http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2007/03/dolphins-musical-quarterbacks290307.html
An NFL team without a dependable quarterback is like a fish out of water. In this case, the
Miami Dolphins are animals on defense, but minnows on offense.
Miami, fourth last year in total defense, was ranked 29th in total offense. Only Cleveland, Tampa Bay and Oakland were more pathetic. The team averaged 16.2 points a game, only ahead of the lowly three above.
Since Hall of Famer Dan Marino retired, the Dolphins have been inconsistent at best. Consider just two of his numerous individual records compiled from 1983 through '99:
Most 300-yard games: 63. Jay Fiedler, his successor through '04, was tied for second with three.
Most TD passes: 420. The next four, including Bob (Super Bowl) Griese, '67-80, and Fiedler, combined for 331.
The quarterback situation for '07 is up in the air because Joey Harrington was cut March 5.
He led the Dolphins to a 6-10 record last year while ranking 29th among passers, lower than either of his previous two seasons at Detroit. His release came partly because of a high salary cap number and he was due a $1 million roster bonus.
New head coach Cam Cameron, who oversaw San Diego's explosive offense that led the NFL in scoring last year, said before going on a family vacation, "Whoever our quarterback winds up being, it will be the guy that has earned the job."
The candidates are:
Daunte Culpepper - Acquired from Minnesota only four months from reconstructive knee surgery, he started the first four games in '06, going 1-3 as his mobility was hampered by lingering knee problems.
Culpepper renewed rehabilitation, giving way to Harrington. While the Dolphins expect him to attend quarterback schools and mini-camps next month, his status remains a mystery.
Cleo Lemon - He became a Dolphin in '05 from San Diego where he worked with Cameron for a year. His playing experience: four games, including one start -- replacing Harrington in a season-ending loss.
Trent Green - So far, the price isn't right. Kansas City wants a second-round draft choice. Miami won't go higher than sixth for an aging veteran relegated to backup after missing eight starts with a concussion. Cameron and Green were at Washington in '96 when Cameron was quarterbacks coach.
David Carr - A last resort if unsigned after the draft? Cut March 23 after four years with Houston, he had his best year in '04, completing 61.2 percent of his passes for 3,531 yards while throwing 16 TDs and 14 interceptions.
Brady Quinn - Ranked in the top five of most likely to be drafted on April 28, the Notre Dame quarterback is unlikely to be around when Miami selects ninth.
