The trade deadline is coming. Let's say you can bring in one player to reinforce/fix one position at Miami, but ONLY one. Which position/player do you replace/reinforce? For me it's left guard. Despite MASSIVE improvements on the offensive line it's still Miami's weakest point as proven by any game against strong opposing pass rushes. The offensive line is key to everything we do on offense and not only do we not have depth at LG (or other OL areas), we don't even have a decent starter.
I don't trade for anyone. I look at our own bench, and bring in new starting left guard Billy Turner. I move Mike Pouncey back to center, and to his right I insert Shelley Smith. I now have three good run blockers in my interior OL instead of 'good technique' pass blockers who wind up getting beat with alarming frequency.
This isn't about actual trades, it's about what you think is the biggest priority/need for the Dolphins.
You don't think there's a reason those two haven't managed to break into the starting line up - or even get called up in reserve? I agree with the focus on the OL, obviously, however, if nothing else, we still need to bring in depth for the OL.
To me I would say G as well. If there were a good G available for a lower round draft pick I'd be on it if I were Hickey but thats more than likely a pipe dream.
I think Joe Philbin is stubborn about playing 'his guys' and prefers to play veterans, even when they are struggling. Sometimes you just have to replace those guys and try out a younger player who has more talent.
While guard is the only position one can argue we really need. Getting one wont make or break the season, i dont believe. Yes Colledge had a bad game but it was his really only bad game that i can remember. We made some adjustments and gave tannehill some time and found some holes for miller in the second half. Hopefully the offensive line gels and we can see improvement in play. Through 7 games last year, we gave up 32 sacks. This year through 7, we've given up 17. Yes that 17 might be 7 or so more than we'd love to see but its a hell of an improvement. I think we are tied for 16th or 17th in sacks allowed which again isnt spectacular but going from last to middle of the pack with a top 10 running game, props to hickey and the coaching staff. With that said who are Potential guards available for trade? Bucs need a guard themselves so dont see anyone from TB via hickey connection. I wouldnt mind giving up a 4th even a conditional 3rd if we can get a young stud with a decent contract. Our salary cap doesnt look good next year and a little worried about cap issues so bring in an elite guard isnt really an option unless hes in his rookie deal still and we get a half year loaner. We will cut hartline to save 7.5 mill but maybe he restructures down to 3 million and takes the #3 spot. Even so that brings us down to about even on the 135 million cap or so. Carry the 10 million from this years roll over and 4 million from cutting ellerbe ( stuck with wheeler for another year ) and we should have enough to resign odrick(a must) ,clay (id like to see him back at a decent price, hasnt excelled this year so we could get a decent deal), moreno (if miller keeps it up then not a must although i loved the fire and intensity he brought to the team. Hope he doesnt get the keller treatment and kicke to the curb after 1 year), shelby (not a must but hes been pretty good backup for wake and hes only 25) and delmas (torn on him, hasnt had his name called much all season except for a great game va the jags but even so its vs the jags... However not getting your name called isnt the worst thing playing deep safety. He hasnt given up and huge plays and has been a decent tackler. This one depends on the rest of the year). If we can get a nice guard for a decent pick and 3-4 million then id say pull the trigger, if not for once i have a little faith in the coachin staff to fill lg within the roster to the point where its not a huge problem.
The only other position that has been a major issue is kicker. Not at all convinced by Sturgis' performance. Hurts more that he was drafted. Yesterday he got lucky with a conversion bouncing in off the uprights.
Upgrading to a HOF QB absolutely would have the largest impact on the team. Obviously not realistic though.
Runningback. If Miller gets hurt, we're SCREWED! Hello Daniel Thomas, starting Runningback for YOUR Miami Dolphins!
Just being flippant a bit regarding that comment , that was made multiple times by a well known , long time poster here with some medical information , it was vehemently disputed by myself though .
Well that wasn't what a noted orthopaedic surgeon that was affiliated with a pro football team was telling me , so sure people can say what they wish maybe even think , just the reality maybe shows the validity . Regardless , a remarkable last chapter for one of the all time greats and he may further answer some questions judging by how well he is playing and how Denver is playing too.