Should Anthony Fasano be a long-term starter, or should Miami try to upgrade at tight end?
Fasano, whose run blocking has improved, is on pace for just 28 catches, 226 yards and two touchdowns -- below his 2008 numbers (34, 454, seven touchdowns). He also has two fumbles and two drops. The Dolphins are intrigued by the idea of adding a top receiving tight end (they like Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham), but Fasano's performance will help determine if the position needs addressing.
Which receivers will make a case to stick around another year?
The Dolphins likely will add at least one receiver next offseason, and these eight games are an audition for the current group.
The Dolphins are expected to consider trades for Ted Ginn Jr. after the season, but he could stick if he finishes strong. The Dolphins like Brian Hartline, but the jury is out on Patrick Turner. Greg Camarillo is reliable and cheap ($1.15 million in 2010 and 2011), and inexpensive Davone Bess will not be a restricted free agent until after 2010.
• Do the Dolphins need to add another starting-caliber linebacker for 2010?
Jason Taylor has been very good, but this group must make more big plays. There's some sentiment internally that a play-making inside linebacker would help. But Miami likes Channing Crowder -- coach Tony Sparano said he sees Pro Bowl potential. And the Dolphins consider Akin Ayodele, who is due $3.25 million in 2010, to be reliable.
Outside linebacker is more complicated, with Matt Roth set for free agency (restricted if there's no new labor deal) and Taylor on a one-year deal. Taylor should return if he finishes strongly, but the Dolphins likely will draft a pass-rushing linebacker to groom for his or Joey Porter's spot.
Porter's future will become a question if he doesn't pick up his play. He is due a $1 million roster bonus by March 7, and $2.4 million of his $3.6 million base salary in 2010 is guaranteed. Slowed by a knee injury, Porter is on pace for just 24 tackles -- he had 65 and 47 his first two years here -- and five sacks, after averaging 9.5 the past five years. He's due $4.5 million in 2011, his deal's last year.
Not only were Dolphins players excited to see Pat White run the option for a few plays Sunday, but ``we thought it should have been put in earlier,'' Ayodele said. Or, as Reggie Torbor said, ``I wondered what took so long.'' . . . Bess has been so upset about drops against the Saints and Jets that he now walks around his home holding a football (in bed, watching TV). ``My wife understands,'' he said. ``It's a reminder to be more sure-handed.''
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/columnists/barry-jackson/v-fullstory/story/1333691.html
Fasano, whose run blocking has improved, is on pace for just 28 catches, 226 yards and two touchdowns -- below his 2008 numbers (34, 454, seven touchdowns). He also has two fumbles and two drops. The Dolphins are intrigued by the idea of adding a top receiving tight end (they like Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham), but Fasano's performance will help determine if the position needs addressing.
Which receivers will make a case to stick around another year?
The Dolphins likely will add at least one receiver next offseason, and these eight games are an audition for the current group.
The Dolphins are expected to consider trades for Ted Ginn Jr. after the season, but he could stick if he finishes strong. The Dolphins like Brian Hartline, but the jury is out on Patrick Turner. Greg Camarillo is reliable and cheap ($1.15 million in 2010 and 2011), and inexpensive Davone Bess will not be a restricted free agent until after 2010.
• Do the Dolphins need to add another starting-caliber linebacker for 2010?
Jason Taylor has been very good, but this group must make more big plays. There's some sentiment internally that a play-making inside linebacker would help. But Miami likes Channing Crowder -- coach Tony Sparano said he sees Pro Bowl potential. And the Dolphins consider Akin Ayodele, who is due $3.25 million in 2010, to be reliable.
Outside linebacker is more complicated, with Matt Roth set for free agency (restricted if there's no new labor deal) and Taylor on a one-year deal. Taylor should return if he finishes strongly, but the Dolphins likely will draft a pass-rushing linebacker to groom for his or Joey Porter's spot.
Porter's future will become a question if he doesn't pick up his play. He is due a $1 million roster bonus by March 7, and $2.4 million of his $3.6 million base salary in 2010 is guaranteed. Slowed by a knee injury, Porter is on pace for just 24 tackles -- he had 65 and 47 his first two years here -- and five sacks, after averaging 9.5 the past five years. He's due $4.5 million in 2011, his deal's last year.
Not only were Dolphins players excited to see Pat White run the option for a few plays Sunday, but ``we thought it should have been put in earlier,'' Ayodele said. Or, as Reggie Torbor said, ``I wondered what took so long.'' . . . Bess has been so upset about drops against the Saints and Jets that he now walks around his home holding a football (in bed, watching TV). ``My wife understands,'' he said. ``It's a reminder to be more sure-handed.''
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/columnists/barry-jackson/v-fullstory/story/1333691.html
