Offseason re-tooling?

[vinivedivichi]

Before three weeks ago, there were some pretty widely held beliefs on this board. Let's re-evaluate some of them.....

1. "Linehan has got to go" - Does he? Nobody was happy with his play calling early on, and it still worries me, but our offense is beginning to show a pulse. A new offensive coordinator means a new playbook and a new scheme. We don't need that. Our team is gaining momentum and losing Linehan in the offseason would force the offense to start from square one yet again.

2. "Gus can't start for us next year" - Now I think none of us really want hiim to be the starter next year, but it actually may be the best thing for us. We have to get a young guy this offseason, but unless that young guy is Phillip Rivers, he probably won't start for us next year. If we are gonna have to go with a stop-gap again next year, why not keep Gus? He's finally developed a chemistry with CC, and when everything else is going smooth he's not a bad guy to have around. Again, if we get someone new we start all over.

3. "Madison should be cut" - Now he may not be worth what he's getting paid, but I don't think it helps our cause by getting rid of him. He can still start in this league, and we are not exactly overwhelmed with cornerback depth. Even if it means not getting good value ($$-wise), I think we should bring back Sam for another year. Madison and Daniels have done well, we just need our nickelback to step up. Whether that's Poole next year or somebody else, I think it will help our secondary a lot.

4. "Let's totally rebuild; trade Zach, JT, etc for whatever we can get" - this has never really been the overwhelming opinion, but it has been discussed - especially at our low points. I think it's safe to say that these guys will be back. Zach is still the heart of this team and JT is still a top defensive end. Both have done well adjusting to the new scheme and I'm sure Saban plans on keeping them around.

5. "Trade Ricky" - This may still be a good idea, but it all depends on the value we receive. Unless we can get at least a 2nd rounder, I think Ricky is more valuable on our team than on someone else's. Sure he's taking carries away from Ronnie, but he's also saving him from the wear and tear of the NFL schedule. If we are in the playoff mix next year, it will definitely be an asset having two fresh bruising backs on our side. I think we keep him unless we are overwhelmed.

6. "We HAVE to get a #1 receiver" - I think we already have him. Chambers is finally producing up to his talent level. Instead of breaking the bank for Reggie Wayne, I'd really like to see us go after Eric Moulds - assuming he's not in Buffalo next year. Moulds should be cheaper and brings almost as much to the table. If we are unable to land one of those guys, I think we just need to work on our depth. CC and Booker are fine, but after them we are thin. Welker is nice, but we need another speed guy to stretch defenses.

7. "Cut Reggie Howard" - Yep.

It's amazing how winning makes it look like you have less holes to fill. Although I know that we have a lot of positions we'd like to strengthen, I feel a lot better about next year even assuming some of those holes won't be filled. Realizing that we can't fill every hole this offseason, here's what I think we HAVE to do:

1. Find our QB of the future. Honestly, if we do this then our offseason will have been a success. No matter what it takes, we need to have a guy on our roster next year that we feel confident can at least takeover in '07.

2. Secondary starter, and depth. I would say a starting safety and depth at corner, but we just need players in the secondary.

3. A big DT. Manny's apparent emergence provides hope, but you can never have too many starting caliber DT's.

4. Some offensive line depth and or maybe a starter. We have played so well on the line as of late, but we still don't have a pile pusher for the running game. Having a big guy that we know we can run behind would be really nice.

5. Lastly, I'd like to see us get some depth an linebacker. Crowder looks to be a good eventual replacement for Zach, and Pope looks like he can play, but after that we're thin. If we want to run a 3-4 we need a lot of depth at linebacker.

That's it. A QB of the future, OL, CB/S, LB, and DT. Honestly, if we just shore up those positions I like our chances next year.

 

[saves]

Nice I agree on all counts. Couldn't have said it better.

 

[BennyVW]

I have been saying it all year. The starting QB for 2006 is already on the roster. Saban will not start a rookie, or even a FA(unless he's top notch, and knows the system). Which means unless a guy like Culpepper (who knows the system) comes along frerrote, sage or cleo will start next year. THAT IS NOT SAYING WE WONT PICK UP A GUY(S). It's just that we wont be competative with a QB that needs to learn on the job.

I expect a LB, a Safety, and a OL to be picked up. Also we might look for a good H-Back...

 

[Regan21286]

Before three weeks ago, there were some pretty widely held beliefs on this board. Let's re-evaluate some of them.....

1. "Linehan has got to go" - Does he? Nobody was happy with his play calling early on, and it still worries me, but our offense is beginning to show a pulse. A new offensive coordinator means a new playbook and a new scheme. We don't need that. Our team is gaining momentum and losing Linehan in the offseason would force the offense to start from square one yet again.

2. "Gus can't start for us next year" - Now I think none of us really want hiim to be the starter next year, but it actually may be the best thing for us. We have to get a young guy this offseason, but unless that young guy is Phillip Rivers, he probably won't start for us next year. If we are gonna have to go with a stop-gap again next year, why not keep Gus? He's finally developed a chemistry with CC, and when everything else is going smooth he's not a bad guy to have around. Again, if we get someone new we start all over.

3. "Madison should be cut" - Now he may not be worth what he's getting paid, but I don't think it helps our cause by getting rid of him. He can still start in this league, and we are not exactly overwhelmed with cornerback depth. Even if it means not getting good value ($$-wise), I think we should bring back Sam for another year. Madison and Daniels have done well, we just need our nickelback to step up. Whether that's Poole next year or somebody else, I think it will help our secondary a lot.

4. "Let's totally rebuild; trade Zach, JT, etc for whatever we can get" - this has never really been the overwhelming opinion, but it has been discussed - especially at our low points. I think it's safe to say that these guys will be back. Zach is still the heart of this team and JT is still a top defensive end. Both have done well adjusting to the new scheme and I'm sure Saban plans on keeping them around.

5. "Trade Ricky" - This may still be a good idea, but it all depends on the value we receive. Unless we can get at least a 2nd rounder, I think Ricky is more valuable on our team than on someone else's. Sure he's taking carries away from Ronnie, but he's also saving him from the wear and tear of the NFL schedule. If we are in the playoff mix next year, it will definitely be an asset having to fresh bruising backs on our side. I think we keep him unless we are overwhelmed.

6. "We HAVE to get a #1 receiver" - I think we already have him. Chambers is finally producing up to his talent level. Instead of breaking the bank for Reggie Wayne, I'd really like to see us go after Eric Moulds - assuming he's not in Buffalo next year. Moulds should be cheaper and brings almost as much to the table. If we are unable to land one of those guys, I think we just need to work on our depth. CC and Booker are fine, but after them we are thin. Welker is nice, but we need another speed guy to stretch defenses.

It's amazing how winning makes it look like you have less holes to fill. Although I know that we have a lot of positions we'd like to strengthen, I feel a lot better about next year even assuming some of those holes won't be filled. Realizing that we can't fill every hole this offseason, here's what I think we HAVE to do:

1. Find our QB of the future. Honestly, if we do this then our offseason will have been a success. No matter what it takes, we need to have a guy on our roster next year that we feel confident can at least takeover in '07.

2. Secondary starter, and depth. I would say a starting safety and depth at corner, but we just need players in the secondary.

3. A big DT. Manny's apparent emergence provides hope, but you can never have too many starting caliber DT's.

4. Some offensive line depth and or maybe a starter. We have played so well on the line as of late, but we still don't have a pile pusher for the running game. Having a big guy that we know we can run behind would be really nice.

5. Lastly, I'd like to see us get some depth an linebacker. Crowder looks to be a good eventual replacement for Zach, and Pope looks like he can play, but after that we're thin. If we want to run a 3-4 we need a lot of depth at linebacker.

That's it. A QB of the future, OL, CB/S, LB, and DT. Honestly, if we just shore up those positions I like our chances next year.

Putting Linehan on the sidelines really helped cause this offensive turnaround and it should stay that way. We should keep Ricky and Sam unless someone really wants to get ripped off. Likewise for our other veterans. Having Gus start while a future QB develops for a few years doesn't exactly make my stomach sit well but it's probably for the better. Seeing Leinart play reminds me a lot of Tom Brady. And I would love nothing more than to counter the Pats with our version of an above-average skilled QB with great intangibles. Shame that our chances of nabbing him aren't too great.

We definitely need safety and CB depth and resigning tebucky and schulters is a must. We should just draft a CB and also find an experienced one so we don't send a rookie out there to be picked on.

 

[PhinSoldia]

i agree on most counts execpt 1...and that is the only good coming out of ricky staying is they both stay fresh through out the season BUT...as we seen...this season none of our boys can get in the groove and break some in he 3rd and 4th

 

[SkapePhin]

Good post.

Linehan Stays. Gus stays (but only as a starter if we draft a rookie). Madison cut. Zach stays. Ricky stays.

 

[QB2RonnieTD23]

until Chambers again returns to mediocrity, then we'll have botched our chance to get a Marty Booker or a Reggie Wayne and be stuck with recievers who have limited ability to get open and catch passes no matter who the QB may be.

 

[retired opfinistic]

Great post! You actually used logic which is in scarce supply around here.

 

[LostInPatsLand]

2. "Gus can't start for us next year"...

Good point, but let's finish the season before we're sure. After all, Sage outplayed him in the Bills game.

3. "Madison should be cut"...

I admit I was for this because it seemed that he wasn't playing with much heart in the earlier games. Sam is a passionate guy and is really affected by how the team is doing. As the team's been better, he's played better. He always could cover and is now tackling better--look at his 2nd half tackle of LT inside the 10. Sam has experience in this defense and it's cost effective to keep him.

6. "We HAVE to get a #1 receiver"

.

There's nothing wrong with having as many good receivers as possible in Linehan's system. While it's not a necessity in bringing in a guy who would already be considered a #1, we still need to find guys who could evolve into playmakers especially in Linehan's system. (It's true Booker, who is still adjusting like everyone else, has played well last game and is a very good blocker, and ifwe upgrade our OL, McMichael won't need to block as much and will play more as a receiver).

My revised priority list:

1. Find our QB of the future. Absafu*kinlutelty. This will make or break Saban's legacy as a Dolphins coach.

2. Better players on our o line. We are winning with coaching talent and scheming but not with quality players (save Hadnot). If we bring in players with more mobility and an anchor at LT, this would improve our running game and open up our passing game as Randy and our backs won't need to block as much. As someone mentioned, Houck won't be around to cover our a$$ forever.

3a. Safety who could stabilize the secondary. LaRon Landry is the ideal player because he's knows Saban's system and has been a playmaker in it.

3b. An outside LB who would replace Seau. The guy needs to be a good blitzer too. Julian Peterson has played for Saban in Michigan State and would fit the scheme if we could get him. We might, after all the 49ers have franchised him twice already, and would be let go if they can't agree on a long-term offer (ala Corey Simon).


3. A big NT if Traylor doesn't come back/too old Not a skill position and can be found in free agency (Grady Jackson, GB). It would be good to also find a late-round sleeper.

4. CB depth.

5. Improvement at FB, KR/PR. Not a high priority, but if someone falls to us in the draft... Or we could take a look at Fred Beasley, perhaps the all-around best FB in the NFL who is a free agent.

 

[Canadi-Phin]

Really believe that if we can upgrade our OL this will improve our offense ten fold. First we would be able to block better for the run game but also we would not always have to keep players in to help block. Randy would get to run free and open up the seams of the D. This would make our Qb, who ever that will be, look much better, If we can get a top notch talent at LT in the 1st round I think we take that player. I truly believe in BPA so if there is someone who is more valuable then take that player. I think replacing McIntosh with a stud would be awesome. One player on the line who is stud creates so much space and allows for the offense to spread out its options and still be successful. The otehr player we need is a playmaker in the secondary. Madison and Daniels aren't really ballhawks. I like the way they've improved their play but we need a player who chagnes games regularly, like D'angelo Hall or Ty Law. We have tons of holes but i think with a first round talent at one of these positions we can really help our team out. I would not be upset with a OLB or DT, just feel that with the rest of our team OL and DBs are the biggest need, of course a great QB but they aren't just falling off trees.

 

[Marino13fanboy1]

1. QB - Keep Gus and Cleo and draft a young QB.
2. TE - Need a good backup for McMichael to go 2 TE in Linehan's system. Look at the Pats with 3 good TE's on their roster. Drop Diamond because Holmes blocks better.
3. WR - Get another great WR to go with what we have and if we drop Booker, we need 2 good WR's. I'd rather keep Booker though. Drop Gilmore for certain b/c his special teams play isn't enough.
4. OL - Get 1-2 linemen, probably using FA's. No draft picks unless late. Goodbye to McIntosh and McDougal.
5. DL - Another DT or big D-lineman for our up and coming 3-4 scheme. Move Bowens and/or Roth permanently to OLB.
6. LB - Need to draft 1 and get a FA for another LB. Drop Seau.
7. DB - Dump Howard and Madison and bring in 2 CB's (1 by draft, 1 FA). Also get a good SS.

 

[RLMIAMI]

Before three weeks ago, there were some pretty widely held beliefs on this board. Let's re-evaluate some of them.....

1. "Linehan has got to go" - Does he? Nobody was happy with his play calling early on, and it still worries me, but our offense is beginning to show a pulse. A new offensive coordinator means a new playbook and a new scheme. We don't need that. Our team is gaining momentum and losing Linehan in the offseason would force the offense to start from square one yet again.

2. "Gus can't start for us next year" - Now I think none of us really want hiim to be the starter next year, but it actually may be the best thing for us. We have to get a young guy this offseason, but unless that young guy is Phillip Rivers, he probably won't start for us next year. If we are gonna have to go with a stop-gap again next year, why not keep Gus? He's finally developed a chemistry with CC, and when everything else is going smooth he's not a bad guy to have around. Again, if we get someone new we start all over.

3. "Madison should be cut" - Now he may not be worth what he's getting paid, but I don't think it helps our cause by getting rid of him. He can still start in this league, and we are not exactly overwhelmed with cornerback depth. Even if it means not getting good value ($$-wise), I think we should bring back Sam for another year. Madison and Daniels have done well, we just need our nickelback to step up. Whether that's Poole next year or somebody else, I think it will help our secondary a lot.

4. "Let's totally rebuild; trade Zach, JT, etc for whatever we can get" - this has never really been the overwhelming opinion, but it has been discussed - especially at our low points. I think it's safe to say that these guys will be back. Zach is still the heart of this team and JT is still a top defensive end. Both have done well adjusting to the new scheme and I'm sure Saban plans on keeping them around.

5. "Trade Ricky" - This may still be a good idea, but it all depends on the value we receive. Unless we can get at least a 2nd rounder, I think Ricky is more valuable on our team than on someone else's. Sure he's taking carries away from Ronnie, but he's also saving him from the wear and tear of the NFL schedule. If we are in the playoff mix next year, it will definitely be an asset having two fresh bruising backs on our side. I think we keep him unless we are overwhelmed.

6. "We HAVE to get a #1 receiver" - I think we already have him. Chambers is finally producing up to his talent level. Instead of breaking the bank for Reggie Wayne, I'd really like to see us go after Eric Moulds - assuming he's not in Buffalo next year. Moulds should be cheaper and brings almost as much to the table. If we are unable to land one of those guys, I think we just need to work on our depth. CC and Booker are fine, but after them we are thin. Welker is nice, but we need another speed guy to stretch defenses.

7. "Cut Reggie Howard" - Yep.

It's amazing how winning makes it look like you have less holes to fill. Although I know that we have a lot of positions we'd like to strengthen, I feel a lot better about next year even assuming some of those holes won't be filled. Realizing that we can't fill every hole this offseason, here's what I think we HAVE to do:

1. Find our QB of the future. Honestly, if we do this then our offseason will have been a success. No matter what it takes, we need to have a guy on our roster next year that we feel confident can at least takeover in '07.

2. Secondary starter, and depth. I would say a starting safety and depth at corner, but we just need players in the secondary.

3. A big DT. Manny's apparent emergence provides hope, but you can never have too many starting caliber DT's.

4. Some offensive line depth and or maybe a starter. We have played so well on the line as of late, but we still don't have a pile pusher for the running game. Having a big guy that we know we can run behind would be really nice.

5. Lastly, I'd like to see us get some depth an linebacker. Crowder looks to be a good eventual replacement for Zach, and Pope looks like he can play, but after that we're thin. If we want to run a 3-4 we need a lot of depth at linebacker.

That's it. A QB of the future, OL, CB/S, LB, and DT. Honestly, if we just shore up those positions I like our chances next year.

1.) Linehan will be here regardless what we think.
2.) Gus will be here are either; a.) Backup QB or b.) QB's coach. Most likely he will be with the Jets !
3.) Madison is the best CB we have by a wide margin. Not going anywhere
4.) Not even worth thinking about
5.) Ricky is the best RB we have by far. Trading him is the same as trading Zach or JT
6.) We need better receivers. How the are sorted does not matter
7.) I will believe it when I see it. Too much of a cap hit.

Haves
1.) Vince Young - Any other draft is a wasted pick that would be needed to fill in on the defensive side. Cutler, Lienart, Rivers (LOL!), Brees are just more of the same as we have now.
2.) Obvious
3.) Free Agency would be the better route but a good draft (Ngata) would be very good value
4.) It would be strange to have 4 new OL starters next year. Better talent of course
5.) LB is not a problem. Depth will work itself out.

Good post you have common sense and that can only be a good thing.

 

[vinivedivichi]

i agree on most counts execpt 1...and that is the only good coming out of ricky staying is they both stay fresh through out the season BUT...as we seen...this season none of our boys can get in the groove and break some in he 3rd and 4th

I think that has a lot to do with our offensive line. The turnaround from last season is amazing, but they still don't really get a good push for the running game. When teams know we're gonna run, they can stop us. To be a good running team, we would like to be able to run at will like the Chiefs do.

 

[islandah]

That's it. A QB of the future, OL, CB/S, LB, and DT. Honestly, if we just shore up those positions I like our chances next year.

I honestly agree with your post and think you put it well, but that last line is kinda funny. You basically are asking for help with every unit except RB and WR, and special teams. (QB, O-Line, D-line, LB, Secondary- "That's it"). Again, not ripping you, just funny how quickly our wish list can grow.

 

[vinivedivichi]

I honestly agree with your post and think you put it well, but that last line is kinda funny. You basically are asking for help with every unit except RB and WR, and special teams. (QB, O-Line, D-line, LB, Secondary- "That's it"). Again, not ripping you, just funny how quickly our wish list can grow.

LOL

I don't think it's that bad though. Shoring up five positions in one offseason is not too much to ask when you figure the draft and free agency. I'm not necessarily saying we need starters at all those positions, just that we need to get some guys that can play if we need them to.