Strange game ends Dolphins season as Fins fall to Steelers
After blowing two huge opportunities to get into the postseason in weeks 15 and 16, the Dolphins saw their season come to an end at Land Shark Stadium on Sunday by losing to the Steelers in what was just a very odd game. Perhaps it's fitting, though, for Sunday's game to be the final game of what was an odd season for the Dolphins.
Miami lost their first three games and their last three games. In between, the Fins went 7-3. But good teams just don't let themselves lose the kinds of games this team has lost in 2009. After the game, Tony Sparano was asked what he told his team in the locker room. His response was pretty simple, "Seven and nine is mediocre. And mediocrity is not going to be accepted here."
Very well said by Sparano. Now let's talk a little bit about this final game of the '09 season. And note that I won't get too much into looking back at the entire season just yet. We'll have plenty of time in the coming weeks to take that look back. For now, I'm just going to center my attention on this final game.
Three quarterbacks in three quarters
This has to be the place where we start our discussion. First and foremost, reports indicate that Pat White isn't as seriously injured as it appeared at the time of the hit. After the game, Sparano said that White was "doing ok" and that he was undergoing some tests. Owner Stephen Ross said that he's doing fine as well. From the looks of things on the field, it seemed like he might have been initially knocked out cold. But he was awake when being taken from the field and it did seem like he could move his arms and legs at least a little. He even gave his team a few words of encouragement before being taken to the hospital. Right now it seems like he has suffered a concussion. That's a relief considering how bad it could have been.
Of course, a big story here was the reason White began the second half as the quarterback. Chad Henne did not play at all in the second half after suffering what was referred to as an "eye injury." After the game, Henne explained that his vision had gotten blurry following a sack by LaMarr Woodley. He remained in for a few plays after, but his vision got worse during halftime:
"I was hoping it would clear up," Henne said. "I just didn’t have (depth) perception on the ball. I was throwing fine on the sideline. I just couldn’t really visualize my throw."
Henne said he'll visit an eye doctor on Monday.
The loss and the injuries overshadowed Henne's fine day in the first half. He completed 16 of 20 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. His 80% completion percentage is exceptional. And if not for one poor decision that resulted in an interception, you could say that Henne's performance on Sunday was nearly perfect.
What's even more interesting is that after the sack by Woodley that supposedly injured Henne by having the left side of Henne's head slam into the turf, Chad connected on both of his pass attempts for 27 yards - including that huge 21 yard completion to Davone Bess on 3rd & 12. If that's how Henne plays with blurred vision, then maybe we should knock him around before each game.
While I'm not ready to say that Henne's "injury" was a little bit mysterious, some do believe that the Dolphins held Henne out of the second half to tank the game and improve draft position. I'm not a conspiracy theorist nor do I think that Tony Sparano would ever do something like that. But I can't help but think that something here just seems a little odd. Regardless, what's done is done.
These two injuries led to Tyler Thigpen making his debut as a Dolphin. Surprisingly, things weren't terrible. He connected on four of eight pass attempts, including a beautiful 34 yard touchdown pass to Bess where Thigpen avoided the sack and threw a rainbow to Davone, who had gotten behind the defense. But he also threw two interceptions, including a costly one just moments after the Dolphins had recovered a fumble and started deep in Pittsburgh territory trailing by just three points.
Thigpen did show enough to me, though, to seriously consider him as Chad Henne's backup in 2010. He is under contract for one more season and he looked far more comfortable and was far more effective than current backup Pat White. Not to sound completely insensitive, but White's injury could have given Thigpen the opportunity he needed to show he should be the primary backup next season. The "White vs Thigpen" training camp battle should be fun to watch next August.
Defense again a problem
Here's what I think we have learned over these final three games: the Dolphins need defensive help much more than they need offensive help. Yet again, this defense just allowed an opposing offense to drive up and down the field on them, particularly in the first half. The Dolphins surrendered over 200 yards of offense in the first half and 17 points - including 14 on their first two possessions.
While the defense played better in the second half, they still allowed the Steelers to pick up chunks of yardage at crucial times. And no time was bigger than the drive following Thigpen's first interception. The Steelers were holding their three point lead with just 6:10 left but were starting their drive at their own two yard line. That's when the Dolphins allowed the Steelers to go 88 yards on 14 plays and chew up five and a half minutes, capping the drive with a field goal. And that was with Ben Roethlisberger playing with a bad throwing shoulder. Even still, the Dolphins couldn't hold Pittsburgh on a 3rd & 5 play from their own 7 yard line, as Ben connected with Hines Ward for a first down play. Essentially, that was the game - as the Steelers never even faced another third down until the other side of the two minute warning and inside Miami's 10 yard line.
Not getting critical stops when they are needed most - that's what this Miami defense was all about this year. And it happened again on Sunday.
So what was the biggest problem on Sunday? Clearly, lack of consistent pressure was a problem. Roethlisberger had all day to throw on many attempts - including on his touchdown pass to Heath Miller. Poor linebacker play was also an issue. Akin Ayodele had a terrible game. An upgrade at both inside and outside linebacker is a must this offseason.
Paul Soliai also had a poor game. If you watched, Miami's inside linebackers consistently had to shed blocks to get to the ball carrier. That means the nose tackle wasn't doing his job.
Lots of issues all over the field on defense and the Dolphins have some changes to make.
QUICK HITS
Some more quick thoughts on Sunday's game:
- Randy Starks had himself a great game to close out the season - his best as a professional. He had three more tackles and a sack and seems to really understand what a 3-4 defensive end should do. He's been a great addition by this regime and should have been elected to the Pro Bowl.
- Davone Bess had a nice game as well to close out the '09 season. His 76 receptions on the season is actually tied for the 4th most in team history - trailing only O.J. McDuffie, Mark Clayton, and Chris Chambers. More on Bess and his season to come later this week.
- I've come to the conclusion that Yeremiah Bell is not the problem. He's actually a very good strong safety. If only he was paired with a halfway decent free safety.
- Why was Nathan Jones scared to tackle Ben Roethlisberger?
- Whoever it was covering Santonio Holmes did a very good job - outside of the one crossing route. Holmes had just one catch. From the broadcast camera angles, I think Sean Smith was on him most often - but I'm not 100% sure of that.
- This team can't cover tight ends or screens. Both of those problems result from bad play out of the linebackers.
- Ricky Williams just doesn't have it anymore. He's a great #2 back - but Ronnie Brown is the better back at this stage of their careers. That's why he will be the starter once he recovers and I really don't want to hear from the "Ricky should be starting" fans. He's not the same Ricky.
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I agree with everything. Most glaring bell needs a better partner. And it was smith all over holmes today
"It is obvious the Patriots souls are on lease - any day now Satan will rise up to New England - kick Tom Brady, Kevin Garnett, and David Ortiz in their luck filled testicles - and turn that area into his personal vacation home here on earth.-Rzayo 24, week one.
"Everybody in that room should be embarrassed. If they’re not embarrassed, they got the wrong job or they’re stealing money from baseball."-Ozzie Guillen 8/28/09
by rangerjae on Jan 4, 2010 12:22 AM EST via mobile reply actions
all agreed
Its a shame. We thought we could win out at 7-6 and instead lost out and all were games where we came back but couldn’t finish.
well we know what needs to be addressed.
Rick doesn't have it anymore!!???!!!????!!!!???
This was the fastest I have seen Ricky in awhile…. he has a hurt neck and shoulder, and we have been down by alot of points the past 3 games…..Trust Ricky still has it
He just ran out of gas
What Matty meant was he isn’t a guy who can start 16 games. Hopefully ricky gets a long rest and has a good final season as Ronnie’s backup
No he was just playing hurt... that said...
He just had a 1200 yard season at the age of 32 taking over as work horse for the last half of the season… lets hope he doesn’t have to do that again.
Totally agree
He rushed for something like 1200 yards and wasn’t the starter until Ronnie got hurt, in what was what, the 5th game? Not sure. Wasn’t it last week that he showed great speed beating a Houston Texan around the edge for a T.D.? That isn’t slow.
Superbowl Starved
Yeah,
I don’t know what kind of rock Matty is smokin’, but Ricky was beastly. It is not his fault that the past 3 games our defense has given up an average of 20 points in the first half. What do you expect him to do when we are routinely trailing by 2-3 scores going into the 2nd half.
Driver of the Make David Lee OC Bandwagon
Repentant Former Driver of the Trade-Ronnie-Brown Bandwagon.
ricky is not the same ricky
we need new linebackers ASAP, I hope we pick OLB MLB with passion out of the draft or through trade and free angency. I wish we could get someone with the fire and passion like Ray Lewis. We have no name ILB and our OLB are getting old and Im sure Taylor wont be back, b/c he wants a ring and I dont blame him. Cam Wake is only a great QB rusher not a great coverage but I see tons of potential in him and if he keeps it up I just might buy his jersey. I wish we couldve gotten either Rey Maualuga or Clay Matthews or the other USC linebacker because they are doing really great for their teams.
Im not going to lie, we need a more dominant NT. Im a huge fan of Paul Soliai and we are both samoan lol but he has his on and off games, he’ll be a great 2nd string behind a guy like kris jenkins or something. I did notice that Paul Soliai was a OLineman converted into DTackle, maybe we can use him on the oline too with his size and speed, our oline is not that good except Longs side of the line.
Ricky is not the same Ricky anymore, He has fumbled so many times this year and if you look at it, when he has the ball he falls down on first contact. He’s not the bulldozer anymore, He’s great when Ronnie Brown is in with him at the same time. I do sort of hope he retires as a dolphin this year so we can have young strong backs with Brown and Polite and Cobbs.
Hey Matty, who are your predictions on who we are getting in the draft?
Draft Taylor Mays in 2010......................
by B1G SaMoAn TuNa on Jan 4, 2010 2:52 PM EST up reply actions
he'd better come back
Or I’ll kick his ass
"We are so far under the the M-Fing radar we could do some stealth bombing. " ~Corroncho~
"Somebody's not very happy..." "No one F***s with MY car" ~Death Race~
"Don't cross the road if you can't get out of the kitchen" ~The Boondock saints~
"Please take the chairs away. I don't like them. The big one is staring at me and that short one is being very droll." ~Knocked Up~
"I'm way too baked to drive to the devil's house." ~Grandma's Boy~
I don't think sitting Henne was a bad thing
with all the recent focus on concussions, and Henne’s blurred vision being a symptom of a minor concussion, it was a cautious, but definitely understandable move to keep him out, especially since we seemed incapable of blocking Woodley at times. I don’t recall James Harrison getting any pressure, and he was up against Long all day long (pun so intended).
Smith did a great job on a very good WR, which seems to be the case every week. That PI call was ticky tack too.
Soliai, outside of today, I thought played pretty well in Ferguson’s absence. I think we really missed Channing in the run game as well.
Phinsider HOF C/O 2009
Winner of Four 2008/2009 Matty Awards
LN21 and MHTD - Goin Commando
Draft CJ Spiller
by Little Nicky 21 on Jan 4, 2010 12:47 AM EST reply actions
I agree with you, we needed channing in the middle this game. He is a dominant run stopper, he does need help in the pass game though.
I was really surprised with henne sidelined, but hey 2011 is ours baby
Draft Taylor Mays in 2010......................
by B1G SaMoAn TuNa on Jan 4, 2010 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
I'm not really sure I would call him a dominant run stopper
I am not sure I would call him a dominant anything. I think he plugs a hole. The thing we have to realize is this defense is centered around the linebackers making plays. The lineman have the job of eating up blockers and freeing up the linebackers. It is not so much Jason Taylor and Joey Porter as much as it is the middle linebackers. They don’t make enough plays. Channing Crowder’s first interception of his entire career came this season. We need at least one(preferably 2) middle linebackers that can run around, beat the blocks that they do face and make plays on the ball. The fact that our Safeties make so many tackles tells you that we are not doing enough up front. The fact that they have to worry so much about run support probably even affects their ability to defend the deep passes.
by Jason Scott_90 on Jan 4, 2010 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
So...
You think Penny won’t come back as a backup? That would be cool.
Man, I was thinking about all the guys who went down to injuries this year, if Ferg, Ronnie and Cobbs come back, we are already so much better than today.
by phranchise on Jan 4, 2010 12:51 AM EST via mobile reply actions
actually does anyone know what pennington has been up too?
I wish he would have been on the sidelines at the games talking to henne and giving him advice.
"It didn't take the wildcat to beat the patriots... Just a wolverine."
The team does not allow injured players to be on the sidelines. I thought it was odd as well.. but I watched an interview with CP10 where he explained it.
Henne is now our leader. Lets see what the guy can do !
As usual the R&R Xpres is non stop to its next destination !
Driver of the Camarillo, Hartline & Bess fan club bus.. hop on and enjoy the ride!
We need this pass D to STEP THE F UP and do what they get paid to do!
sheez
if Cobbs, Brown, Fergy Ferg were here it would be a WHOLE different ball game. I believe we would have won against the Bills, Titans, Steelers. Brown is the epicenter of the wildcat which kills the clock, Cobbs is dynamic wherever you put him, Ferguson is just a beast in that middle and Soliai is a great backup to him.
not to be a jerk but I like seeing Thigpen as the 2nd quarterback instead of white. I would like to see white play running back or slant reciever instead of QB.
the games that we have lost were ALL close except Atlanta…………
we need the big tuna to finish the puzzle this year and then we will be Playoff contenders next year.
Draft Taylor Mays in 2010......................
by B1G SaMoAn TuNa on Jan 4, 2010 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
hey it could be worse
we could be lions fans, saying to ourselves “it won’t be ever” every year
Phinsider HOF C/O 2009
Winner of Four 2008/2009 Matty Awards
LN21 and MHTD - Goin Commando
Draft CJ Spiller
by Little Nicky 21 on Jan 4, 2010 1:53 AM EST up reply actions
So what is our 2010 draft position?
#10, #11, or #12? Anyone know?
Really?
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 4, 2010 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
Sean Smith.....
Was on Holmes over 80% of the time, and did Vonte get hurt?
Thigpen
It is not going to be White vs Thigpen. Its more of Thigpen vs Henne at least. I never understood as to why White was the backup for all those games instead of Thigpen seeing as Thigpen had experience. White looked horrible out there. He should never have been the 2nd quarterback.I think that White will probably move to receiver next season.
lol it's not Thigpen vs Henne
it’s Henne, then everyone else.
Phinsider HOF C/O 2009
Winner of Four 2008/2009 Matty Awards
LN21 and MHTD - Goin Commando
Draft CJ Spiller
by Little Nicky 21 on Jan 4, 2010 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
I just threw a TD pass with Patrick Turner in Madden....
Maybe it should be Henne vs Turner….
Ridiculous that people are already calling for a QB competition….
C’mon people…..
Leader of the - Settle down Junior!, Henne is the Starter Movement
"We've moved. We're Here....Get Over it"
If Pat White played Tyler Thigpen for the starting QB position for the Miami Dolphins, who would win?
Answer - A 2010 Draft Pick
LOL Now that would really be a strech!
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
Turner at QB, Thigpen at WR, White at RB, Henne at TE
Well could call it the WTF-CAT…..
and yes, I’m joking.
Leader of the - Settle down Junior!, Henne is the Starter Movement
"We've moved. We're Here....Get Over it"
If Pat White played Tyler Thigpen for the starting QB position for the Miami Dolphins, who would win?
Answer - A 2010 Draft Pick
Oh, I knew it was joke. Otherwise I would have had to start a petition to have you
banned for life.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
But then everyone would miss out on my wit and charm....
lol
Leader of the - Settle down Junior!, Henne is the Starter Movement
"We've moved. We're Here....Get Over it"
If Pat White played Tyler Thigpen for the starting QB position for the Miami Dolphins, who would win?
Answer - A 2010 Draft Pick
Well sure! Maybe we would just have you committed untill you were "feeling better"!
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
lol, if it weren't for the damn sub zero wind chill
I’d be feeling great…
Besides, I’d be a pimp in a psych facility lol
Leader of the - Settle down Junior!, Henne is the Starter Movement
"We've moved. We're Here....Get Over it"
If Pat White played Tyler Thigpen for the starting QB position for the Miami Dolphins, who would win?
Answer - A 2010 Draft Pick
As hard as it is to believe we are going to have sub zero wind chills here Thur-Sat.
Not something you see often here in north Texas.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
We would still have Sam to fall back on for humor!!
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Jan 5, 2010 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah but where the hell is he?
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
Could have disappeared for a while like I did
Damn vacations with the wife and the mother in law! By the way a late Merry Xmas and Happy New Years to everyone!!
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Jan 5, 2010 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
Happy New Year to you sir!
I vanished for a bit myself. It got kinda crazy around here for a while. I needed a breather!
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 5, 2010 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Sam Sad Face :)
Leader of the - Settle down Junior!, Henne is the Starter Movement
"We've moved. We're Here....Get Over it"
If Pat White played Tyler Thigpen for the starting QB position for the Miami Dolphins, who would win?
Answer - A 2010 Draft Pick
holy crap
that was really funny WTF-cat LoL good one
Draft Taylor Mays in 2010......................
by B1G SaMoAn TuNa on Jan 4, 2010 6:21 PM EST up reply actions
Henne should still be given competition
by dolphinsinbuffalo on Jan 4, 2010 7:15 PM EST up reply actions
won't happen
Phinsider HOF C/O 2009
Winner of Four 2008/2009 Matty Awards
LN21 and MHTD - Goin Commando
Draft CJ Spiller
by Little Nicky 21 on Jan 4, 2010 11:45 PM EST up reply actions
Why? Why does Henne need competition?
He’s played well enough to be the anointed one.
And it was a playbook designed specifically for Pennington (which is why he threw the majority of his passes short)
This offseason they’ll integrate more plays for Henne’s stronger arm…etc.
The offense next year will not look ANYTHING like it did this year…
Count on it.
Leader of the - Settle down Junior!, Henne is the Starter Movement
"We've moved. We're Here....Get Over it"
If Pat White played Tyler Thigpen for the starting QB position for the Miami Dolphins, who would win?
Answer - A 2010 Draft Pick
I am going to you hold you to that
If we don’t spread the field more and start going deeper, it’s your fault brother!
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Jan 5, 2010 9:26 AM EST up reply actions
Hold my feet to the fire.
I’ve been saying this for the better part of the season, so I damn well better be right.
All of my credibility goes up in flames if I’m wrong lol
Beer and Hookers on me if I’m wrong.
Leader of the - Settle down Junior!, Henne is the Starter Movement
"We've moved. We're Here....Get Over it"
If Pat White played Tyler Thigpen for the starting QB position for the Miami Dolphins, who would win?
Answer - A 2010 Draft Pick
White was being wrongly used.
Seriously the guy is 6 feet nothing (if that) and 190 (if that). How is someone that size supposed to run the ball and not get hurt in the nfl? If the regime truly wants him as a qb make him a qb. What i mean is his option should be pass first and then run if he can; but, slide and avoid the hit. QB’s can’t take the punishment he was asked to do, ESPECIALLY someone of his size. If this regime wants him to be a QB in 2010 they need to transition him from college football to NFL football. The guy has amazing talent and they need to find the right niche whether it is at QB or at another position.
Just a note:
Thigpen has a beautiful pump fake which got the Steelers d on there toes. Henne really needs to learn how to to that.
I think White haters jump the gun
Actually I think when people hate on young players, they jump the gun to criticize. Henne didn’t really get on the field until his 2nd year, giving him all kinds of time to watch and learn from Pennington. So White gets 3 games to learn from Pennington and then Penny gets hurt. White was a playmaker WVirginia and he’s sure to be a playmaker and a good backup. It’s unfair to criticize him at this point, and to say he can’t take a hit… I think the hit Ike Taylor landed on him would have knocked out anyone. It was an awkward fall and if he wasn’t tripped up from behind he wouldn’t have taken the hit to the helmet.
I guess all I’m saying is if you doubters start to praise White when he plays well next year, go suck one.
OMG did you SEE White play at all this season? He SUCKS. He is too small to be an NFL QB
You say all us doubters will start to praise white when he does good next year? Are you kidding me? What are you smoking?
Henne is now our leader. Lets see what the guy can do !
As usual the R&R Xpres is non stop to its next destination !
Driver of the Camarillo, Hartline & Bess fan club bus.. hop on and enjoy the ride!
We need this pass D to STEP THE F UP and do what they get paid to do!
i see more accurate passes from drunk ppl playing football in the park
seriously though…how can White not even complete a screne pass? He looks like he just picked up the football for the first time when he is out there.
by CaliPhinsFan on Jan 4, 2010 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
I’m not a white hater or doubter. I’m actually a fan. You missed my point. Reread it and see what i said smart guy. I never said he can’t take a hit. He can! but, how many?
by 54 on Jan 4, 2010 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
Akin Ayodele had a terrible game....
Thats the freakin understatment of the year,that guy flat out sucks and it pisses me off that we can’t find anybody better than Ayodele. If you were watching that game,or the last 3 games for that matter all you see is our LB’s 5,6 steps behind the other team.i say we keep JT because he can still play, but everyone else can go. Screw a WR we need LB’s in a bad way because i don’t think i can stand another season of watching them chasing after people.
Wasted pick....
that’s all i see when they put White out there, especially when you think of the players we could have gotten in that spot,makes you wonder what the hell this regime was thinking. It’s like i tell everyone about drafting in any sport; don’t out think yourself,don’t be the Pistons with a chance to get either D Wade, Melo, or Bosh and who do they draft freakin Draco Millichi. i hope that the Phins learned there lesson. Don’t out think yourself!
Xs 2
Henne is now our leader. Lets see what the guy can do !
As usual the R&R Xpres is non stop to its next destination !
Driver of the Camarillo, Hartline & Bess fan club bus.. hop on and enjoy the ride!
We need this pass D to STEP THE F UP and do what they get paid to do!
who was available?
sure there were a few LB’s taken after White in that round, but none of them have made much of an impact at all this year. 3 Guys that everyone wanted in round 2 were gone within 6 picks before ours came up (Rey Maualuga, Ron Brace, Everette Brown). We could sit here and bitch about the wasted pick, but our QB position was still a huge question mark, and Parcells has already said that he thinks the spread option can be successful in the NFL. It’s why he believes Tebow will be a top ten pick.
So… I’m thinking of other guys we could’ve gotten, I’m looking at the draft, and there’s not much. Massaquoi maybe. The best pick in round 2 after Pat White was Sean Smith, and we got him too.
Phinsider HOF C/O 2009
Winner of Four 2008/2009 Matty Awards
LN21 and MHTD - Goin Commando
Draft CJ Spiller
by Little Nicky 21 on Jan 4, 2010 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
Sean Smith was the BEST pick in the entire draft, IMHO.
He played every single defense snap this year. How many times did you hear announcers call his name? Very few. Cause other teams would not throw in his direction, even if he was covering their #1 WR! How many times did you hear he was beat for a long TD the entire year? 1, 2 maybe? How many INT’s did he have? zero -‘cause you cannot intercept a ball not thrown your way! Oh yeah, he did have that Phintastic end zone INT in pre-season (saints wasn’t it?)
He is the definition of a shutdown corner! He also should be going to the pro bowl, but that is a numbers and popularity game.
Just think how stupid the average Jest fan is, and then realize that half of them are even stupider! ( a parody of a George Carlin line)
Attorney General of the Matty I Fan Club
Driver of the draft Brandon Spikes bandwagon
He will get to the pro bowl soon enough!
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
LN21, Thigpen run the spread option a LOT better than Henne, but u think there is NOT QB controversy?
Thats wierd stuff!
U r saying White have a LOT of potencial but Thjigpen sucks. U know that Thigpen made, in 12 stars BTW, a run, receiving and throwing TD in the same game, playing the Wildca formation? Keep beating me, but atleast look at the facts ; )
I will see the Dolphins win a SUPER BOWL before i die(22 years and counting)
there isn't a QB controversy
yet you keep trying to make one
That’s weird stuff right there.
Phinsider HOF C/O 2009
Winner of Four 2008/2009 Matty Awards
LN21 and MHTD - Goin Commando
Draft CJ Spiller
by Little Nicky 21 on Jan 4, 2010 11:46 PM EST up reply actions
We gave it a helluva run, we never gave up, even when it looked impossible.
Terrible way to end the season, but you win some you lose some. Let’s look forward to next season.
Matty, I’m glad I finally found someone who agrees with me on Bell. IF he had a better FS, he’d be so much better. And I don’t think Clemons is the answer to our FS problems.
"Welcome to The Doghouse"
Your best? Losers always whine about their best. Winners go home and fuck the prom queen! -Sean Connery
"The more people I meet the more I like my dog."
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart."
Glad Pat is okay
I wonder why Lex scores a touchdown then gets hardly any action after that. I don’t know if Pat White can hold a football that is NFL size! I mean seriously why can’t he throw the ball at all? Henne is still the man we just need a number one receiver and a new Free Safety and some linebacker help I hope Spikes! And we will be good to go. Sad the season is over but I think a tough schedule exposed some weak points that hopefully the Tuna will address. Also please sigh Lou!
Pat White
I think it’s safe to say the Pat White experiment is over. He was supposed to come in here and be that double threaty out of the wildcat by being able to run or pass. But he proved he is not very good at either.
The only experiment left is to see if he can run routes and catch the ball.
he's a rookie
relax a little
Phinsider HOF C/O 2009
Winner of Four 2008/2009 Matty Awards
LN21 and MHTD - Goin Commando
Draft CJ Spiller
by Little Nicky 21 on Jan 4, 2010 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
Pat White Haters
I don’t understand you people, Pat White is a good QB. He can do everything you would want a QB to do. He only has one problem, he can’t throw the ball. But except for that he’s a wonderfull QB. RIGHT?
Pat White is NOT a good QB.
The key statistic for a QB is completions….
Do you know how many completions Pat White has in the NFL?
Zero…. he was given 5 attempts to throw the ball, and connected on ZERO.
Now, you say…“Its only 5 attempts”…but guess what, there is a reason he only got 5 attempts…and thats because he’s not accurate, he’s not consistent, and here it is…he’s not a good Quarterback….he’s an option QB at best.
Noone cares what he did at WV, why? Because Ryan Leaf, JaMarcus Russell, and Chris Leak all did AWESOME in College, and sucked in the NFL….its a different game.
Leader of the - Settle down Junior!, Henne is the Starter Movement
"We've moved. We're Here....Get Over it"
If Pat White played Tyler Thigpen for the starting QB position for the Miami Dolphins, who would win?
Answer - A 2010 Draft Pick
And thats the truth!
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 4, 2010 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
Henne's play
Has anyone noticed, that even though Henne has great arm strength and can throw the ball 60 yards in the air with hardly any effort, his completions come at the exact positions on the field that Pennington had. Except for that one TD pass to Mr. Macho in the Jest’s game, he overthrows or underthrows or has no touch over defenders on every deep pass he attempts. I personally think he couldn’t carry Thigpens jock strap. Just my humble opinion
Henne had another really good TD to Ginn for 40ish+ yards last week that was called back on a BS tripping call.
Henne needs some work.. But I believe he can be the guy. Although I really liked what I saw in Thigpen the 1st 2 drives he ran.
Henne is now our leader. Lets see what the guy can do !
As usual the R&R Xpres is non stop to its next destination !
Driver of the Camarillo, Hartline & Bess fan club bus.. hop on and enjoy the ride!
We need this pass D to STEP THE F UP and do what they get paid to do!
White for Henne
Just my thought but I really believe that they put White in the game to evaluate where he stood with the team. We used a high draft pick for him and he played very sparingly throughout the year. I think that Sparano and Co. wanted to let him play a whole half as THE quarterback to see whether or not he has what it takes or whether he should be re-evaluated. The best way to do it is against a good NFL defense playing for their lives during the regular season and not a meaningless 2010 pre-season game.
Ok.. so they tried that now.. and what did you come away with for an opinion on White now?
Henne is now our leader. Lets see what the guy can do !
As usual the R&R Xpres is non stop to its next destination !
Driver of the Camarillo, Hartline & Bess fan club bus.. hop on and enjoy the ride!
We need this pass D to STEP THE F UP and do what they get paid to do!
bottom line
he doesn’t see the field unless Henne was hurt, which he was. Stop making up conspiracies.
Phinsider HOF C/O 2009
Winner of Four 2008/2009 Matty Awards
LN21 and MHTD - Goin Commando
Draft CJ Spiller
by Little Nicky 21 on Jan 4, 2010 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
It was night and day when White got hurt and Thiggy came in. I didnt think Thigpen was really the answer..
But he showed me he has a good arm, he can MOVE and with playing time he may be a quality QB.
Im sorry guys.. but Im not so sure with a season under his belt if he wouldnt be better then Henne. Now again.. that is based on seing him play all of 2 times. But he looked good untill he had a brain fart… then a 2nd brain fart.
I think the HUGE difference was Henne doesnt seem to be able to avoid sacks and that means he tries to make something happen at times and ends up picked off. Thiggy can spin away and avoid the sack and find something or run..
Could Thiggy be a better ballance then Henne?
Henne is now our leader. Lets see what the guy can do !
As usual the R&R Xpres is non stop to its next destination !
Driver of the Camarillo, Hartline & Bess fan club bus.. hop on and enjoy the ride!
We need this pass D to STEP THE F UP and do what they get paid to do!
2010 needs!!
Dolphins needs period!!!
True #1 reciever
coverage line backer
FS…wilson is flat out shit
NT…The sun is setting on fergi
Stop with the henne shit please, He is our QB of the future.
The play calling is shit, and no deep threat WR, Henne has to constantly check off
Did anyone notice
That Dan dierdorf was on Roethlisberger’s dick the whole game? I wonder if he tried to ask him out on a date after the game was over? Bryant Gumballs and Dan diernuts= The worst commentators on T.V.! I swear every time they do a dolphins game they cheer for the other team and we lose! Also did anyone notice that when they showed Big Ben’s stats it said no interceptions, I guess the Yeremiah Bell pick didn’t count! Seriously they showed Ben as two touchdowns and no picks like three times after the Bell pick. All well what are you going to do we almost had this one. Love the future go Phins.
Did you watch the game?
Santonio Holmes threw the interception to Bell on a gadget play.
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Jan 4, 2010 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe your right
I could have sworn it was Ben. Fact Remains Dierdorf would have blown Ben given the chance! Good luck with Bens shoulder and tell Ike thanks for scrambling Pats Brains! Next time the Squeelers are going down.
The announcers wanted to jump Ben baaaaaad....
I was getting annoyed until my wife (who’s a kindergarten teacher) remarked on the same thing. Except she said it so beautifully crude that we stopped watching the game!!!!
(at least for a few minutes……..)
Sports casters (I hate them too) generally talk about the best players on the field. Ben is a very good QB who is emerging as one of the best QBs in the league. No surprise they talked about him. Ever watched a Vikings game? They don’t get off Peterson’s jock. And I am s ure you have seen your fair share of Pats games. How often do they talk about crater hole chin?
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Jan 4, 2010 8:54 PM EST up reply actions
Dude...I couldn't believe how on Roethlisfag's jock Dan was!
I thought he was going to ask him to marry him near the end of the 4th Qtr.
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Jan 5, 2010 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
For 2010
Why don’t we put Thigpen has or 2nd QB and activate White as a WR? If we do that, technically White could still come in and play QB/Wildcat triggerman without violating the 3rd string QB rule, right? Either way, I hope White earns himself a little more value for next year. He’s essentially been just a drive-killer this year. He’s had a couple first downs and one rush that went 33 yards, but it’s not exactly worthy of a 2nd round pick.
Because White would have to be a better WR than our current Roster....
Which he’s not.
White is wasting a roster spot, if anything he needs to be the emergency QB.
Thigpen can do all of the things that Pat White is Rumored (and I use that word for a reason) to be able to do…. And Thigpen has had completions and experience in the NFL game.
Leader of the - Settle down Junior!, Henne is the Starter Movement
"We've moved. We're Here....Get Over it"
If Pat White played Tyler Thigpen for the starting QB position for the Miami Dolphins, who would win?
Answer - A 2010 Draft Pick
I agree Thigpen is way better at QB
But Pat White has great open-field skills with the ball in his hands. He has (what I think to be) the speed and athleticism to be a slot receiver, if nothing else. It’s his playmaking ability that we drafted him for, not so much his ability at QB. I think he might be decent at WR, but I guess only time will tell what he will (or won’t) be used for.
Reminds me of what everybody was saying
a couple years ago about another speedy QB that we tried to covert to a WR. Marcus Vick, anybody? How’d that work out? At least we didn’t spend a 2nd rounder on him.
I was really surprised
when it was clear that Henne wasn’t coming back that they left Pat White in there over Thigpen. With the season on the line (at that point, we obviously wouldn’t have made the playoffs anyway) and you have a choice between a season QB that has had moderate success or a rookie that has shown that the NFL is still too fast for him, I can’t believe they went with the rookie.
Pat White is a bust. Let’s move on… they had 11 guys in the box most of the time when he was under center. Facing a defense like that it’s no surprise he got hurt.
I dont care that they took a waiver on this guy to see if he had anything but it makes me sick that they wasted a 2 on him.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 4, 2010 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
Very true
But Josh Cribbs and Julian Edelman were both quarterbacks in college if my memory serves me correctly, and they’ve been converted to moderately successful receivers. Although, Cribbs is more of a return specialist and all-around playmaker than just a receiver. I dunno, maybe I’m just desperate to see a 2nd round pick do SOMETHING
Im with ya. Try him at reciever. Whats the worst that can happen?
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
After seeing him take that hit yesterday.. allot worse can happen.
I am glad he isnt seriously injured. That would really suck.
Henne is now our leader. Lets see what the guy can do !
As usual the R&R Xpres is non stop to its next destination !
Driver of the Camarillo, Hartline & Bess fan club bus.. hop on and enjoy the ride!
We need this pass D to STEP THE F UP and do what they get paid to do!
we should put up a poll
how many games will Ronnie Brown last this year? (Since he gets hurt EVERY year!) If he is still with us it will be one more year. Parcells doesnt overpay for RB’s who are injury prone and getting older. Fresh legs usually wins over older injury prone backs.
He's injury prone....completely.
10 games is where I’d put my money.
Resign him at a discount, and start scouting new RB’s to draft for the future.
Leader of the - Settle down Junior!, Henne is the Starter Movement
"We've moved. We're Here....Get Over it"
If Pat White played Tyler Thigpen for the starting QB position for the Miami Dolphins, who would win?
Answer - A 2010 Draft Pick
I believe we have the running back of the future
His name is Lex Hilliard.
I believe he is the back up running back of the future. We will still need that guy that can possibly take it to the house every time he touches it once Rickey/Ronnie are gone.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 4, 2010 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
Lex Hilliard
I take it that you have never seen Hilliards u-tube of highlights. Nothing but, “take it to the house”.
by tony goodstuff on Jan 4, 2010 12:32 PM EST up reply actions
Well if I see him do it in the pros I will be sold.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 4, 2010 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
Hasn't he done that?
He has a few TDs right? People might forget he was listed a FB coming out of college, and he’s 240-250lbs. I like what I’ve seen so far, but I ain’t ready to crown him!! Shown enough to be solid #2. Maybe he gets even better….wasn’t Barber a late pick like Lex?
Barber is not a home run hitter for Dallas. Thats Felix Jones' job.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
did you forget about Cobbs? Lex is great but Cobbs is greater in my oppinion.
Draft Taylor Mays in 2010......................
by B1G SaMoAn TuNa on Jan 4, 2010 6:35 PM EST up reply actions
Let's not forget
Patrick Cobbs. He showed a lot of potential before getting hurt.
he is a poor man's Reggie Bush
For every woman masturbating right now, there is a guy masturbating while imagining that woman masturbate.
2009 NY Phin PhansFantasy League Champion
2009 Best Regular Season Record in NYPPL.
Total Agreement
Cobbs and Hilliard a great combo. Texas, if they play Hilliard maybe we will be able to see
Maybe so.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
ok pat white people
im not gonna go either way, i loved pat white in college and i was happy to see him drafted, but happpier still to see him NOT end up in a Patriots Jersey.. i think that was a big reason he got drafted cuz God knows what Bellichek would do with him. we drafted him as a Wildcat threat, and he has had his flashes, and also his big rookie mistakes we cant expect him to play like vontae and sean smith at the QB position.. honestly trust te big Tuna, let him do his job, he knows what he drafted, and if yall want to hate then hate, just dont jump on the bandwagon again like honestly.. im not saying hes good i just hate people that are hating on somebody and if they start doing something jump right back on the bandwagon. hes got some speed and great field vision, both of those are intangibles that you cant really coach, he was a winner at WVU lets wait him out and not write him off after his rookie season as a qb… oh and for all you people that say he doesnt have the size… let me remind u of a little man named Darren Sproles that some of yall may have heard of… i dont see him having the right NFL size either but that dont stop him.
ok on to Lex Hilliard, why the HELL isnt he getting a few more touches? i mean honestly, he catches well out of the backfield, he runs hard.. i mean hell he had 2 touches for 20 yards and a touchdown yesterday…. on the year hes averaging 4 yards a carry and 8 yards a catch, its nothing flashy but last i checked if u run 3 straight times for 4 yards thats a first down and thats all we need… seriously find a way to give him a FEW more touches, Sproano had the best case scenario, Rickky wasnt doing anything Ronnie is out, why not let the kid see what he can do…
You're serious? and that scares me.
Look, Comparing Pat White to Darren Sproles is ludacris….why? They play different positions, they were drafted in different Rounds, and …..oh yeah, they play Different Positions.
The only comparison I’ll give you between Sproles and Pat White that holds true, is they both have the same # of completions in the NFL…ZERO.
Pat White is 0 for 5, with a sack.
We didn’t draft Pat White to be a “Playmaker”…and if we did, he hasn’t shown us anything other than 1 run, and 1 pitch. 2 plays, out of 21 rushes…..and his average is 3.9 yards per carry.
I’m sorry, thats not a Playmaker…..that’s a substandard running back. We can’t even call him a QB, since he hasn’t had a completion, although 20% of the time he’s been sacked. He’s not as good as the WR’s on the team…he is the worst of our 3 QB’s, AND, we are already loaded at RB…..so…where does he fit in?
People need to stop making comparisons with him at WVU….WVU, was a college program, and didn’t play a tough schedule, also, college programs only have 3-5 above average althletes on a team…. the NFL has a 53. What you did in college, doesn’t matter. Just look at JaMarcus Russell, Reggie Bush, Matt Leinhart, Akili Smith, Ryan Leaf, etc…. Its a different game. Think of it as Kimbo Slice fighting in the backyard….he’s deadly. Put him in a cage, and he’s below average….. That’s Pat White.
Stop worrying about a BandWagon for Pat White…… you have to have a band willing to play before you can get a wagon to ride…. and unfortunately, noone wants the job.
Leader of the - Settle down Junior!, Henne is the Starter Movement
"We've moved. We're Here....Get Over it"
If Pat White played Tyler Thigpen for the starting QB position for the Miami Dolphins, who would win?
Answer - A 2010 Draft Pick
LOL Dont be scared!
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
i was thinking more
in a possible kick returning role… but yeah ur pretty much right about the rest i was tired when i wrote that lol
"rookie mistakes" ?
He didnt see anyone open (most likely cus he is like what.. 4 foot 5 inches tall?) Seriously.. he is too short to be an NFL QB. I have been saying that since he was drafted. He will never be a quality NFL QB. NEVER no matter how much people wish it.. beg for it.. hope for it.. it is not going to happen.
Henne is now our leader. Lets see what the guy can do !
As usual the R&R Xpres is non stop to its next destination !
Driver of the Camarillo, Hartline & Bess fan club bus.. hop on and enjoy the ride!
We need this pass D to STEP THE F UP and do what they get paid to do!
AS MY NAME SAYS...
I am a Steeler Fan from WV, and followed Pat White through his 4 years at WVU and I think he was a great QB in college, his legs were just as good as his arm. I think he made a poor decision to dive head first for sidelines but I also think there was some bad play calling that got him hurt.
Let him try to throw, then if he can’t find an open receiver then let him run the football. You can’t expect to run QB Draws and options on the Steelers every play and be successful or safe from injury. Pat White is not Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams. I really thought his first sack was definitely the Dolphins O line fault and no one else’s. It was like they stepped aside for Timmons.
Good game though, It was a bittersweet victory being a big fan of Pat White and the Steelers.
Very good comments
Which is rare from most Steeler fans. Most of you guys are blinded by the glare coming from all your super bowl trophies to be able to accurately see much of anything. Pat White has talent….in several areas. He has great running ability (remember people Michael Vick and Randall Cunningham didn’t gain 25 yards on every run and most of their success came on runs from a called passing play and that’s where Pat White will kill NFL defenses, not on the QB draws or options) and regardless of if he has shown it or not he as a good arm and is very accurate. Keep in mind who was getting all the throwing reps all year. Preseason it was predominantly CP10 and Henne. The first three weeks of the season it was CP10. Then when CP10 went down, how many passes do you think Pat White got to throw in practice?? Maybe 5% of the snaps. Lets ponder that for a minute….you get 5% of the snaps as a rookie QB and you are expected to be accurate and look comfortable against the STEELERS?? How many veterans have looked lost against that pass rush?
I am not saying that Pat White will be a success. I am not saying that there might not have been a better draft selection available with his pick. But the bottom line is that we drafted him, now we just need to have a bit of patience and let the kids learn, get some reps, gel with the WRs (which are only now starting to gel with Henne and aren’t very good overall in comparison to most teams) and figure out how to best use him. Sure it might turn out that he is better suited as a WR or return guy, but lets give it at least 2 years to mature a bit before we want to lead him to the slaughter house.
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Jan 5, 2010 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
Draft
ok so i have seen us slated at both 10 and 12 on the draft boards, can anyone explain how exactly it is determined?
Everywhere I've seen us, we are 12th because of
Strength of schedule.
Leader of the - Settle down Junior!, Henne is the Starter Movement
"We've moved. We're Here....Get Over it"
If Pat White played Tyler Thigpen for the starting QB position for the Miami Dolphins, who would win?
Answer - A 2010 Draft Pick
BESS
I believe that we need to get Bess more involved with the offense next season. You will always see him fight for the ball when it is near. Unlike Ginn, who gives up often on the ball and certain plays. I would trade Ginn for a player who cares on every play!
if we are @ 10
We gotta get McClain…
by Superzoe92 on Jan 4, 2010 3:05 PM EST via mobile reply actions
All in all, I'm very happy with this season
I’m really happy with this team. The way they have reacted against adversity… amazing. The main reason I’m happy about the season, though, is that we found, in all likelihood, our QB of the future, as well as our 2 starting CBs. Also added a nice WR in Hartline, a good center in Grove, and we found out Soliai is better than we thought. Polite turned out to quite a find at FB. Let’s also not forget Wake… he’ll be a beast next year.
No way Miami tanked it as long as there was a slim hope of getting to the playoffs. They probably thought it was best to be cautious with the head injury.
I agree with the head injury. I dont care what is on the line. If your QB is having blurred vision
after hitting the ground then the only choice you have is to hold him out.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
Starting RB
Well of course Ronnie will be the starting RB, but I would say there is some question as to who the second and third RBs are.
I think Hilliard has been impressive since the preseason. When he finally did get some action this year, he delivered with good chunks of yardage and a few TDs. Might he be the #2 back ahead of Ricky? And what about Cobbs?
I think Ricky has proven he is still the number 2.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
Ricky is good but old
I would love to see Lex take his spot I have never forgiven him completely for the BONGWATER incident.
Well hes going to be the number 2 next year and then he will retire and all the Ricky haters will be happy.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 5, 2010 12:10 AM EST up reply actions
He will be ok for just one more year.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
That's fine
Any player that gives 100% and helps the team is OK by me. But in my opinion Loyalty is the best trait a person can have. You gotta admit though Lex Plays at 100% and is a beast of a man.
True, Lex has proved nothing yet.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle

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