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 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.

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. 

Ross is a Laughing Stock in Miami

Peyton Manning using Stephen Ross to test the market has become all too familiar to the Miami Dolphins owner. His courtship with Jim Harbaugh left him looking foolish by leaving Tony Sparano a lame duck and the subsequent performance by the Dolphins showed how well that worked out.

After being left at the altar by Jeff Fisher, Ross Settled with Joe Philbin and threw all his cards on the table offering Manning the keys to the franchise. Manning, sensing the desperation, quickly distanced himself from the Dolphins leaving alternative Matt Flynn to wonder why he should jump into a situation where he clearly is not the priority.

Ross has become the meddling owner he swore he would not become. It should have been obvious when he sold tiny pieces of the franchise to celebrities so they could grace his sky boxes with Hollywood glitter. Has there been enough disappointment for Ross to get out of the kitchen and allow his football people to do their jobs?

Ross interjecting himself in the decision making process has lost him two coaches, a QB in Peyton Manning and now, he could run Flynn away as well. It’s clear, NFL people have not accepted Ross into the inner circle and no matter how much money he throws around, they sense an owner who is in it for the glamour.

Players give their heart and soul to a game that leaves their bodies broken when they hobble away. Coaches spend 16 hours a day only to be fired when a Super Bowl victory is not in the cards. Old school owners know and respect the sacrifice of players and coaches, but rich guys like Ross, treat the NFL like the biggest toy in the garage.

Ross needs to step away. He has done nothing but drive away the very people he is trying to hire. Whatever goes on in those meetings is not helping the Dolphins and has now made them a complete laughingstock as the rejection slips continue to pile up.

Go back to New York Ross and let these guys do their job before Matt Flynn goes running off to Seattle and the Dolphins become a bigger joke than you have already made them.

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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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…

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.