Weekend Roundup
by Matty I on Feb 2, 2009 12:15 AM EST
in 2012 Miami Dolphins News
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PrintYes - it was Super Bowl weekend. But there is some Dolphin news to talk about. So let's get to it and talk about some of the weekend's news.
SUPER BOWL THOUGHTS
I have to start here. This game was very entertaining. The 4th quarter was right up there with the Super Bowl game played by the Panthers and Patriots. That game saw 37 4th quarter points. There were only 23 in this 4th quarter. But all 23 came in the final 8 minutes of the game. Can't ask for much more out of a Super Bowl game than what we saw in this one.
Obviously, the big play, though, was James Harrison's 100 yard interception return to close out the first half. It was a great call by the Steelers, confusing Kurt Warner by using a classic zone blitz, dropping Harrison into coverage - right into Anquan Boldin's area. Warner shouldn't have ever taken the risk and made that throw. But then it was a remarkable effort by Harrison to take that interception 100 yards. You have to applaud Warner, though. He tried his best to get in the way of Harrison's return. Some QBs wouldn't have done that.
If you're a Cardinals' fan, though, you have got to be taking this loss hard. Could you imagine if the Dolphins lost a Super Bowl the way Arizona did? You can't help but think "what if." What if Harrison doesn't make that interception? What if Santonio Holmes doesn't get both feet in on that ridiculous catch? If I was a Cards fan, I'd be hurting tonight - even though, in the grand scheme of things, this was an amazing season for Arizona.
Congrats to both the Steelers and Cardinals. They did their fans proud.
PARCELLS GIVING HINTS?
On Friday, Bill Parcells was all over the place doing the media thing. He re-affirmed that he will be in Miami for at least 2009 when he visited the set of ESPN. He also did a live chat with NFL.com, answering submitted questions. And while many of the questions were rather pointless, two of his responses caught my attention.
When asked what attributes he looks for in NFL players, Bill responded, "Big, smart, and fast." After having a few days for that answer to sink in, I had a revelation while watching the Super Bowl. Karlos Dansby is exactly the kind of player Parcells likes. He's big, standing at 6'4, 250. He's fast, as shown by the number of times Dansby is asked to drop into coverage. And he has a high "football IQ." Like impending free agent Channing Crowder, Dansby called the defensive signals for the NFC Champion Cardinals. So my theory? The Dolphins will indeed make a strong play for Dansby's services. But whether or not he comes to Miami depends on how much other teams offer him. We do know, though, that Karlos respects Parcells and would like to come to South Beach. He said so himself this past week.
The other response that interested me was when Parcells was asked about Miami's weaknesses. Bill responded by saying, "I think we need a little more firepower on offense." To me, that means the wide receiver position. But, really, Bill isn't saying something we all don't already know. The question will be how this front office goes about obtaining that "fire power." Will they make a trade? Will they go after a free agent? Or will they address this need in the draft? For those answers, we'll continue to wait.
SPARANO TALKS DOWN IN TAMPA
While picking up an award from Don Shula, Tony Sparano spent some time speaking with the media. Among other things, he disclosed that he's as "healthy as a cow," and that he will be taking a few days off next week for vacation. But he'll be getting right back to work. And my favorite quote from his media availability was how he felt about being down in Tampa for the Super Bowl. Said Sparano:
“I don’t like visiting this thing. It’s heck of an event it was tremendous to be a small part of this event this weekend.
“But next time I come back I hope it’s for a different reason.”
Don't we all, coach.
Sparano also disclosed that the off-season is going well. He said players are actually "itching to get back in the weight room" and that players are actually trying to get in contact with him instead of the other way around. Indeed, there's a new culture in Miami.
Sparano was also asked about his close relationship with Channing Crowder and if that relationship might affect his future in Miami. Sparano said:
“My relationship with my players is one thing. The business end of this thing is the business end of it. I don’t get involved in the business end of it. My job is to coach the players on the field when we get there.
“Right now, Channing Crowder played for me and did a helluva job for me. I respect what Channing did for me.”
I don't think you can read too much into this. Tony probably didn't want to step on the front office's toes at all - so he gave the "company line" response.
But look for talks with the free agents the Dolphins want back to heat up soon. They need to get these deals wrapped up so they can better prepare for free agency and the draft.
One other note, Sparano did say that Donald Thomas should be ready for the start of the offseason training program - which is terrific news.
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Boldin via trade/Dansby via FA market.
Wow! This would be great to enter the April’s draft with these two as your key additions. But before any of this dreaming…we need to re-sign Vernon Carey, Yeremiah Bell, Andre Goodman, and Renaldo Hill.
But truthfully, I’d rather keep Crowder, if he costs us less than Dansby. They don’t seem to be too different a player. They both are over 115 tackle guys who can call the signals on “D” and Crowder is 6’2" 250 lbs too. So Crowder still fits the Parcells size o meter.
Im at a loss of words
I feel for the cards I was pulling for them so badly I was excited when Fitz hit the endzone I dont think ive ever cheered for a team this hard outside of our boys but I really believe that Dnasby is a dolphin next year should he hit the FA which is good but him, porter, roth, and if we get one of the USC LB’s I’d say thats pretty solid
NEXT STOPS: Pro Bowl, NFL 2009 Draft
The closer we get to FA, the harder it will be to re-sign our guys
Once the media kicks into Free Agency High Gear, all the speculating about big contracts and teams’ interests is tempting for unsigned players to test the market. We need to get whoever is staying locked up now, before they start getting whispers of huge money elsewhere.
On the Super Bowl, what a game. I really enjoyed this one. Found myself just staring wide-mouthed going WOW through most of the 4th quarter.
Parcells’ firepower line definitely has to hint towards WR, but it doesn’t say that we need 1st round firepower, or FA firepower, or just late round steal firepower. So it’s hard to read into anything there, other than the fact that we have now pretty much confirmed we are in the market for a WR. There’s so many different options to fill that spot right now, between trading for Boldin, signing a older FA like Housh, drafting one early like Britt or Heyward-Bey, or drafting one second day like Barden or Turner…
"Are we doing this? Is this happening?"
If anyone thinks that we dont need a playmaking WR
Just look at this past SuperBowl, Look at Boldin and Fitz, Holmes and Ward.
"How can I blame you
When it's me I can't forgive?"
-From the Unforgiven III off of Death Magnetic
Is Boldin worth a #1?
He had some yards last night but Fitz is clearly the #1. Is Boldin a #1 or a real good #2? I thing BP and Co. can draft someone as good as, or better than Boldin or we will pull in a talented FA without Boldin’s price tag.
I would say "No"...
…at least at this point. First, let me say I think he is a great WR, Top 10 in the league, for sure. He’s missed 4 games each of the last 2 years, however, he is regarded as one of the toughest WR’s in the league.
My issue, is not with him, but where the Dolphins as a team are. This team had a great year this year. Call it what you want, playing over their heads, benefits of an easy schedule, playing mistake free football, etc… Over time, all things equal out. Can this team play again next year at near record-setting level for fewest turnovers? Not likely. Is next year’s tougher schedule going to take its toll in the win column? Probably. Basically, its not unrealistic for this team to slide back to an 8-8 record next year. There are still too many holes to be filled. Its my belief that you trade away top draft picks ONLY if you are ready to make that final leap to Super Bowl contender. Otherwise, you keep stocking your team with young talent. One more year of stocking this team with talent and we should be in the mix.
So, I would say “No” to a 1st rnd pick for Boldin because this team isn’t ready to contend. It needs another year of stocking the roster thru the draft to see where they are at next year before trading away any of the top picks.
well said
And your expectations of 8-8 aren’t that far off, IMO. Parcells has said that he hopes to put a better team on the field next year, and he believes we will, but the record may not reflect that. Meaning, while our team’s talent level will be higher, they may not get to 11 wins again. And I have no problems with taking a step backward record-wise while improving the team and bringing in younger guys that will be here for the long haul.
"Are we doing this? Is this happening?"
by Little Nicky 21 on Feb 2, 2009 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
Why not both!!!
We could sign Dansby and Channing. If they did that the team would really start to look like a Parcells team. Obviously, we could use another big-strong-fast receiver type. They could just draft the best player with the 1st pick even if it is a wr.
"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
What was that "personal foul" crap?
That was harrison, right? stomping on that player? I might be wrong about who it was, but that guy should have been friggen tossed! If that was harrison, my high level of respect for what he had accomplished as an undrafted FA, just fell off a cliff.
What a punk.
Also, how was that “fumble” not automatically reviewed at the end of the game? If I am correct, there was a defensive penalty on that play, so if that was reviewed and ruled an incomplete pass, even is time was expired, the offense would have had one more play.
I’m not saying it should have been reversed, but it definitely should have been reviewed.
-LCFF
Great Game but
I thought the Refs got too involved in it. Too many questionable calls or IMO no calls that got flags. I was afraid the refs were going to decide the outcome of the game for a moment, bu that didnt happen.
I like Channing for the right price, I think his health may be an issue down the road, I would love Dansby and Boldin. I think they both fit our scheme. Boldin would be a beast working with CP on those short slant routes. Thats his game, catch a 8-10 yarder and then get some yacs.
Good to hear the players are ready to go……
Bring on FA…..time to begin the next season
WR
Anybody interested in Braylon Edwards?? Towards the end of the season he made made it pretty clear he wanted out of the state of OH. I don’t know what his contract status is, or if the Browns would dangle him… but I would kick the tires on that one.
What’s he worth? A first rounder? A second, plus something else? Personally, where the Fins are picking in Rd 1, I would give up that first rounder for a guy like Edwards.
The Jayfiss Report ...one fan's rants
answered part of my own question...
Edwards gets $4.55M in ‘09, then he’s a FA in ’10.
The Jayfiss Report ...one fan's rants
agreed
and there are reports out of cleveland stating they might move winslow or edwards or both..
The Jayfiss Report ...one fan's rants
1. alexsmith - bust
Enough is enough...we need Natalya back. I believe in John Beck and that Cbdolphin is the man.
Official Leader of the Draft Kenny Britt Bandwagon
Longest Sig In the History of Phinsider belongs to Me. 53 Lines in Total.
2. ronnie brown - legendary
Enough is enough...we need Natalya back. I believe in John Beck and that Cbdolphin is the man.
Official Leader of the Draft Kenny Britt Bandwagon
Longest Sig In the History of Phinsider belongs to Me. 53 Lines in Total.
3. braylon edwards - not as good as ronnie
Enough is enough...we need Natalya back. I believe in John Beck and that Cbdolphin is the man.
Official Leader of the Draft Kenny Britt Bandwagon
Longest Sig In the History of Phinsider belongs to Me. 53 Lines in Total.
wait stop getting me excited lol
because if i do. I’ll invent a new metaphor for braylon edwards and ill be compulsive about it too lol. and i dont want that. and you dont want that.
lol nicky remember the detroit sandwich?
Enough is enough...we need Natalya back. I believe in John Beck and that Cbdolphin is the man.
Official Leader of the Draft Kenny Britt Bandwagon
Longest Sig In the History of Phinsider belongs to Me. 53 Lines in Total.
Braylon Edwards drops too many balls
I don’t think I’d trade the first rounder for him, he’s not the same level as Boldin IMO.
"Are we doing this? Is this happening?"
by Little Nicky 21 on Feb 3, 2009 9:19 PM EST up reply actions
idk. i'd hit up that 2a for braylon or britt. although i think eventually britt will be better
but you gotta look at it. braylon edwards may not be in that boldin tier. but hes pretty much behind there.
Enough is enough...we need Natalya back. I believe in John Beck and that Cbdolphin is the man.
Official Leader of the Draft Kenny Britt Bandwagon
Longest Sig In the History of Phinsider belongs to Me. 53 Lines in Total.
ehh
I don’t know, I’m not a big Braylon Edwards fan. Seems like every now and again you’ll see him dive for one on Sportscenter, but he doesn’t do much else. His first 2 seasons were barely better than Ted Ginn’s first 2 seasons, and he took a big step backwards this year after his Year 3 breakout. He’s got 1000yd and 10td potential, but I’m not sure if he can be that guy consistently. For the first 2nd rounder though, I’d definitely give it some thought. I think we can get a better player with pick 25, whether it be trading for Boldin or drafting at a different position.
"Are we doing this? Is this happening?"
by Little Nicky 21 on Feb 3, 2009 10:44 PM EST up reply actions
or drafting britt! whose as consistent and a big time player as they come lol
i know im so repetitive and on the verge of getting e-mugged. but he’s honestly the only player I’m excited about having this year. He’s that one guy I really want on the fins.
Enough is enough...we need Natalya back. I believe in John Beck and that Cbdolphin is the man.
Official Leader of the Draft Kenny Britt Bandwagon
Longest Sig In the History of Phinsider belongs to Me. 53 Lines in Total.
I just don't want you to throw a complete e-fit
when he ends up on another team. You don’t want to be completely blind to all our other picks simply because we don’t take Britt, do you?
"Are we doing this? Is this happening?"
by Little Nicky 21 on Feb 3, 2009 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
i probly will be so pissed of that i will go around my neighborhood bashing mailboxes wiht my baseball bat.
but i will be back by the times the fins choose again
but i think we HAVE to take him.
Enough is enough...we need Natalya back. I believe in John Beck and that Cbdolphin is the man.
Official Leader of the Draft Kenny Britt Bandwagon
Longest Sig In the History of Phinsider belongs to Me. 53 Lines in Total.
but those catches always seem to come when the game is on the line lol.
Enough is enough...we need Natalya back. I believe in John Beck and that Cbdolphin is the man.
Official Leader of the Draft Kenny Britt Bandwagon
Longest Sig In the History of Phinsider belongs to Me. 53 Lines in Total.
I don't know about that...
He led the league in drops last season. And dropped passes KILL drives.
"Are we doing this? Is this happening?"
by Little Nicky 21 on Feb 3, 2009 11:00 PM EST up reply actions
ehh idk. i just think hes a player you want on your team.
Enough is enough...we need Natalya back. I believe in John Beck and that Cbdolphin is the man.
Official Leader of the Draft Kenny Britt Bandwagon
Longest Sig In the History of Phinsider belongs to Me. 53 Lines in Total.
lol matty. your boy springstein slid into the camera and was like "oh shit...im old...idk if i can get up"
lol
Enough is enough...we need Natalya back. I believe in John Beck and that Cbdolphin is the man.
Official Leader of the Draft Kenny Britt Bandwagon
Longest Sig In the History of Phinsider belongs to Me. 53 Lines in Total.
lol
SLAP
"Are we doing this? Is this happening?"
by Little Nicky 21 on Feb 2, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions
sarcasm doesnt work online!!! I WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Enough is enough...we need Natalya back. I believe in John Beck and that Cbdolphin is the man.
Official Leader of the Draft Kenny Britt Bandwagon
Longest Sig In the History of Phinsider belongs to Me. 53 Lines in Total.
dunno if anyone said this but...
Holmes did the “Lebron hand chalk pregame thing” as a celebration…but everyone kept saying he was putting hot sauce or ketchup on something…i finally had to call the radio station and all the guys on 790 were like “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh”…..couldnt believe nobody else caught what he was doing
"Worst 2 First"...Your 2008 AFC East Champion Miami Dolphins
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