Phillip Merling | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Phillip Merling

datruth55

datruth55

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I remember when we drafted this guy thinking he was a 4-3 DE and couldn't understand Parcells wanting this guy. I think at the time he was in the 275-280 lbs range and thought he didn't have the hips to play OLB even if he dropped a little weight and I didn't think he'd be able to carry the needed 15-20 lbs to play DE in the 3-4....however, now that we'll be using more 4 man fronts does anybody think Merling can finally deliver? Maybe if he drops his weight back down to the 280-285 range he can actually contribute to the defense this year. I think that might be why we tendered him and brought him back.
 
The tender definitely came as a surprise. I thought he had a little bit of trade value last year, but honestly I haven't seen anything redeeming from him. If he can produce this year I'd be shocked.
 
I was surprised we tendered him too and I was thinking it may be that they want him at DE for the 4 man fronts. He has better pass rush ability than Langford did, although doesn't play the run nearly as well. It's definitely a last shot for him.
 
datruth55 said:
I remember when we drafted this guy thinking he was a 4-3 DE and couldn't understand Parcells wanting this guy. I think at the time he was in the 275-280 lbs range and thought he didn't have the hips to play OLB even if he dropped a little weight and I didn't think he'd be able to carry the needed 15-20 lbs to play DE in the 3-4....however, now that we'll be using more 4 man fronts does anybody think Merling can finally deliver? Maybe if he drops his weight back down to the 280-285 range he can actually contribute to the defense this year. I think that might be why we tendered him and brought him back.
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I agree that they should never have drafted Merling because he didn't fit in a 3-4 defense. It didn't make sense to me either.
 
Defiantly will be more productive in the 4-3. He was much more productive his rookie year when we were in a 4-3 most of the time. I remember the Jets/Farve game thinking this kid might be pretty good. I think Odrick and Starks will benefit also. I think we have always been built and drafted like a 4-3 team and tried to squeeze guys out of their natural positions. Why in the hell was Misi playing OLB in a 3-4???
 
Who's he? the one that intercepted Favre in 2008?
 
Hopefully Merling can find the motivation somewhere.

I would be shocked if the coaches haven't spoken to him about his weight. I was surprised he didn't drop weight after the achilles injury.
 
We were allegedly dangling Starks as trade bait last year, and it could happen again this year. If that happens then Merling could have a role.
 
datruth55 said:
I was surprised we tendered him too and I was thinking it may be that they want him at DE for the 4 man fronts. He has better pass rush ability than Langford did, although doesn't play the run nearly as well. It's definitely a last shot for him.
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What gives you the idea he was better at anything than Langford? The 3.5 sacks he has in 4 years? The 4 tackles he had last year? The 3 tackles he had the year before that. The guy ****ing SUCKS! Period!!! I went over the tape back in 2008/2009, and he spent more time on his fat ass than any three players on the team. He has no balance at all and goes down easy...
 
Dr. Phin said:
What gives you the idea he was better at anything than Langford? The 3.5 sacks he has in 4 years? The 4 tackles he had last year? The 3 tackles he had the year before that. The guy ****ing SUCKS! Period!!! I went over the tape back in 2008/2009, and he spent more time on his fat ass than any three players on the team. He has no balance at all and goes down easy...
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No one is saying Langford is worse, but he excelled at stopping the run, while the pass rush wasn't great. So in terms of getting to the QB, Merling would be better. I will miss Langford though, our rush D was sick. Glad we retained Soliai - losing them both would have been devastating.
 
2008/2009 he was still very young and raw. He had a further set-back with an achilles tendon repair. This guy still has the potential to be very good. This may just be the right system and I expect a break-out year! Here's hoping for the best!
 
He has talent and potential. He should benefit in the 4-3.
 
The big question is: Why the __ isn't the local media reporting on stuff like this. The Dolphin beat writers are absolutely worthless.
 
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