The Fallout

by Matty I on Nov 25, 2008 12:15 AM EST in News Comment 31 comments

I know I've used this title regularly for Tuesday posts. But this week, this title is really perfectly fitting. There's going to be a few big things to monitor this week stemming directly from Sunday's game.

Before I address 2 of them, I just want to say that it still makes me a little ill when I watch Drew Brees play as a member of the Saints. Passing on him not once, but twice, is still eating away at me inside. I know our situation at QB has gotten better, but it's hard not to imagine what might have been if the Dolphins either drafted Brees like they should have or signed him instead of trading away a 2nd round pick for Daunte Culpepper. Ugh!

WHAT HAPPENS WITH PORTER?
I touched on it quickly in the recap post, but I feel this warrants a little bit more attention. We all saw Joey Porter melt down for 2 personal foul penalties in less than a minute late in Sunday's game. We also know that Porter directly defied the coaching staff's decision to replace him with Charlie Anderson on the field after he committed those penalties - instead waving Anderson back to the bench.

Now we need to see how Tony Sparano will handle this situation. On Monday, Sparano told the media that whatever he will do about the situation will be handled between just he and Joey, behind closed doors. I like that approach. But it's important that something get done and Porter me reprimanded.

This is the first real test for Sparano as head coach. He hasn't had to deal with a situation like this with a key member of the team before. I think that how Sparano deals with this situation will be critical to how Tony is perceived by his team from this point on. If he lets Porter off the hook for insubordination during a game, then Sparano is going to look like the tough kind of coach we all think (and hope) he is. Of course, he won't be a spineless coach, either. But it would certainly cause his players to wonder just how Sparano will handle these kinds of situations as this team moves forward - which is never good.

I think most here would agree that Sparano has to do something. But I think that suspending Porter is the wrong answer. He has 14.5 sacks and is the only consistent pass-rushing threat this team has. And if they are going to continue their push for the playoffs, they are going to need Joey on the field. Suspending Porter would be one of those classic situations of "cutting off their nose to spite their face." Why hurt the team because of one player's brief moment of stupidity?

A stiff fine does the trick - in my opinion. That, and one of those "do it again and you're grounded" kind of warnings.

WHO REPLACES CAMARILLO?
Greg Camarillo's season-ending knee injury, of course, is one of the other big stories to come out of Sunday's game. Say what you want about Greg, but he led the team in receptions and receiving yards. His production is going to be very hard to replace.

So who are the candidates? We all know them. Davone Bess, the undrafted WR out of Hawaii who isn't the tallest or fastest, but runs good routes and has reliable hands. Brandon London, everybody's favorite secret weapon, standing at 6'4 and possessing good speed - but having just one career reception. And Ernest Wilford, the $6 million signing bonus bust of the '08 offseason. Hmmm....

Bess will probably get the first crack at this. He's coming off his best performance of the season, catching 5 balls for 87 yards. He's the third leading receiver on the team, tied with David Martin with 24 receptions. And he's most like Camarillo in terms of their style of play. Neither is particularly fast, though Bess is rather quick. Both possess good, solid hands. And both are good route runners, though I think we've underestimated just how good Camarillo's routes are. I'm anxious to see how Bess performs given this opportunity. He could very well be playing for his job in 2009 and I hope he is successful.

London could very well get some opportunities now, too. He's got the measurables you look for in a receiver. But he's raw. He likely isn't a polished route runner. And his inexperience will probably hold him back. Tony Sparano, on Monday, said that London is inconsistent, which isn't a word you like to hear about a receiver. It makes me think back to Derek Hagan.

Speaking of Hagan, I do believe he's still a free agent. He has worked out for the Vikings, Lions, and Bucs since being waived, but hasn't caught on. Would anyone be surprised to see the Dolphins give him a call, especially if Sparano doesn't like what he sees between now and Sunday night (including Sunday's game in St. Louis)?

If nothing else, things just got a bit more interesting.

Thoughts?

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Wilford

Wilford no brainer.

by mred on Nov 25, 2008 12:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't say it's a no-brainer...

…but it would make some sense. You could leave Bess as the slot guy – where’s he’s been successful. And London is pretty damn raw – and also the gunner on special teams, right?

The Phinsider: SBN's Miami Dolphins blog

by Matty I on Nov 25, 2008 1:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I do believe that Bess and London will get the majority of the PT

Bess is the next best option at WR, and London is one of our better blocking WR’s. I do believe London will get his chance though, for a few reasons.

1) He’s raw, but like you said Matty, he has the measurables you look for in a WR. Size, toughness, quickness, some speed, and decent hands (we saw that on the diving backwards catch that got overturned a few weeks ago.) His consistency is the only downfall.

2) He’s a good blocker. We absolutely have to get the running game going, and he would enable us to run on the edges a little more and possibly stretch the interior defense.

3) He is a very good special teams player. This regime likes guys that can play one or more positions and contribute on special teams. I’m sure they want to keep him around as a special teamer, but they will need him to be able to contribute as a WR as well, so I would expect them to use him more and see if he can step it up.

Now of course, he has to show out in practice before he sees game reps, but he should see more 1st team reps in practice because of Camarillo’s injury.

"I throw better than anybody in college and I can throw with anybody in the pros. There, that's what I think."
"I've been a Dolphin for 17 years, and I'll be a Dolphin for the rest of my life. That will never change."
- Dan Marino aka Quarterback God

by Little Nicky 21 on Nov 25, 2008 6:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It's Anthony Armstrong time!

Actually, I think Bess is more polished than London and will grow into his role, but Camarillo will be missed. Bess can get jammed at the line too easily.
I’m looking forward to seeing Ginn and Armstrong eventually lined up at WRs!

by DolphDallas on Nov 25, 2008 12:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Poor porter

Porter keeps his mouth shut 4 weeks & we get 4 wins! Opens his mouth this last week & we lose! I hope he keeps his mouth shut from now on! I like bess! I hope Ginn steps it up even more!

GEtSICK 4 JC

by GEtSICK13 on Nov 25, 2008 1:03 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I hope he keeps right on talking smack.

He usually backs it up.

by joel311 on Nov 25, 2008 12:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

agree with joel

he hasn’t been quiet at all. As long as he’s talking, he’s playing ball.

by Little Nicky 21 on Nov 25, 2008 6:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Another Fallout

I wonder what will happen with the Crowder/Light incident? The NFL is reviewing the situation. Light was the one swinging punches at Crowder’s bare head.

I think Bess is a good slot receiver like Welker. Put someone else outside like Wilford. Lets see if he can earn that signing bonus. Or test out London.

The way that Sparano addressed Porter in his press conference, I think he’ll just get a slap on the wrist.

by gophish on Nov 25, 2008 1:12 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

this game

was just a total mess.

The team was melting down out there, critical injury to our best WR, Jake Long injured, Crowder ejected, Porter insubordinate….

ugly ugly ugly.

Success must’ve gotten to them that they didn’t know how to lose any more. Time for them to put their heads on properly adn focus.

I've been a Dolphin for 17 years, and I'll be a Dolphin for the rest of my life. That will never change. - Dan Marino

by afmo on Nov 25, 2008 1:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

replacing cammy

would rather see london or wilford (although there has to be a reason the guy hasn’t dressed more than once)…
the running game would get a little extra oomph, with a bigger body on the outstide and while cammy wasn’t the best run blocker, he sure is better than bess.

by W NY Fins Fan on Nov 25, 2008 1:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

whatever happens, Ginn is going to have to step up big time.

I've been a Dolphin for 17 years, and I'll be a Dolphin for the rest of my life. That will never change. - Dan Marino

by afmo on Nov 25, 2008 2:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He has been playing well lately

"How can I blame you
When it's me I can't forgive?"

-From the Unforgiven III off of Death Magnetic

by Patssuck456 on Nov 25, 2008 11:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

tightrope act

I think most here would agree that Sparano has to do something. But I think that suspending Porter is the wrong answer. He has 14.5 sacks and is the only consistent pass-rushing threat this team has. And if they are going to continue their push for the playoffs, they are going to need Joey on the field. Suspending Porter would be one of those classic situations of “cutting off their nose to spite their face.” Why hurt the team because of one player’s brief moment of stupidity?

only problem with not suspending him, is that he could lose the rest of the team’s respect a la cam in pittsburgh. when joey stayed the night, cam rolled and the rest of the team knew their coach was weaker than a caretaker QB’s arm..

So i’d park him for the St Louis game. it is St Louis afterall, and it would be a great team first message to joey and the rest of the boys, cause you know joey has 3 or 4 sacks penned in for that game and the record he has his eyes on. It may cost sparano porter, but the rest of the team will know who is in charge…

Did the giants get better when they sat a certain receiver for an important game? I see this as a way for sparano to make a distinction between him and last year.

by W NY Fins Fan on Nov 25, 2008 2:17 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

you make a good point.

he needs to get a SOLID penalty. You can’t have him do that and get away with it. discipline is the glue that keeps this young team together. Suspend him for St. Louis and hope you have enough juice to roll over them without him. Just not sure a fine alone would send a strong enough message.
This is serious… if the coaches lose these guys now, it will take a LONG time to rebuild.

-LCFF

by LeftCoastFinFan on Nov 25, 2008 2:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No Matty, please?

no more Hagan. Put London in. Call Sparano, I know you have pull.

-LCFF

by LeftCoastFinFan on Nov 25, 2008 3:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re:

Porter did more than have a momentary lapse of stupidity. He opened his big mouth all week long sounding like a buffoon and the Pats gave him some payback on Sunday and he lost his mind. That’s what happens when your mouth tries to sign checks your ass can’t always cash.

I’ve made the point several times in recent weeks how I hate the trash talking during the week because it always puts that much more focus and pressure on them to perform and they look like idiots if they don’t come up big on Sunday.

Trash talking on the field is one thing because it’s part of the game. But doing that crap through the media all week and making a fool of yourself is quite another, especially when said fool can’t speak English to save his life and sounds like a thug.

Hey, Joey. Do yourself a favor and STFU. People will respect you more when you do all your talking on the field.

That said, I understand he’ll never change because that’s who he is. But it’s also the reason why I’ve never been a fan of Porter (or any big mouth for that matter) while hoping he performs on Sunday.

by anaconda on Nov 25, 2008 8:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I kind of disagree

in the fact that Joey doesn’t talk just to talk. I love the quiet guys that do their talking through how they play. Barry Sanders comes to mind. He never said a word, never danced, never drew attention to himself off the field or after the whistle. He just performed.

But Porter is different. The Barry approach wouldn’t work with him. What I see it as is a guy not only psyching himself up, but also getting his team fired up. When he talks smack and yaps about dominating teams and that, I think it says alot to his teammates. It says that one of the best players on the team, a veteran leader, and a proven guy has enough confidence not only in himself, but in his teammates as well, to talk smack in the media about winning games. The other thing it does is puts all the pressure and media focus on him. A guy like Channing Crowder, Yeremiah Bell, or one of the rookies can have an off game and not get noticed as much because Joey was in the spotlight all week. He’s basically becoming the QB for the defense, taking alot of the heat because he’s constantly in the media.

by Little Nicky 21 on Nov 25, 2008 6:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

JPorter need to be suspended..

He needs to apologies to his coaches and teamates because he is been suspended and will put the playoff hunt in jeopardy. That will be a leason(hard and tough one)for everybody in that team, there is no “I” on team.

I will see the Dolphins win a SUPER BOWL before i die(21 years and counting)

by Aleta on Nov 25, 2008 10:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Anyone who thinks Sparano or Joey’s respect for him is ANYTHING like Cam is a nut. Joey and the other players are clear about Sparano and Parcells. Joey is not the first player and won’t be the last to have a “meltdown”. Calm the hell down. Some of these comments are much too personal.
An apology, perhaps a public one should do it. FIne him if you will but at these salaries it’s not the same as if you or I were to get docked. Playing time is more of a punishment but even with that I’d limit it to maybe a quarter. I think Sparano, like Cowher, knows Joey well enough to know that playing time is what will check him. Sparano also knows what makes him tick and how important his role as motivational leader in the locker room is. Stop making this an issue of respect for Sparano, it’s not. Joey got caught up in the moment of a bad loss. Jeez. Thank God it was Crowder and not Joey who actually got into a fight. I guess some of you would want to lynch him in that case.

by jpfan on Nov 25, 2008 10:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

finally someone who knows what he is talking about

by MauMontaV5 on Nov 25, 2008 11:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry MauMonta(almost tomatoe juice)..

i forgot that jpfan is the greates coach in NFL history.
BTW! i didn’t said i will linch him & i don’t have to calm down, cause i’m. They one that was out of himself or meltdown, was JPorter. That can not be allow AT ALL. That could lose you games. If you thing that a hand shake is enough punishment, good for you, but i still think that JPorter NEED to KNOW who is the boss around here.

I will see the Dolphins win a SUPER BOWL before i die(21 years and counting)

by Aleta on Nov 25, 2008 12:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He did coach NCAA footaball.

by MauMontaV5 on Nov 25, 2008 4:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

& i'm supose to drop my pants?

I will see the Dolphins win a SUPER BOWL before i die(21 years and counting)

by Aleta on Nov 26, 2008 11:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

riiiiight.

-LCFF

by LeftCoastFinFan on Nov 26, 2008 11:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Porter needs to be delt with behind closed doors

I think that Porter should be called on the carpet in private and in front of the team and maybe a fine, this should not be done out in the public eye. Shula did just that many times during his time in Miami and it had the desired effect.
As I remember Shula and Jimmy Johnson were all about winning and did not do anything that might cause the team a win. Benching Porter does nothing but hurt the team as a hole.
This can be handled from the inside with out Sparano loosing the team.
Just my thoughs such as they are.

by sandrews58 on Nov 25, 2008 11:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Just to spite the Patsies...

we should coax Troy Brown out of retirement.

Actually, I do think that signing a free agent may be in order. Looks like the best ones out there are Peerless Price, Eric Moulds, and Eddie Kennison. Not too great, but any of them could push Wilford and London.

by Saxonthebeach on Nov 25, 2008 12:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Listen..here it is

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-doljoey112308,0,7481757.story

Anyone calling for a Joey Porter suspension is just wrong. Why would you punish the whole team? They hae worked their asses off to get to this point…and on the radio today the stupidass host was saying suspend him for the whole season….why?!!

he got a couple bad penalties….he didnt come off the field..he apologized….he is a competitor and walking off the field alone in the middle of the play is emabrassing and at the time he didnt wanan do it.

I cannot understand wanting to suspend the Defensive Player of the Year for 2 min. of bad conduct….other players get DUI;S…do cocaine….and are still playing. Enough is enough….this issue is dead to me….14.5 sacks…..in house punishment….no suspension

"This is one of the most competitive businesses there is . . . It's my life. It's my blood. It's how I'm measured."
---BILL PARCELLS

by Rzayo24 on Nov 25, 2008 1:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

POINT #2

CAMARILLO…i find it funny that we are worried about replacing him now…when some of us (me) thought he was at best a backup special teams player. I think we can do better in the long run ….he is a 4th WR. lets face it. he has played well but the touchdowns arent there and the big plays arent there. He is a slot type guy. Lets use this time to audition someone who can be a real #2 WR. Then next year when he comes back we can fit him where he is needed. I dont see this as a huge loss….in this offesne he is replaceable. Every week someone else makes a play….dont forget Fasano…he can step up,. he has be invisible for like 5 weeks now.

"This is one of the most competitive businesses there is . . . It's my life. It's my blood. It's how I'm measured."
---BILL PARCELLS

by Rzayo24 on Nov 25, 2008 1:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

As for the other trouble maker lb....his punishment is below

"This is one of the most competitive businesses there is . . . It's my life. It's my blood. It's how I'm measured."
---BILL PARCELLS

by Rzayo24 on Nov 25, 2008 1:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The bottom line is that...

We have to find out what Wilford can. That’s why he was signed in the frst place. Put him out there and lets go with it, while leaving Bess in the slot position. I think Wilford may surprise and do very well. However, if he is a bust then we need to find out now and move on because we only have 5 games left.

"If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If anything goes really good you did it. That's all it takes to get people to win football games for you."

Coach Paul Bear Bryant

by AussieKen on Nov 25, 2008 3:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Porter situation

If I’m Sparano, it’s a fine and an ultimatum not to let it happen again, or the penalty is stiffer. Benching him, suspending him, or anything like that hurts him only in the fact that he misses a game check and probably comes up short on his sack record. The ones that are hurt are his teammates. Many people have mentioned here already that they have busted ass to make a playoff push, and to bench the best defensive player on the team will put a significant obstacle in the way of that playoff destination.

You hit him in the pocket. He hasn’t been a problem all season. We’re not talking about Pacman Jones here.

by Little Nicky 21 on Nov 25, 2008 6:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs