The mentality Bill Lazor brings from Philadelphia is what head coach Joe Philbin hopes will make the Miami Dolphin offense blossom.
Nepotism runs deep in NFL circles where a constant churning of coaches and coordinators turns the scolded dog coach of today into a coordinator somewhere else tomorrow. In the eyes of coaches that spend a lifetime watching film, there simply is not much difference from one scheme to the next in the National Football League.
It is easy to understand why rookie coach Joe Philbin turned to the good old boy network and hired Mike Sherman to run his offense. As a former professional and collegiate head coach, Sherman had experience on many levels. Even though he failed in both Green Bay and Texas A&M, the decision to hire him as a coordinator was not a bad one. Why enter the treacherous waters of the NFL alone when your mentor is available and willing to help navigate.
The problem is the NFL has two distinct sides, one at practice and one on game-day. The practice side is where knowledge gained from years of experience teaches and nurtures. Practice repetition enables learning and is vital as the game compounds in intricacy over years of development from grade school to the pros. Practice methodology slows down the process of learning and instills fundamentals.
Game-day affords no such luxury. The heat of the game is a quick twitch affair where decisions must come at lightning speed. Any glitch in processing, like forgetting the running game or forcing the passing game is quickly detected by defensive coaches who instantly exploit the tendency.
When the offense sputters fans are left exasperated, screaming for the quarterback to pick up the pace or check down, but many times the hesitation does not come from the field. It is high up in the coaches’ box where fumbling and bumbling occurs unknown to fans cheering in the stadium or glued to the TV at home.
Philbin knew… His headset told a story fans will never know and the reality must have troubled him deeply.
His mentor was no longer up to speed with game-day.
The presumption Boss Ross made the decision to retire Mike Sherman because Philbin was incapable of firing his mentor is incorrect. From the outside, it is only possible to speculate what goes on inside Dolphin headquarters, yet the hiring of Bill Lazor hints at Joe Philbin’s thought process.
Philbin is a film junky. A film junky who was connected to the headset on game-day. The stammering in his ears matched the stammering on film and he knew what he must do. It’s a cruel world when staying on a career path means ending the career of someone close to you. Sherman made it easier on Philbin because he knew he had lost a step. The film does not lie and Sherman could not hide from the tape.
Philbin made an interesting move when he chose Bill Lazor as his offensive coordinator. He broke from the path of least resistance and did not hire a retread.
Hiring a veteran NFL coach is the easiest thing for a film junky to do, why? It’s on film, Philbin has data on film telling him what to expect from every veteran coach. There is no film on Lazor, no comfort zone of what to expect, only the gut hunch that this coach has something special setting him apart from all those that have failed before him.
The pace of the game is what was nagging Philbin... Sputtering and stuttering is not attacking. Hesitation is a symptom of reaction not pro-action and by hesitating, the flow of the game was dictated to Miami.
It’s not passing or running or an even split that makes one offense better than the next, those differences come from the best use of available talent and match-ups. A good offense attacks and dictates the flow by using every means available in rapid succession.
Chip Kelly is not utilizing some crazy scheme. As previously noted, there is not much variation between schemes in the NFL. Chip Kelly is simply attacking. An up-tempo force dictating game speed, keeping the defense in reactive mode is the distinctive quality of a great offense. Joe Philbin knows this, he’s a film junky, and not one interview with Philbin goes by without the word "film" mentioned several times.
Lazor was not signed to copy Kelly’s offense; he was signed to copy Kelly’s approach to offense. Joe Philbin recognized what he heard in the headphones and what he saw on tape, an offense constantly falling behind the tempo of the defense. He knows what he wants and it shows in the way the Dolphins practice in rapid-fire two-groups-at-once sessions, but his OC and consequently his QB could not keep up on game-day.
It’s hard to determine even after two seasons whether Ryan Tannehill is actually any good or not. The image of him waiting for plays while confusion reigned in the coaches’ box was clear when watching most Miami games. The extenuating circumstances brought about by Jonathan Martin only helped to hide the reality and is the perfect excuse for accepting sluggish play. Philbin could have successfully parleyed a justification for his friend and mentor using the bully excuse, but in the end, he chose to let him go.
His mentor was no longer up to speed with game-day.
Like many people, coaches often misplace personal loyalty with the realities of being a professional. There must be a distinct line between work and personal life because blurring that line leads to decisions that are not in the best interest of either. Nepotism in the form of a constantly revolving coaching procession stems from living to work, instead of working to live.
The easiest thing for Joe Philbin to do would have been to bring in a member of his coaching fraternity.
He didn't because he understood that tempo on game-day is the key to great offenses and the best coaches he knows are still employed. That restriction turned him toward a younger coach raised on the high speed mantra. While the offense is still a reflection of greatness or ineptitude at the quarterback position, at least that observation will no longer be obstructed by stutters and stammers in the coaches’ box.
Mike Sherman was a good man and an excellent coach unfortunately, he was no longer up to speed with game-day.
Welcome to Miami Bill Lazor! No worries about how many running plays or how many passing plays, those stats are for talking heads. Being offensive is about attacking weaknesses in rapid succession.
The tape won't lie about a Miami dolphin team attacking on offense. It will reflect quite clearly in the win column. The question is...
Is Bill Lazor up to speed with game-day?
Showing posts with label Steven Ross. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steven Ross. Show all posts
Media Runs Ray Farmer Out of Miami
The search for a GM in Miami took a miserable turn as front runner for the job, Ray Farmer, was run out of town by the overzealous media.
The Miami Herald took it upon itself to sabotage the process by using the yellow journalism tactic of interjecting themselves between the candidate and the team. In claiming Farmer was uncertain about the power structure of the job, the Herald completely ignored its own role in forcing Farmer to reject a second interview.
Armando Salguero with complete disregard for the Miami Dolphins hounded Farmer into declining the opportunity to become an NFL GM. Farmer, aware of the scrutiny massed upon Jeff Ireland decided dealing with the press in Miami was more unpleasant than the cold in Cleveland.
The unscrupulous media, more adept at creating news than reporting it, sunk to running candidates out of town before they arrive.
Blinded by their own arrogance, ignoring responsibility to the community and the benefits an NFL football team brings, the media is lost in self-aggrandizing. Farmer is just the latest example of why coaches, players and now GM candidates would rather freeze in the great white north than endure the constant negativity in Miami.
While a coach, GM or even a player can be fired or cut, the media has no such worries as they breed a culture of pessimism among the fans and a blacklist among NFL insiders.
The list of football people unwilling to deal with the hounding media is long, Harbaugh, Fisher, Manning, etc. are aware the owner has the best intentions but are disgusted with the prospect of dealing with unaccountable story tellers.
Why come to Miami with such unrelenting Prima Donna writers thinking they are above the team they are paid to write about. The word "reporter" is a complete misnomer in Miami. These are sensationalist bucking for jobs in the TMZ where they can run side by side with paparazzi barking like dogs chasing tailpipes.
In manifesting the story, they will add Farmer to the list of dysfunction they have created in Miami. There can be no better job than perpetuating a tale that ensures employment while blaming the very organization responsible for employment.
The bait and switch game, fool the public into believing the Dolphins are dolts and create a story that lives upon itself. Admittedly, the genius is leading Miami fans into the scam like sheep to slaughter.
The downside, of course, is when enough of the fan base is turned away by the negativity and the team is forced to move to greener pastures. Fortunately, the legacy of the Miami Dolphins is still greater than the sensationalists.
It’s not beyond possibility to see a time when rich men grow tired of media bullies and move their expensive play-toys to more receptive environments. Did I say "bullies" oh what a tale that would make!
The simple wish to make the right GM selection has left the Dolphins open to the story tellers. Has there been a modicum of thought given to the fact that two teams have yet to finish the season? Has there been one report stating that if Ray Farmer was so much better than Brian Gain he would have been hired on the spot?
Perhaps Boss Ross is leaving the feeding frenzy open to show candidates what they will be dealing with in sensationalist Miami.
Can a person spend five hours in an interview and still not understand the parameters of the position he is applying for. Of course not, Ray Farmer knew exactly what he was getting into with the Miami Dolphins.
He was unaware of dealing with the story makers hounding him into submission. So thank you sincerely Armando Salguero for chasing Ray Farmer out of town. Obviously, he was ill-at-ease dealing with sensationalist media and thus not a viable candidate.
It makes this fan proud to see the Miami Dolphins stand up to the bullies and remain firm in the commitment of finding the right person for the GM position.
Boss Ross plainly stated he wanted a person willing to work as a team with Joe Philbin and Dawn Aponte, not a power monger, not a bullheaded Jeff Ireland type, a teammate willing to form an alliance. When the water is boiling with stories created to make writers feel important, only strong leadership with a responsibility to each other can lead Miami out of the sensational hole the media has dug.
Come work with our team, and check your ego at the door… A concept the Diva writers could learn to live by. Forgive us, even winning ten games every single season was not enough to save Don Shula.
Regrettably, the fate of the franchise, like all NFL teams, rests on the shoulders of the QB. A genius coach, GM and owner always follow in the footsteps of a great QB.
Poor Ryan, let’s hope he crosses into the realm of greatness before the Divas take aim.
The Miami Herald took it upon itself to sabotage the process by using the yellow journalism tactic of interjecting themselves between the candidate and the team. In claiming Farmer was uncertain about the power structure of the job, the Herald completely ignored its own role in forcing Farmer to reject a second interview.
Armando Salguero with complete disregard for the Miami Dolphins hounded Farmer into declining the opportunity to become an NFL GM. Farmer, aware of the scrutiny massed upon Jeff Ireland decided dealing with the press in Miami was more unpleasant than the cold in Cleveland.
The unscrupulous media, more adept at creating news than reporting it, sunk to running candidates out of town before they arrive.
Blinded by their own arrogance, ignoring responsibility to the community and the benefits an NFL football team brings, the media is lost in self-aggrandizing. Farmer is just the latest example of why coaches, players and now GM candidates would rather freeze in the great white north than endure the constant negativity in Miami.
While a coach, GM or even a player can be fired or cut, the media has no such worries as they breed a culture of pessimism among the fans and a blacklist among NFL insiders.
The list of football people unwilling to deal with the hounding media is long, Harbaugh, Fisher, Manning, etc. are aware the owner has the best intentions but are disgusted with the prospect of dealing with unaccountable story tellers.
Why come to Miami with such unrelenting Prima Donna writers thinking they are above the team they are paid to write about. The word "reporter" is a complete misnomer in Miami. These are sensationalist bucking for jobs in the TMZ where they can run side by side with paparazzi barking like dogs chasing tailpipes.
In manifesting the story, they will add Farmer to the list of dysfunction they have created in Miami. There can be no better job than perpetuating a tale that ensures employment while blaming the very organization responsible for employment.
The bait and switch game, fool the public into believing the Dolphins are dolts and create a story that lives upon itself. Admittedly, the genius is leading Miami fans into the scam like sheep to slaughter.
The downside, of course, is when enough of the fan base is turned away by the negativity and the team is forced to move to greener pastures. Fortunately, the legacy of the Miami Dolphins is still greater than the sensationalists.
It’s not beyond possibility to see a time when rich men grow tired of media bullies and move their expensive play-toys to more receptive environments. Did I say "bullies" oh what a tale that would make!
The simple wish to make the right GM selection has left the Dolphins open to the story tellers. Has there been a modicum of thought given to the fact that two teams have yet to finish the season? Has there been one report stating that if Ray Farmer was so much better than Brian Gain he would have been hired on the spot?
Perhaps Boss Ross is leaving the feeding frenzy open to show candidates what they will be dealing with in sensationalist Miami.
Can a person spend five hours in an interview and still not understand the parameters of the position he is applying for. Of course not, Ray Farmer knew exactly what he was getting into with the Miami Dolphins.
He was unaware of dealing with the story makers hounding him into submission. So thank you sincerely Armando Salguero for chasing Ray Farmer out of town. Obviously, he was ill-at-ease dealing with sensationalist media and thus not a viable candidate.
It makes this fan proud to see the Miami Dolphins stand up to the bullies and remain firm in the commitment of finding the right person for the GM position.
Boss Ross plainly stated he wanted a person willing to work as a team with Joe Philbin and Dawn Aponte, not a power monger, not a bullheaded Jeff Ireland type, a teammate willing to form an alliance. When the water is boiling with stories created to make writers feel important, only strong leadership with a responsibility to each other can lead Miami out of the sensational hole the media has dug.
Come work with our team, and check your ego at the door… A concept the Diva writers could learn to live by. Forgive us, even winning ten games every single season was not enough to save Don Shula.
Regrettably, the fate of the franchise, like all NFL teams, rests on the shoulders of the QB. A genius coach, GM and owner always follow in the footsteps of a great QB.
Poor Ryan, let’s hope he crosses into the realm of greatness before the Divas take aim.
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.
The Real Reason for Miami Dolphin Three Game Win Streak
After an 0-7 start, I started wearing my number 54 Zach Thomas jersey, (End of story, that is it, that's the reason the Dolphins have suddenly started to resemble a legitimate NFL team during a three game "winning streak")!! It's a white jersey that's currently looking and smelling like a hunters camouflaged attire after a successful hunt of Buffalo, Redskins, and their Chiefs because I refuse to wash-off the good fortune it's brought to our beloved MIAMI DOLPHINS!! Don't you worry, I'll be gettin some Turkey and Cowboy blood on it next Thursday too, because (when it comes to the Fins I'm extremely superstitious),while in other aspects of life I'm not even a Lil-Bit "stitious",(not a word, a joke) :)!!
Shoot, "if" Porpoises walked the planet during the frontier days we might currently be communicating via a series of clicks, whistles, and sonar??
Seriously however.. The true reason our Dolphins have reached a gelatinous level is because they've now had the new playbook/scheme pounded into their brains for four months,(usually 10 months plus at this point even for a new OC/scheme)!!
The intricate parts that were brought in over the off season are becoming healthy while through practice and game repetition's they are now able to contribute to the plays initially designed for their roles!!(I've suggested since before the draft that Charles Clay has Fred Biletnikoff type hands),for those not of the 70s, Raider Biletnikoff covered his entire uniform and body from head to toe with what is now an illegal substance called "stick'em"!! As well, the new OC Brian Daboll has had a moment to learn what his veteran and new Dolphin players are capable of and how they fit while also being able to alter his original approach from that of Chad Henne to that of Matt Moore!!
Proof of some of the above can be visualized through a small sample of facts that took place in the game versus Buffalo!!
Brandon Marshall contributed zero points to my fantasy team, a good thing for Miami's sake while Reggie Bush (for the 3rd consecutive game), Anthony Fasano, Charles Clay, Davone Bess, and even ( Lex Hilliard on ST's ) scored Touch-Downs!!
The Dolphins enjoyed their largest halftime lead since 2000 because at zero to three they scored 28 unanswered points before the Bills kicked a 56 yard FG as time ran out in the 2nd quarter resulting in a 28 - 6 Miami halftime lead..
Five straight three & outs for the Bills at one point in the first half!!
Back to back defensive sacks with a third sack and forced fumble on 4th down during the same Buffalo possession at midway through the third quarter with our Fins ahead at 35 - 6 !! ( Conservative )?? I think NOT !! Second game in a row with multiple interceptions due to the aggressive pressuring of the opposing QB!!
First divisional home victory since 2009, (a 7 - 9 Sparano coached team that ended the season with 9 starters on IR)!!
First three game win steak since 2008, (an 11 - 5 Sparano coached team that had Zero injuries for the entire year), not even a hang-nail, and also led the league in every intangible category that exist!!
First "special teams" blocked punt returned for a TD and six points since 1990!!
Porpoises hittin like wild Bison turning Buffalo into the fatty-type of ground beef!!
Wasn't that funnnnnnn?? GIGGITTY, GIGGITTY :) !!
Other than during a 72 hour meltdown in frustration of a failed 2 point play that cost the Fins a victory vs Denver.. I've been one that has totally supported Tony Sparano from day one, while I've been on Ireland's butt for a couple years (for the most part) due to his acquisitions not being able to stay healthy and/or on the roster therefore not being able to contribute to what was envisioned for them!!
I'll tell'ya what folks, I'll save it for the comments section as well as the appropriate times it'll be required, but I already have enough ammo to convince Ross to keep both Ireland & Sparano, while "if" our Fins continue to play and win in an as of late fashion, I'll have zero difficulty in convincing even the most down on the regime fans :) !!
THANX for an open-minded reading!!
Yeeeeeeeeeeeee Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, GO M I A M I D O L P H I N S !!!!!
Shoot, "if" Porpoises walked the planet during the frontier days we might currently be communicating via a series of clicks, whistles, and sonar??
Seriously however.. The true reason our Dolphins have reached a gelatinous level is because they've now had the new playbook/scheme pounded into their brains for four months,(usually 10 months plus at this point even for a new OC/scheme)!!
The intricate parts that were brought in over the off season are becoming healthy while through practice and game repetition's they are now able to contribute to the plays initially designed for their roles!!(I've suggested since before the draft that Charles Clay has Fred Biletnikoff type hands),for those not of the 70s, Raider Biletnikoff covered his entire uniform and body from head to toe with what is now an illegal substance called "stick'em"!! As well, the new OC Brian Daboll has had a moment to learn what his veteran and new Dolphin players are capable of and how they fit while also being able to alter his original approach from that of Chad Henne to that of Matt Moore!!
Proof of some of the above can be visualized through a small sample of facts that took place in the game versus Buffalo!!
Brandon Marshall contributed zero points to my fantasy team, a good thing for Miami's sake while Reggie Bush (for the 3rd consecutive game), Anthony Fasano, Charles Clay, Davone Bess, and even ( Lex Hilliard on ST's ) scored Touch-Downs!!
The Dolphins enjoyed their largest halftime lead since 2000 because at zero to three they scored 28 unanswered points before the Bills kicked a 56 yard FG as time ran out in the 2nd quarter resulting in a 28 - 6 Miami halftime lead..
Five straight three & outs for the Bills at one point in the first half!!
Back to back defensive sacks with a third sack and forced fumble on 4th down during the same Buffalo possession at midway through the third quarter with our Fins ahead at 35 - 6 !! ( Conservative )?? I think NOT !! Second game in a row with multiple interceptions due to the aggressive pressuring of the opposing QB!!
First divisional home victory since 2009, (a 7 - 9 Sparano coached team that ended the season with 9 starters on IR)!!
First three game win steak since 2008, (an 11 - 5 Sparano coached team that had Zero injuries for the entire year), not even a hang-nail, and also led the league in every intangible category that exist!!
First "special teams" blocked punt returned for a TD and six points since 1990!!
Porpoises hittin like wild Bison turning Buffalo into the fatty-type of ground beef!!
Wasn't that funnnnnnn?? GIGGITTY, GIGGITTY :) !!
Other than during a 72 hour meltdown in frustration of a failed 2 point play that cost the Fins a victory vs Denver.. I've been one that has totally supported Tony Sparano from day one, while I've been on Ireland's butt for a couple years (for the most part) due to his acquisitions not being able to stay healthy and/or on the roster therefore not being able to contribute to what was envisioned for them!!
I'll tell'ya what folks, I'll save it for the comments section as well as the appropriate times it'll be required, but I already have enough ammo to convince Ross to keep both Ireland & Sparano, while "if" our Fins continue to play and win in an as of late fashion, I'll have zero difficulty in convincing even the most down on the regime fans :) !!
THANX for an open-minded reading!!
Yeeeeeeeeeeeee Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, GO M I A M I D O L P H I N S !!!!!
The Problem in Miami is Jeff Ireland
Steven Ross has some decisions to make this off-season and if he looks closely at the Dolphin roster, the answer is clear. Schedules and draft position are designed to penalize good teams and allow lesser teams the opportunity to compete. Drafting below the top ten, puts a premium on the ability of NFL personnel directors to evaluate talent. The better evaluators can find gems outside the top ten; Jeff Ireland has not shown that aptitude.
Prior to the KC game, the Miami Dolphins struggled to make plays on both sides of the ball. The team has played hard, but the lack of big plays has allowed opponents to remain in striking distance and eventually, make the plays that led to victory. Chemistry is the mysterious component of a football team that evolves when leadership develops into an identity. Identity can usually be tied to a dominate player, a leader other players rally around and personify.
There is a great deal of parity in talent levels around the NFL, better teams have at least one impact player that gives the team an identity. Miami has no such player the team can identify with and therefore, has no personality. While the player personnel department has brought some talent to the football team, they have failed to select true impact players. When television networks announce the weekly match-ups, there is no face of the Dolphins.
Mike Nolan is a good coach but his defenses don’t carry the team because there is no identity on that side of the ball. Players like Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher or even Darrelle Revis personify their defenses. Miami was supposed to be dominant on defensive this season, but no player such as, Carlos Dansby, Vontae Davis or Cameron Wake has blossomed into the impact player the Dolphins had envisioned. The defense played well against KC but only after the offense stepped up and showed the way.
The same situation exists on offensive, there is no franchise QB, Brandon Marshall or Reggie Bush have not made the impact to be the face of the offense. In game planning against the Dolphin offense, teams do not have to scheme around the talents of a special athlete. Miami’s offense is predictable because no player specifically alters game planning. Teams game plan based on keeping impact players in check, without such a player, Miami is easy to defend.
The slow starts during Tony Sparano’s tenure correlate directly to this inability to find an identity on either side of the ball. Most teams take on the personality of a dominate player. The Ravens personify Ray Lewis, while the Patriots are a product of Tom Brady’s success. The special player can be on either side of the ball and the entire will team feed off that identity. It doesn’t have to be a specific player, it could be a no-name defense but the identity is important and Miami struggles every year to figure out who they are.
Look at what has happened to the Colts to see how important this chemistry is. Built around the talents of Payton Manning, the team has floundered like a rudderless ship in his absence. On many teams, the QB is the face of the franchise but it doesn’t have to be the QB. Larry Czonka was once the face of the Dolphins, Lawrence Taylor was the face of the Giants. This where the GM has failed in Miami, he has not been able to recognize special players.
Bill Parcells knew the right words when he said the NFL is a talent acquisition business, but he was unable to evaluate talent well enough to select impact players. Steven Ross will have to make a decision on whether to keep Jeff Ireland after this season. That decision should take into account the impact players Ireland has not been able to recognize. Owning a team without an identity should give him an honest answer. Tony Sparano has never had a talent he needed to build around; the wildcat was a product of a team without a personality.
The chances of Sparano remaining the coach of the Dolphins following this season are remote, but Sparano is not the root of the problem in Miami. Jeff Ireland has clearly not recognized players with special talent. Some of it is luck, like Tom Brady, but luck will only land an occasional gem. The inability to select impact players over the course of years has kept Miami from rising to success. Four years is enough time to see Jeff Ireland is not a great talent evaluator.
In a recent interview, Jimmy Johnson echoed these words when he said Miami needed to find a talent evaluator before worrying about a coach. Surrounding a young hungry coach with talented players is his formula for success. His words were profound advice to Steven Ross. Ross must simply ask himself, who is the face of the Dolphins? When he cannot answer the question, he will know the root of his problem.
His name is Jeff Ireland…
Prior to the KC game, the Miami Dolphins struggled to make plays on both sides of the ball. The team has played hard, but the lack of big plays has allowed opponents to remain in striking distance and eventually, make the plays that led to victory. Chemistry is the mysterious component of a football team that evolves when leadership develops into an identity. Identity can usually be tied to a dominate player, a leader other players rally around and personify.
There is a great deal of parity in talent levels around the NFL, better teams have at least one impact player that gives the team an identity. Miami has no such player the team can identify with and therefore, has no personality. While the player personnel department has brought some talent to the football team, they have failed to select true impact players. When television networks announce the weekly match-ups, there is no face of the Dolphins.
Mike Nolan is a good coach but his defenses don’t carry the team because there is no identity on that side of the ball. Players like Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher or even Darrelle Revis personify their defenses. Miami was supposed to be dominant on defensive this season, but no player such as, Carlos Dansby, Vontae Davis or Cameron Wake has blossomed into the impact player the Dolphins had envisioned. The defense played well against KC but only after the offense stepped up and showed the way.
The same situation exists on offensive, there is no franchise QB, Brandon Marshall or Reggie Bush have not made the impact to be the face of the offense. In game planning against the Dolphin offense, teams do not have to scheme around the talents of a special athlete. Miami’s offense is predictable because no player specifically alters game planning. Teams game plan based on keeping impact players in check, without such a player, Miami is easy to defend.
The slow starts during Tony Sparano’s tenure correlate directly to this inability to find an identity on either side of the ball. Most teams take on the personality of a dominate player. The Ravens personify Ray Lewis, while the Patriots are a product of Tom Brady’s success. The special player can be on either side of the ball and the entire will team feed off that identity. It doesn’t have to be a specific player, it could be a no-name defense but the identity is important and Miami struggles every year to figure out who they are.
Look at what has happened to the Colts to see how important this chemistry is. Built around the talents of Payton Manning, the team has floundered like a rudderless ship in his absence. On many teams, the QB is the face of the franchise but it doesn’t have to be the QB. Larry Czonka was once the face of the Dolphins, Lawrence Taylor was the face of the Giants. This where the GM has failed in Miami, he has not been able to recognize special players.
Bill Parcells knew the right words when he said the NFL is a talent acquisition business, but he was unable to evaluate talent well enough to select impact players. Steven Ross will have to make a decision on whether to keep Jeff Ireland after this season. That decision should take into account the impact players Ireland has not been able to recognize. Owning a team without an identity should give him an honest answer. Tony Sparano has never had a talent he needed to build around; the wildcat was a product of a team without a personality.
The chances of Sparano remaining the coach of the Dolphins following this season are remote, but Sparano is not the root of the problem in Miami. Jeff Ireland has clearly not recognized players with special talent. Some of it is luck, like Tom Brady, but luck will only land an occasional gem. The inability to select impact players over the course of years has kept Miami from rising to success. Four years is enough time to see Jeff Ireland is not a great talent evaluator.
In a recent interview, Jimmy Johnson echoed these words when he said Miami needed to find a talent evaluator before worrying about a coach. Surrounding a young hungry coach with talented players is his formula for success. His words were profound advice to Steven Ross. Ross must simply ask himself, who is the face of the Dolphins? When he cannot answer the question, he will know the root of his problem.
His name is Jeff Ireland…
Jeff Fisher to Coach The Dolphins?
The Coach’s series continues…
A few facts have been established in the search for the next Dolphin coach; many great coaches have been retreads, coaching longevity most often includes the presence of a great QB, no coach has ever won the Super Bowl with two different teams, and coaches who have walked away from the game for more than a couple seasons, have never been able to duplicate their success.
Many great coaches came from inauspicious beginnings; Tom Landry’s career in Dallas began with a 0–11–1 record, Chuck Noll was 1-13 his first season with the Steelers, Bill Walsh was 2-14 with the 49ers, Bill Parcells, 3-12-1, Jimmy Johnson, 1-15, Belichick was a little better at 6-10. Each went on to win multiple Super Bowls and are easily recognized among the greatest coaches of all time.
With one win in his first season, Cam Cameron equaled the likes of Landry, Noll and Johnson and had only one fewer win than Bill Walsh. The coaching profession hasn’t changed as much over the years but the media and fan’s need for instant gratification has grown exponentially. If Tom Landry was to coach the Dolphins to 0-11-1 record today, imagine the size of the rocks hurled at his escape vehicle. It begs to wonder whether Cameron could have become a good head coach given the opportunity.
Perhaps going 11-5 in his first season set the expectations way too high for Tony Sparano. The gimmick that got Sparano to 11-5 was ultimately his undoing in many ways. Thinking he had a winning formula with the wildcat, he tried to develop his team around that flawed strategy. What started with Jake Long and Chad Henne turned into Pat White and Brandon Marshall and a team without direction. Building with a great offensive tackle and good QB, turned into a circus-show that defenses easily caught up with. The stroke of brilliance when the Dolphins beat the Patriots, eventually turned into Tony’s demise.
The same media and fans that ran Cam Cameron out of town would not have hounded Sparano as hard because of the presence of Bill Parcells and the low expectations set by Cameron. By winning, Sparano set the tone of expectations and by doing so with a gadget, set himself up for disaster. The game of football has always been, and will always be about the basics, running, throwing, catching, blocking and tackling. Schemes will come and go, but the basics will always remain. Great coaches build the foundation on basics and use schemes to optimize talent. Building a team based on a scheme doomed Sparano to failure and that leads us our next coach, Jeff Fisher.
Jeff Fisher’s NFL playing days ended when he broke his leg while being tackled by Bill Cowher on a kickoff return. It’s ironic these two marginal football players would mirror each other throughout their careers. Fisher played on the iconic Bears teams of the 1980’s but spent the Super Bowl season on injured reserve due to the hit by Cowher. As NFL coaches, they faced each other twice a year in the same division. The situational similarities end there, the Titan organization was nothing like the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While the Rooney’s epitomize stability in the NFL, Bud Adams comes from a much different background. Adams is chairman and CEO of Adams Resources & Energy and made his billions in the oil fields of Oklahoma. He was the CEO of Phillips Petroleum for years and was appointed chief of the Cherokee Nation by President Harry S. Truman in 1949. To say he led an interesting life would be an understatement.
In 2009 at the ripe old age of 86, Adams returned to the role of Tennessee Titan team president. The NFL fined him $250,000 that year for displaying an obscene gesture at the Bills game on November 15. Afterwards, Adams remarked, "Oh, I knew I was going to get in trouble for that." A promising start to 2010 fell apart amid conflicts between Adams, Jeff Fisher, and QB Vince Young. The Titans finished 6-10 with the contracts of Fisher and Young terminated in January 2011.
Adams is a meddling eccentric owner and placed himself between Fisher and QB Vince Young. It is amazing Fisher was able to handle Adams for 15 years as the Oiler and then Titan coach. When Fisher refused to play Vince Young after the Young had quit on his team, his relationship with Adams ended when Adams demanded Young play. Fisher knew only tough love would mold Young into an NFL QB, but Adams gave Young the out he needed to continue his childish behavior.
Fisher is a hardnosed defensive minded coach who comes from the line of Mike Ditka and Buddy Ryan. He went 1-5 in 1994 after taking over as interim coach from Jack Pardee. Hired that off-season, he instantly selected Steve McNair in the first round of the 1995 draft and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George the following year. In 1995, there were not many black QBs in the NFL and selecting a guy from Alcorn State was highly questionable. Fisher never wavered and in 1999, the Titans lost 23-16 in the Super Bowl to the St. Luis Rams with Kevin Dyson tackled one yard short of the goal line as time expired.
Fisher’s Titans would reach the playoffs 5 more times over the next 10 years but a return to the Super Bowl eluded him. Fisher did not start Steve McNair until his third season, grooming the young QB before throwing him to the wolves. McNair had several stellar seasons but trouble began with an arrest for DUI and illegal gun possession in May 2003. In December 2003, McNair’s season ended with a calf injury and he played only 10 games in 2004 with a bruised sternum. In 2006, the Titans traded McNair to the Ravens for a 4th round pick and drafted Vince Young.
Drafting Young may have been Fisher’s undoing but once again he showed his understanding of the NFL and the need for a franchise QB to be successful. At 54 years of age, Fisher is still a young coach who has yet to win a title. Of all the retreads, Fisher shows the most promise. He immediately goes after a QB to lead his team; he is a good drafter, including the likes of Chris Johnson, Jevon Kearse, Albert Haynesworth, Randy Starks, Chris Henry, Kenny Britt, Eddie George and the aforementioned QBs, among many others.
Steven Ross’ penchant for celebrity owners has nothing on Bud Adams. Handling Adams for 15 years shows the environment will not be too big for Fisher. Kicking Vince Young off the team and cutting Albert Haynesworth in mid-season shows Fisher has little patience with players who think they are larger than the team. Most of all, Jeff Fisher will take action. He will not tolerate his teams playing without emotion and he will draft a QB to lead his team. Fisher has not shown up on any pre-game telecast and has no interest in broadcasting. He is a coach, still hungry to win the big prize. For these reasons, Jeff Fisher is best choice of the retreads to coach the Miami Dolphins.
Next installment, the coordinators…
A few facts have been established in the search for the next Dolphin coach; many great coaches have been retreads, coaching longevity most often includes the presence of a great QB, no coach has ever won the Super Bowl with two different teams, and coaches who have walked away from the game for more than a couple seasons, have never been able to duplicate their success.
Many great coaches came from inauspicious beginnings; Tom Landry’s career in Dallas began with a 0–11–1 record, Chuck Noll was 1-13 his first season with the Steelers, Bill Walsh was 2-14 with the 49ers, Bill Parcells, 3-12-1, Jimmy Johnson, 1-15, Belichick was a little better at 6-10. Each went on to win multiple Super Bowls and are easily recognized among the greatest coaches of all time.With one win in his first season, Cam Cameron equaled the likes of Landry, Noll and Johnson and had only one fewer win than Bill Walsh. The coaching profession hasn’t changed as much over the years but the media and fan’s need for instant gratification has grown exponentially. If Tom Landry was to coach the Dolphins to 0-11-1 record today, imagine the size of the rocks hurled at his escape vehicle. It begs to wonder whether Cameron could have become a good head coach given the opportunity.
Perhaps going 11-5 in his first season set the expectations way too high for Tony Sparano. The gimmick that got Sparano to 11-5 was ultimately his undoing in many ways. Thinking he had a winning formula with the wildcat, he tried to develop his team around that flawed strategy. What started with Jake Long and Chad Henne turned into Pat White and Brandon Marshall and a team without direction. Building with a great offensive tackle and good QB, turned into a circus-show that defenses easily caught up with. The stroke of brilliance when the Dolphins beat the Patriots, eventually turned into Tony’s demise.
The same media and fans that ran Cam Cameron out of town would not have hounded Sparano as hard because of the presence of Bill Parcells and the low expectations set by Cameron. By winning, Sparano set the tone of expectations and by doing so with a gadget, set himself up for disaster. The game of football has always been, and will always be about the basics, running, throwing, catching, blocking and tackling. Schemes will come and go, but the basics will always remain. Great coaches build the foundation on basics and use schemes to optimize talent. Building a team based on a scheme doomed Sparano to failure and that leads us our next coach, Jeff Fisher.Jeff Fisher’s NFL playing days ended when he broke his leg while being tackled by Bill Cowher on a kickoff return. It’s ironic these two marginal football players would mirror each other throughout their careers. Fisher played on the iconic Bears teams of the 1980’s but spent the Super Bowl season on injured reserve due to the hit by Cowher. As NFL coaches, they faced each other twice a year in the same division. The situational similarities end there, the Titan organization was nothing like the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While the Rooney’s epitomize stability in the NFL, Bud Adams comes from a much different background. Adams is chairman and CEO of Adams Resources & Energy and made his billions in the oil fields of Oklahoma. He was the CEO of Phillips Petroleum for years and was appointed chief of the Cherokee Nation by President Harry S. Truman in 1949. To say he led an interesting life would be an understatement.
In 2009 at the ripe old age of 86, Adams returned to the role of Tennessee Titan team president. The NFL fined him $250,000 that year for displaying an obscene gesture at the Bills game on November 15. Afterwards, Adams remarked, "Oh, I knew I was going to get in trouble for that." A promising start to 2010 fell apart amid conflicts between Adams, Jeff Fisher, and QB Vince Young. The Titans finished 6-10 with the contracts of Fisher and Young terminated in January 2011.Adams is a meddling eccentric owner and placed himself between Fisher and QB Vince Young. It is amazing Fisher was able to handle Adams for 15 years as the Oiler and then Titan coach. When Fisher refused to play Vince Young after the Young had quit on his team, his relationship with Adams ended when Adams demanded Young play. Fisher knew only tough love would mold Young into an NFL QB, but Adams gave Young the out he needed to continue his childish behavior.
Fisher is a hardnosed defensive minded coach who comes from the line of Mike Ditka and Buddy Ryan. He went 1-5 in 1994 after taking over as interim coach from Jack Pardee. Hired that off-season, he instantly selected Steve McNair in the first round of the 1995 draft and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George the following year. In 1995, there were not many black QBs in the NFL and selecting a guy from Alcorn State was highly questionable. Fisher never wavered and in 1999, the Titans lost 23-16 in the Super Bowl to the St. Luis Rams with Kevin Dyson tackled one yard short of the goal line as time expired.
Fisher’s Titans would reach the playoffs 5 more times over the next 10 years but a return to the Super Bowl eluded him. Fisher did not start Steve McNair until his third season, grooming the young QB before throwing him to the wolves. McNair had several stellar seasons but trouble began with an arrest for DUI and illegal gun possession in May 2003. In December 2003, McNair’s season ended with a calf injury and he played only 10 games in 2004 with a bruised sternum. In 2006, the Titans traded McNair to the Ravens for a 4th round pick and drafted Vince Young.
Drafting Young may have been Fisher’s undoing but once again he showed his understanding of the NFL and the need for a franchise QB to be successful. At 54 years of age, Fisher is still a young coach who has yet to win a title. Of all the retreads, Fisher shows the most promise. He immediately goes after a QB to lead his team; he is a good drafter, including the likes of Chris Johnson, Jevon Kearse, Albert Haynesworth, Randy Starks, Chris Henry, Kenny Britt, Eddie George and the aforementioned QBs, among many others.
Steven Ross’ penchant for celebrity owners has nothing on Bud Adams. Handling Adams for 15 years shows the environment will not be too big for Fisher. Kicking Vince Young off the team and cutting Albert Haynesworth in mid-season shows Fisher has little patience with players who think they are larger than the team. Most of all, Jeff Fisher will take action. He will not tolerate his teams playing without emotion and he will draft a QB to lead his team. Fisher has not shown up on any pre-game telecast and has no interest in broadcasting. He is a coach, still hungry to win the big prize. For these reasons, Jeff Fisher is best choice of the retreads to coach the Miami Dolphins.
Next installment, the coordinators…
Miami Dolphin Coaching Search Begins
This is the first in a series, finding a coach in Miami…
Albert Einstein once said, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” It doesn’t take a genius to figure out, hiring a retread coach is not going to work. Jimmy Johnson, Dave Wannestedt and Bill Parcells should be history enough to eliminate the retreads. However, Miami has also learned the hard way; inexperienced coordinators such as Cam Cameron and Tony Sparano are not the answer and Nick Saban’s midnight run out of town should leave a bad taste for high profile college coaches.
It’s been 15 years since Wayne Huizenga and the media horde forced Don Shula to step down in 1995. The Dolphins have gone through 6 coaches, including interim coach Jim Bates since Shula and none has duplicated Shula’s success. The lesson they all have failed to learn from Shula is that winning in the NFL comes from the QB position. The last 1st round QB drafted in Miami was Dan Marino in 1983.
Since then the Dolphins have used the 1st round to draft running backs, John Avery (1998) and Ronnie Brown (2005), they gave up two first rounder picks for Ricky Williams (2002). They’ve drafted defensive backs, Jamar Fletcher (2001), Jason Allen (2006) and Vontae Davis (2009). They’ve drafted offensive tackles, Vernon Carey (2004) and Jake Long (2008). They’ve drafted wide receiver, Ted Ginn Jr. (2007) and defensive end Jared Odrick (2010).
For 27 years, the Dolphins have failed to address the most important position in the NFL, QB. Jimmy Johnson had some success with Marino, but since Huizenga and Dave Wannestedt forced Marino into retirement after a 62–7 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2000, Miami has made a steady progression to the cellar of the NFL.
Many pundits will argue that the coach is the most important person in the organization. Six consecutive losers solidify the notion, the QB, not the coach determines winners from losers. When a team goes 27 years without selecting a QB in the 1st round, it only serves to reason that team will not be playing in January. The same media horde that ran Johnson, Wannestedt, Bates, Saban, Cameron and now Sparano out of town is missing the root of the problem. Not drafting a QB is the real reason for Miami’s demise.
If Steven Ross is going to change the trend, he must understand why the previous coaches have been unsuccessful. Probably the two smartest guys in Miami since Shula were Nick Saban and Bill Parcells. Both of these men ran for the door when they realized Daunte Culpepper and Chad Henne respectively were not going to be the player they needed to build a winning team. Ross has to understand, the QB will bring Miami back to prominence and a good coach is along for the ride.
The term “franchise QB” came into being for a reason, that player is what makes a franchise. Teams like Tampa or Baltimore have won a Superbowl without a franchise QB but the overwhelming reality is, continuous success in the NFL comes from the QB position. Dredging up examples where this has not held true is argument for argument’s sake. Steven Ross must understand this and realize a coach can only be as good as the player he has under center.
This thought process would give Ross a very clear direction when he goes about selecting a coach. When hashing around names like Jon Gruden, Bill Cowher or Jeff Fisher it would be very important to understand whether these coaches have an eye for QBs. Taking the time to research their history would give Ross an indication of what to expect if he were to chose one of them. The first on the list, Jon Gruden…
Jon Gruden likens himself as a QB guru, but his history is less than stellar. In Oakland, Gruden signed free agent Rich Gannon in 1999 and the two began a run of three straight playoff seasons. Gruden was “traded” to the Bucs in 2002 for Tampa Bay's 2002 and 2003 first-round draft picks, 2002 and 2004 second-round draft picks, and $8 million in cash. Gruden ended up beating his former team in Superbowl 37 with a team largely made up of players drafted by Tony Dungy and renowned Tampa personnel director Rich McKay. Dungy and McKay signed QB, Brad Johnson as a FA in 2001.
The Bucs released Johnson a couple years later and Gruden floundered with such QBs as Shaun King, Chris Simms, Brian Griese and Bruce Gradkowski. Gruden never selected a 1st round QB and that was partly due to the price Tampa had to pay to lure him away from Oakland. Gurden could not get along with Rich McKay who was responsible for drafting such players as Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn and John Lynch among many others.
Gruden forced McKay to leave the Bucs and brought in Bruce Allen who had worked with him in Oakland. Allen, like his father George Allen, built a reputation of resurrecting the careers of aging veterans. It is hard to say what Gruden would do in Miami with the opportunity to draft Andrew Luck but his draft history with Allen in Tampa is not flattering. Like the Dolphins, he passed on Aaron Rodgers in 2005 and selected running back Cadillac Williams. The truth is, in the 1st round from 2005 through 2008, only Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler have been consistent starters.
Gruden is an excellent coach, but he has been out of the league for several years and his success, as broadcaster will leave an easy out if things get rough. Having never drafted a QB in the first round, a preference for older players and a history of poor drafting are indications he would not be a very good fit for the Miami Dolphins. History is not on his side as well, as no coach has ever won a Superbowl with two different teams.
The next installment, Bill Cowher…
Albert Einstein once said, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” It doesn’t take a genius to figure out, hiring a retread coach is not going to work. Jimmy Johnson, Dave Wannestedt and Bill Parcells should be history enough to eliminate the retreads. However, Miami has also learned the hard way; inexperienced coordinators such as Cam Cameron and Tony Sparano are not the answer and Nick Saban’s midnight run out of town should leave a bad taste for high profile college coaches.It’s been 15 years since Wayne Huizenga and the media horde forced Don Shula to step down in 1995. The Dolphins have gone through 6 coaches, including interim coach Jim Bates since Shula and none has duplicated Shula’s success. The lesson they all have failed to learn from Shula is that winning in the NFL comes from the QB position. The last 1st round QB drafted in Miami was Dan Marino in 1983.
Since then the Dolphins have used the 1st round to draft running backs, John Avery (1998) and Ronnie Brown (2005), they gave up two first rounder picks for Ricky Williams (2002). They’ve drafted defensive backs, Jamar Fletcher (2001), Jason Allen (2006) and Vontae Davis (2009). They’ve drafted offensive tackles, Vernon Carey (2004) and Jake Long (2008). They’ve drafted wide receiver, Ted Ginn Jr. (2007) and defensive end Jared Odrick (2010).
For 27 years, the Dolphins have failed to address the most important position in the NFL, QB. Jimmy Johnson had some success with Marino, but since Huizenga and Dave Wannestedt forced Marino into retirement after a 62–7 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2000, Miami has made a steady progression to the cellar of the NFL.Many pundits will argue that the coach is the most important person in the organization. Six consecutive losers solidify the notion, the QB, not the coach determines winners from losers. When a team goes 27 years without selecting a QB in the 1st round, it only serves to reason that team will not be playing in January. The same media horde that ran Johnson, Wannestedt, Bates, Saban, Cameron and now Sparano out of town is missing the root of the problem. Not drafting a QB is the real reason for Miami’s demise.
If Steven Ross is going to change the trend, he must understand why the previous coaches have been unsuccessful. Probably the two smartest guys in Miami since Shula were Nick Saban and Bill Parcells. Both of these men ran for the door when they realized Daunte Culpepper and Chad Henne respectively were not going to be the player they needed to build a winning team. Ross has to understand, the QB will bring Miami back to prominence and a good coach is along for the ride.
The term “franchise QB” came into being for a reason, that player is what makes a franchise. Teams like Tampa or Baltimore have won a Superbowl without a franchise QB but the overwhelming reality is, continuous success in the NFL comes from the QB position. Dredging up examples where this has not held true is argument for argument’s sake. Steven Ross must understand this and realize a coach can only be as good as the player he has under center.This thought process would give Ross a very clear direction when he goes about selecting a coach. When hashing around names like Jon Gruden, Bill Cowher or Jeff Fisher it would be very important to understand whether these coaches have an eye for QBs. Taking the time to research their history would give Ross an indication of what to expect if he were to chose one of them. The first on the list, Jon Gruden…
Jon Gruden likens himself as a QB guru, but his history is less than stellar. In Oakland, Gruden signed free agent Rich Gannon in 1999 and the two began a run of three straight playoff seasons. Gruden was “traded” to the Bucs in 2002 for Tampa Bay's 2002 and 2003 first-round draft picks, 2002 and 2004 second-round draft picks, and $8 million in cash. Gruden ended up beating his former team in Superbowl 37 with a team largely made up of players drafted by Tony Dungy and renowned Tampa personnel director Rich McKay. Dungy and McKay signed QB, Brad Johnson as a FA in 2001.The Bucs released Johnson a couple years later and Gruden floundered with such QBs as Shaun King, Chris Simms, Brian Griese and Bruce Gradkowski. Gruden never selected a 1st round QB and that was partly due to the price Tampa had to pay to lure him away from Oakland. Gurden could not get along with Rich McKay who was responsible for drafting such players as Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn and John Lynch among many others.
Gruden forced McKay to leave the Bucs and brought in Bruce Allen who had worked with him in Oakland. Allen, like his father George Allen, built a reputation of resurrecting the careers of aging veterans. It is hard to say what Gruden would do in Miami with the opportunity to draft Andrew Luck but his draft history with Allen in Tampa is not flattering. Like the Dolphins, he passed on Aaron Rodgers in 2005 and selected running back Cadillac Williams. The truth is, in the 1st round from 2005 through 2008, only Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler have been consistent starters.
Gruden is an excellent coach, but he has been out of the league for several years and his success, as broadcaster will leave an easy out if things get rough. Having never drafted a QB in the first round, a preference for older players and a history of poor drafting are indications he would not be a very good fit for the Miami Dolphins. History is not on his side as well, as no coach has ever won a Superbowl with two different teams.
The next installment, Bill Cowher…
Turning Around the Miami Dolphins
The presence of a great coach and a great QB, tied at the hip like a set of Siamese twins, often defines NFL dynasties. The phrase, “leadership starts at the top,” rarely goes beyond the coach of these teams, but this is far from true. Strong leadership above the coach is the cement that holds the organization together. Any successful endeavor begins with an impassioned leader at the very top whose ethic and determination funnels down through the organization.
In its infancy the NFL came into being by the persistence of men who did not view their team as a toy or a status symbol, these were men of passion. Joe Robbie was one such man. He built the Miami Dolphins with his own blood, sweat and tears, into one of the most successful franchises in NFL history. There is a direct correlation to the demise of the franchise with the loss of Joe Robbie.
Like any great leader, the keys to success are seeing that same greatness in others and providing the tools, guidance and respect, those people need to succeed. Steven Ross did not rise to his current pinnacle without understanding these basic principles. This cannot happen if the team is merely a toy or a status symbol. He must approach the Dolphins with the same passion that led to his success in business.
Breaking down those four keys can provide insight into where the Dolphins came from, where they are now and how to dig out of the current hole.
Recognize Greatness
Provide the Tools
Give Proper Guidance
Respect Others
Recognize Greatness
On January 12th 1969, Don Shula led the heavily favored 13-1 Baltimore Colts into the Orange Bowl for Superbowl III against the New York Jets. The Colts were a juggernaut that season, which culminated with a 34-0 crushing of the Cleveland Browns in the NFL championship game. The season began inauspiciously with QB Johnny Unitas injuring his throwing shoulder and the team having to resort to little known back-up Earl Morrall. Morrall led the team to one of the greatest seasons in NFL history and Shula chose to start Morrall in the Superbowl even though Unitas was now healthy. This fateful decision changed the fortunes of Don Shula and the Miami Dolphins.
The Colts lost that game 16-7 when Morrall could not muster the Colt’s offense and Joe Namath became a NFL icon by guaranteeing a Jet victory. More importantly for the Dolphins, the relationship between Colts owner Carroll Rosenbloom and Don Shula deteriorated to the point where Shula was “allowed” to resign. Joe Robbie saw an opportunity and seized the moment so readily the Dolphins were forced to give the Colts a 1st round draft pick for tampering when Robbie and Shula negotiated prior to Shula’s resignation from the Colts.
Joe Robbie recognized greatness, even at the cost of a 1st round pick and the largest coaching contract in NFL history at the time, Robbie did not hesitate. Shula would then lead the Dolphins to an undefeated season and nearly 30 years of unparalleled success. Under Robbie and Shula, the Dolphins became a model NFL franchise and Shula’s 347 victories is a record that may never be broken.
Steven Ross duplicated Robbie’s tenacity by negotiating with Jim Harbaugh, but did so, while still having Tony Sparano under contract. It was an ill-fated attempt to land the coach, but Harbaugh’s instant success with the 49ers shows Ross correctly recognized Harbaugh’s potential for greatness. Tony Sparano may not be a bad coach, but he clearly will never be a great coach in Miami. Ross didn’t get his guy, but he must not allow failure to stop him from boldly pursuing a great coach. It is his team and he must couple himself with a coach, of his selection, who shares his passion.
Provide the Tools
Joe Robbie did not start by hiring Don Shula, he started by hiring GM Joe Thomas. Thomas was responsible for acquiring a core of players that Shula would later lead to greatness. Thomas became infuriated with the spotlight shining on Shula and Robbie fired him in 1971 but not before Thomas found such players as Bob Griese, Larry Czonka, Nick Buoniconti, Dick Anderson, Manny Fernandez and may others. Thomas began to place himself above the team and Robbie quickly removed the problem hiring Bobby Beathard in 1971. Thomas actually inserted himself as the interim coach of the Baltimore Colts in 1974 before his arrogance finally landed him out of the NFL.
Robbie again struck gold by hiring Bobby Beathard who worked seamlessly with Don Shula to complete the makings of a dynasty. Robbie knew he needed a GM who did not aspire to be a coach or a football czar, he needed a man who excelled at player acquisition and Beathard was that man. Beathard was able to understand the type of players Shula could mold and provided him with the tools he needed to be a successful coach.
Taking a close objective look at the job Jeff Ireland has done, Steven Ross will quickly see the difference between Ireland and Beathard. As an example, both traded for wide receivers, Beathard’s choice was Hall of Famer Paul Warfield, Ireland’s choice, Brandon Marshall. Beathard decisively traded the number one pick in the draft for Warfield, giving Shula the downfield threat he needed to go with a devastating rushing attack. Ireland traded for a troubled player, one-step from league suspension. Marshall is a good possession receiver who has never had the knack for finding the endzone.
Ireland has done a decent job of drafting, but with the exception of Jake Long, his picks have been okay. His work in free agency has been abysmal and has left Tony Sparano with a collection of okay players after 4 years. If Ross wants to provide his coach with the proper tools, it’s obvious; he needs to find a man with a keener eye for talent and the confidence to take bold action on his convictions.
Give Proper Guidance
When Joe Robbie saw Don Shula and Joe Thomas were not a good mix, he demonstrated his leadership to Shula by not hesitating to fire Thomas. Robbie never made an indecisive, Wayne Huizenga maneuver, by hiring a czar to find a coach or GM for him; he went out and found his own people. He never displayed the lack of confidence in his decision-making that has eventually led to the current lack of confidence throughout the entire organization. Robbie was a man of action and through confidence; he provided guidance to all the people who worked for him.
When the city of Miami refused to replace the crumbling Orange Bowl, Robbie built a stadium for the city. Talking does not provide guidance, action does, and anyone who worked for Robbie knew words meant little to the man, actions spoke much louder. Steven Ross must have this same resolution and demonstrate it through actions. He must realize the entertainment of football is football. If the action is to fill a stadium with celebrities, the guidance to Ross’ underlings is to find celebrity players. Under this guidance comes a player like Reggie Bush when a proven playmaker like Darren Sproles ends up in New Orleans.
Ross must make the decision that his football team is the priority, not the people who sit in the luxury boxes. This guidance will enable the people below him to make decisions based on football and those decisions will then fill the luxury boxes and the stands as well. The cart does not move every well when the horse is behind it. Demonstrate a commitment to building a football team and everyone in the organization will follow that guidance.
Respect Others
Joe Robbie had the decency to fire George Wilson before approaching Don Shula. The lack of respect Ross showed to Tony Sparano has gone a long way toward the situation the Miami Dolphins now find themselves. Taking Ireland with him in the quest for Jim Harbaugh also placed Ireland in a position of disrespecting Sparano. This example of disrespect is reprehensible and filters all the way through the organization.
Perhaps Steven Ross wanted to make a bold Joe Robbie type move by pursuing Harbaugh, but he lost his coach of choice by the lack respect he showed Sparano. This could continue to haunt Ross because every coach he tries to hire, from this point on, will wonder whether the owner will eventually show him the same lack of respect. The leader must make the hard decisions and if it means firing someone, then the deed must be done.
It doesn’t always make sense that people will respect someone who fires another man but this is the essence of leadership. If an employee is a non-performer and the leader does not take appropriate action, he loses the respect of the rest of the employees. If Ross felt strongly enough to jump on a plane and court Jim Harbaugh, it clearly meant he was unhappy with Tony Sparano’s performance. He owed it to every person in the Miami Dolphin organization to show his leadership by firing Sparano, by not doing so, he lost the respect of his employees.
There is no other option for Ross, he must fire Tony Sparano. Tony knows it, everyone inside the Dolphins organization knows it and the fans know it. The impending doom reflects on the field and in the locker room. The only way for Ross to regain respect is by stepping up and being the leader he should have been last year. Respect is a fickle thing not easily acquired but easily lost. Ross must prove his dedication to his football team before it is possible for him to earn their respect.
Here is your plan Mr. Ross…
Recognize Greatness
Provide the Tools
Give Proper Guidance
Respect Others
Bringing back the Miami Dolphins will not be an easy task but following these four keys will set the team on the right path. Miami fans will once again fill Joe Robbie Stadium and bask in the glory of victory.
In its infancy the NFL came into being by the persistence of men who did not view their team as a toy or a status symbol, these were men of passion. Joe Robbie was one such man. He built the Miami Dolphins with his own blood, sweat and tears, into one of the most successful franchises in NFL history. There is a direct correlation to the demise of the franchise with the loss of Joe Robbie.
Like any great leader, the keys to success are seeing that same greatness in others and providing the tools, guidance and respect, those people need to succeed. Steven Ross did not rise to his current pinnacle without understanding these basic principles. This cannot happen if the team is merely a toy or a status symbol. He must approach the Dolphins with the same passion that led to his success in business.
Breaking down those four keys can provide insight into where the Dolphins came from, where they are now and how to dig out of the current hole.
Recognize Greatness
Provide the Tools
Give Proper Guidance
Respect Others
Recognize Greatness
On January 12th 1969, Don Shula led the heavily favored 13-1 Baltimore Colts into the Orange Bowl for Superbowl III against the New York Jets. The Colts were a juggernaut that season, which culminated with a 34-0 crushing of the Cleveland Browns in the NFL championship game. The season began inauspiciously with QB Johnny Unitas injuring his throwing shoulder and the team having to resort to little known back-up Earl Morrall. Morrall led the team to one of the greatest seasons in NFL history and Shula chose to start Morrall in the Superbowl even though Unitas was now healthy. This fateful decision changed the fortunes of Don Shula and the Miami Dolphins.
The Colts lost that game 16-7 when Morrall could not muster the Colt’s offense and Joe Namath became a NFL icon by guaranteeing a Jet victory. More importantly for the Dolphins, the relationship between Colts owner Carroll Rosenbloom and Don Shula deteriorated to the point where Shula was “allowed” to resign. Joe Robbie saw an opportunity and seized the moment so readily the Dolphins were forced to give the Colts a 1st round draft pick for tampering when Robbie and Shula negotiated prior to Shula’s resignation from the Colts.
Joe Robbie recognized greatness, even at the cost of a 1st round pick and the largest coaching contract in NFL history at the time, Robbie did not hesitate. Shula would then lead the Dolphins to an undefeated season and nearly 30 years of unparalleled success. Under Robbie and Shula, the Dolphins became a model NFL franchise and Shula’s 347 victories is a record that may never be broken.
Steven Ross duplicated Robbie’s tenacity by negotiating with Jim Harbaugh, but did so, while still having Tony Sparano under contract. It was an ill-fated attempt to land the coach, but Harbaugh’s instant success with the 49ers shows Ross correctly recognized Harbaugh’s potential for greatness. Tony Sparano may not be a bad coach, but he clearly will never be a great coach in Miami. Ross didn’t get his guy, but he must not allow failure to stop him from boldly pursuing a great coach. It is his team and he must couple himself with a coach, of his selection, who shares his passion.
Provide the Tools
Joe Robbie did not start by hiring Don Shula, he started by hiring GM Joe Thomas. Thomas was responsible for acquiring a core of players that Shula would later lead to greatness. Thomas became infuriated with the spotlight shining on Shula and Robbie fired him in 1971 but not before Thomas found such players as Bob Griese, Larry Czonka, Nick Buoniconti, Dick Anderson, Manny Fernandez and may others. Thomas began to place himself above the team and Robbie quickly removed the problem hiring Bobby Beathard in 1971. Thomas actually inserted himself as the interim coach of the Baltimore Colts in 1974 before his arrogance finally landed him out of the NFL.
Robbie again struck gold by hiring Bobby Beathard who worked seamlessly with Don Shula to complete the makings of a dynasty. Robbie knew he needed a GM who did not aspire to be a coach or a football czar, he needed a man who excelled at player acquisition and Beathard was that man. Beathard was able to understand the type of players Shula could mold and provided him with the tools he needed to be a successful coach.
Taking a close objective look at the job Jeff Ireland has done, Steven Ross will quickly see the difference between Ireland and Beathard. As an example, both traded for wide receivers, Beathard’s choice was Hall of Famer Paul Warfield, Ireland’s choice, Brandon Marshall. Beathard decisively traded the number one pick in the draft for Warfield, giving Shula the downfield threat he needed to go with a devastating rushing attack. Ireland traded for a troubled player, one-step from league suspension. Marshall is a good possession receiver who has never had the knack for finding the endzone.
Ireland has done a decent job of drafting, but with the exception of Jake Long, his picks have been okay. His work in free agency has been abysmal and has left Tony Sparano with a collection of okay players after 4 years. If Ross wants to provide his coach with the proper tools, it’s obvious; he needs to find a man with a keener eye for talent and the confidence to take bold action on his convictions.
Give Proper Guidance
When Joe Robbie saw Don Shula and Joe Thomas were not a good mix, he demonstrated his leadership to Shula by not hesitating to fire Thomas. Robbie never made an indecisive, Wayne Huizenga maneuver, by hiring a czar to find a coach or GM for him; he went out and found his own people. He never displayed the lack of confidence in his decision-making that has eventually led to the current lack of confidence throughout the entire organization. Robbie was a man of action and through confidence; he provided guidance to all the people who worked for him.
When the city of Miami refused to replace the crumbling Orange Bowl, Robbie built a stadium for the city. Talking does not provide guidance, action does, and anyone who worked for Robbie knew words meant little to the man, actions spoke much louder. Steven Ross must have this same resolution and demonstrate it through actions. He must realize the entertainment of football is football. If the action is to fill a stadium with celebrities, the guidance to Ross’ underlings is to find celebrity players. Under this guidance comes a player like Reggie Bush when a proven playmaker like Darren Sproles ends up in New Orleans.
Ross must make the decision that his football team is the priority, not the people who sit in the luxury boxes. This guidance will enable the people below him to make decisions based on football and those decisions will then fill the luxury boxes and the stands as well. The cart does not move every well when the horse is behind it. Demonstrate a commitment to building a football team and everyone in the organization will follow that guidance.
Respect Others
Joe Robbie had the decency to fire George Wilson before approaching Don Shula. The lack of respect Ross showed to Tony Sparano has gone a long way toward the situation the Miami Dolphins now find themselves. Taking Ireland with him in the quest for Jim Harbaugh also placed Ireland in a position of disrespecting Sparano. This example of disrespect is reprehensible and filters all the way through the organization.
Perhaps Steven Ross wanted to make a bold Joe Robbie type move by pursuing Harbaugh, but he lost his coach of choice by the lack respect he showed Sparano. This could continue to haunt Ross because every coach he tries to hire, from this point on, will wonder whether the owner will eventually show him the same lack of respect. The leader must make the hard decisions and if it means firing someone, then the deed must be done.
It doesn’t always make sense that people will respect someone who fires another man but this is the essence of leadership. If an employee is a non-performer and the leader does not take appropriate action, he loses the respect of the rest of the employees. If Ross felt strongly enough to jump on a plane and court Jim Harbaugh, it clearly meant he was unhappy with Tony Sparano’s performance. He owed it to every person in the Miami Dolphin organization to show his leadership by firing Sparano, by not doing so, he lost the respect of his employees.
There is no other option for Ross, he must fire Tony Sparano. Tony knows it, everyone inside the Dolphins organization knows it and the fans know it. The impending doom reflects on the field and in the locker room. The only way for Ross to regain respect is by stepping up and being the leader he should have been last year. Respect is a fickle thing not easily acquired but easily lost. Ross must prove his dedication to his football team before it is possible for him to earn their respect.
Here is your plan Mr. Ross…
Recognize Greatness
Provide the Tools
Give Proper Guidance
Respect Others
Bringing back the Miami Dolphins will not be an easy task but following these four keys will set the team on the right path. Miami fans will once again fill Joe Robbie Stadium and bask in the glory of victory.
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