Miami Dolphins Weighing Options for the 2012 NFL Draft

The start of the 2012 NFL off-season has just commenced, so hence there shouldn’t be any fright on what the future holds for the Miami Dolphins, right?

Ryan Tannehill quarterback of the future?
Courtesy of: sbnation.com

Precisely. This off-season has felt long due to the dubious transactions the Miami Dolphins have established including trading MVP Pro Bowl wide-receiver Brandon Marshall and losing out on multiple free agent quarterbacks and wide receivers (names like Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, and Vincent Jackson).

Lo and behold there is the 2012 NFL draft as the savior to the Miami Dolphins’ complications. There is no doubt that the Miami Dolphins have to find one, their quarterback, which hasn’t been established since the great Dan Marino and two, the number one go-to wide receiver. In this past season, fifth-year quarterback Matt Moore had flashes off brilliance game after game, on a consistent basis.

Since newly-acquired head coach Joe Philbin has been in the front office, the aroma of change has been in the air. A belief Philbin has said in the past is he doesn’t go for the hot free agents, he likes to build his through the draft:

“We want our quarterbacks typically to have what we call progression reads, where they’re not necessarily isolated on one specific individual. With that being said, we’re going to play to our hot hand. We’re going to certainly strive to create mismatches and take advantage of the guys that we do have. But the offense, once we install the passing game, is not necessarily built upon, ‘OK, you’re the No. 1 guy, you’re the No. 2 guy, you’re the No. 3 guy.’ -according to ESPN.”- NFL.com

Which leads many people inquiring for what actions will be taken place on April 26, 2012. All ears and eyes will be intuitive on the Dolphins management. At pick number eight, the Dolphins can address many options. As for as the defense goes, there aren’t many priorities on that side of the ball but for offensive there are gaps to fill in the quarterback, wide receiver, and possibly the tight-end position.

Justin Blackmon can be a number one wide receiver.
Courtesy of: proprospects.wordpress.com

In evaluating all of their options and assuming top prospects Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III are gone, I see guys like former Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon, and Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden on the horizon for the Dolphins.

Tannehill is a player to keep an eye on. He could be captured the Cleveland Browns at pick number four and maybe as early by the St. Louis Rams at pick number six if they ultimately decide to trade quarterback Sam Bradford. The perfect fit for the Aggies’ quarterback is Miami due to the offensive coordinator Mike Sherman. Sherman was Tannehill’s head coach at Texas A&M. Coach Sherman was the head coach from 2008-2011. They have a very close relationship. Tannehill capped off his senior year with 3,744 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.

Blackmon is one of, if not, the best athletes in all of this draft.  The former Cowboys’ wide receiver was not a force to be wrecking with. Since Miami doesn’t have a go-to guy, they could possibly make a splash in picking this phenomenal player off the board. He has made a substantial impact in his senior year tallying for 121 receptions for 1,522 yards, and 18 touchdowns.

The passer on the end of those completions was quarterback Brandon Weeden. This player has a story like no other.Weeden was in MLB, in the U.S. Army, and previously the starting quarterback for OSU at age 29. He recorded 9,260 yards, 75 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions at his time with the Cowboys.

Ultimately the decision do you go with the picture perfect piece in Tannehill, the best wide receiver Blackmon, or the old veteran quarterback Weeden. We will all find out what GM Jeff Ireland and Owner Stephen Ross has in stored.

Miami Dolphins Have a Lot of Holes to Fill in This 2012 NFL Free Agency

Yikes! Where to begin.

Yet again the Miami Dolphins are starting off from square one. The organization has done some massive spring cleaning throughout their organization in potentially eliminating themselves from free agent quarterback Peyton Manning due to the action of trading Pro Bowl MVP wide receiverBrandon Marshall, and missing out on multiple elite wide receivers.

The Dolphins have all sorts of problems with the management right now, which makes it hard to believe that Manning would sign with the team. A change of the two comics in the front office, GM Jeff Ireland and owner Stephen Ross is badly needed.

GM Jeff Ireland, HC Joe Philbin, and Owner Stephen Ross

Regarding the trade of Brandon Marshall crushed many hearts of Dolphin fans, not only because he was their best player but it would make Manning think twice about signing with this trouble-some AFC East team.

Yes, it is only six hours deep into this free agency period but Ireland and Ross are sitting back watching every other team make their moves instead of hunting for some top free agents.

After trading Marshall, the Dolphins have about $16 million under the salary cap. The way this trade blew up, such actions should be put into place including aggressively talking to Manning’s former teammates as a bait to lure Manning into the system, but oh boy was I wrong.

The Miami Dolphins have yet to contact Manning, again waiting for him to come to them. At the same time, they are contacting Matt Flynn, the former back-up quarterback of the Green Bay Packers.

At this point the Dolphins should just throw money at Flynn and maybe to wide receivers like Brandon Lloyd and/or Laurent Robinson. I don’t understand what the front office is thinking but with the players on their current roster they are a low-average team who will not be able to contest in the AFC East with the New England Patriots, the Buffalo Bills, who are looking to sign defensive end Mario Williams, and wide receiver Robert Meachem, and the New York Jets.

Year after year the Dolphins look to build toward the future and in trading Marshall and not pursing free agents, the future does not look promising for this team.

Miami Dolphins Fly to Indianapolis to Visit Peyton Manning

According to ESPN.com, Miami Dolphins‘ head coach Joe Philbin and other significant staff members met with Peyton Manning in Indianapolis from a span of four to six hours.

Yes Indy, not Miami. The Dolphins were smart to take the initiative to go to Manning instead of waiting for Manning to go to them, which may not have happened.

ESPN’s Chris Mortenson says from his sources he heard it was a “good meeting.” The fact of the matter of Miami sending all supporters including head coach Joe Philbin, who is calm, cool, and collected to convene with the quarterback was an intelligent move.

This is exactly what Manning needs at this time. He does not want to be out in the open and have the spotlight shining on him but isn’t that what Miami is? Stars out, cameras out?

It is hard to believe that Miami is not on the rise in Manning’s list of teams now that the two sides have met on Monday. It all comes down to Manning, what does Manning want to do.

If you are the Miami Dolphins’ organization, you can not sit back when free agency starts, Look for them to be aggressive and have the urgency to retrieve Manning.

Subsequently, if GM Jeff Ireland and owner Stephen Ross are not forceful in the launch of this 2012 free agency, the loss could be bigger than just Manning, it could mean they miss out on free agent quarterback Matt Flynn.

The rising star of Reggie Bush and the MVP of the Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall were most likely apart of that long conversation. Since it will be a new offensive scheme in which head coach Philbin will run, could have insisted Manning to have full control of the offense.

The Miami Dolphins are close to $16 million dollars under the cap which could persuade the quarterback to join the team. Plus, the additions of his fellow teammates like offensive lineman Jeff Saturday, wide receiver Reggie Wayne, and tight-end Dallas Clark into the mix.

With just a little under 15 hours left in this Eve of the 2012 NFL free agency, Manning has a lot of think to do and so do the Dolphins. Watch out, this free agency is going to be fun to watch.

Miami Dolphins Quarterback Position in a Stalemate

The Miami Dolphins have not had a quarterback since Dan Marino days and right now it is Matt Moore’s job but for how long?

Only time will tell whether the Miami Dolphins are satisfied with Moore under center. In taking a peek out into the free agency market and who could be on the trading block soon names like Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, Jason Campbell, Kyle Orton, and Donovan McNabb fill the chart.

With that, who fits best with the newly acquired coach as the big man taking snaps? In evaluating who fits the job it comes down to age, career statistics, and who can come in and learn the offensive scheme of coach Philbin right away.

So let’s start off with the obvious.

Manning in Indy but for how long?

Peyton Manning is a hot commodity and as well he should be. Manning is a 14-year veteran, who can help a team out like the Miami Dolphins. The only missing piece the Dolphins need is a quarterback. Don’t get me wrong Matt Moore had one heck of a season in posting 2,497 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions but if you can get your hands on a player like Peyton Manning, there is no doubt the Dolphins would inevitable to not propose a trade. Yes the man is 35 years-old but if you have Manning as a starting quarterback in your clubhouse hopes are elevated. Also, this is an ideal situation for the long time Colt quarterback. He will be surrounded some young, fresh, and high caliber players in Pro Bowl MVP wide receiver Brandon Marshall, running back Reggie Bush (coming off a 1,000 yard season), Pro Bowl offensive lineman Jake Long, and statistically one of the better defenses in the NFL. Manning would run this offense like no other, whether it be dishing off passes to Reggie Bush in the slot or throwing the long ball to one of better wide receivers in today’s game.

Another ideal situation would be bring in quarterback Matt Flynn. He was in the Packers‘ quarterback depth chart for four years but now he is out there on the market. Does he follow his fellow former offensive coordinator? It totally makes sense from both perspectives. One, he can come into the organization and know what he is getting himself into. Two, he would be cheap for the Dolphins to retrieve. This kid has shown he can play. In week 17 this past season against the Detroit Lions he made name forhimself throwing 480 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception.

As far as Jason Campbell, Kyle Orton, or Donovan McNabb goes, they are complimentary quarterbacks that are at a point in their careers where they need to flash some light on their veteran presence in the National Football League. Campbell and Orton still have some left in the tank but good ole McNabb is running on empty.

The quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn would better the Dolphins playoff chances in the short term and long term. In regards of Manning’s injury, he came out and said he is ready to play but his agent says no timetable set quite yet.

Breaking News: Jeff Fisher chooses the St. Louis Rams over the Miami Dolphins.

 

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Jeff Fisher has agreed to be the next head coach for the St. Louis Rams.

How does this effect the Miami Dolphins?

Days ago, there were reports that Fisher was leaning towards the Miami Dolphins. In result, the Rams made a bigger push for the veteran head coach. St. Louis sent their rookie quarterback Sam Bradford to meet with Fisher to sweeten the cause for the head coach to choose their team.

This is a huge sack for the Miami Dolphins. It came down to what team was more put together. Fisher saw a promising future with a No. 3 pick in this year’s draft, young quarterback Bradford, and his ability to choose his staff with the Rams.

The Dolphins don’t have a franchise quarterback and questions throughout the staff. Fisher ultimately chose the Rams because they have a core for the future.

The conflict with Miami’s decision in waiting for Fisher is losing candidates like Mike Mularkey, who has agreed to be the Jacksonville Jaguars next coach, and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris, who has decided to become the Washington Redskins defensive backs coach. There are coaches out there like Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin.

Miami has a lot of questions involving their near future and it isn’t looking too bright.

Jeff Fisher Luring in the Miami Dolphins’ Coaching Vacancy?

There are many reports out there that Jeff Fisher is in the process of choosing between the Miami Dolphins and the St. Louis Rams and is expected to make decision today. He is leading towards the Dolphins. In Miami’s case, is he the best fit?

The two positions that are stopping the Dolphins from becoming an elite team are quarterback and coach. The quarterback void will be found through the draft or free agency but for the coaching position, it has established a negative trend. Throughout the franchise’s history, the Dolphins have been through nine coaches, which obviously involves a lot of inconsistency. I think the team needs an older and experienced coach that can create the identity for this team.

With that, if you’re the Miami Dolphins you want this guy. Jeff Fisher is a proven coach who establishes a 142-120 coaching record, consisting six playoff appearances with the Houston Oilers and the Tennessee Titans.

Fishers’ coaching tactics includes a run heavy offense, which could give Reggie Bush more touches. After his first 1,000 yard season, the run heavy offense could become a yearly tradition. The passing game with receivers like Brandon Marshall, Davone Bess, Brian Hartline, and Charles Clay will develop just like it did this past season.

The Miami Dolphins have also interviewed Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philibin this week, but dealing with a loss of his son Michael it could take a while for him to make a decision. They were also looking at Chicago Bears’ special teams coach Dave Toub, and recently they interviewed Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, who recently agreed to become the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach.

Signs are pointing towards Jeff Fisher and why not? It could eventually be a perfect match for both sides. Look for them to give him a fat contract he can’t refuse.

Jason Taylor Retires From The NFL After 15 seasons

That’s all she wrote for the Miami Dolphins’ defensive end Jason Taylor, next stop is the Hall of Fame. Taylor made it known earlier in the week that Sunday’s game against the New York Jets will be the final game of his career.

The 15-year veteran spent his time with the Miami Dolphins (1997-2007), Washington Redskins (2008), Miami Dolphins again in 2009,  New York Jets (2010), and Miami Dolphins (2011). Throughout his stint with all of these teams, he was a defensive threat that could out rush the offensive line to get the quarterback.

Playing with the Miami Dolphins, he had the privilege of playing with many defensive greats like linebackers Zach Thomas (who was like his brother) and London Fletcher (Washington Redskins),  defensive tackle Vonnie Holliday (Miami Dolphins), defensive end Cameron Wake (Miami Dolphins), and corner backs Darelle Revis (New York Jets), Sam Madison (Miami Dolphins), Patrick Surtain (Miami Dolphins), and Vontae Davis (Miami Dolphins).

The six-time pro bowler racked up 774 total tackles, 139.5 sacks, 47 forced fumbles, and eight interceptions within his NFL journey.  In 2006, he received the NFL Defensive Player of the Year recording 61 total tackles, 13.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, and two interceptions.

Not only was Taylor well respected due to his defensive presence and dominance but off the field he was one of a kind. You would never see or hear Taylor violate team or league rules, he just did his job in a professional way. His experience on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” in 2008 could have been a distraction but wasn’t because he doesn’t have an ego.

Taylor will be missed throughout the Miami Dolphins organization and football in general. Here is his speech after the game against the Jets. This win was extremely big since the Dolphins and Jets have been rivals for a long time. A great way to go out to say the least.

Jason Taylor and the Miami Dolphins a Bitter-Sweet Ending

Defensive end Jason Taylor concludes his 15-year career with the Miami Dolphins (6-10) involving  a huge victory at home against one of his former teams the New York Jets (8-8), 19-17 on Sunday

The Miami Dolphins had nothing to lose in this game and crushed the Jets’ playoff hopes. The Dolphins finish the season winning five of their last seven games. With Reggie Bush absent in this game due to a right knee injury, there  had to be a force on the ground and it came from former West Virginia Mountaineer Steve Slaton. He filled the void in the backfield racking up 55 rushing yards.

Dolphins’ quarterback Matt Moore yet again finds away to survive throughout battles. He tallied 135 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Even though Matt Moore’s performance was unattractive he receive some power within his receivers Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess.

Throughout this 2011-12 season, the Dolphins have recorded a total of 13 interceptions. On New Year’s, they brought their “A-game” intercepting Jets’ quarterback Mark Sanchez three times.

Mark Sanchez’s performances late in the season were terrible. Sanchez continued to put the Jets in an unknown territory. He has been inconsistent when the empire needs him most.

The New York Jets lost their last three games. A rough ending and not a good start to the new year with some questionable calls and actions on their sidelines. Sitting in the farthest bench away from the vision of the field appeared an angry Santonio Holmes. With Jets losing by nine points there was still time on the clock to make a comeback and he basically made an “all she wrote” kind of action.

Miami Dolphins need to rethink this season over. After starting off the season with a horrendous 0-7 record, the Dolphins turned had to turn it around and did giving their season a whole new twist. As for the Jets, they need to find their identity within their franchise whether it be dumping Mark Sanchez or a coaching change. Both teams need changes throughout their organization. We will see what each time has in stored for the off-season.

As for Jason Taylor, keep an eye out for his feature post coming soon.

A New Year’s Showdown “feet”uring the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins will try to ruin the New York Jets‘ celebration on making the playoffs.  New York Jets’ head coach Rex Ryan‘s comments last February might have been blown out of proportion about making the super bowl (might not even make the playoffs).

There is a lot on the line for the New York Jets in making the playoffs, more than you would think. If the Jets win, quarterback Mark Sanchez will look like the “unsung hero” of New York. If they lose, the Jets could be looking elsewhere for a more sufficient quarterback.

What about the coach? Ah Yes, Rex Ryan (the feet lover). It is funny how he can talk the talk but can’t walk the walk. He could possibly be on his way out since his words speak louder than his actions in every season. The Jets are on the verge of making or breaking. It seems to be that this victory is more important to keep their franchise alive.

Miami has been in the rebuilding process this season with a possible new coach and new quarterback in the near future. This game has a presence for the team to finish strong after another tough year. If the Dolphins become successful out of this win, it will bring a little light on the dreadful 2011-12 season.

Key Match-up:

The AFC battle: New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins-  These two rivals have a record of 47-43-1 in advantage of the Jets. This game means much more than just a victory; it means bragging rights. The second team in line for the AFC East could be the Miami Dolphins or the New York Jets and this game could help this cause.

Jets’ run offense vs. Dolphins run defense- LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene have a total 0f 1,223 rushing yards on the season, which is considered mediocre in the NFL. With an explosive back in Greene and a complementary back in L.T. these two can run through any force but can also be ran over at any time. The Miami Dolphins’ defense has been one of the rare strengths in their season. Defensive end Cameron Wake and outside linebacker Karlos Dansby have been the dominant pieces in their defense, which is ranked 14th in NFL defenses.This game will meet its expectations and be a battle for the new year. So who will win this game? Who has the edge?

Prediction: MIA 34 N.Y.J. 20- The Miami Dolphins are going to send the Jets flying back to New York and put Rex Ryan in his place.  And to top it off, the 15th year veteran linebacker Jason Taylor will leave the NFL with a happy and satisfied ending.

QB Comparison: Mark Sanchez vs.Matt Moore

Somebody tell Rex Ryan to stop talking and start living in reality. The New York Jets will never win a super bowl if quarterback Mark Sanchez is under center in my opinion.

Mark Sanchez:

The past two games Sanchez has been terrible to say the least.In week 14 against the Philadelphia Eagles he had a total of 150 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. In last week’s game versus the New York Giants, his performance became worse, he racked up 258 yards but threw for one touchdown and two interceptions. I don’t want to hear the bologna about the competitive and tough defenses he is facing, he has been in the league for three years now, there are no excuses. Want to be the best,you got to beat the best. If the Jets chose a different direction in going out and retrieving a better quarterback  around all that talent, the Jets can potentially be a top team in the AFC but with Sanchez making the play calls, I don’t see it. Yes, he has tallied 3,267 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions but those interceptions might increase when they meet a tough Miami Dolphins’ defense.

Matt Moore: Can not give this guy a break. He played like a stud in the first half of the week 15 loss against the New England Patriots but in the second it seemed like he vanished. You could blame the defense for Tom Brady‘s scoring but Moore gave away all the ball against a sluggish Patriots’ defense, who are last in the NFL for their pass defense. Week after week Matt Moore has been doing just enough to get a victory but this week I can see him having a big week. Last time these two teams met he did throw for 204 yards and two interceptions.

Keep an eye out on the preview for Sunday’s game when the Jets fly into Miami to play the Dolphins on New Year’s Day.