Of course, all of this may be a moot issue if Joe Philbin decides to let him go because of his disenchantment with how he is being utilized and occasional complaints to that end.
If Philbin and Hickey decide not to keep him, a trade is not likely to happen since his contract will come at too high a price for even the most desperate of teams to pick up. Chances are, Miami would wind up having to eat a big chunk of change and dead cap money if they let him go. But one has to wonder if he, (and players like Jared Odrick, who has also let his feelings be known as well) will be on the roster this season.
But as coach Philbin's tenure moves forward and hopefully, draws closer to molding the team into what he feels will be a competitive ball club, an occasion may arise where he has to make a tough decision on a difficult player, again. To summarily dismiss good, talented players is a waste of resources. Especially with a seasoned coach. It's one thing to draw the line and set an example for the rest of the team as to what will be acceptable behavior. But over time, these problems should diminish as the front office, coaching staff and players become better aware of what type of personnel and atmosphere he is trying to cultivate. I would like to think a coach should evolve enough to learn from his past mistakes with the many players that have come and gone.
It's easy in hindsight, to say that Philbin never should have let go of this or that player because they are now model citizens with their new team and/or went on to become great players. We should actually be happy for these reformed players. I mean, isn't it better to know that the players that were given a chance on the Dolphin roster at any given time, did have the potential to eventually play for another franchise? What would it say about the Dolphin recruiting department if a majority of it's choices were found to be unsuitable and could not make it in the NFL at all?
Selecting football players is a crap shoot. Sometimes a team has to sift through some crap to find a jewel and this Miami Dolphin's front office and coaching staff have uncovered a number of gems over the years. Players that do not necessarily fit the typical physical tangibles that are usually associated with a given position. They may lack size or speed but their willingness to work hard, study and prepare, more than compensates for any deficiencies they may have. (Charles Clay comes to mind). He is not the big bodied Tight End target that all coaches covet, but still manages to win his match ups and when healthy, is a defensive coordinators nightmare.
The Dolphins are not opposed to beating the bushes to find players through unconventional means. Cameron Wake, whom we acquired from the CFL is one such example. We have several players from small, obscure colleges that have shown tremendous promise and upside. Like Walt Aikens and Terrence Fede. And let's not forget the injured players that came to the Dolphins whom have become important fixtures on this team. We took a chance on Brent Grimes who was recovering from a serious injury, and on an injury prone Brandon Albert. Both of them are excellent players. (Hopefully, Albert will be again, after his return from major knee surgery).
So you see, Coaches and General Managers are constantly taking chances and gambling with players. Forever searching for the right personnel to fit their schemes, attitude and team identity. Every franchise has allowed a fair share of talented players to slip through their grasp. It is futile for head coaches and general managers to lament and second guess their decisions when they let these players go. All they can do is learn form their experiences, forge ahead and continue their quest to build the best roster they can. It's the nature of the game and how dynasties are made.
As fans, we don't get to see what is actually going on behind closed doors. We only see players come and go. Some of whom, do well with other teams. (Which can be a little puzzling and disconcerting). Rest assured, there are reasons why teams lets go of what appear to be, "good players".
There are instances where some teams have no choice. Cap space limitations or positions that they are well stocked in, force them to release these surplus players so they can free up roster and cap space to pursue other players that they need. Perhaps a new coach or coaching staff has been brought in with a different system which may require them to cut players that do not fit or cannot adapt to these new systems and schemes. It doesn't always mean that these free agents are flawed in some way and unworthy of a roster spot with their previous team.. You need to make room to bring in and develop new players. Sometimes it means getting rid of decent players, as well.
As I write this blog today, I am relieved to see an article claiming that Mike Wallace has been able to sit down with Dennis Hickey to discuss his future with the team. I'm glad that they are trying to work out their differences. I also saw a story about Jared Odrick. The Dolphins have approached him to negotiate a new contract to avoid losing him to free agency.
Could it be that Joe Philbin has finally reached the point in his coaching career with the Dolphins, where he is able and willing to deal with outspoken, problematic players instead of arbitrarily sending them down the road? It's about time.This is definitely a step in the right direction. I'm hoping the Miami Dolphins are able free up the cap space to secure the free agent/draft picks they need to make a push for the playoffs in 2015.
Only then can the question be answered: To Keep, or Not to Keep. Lets hope Joe Philbin and company are keepers!
Go Dolphins!
Miami Dolphins Hire Defensive Line Coach Terrell Williams
The Miami Dolphins defensive line coach of the last seven seasons. (Kacy Rodgers) was lured to the New York Jets last week with a promotion to defensive coordinator (via friend, ex-Dolphin/Cardinals coach, and recently hired NYJ head coach Todd Bowles). Both Bowles and Rodgers came to Miami from Dallas in 2008 in care of Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland, and Tony Sparano.
Terrell Williams whom has held the same defensive line coach position with the Oakland Raiders from the 2012 thru 2014 seasons has been named as Rodgers' replacement for the Miami Dolphins.
Williams became one of many staff expendables with the Raiders hiring of a new head coach in the defensive minded Jack Del-Rio. Williams had actually accepted the highly touted Florida Gators Defensive Line Coach position previous to the Dolphins sudden need.
Born in 1974, Williams is just 40 years old while his only NFL job was that of the above mentioned in Oakland. He was a two year Nose Guard at East Carolina just 19 years ago from 1995 thru 1996. From 1998 to this day he has been a Defensive Line coach that has steadily rose through the ranks of collegiate as well as prestigious NFL venues with Oakland, and now Miami.
His Defensive Line Coach resume includes a 1998 stint at Fort Scott Community College which was followed by consistent steps up in class with two years at North Carolina A & T while also holding an internship with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars in 1999.
Two years at Youngstown State
Two years at Akron
Four years at Purdue
Two years at Texas A & M and then
2012 thru 2014 as the Oakland Raiders Defensive Line Coach.
Kacy Rodgers as an NFL Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle coach in 2003-2004, and defensive line coach since is five years older than Terrell Williams while having the same five years of additional overall coaching experience though at lesser collegiate venues.
With a far inferior cast of 4 - 3 schemed defensive line characters in Oakland! The Raiders versus an offensively superior division in both the run and passing game were 22nd in the league versus the rush while the similar 4 - 3 Dolphins defense ranked 24th.
Is this to be looked at as a fresh start with more upside, or a step backwards?
What does it mean as far as FA DT Jared Odrick's future Dolphin status is concerned?
Do you remember the televised verbal tongue lashing that Odrick bestowed upon Joe Philbin as Kacy Rodgers stood by with arms folded?
Thanks for an open minded read, and we look forward to your angle of view : )) !!
GOFINS!!!
Terrell Williams whom has held the same defensive line coach position with the Oakland Raiders from the 2012 thru 2014 seasons has been named as Rodgers' replacement for the Miami Dolphins.
Williams became one of many staff expendables with the Raiders hiring of a new head coach in the defensive minded Jack Del-Rio. Williams had actually accepted the highly touted Florida Gators Defensive Line Coach position previous to the Dolphins sudden need.
Born in 1974, Williams is just 40 years old while his only NFL job was that of the above mentioned in Oakland. He was a two year Nose Guard at East Carolina just 19 years ago from 1995 thru 1996. From 1998 to this day he has been a Defensive Line coach that has steadily rose through the ranks of collegiate as well as prestigious NFL venues with Oakland, and now Miami.
His Defensive Line Coach resume includes a 1998 stint at Fort Scott Community College which was followed by consistent steps up in class with two years at North Carolina A & T while also holding an internship with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars in 1999.
Two years at Youngstown State
Two years at Akron
Four years at Purdue
Two years at Texas A & M and then
2012 thru 2014 as the Oakland Raiders Defensive Line Coach.
Kacy Rodgers as an NFL Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle coach in 2003-2004, and defensive line coach since is five years older than Terrell Williams while having the same five years of additional overall coaching experience though at lesser collegiate venues.
With a far inferior cast of 4 - 3 schemed defensive line characters in Oakland! The Raiders versus an offensively superior division in both the run and passing game were 22nd in the league versus the rush while the similar 4 - 3 Dolphins defense ranked 24th.
Is this to be looked at as a fresh start with more upside, or a step backwards?
What does it mean as far as FA DT Jared Odrick's future Dolphin status is concerned?
Do you remember the televised verbal tongue lashing that Odrick bestowed upon Joe Philbin as Kacy Rodgers stood by with arms folded?
Thanks for an open minded read, and we look forward to your angle of view : )) !!
GOFINS!!!
Miami Dolphin Season Rests on Ryan Tannehill
The Miami Dolphins enter 2014 season transitioning a new general manager supposedly finally on the same page with the head coach. A roster boasting the possibility of 12 rookies. The Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel’s David Hyde calling for the playoffs or house-cleaning... It's the annual beginning of the season ritual for the Dolphins, boom or bust!
A dose of reality shouldn’t be difficult for the Miami faithful when considering the last Super Bowl victory was a mere forty years ago. A forty-year drought should provide enough caffeine in the wake-up-call to resist the formula of constant churn, but it’s good media. Turmoil sells, the media figured this out long ago. Unfortunately for the writers, Stephen Ross intends to stand by the men he chose to lead this team after the Parcells debacle, leaving one person with the ball clearly in his hands.
Ryan Tannehill...
Certainly, it’s a lot of burden to place on one man, but the NFL is a league dominated by the performance of one player, the quarterback. To imply there are no other problematic areas on the football team would be foolish, but the playoffs are not like the illusive forty-year drought monster. Any NFL team can make the playoffs with stellar QB play. The Dolphins have enough weapons to join the playoff ranks.
It would be quick to say this article is another stirring of the pot but the message is simple, don’t blow up all the pieces if only one is the problem. The intent is not to hand Ryan Tannehill a pink-slip stamped with a declaration of his inability to play quarterback at the NFL level. The message is for him to prove he belongs.
Boss Ross has a unique ability to see beyond the BS and make proper conclusions. Jeff Ireland’s ineptitude made it easy for Ross to see the need for a new GM. Watching Daniel Thomas and Michael Egnew hit the waiver wire certainly added credence to that decision. Given the opportunity to prove he belonged, Ireland’s top 3 picks in 2013 barely touched the field.
Mike Sherman may have been a little harder decision with the OL problems and inconsistency at QB, but it was obvious the offense lacked flair. Mike Sherman was not going to be the OC to provide a progressive scheme, with or without an OL or consistent QB. From the beginning, Ross said he wanted a high-octane NFL offense, to get there Sherman had to go. Ross gave both Ireland and Sherman the opportunity and when they failed, he fired them.
Herein lies the problem for Ryan Tannehill, Sherman was undoubtedly influential in the decision to draft the Texas A&M QB. In this high-stakes arena, Sherman placed his future on the line by guaranteeing Tannehill was the man for the job. Without Sherman, Tannehill would probably not be in Miami. Luckily, Stephen Ross gives opportunity before making rash decisions.
During the 2014 preseason, it was quite interesting to watch Bill Lazor’s offense. It was obvious Ross and Philbin made an excellent choice at offensive coordinator. Seeing Ja’Wuan James step in at right tackle and a Miami team sporting 12 rookies validates Dennis Hickey. These two choices have one thing in common, they go against the good-old-boy network of replacing retreads with retreads. Tannehill was not chosen by the GM and not indorsed by the OC.
Ryan Tannehill is in a precarious position this year, he needs to perform or his job is in jeopardy like Ireland and Sherman before him. Ross has done his weeding in the front office, for the moment. He is happy with the performance of the head coach he selected and he likes the GM he chose. Should the offense flounder, Tannehill stands as the fall guy if he is incapable of running Bill Lazor’s scheme.
There is a positive thread in what may be interpreted as a negative narrative, it has been a long time since the key positions off the field have been competently filled. Kevin Coyle is a good defensive coordinator and 12 rookies hints at the lack of depth on his roster (not to mention Ireland's brilliance at selecting FA linebackers). It means the churning is over for the Miami Dolphin coaching staff and front office. Stephen Ross is finally happy.
In a league dominated by QB play, Tannehill’s performance will dictate whether the Dolphins reach the playoffs. The issue is of a larger magnitude for Ross, the playoffs are fine and dandy but the name of this game is Super Bowl. It is very difficult even for the ardent Tannehill fan to project him as a Super Bowl QB at this point in his career. Ross looks to end the forty year drought and knows Tannehill’s ability to play the position is paramount to seeing his dream become reality.
The reverse nature of sports is interesting; supposedly, great coaches and personnel people make great teams. The reality is, great players’ make great coaches and personnel people. Churning coaches and personnel people is usually a panacea for the inability of players, particularly the QB. Firing Jeff Ireland was correct… He was abysmal. Had he selected Matt Ryan instead of Jake Long, he would still be working in Miami.
Ireland Selected Ryan Tannehill…
From this perspective, it seems Ross has set this season up for Ryan Tannehill to make his statement or follow Ireland and Sherman out the door. Over the course of a season, the QB is the player most capable of influencing the win/loss column. If a team has a great QB, they win and if they don’t, they lose. There can be playoff seasons, maybe a Super Bowl or two, but long-term stability in the NFL rests squarely on the shoulders of the QB.
Miami has done everything right in nurturing Tannehill. They did not place undue pressure on him to be great, while at the same time gave him the experience of starting 32 NFL games. It is concerning, after 32 starts his future is still not obvious, but he has a shot. The Dolphins removed an OC who lacked vision and fired a GM with questionable talent evaluation skills. Now it is up to Tannehill to prove he has the ability to play quarterback at a high level in the NFL.
There is no right or wrong. There is no derogatory assessment of his ability. There is no prediction of the outcome. There is simply one variably that will lead to success or failure for the Miami Dolphins this season and his name is Ryan Tannehill. Stephen Ross gave Jeff Ireland and Mike Sherman the opportunity and they failed. It’s all a professional can ask for, an opportunity to be great.
Every Dolphin fan wonders the same question…
Can the Dolphins find a QB to slay the forty-year drought monster?
If Ryan Tannehill shows the way, house-cleaning will be forgotten in Miami…
A dose of reality shouldn’t be difficult for the Miami faithful when considering the last Super Bowl victory was a mere forty years ago. A forty-year drought should provide enough caffeine in the wake-up-call to resist the formula of constant churn, but it’s good media. Turmoil sells, the media figured this out long ago. Unfortunately for the writers, Stephen Ross intends to stand by the men he chose to lead this team after the Parcells debacle, leaving one person with the ball clearly in his hands.
Ryan Tannehill...
Certainly, it’s a lot of burden to place on one man, but the NFL is a league dominated by the performance of one player, the quarterback. To imply there are no other problematic areas on the football team would be foolish, but the playoffs are not like the illusive forty-year drought monster. Any NFL team can make the playoffs with stellar QB play. The Dolphins have enough weapons to join the playoff ranks.
It would be quick to say this article is another stirring of the pot but the message is simple, don’t blow up all the pieces if only one is the problem. The intent is not to hand Ryan Tannehill a pink-slip stamped with a declaration of his inability to play quarterback at the NFL level. The message is for him to prove he belongs.
Boss Ross has a unique ability to see beyond the BS and make proper conclusions. Jeff Ireland’s ineptitude made it easy for Ross to see the need for a new GM. Watching Daniel Thomas and Michael Egnew hit the waiver wire certainly added credence to that decision. Given the opportunity to prove he belonged, Ireland’s top 3 picks in 2013 barely touched the field.
Mike Sherman may have been a little harder decision with the OL problems and inconsistency at QB, but it was obvious the offense lacked flair. Mike Sherman was not going to be the OC to provide a progressive scheme, with or without an OL or consistent QB. From the beginning, Ross said he wanted a high-octane NFL offense, to get there Sherman had to go. Ross gave both Ireland and Sherman the opportunity and when they failed, he fired them.
Herein lies the problem for Ryan Tannehill, Sherman was undoubtedly influential in the decision to draft the Texas A&M QB. In this high-stakes arena, Sherman placed his future on the line by guaranteeing Tannehill was the man for the job. Without Sherman, Tannehill would probably not be in Miami. Luckily, Stephen Ross gives opportunity before making rash decisions.
During the 2014 preseason, it was quite interesting to watch Bill Lazor’s offense. It was obvious Ross and Philbin made an excellent choice at offensive coordinator. Seeing Ja’Wuan James step in at right tackle and a Miami team sporting 12 rookies validates Dennis Hickey. These two choices have one thing in common, they go against the good-old-boy network of replacing retreads with retreads. Tannehill was not chosen by the GM and not indorsed by the OC.
Ryan Tannehill is in a precarious position this year, he needs to perform or his job is in jeopardy like Ireland and Sherman before him. Ross has done his weeding in the front office, for the moment. He is happy with the performance of the head coach he selected and he likes the GM he chose. Should the offense flounder, Tannehill stands as the fall guy if he is incapable of running Bill Lazor’s scheme.
There is a positive thread in what may be interpreted as a negative narrative, it has been a long time since the key positions off the field have been competently filled. Kevin Coyle is a good defensive coordinator and 12 rookies hints at the lack of depth on his roster (not to mention Ireland's brilliance at selecting FA linebackers). It means the churning is over for the Miami Dolphin coaching staff and front office. Stephen Ross is finally happy.
In a league dominated by QB play, Tannehill’s performance will dictate whether the Dolphins reach the playoffs. The issue is of a larger magnitude for Ross, the playoffs are fine and dandy but the name of this game is Super Bowl. It is very difficult even for the ardent Tannehill fan to project him as a Super Bowl QB at this point in his career. Ross looks to end the forty year drought and knows Tannehill’s ability to play the position is paramount to seeing his dream become reality.
The reverse nature of sports is interesting; supposedly, great coaches and personnel people make great teams. The reality is, great players’ make great coaches and personnel people. Churning coaches and personnel people is usually a panacea for the inability of players, particularly the QB. Firing Jeff Ireland was correct… He was abysmal. Had he selected Matt Ryan instead of Jake Long, he would still be working in Miami.
Ireland Selected Ryan Tannehill…
From this perspective, it seems Ross has set this season up for Ryan Tannehill to make his statement or follow Ireland and Sherman out the door. Over the course of a season, the QB is the player most capable of influencing the win/loss column. If a team has a great QB, they win and if they don’t, they lose. There can be playoff seasons, maybe a Super Bowl or two, but long-term stability in the NFL rests squarely on the shoulders of the QB.
Miami has done everything right in nurturing Tannehill. They did not place undue pressure on him to be great, while at the same time gave him the experience of starting 32 NFL games. It is concerning, after 32 starts his future is still not obvious, but he has a shot. The Dolphins removed an OC who lacked vision and fired a GM with questionable talent evaluation skills. Now it is up to Tannehill to prove he has the ability to play quarterback at a high level in the NFL.
There is no right or wrong. There is no derogatory assessment of his ability. There is no prediction of the outcome. There is simply one variably that will lead to success or failure for the Miami Dolphins this season and his name is Ryan Tannehill. Stephen Ross gave Jeff Ireland and Mike Sherman the opportunity and they failed. It’s all a professional can ask for, an opportunity to be great.
Every Dolphin fan wonders the same question…
Can the Dolphins find a QB to slay the forty-year drought monster?
If Ryan Tannehill shows the way, house-cleaning will be forgotten in Miami…
Miami Dolphin GM is the Key to Resurgence
The waning interest of Miami Dolphin fans is understandable when dissecting the performance of recent GMs. It would be foolish to place the entire burden on a single individual, so Jeff Ireland is merely a guinea pig for the ineptitude of the past as the Dolphins fell from grace. It started way before Jeff, but he's the most recent donkey for this example. (Donkey is kinder than ass, right?)
It’s okay to say it now... A whole draft has come and gone without Jeff Ireland and the difference is obvious. The guy could not even draft a kicker! A freaking kicker? Giving up a 2nd round pick to obtain the 3rd overall pick is okay if the player sniffs the field in two years, but alas, Dion Jordan has not.
Okay excusers explain how other players were selected early and have their own issues. I don’t care. I don’t find comfort in the misery of others. I suppose, for some fans, another player with issues makes Miami's mistakes acceptable. Sorry, I’m playing the BS card, it’s not acceptable…
Drafting three injured players in the first three rounds might be genius in a couple years if they became stars, but it ain’t gonna happen. I still have hope for Jamar Taylor, but Dallas Thomas, ummm, he’ll be lucky to make the roster this year. I know players drafted in later rounds sometimes become great but it's not how to build a great team in the NFL, or piss me off so much.
Great players in later rounds are bonuses and come along rarely. Team-sustaining players need to be picked in the first three rounds or a team will eventually fade into mediocrity or worse.
Let’s review the first 3 rounds for the five years prior to 2014…
2013 – Dion Jordan, Jamar Taylor, Dallas Thomas
2012 – Ryan Tannehill, Jonathan Martin, Olivier Vernon, Michael Egnew
2011 – Mike Pouncey, Daniel Thomas, Edmond Gates
2010 – Jared Odrick, Koa Misi, John Jerry
2009 – Vontae Davis, Pat White, Sean Smith, Patrick Turner
Seventeen players drafted and one Pro Bowl appearance between all of them. Of the seventeen, seven are gone, some completely out of the league. Another three will have trouble getting out of training camp this year. Ten players in the first three rounds over the last five years, gone… Only five players in five years are starters!
Look at the potential trouble spots on the Dolphins this year and start with the offensive line. Four players selected and one starter in the bunch. When they finally give up on Dallas Thomas, three of those players are completely gone. Miami has an issue at linebacker… Anyone see a LB up there, one, poor lonely Koa Misi and he’s good, but Pro Bowl?
The jury is out on Ryan Tannehill, he might be good eventually… Pouncey seems bent on enough stupidity to run himself out of Miami. The only real player in the bunch is Olivier Vernon but I’m left to wonder what happens to him when the third pick in the 2013 draft comes off suspension?
I know the excusers will load up and tell me all the reasons I should polish a turd, but my eyes are not blinded by fandom. I’m not a sheep following a fool into the same burnt pasture. The Dolphins lost their luster because they hired terrible personnel directors while searching for some retread-coaching star.
Poor Jeffery, we’re just using you as our example of the worst GM in Miami history, no offense though, swear…
Jordan was injured and was picked at a stacked position, why trade? I don’t get it? Some chart from one of those coaching-retreads said it was a great value… The bottom line excusers is, none of the top players in that draft were much better and the trade lost a 2nd round pick while gaining nothing.
Tannehill… Well I didn’t know then and I don’t know now. Something tells me, draft a player when they should be selected and take the bonus points if they turn out to be great. Drafting properly works this way, it makes more sense than reaching for a player who was uncertain then, and is uncertain now.
It means another GM whisperer took advantage of our boy Jeffrey and we Dolphin fans get to argue about Tannehill’s potential. WooHoo, I love potential… I wonder how potential beer tastes, must be like O’Douls, a freaking tease!
Pouncey, no reach - PRO BOWL…
Odrick, injured, he’s been okay if you accept a lost year from your first round pick.
Davis, well I don’t need to explain why this pick was never going to pan out…
I think I made my point, argue if you wish, but it fails to sway eyes not easily mislead by blind faith. So without further ado, let’s look at what’s different about the 2014 draft.
First, no reaching…
Ja’Wuan James is a right tackle, Miami desperately needed a starting right tackle. I realize most fans have never taken a three-point stance and tried to make a first step. Here’s the deal, left tackles need to be comfortable planting their right foot. In other words, most of the good ones are left handed. They don’t make good right tackles because those guys are right handed and plant with their left foot.
Jarvis Landry was selected at a position the “experts” are calling the deepest on the team… It’s another case of the “experts” trying to pull the wool over my eyes. Both Gibson and Hartline are coming off injury and Wallace, well let’s just say, he’s got a little Teddy Ginn in him. (Good thing Jeffery didn’t pick Ginn, I could have a field day!)
The running back debate… Hi Dolphin fans, I’ve got a golden chariot and it’s being pulled by the most magnificent donkey you have ever seen! Backs are a dime dozen on any team capable of drafting offensive linemen. GM ineptitude is what this is all about, can anyone say, “cart before the donkey!”
Billy Turner, I don’t know, but the signs are good…
Maybe Miami is on the right track with Dennis Hickey. The Dolphins could sure use a break.
So I guess the whole point is, even Tony Sparano may have been a decent coach, we’ll never know. The problem in Miami has been in the personnel department and unfortunately, it’s been overlooked for the glitz of coaching-retreads.
Jimmy Johnson, Nick Saban, Bill Parcells, riding that golden chariot, whipping the poor hapless donkey.
All along, the horses picked by other teams are winning the race.
The retreads, they sold the gold chariot and retired to retread land where they could fool other fools into following…
Miami fans…
Well I guess they're waiting to see if Dennis Hickey knows the difference between a horse and an ass...
It’s okay to say it now... A whole draft has come and gone without Jeff Ireland and the difference is obvious. The guy could not even draft a kicker! A freaking kicker? Giving up a 2nd round pick to obtain the 3rd overall pick is okay if the player sniffs the field in two years, but alas, Dion Jordan has not.
Okay excusers explain how other players were selected early and have their own issues. I don’t care. I don’t find comfort in the misery of others. I suppose, for some fans, another player with issues makes Miami's mistakes acceptable. Sorry, I’m playing the BS card, it’s not acceptable…
Drafting three injured players in the first three rounds might be genius in a couple years if they became stars, but it ain’t gonna happen. I still have hope for Jamar Taylor, but Dallas Thomas, ummm, he’ll be lucky to make the roster this year. I know players drafted in later rounds sometimes become great but it's not how to build a great team in the NFL, or piss me off so much.
Great players in later rounds are bonuses and come along rarely. Team-sustaining players need to be picked in the first three rounds or a team will eventually fade into mediocrity or worse.
Let’s review the first 3 rounds for the five years prior to 2014…
2013 – Dion Jordan, Jamar Taylor, Dallas Thomas
2012 – Ryan Tannehill, Jonathan Martin, Olivier Vernon, Michael Egnew
2011 – Mike Pouncey, Daniel Thomas, Edmond Gates
2010 – Jared Odrick, Koa Misi, John Jerry
2009 – Vontae Davis, Pat White, Sean Smith, Patrick Turner
Seventeen players drafted and one Pro Bowl appearance between all of them. Of the seventeen, seven are gone, some completely out of the league. Another three will have trouble getting out of training camp this year. Ten players in the first three rounds over the last five years, gone… Only five players in five years are starters!
Look at the potential trouble spots on the Dolphins this year and start with the offensive line. Four players selected and one starter in the bunch. When they finally give up on Dallas Thomas, three of those players are completely gone. Miami has an issue at linebacker… Anyone see a LB up there, one, poor lonely Koa Misi and he’s good, but Pro Bowl?
The jury is out on Ryan Tannehill, he might be good eventually… Pouncey seems bent on enough stupidity to run himself out of Miami. The only real player in the bunch is Olivier Vernon but I’m left to wonder what happens to him when the third pick in the 2013 draft comes off suspension?
I know the excusers will load up and tell me all the reasons I should polish a turd, but my eyes are not blinded by fandom. I’m not a sheep following a fool into the same burnt pasture. The Dolphins lost their luster because they hired terrible personnel directors while searching for some retread-coaching star.
Poor Jeffery, we’re just using you as our example of the worst GM in Miami history, no offense though, swear…
Jordan was injured and was picked at a stacked position, why trade? I don’t get it? Some chart from one of those coaching-retreads said it was a great value… The bottom line excusers is, none of the top players in that draft were much better and the trade lost a 2nd round pick while gaining nothing.
Tannehill… Well I didn’t know then and I don’t know now. Something tells me, draft a player when they should be selected and take the bonus points if they turn out to be great. Drafting properly works this way, it makes more sense than reaching for a player who was uncertain then, and is uncertain now.
It means another GM whisperer took advantage of our boy Jeffrey and we Dolphin fans get to argue about Tannehill’s potential. WooHoo, I love potential… I wonder how potential beer tastes, must be like O’Douls, a freaking tease!
Pouncey, no reach - PRO BOWL…
Odrick, injured, he’s been okay if you accept a lost year from your first round pick.
Davis, well I don’t need to explain why this pick was never going to pan out…
I think I made my point, argue if you wish, but it fails to sway eyes not easily mislead by blind faith. So without further ado, let’s look at what’s different about the 2014 draft.
First, no reaching…
Ja’Wuan James is a right tackle, Miami desperately needed a starting right tackle. I realize most fans have never taken a three-point stance and tried to make a first step. Here’s the deal, left tackles need to be comfortable planting their right foot. In other words, most of the good ones are left handed. They don’t make good right tackles because those guys are right handed and plant with their left foot.
Jarvis Landry was selected at a position the “experts” are calling the deepest on the team… It’s another case of the “experts” trying to pull the wool over my eyes. Both Gibson and Hartline are coming off injury and Wallace, well let’s just say, he’s got a little Teddy Ginn in him. (Good thing Jeffery didn’t pick Ginn, I could have a field day!)
The running back debate… Hi Dolphin fans, I’ve got a golden chariot and it’s being pulled by the most magnificent donkey you have ever seen! Backs are a dime dozen on any team capable of drafting offensive linemen. GM ineptitude is what this is all about, can anyone say, “cart before the donkey!”
Billy Turner, I don’t know, but the signs are good…
Maybe Miami is on the right track with Dennis Hickey. The Dolphins could sure use a break.
So I guess the whole point is, even Tony Sparano may have been a decent coach, we’ll never know. The problem in Miami has been in the personnel department and unfortunately, it’s been overlooked for the glitz of coaching-retreads.
Jimmy Johnson, Nick Saban, Bill Parcells, riding that golden chariot, whipping the poor hapless donkey.
All along, the horses picked by other teams are winning the race.
The retreads, they sold the gold chariot and retired to retread land where they could fool other fools into following…
Miami fans…
Well I guess they're waiting to see if Dennis Hickey knows the difference between a horse and an ass...
The NFL Draft is a Crapshoot for The Miami Dolphins
The clock ticks toward the 2014 draft and every Dolphin fan chews stubby fingernails waiting for the inevitable “Ted F-ing Ginn” moment. Remembering where you were when the commissioner stepped to the podium and announced, “With the 9th pick in the 2007 draft, the Miami Dolphins select… Ted Ginn Jr from The Ohio State University” is a rite-of-passage for Dolphin fans. Man landing on the moon has nothing on the “Ted F-ing Ginn” moment!
Typical of every year since Dan Marino retired, there were no QBs available when Miami’s turn came to pick. JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn were the first round busts that year, followed by Kevin Kolb and our own beloved whipping boy, John Beck in the second round. Not one QB from that draft class ever made an impact in the NFL. Yet we remember “Ted F-ing Ginn” for the shear absurdity of selecting a kick returner in the first round.
I braced myself on the couch awaiting the selection of Brady Quinn that year, hoping the quarterback drought would finally end. Then the bitter moment arrived when my knees fell to the floor and my hands came to my face, “Ted F-ing Ginn,” I moaned, "who the hell is Ted F-ing Ginn?” I was not placated knowing the Dolphins had drafted, “the entire Ginn family.”
Poor Malcolm Cameron never had a chance at, “failing forward fast.” He was just a very unlikable character in a place jaded from a fall off the pinnacle of the league when The Don passed into lore and Jimmy Johnson quit.
In 2014 a new GM and embattled 2nd year coach pace the war room in fear of the “Ted F-ing Ginn” moment. Hoping with bloody cuticles, they can ride a tide of some strange force of luck and wash away the curse of “Ted F-ing Ginn” and the entire Ginn family.
Isn’t it strange how life can be so cruel, “Ted F-ing Ginn” was never a bad fellow. He didn't beg the commissioner to call his name with the 9th selection of the 2007 draft. It should have been the greatest day of his life, a day he had prepared for since grammar school and yet, upon his introduction boos echoed through Miami like thunder rolling off the Atlantic Ocean. The coach who selected him was vilified and the GM ostracized, both faced the firing squad after a 1-15 season.
The question Dennis Hickey must ask himself is, how can I avoid a “Ted F-ing Ginn” moment? We often hear the term “best player available,” but does it really have a meaning when a team is picking 19th the draft? In 2007, Miami needed a QB and correctly assessed there were truly no quarterbacks worthy of the 9th pick. The team had no playmakers and decided “Ted F-ing Ginn” with 4.28 speed and impeccable family ties was not the stretch everyone else thought. They pulled the trigger and the rest is history.
Perception is everything they say. The truth is, had the Dolphins selected Patrick Willis or Darrelle Revis with the 9th pick, we all may have fallen to our knees, but Randy Muller would still have a job in the NFL. Instead, he was left trying to remove the laces of Bill Parcells right shoe from his “Ted F-ing Ginn” selecting arse on the way out the door.
Jeff Ireland had a formula that married need with the best player available. Somehow, that could not have been relevant when he traded one of his 2nd round picks to move up and select Dion Jordan. It remains to be seen, but many still believe Jordan was the best defensive player available with a couple glaring flaws, he was injured and by rule could not participate in OTAs until his college class graduated.
For all of his shortcomings, Ireland was a man of conviction, he drafted Jonathan Martin to be a left tackle and passed on Lane Johnson even after Jake Long signed with the Saint Louis Rams. He could never have predicted the locker room fiasco that followed, but he was the man who paid the price for it. Had he selected Johnson, he might still be the GM in Miami.
As the best defensive player available in the entire draft, Jordan is certainly not a “Ted F-ing Ginn” selection, yet somehow picking the BPA led to the same result, another GM licking his wounds in the unemployment line. Dennis Hickey probably practices yoga so he can get at his toenails since there is nothing left on his hands but bloody nubs. Selecting the best player available is not a panacea and reaching for a need is a bad plan, so it all turns out to be a mystery. There is no magic formula.
I have a plan...
Dennis hickey need only practice the art of throwing darts to change the fortunes of the Miami Dolphins on draft day. Prospective players are matched to a round in the draft using the example below. Color code the names on the draft-board to match an equally colored section on the dartboard for each round.
The chances of striking it lucky are greatly increased. How you may ask, this seems like a random display of luck and yet isn’t that what the draft truly is? The chances of selecting a “Ted F-ing Ginn” are as good as selecting a Tom Brady but our perception clouds the ability to reason. A tackle becomes better than a safety because we need a tackle.
Since the names will fall somewhat in the proper round based on the research of the scouting department, the rest is pure luck. Throw a decent dart and Walla, we match the luck of the draft with the luck of the throw!
Sorry Dennis Hickey, this is all I got for you, if “Ted F-ing Ginn” falls in your lap you’ll be a failure. If Tom Brady somehow appears, you’ll be a genius.
Why not throw some darts and pray your fingernails will grow back before the next draft. “Ted F-ing Ginn” will make another million dollars with his 6th new team. They'll watch, hoping he reaches the end zone before running out of bounds and realize...
It was all a crapshoot…
My brother sent me this picture of the ad on the shout graphically depicting the "Ted F-ing Ginn" moment!
Maybe Dennis Hickey should stay away from his toenails!!!
Typical of every year since Dan Marino retired, there were no QBs available when Miami’s turn came to pick. JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn were the first round busts that year, followed by Kevin Kolb and our own beloved whipping boy, John Beck in the second round. Not one QB from that draft class ever made an impact in the NFL. Yet we remember “Ted F-ing Ginn” for the shear absurdity of selecting a kick returner in the first round.
I braced myself on the couch awaiting the selection of Brady Quinn that year, hoping the quarterback drought would finally end. Then the bitter moment arrived when my knees fell to the floor and my hands came to my face, “Ted F-ing Ginn,” I moaned, "who the hell is Ted F-ing Ginn?” I was not placated knowing the Dolphins had drafted, “the entire Ginn family.”
Poor Malcolm Cameron never had a chance at, “failing forward fast.” He was just a very unlikable character in a place jaded from a fall off the pinnacle of the league when The Don passed into lore and Jimmy Johnson quit.
In 2014 a new GM and embattled 2nd year coach pace the war room in fear of the “Ted F-ing Ginn” moment. Hoping with bloody cuticles, they can ride a tide of some strange force of luck and wash away the curse of “Ted F-ing Ginn” and the entire Ginn family.
Isn’t it strange how life can be so cruel, “Ted F-ing Ginn” was never a bad fellow. He didn't beg the commissioner to call his name with the 9th selection of the 2007 draft. It should have been the greatest day of his life, a day he had prepared for since grammar school and yet, upon his introduction boos echoed through Miami like thunder rolling off the Atlantic Ocean. The coach who selected him was vilified and the GM ostracized, both faced the firing squad after a 1-15 season.
The question Dennis Hickey must ask himself is, how can I avoid a “Ted F-ing Ginn” moment? We often hear the term “best player available,” but does it really have a meaning when a team is picking 19th the draft? In 2007, Miami needed a QB and correctly assessed there were truly no quarterbacks worthy of the 9th pick. The team had no playmakers and decided “Ted F-ing Ginn” with 4.28 speed and impeccable family ties was not the stretch everyone else thought. They pulled the trigger and the rest is history.
Perception is everything they say. The truth is, had the Dolphins selected Patrick Willis or Darrelle Revis with the 9th pick, we all may have fallen to our knees, but Randy Muller would still have a job in the NFL. Instead, he was left trying to remove the laces of Bill Parcells right shoe from his “Ted F-ing Ginn” selecting arse on the way out the door.
Jeff Ireland had a formula that married need with the best player available. Somehow, that could not have been relevant when he traded one of his 2nd round picks to move up and select Dion Jordan. It remains to be seen, but many still believe Jordan was the best defensive player available with a couple glaring flaws, he was injured and by rule could not participate in OTAs until his college class graduated.
For all of his shortcomings, Ireland was a man of conviction, he drafted Jonathan Martin to be a left tackle and passed on Lane Johnson even after Jake Long signed with the Saint Louis Rams. He could never have predicted the locker room fiasco that followed, but he was the man who paid the price for it. Had he selected Johnson, he might still be the GM in Miami.
As the best defensive player available in the entire draft, Jordan is certainly not a “Ted F-ing Ginn” selection, yet somehow picking the BPA led to the same result, another GM licking his wounds in the unemployment line. Dennis Hickey probably practices yoga so he can get at his toenails since there is nothing left on his hands but bloody nubs. Selecting the best player available is not a panacea and reaching for a need is a bad plan, so it all turns out to be a mystery. There is no magic formula.
I have a plan...
Dennis hickey need only practice the art of throwing darts to change the fortunes of the Miami Dolphins on draft day. Prospective players are matched to a round in the draft using the example below. Color code the names on the draft-board to match an equally colored section on the dartboard for each round.
Since the names will fall somewhat in the proper round based on the research of the scouting department, the rest is pure luck. Throw a decent dart and Walla, we match the luck of the draft with the luck of the throw!
Sorry Dennis Hickey, this is all I got for you, if “Ted F-ing Ginn” falls in your lap you’ll be a failure. If Tom Brady somehow appears, you’ll be a genius.
Why not throw some darts and pray your fingernails will grow back before the next draft. “Ted F-ing Ginn” will make another million dollars with his 6th new team. They'll watch, hoping he reaches the end zone before running out of bounds and realize...
It was all a crapshoot…
My brother sent me this picture of the ad on the shout graphically depicting the "Ted F-ing Ginn" moment!
In Miami, The Wheels on the Bus go Round and Round
It’s black Monday, a day when NFL coaches and personnel
people are unceremoniously shown the door. After an agonizing loss to the Jets,
the disappointment in Miami is at an all-time high. It was not the worst season
in Dolphin history, but after teasing of something special, the team faltered badly
when in position for a playoff run. The poetic justice of this sad ending is
the harsh reality that the Miami Dolphins are not a playoff team. Getting there
would have tricked the fans and owner into believing greatness was around the
corner.
The blueprint to stopping the Dolphin offense was perfected
in Buffalo a week earlier, but has plagued Miami all season. Ryan Tannehill is
unable to complete deep passes even when the receiver is wide open. Mike
Wallace alluded to 15 TDs left on the field, “There are so many touchdowns me
and him missed,” Wallace said. Tannehill is also wildly inconsistent on sideline
throws, even simple out routes. By defending the rest of the field, Buffalo played
to Tannehill’s weakness. The Jets simply followed the blueprint.
The ploy was so effective, the Dolphin offense scored only
one touchdown in its final 25 possessions. The Dolphins crossed midfield once
in last week's 19-0 loss at Buffalo and deepest penetration in the second half
was to the Jets' 33-yard line in the season finale. The Jets were not taking a great chance leaving Wallace in man
coverage and playing soft on the corners, the Miami offense averaged
less than 20 points per game anyway. When an embattled make-shift offensive line is expected to open holes and pass protect against an 8-man front unconcerned
about wide receivers running wide open deep, it's a recipe for disaster.
Coaches and personnel folks are on the chopping block but the players and particularly the man behind center bear the responsibility for
another lost season. "The ball was in our court and we didn't take
advantage of our opportunity," Tannehill said. "We didn't finish
strong, plain and simple. We didn't finish the way we wanted to, obviously none
of us saw this coming." Buffalo saw it coming, the Jets saw it coming.
They saw a QB unable to complete a long pass and so they
gave it to him. They loaded up everywhere else, placed the ball in Ryan
Tannehill’s hands and said, “Beat us.” Show us you are the man we should fear
when the game and the season are on the line, Tannehill was not equal to the
challenge. Ryan has an oblivious streak, "We didn't play well these last
two games. It was nothing that you could feel or sense in practice. I felt like
we had great practices both of the last two weeks. We just came out and didn't
play well on Sundays."
The NFL is a quarterback league, Bill Belichick was fired in
Cleveland and became a genius when Tom Brady dropped in his lap. The Dolphin
coaches have not seen that kind of luck since 1983 and the coaching carousel
has revolved since Dan Marino retired. It makes little sense to fire coaches
when the QB by his own admission, “just came out and didn't play well on
Sundays." Perhaps the personnel man who picked the QB should bear the
brunt in the blame game. Perhaps the offensive coordinator should be fired for
not teaching the QB how to throw a deep pass.
It doesn’t matter which of these men takes the rap as the
ceremonial guinea pig for the players on the field. The fact is, Mike Sherman
designed play after play this season that found Mike Wallace running wide open
behind the defense. If the ball found Wallace half those 15 times,
it would account for 8 more TDs this season. Jeff Ireland’s free agent
acquisition would not look so mediocre if he had put up 13 TDs. On a team that
lost 4 games by margins of 4 points or less, those 8 TDs cost Joe Philbin a playoff
appearance and perhaps his job. Even the OL coach should be safe when
considering how much better the running game could be with 8 more deep TDs keeping
safeties honest.
It all comes back to the same fact since Marino retired,
find a QB or the carousel continues round and round… It makes Boss Ross’s job a
little more simplistic. Decide to continue grooming Ryan Tannehill and hope he
somehow overcomes his deep passing inaccuracy or make a scapegoat of someone
else.
From the 30 thousand foot level, Ross should tell his GM to
draft a QB and make a competition of it. Otherwise, when the Dolphins are
8-8 next year with Tannehill, a new coach or GM won’t matter.
The wheels
on the bus will continue going, round and round…
Sunday's Miami Dolphin Game is Jeff Ireland's Superbowl
Jet QB Geno Smith summed up the
Dolphins - Jets match up this Sunday by saying, "It's pretty much our Super
Bowl." His words stretched south to Miami where the game may have as much
impact on the Dolphins GM as it does on the New York coaching staff.
The
Dolphins have not played past the regular season since 2008. The fan-base has
become as fickle as a team that can create a stir with a sensational win
against New England one week, only to gag in a devastating loss to Buffalo the
next.
In his 2nd season as head coach, Joe
Philbin needs to show improvement. It’s doubtful his job is as tenuous as that
of Rex Ryan who will close out his 3rd consecutive season out of the
playoffs. The Jets are the Dolphin’s greatest rival, a perspective not lost in
Miami.
A victory ensures the first winning season for the Dolphins in 5 years. The game is pivotal for Boss Ross and Dolphin fans everywhere. Yet the man
who stands to gain or lose the most by the outcome is Jeff Ireland.
The Jets have only one remaining
hope for their season as Antonio Cromartie made clear, "This is our last
game of the year, and we want to make sure it's their last game, too."
Just four weeks ago, the Dolphins crushed the Jets but even then Cromartie
felt, "we were the better team."
He feels the same now, "do I
feel like we're a better team now? Yeah, we're running the ball better and
we're playing the pass a whole lot better. I think the biggest thing for us is
to put it all together and win a game on the road."
The Jets can finish .500, and win on
the road for only the second time this season, but more importantly, they can
knock Miami out of the playoffs. When the Jets search for ways to add meaning
to a game without playoff implications, the Dolphins have a much more tangible need to win.
There were
plenty of excuses for the Miami offense gaining only 103 yards in Buffalo
last week and a listless defense yielding over 200 yards rushing. The bottom
line is, Buffalo came to play and Miami did not.
Players play the game, but motivation falls squarely on head coach Joe Philbin, and his coordinators. Three consecutive wins prior to Buffalo found Miami on cruise control with easily winnable games against the Bills and Jets.
All the euphoria disappeared when the Dolphins stumbled badly in Buffalo and a fan-base attuned to disappointment jumped
off the bandwagon. Even a victory Sunday could leave Miami out of the playoffs
if circumstances fall more advantageously for other teams. The Dolphins lost
control of their destiny.
2013 opened with a plethora of draft
picks and mega-money for free agents, Jeff Ireland was dispatched to make a
contender. The expectation from Boss Ross is higher than 8-8 and no
playoffs for 5 straight seasons under Ireland’s reign as GM.
Ross, is the type
of owner who comes to town with an open wallet anticipating money will buy
results. The Ross mandate is, world class facilities and best in class operations
will lead to best in class results, provided the people in charge are best in class.
He can buy facilities and operations… The people must prove their competence or
suffer the consequences.
Of the free agents Ireland acquired,
only Brent Grimes has matched or exceeded expectations. None of Ireland's draft
picks have made an impact and the only starter is a 5th round kicker.
The 3rd overall pick in the draft played 15 snaps in the devastating
defeat in Buffalo.
The Quarterback picked 8th two years ago spent
most of the day on his back getting sacked 7 times. While teasing with moments
of promise, Tannehill showed zero leadership when needing to be in the face of
his lethargic teammates.
Joe Philbin brought a player development
philosophy to Miami. Fans ingrained in a culture of instant gratification find
it hard to understand why the 3rd player selected in the draft is
not in the starting lineup. It is not an understatement to say Jeff Ireland has a
lot riding on Sunday’s game.
In simple terms for Ireland, great players get on
the field even if they have to throw someone else off to get there. Dion Jordan
could evolve into a pro bowl player but for fans hoping to see greatness
anywhere in the Miami lineup, he is another Ireland disappointment.
This season comes down to a
single game with the outcome decided in the trenches, a place on the Dolphin
2013 roster where Ireland failed miserably. He showed no understanding of the
dynamics when drafting an overly sensitive tackle to play next to an overly
obnoxious guard.
On the opposite side, an afterthought tackle was thrust on to
the field next to a guard mismatched to the system. To say the Miami Dolphin offensive
line was a disaster is another incredible understatement.
On the positive side, Ireland has
shown a slow progression of plugging holes in a depth chart bereft of talent
five years ago. Going into this off-season with a glaring need at offensive
line but talent at most other positions is a much easier recipe than building
from scratch.
A winning season and a playoff appearance likely equate to job
security for the entire Miami staff but falls short of the expectations for
many pessimistic fans. In a sport predicated by which team comes into the game with
the greatest desire, Ireland could be at the mercy of the team he built.
Geno Smith’s
words may be a better fit for Jeff Ireland, "It's pretty much our Super
Bowl." The office of the Miami Dolphins billionaire owner is nestled in
one of those New York skyscrapers.
They say, “the bigger the boys, the bigger
the toys.” In this land where livelihoods are decided by office
bragging rights, Jeff Ireland’s future may teeter on whether the Miami Dolphins
show up on Sunday.
Boss Ross is a patient man and understands the benefits of
long term thinking but this is a toy after all, and if misfit toys are no longer fun to play
with, change is a certainty...
If the Dolphins take another day off Sunday, Jeff Ireland could end up being more like Woody and less like Buzz Lightyear.
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