Reasons for Optimism

[ckparrothead]

Yo,

I think we have some reasons to be optimistic here. But unfortunately I'm thinking longterm not short term. Short term, in all honesty I think it is more likely than not, that we will not make the playoffs this year. That sucks I know, but I'm not so down about it anymore. We have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to look forward to. I'm not chalking the season up YET, the NFL is just tooo damned crazy and unpredictable for that. But I am looking a bit into the future, and liking what I see.

I'll start with....FREE AGENTS...as in OURS.

Why is it that Zach and JT and all them keep talkin about how this is the last year we can make a run and crap? We don't have a whole lot of free agents comin out.

Below are the notables slated to become free agents
Ray Lucas...GONE! End of story...
Deon Dyer...gone, will be missed, but he doesn't contribut much anyway
Rob Konrad...signed back at a mediocre fullback's salary which is to say...not much
Oronde Gadsden...he never lived up to expectations in my book. He's good, but gone. Begin lookin for a replacement.
Cris Carter...fvck he hasn't really done anything yet this season except catch a few, fumble, and pop one up for an int...its like J-Mac's 2001 season rolled into one game.
Mark Dixon...he would cost a pretty penny to re-sign if it weren't for the fact he's so injury prone. He'll be back if he doesn't retire. If he does, we've got Jamie Nails doing fine at LG, and then we just need to fill a hole at LT which is a big hole to fill but still, guys like Blake Brockermeyer are available every year. Most notably, Flozell Adams.
Jed Weaver...has anyone seen him lately? I think last time I saw him, he was parking Randy McMichaels' car at a local restaurant...

And dudes, that is pretty much IT for the free agents of our own. No notables on defense whatsoever. Only problem with defense, is certain salaries are going to start getting bigger and bigger, might necessitate cutting some fat. But who knows?

Tim Ruddy, I say we pay our respects and let him go...let Seth McKinney take over for him. I really really like Seth. I saw him at the Bucs scrimmages and he looked great. I've seen him play in the preseason and he looked really savvy. I really like the guy and ya know what he seems to bring new energy and excitement to the line. I'm very confident that we will not miss a beat between Ruddy and McKinney, and we CERTAINLY won't miss Ruddy's salary. I also think that with the way Cris Carter's season is going with the kidney that this may make him likely to try and come back again next year, and you know what I'd welcome him. In his one performance despite the obvious problems he did impress me how much he was getting open and getting thrown at.

So overall in free agency I say we take a chance on a WR like MarTay Jenkins or Brandon Stokley....a mid-tier guy we would be able to get cheaply and the both of them have great upside potential in my opinion. And if not, I'm completely confident in J-Mac and Chambers. Rich Owens could make a return to us as a situational passrusher (has experience at both tackle and end). There's some very intriguing free agent outside backers out there this year like Na'il Diggs, Mike Peterson, Anthony Simmons, Rob Frederickson, Takeo Spikes, Rosevelt Colvin, and TJ Slaughter. Should we decide that either Greenwood or Rodgers are not the answer...they could be replaced.

Then we got draft picks. Ricky's not gonna make 1500 yards now IMO. So that means we've got a 1st rounder, probably around pick 20 in the draft. Not bad. We could go QB, we could go DL, OT, who knows.

What I'm saying is next year, when all is said and done with free agency and giving away our draft picks, the biggest hole we'll have is at LT but that will pretty much be the ONLY void we really need to fill. Then you got guys who will probably be better next year, like Larry Chester who will no longer be battling that leg problem. Chambers will continue to improve. Fiedler it turns out, is pretty valuable. McMichael...whooa boy.

So be confident dolfans. Got a lot to look forward to next year. This year as well, because the NFL is just too damned unpredictable for our season to be over right now.

 

[minus]

I like all your suggestion except that I rather draft a WR in the 3rd round than sign any of the above you mention and Todd Perry should be cut along with Ruddy.McKnight should be the starter next year and there should be some good talented reciever left by third round.The Dolphins should be thinking OT in the first round and my choice is Brett William.Brett William is going to be a stud at LT...

 

[Hellion]

Does anyone think Carter will play next year?

Weaver is gone IMO.
Lucas?gone.
Konrad will want a bigger contract and IMO his big breakout year will be next year not this year.(2nd year under Norv)
Dyer will be better and happier somewhere else.

I totally agree on McKinney, I believe that the OL takes on the personality of the center that runs it and Seth will add fire that Ruddy doesen't have. But I still say we draft OL in 03.

I would love to see a impact FA OLB come in here and add to the defense.

As far as the playoffs for this year, it will come down to how well Jay plays when he comes back and help from other teams to get a wildcard seed.

 

[Chubby]

CK what about the Defense we have taylor,thomas,and couple of others with there contracts up

 

[BLITZKRIEG]

That'a a very interesting post, and very enjoyable because your right about the future of the Phinz....

We've got very good things to look forward to IMO....

This year isn't a wash just yet, but another loss under R. Lucas could send us packing it in earlier than expected. It's a shame we've slipped from 5-1 to 5-4 under Lucas....

The most important position we need to focus on in the off-season will be along the OL. The OL as is, has some serious problems. T. Ruddy is getting dominated, and as a result, running between the T's isn't happening....

OG T. Perry can pack it up as well. He's had his shot at OG, and although he may have improved, he still isn't good enough....

LT/OG M. Dixon is struggling as well. His future is very uncertain at this point. If it were my decision, I'd let him go....He's too injury prone for my liking....

We've got S. McKinney to take T. Ruddys' position, but the other holes will need to be filled filled during the draft or in freee-agency.....

After that, we need LB's pretty bad too. M. Greenwood isn't doing anything, and although D. Rodgers is looking decent, he's not making enough plays. I'd keep D. Rodgers if I had to, but I wouldn't mind giving someone else a look....

WR is also an area I'd like to upgrade. There should be some very good free agent WR's available this off-season.....

All in all, this team is very tough. The defense is playing very well IMO. The future of DE's A. Ogunleye, and D. Bowens are looking very promising, and even though J. Fletcher struggled early, he's is starting look better with time under his belt.

The OL is the biggest problem right now IMO.....

PHINZ RULE!!!

 

[minus]

Originally posted by BLITZKRIEG
That'a a very interesting post, and very enjoyable because your right about the future of the Phinz....

We've got very good things to look forward to IMO....

This year isn't a wash just yet, but another loss under R. Lucas could send us packing it in earlier than expected. It's a shame we've slipped from 5-1 to 5-4 under Lucas....

The most important position we need to focus on in the off-season will be along the OL. The OL as is, has some serious problems. T. Ruddy is getting dominated, and as a result, running between the T's isn't happening....

OG T. Perry can pack it up as well. He's had his shot at OG, and although he may have improved, he still isn't good enough....

LT/OG M. Dixon is struggling as well. His future is very uncertain at this point. If it were my decision, I'd let him go....He's too injury prone for my liking....

We've got S. McKinney to take T. Ruddys' position, but the other holes will need to be filled filled during the draft or in freee-agency.....

After that, we need LB's pretty bad too. M. Greenwood isn't doing anything, and although D. Rodgers is looking decent, he's not making enough plays. I'd keep D. Rodgers if I had to, but I wouldn't mind giving someone else a look....

WR is also an area I'd like to upgrade. There should be some very good free agent WR's available this off-season.....

All in all, this team is very tough. The defense is playing very well IMO. The future of DE's A. Ogunleye, and D. Bowens are looking very promising, and even though J. Fletcher struggled early, he's is starting look better with time under his belt.

The OL is the biggest problem right now IMO.....

PHINZ RULE!!!

We can't afford some of the biggest FA WR out on the market and the others who are less expensive are not that appealing.This year draft should be filled with talented receivers and Dolphins could find a steal in the 3rd round.Our OLB are fine and Morlon Greenwood is only in for 40% of the plays.Morlon Greenwood is still young and I think he is deveoping nicely.If any thing Rodgers is making too much money and maybe Dolphins should ask for paycut.

 

[minus]

Originally posted by Chubby
CK what about the Defense we have taylor,thomas,and couple of others with there contracts up

None of their contracts are up and the problem is that their base salaries will going up but it won't affect Dolphins too much next year.Their salaries will really come into play in 2004 and by then Dolphins would have to restructure or cut.I rather see them cut someone so that Dolphins don't mortgage the future any more as it is...

 

[SWS84]

This is a great topic. I'm a little pesimistic about next year because we have so many holes to fill. I keep going back and forth about what position should be our 1st pick. As it stands tonight, I think we should take the best available OL and depending on how things unfold take another OL later, if possible. We could also use a DT because Timbo's knees are hurting bad.

:) :) :)

 

[phinphan]

I like McKinney as well. He is reminiscent of a young Mark Stepnoski. I once heard Bob Golic describe Stepnoski as a small, insignificant guy when he saw him on the sidelines. Bob said that when the ball was snapped, Mark went after you like is life depended on it, bullying defenders without compromise. Bob eventually said to a team mate: "somebody get this little guy to leave me alone" Seth may not be the strongest of centers, but he has that aggression and tenacity which should make him a very good player. From most reports he is also a better athlete than his brother Steve (who has carved out a solid career).

As for those spots to be addressed:-

Backup QB - the Phins need to decide if Sage can be at least a player that they can rely on to backup Jay. I fully expect them to persue a bargain end veteran as insurance.

WR - I just don't see Mcknight is the answer. He brings some skills to the offense, but he hs never shown that consistency. I'd like to see a bold move by Miami to acquire Daryl Jackson through FA. Jackson and Chambers could give the Phins a Buffalo type duo of recievers

LT - Stick a fork in Dixon, he's done. Mark has been great for the Phins, but I can't see him wanting to risk any more injury to his body. It seems as though this year was his swan song. I'd love to see him back, but I see that as unlikely.

RG - Perry is average at best, a liability at worst. If Ricky is to have a long, productive stint in Miami, the interior line has to keep defenders from getting clean shots at him. I still believe the wisdom: "football is won and lost in the trenches". While it may not be that simple, teams must at least hold thier own at the LOS.

LB - There are often relatively cheap FA's who are passed over because they don't fit the system of prospective suiters. A young athlete, may go unnoticed by some teams, but could be groomed to play within the Miami defense. There is a feeling that sooner or later, Miami will stumble upon the right fit at OLB (hell, even the law of averages would indicate that).

S- A difficult one. Brock should last another year or so, and Arturo should develop into a decent starter. There are many quality safeties that have been found as OFAs. With Miami's scouting department, I would like to see numerous safeties, as well as CBs brought into camp. Chances are that they will produce an improvement in current depth. I also like the idea of Ray Green bulking up and playing safety rather than CB. He has potential, and playing CB looked unatural for him during this season.

Playing GM, my top priority would be to solidify the trenches. Next would be finding a WR to help Chambers. Remaining tasks would be finding some LBs, DBs with high upside potential. The QB position will depend greatly upon Sage's progress.

Unfortunately, Daryl Gardener is still eating up 7 million in cap money for next year, and a spending spree is not likely. Flozell Adams would be a nice idea at LT. As I mentioned previously, IMHO Daryl Jackson would be a nice choice at WR, providing he doesn't come at massive expense. I doubt that the Seahawks would tag Jackson, so they may label him a transition player(they have LB Simmons to take care of as well).

In the draft, if the Phins have a 1st rounder, it may prove wise to trade down (obviously difficult to say at this point). Offensive guards are often available in the early-mid second round, and an extra pick could be salvaged.

LOL......when I get thinking aloud I tend to get carried away.

________________________
Do or do not......there is no try

 

[minus]

Originally posted by phinphan
I like McKinney as well. He is reminiscent of a young Mark Stepnoski. I once heard Bob Golic describe Stepnoski as a small, insignificant guy when he saw him on the sidelines. Bob said that when the ball was snapped, Mark went after you like is life depended on it, bullying defenders without compromise. Bob eventually said to a team mate: "somebody get this little guy to leave me alone" Seth may not be the strongest of centers, but he has that aggression and tenacity which should make him a very good player. From most reports he is also a better athlete than his brother Steve (who has carved out a solid career).

As for those spots to be addressed:-

Backup QB - the Phins need to decide if Sage can be at least a player that they can rely on to backup Jay. I fully expect them to persue a bargain end veteran as insurance.

WR - I just don't see Mcknight is the answer. He brings some skills to the offense, but he hs never shown that consistency. I'd like to see a bold move by Miami to acquire Daryl Jackson through FA. Jackson and Chambers could give the Phins a Buffalo type duo of recievers

LT - Stick a fork in Dixon, he's done. Mark has been great for the Phins, but I can't see him wanting to risk any more injury to his body. It seems as though this year was his swan song. I'd love to see him back, but I see that as unlikely.

RG - Perry is average at best, a liability at worst. If Ricky is to have a long, productive stint in Miami, the interior line has to keep defenders from getting clean shots at him. I still believe the wisdom: "football is won and lost in the trenches". While it may not be that simple, teams must at least hold thier own at the LOS.

LB - There are often relatively cheap FA's who are passed over because they don't fit the system of prospective suiters. A young athlete, may go unnoticed by some teams, but could be groomed to play within the Miami defense. There is a feeling that sooner or later, Miami will stumble upon the right fit at OLB (hell, even the law of averages would indicate that).

S- A difficult one. Brock should last another year or so, and Arturo should develop into a decent starter. There are many quality safeties that have been found as OFAs. With Miami's scouting department, I would like to see numerous safeties, as well as CBs brought into camp. Chances are that they will produce an improvement in current depth. I also like the idea of Ray Green bulking up and playing safety rather than CB. He has potential, and playing CB looked unatural for him during this season.

Playing GM, my top priority would be to solidify the trenches. Next would be finding a WR to help Chambers. Remaining tasks would be finding some LBs, DBs with high upside potential. The QB position will depend greatly upon Sage's progress.

Unfortunately, Daryl Gardener is still eating up 7 million in cap money for next year, and a spending spree is not likely. Flozell Adams would be a nice idea at LT. As I mentioned previously, IMHO Daryl Jackson would be a nice choice at WR, providing he doesn't come at massive expense. I doubt that the Seahawks would tag Jackson, so they may label him a transition player(they have LB Simmons to take care of as well).

In the draft, if the Phins have a 1st rounder, it may prove wise to trade down (obviously difficult to say at this point). Offensive guards are often available in the early-mid second round, and an extra pick could be salvaged.

LOL......when I get thinking aloud I tend to get carried away.

________________________
Do or do not......there is no try

Dolphins can't offer them nearly as much as Seahawks can and is not like the Dolphins are going to have alot cap to offer any of the top receivers a contract.

 

[phinphan]

Dolphins can't offer them nearly as much as Seahawks can and is not like the Dolphins are going to have alot cap to offer any of the top receivers a contract.

I agree. However, Jackson is not yet considered a top echelon reciever. He has the talent to be outstanding, but Holmgren is arrogant enough to believe that he can replace Daryl without skipping a beat. Jackson may come a little cheaper than one would expect. Either way, his salary demands are going to be a lot lower next year, than three or four years time (he's still only 24 years old). Besides, if we are going to look to next year, lets at least dream a little

This was just an idea. I don't adamantly believe that Jackson is the only option. However, either way IMHO we need an upgrade at WR. With the draft loaded at that spot, perhaps that is the way to go.

________________________
Do or do not......there is no try