The NFL's eighth ranked rushing defense Miami Dolphins went out west on 2014's week twelve to face Peyton Manning's Denver Bronco's. Miami's defense went into the game allowing 94.4 rush yards per game as the host Bronco's offense were twenty seventh in the league with an average rushing output of 89.9 yard per game.
Miami led the entirety of the game until only 5 minutes remained as they held the NFL all time greatest quarterback to just 249 yards passing. However. Denver's third string running back C.J. Anderson tallied 167 rushing yards on 27 carries as the Bronco's galloped for 201 on 35 attempts via the hoof.
The Dolphins with five rushes for 44 yards, along with two passes to (Dion Sims & Jarvis Landry) for an additional 36 yards opened the game with an 80 yard drive. Danial Thomas' 3 yard Touchdown run just 3:38 into the first quarter put Miami ahead early 7 - 0.
Aided with a Dolphin personal foul penalty of 15 yards. Denver answered with 8 rush attempts for 26 yards of 53 total to kick a 38 yard field goal, and a 7 - 3 Bronco deficit.
After an exchange of three and outs. Miami's Lamar Miller had another two carries for 20 yards (9, 11). Ryan Tannehill had a run for 7 yards on Miami's 47 total yard series that ended with one additional rushing yard on a Tannehill Touchdown run and 14 - 3 Dolphin lead two minutes into the second quarter.
Another 32 rush yards on four attempts were accrued on Denver's following possession of 77 yards that resulted in a Peyton Manning five yard touchdown pass to the NFL elite receiver Demaryius Thomas to pull within 14 - 10. This Bronco series was also aided by a Dolphin personal foul penalty via the same culprit, though this time it was accidental.
Miami ran four times for 17 yards on their very next series. The Dolphins drove 87 yards in ten plays, and took a 21 - 10 lead with a ten yard Tannehill to Mike Wallace Touchdown.
To this point, Miami had accrued 91 rush yards on 13 attempts for the game while scoring touchdowns on three of their four possessions. However. Ju'Waun James the backup left tackle to Brandon Albert went down to injury midway through the most recent drive, he was replaced by third string left tackle Jason Fox and the Dolphins ran just 8 more times for 7 more yards over the game's remaining entirety. Miami had an eleven point lead, but no longer seemed able to, or even willing to attempt running the ball from there on out. Does Jason Fox know only of pass blocking?
Denver replied with an 80 yard series of 8 Peyton passes, and a second Manning to Thomas touchdown for a 21 - 17 halftime deficit.
The Dolphins had 91 rush yards on 13 attempts while Denver ran 14 times for 64 yards.
Lamar Miller had 52 first half rushing yards on just 6 attempts.
Tannhill had completed 11 of 14 passes for 122 yards with a Touchdown run and pass.
Manning was 15 of 19 for 147 with two Touchdown passes.
Neither quarterback had been sacked.
Each team had 13 first downs while Denver held a two and a half minute time of possession advantage, Miami was ahead 21 - 17 on the scoreboard.
The home team Bronco's rushed for 137, and Peyton Manning passed for just 102 second half yards. Miami went the shootout route in rushing for a net seven yards on just eight questionable attempts while gathering just 106 second half passing yards. Though between Miami's final first quarter series and into the Dolphins first third quarter possession, Ryan Tannehill had a streak of 12 consecutive passes completed.
Denver's opening third quarter series covered 65 yards on 13 plays in 7 minutes to Miami's 15 where the Dolphins forced a 33 yard field goal that was missed. Miami followed with an eight & out for 13 yards which included Tannehills first sacking of the day, but the Dolphins recovered the fumbled punt at the Bronco 12 yard line. Five plays later Ryan Tannehill hit Jarvis Landry for a five yard Touchdown, and Miami Dolphin 28 - 17 adoration with 2:11 remaining in the third quarter.
Nine plays, 60 yards, and 3 minutes later the Bronco's scored one minute into the fourth quarter with a third Manning to Thomas short touchdown of five yards to pull back within 3 points at 28 - 25 with a successful two point conversion.
Miami's wheels started to falter on the first play of the drive with an injury to starting corner back Jamar Taylor who was playing in place of regular starter Courtland Finnegan who is also injured. The Dolphins are suddenly extremely thin at a position of previous strength, and are now forced to play first year rookies against the one and only Peyton Manning. Overall in the passing game (yardage-wise) the substitutions weren't of much consequence (102 pass yards in the second half), though the game took a sudden turn from a defensive scheme/responsibility point of view, and Denver's running game took over for 80 fourth quarter yards.
The Dolphins get the ball and go five and out for 17 yards. Denver obliges with an 11 play, 70 yard drive that running back C.J Anderson caps off on a ten yard touchdown run and first Bronco lead of the day at 28 - 32 with 5 game minutes remaining.
Upon gaining 15 yards in two plays and a first down on Miami's next possession, a Tannehill pass grazes a Bronco defensive lineman's shoulder, bounces off the glove like palm of Jarvis Landry, is intercepted and returned 37 yards to the Miami eight yard line. Two plays later Manning hits Wes Welker for a two yard touchdown and Bronco scoreboard advantage of 28 - 39 with 3:13 remaining.
Miami takes 1:39 to cover 84 yards in 9 plays. For a second time on the day Tannehill connects on one yard with Jarvis Landry for a Touchdown to narrow the margin to 36 - 39 after a successful Dolphin two point conversion with 94 ticks of the second hand to go.
The Miami Dolphins on-side kick attempt failed, The Denver Bronco's gathered a rushing first down, and took a knee twice to end the game 36 - 39.
Ryan Tannehill was 26 of 36 for 228 passing yards with a (not of his fault) interception while accounting for four Touchdowns, three through the air and one on the ground.
Peyton Manning went 28 of 35 for 257 with four passing touchdowns.
Each team had one turnover, and both quarterbacks were sacked one time.
Jarvis Landry led Miami with 7 receptions for 50 yards with two touchdowns, and Mike Wallace had a touchdown on 4 catches for 35 yards.
Demaryius Thomas had 10 catches for 87 yards with three touchdowns while Emmanuel Sanders had 9 receptions for 129 yards for Denver.
Lamar Miller had 49 rushing yards on Miami's first three possessions, and totaled 59 for the game as the Dolphins aborted the run game upon Ju'Waun James' second quarter injury.
C.J. Andersons 167 yards on 27 attempts, and Denver's 201 rushing yards (137 in the second half) led to an 8 plus minute time of possession advantage for the home team Bronco's with 29 first downs to Miami's 25.
The Dolphins are 6 - 5, just one game behind the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th seed as of this moment with five games to go.
Thank You for an Open Minded Read, and we look forward to your angle of view : )) !!
Beat the Jets!!!
GOFINS!!!
Showing posts with label Peyton Manning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peyton Manning. Show all posts
Miami Must Sign Smith or Watch the Exodus
Matt Flynn is now a Seahawk, Peyton Manning looks to be
deciding on any team except the Dolphins, Kyle Orton couldn’t agree to a deal,
even Chad Henne ran out the door as fast as his feet could carry him. Jim Harbaugh and Jeff
fisher never took the Dolphins seriously and used Miami to leverage the teams
they had already selected. It’s become obvious, Stephen Ross is more worried
about his purse strings than fielding a winning team.
What could Ireland have said the Flynn, “you aren’t worth a
NFL starter’s salary, because we don’t think you’re better than Matt Moore.”
Something does not add up with the Dolphins losing Flynn to the Seahawks. Flynn
will have to compete with Tarvaris Jackson and no team will ever tell a player
he does not have to compete for a position. This all comes down to money and
Ross is not willing to pay.
Ross talked a good game about beating any offer for Peyton
Manning, but actions speak louder than words. Ross has a leash on Ireland and
it’s probably in the form of, “make one more high-dollar mistake and you’re out
of here.” Ireland has become afraid to pull the trigger because he is afraid to
lose his job.
Even if the Dolphins try to sell Ryan Tannehill or
Brandon Weeden as the plan, it does not make sense. A rookie is not going to
come in and start, it rarely happens and with the rookie cap there is no need
to worry about spending money to develop a player. The strategy of developing
players through the draft means there has to be a starter here while the player
develops.
Miami is going to tell us Flynn was not the guy and Joe
Philbin should know that better than anyone else should. Why bring Flynn to
Miami if Philbin already knew he was not the guy? No, this purely
about the dollars, unless Ross can bring in a celebrity QB like Manning, he is
not willing to pay the price to make his team better.
Alex Smith will not come any cheaper than Flynn and they cannot
seriously be thinking David Garrard, who incidentally turned them down last
year, is the answer. Garrard couldn’t make it in Jacksonville. They will look very
foolish when their low-balling tactics leave them without a QB as it did last
year.
It comes down to one simple fact, Stephen Ross is more
concerned about making money from the Dolphins than field a winning product. Every
QB and agent knows Miami will not pay the value of the position and the trips
to Dolphin camp are maneuvers designed to raise the price another franchise
is willing to pay. Flynn had already been to Seattle, they made an offer and he
came to Miami to force them to sweeten the deal. Flynn did not want to play for
the Dolphins.
Telling Peyton Manning, 36 years old, coming off injury to
name his price sends out the signal Miami is desperate. No player wants to work
for a desperate team, they want to know a team has a plan. Miami clearly has no
plan. The only two players Miami could possibly have planned for are Manning
and Flynn, they could not have foreseen Alex Smith coming on the market and
certainly, David Garrard is not a plan.
The QB is the value position in the NFL. Belichick understands this and continually has multiple first round picks because he develops players and then trades them at a high value. Ryan Mallett may never step on the field in New England, but Belichick will get more than he paid for Mallett. The frugality forces the Dolphins into desperation offers that turn players away.
The QB is the value position in the NFL. Belichick understands this and continually has multiple first round picks because he develops players and then trades them at a high value. Ryan Mallett may never step on the field in New England, but Belichick will get more than he paid for Mallett. The frugality forces the Dolphins into desperation offers that turn players away.
The only thing Miami can do now is backpedal and tell the
fans they had intended to draft a QB all along or pay Alex Smith and say he is
a better option than Flynn. Smith may well be a better option and for once, the
Dolphins could get lucky, but more likely, San Francisco is going to raise the
offer and Miami will have been used yet again. At number eight in the draft,
who could the Dolphins have planned for, Ryan Tannehill?
Flynn came on the market because a team that knows how to build through the draft, couldn’t pay two starting salaries. Green Bay already had Aaron Rodgers when they not only drafted Flynn in the seventh round but also drafted Brian Brohm in the second. The Dolphins will say they are looking at the draft, but the only candidate that might be viable at number eight is Ryan Tannehill.
Flynn came on the market because a team that knows how to build through the draft, couldn’t pay two starting salaries. Green Bay already had Aaron Rodgers when they not only drafted Flynn in the seventh round but also drafted Brian Brohm in the second. The Dolphins will say they are looking at the draft, but the only candidate that might be viable at number eight is Ryan Tannehill.
Tannehill could very likely never make it to number eight in
the draft. Tannehill has started 19 games at Texas A&M, the Ireland (Parcells)
formula dictates a QB have at least 30 starts in college. How does Tannehill
fit into that plan? He doesn’t, because Miami does not have a plan. The
Dolphins are a rudderless ship with a cheap, desperate owner who is in the
league to make money.
Are Miami fans going to be told Matt Moore is the plan? If
Matt Moore was ever the plan, then everything the Dolphins have done this
off-season must be having an enormous negative effect on his confidence. No,
Moore is not the plan, Moore is a fall back option. The plan was to sign Peyton
Manning and that was because Ross thought Manning could fill the seats and
hence Ross’ pockets.
Ross can hide behind the curtain like the Wizard of Oz,
pulling the strings of his puppets but the truth is becoming obvious, Ross is
all about the money. There is only one hope for redemption and that is to sign
Alex Smith, whether that was thought of two weeks ago is doubtful, but not
signing Smith will have massive repercussions among Miami fans.
The voice will be heard loud and clear when the tally of
season ticket holders dwindles to nothing. Miami fans have suffered long enough
with poor ownership and a front office that has not drafted a first round
QB in 28 years and not brought in a viable free agent since Dan
Marino retired.
The jury is out Mr. Ross, fail to sign Smith and watch the exodus
of fans from Joe Robbie Stadium. The ball is in your court, fumble again
and pay the price.
Manning is a Mistake in Miami
Here we are again, trying to make up for all the bad choices
this team has made over the last 20 years with one player. The perennial teams
in this league, the Steelers, the Patriots, the Ravens, and the Giants are all
sitting back laughing as the Dolphins continue down the path of
self-destruction leading to the bottom of the NFL.
The past is littered with Peyton Manning stories, Montana to
the Chiefs, Favre to the Jets and the Vikings, Unitas to the Chargers, the list
goes on and on and the outcome is always the same. Teams trying to revive one
last hurrah from a player, past his prime with injury issues, ending up with
nothing more than years of misery. It is already apparent the Dolphins will
mortgage the future in a fool’s game for the present.
Soliai is gone, Lankford is gone, Carey is gone, all to free
up space for one player that gives hope and sells tickets. Stephen Ross of all
people should know that hope is not a plan, Manning cannot revive the Dolphins and
planning on it is foolish. The very team that let Manning go, knows the
reality, the Colts stopped being competitive because they spent a fourth
of their salary cap on one player and became one dimensional. Without Manning, they were the worst team in the NFL.
The same QB who is 9-10 in playoff games, all of the sudden
is a savior, but it’s only lust. She may be the hottest girl on the planet but
the beauty is skin deep. All those records happened in another time, in another
place, it won’t happen again, it never does. The Manning sweepstakes will reach
up to $20 million and it’s just a con game to get butts in the seats for a short-term
gain.
Ross is in it for the money, he doesn’t look at the Dolphins
the way a Joe Robbie would have. If it wasn’t about money he would be looking
at tomorrow instead of going all in for an illusion today. Every regime that has come
and gone since Shula and Robbie have forgotten that football is a team game formed
by a group of players that created a bond with blood and sweat.
This not baseball where a couple pitchers can transform a
team, or a few hitters can make a difference, because football requires
coordination on every play from every player. There are no batters at the plate
facing a single pitcher. It is not basketball where one or two dominate players
can make a five man team a contender. This game requires twenty-two players
working together in coordination for a common goal.
A QB is the main player on the stage, but very great team is
built around a young QB, just like the Colts were built around a young Peyton
Manning or the Dolphins were built around a young Dan Marino. Every great team started
exactly the same with very few exceptions and yet here we are thinking this
could be something different. It is not and it will never be.
It has nothing do with the abilities of Peyton Manning, it
has everything to do with what has
transpired in this league since its inception. Great teams are built around a
young QB and a core of complimentary players. The Dolphins do not compliment
Peyton Manning, the Dolphins were built for five years to be a run first team.
Brandon Marshall can talk all the smack he wants but he can drop Manning’s
passes as easily as he dropped Henne’s and Moore’s.
Every dollar the Dolphins have under the cap is now
designated for Manning’s pocket. Where does the money for Reggie Wayne come
from? What about the right side of the offensive line that has just been
released to free agency and wasn’t very good to begin with? What about Taylor
retiring, Soliai and Lankford gone, leaving only four of the starting front
seven?
The thought of bringing Manning here in the midst of this
turnover makes absolutely no sense and is a recipe for disaster. Is it foolish
to think one 35-year-old injured QB can make up for all these deficiencies? Is
it stupid to throw water on an oil fire? Maybe dreams do come true, but not in real life.
Jeff Ireland can exonerate himself when this doesn’t work by
saying Manning was Ross’ idea. Joe Philbin will get painted as the fall guy and
the beat goes on, another ten years of wondering why this team never makes it
back to the top of the NFL.
It’s simple really, Santa Claus is not real, little Bo Peep
never had any sheep and the turtle never wins the race, because fairytales don’t
come true in real life. Only hard work and a dedication to building a future
from the ground up makes winners… Trying to find a short cut only works in
fairytales and Peyton Manning may as well ride in on a sleigh with Donner and
Blitzen and Comet and Cupid… Even if the names are Wayne and Saturday, Manning
still won’t fit down the chimney, in real life.
The Manning Plan: how it can work for the Dolphins
As most of you already know, I am a big supporter of Peyton Manning coming to the Miami Dolphins. I believe that he would be the piece we need to make a deep push in the playoffs. If he can return to close to full strength by the beginning of preseason, then signing him is a no-brainer to me.
Don't get me wrong. I would love to get Matt Flynn, but Manning is a better option to me. He is one of the smartest quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL. Want proof? Just look at his old game film. He doesn't wear a wristband with plays on it. As my friend John McAdams pointed out to me "Peyton is his own general and knows better what to call from that position than anyone else; even Tom [Brady] has that huge thing on his arm and often uses it." Manning would be perfect for Miami. The Dolphins have a lot of talent on offense, and he would be able to maximize that talent.
I will stop there, though; the point of this post is not to tell you all about what makes Peyton Manning so great. You already know that. I am writing this post to write out a simple plan that will allow the Dolphins to sign Manning for a few years and still be set for years to come.
My proposal is this: after signing Manning, trade down from the 8th/9th spot in the draft and take Ryan Tannehill with a late first or an early second round pick. That way Miami will get the full benefit of Peyton Manning for roughly three years and then Tannehill will step in once he retires. In the long run, I think this plan would work out even better than if the Dolphins signed Matt Flynn. In this proposal, Miami would have one of the best quarterbacks ever leading their offense for a few seasons, and then once he retires Tannehill, who would have studied under Manning during that time, would be able to step in and be wildly successful. It would be something similar to the Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers transition that the Packers made, but I would argue even better because Tannehill will have studied under the more cerebral (than Favre) Manning.
I have done some film study on Ryan Tannehill, and I have to say that I am very impressed. I do not have any statistics on him because I don't like to college at stats when it comes to scouting college football QBs, but I can say that I like what I see a lot. Tannehill is a very composed passer. He can stand in the pocket with an astounding calmness. It's amazing to me. He doesn't even flinch when a defender comes near him. He is always looking downfield.
Tannehill's biggest knock against him is his inexperience. He was a receiver in college until halfway through his junior season when he switched to quarterback. So basically, he has had a year and a half of quarterback experience. Well you know what? That is incredible. For him to be as good as he is after just a year and a half of being a quarterback in college, then I can't wait to see what he would be like after learning from Peyton Manning for a few years.
While I know that a lot of you are pretty set on wanting Matt Flynn (or even Matt Moore) as the Dolphins quarterback next year, I encourage you to give my proposal at least a little consideration. I feel like it could end up turning out really well for Miami if Manning is, in fact, healthy enough to keep playing.
Thanks everyone for stopping by, I hope you liked my post today, and, as always, I encourage you to leave your feedback below.
Also, I will call my proposal "Mannehill", which I think Kenny would like.
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Don't get me wrong. I would love to get Matt Flynn, but Manning is a better option to me. He is one of the smartest quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL. Want proof? Just look at his old game film. He doesn't wear a wristband with plays on it. As my friend John McAdams pointed out to me "Peyton is his own general and knows better what to call from that position than anyone else; even Tom [Brady] has that huge thing on his arm and often uses it." Manning would be perfect for Miami. The Dolphins have a lot of talent on offense, and he would be able to maximize that talent.
I will stop there, though; the point of this post is not to tell you all about what makes Peyton Manning so great. You already know that. I am writing this post to write out a simple plan that will allow the Dolphins to sign Manning for a few years and still be set for years to come.
My proposal is this: after signing Manning, trade down from the 8th/9th spot in the draft and take Ryan Tannehill with a late first or an early second round pick. That way Miami will get the full benefit of Peyton Manning for roughly three years and then Tannehill will step in once he retires. In the long run, I think this plan would work out even better than if the Dolphins signed Matt Flynn. In this proposal, Miami would have one of the best quarterbacks ever leading their offense for a few seasons, and then once he retires Tannehill, who would have studied under Manning during that time, would be able to step in and be wildly successful. It would be something similar to the Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers transition that the Packers made, but I would argue even better because Tannehill will have studied under the more cerebral (than Favre) Manning.
I have done some film study on Ryan Tannehill, and I have to say that I am very impressed. I do not have any statistics on him because I don't like to college at stats when it comes to scouting college football QBs, but I can say that I like what I see a lot. Tannehill is a very composed passer. He can stand in the pocket with an astounding calmness. It's amazing to me. He doesn't even flinch when a defender comes near him. He is always looking downfield.
Tannehill's biggest knock against him is his inexperience. He was a receiver in college until halfway through his junior season when he switched to quarterback. So basically, he has had a year and a half of quarterback experience. Well you know what? That is incredible. For him to be as good as he is after just a year and a half of being a quarterback in college, then I can't wait to see what he would be like after learning from Peyton Manning for a few years.
While I know that a lot of you are pretty set on wanting Matt Flynn (or even Matt Moore) as the Dolphins quarterback next year, I encourage you to give my proposal at least a little consideration. I feel like it could end up turning out really well for Miami if Manning is, in fact, healthy enough to keep playing.
Thanks everyone for stopping by, I hope you liked my post today, and, as always, I encourage you to leave your feedback below.
Also, I will call my proposal "Mannehill", which I think Kenny would like.
Tweet
Peyton Manning is Fools Gold in Miami
In the Miami Herald this week, Armando Salguero compared Peyton Manning to Fools Gold for the Dolphins and the quote could turn out to be prophetic. Like Jeff Fisher before him, Manning’s agent Tom Condon will play Boss Ross for the fool in order to stoke up the price for Manning… In the meantime, Matt Flynn will sign with another club, leaving Ross looking like a fool standing at the Alter without a franchise QB…
Manning is 35 years old now and will be 36 before the draft. It’s no coincidence or freak hit that is responsible for Manning’s injury, he’s had 3 surgeries for the same problem. Manning can’t be compared to Drew Brees who was 26 at the time of his shoulder injury. Dan Marino began to decline at 35, the same is true of Joe Montana. Steve Young didn’t start until his 6th NFL season and was out the league at 38.
It takes a team of graduates from sports medicine schools to get these players back on the field.
Manning's nerve condition effects the triceps in his throwing arm and has weakened his ability to throw. Salguero reported Manning's arm strength has diminished by as much as 40 percent and if Peyton Manning plays in the NFL in 2012, he will be the second-oldest starting quarterback in the league. If Manning can regain his strength, how long will he be a viable solution for the Dolphins? Signing Manning is a desperation move and desperation always leads to heartbreak.
The Dolphins have been played the fool for decades in an attempt at a quick fixes that never materialize. Manning will be another failure in a long line of failures because great teams grow together. The fact that a QB has never won a Super Bowl with two different teams may be over used, but there is a reason it is a fact, great teams are built around great young QBs. Teams that bring in veterans can be one hit wonders, but a dynasty is never built around a 35 year old QB.
It is time for Stephen Ross to learn the NFL bartering game and not be the brunt of the wheeling and deal of others more savvy than he is. Ross is like a young QB that enters the league not knowing the defenses enough to be cool in the pocket. It’s time for Ross to become a franchise owner and understand, nothing in the NFL is easy and a player who looks too good to be true, probably is.
Peyton Manning has all the glitter of a tired showgirl, she looks lovely until close inspection reveals the passage of time. Peel away the makeup and the fancy clothes and she can never go back to what led her to the stage in the first place. Time is unkind to everyone and the fountain of youth is as much a fantasy as it was for Juan Ponce de León when he sailed into Florida 500 years ago.
The formula for the Dolphins is no different than it has been in the NFL for its entire existence; thinking that formula can be circumvented with an aging, injured QB is like turning lead into gold. It’s not going to happen. Perhaps a young Tim Tebow can turn water into wine, but Peyton Manning has seen his days as the chosen one and it happen in Indianapolis.
The Miami Dolphins need to chart their own course. Forget about Manning and the lure of instance success. Short-term gains no long-term returns. Perhaps Manning returns and lights it up for a season, maybe two, but the inevitable is bound to happen and he limps out a beaten man. Like Unitas, Namath or Montana he will leave the Dolphins in no better shape than when he arrived, without a title and without a future.
Short-term gains no long-term returns, let it go Boss Ross, let it go.
Manning is 35 years old now and will be 36 before the draft. It’s no coincidence or freak hit that is responsible for Manning’s injury, he’s had 3 surgeries for the same problem. Manning can’t be compared to Drew Brees who was 26 at the time of his shoulder injury. Dan Marino began to decline at 35, the same is true of Joe Montana. Steve Young didn’t start until his 6th NFL season and was out the league at 38.
It takes a team of graduates from sports medicine schools to get these players back on the field.
Manning's nerve condition effects the triceps in his throwing arm and has weakened his ability to throw. Salguero reported Manning's arm strength has diminished by as much as 40 percent and if Peyton Manning plays in the NFL in 2012, he will be the second-oldest starting quarterback in the league. If Manning can regain his strength, how long will he be a viable solution for the Dolphins? Signing Manning is a desperation move and desperation always leads to heartbreak.
The Dolphins have been played the fool for decades in an attempt at a quick fixes that never materialize. Manning will be another failure in a long line of failures because great teams grow together. The fact that a QB has never won a Super Bowl with two different teams may be over used, but there is a reason it is a fact, great teams are built around great young QBs. Teams that bring in veterans can be one hit wonders, but a dynasty is never built around a 35 year old QB.
It is time for Stephen Ross to learn the NFL bartering game and not be the brunt of the wheeling and deal of others more savvy than he is. Ross is like a young QB that enters the league not knowing the defenses enough to be cool in the pocket. It’s time for Ross to become a franchise owner and understand, nothing in the NFL is easy and a player who looks too good to be true, probably is.
Peyton Manning has all the glitter of a tired showgirl, she looks lovely until close inspection reveals the passage of time. Peel away the makeup and the fancy clothes and she can never go back to what led her to the stage in the first place. Time is unkind to everyone and the fountain of youth is as much a fantasy as it was for Juan Ponce de León when he sailed into Florida 500 years ago.
The formula for the Dolphins is no different than it has been in the NFL for its entire existence; thinking that formula can be circumvented with an aging, injured QB is like turning lead into gold. It’s not going to happen. Perhaps a young Tim Tebow can turn water into wine, but Peyton Manning has seen his days as the chosen one and it happen in Indianapolis.
The Miami Dolphins need to chart their own course. Forget about Manning and the lure of instance success. Short-term gains no long-term returns. Perhaps Manning returns and lights it up for a season, maybe two, but the inevitable is bound to happen and he limps out a beaten man. Like Unitas, Namath or Montana he will leave the Dolphins in no better shape than when he arrived, without a title and without a future.
Short-term gains no long-term returns, let it go Boss Ross, let it go.
Peyton Manning Struggling To Get Healthy
Peyton Manning is struggling to get healthy, according to Peter King during NBC's pregame show yesterday before the Pro Bowl.
Also according to King, Gil Brandt's (Senior Analysts of NFL.com) "gut feeling" is that we have seen the last of Peyton's playing days in the NFL.
Unfortunately, it appears that we have seen the last of Peyton Manning playing in an NFL uniform. It is a shame, but there's nothing anyone can do to change it. As most of you know, Peyton was my first choice as quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. Now that that isn't going to happen I would be more than happy to take Matt Flynn as a consolation prize. He is a great fit in Miami, and I believe that the will thrive with the weapons that the Dolphins have.
Here is a video of Matt Flynn's 6 TD game from Week 17 of this season just to get you guys warmed up to him. Enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by. Let me know what you think about the latest news involving Manning.
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Also according to King, Gil Brandt's (Senior Analysts of NFL.com) "gut feeling" is that we have seen the last of Peyton's playing days in the NFL.
Unfortunately, it appears that we have seen the last of Peyton Manning playing in an NFL uniform. It is a shame, but there's nothing anyone can do to change it. As most of you know, Peyton was my first choice as quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. Now that that isn't going to happen I would be more than happy to take Matt Flynn as a consolation prize. He is a great fit in Miami, and I believe that the will thrive with the weapons that the Dolphins have.
Here is a video of Matt Flynn's 6 TD game from Week 17 of this season just to get you guys warmed up to him. Enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by. Let me know what you think about the latest news involving Manning.
Tweet
Miami Dolphin fans QB Choice is...
I would like to thank everyone for their excellent input! The results of the poll indicate Flynn as the popular choice, although I’m sure KV voted from 4 different computers!
Matt Flynn……………..……31 (40%)
Matt Moore…………….….. 16 (21%)
Peyton Manning….……... 14 (18%)
RG3…………....………...….. 7 (9%)
Andrew Luck…….………... 5 (6%)
Chad Henne……………….. 2 (2%)
Ryan Tannehill……………. 1 (1%)
Riverdog made a very profound statement when he said, “We will know what Philbin thinks of Flynn very early in March. If Miami doesn't make a pitch for him right away, Philbin doesn't think that much of him.” This is absolutely true and gives Miami a distinct advantage in knowing the worth of Flynn. If Philbin thinks he is the guy, he will be a Dolphin, because there is no one in the NFL who knows Matt Flynn better than Joe Philbin.
“Everyone states Flynn hasn't proven/played enough to be considered... Well lets see now, GIII hasn't even stepped in an NFL locker room & everyone's willing to jump on the GIII hype.” (Finzone) The draft is like Christmas to NFL fans, all the beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree and everyone of them is perfect until the season starts. Fans love draft choices because of the unknown, once the box is unwrapped and turns out to be good or bad doesn’t matter as much as the promise under the tree.
Larryrife said, “if Flynn is a bust he sets you back a lot less then RG3 would. By trading away your picks, you are losing out on a lot of potentially great players.” I agree with Larry and so does Rick, “At least Peyton or Flynn will be free agents and would cost a ton of money but no picks.” Matt Burr’s thoughts are conservative but make a lot of sense, “get Flynn and use our pick to sure up the other side of the line so we can have two great tackles and a great center.” KV’s thinking like a GM with, “I'm nabbing Flynn (in early March) just in case the deal for RG3 (in late April) doesn't come together!!”
Thorny said, “Manning, I love this guy, but too old, too risky, and seriously one great hit from a wheel chair. I really can't see this being a good option at all.” Paul chimed in with, “would prefer Manning, then Flynn, then RG3. I honestly think RG3 is overrated, but I would be all right if they get him.” I removed Manning in the last article due to Thorny’s concerns, but there are many fans thinking he would be good option. Dolfan Jesse said, “Peyton Manning turns the Dolphins into an instant playoff contender. By the time Peyton retires, maybe in 3-4 years (granted no more surgeries), the Tom Brady era will also be coming to an end and it will loosen up the competition within the division.”
Previously I made it clear, Manning is a great QB, aside from the unease about his injury potential, I don’t think Miami would be at the top of his wish list. As a free agent, Manning will have his choice of where he wants to play. He’s made millions in his career and has endorsements worth millions more, money is a secondary priority. Should his brother win the Super Bowl next weekend, Peyton is going to have one thing on his mind, getting back to the dance.
Miami’s roster is geared toward a possession passing game, but with Reggie Bush, the Dolphins have an excellent option coming out of the backfield. The much maligned offensive line was built for the running game. And finally, the defensive line is designed to stop the run first and pass rush second. Defensively Miami does not fit a quick scoring offense. Mike Sherman grew up in a West Coast system and though Manning could probably adapt to his weapons, there are other teams, like the Jets (in close proximity to his brother) that are better options and I think he will choose one of those.
I think Thorny says it all, “Moore, what can I say, I would much rather have Moore as the Qb for this team starting 2012. Look he played lights out once he started to gel with the team and the offense took on a totally different dynamic. Wow, I thought Moore was a chump he prove ME WRONG BIG TIME.” Polly agrees with Thorny, “I feel Moore deserves a chance, with good coaching and training camp, I think he will be a QB that can lead the team. They really rallied with him under center.”
Sgt Flex brings up a great point, “I say keep Matt Moore for a chance, but remember what happened to him in Carolina, and why Dallas let him go in the first place?” I need to remind Sgt that Carolina poached Moore off Dallas’ practice squad. There is no denying Moore showed a lot of potential, after a rough start, he made the most of his opportunity. He is under contract for 2012 and he will be in the mix, it is completely up to him whether he wins the job in Miami.
Several folks on this blog know, I predicted Miami would sign Moore prior to last season. The reason was because Ireland brought him in at Dallas and was very unhappy when Carolina poached him. For me, it was because of exactly what Thorny saw, when the guy is given an opportunity, he makes the most of it. Many QBs washout after suffering adversity, Moore just keeps coming back. I like him a lot and whatever happens with the other QBs, Moore makes me feel Miami will better in 2012. As Hooterize said, “Flynn has one good game and he's a godsend? I hated the getting of Matt Moore last year but he's earned my respect and a chance to compete.”
The thought here is Andrew Luck will never make it to Miami. There is probably some outrageous scenario that could make it happen, but I don’t see the Dolphins trading away the future for Luck, even if they feel he is worth it, they won’t do it. That means RG3 is the only option for our 1st pick. I know there is a lot of Tannehill talk and I’ll get to that in a bit, but I don’t see Tannehill at 8/9 in this draft.
Roeblount had this to say, “RG3 is one of this guys who has a high ceiling and because he is so smart he will be able to pickup the offense. He's impressed the likes of Dan Marino, Kim Bokamper, Troy Drayton, Kordell Stewart and Trent Dilfer. So what does that say about the kid, a lot.” RG3 has great potential but I have to agree with Eddie Boswell when he said, “there are at least two other teams that need quarterbacks that are ahead of Miami in the draft so my first pick is Matt Flynn. You get a good prospect as a franchise QB and you don't have to sacrifice a draft pick or a number of them to get a potential franchise QB.”
Canamdolphin agrees with this train of thought, “Flynn in free agency and the 3rd-ranked QB in the draft. Let Moore and Flynn compete and let the rookie watch and learn. Shore up the right side of the O-line through free agency or the draft. Find the best players available.” And then I also like Sgt Flex’s thinking, “get a new safety in the second and then grab Kellen Moore after that. He is a proven winner.”
Jimmy sums up the problem with Tannehill, “why have I heard a lot of excitement about Tannehill? I don't think there is any way he will get out of the first round with so many teams looking for a QB this year (and so few good ones available). I don't see any way of the dolphins getting him unless they take him at 8/9 (quite a reach) and they would most likely have to trade up into the 1st rounds to get him later on if not at 8/9. I realize he played with Sherman and everything. With all the talk about not wanting another 2nd round QB, why the fuss about Tannehill?”
I would not be surprised to see Kellen Moore as a later round pick. For those folks who mentioned Pat Devlin, I’m sorry to say Devlin is a project, he has some skills, but he does not have the confidence needed in the NFL. He left the University of Pittsburgh because he could not beat out Tyler Palko. I don’t think many folks would call Palko a franchise QB, Devlin will be a journeyman backup. Maybe he needs a chance, but I hope it comes somewhere else because if we see Devlin under center, it will mean things have gone terribly wrong in Miami.
Philbin came in with a plan and I’m certain that plan includes Matt Flynn competing with Matt Moore, so KV’s, “FlyMM” is Miami’s QB plan for 2012. In the end, I have to go back to Riverdog’s quote, “We will know what Philbin thinks of Flynn very early in March. If Miami doesn't make a pitch for him right away, Philbin doesn't think that much of him.” If Philbin has the conviction in Flynn all the rest of the talk is wasted because Philbin will do what it takes to get Flynn. Knowing Stephen Ross wants to bring this team back to prominence I’m certain one of his questions to potential coaches was, “what will you do about the QB situation?”
I’m not going out on a limb by predicting Philbin told Ross, “Flynn is the QB Miami has been looking for,” and with Flynn, Philbin will bring the Lombardi trophy back to Miami!
NOTE: To the folks whose comments I did not use… Dolphinshout will do this again and I’d like to thank everyone for their contributions! I tried to correct typos, but I may have missed some…
Matt Flynn……………..……31 (40%)
Matt Moore…………….….. 16 (21%)
Peyton Manning….……... 14 (18%)
RG3…………....………...….. 7 (9%)
Andrew Luck…….………... 5 (6%)
Chad Henne……………….. 2 (2%)
Ryan Tannehill……………. 1 (1%)
Riverdog made a very profound statement when he said, “We will know what Philbin thinks of Flynn very early in March. If Miami doesn't make a pitch for him right away, Philbin doesn't think that much of him.” This is absolutely true and gives Miami a distinct advantage in knowing the worth of Flynn. If Philbin thinks he is the guy, he will be a Dolphin, because there is no one in the NFL who knows Matt Flynn better than Joe Philbin.
“Everyone states Flynn hasn't proven/played enough to be considered... Well lets see now, GIII hasn't even stepped in an NFL locker room & everyone's willing to jump on the GIII hype.” (Finzone) The draft is like Christmas to NFL fans, all the beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree and everyone of them is perfect until the season starts. Fans love draft choices because of the unknown, once the box is unwrapped and turns out to be good or bad doesn’t matter as much as the promise under the tree.
Larryrife said, “if Flynn is a bust he sets you back a lot less then RG3 would. By trading away your picks, you are losing out on a lot of potentially great players.” I agree with Larry and so does Rick, “At least Peyton or Flynn will be free agents and would cost a ton of money but no picks.” Matt Burr’s thoughts are conservative but make a lot of sense, “get Flynn and use our pick to sure up the other side of the line so we can have two great tackles and a great center.” KV’s thinking like a GM with, “I'm nabbing Flynn (in early March) just in case the deal for RG3 (in late April) doesn't come together!!”
Thorny said, “Manning, I love this guy, but too old, too risky, and seriously one great hit from a wheel chair. I really can't see this being a good option at all.” Paul chimed in with, “would prefer Manning, then Flynn, then RG3. I honestly think RG3 is overrated, but I would be all right if they get him.” I removed Manning in the last article due to Thorny’s concerns, but there are many fans thinking he would be good option. Dolfan Jesse said, “Peyton Manning turns the Dolphins into an instant playoff contender. By the time Peyton retires, maybe in 3-4 years (granted no more surgeries), the Tom Brady era will also be coming to an end and it will loosen up the competition within the division.”
Previously I made it clear, Manning is a great QB, aside from the unease about his injury potential, I don’t think Miami would be at the top of his wish list. As a free agent, Manning will have his choice of where he wants to play. He’s made millions in his career and has endorsements worth millions more, money is a secondary priority. Should his brother win the Super Bowl next weekend, Peyton is going to have one thing on his mind, getting back to the dance.
Miami’s roster is geared toward a possession passing game, but with Reggie Bush, the Dolphins have an excellent option coming out of the backfield. The much maligned offensive line was built for the running game. And finally, the defensive line is designed to stop the run first and pass rush second. Defensively Miami does not fit a quick scoring offense. Mike Sherman grew up in a West Coast system and though Manning could probably adapt to his weapons, there are other teams, like the Jets (in close proximity to his brother) that are better options and I think he will choose one of those.
I think Thorny says it all, “Moore, what can I say, I would much rather have Moore as the Qb for this team starting 2012. Look he played lights out once he started to gel with the team and the offense took on a totally different dynamic. Wow, I thought Moore was a chump he prove ME WRONG BIG TIME.” Polly agrees with Thorny, “I feel Moore deserves a chance, with good coaching and training camp, I think he will be a QB that can lead the team. They really rallied with him under center.”
Sgt Flex brings up a great point, “I say keep Matt Moore for a chance, but remember what happened to him in Carolina, and why Dallas let him go in the first place?” I need to remind Sgt that Carolina poached Moore off Dallas’ practice squad. There is no denying Moore showed a lot of potential, after a rough start, he made the most of his opportunity. He is under contract for 2012 and he will be in the mix, it is completely up to him whether he wins the job in Miami.
Several folks on this blog know, I predicted Miami would sign Moore prior to last season. The reason was because Ireland brought him in at Dallas and was very unhappy when Carolina poached him. For me, it was because of exactly what Thorny saw, when the guy is given an opportunity, he makes the most of it. Many QBs washout after suffering adversity, Moore just keeps coming back. I like him a lot and whatever happens with the other QBs, Moore makes me feel Miami will better in 2012. As Hooterize said, “Flynn has one good game and he's a godsend? I hated the getting of Matt Moore last year but he's earned my respect and a chance to compete.”
The thought here is Andrew Luck will never make it to Miami. There is probably some outrageous scenario that could make it happen, but I don’t see the Dolphins trading away the future for Luck, even if they feel he is worth it, they won’t do it. That means RG3 is the only option for our 1st pick. I know there is a lot of Tannehill talk and I’ll get to that in a bit, but I don’t see Tannehill at 8/9 in this draft.
Roeblount had this to say, “RG3 is one of this guys who has a high ceiling and because he is so smart he will be able to pickup the offense. He's impressed the likes of Dan Marino, Kim Bokamper, Troy Drayton, Kordell Stewart and Trent Dilfer. So what does that say about the kid, a lot.” RG3 has great potential but I have to agree with Eddie Boswell when he said, “there are at least two other teams that need quarterbacks that are ahead of Miami in the draft so my first pick is Matt Flynn. You get a good prospect as a franchise QB and you don't have to sacrifice a draft pick or a number of them to get a potential franchise QB.”
Canamdolphin agrees with this train of thought, “Flynn in free agency and the 3rd-ranked QB in the draft. Let Moore and Flynn compete and let the rookie watch and learn. Shore up the right side of the O-line through free agency or the draft. Find the best players available.” And then I also like Sgt Flex’s thinking, “get a new safety in the second and then grab Kellen Moore after that. He is a proven winner.”
Jimmy sums up the problem with Tannehill, “why have I heard a lot of excitement about Tannehill? I don't think there is any way he will get out of the first round with so many teams looking for a QB this year (and so few good ones available). I don't see any way of the dolphins getting him unless they take him at 8/9 (quite a reach) and they would most likely have to trade up into the 1st rounds to get him later on if not at 8/9. I realize he played with Sherman and everything. With all the talk about not wanting another 2nd round QB, why the fuss about Tannehill?”
I would not be surprised to see Kellen Moore as a later round pick. For those folks who mentioned Pat Devlin, I’m sorry to say Devlin is a project, he has some skills, but he does not have the confidence needed in the NFL. He left the University of Pittsburgh because he could not beat out Tyler Palko. I don’t think many folks would call Palko a franchise QB, Devlin will be a journeyman backup. Maybe he needs a chance, but I hope it comes somewhere else because if we see Devlin under center, it will mean things have gone terribly wrong in Miami.
Philbin came in with a plan and I’m certain that plan includes Matt Flynn competing with Matt Moore, so KV’s, “FlyMM” is Miami’s QB plan for 2012. In the end, I have to go back to Riverdog’s quote, “We will know what Philbin thinks of Flynn very early in March. If Miami doesn't make a pitch for him right away, Philbin doesn't think that much of him.” If Philbin has the conviction in Flynn all the rest of the talk is wasted because Philbin will do what it takes to get Flynn. Knowing Stephen Ross wants to bring this team back to prominence I’m certain one of his questions to potential coaches was, “what will you do about the QB situation?”
I’m not going out on a limb by predicting Philbin told Ross, “Flynn is the QB Miami has been looking for,” and with Flynn, Philbin will bring the Lombardi trophy back to Miami!
NOTE: To the folks whose comments I did not use… Dolphinshout will do this again and I’d like to thank everyone for their contributions! I tried to correct typos, but I may have missed some…
Vote on the Franchise QB------------------>
The Dolphins begin 2012 with a fresh start, a new coaching staff still in the making and new hope from the beleaguered fan base, but the same problem still haunts the franchise since Dan Marino, finding a franchise QB. Rehashing the multitude of QBs since Marino is like trying to find a destiny only to realize the circular journey has returned to the starting point, year after year. Whether it is untimely draft position, wrong choices or just plain bad Luck, the song remains the same.
2012 finds the Dolphins in the familiar position, without a true franchise QB and limited opportunities to acquire one. There are four possible options this year and new coach Joe Philbin’s career success will be defined by Jeff Ireland’s ability to finally make it happen. The big four this year are, two draft choices, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin, and two free agents, Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn. There is also a lingering hope that Matt Moore could come into his own, and carry the banner.
Each of these five has warts whether it be a lack of talent, physical issues or a prohibitive price tag. Each of these choices has positives that merit them being on this list, but for Miami the wrong choice will lead to more years of misery and fan discontent. The intent here is to come to a conclusion as to which player best suits the Dolphins this season and in the future.
Matt Moore is under contract in Miami for another season and the Dolphins should honor that commitment regardless of what they do with the other options. Moore had a good season after a rough start with four consecutive losses. The team rallied around him and he won their respect, if not the fans. He ended the season with an 87.1 QB rating that featured 16 TDs and 9 Ints. He played miserably in October after no training camp and few reps as the backup to Chad Henne. His 87.1 rating was brought down by those first 4 games but his season took off from that point.
In November and December, his play improved to the point where he belongs in this discussion. His improvement is reflected in his 103.3 QB rating with 14 TDs and 3 INTs over that span. He ranked among the leagues best QBs during that period and only his play against the NY Jets, 63.1 QB rating with 1 TD and 2 INTs in a winning January effort kept his season numbers from being even higher. Moore has plenty of room to improve, but he earned the opportunity to compete in 2012. Regardless of the other choices, Moore will be on the roster.
Peyton Manning did not play a single down in 2012 after being sidelined by a career threatening injury. Manning underwent a single level fusion in the cervical (neck) area of his spine, the third surgery in about 1.5 years. Manning’s career peaked in 2004 with a prolific 121.1 QB rating, 49 TDs and 10 INTs. He led the Colts to a Super Bowl victory in 2007. Manning has won 4 NFL MVP awards and led the Colts back to the Super Bowl in 2009.
Manning career numbers speak for themselves, but how does that relate to the Miami Dolphins. The most pertinent question is Manning’s health. A cervical spine fusion takes about 12 months under normal conditions for the bones to fuse, but the nerve damage is the cause for concern with Manning. The cervical nerves are responsible for the movements of the upper body, when those nerves are damaged, weakness of the arms and neck follows. The nerves will regenerate over time, but there is no guarantee Manning will ever regain the strength and range of motion needed to play QB in the NFL. If he does recover, there is always the possibility of re-injuring the neck. After 3 surgeries, the next instance will surely end Manning’s career.
For Miami, the risk is too great. The Dolphins may need a franchise QB, but they are not at the point where one player will take them to the Super Bowl. For Manning, time is of the essence, if he is get another shot at the big dance it will have to come with a team that is ready to win now. Miami is not that team. Miami may make Manning an offer but in his own best interest he will choose to play elsewhere and it could be the best thing for the Dolphins. Manning will not be a Dolphin in 2012.
Andrew Luck would be the dream selection for many teams in the NFL, but remove his name from the running, there is no way the Colts will not release Manning and start fresh with Luck. There could be outrageous trade offers for the 1st pick in the draft, but after knowing the impact of having a Peyton Manning, Luck will land in Indianapolis.
That leave two plausible candidates out of the five presented here, Robert Griffin III and Matt Flynn. That will be the debate for Dolphinshout. Dolphinshout will listen to your opinions on which of these two is the right choice and your reasoning. Consider your reasons well and bring to Dolphinshout your most compelling thoughts on which should be the choice and why.
Once the best Dolphin fans on the web have analyzed this, I will write the conclusion based on your thoughts and of course my own limited wisdom.
2012 finds the Dolphins in the familiar position, without a true franchise QB and limited opportunities to acquire one. There are four possible options this year and new coach Joe Philbin’s career success will be defined by Jeff Ireland’s ability to finally make it happen. The big four this year are, two draft choices, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin, and two free agents, Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn. There is also a lingering hope that Matt Moore could come into his own, and carry the banner.
Each of these five has warts whether it be a lack of talent, physical issues or a prohibitive price tag. Each of these choices has positives that merit them being on this list, but for Miami the wrong choice will lead to more years of misery and fan discontent. The intent here is to come to a conclusion as to which player best suits the Dolphins this season and in the future.
Matt Moore is under contract in Miami for another season and the Dolphins should honor that commitment regardless of what they do with the other options. Moore had a good season after a rough start with four consecutive losses. The team rallied around him and he won their respect, if not the fans. He ended the season with an 87.1 QB rating that featured 16 TDs and 9 Ints. He played miserably in October after no training camp and few reps as the backup to Chad Henne. His 87.1 rating was brought down by those first 4 games but his season took off from that point.
In November and December, his play improved to the point where he belongs in this discussion. His improvement is reflected in his 103.3 QB rating with 14 TDs and 3 INTs over that span. He ranked among the leagues best QBs during that period and only his play against the NY Jets, 63.1 QB rating with 1 TD and 2 INTs in a winning January effort kept his season numbers from being even higher. Moore has plenty of room to improve, but he earned the opportunity to compete in 2012. Regardless of the other choices, Moore will be on the roster.
Peyton Manning did not play a single down in 2012 after being sidelined by a career threatening injury. Manning underwent a single level fusion in the cervical (neck) area of his spine, the third surgery in about 1.5 years. Manning’s career peaked in 2004 with a prolific 121.1 QB rating, 49 TDs and 10 INTs. He led the Colts to a Super Bowl victory in 2007. Manning has won 4 NFL MVP awards and led the Colts back to the Super Bowl in 2009.
Manning career numbers speak for themselves, but how does that relate to the Miami Dolphins. The most pertinent question is Manning’s health. A cervical spine fusion takes about 12 months under normal conditions for the bones to fuse, but the nerve damage is the cause for concern with Manning. The cervical nerves are responsible for the movements of the upper body, when those nerves are damaged, weakness of the arms and neck follows. The nerves will regenerate over time, but there is no guarantee Manning will ever regain the strength and range of motion needed to play QB in the NFL. If he does recover, there is always the possibility of re-injuring the neck. After 3 surgeries, the next instance will surely end Manning’s career.
For Miami, the risk is too great. The Dolphins may need a franchise QB, but they are not at the point where one player will take them to the Super Bowl. For Manning, time is of the essence, if he is get another shot at the big dance it will have to come with a team that is ready to win now. Miami is not that team. Miami may make Manning an offer but in his own best interest he will choose to play elsewhere and it could be the best thing for the Dolphins. Manning will not be a Dolphin in 2012.
Andrew Luck would be the dream selection for many teams in the NFL, but remove his name from the running, there is no way the Colts will not release Manning and start fresh with Luck. There could be outrageous trade offers for the 1st pick in the draft, but after knowing the impact of having a Peyton Manning, Luck will land in Indianapolis.
That leave two plausible candidates out of the five presented here, Robert Griffin III and Matt Flynn. That will be the debate for Dolphinshout. Dolphinshout will listen to your opinions on which of these two is the right choice and your reasoning. Consider your reasons well and bring to Dolphinshout your most compelling thoughts on which should be the choice and why.
Once the best Dolphin fans on the web have analyzed this, I will write the conclusion based on your thoughts and of course my own limited wisdom.
Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross Wants Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning is on the top of Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross' wish list, according to Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post.
Volin goes on to say that the Dolphins would be very happy to get Green Bay's Matt Flynn instead, but their Ross' first choice for Miami is Manning.
Stephen Ross wants a franchise quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. That much is very obvious. He knows what it takes now to win football games, and I have a feeling that he will be willing to pay really big money to win those games.
I'm not sure what kind of contract offer Peyton Manning will get from the Dolphins, but I would not be surprised if the offer sets some type of record for a quarterback.
Before Manning enters free agency two things have to happen for Miami to be able to offer him a contract. First, the Colts need to be willing to release him. He is due $28 million if they keep him next year, which is a very steep price that they aren't expected to pay him when they can just sign Andrew Luck. Next, he needs to prove that he is healthy enough to play. That could be the biggest obstacle. After all, he did miss all of last year with his neck injury. He needs to be sure that he is healthy before he can play again.
If both of those things happen, then I want Miami to get him no matter the price. I don't care how old he is. Just look at his numbers during the last few seasons that he played and tell me honestly that you don't want that. Here's the link to his full stats: Peyton Manning.
Say whatever you want about Manning, but the fact of the matter is this: he was able to win a ton of games with a surrounding cast that wasn't as nearly as good as the Dolphins current roster. AND, if he stays healthy we could have him for another 3-5 years. I don't know about you, but that sounds amazing to me. Adding Manning would turn us into instant Super Bowl contenders, and I firmly believe that.
I know Coach Philbin said that he doesn't believe in a team being just "one player away", and he may be right, but they are one "top 5 greatest quarterback in the history of the NFL" away. Manning is like Brett Favre after he left Green Bay times two. He still has a few great years left in him. I'll take that all day.
I hope I am preaching to the choir on this one, but I don't think that I am. Let me know what you guys think. Do you agree with me? If not, why?
Thanks for stopping by.
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Volin goes on to say that the Dolphins would be very happy to get Green Bay's Matt Flynn instead, but their Ross' first choice for Miami is Manning.
Stephen Ross wants a franchise quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. That much is very obvious. He knows what it takes now to win football games, and I have a feeling that he will be willing to pay really big money to win those games.
I'm not sure what kind of contract offer Peyton Manning will get from the Dolphins, but I would not be surprised if the offer sets some type of record for a quarterback.
Before Manning enters free agency two things have to happen for Miami to be able to offer him a contract. First, the Colts need to be willing to release him. He is due $28 million if they keep him next year, which is a very steep price that they aren't expected to pay him when they can just sign Andrew Luck. Next, he needs to prove that he is healthy enough to play. That could be the biggest obstacle. After all, he did miss all of last year with his neck injury. He needs to be sure that he is healthy before he can play again.
If both of those things happen, then I want Miami to get him no matter the price. I don't care how old he is. Just look at his numbers during the last few seasons that he played and tell me honestly that you don't want that. Here's the link to his full stats: Peyton Manning.
Say whatever you want about Manning, but the fact of the matter is this: he was able to win a ton of games with a surrounding cast that wasn't as nearly as good as the Dolphins current roster. AND, if he stays healthy we could have him for another 3-5 years. I don't know about you, but that sounds amazing to me. Adding Manning would turn us into instant Super Bowl contenders, and I firmly believe that.
I know Coach Philbin said that he doesn't believe in a team being just "one player away", and he may be right, but they are one "top 5 greatest quarterback in the history of the NFL" away. Manning is like Brett Favre after he left Green Bay times two. He still has a few great years left in him. I'll take that all day.
I hope I am preaching to the choir on this one, but I don't think that I am. Let me know what you guys think. Do you agree with me? If not, why?
Thanks for stopping by.
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You Tell Me: If The Miami Dolphins Could Get Peyton Manning, Should They?
I am sorry for not posting all week. I have been too busy to put anything up, so I figured that I would do a very interesting Miami Dolphins "You Tell Me" this week.
The "You Tell Me" for the week is this: if the Miami Dolphins had the chance to trade for Peyton Manning, would you want them to do it?
I saw a post on a Dolphins fan page on Facebook, and there were a lot of people who thought that Miami shouldn't try and get him. I was shocked, because to me it is a no-brainer. In my mind it would be ludicrous to not take him. So, I am bringing this question to you guys to see what you think.
Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to your thoughts.
The "You Tell Me" for the week is this: if the Miami Dolphins had the chance to trade for Peyton Manning, would you want them to do it?
I saw a post on a Dolphins fan page on Facebook, and there were a lot of people who thought that Miami shouldn't try and get him. I was shocked, because to me it is a no-brainer. In my mind it would be ludicrous to not take him. So, I am bringing this question to you guys to see what you think.
Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to your thoughts.
Is Miami Dolphins Quarterback Chad Henne Fantasy Football Ready?
With all of this talk about Chad Henne, I started to think about his statistics and whether he is worthy of being a fantasy football player.
Let me start with his statistics from last year. Henne threw for 2,878 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions last season. Those are average statistics for a quarterback, and not what you want from a fantasy quarterback.
But, that was with only 13 games started. If you take the average of yards per game, which is around 221 yards, multiply the average by 3, and add that to his yards from last year you get 3,541 yards.
Basically, if Chad Henne started all 16 games he would have somewhere around 3,541 passing yards.
That is much better, but still not among the best in the league. It is good enough for at least a back-up position on your team, though. And, that is just from last year.
This year will be a lot better for Henne. Among other reasons, he now has a receiver that can make big plays and puts up great numbers. A quarterback can only do so much with possession receivers. Even if they are really good at catching, they won't help your quarterback put up fantasy football-worthy numbers.
In order for a quarterback to be fantasy-worthy, he must have at least one receiver who is also fantasy-worthy. That is exactly what Brandon Marshall is.
All of that being said, I am still not convinced that he is worthy of being a starting fantasy quarterback in a smaller league. If you have a huge league with a lot of different teams, then it would be a different case, but let's assume you are in a smaller league.
Henne still has to prove himself, and I think most people can agree that he can't put up Drew Brees or Peyton Manning numbers yet. So for now, I would pick him up as a back-up quarterback. He should be able to put up at least 4000 passing yards, but the problem is he doesn't throw as many touchdowns, because the Miami Dolphins rushing game gets too many touchdowns.
Would you pick up Henne as a fantasy quarterback? Why or why not? If so, would he be your first or second string quarterback? Let me know with your comments.
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Let me start with his statistics from last year. Henne threw for 2,878 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions last season. Those are average statistics for a quarterback, and not what you want from a fantasy quarterback.
But, that was with only 13 games started. If you take the average of yards per game, which is around 221 yards, multiply the average by 3, and add that to his yards from last year you get 3,541 yards.
Basically, if Chad Henne started all 16 games he would have somewhere around 3,541 passing yards.
That is much better, but still not among the best in the league. It is good enough for at least a back-up position on your team, though. And, that is just from last year.
This year will be a lot better for Henne. Among other reasons, he now has a receiver that can make big plays and puts up great numbers. A quarterback can only do so much with possession receivers. Even if they are really good at catching, they won't help your quarterback put up fantasy football-worthy numbers.
In order for a quarterback to be fantasy-worthy, he must have at least one receiver who is also fantasy-worthy. That is exactly what Brandon Marshall is.
All of that being said, I am still not convinced that he is worthy of being a starting fantasy quarterback in a smaller league. If you have a huge league with a lot of different teams, then it would be a different case, but let's assume you are in a smaller league.
Henne still has to prove himself, and I think most people can agree that he can't put up Drew Brees or Peyton Manning numbers yet. So for now, I would pick him up as a back-up quarterback. He should be able to put up at least 4000 passing yards, but the problem is he doesn't throw as many touchdowns, because the Miami Dolphins rushing game gets too many touchdowns.
Would you pick up Henne as a fantasy quarterback? Why or why not? If so, would he be your first or second string quarterback? Let me know with your comments.
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Comparing Chad Henne's Salary Efficiency to other NFL QBs
This is a follow up to my previous blog post.
All statistics and salaries are from the 2009-2010 season.
First, we will compare Henne's completions, touchdowns, yards, and passer rating to his salary
Chad Henne
Salary - $950,340
Completions - 274
Salary per completion - $3468
Touchdowns - 12
Salary per touchdown - $79195
Yards - 2,878
Salary per yard - $330
Passer Rating - 75.2
Salary per passer rating - $12637
Now, here are some more players' salary efficiency statistics with how they compare to Henne
Tom Brady
Salary - $8,007,280
Completions - 371
Salary per completion - $21582 - more than Henne
Touchdowns - 28
Salary per touchdown - $285974 - more than Henne
Yards - 4,398
Salary per yard - $1820 - more than Henne
Passer Rating - 96.2
Salary per passer rating - $83235 - more than Henne
Peyton Manning
Salary - $14,005,720
Completions - 393
Salary per completion - $35637 - more than Henne
Touchdowns - 33
Salary per touchdown - $424415 - more than Henne
Yards - 4,500
Salary per yard - $3112 - more than Henne
Passer Rating - 99.9
Salary per passer rating - $140197 - more than Henne
Eli Manning
Salary - $20,500,000
Completions - 317
Salary per completion - $64668 - more than Henne
Touchdowns - 27
Salary per touchdown - $759259 - more than Henne
Yards - 4,021
Salary per yard - $5098 - more than Henne
Passer Rating - 93.1
Salary per passer rating - $220193 - more than Henne
I am not saying Chad Henne is better than any of these quarterbacks, though I hope he will be one day. I am just looking at the numbers. It is kind of incredible that Eli Manning was payed three quarters of a million dollars for every touchdown he threw.
If you would like me to analyze the numbers for another QB not listed here you can either comment on this post asking or feel free to email me at dolphinshout@yahoo.com.
I cannot guarantee that I will be able to do it, but I will try my best.
Sources:
NFL.com - player stats
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/chad-henne/535271 - for Henne's salary
http://content.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?player=225 - for Brady's salary
http://content.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?player=1448 - for Peyton Manning's Salary
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/eli-manning/200425 - for Eli Manning's salary
To leave a comment click on the link that tells how many comments have been left. It is right below this next to the email link
All statistics and salaries are from the 2009-2010 season.
First, we will compare Henne's completions, touchdowns, yards, and passer rating to his salary
Chad Henne
Salary - $950,340
Completions - 274
Salary per completion - $3468
Touchdowns - 12
Salary per touchdown - $79195
Yards - 2,878
Salary per yard - $330
Passer Rating - 75.2
Salary per passer rating - $12637
Now, here are some more players' salary efficiency statistics with how they compare to Henne
Tom Brady
Salary - $8,007,280
Completions - 371
Salary per completion - $21582 - more than Henne
Touchdowns - 28
Salary per touchdown - $285974 - more than Henne
Yards - 4,398
Salary per yard - $1820 - more than Henne
Passer Rating - 96.2
Salary per passer rating - $83235 - more than Henne
Peyton Manning
Salary - $14,005,720
Completions - 393
Salary per completion - $35637 - more than Henne
Touchdowns - 33
Salary per touchdown - $424415 - more than Henne
Yards - 4,500
Salary per yard - $3112 - more than Henne
Passer Rating - 99.9
Salary per passer rating - $140197 - more than Henne
Eli Manning
Salary - $20,500,000
Completions - 317
Salary per completion - $64668 - more than Henne
Touchdowns - 27
Salary per touchdown - $759259 - more than Henne
Yards - 4,021
Salary per yard - $5098 - more than Henne
Passer Rating - 93.1
Salary per passer rating - $220193 - more than Henne
I am not saying Chad Henne is better than any of these quarterbacks, though I hope he will be one day. I am just looking at the numbers. It is kind of incredible that Eli Manning was payed three quarters of a million dollars for every touchdown he threw.
If you would like me to analyze the numbers for another QB not listed here you can either comment on this post asking or feel free to email me at dolphinshout@yahoo.com.
I cannot guarantee that I will be able to do it, but I will try my best.
Sources:
NFL.com - player stats
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/chad-henne/535271 - for Henne's salary
http://content.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?player=225 - for Brady's salary
http://content.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?player=1448 - for Peyton Manning's Salary
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/eli-manning/200425 - for Eli Manning's salary
To leave a comment click on the link that tells how many comments have been left. It is right below this next to the email link
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