The Decision That Shook the Dolphins Decade

[fisi]

In the National Football League, a crucial ingredient for the recipe to success is “free-agency”. Whether it be a pinch or a large helping, from Albert Hayworth to Peyton Manning, teams have either failed or succeeded with moves made during the offseason. On this very day in history, the Miami Dolphins would make one of the worst offseason moves in NFL history. Passing on future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees and signing Daunte Culpepper was a move that would mean a long-term sentence to mediocrity for the next decade.

The year was 2006, after a successful first season with the Miami Dolphins, head coach Nick Saban looked to grow on his previous 9-7 record by replacing quarterback Gus Frerotte, with one of two veteran starting QBs available, Daunte Culpepper or Drew Brees, both of whom were coming off of major surgery. Brees was recovering from a throwing shoulder surgery, and Culpepper a complete ACL, PCL, and MCL rebuild.

As history would have it the Miami Dolphins and Nick Saban would pass on the former San Diago Chargers quarterback and move on Minnesota Vikings Quarterback, Daunte Culpepper, because of the “severity” of Brees’ injury. On the same day (March 14,2006) the Miami Dolphins’ traded their second-round pick in the 2006 draft for Culpepper. The New Orleans Saints would sign Drew Brees to a 6-year/ 60-million dollar contract.


The year is 2006, after a successful first season with the Miami Dolphins, head coach Nick Saban looked to grow on his previous 9-7 record by replacing quarterback Gus Frerotte, with one of two veteran starting QBs available, Daunte Culpepper or Drew Brees, both of whom were coming off of major surgery. Brees was recovering from a throwing shoulder surgery, and Culpepper a complete ACL, PCL, and MCL rebuild.

As history would have it the Miami Dolphins and Nick Saban would pass on the former San Diago Chargers quarterback and move on Minnesota Vikings Quarterback, Daunte Culpepper, because of the “severity” of Brees’ injury. On the same day (March 14,2006) the Miami Dolphins’ traded their second-round pick in the 2006 draft for Culpepper. The New Orleans Saints would sign Drew Brees to a 6-year/ 60-million dollar contract.


http://www.dolphinssidelinereport.com/the-decision-that-shook-the-dolphins-decade/

It was Dan Marino's curse, I tell you.

 

[dlockz]

One decison no matter what it is shouldnt ruin a team for a decade unless that decision is to sell the team to an idiot like Ross

 

[roeky]

what makes you think Brees would have the same success here, it's 2 totally different situations

 

[BobDole]

what makes you think Brees would have the same success here, it's 2 totally different situations

In what realm of functional reality do you think drew Brees would not have lit it up in miami? That we're so bad even an amazing, future HOF QB would produce the same results? These conversations would cease to exist had we picked him over Culpepper

 

[Gonzo]

In what realm of functional reality do you think drew Brees would not have lit it up in miami? That we're so bad even an amazing, future HOF QB would produce the same results? These conversations would cease to exist had we picked him over Culpepper

It really is the weakest argument in defense of our terrible decisions, and it pops up every time we miss out on top talent. As if New Orleans was some juggernaut team before he arrived.

 

[GEORGIA FIN]

I would be more inclined to say the decision to force Shula out for Johnson was a bigger. It wasn't this decade but it has sure has been downhill since then.

 

[Spiff]

I think drafting Ronnie Brown over Aaron Rodgers was just as bad. Quite interesting that Saban had the chance to get a HOF QB two years in a row and each time he made the wrong decision.

 

[Despacio]

Sean Payton played a big part in the rise of Brees. So there would have been some difference.


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---------- Post added at 06:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:37 AM ----------

I think drafting Ronnie Brown over Aaron Rodgers was just as bad. Quite interesting that Saban had the chance to get a HOF QB two years in a row and each time he made the wrong decision.

To be fair 21 other teams also passed on Aaron Rodgers. And Rodgers also said his time sitting behind Favre played a big part in his development. And Elway said, the Rodgers evaluated during the draft and the Rodgers today were two totally different players.


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[spiketex]

Give it a break. The medical staff made a mistake re Drew Brees' amazing comeback after surgery - they were too risk averse re Brees and wrong about Culpepper. Rather than repeatedly fixating on this, we need to collectively just put it behind. There have been a myriad of Draft and other player personnel errors made by the team. As a dog returns to lick its vomit, some Dolphin fans return to play the victim re the Brees decision. Please just put it behind.
Yes, I'm also opposed to water-boarding as a form of torture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUMMMG9mhiE

 

[susser2000]

I think Wayne Huizenga selling the team affected this team a lot more than not signing Brees. Stephen Ross has turned this team into a complete joke.

 

[royalshank]

Trading Greg Camarillio for Benny Sapp set this franchise back 20 years.

 

[tommyp]

Should have DRAFTED Brees instead of Jamar Fletcher. Good 'ol Wannstadt

 

[dlockz]

Should have DRAFTED Brees instead of Jamar Fletcher. Good 'ol Wannstadt

That I can completely agree with. Brees was there for taking and was good value at that pick yet we take a 3rd corner. reminds me of Tbaum skipping other needs to take a third DT

 

[dirwuf]

Missing on Brees set us back 20 years, but passing on Brady Quinn evened it out, so we're right back where we should be....

 

[The Bopkin]

Drafting Jake Long instead of Matt Ryan.