You know I really find it interesting when the draft rolls around and there are those few players that really fall in the draft because of character issues. Lets get real for a minute. We have a guy on our team that was stabbed by his wife for god only knows what. We traded 2 second round picks for this same guy with a history of multiple domestic violece allegations against him. We had a RB on our team last year busted in the offseason and arrested for drunk driving. There are mulitiple other players on this team with run-in's with the law and failed drug screenings. We have a superstar NFL posterboy that pretty much got away with killing somebody. Got an NFL superstar QB that just got out of the joint last year after serving a couple years for dog fighting and illegal gambling. I think character issues are way overstated in the draft. These guys are only 21 or 22 years old (except the dolphins 24+ year old rookies), they dont really even have a character yet. They are immature young kids for the most part.
This is a good post. I'm a pretty non-extremist guy and your post is well-written; I can't help but agree with the whole point of it... I, for one, don't care what Mike Vick did to dogs and I don't pretend to know the facts of all the questionable acts of all NFL players. Our own Jimmy Wilson allegedly murdered a man, but supposedly for a just cause. But you hit the nail on the head. Why do we care so much about our draftees past mistakes? Can't we focus more on their talent and "forgive and forget with hopes they'll change"? I think its because we don't KNOW them. So we judge them based on combine results, interviews, arrest records and so on..........if u trust the kid, draft him high and invest more--if not, take the chance and pass. The NFL is a multi-BILLION dollar business. In my opinion, teams are right to nitpick over Ryan Mallets character. The question is, were the 32 teams right or wrong.....the best part about it is, time will soon tell. Edit: it just occurred to me that Mike Vick was signed to none other than the Eagles, coached by a father in Andy Reid who's son was charged with trafficking of narcotics. My crystal ball (since everyone seems to have one) says Papa Reid believes in redemption, change, and went ahead and forgave the "questionable" acts of a talented QB, eventhough almost everyone stuck up their noses at him.
I think I can understand why we went the route we did but I think in the long run Mallet will be the best Qb out of this class and we will regret not going after him in round 2 or 3. I realize the character issues and have to believe that since he was passed over until the 3rd round that they are real, but this kind of thing is said about a lot of players that turn out to be good down the road. The draft is full of guys in their early 20s, immaturity is bound to get the better of a lot of them. I think Mallet has a chip on his shoulder and will have a lot of incentive to prove people wrong.
I agree but we are talking at the most important position where he needs to be a leader, where he has to gain the respect of his teammates, has to be cool calm and collected. He has too many Ryan Leaf hot head immature characteristics
rumor has it we did try in the third to get back in to get him. It all comes down to when does the risk become acceptable?
Vick, Marshall, and Ray Lewis were all Pro Bowl caliber players BEFORE they received a 2nd chance. If Vick had been killing dogs at Virginia Tech he'd have gone in the 3rd round too. The entire NFL had a chance to analyze and give their opinion of Mallett and I'm not going to argue with what they said. IMO we did the kid a favor by not taking him. Obviously the Pats and their fans have no intention of putting him on the field, whereas if he'd have come here, or Buffalo/Arizona etc he'd have been viewed entirely different. The scout was right, he couldnt have asked for a better situation, and he's a dumbasss too. What I dont understand is that even after the draft, people still think we should've taken him.
Well, when the running game lost 40 ypg, and fell 17 spots from #4 to #21 and went from 22 rushing TD's to 11, it would be a good idea to try and repair it. http://www.nfl.com/stats/categoryst...sonType=REG&tabSeq=2&qualified=true&Submit=Go http://www.nfl.com/stats/categoryst...sonType=REG&tabSeq=2&qualified=true&Submit=Go As the stats show, Chad Henne was pretty much the same Qb in 2010 as he was in 2009 the difference was the running game lost it's effectiveness, if it weren't for the dolfan mental issues about the Qb position this would be a completely logical draft, alas, dofans can be a bit dense.
Couldnt agree more. But whatever, the myth of Henne's "regression" and Mallett's "greatness" will continue to live on. Facts be damned.
Fact of the matter is, the Jets have been a mediocre passing team even with adding Edwards and Holmes and LT, their rushing game has been Top 5 the last two yrs and their defense has been Top 5 the last two yrs and their ST top 10 the last two yrs and they went to back to back AFC Championship games so the notion the only way to advance in the NFL is via the passing game is simply not the truth of it. I won't rehash my view of Henne but the idea of the article that 'the stupid dolphins drafted to fix their running game when they needed a Qb" is simply wrong.
Exactly. The we need a QB crowd willfully overlooks NY. A Run game, defense, & ST can still get it done.
Just harder to win like that, what I find really funny is the Dolphins Franchise greatest successes came using that formula, but fans only recall the Marino era and all of the passing, which has skewed everything today, instead of the 3 legged stool that was used to go to 4 SB's fans want the one HoF Qb who took us to 1 SB. Do not understand that one.
The Steelers, Ravens, Jets, Chiefs, Bears, & Giants all use some form of the run the ball & play defense approach. But I agree, running the ball isn't a necessity the way it was in the past. it's still a necessity for any team that doesn't have an elite (top 5) QB though.
Funny thing is GMJ, "if" message boards where huge in the 90's then all of the "we need a QB!!" stuff would be "we need a running back to take pressure off of Marino! We have not had a 1,000 yd rusher since 1978!" instead..funny old world. I'm of the opinion that it is easier to find a Feature Back when you need one rather than a Franchise Qb every 10-15 yrs or so, one approach is more replicable then the other.
That's how it works. When you win people will find something, or someone to blame it on. Fans/media need scapegoats. I still remember when the game "passed Shula by" in the early-mid 90's. We've sniffed the post season 3 times (2 wins) in the 15 years since he left, so maybe it wasnt him. The Jets have 4 in the last 2 years. I can understand the high level of frustration and impatience given the length of collective ineptitude, but I can see a solid nucleus of talent here and I think we're on the brink of having a good team for an extended stretch if we stick w/ the current program.
Yep, that is correct, 14 rushing TD's disappeared so we went from 22 TD to 8 Td's. To put that into perspective, the ST gave up 5 or 6 returns for TD's in 2010. Or put another way, the Rushing Game "lost" almost as many TD's as Henne threw for in 2010, but fans, and writers, still think "we need a QB!"
That is another thing most fans do not realize, we were really, really, bad for most of the mid 00's, as in we picked #2/#15/#1 and between 04 and 07 we went 20-44 or so, when the curtain went down on the Wanny Era the Franchise was devestated. 4 wins, 9 wins, 6 wins, 1 win/12 losses, 7 losses, 10 losses, 15 losses. 3 double digit loss seasons in 4 yrs. Viewed in that light, Sparano's 25-23 record is pretty good, though no Sparano detractor will acknowledge it, we are the Dolphins we just show up and win football games, isn't that how it works? I think Sparano has to deliver GMJ, he has to take the team to the next level or we probably should move on as sometimes a Coach just does all they can and it does not work, sometimes a new voice is needed in the locker room and on the practice field. Love Coach Tony, but clearly results have to improve, his home record is atrocious GMJ, if he cannot figure that out, home field advantage, then Ross will be forced to look elsewhere imo.
I've never been a big Sparano fan, mostly from ignorance b/c I wasnt familiar w/ him coming from Dallas. I dont view him as a big X and O's guy, but the team plays HARD for him week in and week out and there aren't many coaches who can say that about their team. I'm hoping that what we saw offensively the last couple years was Henning's philosophy and not Sparano's, we'll soon find out. I agree Sparano has to how some results this year, though I think the pressure will ultimately be on Daboll and the offense, along w/ Rizzi & ST. 1-7 at home is atrocious, especially the losses to Buff, Cle & Det. I wish Ross would sign off on some 1pm games early in the season for a change, that would help. We're at Buffalo & NE in late December but we can't get a couple 1 o'clock September home games? Fans may be annoyed by the heat, but they're even more annoyed by the losing.
The draft was a good draft and assessed some of the primary needs the Dolphins had. You can't fix everything with one draft and one offseason--not with this team IMO. However, that doesn't move me from my position that QB isn't a need. It most certainly is. I saw it as a need as big as OL & RB. I say that because it's absolutely the most important position on the field. While we view the NYJ last two seasons as great success, I think those players and coaches will tell you it isn't. And if you were able to catch them off the record, what was the one area where they could use improvement? I think they'd say the QB position. Obviously, that's really unattainable to take a team so close and rebuild at that position, more importantly when you've invested a lot there and the fanbase has also. I'm not trashing our draft this year at all. It addressed some real concerns and it should help Chad Henne to be successful. Again, he's not surrounded by superstars, but he has had enough talent his first two years, and will this year to show that he's capable of leading the team to something better down the future pipeline. I think QB should be a major point of emphasis during the FA period (if we have one, if there is one). At the same time, I don't think it's necessary to fit a square peg in a round hole either, i.e. Donovan McNabb or somebody that doesn't fit our mold. The probability of Chad Henne starting the 2011 season (hopefully on time), as the starting QB of the Miami Dolphins is 95% IMO. I've come to that reality. I hope for the best and hope he proves me wrong. I'd just like to have a "what if", or back up plan if my opinions/thoughts come to fruition. But, all in all, I thought this was a very good needs focused draft class.
There seems to be this myth that keeps getting perpetuated that Mallett only fell b/c of his character issues. Many seem to have convinced themselves that he was this perfect player on the field. I had him rated as a second round prospect before I considered the off-field stuff. At a minimum he has limited athleticism and there are questions about his ability to handle pressure. As I said long before the draft, his character red flags is what dropped him to the third round for me. I think that was the NFL consensus as well. I'm sure there were some that loved him. People can look at the film and think his athleticism is "good enough" or that he handles pressure "well enough". That happens with many players. Joey Harrington was a consensus second round prospect, but Millen liked him so he ended up a third overall pick. I see that pick as a cautionary tale for those that want to reach for a QB out of desperation.
Eh, to me the athleticism stuff is overrated Rafi, and Harrington's problem was not athleticism it was poor accuracy coupled with being scared in the pocket, Mallett maybe makes some dummy throws but I did not see him crack under pressure. That said, the Daniel Thomas pick made me quite happy, thought Pouncey was overdrafted but likely a 8 yr starter and I like Gates and Clay so this was a sound draft in my view.
IMO it was his lack of athleticism that caused the inaccuracy. I don't think he cracked either. I just don't think he had the physical ability to reset his feet and flip the hips when he was pressured. That's what Marino was always able to do and why his accuracy was still good when pressured. Unfortunately, that's not something that's likely to improve.
Dolfans' QB or bust mindset is just a reaction to the cognitive dissonance of the front office and team towards Henne. Henne got benched by Sparano while looking for a spark to the offense. I remember seeing candid shows of frustration with throwing their arms in the air to say WTF from Hartline, Fasano, and Marshall after poor decisions/throws by Henne. The Bears game with Thigpen was absolutely brutal to watch, but the receivers looked much happier with him than Henne while getting demolished by NE the last game of the year. Then you go into the offseason. The coach, owner, and GM all have consistently stated they wanted to improve at the QB position, which turned into bringing in competition at the position due to lockout unknowns. Yet after the way the draft fell and no free agency, with practice squad Brandstarter as the only other QB on contract, the best backing Sparano can give Henne is that he is our QB "for now".... You'd think Sparano would be a little more keen to show his support of Henne after his colossal embarrassment being a fall back coach this offseason by Ross. I can't help but think of Sparano's round table with Ireland and Ross and watching his "I can't believe this BS expression" and think this is exactly what they're putting Henne through.
Great post. I've thought about why the constant dissing of Henne and the only reason I can come up w/ is Pennington and Ross/Ireland. I say Penne b/c he was viewed as the team leader, even as a back up. Henne never beat him out and IMO Henne was viewed as an illegitimate starter who was anointed as the #1. Heck, he was announced as the 2010 starter in 2009, no competition, no nothing. He never had to earn his spot the way most players do, and ht never seemed to earn the respect and confidence of his teammates. Not saying the whole team & staff thought this, but I think a significant slice of the team wanted Penne to be the QB while the Front Office types wanted to move ahead w/ Henne. I remember when Cameron tried to go w/ Beck over Lemon in 07 and the team damn near mutinied on him. So now all we hear is how Henne will have to earn the job, and there will be a competition this and training camp battle that. Problem is, the draft came and went and there aren't many realistic options for us to pursue in FA or via a trade. Absent a credible replacement, Henne will again be "anointed" the job, which will not sit well w/ his teammates, again. So Henne's going to have to grab a Bud light and Man Up this season. I mean taking ownership of the huddle, the offense, and eventually the team. No more letting peons like Hartline diss him, or even Vets like Fasano & Marshall. Just once I wanna see Henne get in someone's grill or yell at the sidelines, or show some form of emotion. He's not a fiery or charismatic guy, more of an Eli than a Brady so I'm not holding my breath. But IMO if he goes out at performs at a high level, he can earn his team's trust, and of course winning cures all w/ the fan base so I'm hoping he'll be able to do both. The 2011 season hinges on it.
How does lack of athleticism cause inaccuracy? Harrington was EXTREMELY accurate when the wide receiver was not moving.
In Mallett's case, it caused poor mechanics. Mallett was very accurate when he had a clean pocket. My feeling is that it was b/c he was able to set his feet and fire. But Mallett's accuracy dropped (more than most QBs) whenever they made him move unexpectedly. I think it's b/c he couldn't reset his feet and flip his hips back as he would during a normal throw. When you do that, you stay in balance. That's what Marino was able to do. Marino had that athleticism and I don't think Mallett does. Many people think "athleticism" is just running. That is just one aspect of athleticism.
As bad as that bears game was with the OL decimated and everything else, I watched Thigpen closely and imo there were some positive signs . Granted he was very inefficient and point blank played poorly, but I still saw promise there and there were obvioulsy mitigating circumstances, ie no OL and no running game. The guy has a solid, live arm and moves very well- other aspects of his game looked far better during the year that he started for the Chiefs, the point being is that I'm not ready to give up on Thigpen just yet, I hope that we resign him. And if Henne falters it wouldn't bother me one bit to see Thigpen get another chance.
I personally thought Thigpen was tossed to the wolves in that game with a offense so simple Mark Schlereth said "I could draw it up on a pizza box top" and no Oline as Long, Carey, Proctor all were seriously injured and that Bears team, to their credit, made the NFC Title game. As for whether Thiggy is retained, I think he either has a shot to beat out Henne, or he should leave, will be interesting to see if his tender sticks though.
Strange because all of these teams have used high first round picks or traded a lot for their franchise Qbs so apparently they feel the passing game is important also.
