Wedesday Morning Updates: John Beck and Ricky Williams

by Matty I on Nov 14, 2007 11:40 AM EST in News Comment 32 comments

Wow! What a Wednesday, huh? I've just now been able to get to a computer to make a post about these two things, so sorry for the delay. Great job by you guys making diaries on these hot topics. Also, a big thanks to everyone who e-mailed me about either the Beck or Ricky news. I really do appreciate it! Just to recap, here's what is currently going on in Dolphinland:

HERALD SAYS BECK TO START
This story keeps changing way too much. First, the Palm Beach Post said Cleo Lemon would start. Then Alex Marvez of FOX Sports claimed Cam was still undecided. Now, the Miami Herald is reporting that John Beck will start on Sunday. And just now, ESPN is also reporting that Beck will be named starter today. According to ESPN's report, a "person familiar" with the conversation has told the AP that Cam sat down with both QBs and told them his decision. But at this point, don't get your hopes up too much. Let's wait until Cam's press conference this afternoon.

**UPDATE**: Thanks to "LeftCoastFinsFan" for finding this article. It's from the Palm Beach Post and it also says Beck will start on Sunday. So they've gone back on their original report from Tuesday. In this article, it's said that Lemon left the original meeting with Cam with the impression that he would start. However, Cam later called him and told him that he would need more time to make a decision. Then Cam told Lemon earlier today, according to this report, that Beck would handle all the first-team snaps this week.[end update]

RICKY REINSTATED?
ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that the NFL has reinstated RB Ricky Williams after an 18-month long suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. This report claims the Dolphins have been notified. However, it is not known what the Dolphins plan to do with Ricky. One thing is for sure, though. They must act quickly because he will count against the active roster.

Correction: Thanks to "PhinPhan in MA" for pointing this out because I missed this little bit of info. It's being reported that the Dolphins will have a 2 week roster exemption on Ricky, meaning he will NOT count agains the active roster for 2 weeks, giving the Dolphins time to evaluate him and come to a decision on what to do.

PRESS CONFERENCE
One thing is certain about all this: Cam's press conference today will be one to definitely not miss. And thanks to miamidolphins.com, we won't have to. They will air the press conference live. On Monday, miamidolphins.com reported that the press conference is likely to begin around 3:15.

And as I said, be sure to head back here to The Phinsider, as I will post a separate thread with thoughts on the press conference and then leave it open to you all so I can hear your reactions to whatever it is Cam says.

An exciting day ahead!!!

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The team has two weeks

Mortensen is also reporting that the Dolphins are expected to have a two-week roster exemption for Ricky Williams. During that time, he won't count against the active roster. At least that extra time will allow the front office to avoid making a hasty decision that it later regrets.

Check out my Dolphins site for news and analysis: http://www.phinaticism.blogspot.com

by PhinPhan in MA on Nov 14, 2007 11:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Now the PB Post is reporting Beck also!

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphins/content/sports/epaper/2007/11/14/1114fins.html

by LeftCoastFinFan on Nov 14, 2007 11:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe the clouds are lifting?

With Beck at QB and Ricky coming back, theres a reason to watch and actually be hopeful for a change. This is assuming Cam will start and/or actually play them.

If Cam can do what he is doing with Chatman, just imagine what he could do with Ricky. With Beck, a QB who might actually throw the ball down field to Ginn if nothing more to stretch the defense, who knows.

I still think Cameron is a good OC, just not a HC. He has had some questionable play calling, but maybe that lays at the feet of the QB too (which some has mentioned).

Anyways with Beck being thrown into the furnace at Philly and Pitt, and with Ricky (if Cam plays him) behind him with Chatman the J E T S Jets Jets Jets might better hold on, cause its gonna be a bumpy ride.

by Neo on Nov 14, 2007 11:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Interesting...

I think it is interesting about the questionable play calling comment.

I guess my comment on this is that - over the past few years with the Chargers, I don't recall anyone ever questioning his play calling.

I truly believe he has been forced into doing some "different" things here because of the "talent" that makes up this roster.

I have been overly impressed with the O-Line play and the running backs as well. Chatman was a huge pickup for this team in the offseason that has gone relatively unnoticed and he has really stepped in and picked up where Ronnie left off. If you can give him a breather and bring in Ricky for 10-15 carries a game for a while... Things will start looking up.

Definition of Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results...

by azphinner on Nov 14, 2007 6:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If Cam

ever wanted to save his ass with the fans and his quickly deteriorating image (and job security), he'll get Ricky into the Jets game to help John The Mormon Beck.

But I'm not holding my breath. Still, FINALLY! The Beck era begins. Hurrah.

by The Dude on Nov 14, 2007 11:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Ca-Moron

is not HC material, his play-calling, 4th grade social studies teacher mentality, and lack of emotion (does the guy have a pulse?) all confirm that.

If he really is going to start JB, you wonder - why didn't he give the kid a home start off the bye week against a much easier opponent? This is not exactly putting him in the best position to succeed.

Anyway, if Beck is in then play him the whole way, no matter how many mistakes he makes, INT's he throws. You live and die with the kid you drafted.

by Natalya on Nov 14, 2007 11:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Everyone better support Beck!

After all this bitchin, let's not get down on the kid if he struggles, even if he struggles every game from here to the end of the season!

Realistic expectations dictate that he won't be great from the start, and the best we should hope for is flashes of his potential, and constant improvement.

I will be very embarassed to call myself a Fin Fan if other "so-called" Fans give up on him after a few games and start booing him.

Just a suggestion... Expect the worst, hope for the best.

IMO

by LeftCoastFinFan on Nov 14, 2007 12:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Williams & Beck

I will believe Beck will start when Cameron states it.

I also like Ricky back as a backup to Chatman if the Dolphins are not going to play L. Booker.

Cobbs seems to play the right way, i.e. Brown & Chatman, but I am betting Ricky has something left.

by Mindtornado on Nov 14, 2007 12:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Trade Bait

For next year as well. Even if we can get a 5th or 6th rounder for Ricky would be great. Maybe a team like the Broncos, Jets, Browns, Raiders, Texans, Packers, Bears, Bucs, Rams, Seahawks, or Falcons may need a RB or back-up for next year.

Matt

by Matt27 on Nov 14, 2007 12:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The absolute worst

thing the dolphins could do is to cut Ricky.

I'm not entirely sure but I think the fins can get a 2-week roster exemption for him (assuming they keep him). After that, just in time for the jets game, they either keep him and bump someone off the roster, or cut him.

by Natalya on Nov 14, 2007 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes...

they do get a 2-week roster exemption. Which is why I said above that Cam needs to get him in there for the NY game.

by The Dude on Nov 14, 2007 12:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

definitely

run ricky run.

thejayfissreport.blogspot.com one fan's rants.

by NumberSeven on Nov 14, 2007 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Am I the only one who is tired of him?

I know Ricky is talented but its a shame he feels the urge to take a dump on this organization and on his natural talent everychance he gets.
He is not worth the trouble, and yet we keep comming back to him like a girl who cheated on us.

by Patssuck456 on Nov 14, 2007 1:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

He owes us money dude

and it always seems, that we could use (or actually need) him

by Neo on Nov 14, 2007 1:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i sort of agree

but this guy isn't bad person. he's got a problem. part of me says screw him, but i don't know what he's gone through. you know? i don't think the fins need to keep him, but get him a couple games so he can up is value, and then trade him somewhere he's needed.

thejayfissreport.blogspot.com one fan's rants.

by NumberSeven on Nov 14, 2007 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We're 0-9 dude...

I'm not into principles and grudges when we're 0-9. I'd probably be singing a different tune if we had a win or two and if Ronnie wasn't hurt. And as good as Jesse has been for us, Ricky is worlds apart in the talent dept. Also, I'd like to get as many play-makers on the field with Beck as possible. He's going to need the help. Let's get Ricky back in for the remainder of the season, then trade him away. But to not start him at all or to outright cut him would be ludicrous. It can't get any worse than it is, so let's get as many players than can help us get a win as possible.

by The Dude on Nov 14, 2007 2:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

good point dude

you are absolutely right about beck. they need to surround him with as much talent as they can if they really want to see where he's at.

thejayfissreport.blogspot.com one fan's rants.

by NumberSeven on Nov 14, 2007 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If Ca-Moron & Co..

have no problem starting a sucker punching thug, Porter, then I can't see why Ricky shouldn't start either.

Although, the Fins gave Porter a King's Ransom while Ricky makes peanuts by comparison which explains a lot.

Talent wise it is no comparison. Jesse Chatman or Ricky Williams? Are you kidding me? Ricky Williams has always been an impact player while in uniform and someone teams have to game plan for. Chatman on the other hand is who you picked up on waivers in your fantasy league when Peterson went down in Minny.

by Natalya on Nov 14, 2007 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Porter and Ricky

These 2 situations are different. I don't think anyone is saying Ricky shouldn't be welcomed back because he smoked weed. The reason people have a problem with him coming back is because he basically screwed over the Dolphins 2 times. He turned his back on the team twice. I can see why fans wouldn't want him back.

This is totally different than saying Cam welcomed Porter because Porter got in a fight with another player in Vegas. Porter never turned his back on a team. He never did in Pitt and hasn't here. I think the off-field issues are not what's being questioned. It's the fact that Ricky abandoned the team.

With all that said, I'm a Ricky supporter and hope, when all is said and done, he lands on his feet.

by Matty I on Nov 14, 2007 2:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Matt

by Matt27 on Nov 14, 2007 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good point

We need all the help we can get, plus If there is a time to get his trdae avlue up its now.

by Patssuck456 on Nov 14, 2007 8:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I mean

*Value

by Patssuck456 on Nov 14, 2007 8:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

you def field some trade offers

for Ricky... his trade value could be at an all time high, should he look terrible on the field.

by YatilGinnJr on Nov 14, 2007 2:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

i don't think anybody

will make a serious offer for a guy that hasn't played in over almost two years. at least no offer worth taking.

there's no reason to think that he can't contribute something, thereby increasing his trade value in the off-season. stock pile those draft picks!!

The Jayfiss Report ...one fan's rants.

by NumberSeven on Nov 14, 2007 2:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

*scratch "over"

"almost two years" is what i meant

"almost english" is what I should've posted

The Jayfiss Report ...one fan's rants.

by NumberSeven on Nov 14, 2007 2:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You know what?

This team's franchise RB just had an ACL tear. His return to this year's form, or even to the team is hardly a guarantee. That again shows why you need depth and quality players throughout your roster.

If Ricky is fit and healthy, I see no reason not to play him this year, possibly beyond.

However, I would not be the least bit surprised if Ca-Moron lets Ricky go. Then in predictable fashion, he might get signed by a team like New England where all sorts of formerly troubled players (Moss, Dillon, etc) go on to become productive, win, and be solid citizens.

by Natalya on Nov 14, 2007 2:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

valid point

i think his best value is as trade bait. let go of the old, build through the draft. and by trading him, rather than just releasing him, they have a little control where he goes.

that said, if he performs this year, i wouldn't have a problem holding on to him. and then once we know what ronnie's situation is, decide what to do with him then. although, that all seems to make too much sense for this current regime.

The Jayfiss Report ...one fan's rants.

by NumberSeven on Nov 14, 2007 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs