I have nothing but love for the Dolphins. They are my team in the NFL. Been a fan for a long time. I've been watching closely since the fallout with Wanny at 4 - 12. Then Saban's two years of 9 - 7 and 6 - 10. Then Cam Cameron's miserable showing of 1 - 15. Followed by a very inspiring 11 - 5 in 2008. And then a disheartening collapse in 2009 finishing at 7 - 9.
So where are the Dolphins in 2010? These are my thoughts on where Miami is and what they need to do.
First off, you keep drafting players and then failing to develop them. They end up getting labeled as player's who "lack something" or "will never be a... ". That hangs over them and causes mental issues. It is just poor player development. Plain and simple.
In free agency, Miami has done average. You tend to get older players that did something good at some point already. Or you overspend on a player and place a burden on the future.
So what can be done? Well, let's start with the current roster starting with the offense.
QB
Henne - Showed he has a strong arm and can run the offense. He also showed that he isn't as poised as everyone thinks. He has mental breakdowns in pressure situations and lacks a convincing ability to scramble to buy time. The decision making can be improved with experience, but you have to wonder about his legs.
Thigpen - Showed that he has more energy than Henne in his game. He can scramble and buy time. And has a good arm. But he is seems to be more of a gambler than Henne. I think if he was given a season, he could settle down some with his decision making. Both Henne and Thigpen will likely be competing neck-and-neck for the starting job in 2010.
White - Showed that he is not ready to play QB in the NFL just like the scouts predicted. He can take snaps, hand the ball off, run the option, and possibly make short throws when rolled out. That's about it. It is very important that Miami doesn't screw this up. You drafted him very high in the 2nd round. That is an investment. He has to work out somewhere. I would move him to WR on the roster. He can still play QB on certain plays - like Wildcat formations. But he just doesn't have that great of an arm and his height is a concern. List him at WR and use him in special formations on offense.
Pennington - Showed he is not durable and is just getting older. He has all the leadership qualities one could ask for in a QB. Sign him back for a year as a leader in a backup position on the sidelines. If he wants more, let him test FA.
RB
Ronnie Brown - Showed that HE IS THE WILDCAT. It only works with Ronnie Brown. He is one of the most versatile RBs in the NFL. His durability is a concern. But his versatility more than makes up for it when he's healthy. So do not over-use Ronnie Brown. Be smart with him in 2010. Don't quit on the wildcat offense. Commit to it again in 2010 with Ronnie leading the formation.
Ricky Williams - Showed he is still a workhorse and will probably run the football until his body gives out. You have to admire his toughness when running the football. He is getting older, but showed he can still get the job done in 2009. 2010 might be his last season. Reunite him with Ronnie and split carries. Recommit to the wildcat formation.
Patrick Cobbs - Showed he is not built to be over-worked in the NFL. I think Miami used him too much in 2009 and he blew his knee out. He has a lot of heart and guts. He's a great special teams player and a change of pace RB. Let him compete with Lex Hillard for a spot in 2010.
Lex Hillard - Showed he can play in the NFL. He looks durable and runs harder than Cobbs. But his blocking was poor. He is not a starter or even backup. Let him compete with Cobbs for the 3rd string role.
Kory Sheets - Showed he is still an unknown in the NFL. Miami didn't play him, so who knows? He looked good in college. He could be a sleeper for Miami and beat out Cobbs and Hillard for the 3rd RB spot. If he did, he could also maybe return punts instead of Bess.
Lousaka Polite - Showed he is probably the best or 2nd best FB in the NFL right now. He is everything you could ask for from a FB. I hope he keeps it up in 2010. It's a shame they didn't select him fo rthe Pro Bowl.
WR
Bess - Showed that he can play the slot in the NFL. He was very consistent on 3rd and short. But he was very inconsistent in other areas - like holding on to the football. He has skills, and can make the tricky grabs. I think he has a firm hold on the slot WR position in 2010.
Ginn - Showed that his speed is elite in the NFL. When he gets away and turns on that last gear, no one can catch him. He can also get behind a secondary for the deep pass. He was inconsistent, however in 2009, and dropped too many balls. That was surprising after a good 2008 season. I expect him to bounce back in 2010.
Hartline - Showed toughness and smarts for a rookie. He was impressive in his rookie season. I hope he continues to improve and stays consistent. He is willing to make the tough catches in traffic at times. I like his energy when he plays.
Camarillo - Showed that the knee injury didn't stop him from contributing. He's a good slot WR in the NFL. However, in 2010, I think Miami should try to trade him while he has some value. I believe there will be other teams looking for an experience slot WR. Miami has to make room on the roster at WR, and the slot position is crowded. I'd keep Bess over Camarillo. Trade Camarillo as part of a packaged deal to move up in the draft or get a FA.
Turner - Didn't play in 2009. This is another big investment for Miami. You spent a 3rd round pick on him. He is 6' 5" and has good hands. Miami doesn't have a WR lik ethat on the roster. He's had a year to watch and learn how things go in the NFL. Miami must develop this guy, and get some production out of him in 2010. He doesn't have breakaway speed like Ginn. So I see him used in the red zone and on 3rd downs.
O-LINE
Jake Long - Showed that he still has some growing to do in the NFL. He has the build to be elite. He also has the skillset to be great. However, against the better DEs, he seemed to have mental lapses and get toasted. He has trouble with the speed rushers sometimes. Overall, he played well. I was surprised by the Pro Bowl selection. I actually thouht he took a minor step back in 2009. But it's no concern. And he should be great in 2010.
Justin Smiley - Showed that he can battle. He's tough. He works well with Long. I did see Smiley miss a few blocks at times. It was when he was asked to pull or leave the line of scrimmage. No major problems though. It was good to see him healthy in 2009. He should be ready to go again in 2010.
Jake Grove - Showed he can lead the offensive line. He is a football guy. He is also getting older. He battled a bit with injuries in 2009. He might return in 2010, but Miami should be ready in case he can't play the entire season. Joe Berger came in for him and did pretty good in 2009. But could Joe Berger fill the starting position in 2010?
Donald Thomas - Showed he is young and growing. I think he has the potential to be the starting RG in Miami for a long time. He's very young and plays hard. But he does lose focus sometimes. I think the mental mistakes will go away with more experience. Nate Garner took over for him late in the season. Garner played pretty good. They will likely battle for the starting job in 2010.
Vernon Carey - Showed that he is still Miami's RT. He is a true RT. He holds it down most of the time. He can play sluggish at times, which makes me question his conditioning. I would like to see the coaches get him to commit to a good offseason workout program to get him in a little better shape in 2010.
TE
Anthony Fasano - Showed that he had trouble fitting in to the offense without Pennington at QB. It wasn't all his fault. Henne missed him several times in the passing game. I hope 2009 was just a bad year for him. And I'm looking for him to bounce back in 2010. I believe his contract is up now, so offer him an extension for a year and motivate him to play better in 2010.
Joey Haynos - Showed that he can catch and block at an average level. I wasn't impressed with Haynos in 2009. He was too inconsistent. He's a very big TE. Hopefully he plays better in 2010 or I'd cut him.
Kory Sperry - Showed that he needs more time in the offense. The verdict is still out on him in 2010.
Alright, now on to the defense. I'm not going to break each player down because it is taking too long. Instead, I will just break it down by area of the defense.
DEFENSIVE LINE
They played well in 2009. I think the D-line was the strongest part of the defense in 2009. Ferguson went out with an injury and they still played pretty well. If Ferguson doesn't return in 2010 for one more season, Miami will need to get a NT to mix in with Soliai. But I can't see spending their top draft choice on NT.
LINEBACKERS
They simply didn't back the line in 2009. They were far too inconsistent. It is the weakest area of the defense. Porter played the sideline most of the year, and doesn't seem committed to Miami. Crowder did more talking than playing. His performance was far too poor for an ILB. Ayodele was just as bad if not worse than Crowder. Ayodele misses far too many tackles. And Jason Taylor still isn't as impressive at LB as he is at DE. He's getting older now and isn't as consistent as he once was. Wake showed promise as a pass rusher. I question his skills overall as a football player though. He's suspect in pass coverage. Anderson is a backup. Torbor is the same. However, I think Torbor is the better of the two.
SECONDARY
This group may have shown the most improvement in 2009. Both rookies improved. Vontae Davis showed that he can be something great in the NFL. He gambles too much and it costs him when he's wrong. That will get cleaned up with experience. Sean Smith held down his side. He was quiet in 2009. His few breakdowns in coverage will get cleaned up with experience as well. Losing Will Allen was disappointing. If he fully recovers from the knee in 2010, it will improve the secondary. I was glad to see Jason Allen get more playing time in 2009. He is a fast, athletic DB. I hope Miami continues to develop him. Nathan Jones was hit and miss in 2009. He contributes here and there, but isn't a starter. Yeremiah Bell played strong. He had a decent year. He sometimes get beat by WRs and needs to clean that up in 2010. Gibril Wilson improved all season. He started very poorly, but grew as the season went on. I think he will play better in 2010 with a season in Miami under his belt. Chris Clemons showed his youth. He can hit pretty hard at safety, but seems to get lost in coverage. He is another developmental player. It's hard to say what he will be in 2010.
Well, that's my take on the roster after the 2009 season. Here is what I would like to see Miami do with the team in 2010.
1. The most important area is the LBs. The coaches are already gone from that position. They must have known trouble was coming. LB is a problem. See if you can trade Joey Porter. I know he has star power. Package him with Camarillo or something. See if you can't trade and move up in the draft. I really think Miami should try to get the best LB they can in the draft to take over for Ayodele and play next to Crowder. Then in the second round, GET ANOTHER LB. This time go outside to replace Porter. Wake is not a starter. He is a situational pass rusher. Get a strong rookie candidate and rebuild your LB group.
2. Draft defense. Patrick Turner needs to turn out to be something at WR in 2010. Ginn will play better in 2010. He has too. Hartline is good. Bess is good. And Pat White needs to fill that last spot and be a utility player of sorts on offense. DRAFT DEFENSE. Get two LBs. Both ILB and OLB. Try to get the best ILB in the draft. Then get a NT in the 3rd round to develop behind Ferguson and Soliai. If Ferguson doesn't come back in 2010, get a NT in FA. Trade for one.
3. Here is my list of players to shop for a trade (in order). Akin Ayodele, Joey Porter, Greg Camarillo, Lex Hillard, and Joey Haynos. Try to move up in the draft or get a veteran in a trade.
4. Move Devon Bess off of punt returns. Please. See if Sheets or Cobbs or whoever gets that 3rd RB spot can do it.
Ok. That about does it. If Miami stays committed to its draft choices in 2010, they might just build a great football team. Don't abandon Pat White or Patrick Turner. Don't quit on Ted Ginn or Jason Allen. Ginn and Allen are first round picks. They have skills. Play them and work with them. DRAFT DEFENSE. I'll say that a thousand times this offseason. DRAFT DEFENSE. Forget that #1 WR nonsense. That is all hype and sensationalism. Miami has a good collective group or WRs. Develop them. Make them great. Work with Pat White. Support Patrick Turner in his first active season in 2010. These guys can get it done in 2010.
So where are the Dolphins in 2010? These are my thoughts on where Miami is and what they need to do.
First off, you keep drafting players and then failing to develop them. They end up getting labeled as player's who "lack something" or "will never be a... ". That hangs over them and causes mental issues. It is just poor player development. Plain and simple.
In free agency, Miami has done average. You tend to get older players that did something good at some point already. Or you overspend on a player and place a burden on the future.
So what can be done? Well, let's start with the current roster starting with the offense.
QB
Henne - Showed he has a strong arm and can run the offense. He also showed that he isn't as poised as everyone thinks. He has mental breakdowns in pressure situations and lacks a convincing ability to scramble to buy time. The decision making can be improved with experience, but you have to wonder about his legs.
Thigpen - Showed that he has more energy than Henne in his game. He can scramble and buy time. And has a good arm. But he is seems to be more of a gambler than Henne. I think if he was given a season, he could settle down some with his decision making. Both Henne and Thigpen will likely be competing neck-and-neck for the starting job in 2010.
White - Showed that he is not ready to play QB in the NFL just like the scouts predicted. He can take snaps, hand the ball off, run the option, and possibly make short throws when rolled out. That's about it. It is very important that Miami doesn't screw this up. You drafted him very high in the 2nd round. That is an investment. He has to work out somewhere. I would move him to WR on the roster. He can still play QB on certain plays - like Wildcat formations. But he just doesn't have that great of an arm and his height is a concern. List him at WR and use him in special formations on offense.
Pennington - Showed he is not durable and is just getting older. He has all the leadership qualities one could ask for in a QB. Sign him back for a year as a leader in a backup position on the sidelines. If he wants more, let him test FA.
RB
Ronnie Brown - Showed that HE IS THE WILDCAT. It only works with Ronnie Brown. He is one of the most versatile RBs in the NFL. His durability is a concern. But his versatility more than makes up for it when he's healthy. So do not over-use Ronnie Brown. Be smart with him in 2010. Don't quit on the wildcat offense. Commit to it again in 2010 with Ronnie leading the formation.
Ricky Williams - Showed he is still a workhorse and will probably run the football until his body gives out. You have to admire his toughness when running the football. He is getting older, but showed he can still get the job done in 2009. 2010 might be his last season. Reunite him with Ronnie and split carries. Recommit to the wildcat formation.
Patrick Cobbs - Showed he is not built to be over-worked in the NFL. I think Miami used him too much in 2009 and he blew his knee out. He has a lot of heart and guts. He's a great special teams player and a change of pace RB. Let him compete with Lex Hillard for a spot in 2010.
Lex Hillard - Showed he can play in the NFL. He looks durable and runs harder than Cobbs. But his blocking was poor. He is not a starter or even backup. Let him compete with Cobbs for the 3rd string role.
Kory Sheets - Showed he is still an unknown in the NFL. Miami didn't play him, so who knows? He looked good in college. He could be a sleeper for Miami and beat out Cobbs and Hillard for the 3rd RB spot. If he did, he could also maybe return punts instead of Bess.
Lousaka Polite - Showed he is probably the best or 2nd best FB in the NFL right now. He is everything you could ask for from a FB. I hope he keeps it up in 2010. It's a shame they didn't select him fo rthe Pro Bowl.
WR
Bess - Showed that he can play the slot in the NFL. He was very consistent on 3rd and short. But he was very inconsistent in other areas - like holding on to the football. He has skills, and can make the tricky grabs. I think he has a firm hold on the slot WR position in 2010.
Ginn - Showed that his speed is elite in the NFL. When he gets away and turns on that last gear, no one can catch him. He can also get behind a secondary for the deep pass. He was inconsistent, however in 2009, and dropped too many balls. That was surprising after a good 2008 season. I expect him to bounce back in 2010.
Hartline - Showed toughness and smarts for a rookie. He was impressive in his rookie season. I hope he continues to improve and stays consistent. He is willing to make the tough catches in traffic at times. I like his energy when he plays.
Camarillo - Showed that the knee injury didn't stop him from contributing. He's a good slot WR in the NFL. However, in 2010, I think Miami should try to trade him while he has some value. I believe there will be other teams looking for an experience slot WR. Miami has to make room on the roster at WR, and the slot position is crowded. I'd keep Bess over Camarillo. Trade Camarillo as part of a packaged deal to move up in the draft or get a FA.
Turner - Didn't play in 2009. This is another big investment for Miami. You spent a 3rd round pick on him. He is 6' 5" and has good hands. Miami doesn't have a WR lik ethat on the roster. He's had a year to watch and learn how things go in the NFL. Miami must develop this guy, and get some production out of him in 2010. He doesn't have breakaway speed like Ginn. So I see him used in the red zone and on 3rd downs.
O-LINE
Jake Long - Showed that he still has some growing to do in the NFL. He has the build to be elite. He also has the skillset to be great. However, against the better DEs, he seemed to have mental lapses and get toasted. He has trouble with the speed rushers sometimes. Overall, he played well. I was surprised by the Pro Bowl selection. I actually thouht he took a minor step back in 2009. But it's no concern. And he should be great in 2010.
Justin Smiley - Showed that he can battle. He's tough. He works well with Long. I did see Smiley miss a few blocks at times. It was when he was asked to pull or leave the line of scrimmage. No major problems though. It was good to see him healthy in 2009. He should be ready to go again in 2010.
Jake Grove - Showed he can lead the offensive line. He is a football guy. He is also getting older. He battled a bit with injuries in 2009. He might return in 2010, but Miami should be ready in case he can't play the entire season. Joe Berger came in for him and did pretty good in 2009. But could Joe Berger fill the starting position in 2010?
Donald Thomas - Showed he is young and growing. I think he has the potential to be the starting RG in Miami for a long time. He's very young and plays hard. But he does lose focus sometimes. I think the mental mistakes will go away with more experience. Nate Garner took over for him late in the season. Garner played pretty good. They will likely battle for the starting job in 2010.
Vernon Carey - Showed that he is still Miami's RT. He is a true RT. He holds it down most of the time. He can play sluggish at times, which makes me question his conditioning. I would like to see the coaches get him to commit to a good offseason workout program to get him in a little better shape in 2010.
TE
Anthony Fasano - Showed that he had trouble fitting in to the offense without Pennington at QB. It wasn't all his fault. Henne missed him several times in the passing game. I hope 2009 was just a bad year for him. And I'm looking for him to bounce back in 2010. I believe his contract is up now, so offer him an extension for a year and motivate him to play better in 2010.
Joey Haynos - Showed that he can catch and block at an average level. I wasn't impressed with Haynos in 2009. He was too inconsistent. He's a very big TE. Hopefully he plays better in 2010 or I'd cut him.
Kory Sperry - Showed that he needs more time in the offense. The verdict is still out on him in 2010.
Alright, now on to the defense. I'm not going to break each player down because it is taking too long. Instead, I will just break it down by area of the defense.
DEFENSIVE LINE
They played well in 2009. I think the D-line was the strongest part of the defense in 2009. Ferguson went out with an injury and they still played pretty well. If Ferguson doesn't return in 2010 for one more season, Miami will need to get a NT to mix in with Soliai. But I can't see spending their top draft choice on NT.
LINEBACKERS
They simply didn't back the line in 2009. They were far too inconsistent. It is the weakest area of the defense. Porter played the sideline most of the year, and doesn't seem committed to Miami. Crowder did more talking than playing. His performance was far too poor for an ILB. Ayodele was just as bad if not worse than Crowder. Ayodele misses far too many tackles. And Jason Taylor still isn't as impressive at LB as he is at DE. He's getting older now and isn't as consistent as he once was. Wake showed promise as a pass rusher. I question his skills overall as a football player though. He's suspect in pass coverage. Anderson is a backup. Torbor is the same. However, I think Torbor is the better of the two.
SECONDARY
This group may have shown the most improvement in 2009. Both rookies improved. Vontae Davis showed that he can be something great in the NFL. He gambles too much and it costs him when he's wrong. That will get cleaned up with experience. Sean Smith held down his side. He was quiet in 2009. His few breakdowns in coverage will get cleaned up with experience as well. Losing Will Allen was disappointing. If he fully recovers from the knee in 2010, it will improve the secondary. I was glad to see Jason Allen get more playing time in 2009. He is a fast, athletic DB. I hope Miami continues to develop him. Nathan Jones was hit and miss in 2009. He contributes here and there, but isn't a starter. Yeremiah Bell played strong. He had a decent year. He sometimes get beat by WRs and needs to clean that up in 2010. Gibril Wilson improved all season. He started very poorly, but grew as the season went on. I think he will play better in 2010 with a season in Miami under his belt. Chris Clemons showed his youth. He can hit pretty hard at safety, but seems to get lost in coverage. He is another developmental player. It's hard to say what he will be in 2010.
Well, that's my take on the roster after the 2009 season. Here is what I would like to see Miami do with the team in 2010.
1. The most important area is the LBs. The coaches are already gone from that position. They must have known trouble was coming. LB is a problem. See if you can trade Joey Porter. I know he has star power. Package him with Camarillo or something. See if you can't trade and move up in the draft. I really think Miami should try to get the best LB they can in the draft to take over for Ayodele and play next to Crowder. Then in the second round, GET ANOTHER LB. This time go outside to replace Porter. Wake is not a starter. He is a situational pass rusher. Get a strong rookie candidate and rebuild your LB group.
2. Draft defense. Patrick Turner needs to turn out to be something at WR in 2010. Ginn will play better in 2010. He has too. Hartline is good. Bess is good. And Pat White needs to fill that last spot and be a utility player of sorts on offense. DRAFT DEFENSE. Get two LBs. Both ILB and OLB. Try to get the best ILB in the draft. Then get a NT in the 3rd round to develop behind Ferguson and Soliai. If Ferguson doesn't come back in 2010, get a NT in FA. Trade for one.
3. Here is my list of players to shop for a trade (in order). Akin Ayodele, Joey Porter, Greg Camarillo, Lex Hillard, and Joey Haynos. Try to move up in the draft or get a veteran in a trade.
4. Move Devon Bess off of punt returns. Please. See if Sheets or Cobbs or whoever gets that 3rd RB spot can do it.
Ok. That about does it. If Miami stays committed to its draft choices in 2010, they might just build a great football team. Don't abandon Pat White or Patrick Turner. Don't quit on Ted Ginn or Jason Allen. Ginn and Allen are first round picks. They have skills. Play them and work with them. DRAFT DEFENSE. I'll say that a thousand times this offseason. DRAFT DEFENSE. Forget that #1 WR nonsense. That is all hype and sensationalism. Miami has a good collective group or WRs. Develop them. Make them great. Work with Pat White. Support Patrick Turner in his first active season in 2010. These guys can get it done in 2010.
