"But the Dolphins look doomed, not unlike a trade the team nearly completed this summer. Just when the Dolphins were about to trade a fourth-round pick to the Broncos for quarterback Kyle Orton in August, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross declined to pay the three-year, $27 million extension that the quarterback and Miami already had agreed to, league sources said. When Ross declined to pay Orton, the deal blew up. Now Miami's season almost has."
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/page/10spot-11week4/nfl-oakland-raiders-quietly-building-winner
its pretty clear at this point that ireland doesnt deserve the criticism that he has received, and ive been somewhat critical of the guy. its VERY clear that there have been several roster decisions made based on financial constraint over the past 2 years. there is only so much u can do through the draft in 1 year. ireland has only had control over personal decisions for one year. he had a good draft this year from early returns. if the guy doesnt have the ability to add free agents to fill roster spots, then its not really fair to judge his player acquisitions in the way we have.
so its very clear at this point the dolphins were NOT committed to winning this year, and its not surprising that the results have been as they are.
im not so sure its the wrong move for ross to be honest. perhaps it makes sense in order to build the foundation of this organization so that the next head coach isnt hamstrung by veteran contracts (like gruden was in tampa btw).
but this also means the jury is still out on ross, and it does bring some questions about our ownership to mind. IF this continues WHEN we have a new head coach then it is a SERIOUS problem.
i know Ross is going to get blasted for this, and i know we as fans want to win now, but if this is actually part of a PLAN it actually makes some sense - as long as its a blueprint for the future, and doesnt continue under the new regime.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/page/10spot-11week4/nfl-oakland-raiders-quietly-building-winner
its pretty clear at this point that ireland doesnt deserve the criticism that he has received, and ive been somewhat critical of the guy. its VERY clear that there have been several roster decisions made based on financial constraint over the past 2 years. there is only so much u can do through the draft in 1 year. ireland has only had control over personal decisions for one year. he had a good draft this year from early returns. if the guy doesnt have the ability to add free agents to fill roster spots, then its not really fair to judge his player acquisitions in the way we have.
so its very clear at this point the dolphins were NOT committed to winning this year, and its not surprising that the results have been as they are.
im not so sure its the wrong move for ross to be honest. perhaps it makes sense in order to build the foundation of this organization so that the next head coach isnt hamstrung by veteran contracts (like gruden was in tampa btw).
but this also means the jury is still out on ross, and it does bring some questions about our ownership to mind. IF this continues WHEN we have a new head coach then it is a SERIOUS problem.
i know Ross is going to get blasted for this, and i know we as fans want to win now, but if this is actually part of a PLAN it actually makes some sense - as long as its a blueprint for the future, and doesnt continue under the new regime.