The Phinsider: FanPosts

Dancing with the Devil,...a new journey begins

2013-05-22T03:41:04Z

As soon as I found out there was a mountain in the neighborhood, I knew I wanted to ride to the top. As soon as I found out the Amgen Tour of California was going to have a mountain top finish there, I knew I wanted to be there. Since arriving here I rode to the mountain several times, and even tried to climb it on two occasions. The problem was two-fold. First,....I am not built for climbing (or conditioned). Second,....my gear ratio was set up for the flat lands of Ohio & Florida. The second was an easy fix, and done so the day before the event. Not much time for any practice rides,.....oh well. I had a date with Mt Diablo.

My plan was simple. Put on my DCC gear ( complete w/ Dolphins flag in back pocket ), go watch the start then ride off ( and up ) to the mountain. All the while getting as many pictures as I could.

At this point I had no idea what I was in for, or that I would ride 62 miles by the time I arrived back at home.

It was a mere 9 miles from home to Livermore, the site of the start to Stage 7. If you know me, you know I get where I'm going early as to beat the crowds. Hence a few nice photo-ops,....

As the crowd started to grow, you have to know I got "the look" form more than one person. It seems the more into cycling one gets, the more they turn into a bike snob. Either that, or they got no love for the Dolphins. Either way,....I was going to see this adventure through.

Around 10AM the team buses and support vehicles started to arrive.

SPOILER ALERT !!!

The winner was an American,....and he rode for Team BMC, Tejay Van Garderen.

Now time for something funny,.....something uniquely OFF4L.

After I bought my merch, got my pics, I settled in over by the starting line. It was here that I saw Barry Bonds walk right past me. I quickly tried to get a picture, but I was slow on the draw and only got the side/back of him. It only took a moment before I realized I could roll up on him and get a pic "with" him. Now,....I don't like baseball and from what I know of him,......Barry is not my kind of athlete. However, why not get a picture with him. Except,.....I had no idea my camera was set to video. The next two minutes is something I call : Me, My Crotch,.....and Barry Bonds. Enjoy,...

Now that is an interesting perspective,....lol.

Now I thought I have perfected the art of the taking my own pics,....not true. Here is one pic that I wished would have turned out. Jens Voight is the oldest rider on the Tour, and he won stage 6. Here we are,......perfectly blurred,....ughhh.

It was so cool taking in all the sights of a major cycling event. When the race started and all 100+ pro riders rolled out just feet from me, my adrenalin surged. Not to mention the mass exodus of riders heading off to Mt Diablo. I felt good.

One the way out of Livermore, I had one more photo-op

On my ride to Livermore, and again on the way to Mt Diablo I felt strong. This soon passed whenI started my climb. The race started at 11:30, putting on the mountain by 12:30,......and it was hot ! While I reeled in several riders on the flats, I was passed by everyone on my climb. I didn't care,....I'm a wide-body, and the biggest hill I rode on a regular basis is the Sanibel Causeway ( 200ft ). Mt Diablo is 3,849ft. In fact, cycling,climbs are rated Cat 1 thru 4,.....or HC which means beyond category. Diablo is an HC, 10 miles from the base to the summit.

It was painfully humbling to be passed by both young & old, men & women. But my strategy was simple; keep the pace slow and stop when I needed a breather.

I was struggling up the mountain when I looked to my right and saw this fellow. I had to get a couple of pictures and here his story.

It turns out that he is really into his Nordic heritage and he has several different versions of his head gear that he wears a various cycling events. Needless to say I like his style.

This photo moves me. 10 KM to the finish is what I was shooting, but it's the guy pulling his kid up the mountain that makes this picture. And he wasn't the only one I saw hauling a load. I saw at least 4 others doing the same. I could barely make it with my fat ass and a small backpack,......again I was humbled.

As I pressed on I passed this sign. I had to get photo,....and another 2 minute breather.

I'll say this, by the time this picture was taken I was gassed ! My legs stung with each rotation and there were times I was barely moving. There was plenty of opportunities to stop, plenty of vantage points with great views to see the race,.....but I willed myself on. Slow,....and rest when needed, that was the plan. And I was sticking to it.

Onward on rode when I spotted another spectator wearing something I could relate too. It was time for a rest, and what better place to take that rest than by a guy sporting a #58 Jack Lambert & Terrible Towel. We yukked it up a bit, and he about shit when I shared my story ( complete w/ pic of Shula, Myself, & my HOF bust). Chalk this one up to "you see the darnedest things, in the darnedest places".

If you haven't noticed, there wasn't much shade on this ride. I was burning up and running low on water when I decided to take another breather. It was then this other rider said, " don't stop you're only 500 yards from the furthest the police will let you ride your bike". Sure enough,...the summit was a mob scene and they bike coral was full. We were given the option to leave our bikes and hike to the top. But who in their right mind is going to leave their bike unattended for a couple of hours,......not me. My climbing for today was done.

You can barely see it, but straight above my head is a small radio tower. That is the summit. I got close, but yet so far away.

There are those of us, DolFans, that are suffering. Nothing like the pain & discomfort I may have felt for a temporary basis,.....they suffering from something far more substantial. Cancer is a fucking bitch. This year I saw even more wreckage, I heard more stories. So soon after I got home from my mountain adventure I enrolled in my 3rd Dolphins Cycling Challenge. Now a few days later, I hear of Ray Manzarek's lost his battle with cancer and it saddens me.

Here is the link :

http://ridedcc.racepartner.com/DCC2013/Ohiofinfan4life

The ride will be the easy part. Something a bit more difficult,....asking for donations. I again have set a lofty goal of attempting to raise $10,000, yet it could be easily reached if each member of The Phinsider contributed just $1. And to that end end I will climb any mountain,.....even one named Mt Diablo.

I am committed, yet I can do nothing without the help of others. This is your chance to make a difference.

GO DOLPHINS !!!

OFF4L

My plan was simple. Put on my DCC gear ( complete w/ Dolphins flag in back pocket ), go watch the start then ride off ( and up ) to the mountain. All the while getting as many pictures as I could.

At this point I had no idea what I was in for, or that I would ride 62 miles by the time I arrived back at home.

It was a mere 9 miles from home to Livermore, the site of the start to Stage 7. If you know me, you know I get where I'm going early as to beat the crowds. Hence a few nice photo-ops,....

Around 10AM the team buses and support vehicles started to arrive.

SPOILER ALERT !!!

The winner was an American,....and he rode for Team BMC, Tejay Van Garderen.

Now time for something funny,.....something uniquely OFF4L.

Now that is an interesting perspective,....lol.

One the way out of Livermore, I had one more photo-op

It was painfully humbling to be passed by both young & old, men & women. But my strategy was simple; keep the pace slow and stop when I needed a breather.

I was struggling up the mountain when I looked to my right and saw this fellow. I had to get a couple of pictures and here his story.

It turns out that he is really into his Nordic heritage and he has several different versions of his head gear that he wears a various cycling events. Needless to say I like his style.

As I pressed on I passed this sign. I had to get photo,....and another 2 minute breather.

You can barely see it, but straight above my head is a small radio tower. That is the summit. I got close, but yet so far away.

Here is the link :

http://ridedcc.racepartner.com/DCC2013/Ohiofinfan4life

I am committed, yet I can do nothing without the help of others. This is your chance to make a difference.

GO DOLPHINS !!!

OFF4L

Chad Johnson Update

2013-05-21T15:02:59Z

From Florida domestic violence issues to child support, Chad Johnson can't seem to catch a break

Former NFL star Chad Johnson made headlines last week when a warrant was issued for his arrest for alleged violations of the terms of his probation stemming from his domestic violence case with his former wife. This week he's in the news again because he's asking a judge to lower his child support payments.

Mr. Johnson reportedly filed documents with a family court (presumably outside of Florida) asking a judge to lower his $5,420 per month child support payment because he claims he can no longer afford it. Apparently, Mr. Johnson agreed to pay this amount over a year ago when he was a member of an NFL team making a substantial amount of money that included endorsement deals. After his infamous arrest for head butting his former wife, Mr. Johnson lost those endorsement deals and was released from the Miami Dolphins. In addition to being unemployed, Mr. Johnson is claiming that due to the late stage of his career, he will certainly never earn the amount of money he once earned.

I feel bad for the guy. His antics used to bother me but he always seemed like he was a decent guy. I hope he gets back on the right path.

From Florida domestic violence issues to child support, Chad Johnson can't seem to catch a break

I feel bad for the guy. His antics used to bother me but he always seemed like he was a decent guy. I hope he gets back on the right path.

Tuesday Daytime Random Live Thread

2013-05-21T13:14:40Z

This is one of our daily threads. One is posted each week day and then another one to cover Sat/Sun. We provide this as a place for Dolphins fans and even our friends from other blogs to come and talk all things football or otherwise. This is an open thread so if you see someone not talking football do not get offended but also do not be afraid to throw out your HSO's (hot sports opinions) out on the latest Dolphins move or non move.

As this is a day time thread and not a night time CKC please keep the conversation PG. Also I do not care if you post picks during these thread's but try and keep them at or below the maximum of three per person and as always place something in the subject line so that people may close them. Also please to not post very large images or GIF's. These rules are to keep the thread load time from slowing down for those on slower connections.

We invite you to follow The Phinsider on Twitter, like The Phinsider on Facebook, add The Phinsider to your Google+ Circles, and follow our podcast on BlogTalkRadio.

Secondary

2013-05-20T16:08:57Z

Im happy and optomistic with the moves that Miami has made to improve the secondary, but I think it lacks leadership. Reshad Jones had a great year and I beleive he will continue to grow, but a little help wouldn't hurt. Why not bring in a proven leader that would cost the team next to nothing. Yes I'm talking about Charles Woodson. I think Charles Woodson would add great leadership to a young secondary poviding experience and knowledge to both the cornerback and safety positions. I think the move wouId be a low risk/high reward type of move. I don't think he will be a hinderance in this particular situation to the younger DBs, I think he would be a tremendous asset instead. Jeff, I have enjoyed the execution of your plan, but this is one move that will provide immediate dividends. Go ahead and make his happen Mr. Ireland.

Secondary

2013-05-20T16:05:58Z

Im happy and optomistic with the moves that Miami has made to improve the secondary, but I think it lacks leadership. Rashad Jones had a great year and I beleive he will continue to grow, but a little help wouldn't hurt. Why not bring in a proven leader that would cost the team next to nothing. Yes I'm talking about Charles Woodson. I think Charles Woodson would add great leadership to a young secondary poviding experience and knowledg to both the cornerback and safety positions. I think the move wouId be a low risk/high reward type of move. I don't think he will be a hinderance in this particular situation to the younger DBs, I think he would be a tremendous asset instead. Jeff, I have enjoyed the execution of your plan, but this is one move that will provide immediate dividends. Go ahead and make his happen Mr. Ireland.

National Football League franchise moves and mergers

2013-05-19T22:52:07Z

During this time of the season between the NFL Draft and the start of the regular season, it’s as slow as a man who drank a bottle of Kaopectate and trying to take a crap in the Yukon in the middle of winter. I’ve never had to crap out a frozen log like that, but imagine it would take till spring before I saw anything drop.

With that I was doing some searching (the down time) for *any* NFL news. I came upon this interesting factoid and wanted to share it here. The info was enlightening as I didn’t know (which isn’t much anyway) how the hell some of the football teams came about. I only started the search to see how many teams had moved. Turns out, quite a bit of them did.

I’m stealing this first part directly from Wekipedia… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League_franchise_moves_and_mergers

I’m interested in seeing just how many of us Dolphin fans out there knew this shit. I mean, Decatur Staleys? Portsmouth Spartans? Boston Redskins? Dallas Texans? (this team changed, but into what you might think)

So here goes. You can read the rest of mergers, and local moves by going to the site listed above…

Throughout the years, a number of teams in the National Football League (NFL) have either moved or merged.

In the early years, the NFL was not stable and teams moved frequently to survive, or were folded only to be resurrected in a different city with the same players and owners. The Great Depression era saw the movement of most surviving small-town NFL teams to the large cities to ensure survival. Franchise mergers were popular during World War II in response to the scarcity of players. Few of these relocations and mergers were accompanied with widespread controversy.

Franchise moves became far more controversial in the late 20th century when a vastly more popular NFL, free from financial instability, allowed many franchises to abandon long-held strongholds for perceived financially greener pastures. Despite a Pete Rozelle promise to Congress not to relocate franchises in return for a law exempting the league from certain aspects of antitrust laws, making possible the AFL-NFL merger, several franchises have relocated in the years since the merger and the passage of the law (Public Law 89-800) which sanctioned it.

While owners invariably cited financial difficulties as the primary factor in such moves, many fans bitterly disputed these contentions, especially in Baltimore, St. Louis, and Cleveland, each of which eventually received teams some years after their original franchises left. However, Los Angeles, the second-largest media market in the United States, has not had an NFL team since 1995 and the league is promoting an expansion there.[1] Another city that is often mentioned as a potential site for a moved franchise is Toronto, Ontario, the site of frequent speculation regarding a future franchise.

Additionally, with the increasing suburbanization of the U.S., the building of new stadiums and other team facilities in the suburbs instead of the central city became popular from the 1970s on, though at the turn of the 2000 millennium a reverse shift back to the central city became somewhat evident.

Decatur Staleys: to Chicago in 1921 (renamed the Chicago Bears in 1922)
Toledo Maroons: to Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1924 [1]
Cleveland Bulldogs: to Detroit as the Wolverines in 1928
Pottsville Maroons: to Boston as the Bulldogs in 1929
Dayton Triangles: to Brooklyn as the Dodgers in 1930 (renamed Brooklyn Tigers in 1944)
Portsmouth Spartans: to Detroit as the Lions in 1934[2][3][4]
Boston Redskins: to Washington, D.C. in 1937
Cleveland Rams: to Los Angeles in 1946
Chicago Cardinals: to St. Louis in 1960
Los Angeles Chargers: to San Diego in 1961 while in the American Football League (AFL)
Dallas Texans: to Kansas City, Missouri as the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963 while in the AFL
Oakland Raiders: to Los Angeles in 1982
Baltimore Colts: to Indianapolis in 1984
St. Louis Cardinals: to Tempe, Arizona as the Phoenix Cardinals in 1988 and became the Arizona Cardinals in 1994
Los Angeles Rams: to St. Louis in 1995
Los Angeles Raiders: back to Oakland in 1995
Houston Oilers: temporarily to Memphis in 1997 as the Tennessee Oilers and permanently to Nashville in 1998 (renamed Tennessee Titans in 1999)

… who knew, right? Who knew?

It’s our time! GO DOLPHINS!!

I’m stealing this first part directly from Wekipedia… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League_franchise_moves_and_mergers

So here goes. You can read the rest of mergers, and local moves by going to the site listed above…

Throughout the years, a number of teams in the National Football League (NFL) have either moved or merged.

Decatur Staleys: to Chicago in 1921 (renamed the Chicago Bears in 1922)
Toledo Maroons: to Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1924 [1]
Cleveland Bulldogs: to Detroit as the Wolverines in 1928
Pottsville Maroons: to Boston as the Bulldogs in 1929
Dayton Triangles: to Brooklyn as the Dodgers in 1930 (renamed Brooklyn Tigers in 1944)
Portsmouth Spartans: to Detroit as the Lions in 1934[2][3][4]
Boston Redskins: to Washington, D.C. in 1937
Cleveland Rams: to Los Angeles in 1946
Chicago Cardinals: to St. Louis in 1960
Los Angeles Chargers: to San Diego in 1961 while in the American Football League (AFL)
Dallas Texans: to Kansas City, Missouri as the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963 while in the AFL
Oakland Raiders: to Los Angeles in 1982
Baltimore Colts: to Indianapolis in 1984
St. Louis Cardinals: to Tempe, Arizona as the Phoenix Cardinals in 1988 and became the Arizona Cardinals in 1994
Los Angeles Rams: to St. Louis in 1995
Los Angeles Raiders: back to Oakland in 1995
Houston Oilers: temporarily to Memphis in 1997 as the Tennessee Oilers and permanently to Nashville in 1998 (renamed Tennessee Titans in 1999)

… who knew, right? Who knew?

It’s our time! GO DOLPHINS!!

Our secret weapon

2013-05-19T17:53:27Z

The offseason has gone well and we have signed numerous free agents. We have upgraded the offense with guys like Keller and Gibson and got younger and faster on defense. But what player is going to surprise us this year? Im expecting wallace to have atleast his avg 8 touchdowns so no surprise. I expect Dion Jordan to wreck havoc. The player That I think is going to have a break out year is....... Charles Clay.

Remember this?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL7ZkmVQT2I

Charles Clay was drafted in the 6th round ( 174th overall) in 2011. When he played for Tulsa they used him in many different spots including RB and recieving. The biggest knock on him is his blocking and his best asset? versatility. This guy can line up all over the field. he is 6'3 and 250 lbs, and he runs a 4.6 40. Remind you of anyone? Antonio Gates is 6'4 (or 5) and 252, and ran a 4.5.

Clay had a decent rookie season with 16 receptions for 233 yards and 3 touchdowns. he averaged over 14 yards a catch. last year he seemed to fall into that sophomore slump as he adjusted to the new offense. he didn't get on the field a lot, and when he did, he didn't do much. Mr Clay finished the year with stats similar to his rookie year. 18 receptions 212 yards and 2 touchdowns. he averaged 11.8 yards per catch. Now none of these stats really jump out at you, but remember last year was only his second in the league and he is still learning to be a tight end. He has made a few good/great catches since hes been here and I expect him to build on that and improve this year.

I think that Clay is possibly our most underratted player on offense who can possibly be a really solid #2 tight end or maybe even a #1. with another year under his belt and defenses trying to figure out how to catch Mike Wallace, stop Hartline underneath,and stop Lamar Miller from taking it to the house, Charles Clay could sneak in and have a nice season. say 400-600 yards with 4-5 touchdowns. I don't think that is out of reach. I think this guy can be great and we can get good production out of him.

hope you enjoyed my write up during the super slow football times we are in right now. I don't post or comment very much but I love this site and come here daily. Comment on what you think of Charles Clay and whether he will have a breakout season, or be one of the latest cuts of the last regime.

last but not least I leave you with one more highlight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyFgBuHhdKUhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyFgBuHhdKU

Remember this?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL7ZkmVQT2I

last but not least I leave you with one more highlight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyFgBuHhdKUhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyFgBuHhdKU

Poll

Charles Clay 2013 season

The mike wallace argument and why you should tell your friend to shut the..

2013-05-19T08:26:09Z

"Broooo, how could you say thatttt. Mike wallace was over paid, hes only a one trick pony." - That Friend.

Listen, seriously listen to this statement that your dolphin downer friend constantly makes.

While a larger majority of WR's coming out of the draft are slower then Mike Wallace, the fact remains that a good amount can run close to his speed. Why aren't these players also being offered millions of dollars to be a teams top wideout. Why was it Mike Wallace out of all these speed guys, the so called "one trick pony" guys, why was Mike the one with the large payday?

1. He has averaged 8 TD's per game for his 4 year career.

What do the dolphins lack? Scoring touchdowns from the WR positions. Actually just scoring any touchdowns offensively would be a real help to this team.

2. He is 26 years old.

With only 4 years in the game, the potential for Mike to be capable of bettering his craft has a greater chance of still being there.

3. Where are all the other speed guys? What are there touchdown numbers? Clyde gates? Ted Ginn? Why is it Mike who has had these sort of number through 4 years in the NFL?

Clearly his game and athleticism and dedication and everything about him shows he is serious and dedicated to being the best. Do you think in the NFL players can be lazy and rely on pure athleticism to get them through? I know TO and Chad Johnson seem to be succesful even though they are clowns, The truth is they work there ass of to be world class athletes. You cant get out there and do anything close to what they can. Players who get Mike Wallace numbers are Athletes. and if you want to make sure you address your teams needs, your best option would be with someone who is a real athlete. Someone who with convincing would actually be capable of considering working on there craft, and you need to guarantee that you will get this player.

You have to over pay for him!

If another team offers him close to what you are, the possibility of him choosing another team because its close to home or because his boy told him to do diminishes and he has a greater chance of accepting your offer. Why risk losing the best player available, the one with the most potential and the one who brings to the table a skill set that your team lacks and brings scoring from the WR position.

What are they over paying him by anyways? 3-4 million?

Its not your money.
Do you think that money would be better spent on someone else? We have a huge amount of cap space.

Ireland is finally seeing what this team needs to do, he has chosen a vision of the team that many fans seem to share. I believe the majority of us share this vision of the dolphins and although sometimes we dont want to get over the past and dont feel we can trust people anymore like Ireland, we just have to face the facts: He is addressing many real team needs. Needs that most of us agree were there last year.

Shut it, Trebek.

"Broooo, how could you say thatttt. Mike wallace was over paid, hes only a one trick pony." - That Friend.

Listen, seriously listen to this statement that your dolphin downer friend constantly makes.

You have to over pay for him!

Tearing apart Jason La Canfora, brick by brick.

2013-05-19T02:23:20Z

Dudes. My son's due date is in 10 days. Trust me, I have wayyyy more important stuff to be doing. But when I saw comments from Jason La Canfora recently, I felt obligated to retort on behalf of the Dolphins community. For anyone who doesn't know me, I'm a frequent poster and responder, but have gotten lackadaisical with the, ummm, oh, I forget. Oh yeah, the birth of my son. Anyway, here is what he said, and here is what I think about what he said. Take it for what it's worth.

On cbssports.com, Jason listed his 3 "surprises" and 3 "disappointments" for the upcoming football season. Of all the 32 NFL teams, Miami ended up on his short "disappointment" list (Kansas City and Minnesota being the other 2).

No team has been flashier since the start of free agency in March, loading up on free agents, throwing cash around and then making a bold trade up to the third overall pick in draft to nab Dion Jordan.

Yeah, I'm sure the goal of Jeff Ireland's offseason was to be as "flashy" as possible. Hey, why the hell not, let's throw some cash around. Let's aimlessly throw money at players and see what happens. See my point? Just because you spend a lot of money doesn't mean you intend to do it recklessly. Is their historical evidence of this? Yes. Just look at the Washington Redskins. At the same time, look at the SF 49ers. They went from 5-11 to an NFL Champsionship game in one regime change. Getting new players (or coaches) and spending money for them does not equal a PR stunt, as Mr. La Canfora would have you believe. We needed players, and to get players, you need to spend money. This is sensationalization at its finest. We spend the most money in free agency, therefore we are flashy. I don't see the connection. We are trying to field a good football team, and good players cost money. There is a faulty correlation that he is spreading, and it is this: if you spend a lot of money in free agency, it will not equate to wins. He is basing EVERYTHING on this assumption. Oh, and trading up to 3 is "bold" when you only trade a 2nd rounder for it? I would say it's dumb for NOT doing it. Trading from 12 to 3 for a 2nd rounder, by EVERY calculation I have seen, is one of the biggest steals in draft history. DRAFT HISTORY. Let that sink in. If you think it's bold to pay a dollar for a filet mignon, then I think you have the wrong definition of the word "bold." All of this depends on Dion Jordan being a player worthy of the #3 selection. I have no doubts that he is fully worth that selection...

I'm just not sure how much better they're going to be. Questions remain at left tackle and in the secondary and in the running game, to name a few. Suddenly there is a buzz about this being a team on the rise and ready to enter the playoff equation.

So, you aren't sure how much better they will be, but you are willing to label them a "disappointment"? If you aren't sure, if I were an "expert", then I would leave them off my list. But here we are. Questions remain at left tackle? We have Jonathan Martin, and I would agree that this IS a question mark...but not so much of a question mark that I am willing to label the entire Dolphins team a "disappointment" over 31 other NFL teams. There are "ifs" in the secondary, but we have a lot of escape routes when it comes to these "ifs". My assumption: either Richard Marshall or Brent Grimes will man 1 starting spot, and Jamar Taylor or Marshall/Grimes/Will Davis will man the other starting spot. The remaining will compete for nickel and dime duties, not to mention we have Patterson and Carroll. We have "ifs", but so does every other NFL team at this position. This is a kind of position where no one is EVER satisfied - too many passes happen in the NFL to be complacent at this position. But we are by no means a disappointment in this category. By my estimation, we have answers at CB, not questions. We have a former Pro Bowler (Grimes), a CB that some experts believe COULD be a Pro Bowler (Marshall), and 2 rookies that are "more polished than Vontae and Sean Smith" at rookie minicamps (Taylor and Davis). We have no more questions at CB than any other team, yet it's cause to label us a "disappointment." Questions in the running game assume that Lamar Miller, Daniel Thomas, and Mike Gillislee won't be able to carry the torch. Lamar Miller had almost 5 yards per carry; Daniel Thomas is on my black list of people to axe as soon as they screw up again so I can't say anything positive about him; Mike Gillislee demonstrates good WC skills in a running back. But, again, I don't see an up-and-coming RB followed by an adequate rookie and a sketchy veteran as a "disappointment". Am I happy? No. But am I disappointed? No. The Jets just had their #1 RB arrested and will possibly be released from the team, and yet, WE are the disappointment. Interesting. Frankly, all it tells me is that Mr. La Canfora didn't watch Lamar Miller run last year. He is decisive, a perfect fit for a zone blocking scheme, and has the speed and quickness to elude tacklers.

Usually, when you bring in this much outside talent, it either doesn't take at all, or it takes more than a year to click. We'll see how Ryan Tannehill progresses in his second season as their quarterback and if there is a leadership void with guys like Karlos Dansby no longer around.

This much outside talent? So we bring in 2 WR's and 2 LB's, and it's an entire off-season purge? Clabo is an OL, so I don't even count him in this assessment. Grimes wasn't wanted by his former team for the price he was asking for. Wallace and Gibson have been working with Tannehill off the clock for hours a day getting prepared for the season. Every NFL team brings in multiple new people to invigorate and rejuvenate, as well as provide competition for every position on the roster. Yet, this same tactic is used to demonstrate Miami as a "disappointment." Since when was Karlos Dansby our leader? He was outspoken, sure. Talked wayyyy too much. I want Tannehill to be our leader, and he is already doing that by example, not by getting diarrhea of the mouth through the media. Tannehill will be a baller in year 2, mark my words.

I still don't see them being any real threat to the Patriots in the AFC East, and with teams like the Colts and Bengals still likely in the wild card scene, I don't see Miami unseating anyone being much more than an 8-8 team at best. Not sure there is enough bite on defense surrounding Cameron Wake, and not sure this team will be able to grind out wins down the stretch.

Interesting. So a team the Dolphins beat last year (Bengals) and SHOULD HAVE beat (Colts...remember that TY Hilton catch in double coverage to win the game?) are firmly entrenched in the Wild Card scene? Not enough bite on defense? We were top half of the league in sacks, and will only get better with the addition of Dion Jordan. Kacy Rodgers, our DL coach, is the BEST DL coach in the entire league. Look at what he's produced with Wake (CFL), Soliai (4th round), Starks (3rd round), and Odrick/Vernon (1st/3rd round). We have one of the best DL's in the NFL, and just imagine what a guy like Rodgers can do with a diamond like Dion Jordan. Potential is through the roof. Not to mention the effect that our improved pass rush will have on our secondary. Not able to grind out wins? Tannehill did it against the Seahawks. Does Jason La Canfora know how resilient and determined this team will be to close out games down the stretch in 2013? Fack no. He has an opinion. I just think that opinion is stupid and illogical.

No team has been flashier since the start of free agency in March, loading up on free agents, throwing cash around and then making a bold trade up to the third overall pick in draft to nab Dion Jordan.

I'm just not sure how much better they're going to be. Questions remain at left tackle and in the secondary and in the running game, to name a few. Suddenly there is a buzz about this being a team on the rise and ready to enter the playoff equation.

Usually, when you bring in this much outside talent, it either doesn't take at all, or it takes more than a year to click. We'll see how Ryan Tannehill progresses in his second season as their quarterback and if there is a leadership void with guys like Karlos Dansby no longer around.

I still don't see them being any real threat to the Patriots in the AFC East, and with teams like the Colts and Bengals still likely in the wild card scene, I don't see Miami unseating anyone being much more than an 8-8 team at best. Not sure there is enough bite on defense surrounding Cameron Wake, and not sure this team will be able to grind out wins down the stretch.

Miami NORTH

2013-05-17T20:38:08Z

THE TIDE IS TURNING! The Giants D-Line is DONE and the Jets are the laughing stock of the league. The Dolphins are the talk of the town and we are gaining on the Patsies. THIS IS THE YEAR! Miami NORTH where you at on Sundays???

Myself, my brother, and a contingent of about 5 other fans go to the Jets/Dolphins game every year at MetLife Stadium (the outcome has been very generous more times than not, EXCEPT ON MONDAY NIGHTS). Going to Phins/Ravens down in Miami this year too.

I live in Hoboken and there are no Dolphins bars to speak of and every bar is always too packed with Jets fans (terrible). I know there is a Dolphins bar in the city (Traffic Bar). Dedicates the entire downstairs bar to the Dolphins. I know there is Miami Mike's in East Hanover that is about 45 minutes away in north Jersey which I will be going to see a game this season. Hear its a great time and a huge Dolphins bar.

Anyone in the area know of another spot?

Way too pumped up for this season and looking to celebrate the return of a Dolphins dynasty with some fellow Dolfans.

MIAMI NORTH!!!!!!!!!

The tide has turned here in the NYC area. Giants win a Super Bowl. Jets go to 2 straight AFC Championship games. Giants win another Super Bowl. Patriots fans everywhere, every year successful. I'M SICK OF IT! IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE! THE TIDE IS TURNING! The Giants D-Line is DONE and the Jets are the laughing stock of the league. The Dolphins are the talk of the town and we are gaining on the Patsies. THIS IS THE YEAR! Miami NORTH where you at on Sundays??? Myself, my brother, and a contingent of about 5 other fans go to the Jets/Dolphins game every year at MetLife Stadium (the outcome has been very generous more times than not, EXCEPT ON MONDAY NIGHTS). Going to Phins/Ravens down in Miami this year too. I live in Hoboken and there are no Dolphins bars to speak of and every bar is always too packed with Jets fans (terrible). I know there is a Dolphins bar in the city (Traffic Bar). Dedicates the entire downstairs bar to the Dolphins. I know there is Miami Mike's in East Hanover that is about 45 minutes away in north Jersey which I will be going to see a game this season. Hear its a great time and a huge Dolphins bar. Anyone in the area know of another spot? Way too pumped up for this season and looking to celebrate the return of a Dolphins dynasty with some fellow Dolfans. MIAMI NORTH!!!!!!!!!

Can I get a "WOOHOO" !!!

2013-05-14T06:42:39Z

You guys know me, but a lot of people don't. I'm here, I'm there,.....I swear I never thought I would be everywhere. But, I am. Life is weird and has taken me to places I never would have imagined I would live in 10 years ago. Now is in the East Bay region of the San Fran area. It is amazing and it is hilly, very hilly. I even live near several mountains, one being Mt Diablo. Devil Mountain,.........ooohhhhhhhhh.

The climbing starts in earnest 12.5 miles from my new place, while the park entrance is still another couple of miles up the road. The summit is 3849 ft and I've only ridden just beyond the 1000 ft mark twice now. The problem isn't my fat ass or the engine,....I'm geared all wrong. I never paid real attention to my cassette gear ratio as I never had to ride any real uphill roads. That has now all changed. My "usual" ride has me going to the 12.5 mile mark & back, and I've done that 7/8 times now.

Well you might be thinking what the hell does this have to do with the Dolphins ?? Nothing or everything,......you tell me.

I'm pissed about rebranding, yet have put together group tickets for both HOF game and Cleveland for week 1 (both of which will be here in a blink of an eye). So while cycling has vastly improved my health, it also is a great outlet for any frustration I might have about the situation. At about the 9.5 mile mark there is a couple little baby climbs before I turn around at Mt Diablo Scenic Dr. It was there I noticed a Jeep Wrangler with a huge Dolphins logo in the rear window at the stop light. I noticed the window was down as I creeped by her. "Hey", I yelled, "are you a Dolphins fan??". Without pause,.....'yeah". I kept moving and said "check out my calf". Without having to stop the light changed and I grabbed that bike and shook it left & right as I accelerated thru the intersection before settling into the saddle for the upcoming climb. As she passed me, both her & her friend let out a rip roaring "WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO !!!!". Instant adrenalin sure coupled with a big ol' smile !

Yes I hate the new logo, and some have lost respect for me because of my point of view I'm told. That strike me as funny cause I'm kinda a low life anyways,.....

So this Saturday the Amgen Tour of California will finish at the summit of Mt Diablo. But before that it starts in Livermore which is also in the neighborhood. It just so happens I have a kick ass Dolphins Cycling Challenge jersey handy, a Dolphins flag, a DCC cowbell, and will power that would crush most men my age,......and many my junior. My new cassette should arrive by Tues or Wens. So set your DVR's. While I can't say for sure I will make it on air, I can say I will be somewhere near the top of that mountain this week. in Dolphin gear,.....gear that looks familiar.

DCC 4,...????

OFF4L

Well you might be thinking what the hell does this have to do with the Dolphins ?? Nothing or everything,......you tell me.

Yes I hate the new logo, and some have lost respect for me because of my point of view I'm told. That strike me as funny cause I'm kinda a low life anyways,.....

DCC 4,...????

OFF4L

Davone Bess and the New England Patriots?

2013-05-13T04:56:28Z

The Miami Dolphins made a monumental mistake trading Wes Welker away to their division rival New England Patriots for a second and a fifth round pick. As a Dolphin Welker was a productive receiver, making a name for himself catching tough passes in traffic, a real blue collar player you might say...as a Dolphin. As a Patriot, however, on the receiving end of passes thrown buy three time Superbowl champion quarterback Tom Brady, he became an overnight perennial all pro at the slot position. If this has taught us anything its that great player can be hampered buy their not so great counterparts, not what Dolphin fans want to hear.

A couple of years after losing their "blue collar star" the Miami Dolphins found solace acquiring another hard working receiver, Davone Bess, as a free agent rookie. It quickly became clear that he was a viable replacement for Welker. In just a few year Bess drew several comparisons to the heavily touted Welker. Some even speculated Bess to be the better pass catcher due to his exceptional play with what appeared to be a similar cast to the one Welker had to put up with in Miami. So when Wes Welker fled New England to become a Bronco it was believed that Davone Bess was the ideal replacement for him. When Miami Traded Bess to the Cleveland Brown they were able to get nothing more than a swap of draft position in the 3rd and 5th rounds of the 2013 draft, which begs the question Ive been dying to ask. Where were the New England Patriots when the Miami Dolphins were hosting the Davone Bess Give Away Party?

Why I Like The New Uniforms......Let Your Eyes Decide.

2013-05-11T07:22:32Z

There has been so much said regarding the new uniforms. There are traditionalist who love the classic look. A look that won Super Bowls, a look that was a yearly threat, and playoff contender. Then there are those that want something new, something to replace what they've grown up with, a team that can't even get into the playoffs, a sad shadow that they want to cast light on. I just don't get it.............when you look at these uniforms, I see nothing but something that can put a smile on all of our faces......Old Guard, New Guns, and everything in between. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show Phinsiders.........these are the new uniforms......hope you approve.

This shows the classic Aqua tops. Not used much, but on the road, or for home games at night, they deliver.

via www.miamidolphinscheerleaders.net

Just another view of a Classic look...........the "Dolphin" script just says "success" doesn't it?

via www.miamidolphinscheerleaders.net

The Home Whites.............Wow, It's our tradition isn't it? Gotta admit, we play this to our advantage...right?

via www.miamidolphinscheerleaders.net

She's got our back! No tramp stamp here, this is up and respectful. No way they'd do that to the players.....

via www.miamidolphinscheerleaders.net

Your new Miami Dolphin uniforms..........They aren't really the past, but boy.........what a present.

via www.miamidolphinscheerleaders.net

This shows the classic Aqua tops. Not used much, but on the road, or for home games at night, they deliver.

via www.miamidolphinscheerleaders.net

Just another view of a Classic look...........the "Dolphin" script just says "success" doesn't it?

via www.miamidolphinscheerleaders.net

The Home Whites.............Wow, It's our tradition isn't it? Gotta admit, we play this to our advantage...right?

via www.miamidolphinscheerleaders.net

She's got our back! No tramp stamp here, this is up and respectful. No way they'd do that to the players.....

via www.miamidolphinscheerleaders.net

Your new Miami Dolphin uniforms..........They aren't really the past, but boy.........what a present.

via www.miamidolphinscheerleaders.net

Dolphins still have cap space to sign needed FA's

2013-05-11T00:34:58Z

Miami dolphins can still make FA moves here some long shots and smart signing they can do with there cap.

Let's start out with saying that dolphins can and without any more signings by June 1st will have over 20mil in cap plus 2.7 when they release the kicker and 4.6 or 9.2 if we cut Richard Marshall and Dimitri Patterson. A slot corner shouldn't get paid 4.6mil so Patterson gone and so is Marshall if he don't reconstruct his contract. Cap prediction......

7.4mil cap space 5/10/2013

+10.7mil from Dansby and Burnett 6/1/13

+2.7mil from Carpenter (cut)

+1.6mil (restructure Marshall)

+4.6 from from Patterson (cut)

27mil grand total a max of 10mil for rookies, so with other 17mil who is in the FA we can use and afford.

Starting with offense the best pick up we have left in FA would be Ahmad Bradshaw @ 27 could easily be are starter with miller since our other RB aren't very impressive and have one set skill set, and our 5th round rookie could be 3rd string, bye to gray and Thomas. Bradshaw recent surgery will match what dolphins been doing this FA grabbing good injured players on affordable 1 yr contract.

Other RB's: Beanie Wells, Michael Turner, Payton Hillis, and D.J. Ware.

At the WR position, not saying i don't love having Wallace hartline Gibson and Sinkfield we can add a proven vet like Braylon Edwards his height and skill set is prefect and his last two season horrible production is even better could probably get at a good price.

Other notable WR's: Brandon Lloyd, Randy Moss, Chaz Schilens, and Laurent Robinson.

Last on the offense of side is OL we can afford to add veteran depth RT Clabo RG Louis C Pouncey LG Richie LT Martin i wouldn't gamble on Martin without getting a OT to compete so Jared Gaither would be a guy i look at young with talent just had a Randy Moss season "gave up" he just need fresh start he best LT out there and a cheap option like RG Louis was that can come in and start.

Other notable OT's: Eric Winston, Winston Justice, Max Starks, and Mario Henderson.

Now on the defense side of the ball the talk of Jordan being to small for DE isn't a problem i got him penciled in as olb starting over koa misi so main concern is finding a real 4-3 versatile DE that can make impact and/or start this season and i like John Abraham yeah he's 35 but we don't need him to be are future that's what we got Jordan for. John could have fun paired with wake competing for most team sacks in 2013 while Jordan start at OLB getting more experience out of his rookie season then just playing situational downs.

Other notable DE's: Dwight Freeney, Juqua Parker, Ray Edwards, and Kyle Vanden Bosch.

No earlier i predicted that Marshall lower his contract price to stay a dolphin while Patterson will be cut or vice versa maybe but we could use a true Vet. corner and there's a really good one left with Quentin Jammer more of a man, jam up the WR type of guy but can play zone as well coming off the bench mentoring the young CB's we drafted.

Other notable CB's: Sheldon Brown, Leigh Bodden, Drew Coleman, and Jason Allen.

Last on the defensive upgrades and depth would be safety since the signing of DE would push odrick to DT and Jordan and koa manning the weak side LB spot only hole left is safety. Who better of a mentor and back up then Charles Woodson who even said he us welling to join a team in the rebuilding stage which we are the best looking rebuilding team why not become a dolphin.

Other notable safeties: Kerry Rhodes, Quintin Mikell, Nate Clements, and Chris Crocker.

Contracts:

-Bradshaw signed a 4yr 18mil contract after his best season he does everything block, catch, run outside and inside well and only 27 but now we should be able to grab for a lil less then that old contract (2yrs 8mil)

-Braylon Edwards signed a 1yr 1mil contract in 2011 with SF that would increase if he had production don't see why we can't get for same price or less after 3 bad season with 3 different teams, (1yr 1mil)

-Jared Gaither signed a 4yr 24.5mil deal last year but after his first season under contract he was released not because of bad playing but they think he faked injuries and didn't wanna play kind of like Moss in Oakland but a fresh start with lil pay could hunger him to do better and make more, he is also young and could be the future with Martin(1yr 2mil)

-John Abraham signed a 3yr 17mil contract last year cut to make space, he was pose to make 6mil this year giving his age but with his great field play you can't low ball to much (2yr 8-10mil)

-Quentin Jammer just got done with a contract that paid him 4mil at his age (33) he isn't worth that anymore but can be a very good mentor for are our rookies for there first two years. (2yr 6mil)

-Charles Woodson would be great addition to thin DB depth and another great mentor for Rashad Jones and Chris Clemons. Woodson was set to make 6.5mil and worth it not taking his age in consideration but since you do when it comes to contracts. (2yr 7mil)

That's 17.5mil which leaves us the 10mil max. That we could use on rookies which i doubt they would use that full amount. My picks are maybe high priced but getting few of the notables instead of my picks could leave us with more cap to roll over. Think Bradshaw and Abraham most important of the bunch.

Changes would mean Bradshaw and miller @ RB.

Wheeler/ellerbe/jordan @ linebacker.

Jammer/Davis as 3rd CB .

Woodson coming off bench to cover. either safety spot.

John Abraham and wake starting the two ends combining for 20+ sacks.

Jared competing for a starting job and being great back up.

Braylon being in red zone package with Keller, Sims and Wallace.

Let me know what you think fans and critics.

Miami dolphins can still make FA moves here some long shots and smart signing they can do with there cap.

7.4mil cap space 5/10/2013

+10.7mil from Dansby and Burnett 6/1/13

+2.7mil from Carpenter (cut)

+1.6mil (restructure Marshall)

+4.6 from from Patterson (cut)

27mil grand total a max of 10mil for rookies, so with other 17mil who is in the FA we can use and afford.

Other RB's: Beanie Wells, Michael Turner, Payton Hillis, and D.J. Ware.

Other notable WR's: Brandon Lloyd, Randy Moss, Chaz Schilens, and Laurent Robinson.

Other notable OT's: Eric Winston, Winston Justice, Max Starks, and Mario Henderson.

Other notable DE's: Dwight Freeney, Juqua Parker, Ray Edwards, and Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Other notable CB's: Sheldon Brown, Leigh Bodden, Drew Coleman, and Jason Allen.

Other notable safeties: Kerry Rhodes, Quintin Mikell, Nate Clements, and Chris Crocker.

Contracts:

-John Abraham signed a 3yr 17mil contract last year cut to make space, he was pose to make 6mil this year giving his age but with his great field play you can't low ball to much (2yr 8-10mil)

-Quentin Jammer just got done with a contract that paid him 4mil at his age (33) he isn't worth that anymore but can be a very good mentor for are our rookies for there first two years. (2yr 6mil)

Changes would mean Bradshaw and miller @ RB.

Wheeler/ellerbe/jordan @ linebacker.

Jammer/Davis as 3rd CB .

Woodson coming off bench to cover. either safety spot.

John Abraham and wake starting the two ends combining for 20+ sacks.

Jared competing for a starting job and being great back up.

Braylon being in red zone package with Keller, Sims and Wallace.

Let me know what you think fans and critics.

Phin Wars Episode XLVIII: The Last Hope

2013-05-10T18:30:27Z

Intro:

With "May the 4th be with you" just passing and my ever lasting love for Star Wars and the Dolphins, I bring to you another episode. It has been about a year since I did one of these, but as always, I had a blast writing it. Hope you guys enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. If you're new to the site or to reading these, this is something I started a couple years ago during the lockout. You can say it was sort of a coping mechanism for no football. If you haven't figured it out, it combines Star Wars themes with everything dealing with the Miami Dolphins. Without further ado, I bring to you Phin Wars.

[The following message was stored in a droid by Captain Solo after the battle of week 17 against the Death Star. and recovered by Princess Laura]

Captain's Journal: 12/30/2012

The war has ended...for now. We retreated as we were overpowered in the final week. We were not able to inflict any damage to the Death Star. What has become of the rebellion? Another defeat and blow to the morale of the rebels. The exhausting battles lasted seventeen grueling weeks before our worst nightmares were realized. We would need another year to rebuild and resupply.

Where was this war going? It seems as though the N.E.mpire and their powerful DS-1 Orbital Battle Station or "Death Star" have a stranglehold on the AFC East quadrant. What was the use in fighting? The results are always the same. Fortunately, I have spoken to one, Jason Taylrissian. The retired legendary pilot of the 139.5 Blitz Bomber turned to me and said "Cameron "Sacks QB's By His" Solo will be a thing of the past. We have found my replacement and your new apprentice, as he will soon be revealed." I must admit, this is welcoming news. Welcoming news indeed.

Captain Solo, signing off.

Phin Wars Episode XLVIII: The Last Hope

Sith lord Darth Hoody and his apprentice Darth Brador are weakening. They were once feared throughout the universe, but other squadrons have learned of the blueprints for the Death Star and the plans for attacking the Empire's battle station. The plan is quite simple (it's not rocket surgery). When exotic attack formations are lined up and weapons are launched at Darth Brador in a certain sequence, he loses control of the dark side of the force. His anger and frustration are apparent during such attacks, which leaves him vulnerable. The key to launching these attacks is more powerful weapons and exceptionally capable pilots to carry out the maneuvers.

With the proper funding and testicular fortitude of one General Ireland, we have revamped our defenses and upgraded our weapons, as we are now primed to overthrow the Empire. Much is riding on Captain Jordan's development, as is Ryan Hillwalker.

The young Hillwalker is training well and training hard. The force is rather strong with this one. Joebi Wan Phinobi is teaching Ryan the ways of the quarterback, as is his mentor from his days as a padawan at the Training Academy. Weapons were provided for Hillwalker and his predecessor Chadakin Slowalker, but the days of the Bush Light...Saber, the Millennium Marshall, the Bess Ray, and Chewsaka are long gone.

With the Millennium Marshall one spark away from exploding, we needed a new ship. The Millennium Wallace, capable of hyperspace, should suffice and create a more balanced attack, which we so desperately needed. The ship's ability to warp to such speeds causes lines of defense to back off and use their "safety valves" for containment.

The Bush Light...Saber, while an effective weapon, was not able to cut into the heart of defenses. This was replaced with the Miller Light... Saber (we apparently have a thing for beer at the running back position). The Miller Light... Saber was designed to do everything his predecessor was capable of, with the main upgrade being the ability to cut through the heart of defenses like a light saber through butter.

The Keller Ray will zap it's enemies to a cloud of dust-in a matter of seconds. It is a formidable weapon. It was turned from the dark green side, by Joebi Wan. There has been a slew of other upgrades added to our shields and defensive systems. Will it be enough? Time will tell.

If Hillwalker is not the one, if we do not overthrow the N.E.mpire and if we do not start getting more support in the war by the people of South Flatooine, than the move to the LA galaxy (2,770 light years west of South Flatooine) may become more than mere speculation. Let us not cloud our minds with such thoughts though, and focus on 2013 and watching Hillwalker and this squad grow together and become a FORCE to be reckoned with.

Go Phins! May the force be with us!

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed.

Intro:

[The following message was stored in a droid by Captain Solo after the battle of week 17 against the Death Star. and recovered by Princess Laura]

Captain's Journal: 12/30/2012

Captain Solo, signing off.

Phin Wars Episode XLVIII: The Last Hope

Go Phins! May the force be with us!

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed.

Poll

The Phinsider: FanPosts

Dancing with the Devil,...a new journey begins

Chad Johnson Update

Tuesday Daytime Random Live Thread

Secondary

Secondary

National Football League franchise moves and mergers

Our secret weapon

Charles Clay 2013 season

The mike wallace argument and why you should tell your friend to shut the..

Tearing apart Jason La Canfora, brick by brick.

No team has been flashier since the start of free agency in March, loading up on free agents, throwing cash around and then making a bold trade up to the third overall pick in draft to nab Dion Jordan.

No team has been flashier since the start of free agency in March, loading up on free agents, throwing cash around and then making a bold trade up to the third overall pick in draft to nab Dion Jordan.

Miami NORTH

Can I get a "WOOHOO" !!!

Davone Bess and the New England Patriots?

Why I Like The New Uniforms......Let Your Eyes Decide.

Dolphins still have cap space to sign needed FA's

Phin Wars Episode XLVIII: The Last Hope

Intro:

Captain's Journal: 12/30/2012

Phin Wars Episode XLVIII: The Last Hope

Intro:

Captain's Journal: 12/30/2012

Phin Wars Episode XLVIII: The Last Hope

Will we overthrow the NEmpire this year?