http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/thed...ning-back-daniel-thomas-will-surprise-people/ Like any rookie, I won't believe it until I see it on the field. And I still want to sign a Vet in FA to give us a strong 1-2 punch, but it's good to hear a coach give such a strong, on the record endorsement of the kid's play and character.
I like Daniel Thomas. He's going to be a valuable player, so long as he stays healthy. His ability to get the tough yards, will improve our 3rd down efficiency, our red zone efficiency, and avg ypc. Couple that with his knack and ability to run the wildcat and catch the ball, shows he does a lot of things that make him valuable or an upgrade to the current stock of RB's we have now.
I like Thomas quite a bit. I don't even think it will qualify as a surprise when he does well. I don't think he has the athleticism of a Steven Jackson or an AP as the article mentions, but I have no problem comparing him talent wise to a Matt Forte or Peyton Hillis. I see similarities in how Thomas plays to what they brought.
i think we'll all be pleasantly surprised ... not that i can say that he was a draft target of mine (even though we did work him out). he was a well kept secret by the FO. what i don't want to see at this level is him lowering the pads and trying to run thru people - unless its a S or CB. don't get me wrong, i don't want to see him pulling a Ted Ginn .... i want him to run hard and be a 'tough' tackle - but for durability reasons, i don't need to see him trying to run thru people.
Friend GM: actually have two untested players that can potentially bring something special to the table: Sheets returns healthy (speed) & we have Thomas, the drafted (all-purpose) power-back. I think you won't see "a Vet in FA" to give us the strong 1-2 punch. we already have that available to us. makes more sense to ride the proven bull we have in our stables while fine-tuning the new offense. I believe either Ricky or Ronnie will be retained. Hilliard could possibly wind up the odd-man out, if both Sheets & Thomas pan out & Ricky or Ronnie are maintained on the roster. the stable looks potentially strong, especially running behind a possibly rejuvenated offensive line. the primary culprit to the dismantling of our running game last year was the inconsistent play of the offensive line. got to get a push on the defensive trench to create a run, when you can run the ball, the passing game opens etc. etc. *Long-Garner_Pouncey_Incognito-Carey may prove to be our biggest offensive improvement in 2011 shouldn't over-look HB/TE (FB?) Charles Clay of Tulsa, he may have the potential to change the dynamics of a game this guy could prove to be a pleasant surprise that would make three untested with a forth (Gates) used in the WildCat or on reversals, set-plays...possible possibly four new faces to present a "new look" to the offense. let them compete
You could definitely be right, and I hope you are. If Sheets can step into the big play threat RB role I'd love that. On the other hand, if he can't play that role, or if Thomas is injured or not ready to carry the load, then we're right back where we were last year: relying on our QB to carry the offense, which is something I want to avoid at all costs b/c Henne (assuming he's the QB) isn't capable of doing it consistently. I envision us dominating on the ground and using the pass to keep teams honest and make big plays off of play action, how we get to that point? I'm open to any method that works.
Well, I definetely think Dtrain can be the next Dolphins Star running back in the making, but I will not make the custom Sig Pic just yet. DTrain goes off for 100 yds and throws 2 TD's out of the WC on the MNF home opener vs the patsies and a star will be born.
Agreed, I wasnt a big fan either, my man crush was on Ryan Williams & the Cardinals ruined that dream early on. I think Thomas runs kinda high, but I like his hands and I like that he's still relatively inexperienced at the position w/ room to grow. I def don't want him channeling his inner Shonn Green, not unless we sign Deangelo Williams/Ahmad Bradshaw and we can use Thomas as the designated sledgehammer. But if he's carrying the load I want him preserving his body first and foremost.
got a lot to work with if we ever get past this strike. shouldn't over-look HB/TE (FB?) Charles Clay of Tulsa, he may have the potential to change the dynamics of a game this guy could prove to be a pleasant surprise that would make three untested with a forth (Gates) used in the WildCat or on reversals, set-plays...possible if the fix is in on the offensive line, Sparano should be armed to play his game
about free-agency acquisitions: 1) the only free-agency I see as a must is @ QB. would like to see them acquire a Veteran with a serious up-side on the cheap looking for a second chance to compete for the starting position. my best guess is they will carry three QB's & open a legitimate competition this year to hone & develop the best possible solution to start. 2) I think the Running Stable, Offensive Line, WR Corp & Defense are in good shape & can compete this year. don't see Ireland spending future capital that may be needed in next year's draft needlessly. the trump card will be to resolve the QB dilemma. if someone steps up, the entire team will rise with him.
Gronk was my 2nd round pick last year, kept tellin folks he was studley...Lets hope this coach is right about DT, I can confirm that there is now 2 coaches from that staff that think this guy is going to be a beast...
As I said in a PM to one of the members here on draft day, the guy reminds me of Arian Foster. Just my two cents though.
Friend Finascious D: only if it comes from the Lips of God otherwise, it remains only a possible pleasant surprise. DThomas remains an unproven but promising bull this is the reason we keep either Ricky or Ronnie.
Do you think we'll utilize him that way? Zone plays, screens, check downs, etc? Traditionally we've been more of a power running team, but I'm hoping we'll show some more versatility.
I want to be surprised. I have not been impressed with what I've seen so far. BUT! He's a dolphin now. So he's one of ours, so if he goes out there and tears it up nothing could make us happier
His lower body acutally looks pretty slim to me. Maybe his calves are big, but his thighs seem quite narrow for a 230 pounder. Not making a positive or negative comment, just an observation. If you look at other players with similar height/weight measureables (Duece McCalister coming out of college), Thomas looks much more lithe.
This is exactly how I feel. I was one of the most vocal opponents of drafting him, but when he lines up against NE I will be fully well cheering for a major performance. I do agree with Alen, I can see some Arian Foster in him. The comparison to AP is just silly, Peterson is so much faster.
That's what I'm here for....... dad. Now change you pants and go back to bed. Wait? Did you say afternoon? crap it's 3 am and my Ambien has altered my vision to roughly quintuple; I gotta close one eye and squint the other just to get it down to double.
Who wears pants? I prefer to be nude unless I have to go out. People here take a dim view of anyone walking about with their tackle exposed. Get off that Ambien and go back to natural. Your body will thank you 20 years from now. I also find soccer games to be a good natural sedative.
you know the picture in your avatar?---- I just made that same expression. But you're like 96. When gravity has your bobbers swingin around your knees..... ..... I think I just threw up in my mouth a little. BRB The only time yours should be exposed is when a group of Filipino kids need something to play tetherball with. I'll get off the Ambien if you agree to never induce a mental picture of your junk again. lol.
I'm LMAO and totally sober besides, I'm hoping you can get that gig touring around with Ron White, Larry the Cable Guy and Jeff Foxworthy. They may not like such formidable competition though. You got a deal re: junk images vs Ambien. BTW, it wouldn't be tetherball, more like shooting marbles, the pee wee sized ones.
considering Sparano's insistence on using RB by committee lets hope that DeAngelo or Bradshaw are in the FA plans! What a combo that would be. Chad Henne's supporting cast would change from average to exceptional real quick. Id be really interested in how the results came out.
Is D Williams a URFA? I think Bradshaw may not be one either but with the CBA stuff.. I'm thinking a back like C Portis could be a nice low buck pick up if DT goes down or is not what we all hope he is.
If the NFL operates under 2010 rules, no one with under 6 years accrued in the NFL is an unrestricted free agent. Supposedly, the NFL was crafting alternate, less restrictive rules, but there's been no information on what it is. Under the old CBA, I think players needed 4 years to be unrestricted free agents.
There's gotta be some FA of impact value in the mix for us, and considering Sparano's words about Jahvid Best, I'm inclined to believe it's a playmaking back. I'm hoping for Reggie Bush now that we have Thomas (and Lex), but I'd do a few cartwheels if DeAngelo or Bradshaw don the Aqua & Orange.
If we sign DWill or Bradshaw to I'd go from cautiously optimistic to borderline arrogant about us being in the Top 3rd of the league offensively. We still have to go out and execute but we'd be pretty hard to stop X and O wise.