FinfanInBuffalo said:
I'm finding it very humorous to read all of the posts and articles written about the unbelievable turmoil surrounding the Miami Dolphins. It is as though people actually think the things that are going on are so unusual in the NFL. While I agree that there have been some surprises, how much different is the net effect than what goes on with other teams every year.
1. Marino situation - They brought in Marino to file a newly created job called VP of Football Operations. Did anyone on this site question the fact that we didn't have anyone in that role before the job was created by Marino? Can anyone name the teams that have VPs of Football Operations and tell me who they are? What real impact did Marino's decision really have?
2. Coaches - Yes it has been wierd, but lets compare it to what happens every year to some teams in the NFL. Every year HCs get fired and entirely new staffs and philosophies are brought in. Hell some teams do it every 3 years. Often those given the chance at HC or coordinator are new to the job. Well in Miami, we have a new OC who is getting his first chance. Most of the rest of the coaching staff is the same. The exception is that we have upgraded our WRs coach and brought in a very well respected QBs coach. How can this seem worse that what happens on 5 or 6 teams every year?
3. GM search - They interviewed a bunch of guys and decided to stick with someone they already know. I am happy with the situation. I know Randy Mueller and a few others were popular with some of the fans, but what has Randy Mueller accomplished in his career? Why aren't other teams beating down the door for him? He has been available for a couple of years. I'm optimistic that Rick will be just fine. Quick, when did each of the GMs we considered get the first GM position? Was the team that gave them their chance in disarray?
4. OL - We needed an overhaul and we got one. Now people are complaining? Wade Smith coming back was a nobrainer. Jeno James looks like the real deal. I think McKinney outperformed Ruddy last year. We made the move necessary to get a top RT/RG prospect in the draft. It is hillarious that one year after complaining that we didn't move up in the draft to select an OL prospect ("do whatever it takes" is what we heard over and over), people are complaining that we gave up a 4th round pick one year later to get the guy we wanted. By every analysis that I read, the dropoff in this years offensive tackle prospects was much bigger than last year. The only way the wailing would have been worse is if NE had jumped ahead of us and taken Carey. Can you imagine the outrage?
With the strategy that was used, we got both our future LT and RT. The biggest question on the OL is RG and I believe we have plenty of options to fill the spot. Does anyone actually believe that every team in the league has stars at every OL position? We also have more quality depth and a much younger roster than we have had in years.
5. David Boston - Give the guy a chance. He is already down 10 pounds from last year. He has already participated in more offseason programs that last year. One negative article (that was later retracted) is causing all kinds of concerns. He doesn't need to catch 100 passes to be worth the trade. I think he will be a great addition.
6. Ogunleye - I think he will sign before the start of the season. There is still plenty of time. The worst case scenario is an eventual trade.
7. QB situation - Only time will tell, but I think they have handled it well. I don't dislike Fiedler nearly as much as some other people do. I think Feeley will win the job but I wouldn't get dramatic if he doesn't. Its just hard for me to get all bent out of shape on this topic. The Fins have won too many games in the last four years to me to be too worried. I honestly believe that upgrades on the OL and WR and more versatility in the playbook is enough by itself to improve the offense. Improved play from the QB postion would just add to the mix. Does everybody realize that the Mighty NE Patriots averaged 2.3 pts per game more that the Fins last year? And in 2002 they scored 3 more points that the Fins?
Just my assessment. This thread was sparked by the idiotic article on ProFootballWekely.com.
Very impressive sugar coating.... :roflmao:
Do you have an extra pair of rosey colored glasses I can borrow until the season starts????...
1.) The Marino Fiasco - It's not that it hurt our team any, it was just a major embarrassment that's all. No real effect on the "team", just the front office...
2.) The Coaches - Well, I can't complain about something I haven't seen yet. I was very excited to have M. Trestman and J. Sullivan added. The uncertainty of a new unexperienced OC carries some major concern though. The guy has never been and OC, and when you've already got highly qualified coaches {Trestman / Sullivan } who could have been promoted instead, it seems strange of Wanny to pass on them for Foerster. IMO, this may be one of those "Wanny's Yes Man" situations. Something we're all too familiar with....
3.) The GM Search - I have to say that I was surprised we didn't bring in someone with a different perspective. Instead of adding a fresh, new, offensive minded GM, we stuck with the same old in R. Spielman. No complaining here. RS has done a very solid job thus far IMO. With his years of hard work and dedication, he deserved the position as well....
4.) The OL Overhaul - BRAVO!!! No complaints here either. This was something that HAD TO BE DONE. RS made sure this was the main focus this off-season, and although we missed out on a couple of studs {Woody / Tait}, we still did a very solid job of bringing in players. The depth right now is very solid IMO, and that's an area we've lacked every season under Wanny IMO. I'm happy with the way this is shaping up now, and for the future....
5.) WR D. Boston - Last week, I was calling this guy a mouse in elephants clothing. Today, I'm reserving judgment. I was highly excited when the news of DB playing in Miami was announced, and immediately, I was having visions of Chambers and Boston tearing up the NFL in 2004. Needless to say, we sometimes forget about the "person", and focus only on the "player". DB has serious troubles as a "person" IMO, but if he can push his ego aside, and play with a purpose, he can be an incredible "player" in the NFL. It's all up to him, so we'll see what he brings during TC, and then make a real assumption. One that is more accurate...
6.) O-GUN - I'm not the least bit worried about him. He'll get his contrcat sooner or later....with Miami. :D
7.) The QB Situation - In one word??....UGLY.
QB AJ Feeley is a nice "future option" at QB, but he's clearly not ready to lead a team as the starting QB IMO. Not this year at least. He looks exactly like what he is....a borderline 2nd / 3rd string QB. Give him a year or two, and he could be very solid, but right now, he's struggling quite a bit for someone who's suppose to beat out QB J. Fiedler this off-season.
This trade leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Basically because the first priority for GM RS was to find a better starting QB. I didn't want QB M. Brunell, and after I saw the contract he got, I'm very happy we didn't sign him. He would have been a waste IMO. The only other QB I really thought would have been an upgrade over JF was QB J. Garcia. He would have been a perfect fit IMO. He's mobile, he's a great leader, and he's got the accuracy Fiedler doesn't possess. Oh well, looks like it's Fielder in 2004!!....
I like J. Fiedler, but he's just too inconsistant to be a yearly starter in this league. His accuracy is very questionable too. I hope QB's coach M. Trestman can do for Jay what he did for R. Gannon in Oakland. It could happen, and the way Fiedler has looked thus far in mini-camp, he's been crisper, and his throws look stronger as well. Who knows, if Jay can stay healthy, we may finally have something.
As for Feeley, I don't expect him to beat out Fielder. He's way behind already, and it's still only May. Plus, Jay is Dave's boy, and now without Collier around, he'll be calling all of the offensive shots IMO....
I hope none of you take this post of mine as "negative". I'm trying to be as "realistic" as possible. :D
PHINZ RULE!!! :fire:
