Every game and play does matter for almost all NFL players and coaches. It's their job, how they make a living, and something that mattered since grade school. This year's Dolphin team is a bit different, as it's do or die, in varying degrees, for many. It's been said that how you respond to adversity, defines you as a person. Many on our team will have that opportunity to respond. How they do that will define our team, for better or worse. A closer look- Sparano has gone through more than any coach should be asked to do. His owner and GM went out of their way to replace, and embarrass him. he is still here but, not quite the same. Will he be able to get players to play for him, knowing that he may well be gone next season? Henne did the best he could to lead lockout workouts but, his bosses still tried their best to replace him. This has to sit in the back of one's mind, if not in front. He is in a contract year. How will he respond? Bush wants to be a feature back but, has shown nothing to show he can be. The big chip on his shoulder can break him or, make him special. Marshall had yet some more off the field drama, and not a great year. Will he overcome his on and off the field disorders? Fasano has played well. Will he show fans just how good he is? Hartline has something to prove. Will he? Carey had his salary cut, and the last two year's of his contract voided. He should be pissed, and IF his knees allow, should make his point. Colombo was terrible last year. Will he justify Sparano's faith in him? Langford is in a contract year. Will he show why he is due a very big raise? Davis & Smith are billed as a great CB tandem. They are talking the talk. Will they walk the walk? Soliai is being paid more than Big Jake this year (amazing). Can he prove to be close to worth it? Wake is a Manster, and is being paid as if he were on the practice squad. He has not said much but, think he's just a bit pissed? That's a whole lotta guys with something to prove. The question is how they will respond. I have to believe that they will, and all the media saying they won't is like throwing gas on a raging fire. I cannot wait to see them all respond to the adversity they have been dealt in telling all those doubting them "GFY" which we all know means "Good For You." LOL It is going to be a good year for all Phanatics!!!
Good questions, but I stongly disagree with the above sentiments. I don't think Ross went out of his way to replace or embarrass Sparano. The Dolphins finished 7-9 two years in a row losing the final 3 games of the season both years. And both years 2 of the 3 final games were at home. Harbaugh was a hot commodity entering the NFL. Ross had every right as an owner to pursue Harbaugh. He said he had "no idea" the media frenzy that was taking place on his flight. It was the media that completely made this story overblown...tracking his plane...WTF? The media in today's day and age in a rush to be first projects, assumes, distorts like never before. Really was "a joke" how this story was reported imo. It was Ross who was thoroughly embarrassed and made amends by giving Sparano a contract extension. I sure don't feel sorry for Sparano. The media put millions of dollars in Sparano's pocket with their pirana reporting. The players LOVE Sparano. Hell, even Crowder after being cut stated how much he likes Sparano. He hasn't lost the respect of any of his players. Absolutely no evidence of that. Henne didn't only do the best he could during the lockout, he did a terrific job! He earned the players respect which would have been no easy task considering how last year ended. The players have raved how Henne is now a leader and they turn to him when asking questions. They even voted him a "captain" which hadn't happened before. Henne's bosses did NOT try the best they could to replace him. They passed on signing FA players like Vince Young or making a trade for a player like Kyle Orton. They weren't willing to give up either a high draft pick or a big contract to replace Henne. If they really wanted to replace Henne then they would have. The opportunity was there. Instead they brought in an experienced backup and have not even entertained the idea there is a QB competition between Henne and Moore. As for Bush, he has been putting in extra work. It clearly showed in the Carolina game. Teammates all seem to respect him and said they are surprised at what a leader he is, especially vocally. I don't know what interviews you have been watching to imply he has a chip on his shoulder b/c interviews I have seen Bush is a rather "humble" guy, a true professional. For example, this interview just posted in another thread... [video]http://thefinsiders.com/blog/2011/reggie-bush-joins-the-finsiders-82511[/video]
Well said Adam but, have to disagree. The Ross "search" for a new coach was mishandled. Cower and Chucky said the same. As former very successful head coaches, they know much more than me. although I do agree. Ireland tried to get Orton but, refused to pay the price, which I agree with. However, no way you can tell me that did not "bother" Henne after what he did during the lockout. The trade talk went on for more than a week. The fact that it was not made does not change fact that Ireland was looking to replace him. I am not giving Bush's comments, just my own. Bush has had to see and hear that there is no way he is a feature back, and cannot be one. If that does not pit a chip on your shoulder as a player or person, you are not alive.
As for Sparano, he is on the hot seat. There is no questioning that. He's on the hot seat because of his poor record the last couple of years. However and additionally he's on the hot seat because his owner went public (however it came about) in trying to find a replacement for him before he was even fired. That has put much more pressure on him than what would be there if just as record for. Here's the thing about Kyle Orton, the fact of the matter is they did court him. Had Orton's demands been a little less, he'd likely be starting this next game. so no matter how you look at it they did in fact try to replace him and he does have a lot to prove simply because of that fact. I believe what SouthBeach was trying to say in regards to Bush, is that he does have a personal chip on his shoulder to prove the naysayers of his ability to be an every down back. I don't think that has anything to do with him being a humble and professional guy in the public's eyes.. I think the point he was trying to make is that nearly every phase of this team has something to prove this season.
You're right on as to the point Larry. I can't recall any Dolphin team with so many players with something to prove.
I have to say, if this OL gels and starts playing well, we have a shot to make a run at the playoffs, even with Henne. If not, we are toast again.
I think Adam is right about the QB situation. The FO may have wanted competition for Henne (which Henne's performance last year justified), but they were not willing to go so far as hand the reins over to another QB. The only way the Orton negotiations would have worked out would have had him coming here as the new starting QB. Orton would not have had it any other way. Ireland and Sparano chose not to go this route.
I would not put it past the mystical reality that is the NFL, to have this franchise be the butt of off-season jokes about the handling of not only its HC, but also its QB....to then watch with our own eyes a regular season that sees both rise to the ranks of respected by their peers, the media, and us fans. Far nuttier and crazier things have happened in such situations. Even more then Chad P. leading us to 11-5 following 1-15; 2011 can be magical based on the off-season where in fact the NFL world jumped the gun and piled on in a feeding frenzy over HC search, and #1 QB. I just have a feeling both will shine and soon the media, NFL experts, will act (like they always do after the fact) that they always knew both could succeed and were top of their respective professions, blah, blah, blah. They will come out of the woodwork to claim how the writing was on the wall, based on the last two draft classes, how the trades and FA signings all set this up, etc, etc, etc.
I thought Henne being voted a captain was reported during the game telecast. I just did a search and wasn't able to find any articles supporting this claim. My APOLOGY to all if in fact I am wrong on this point. Based on when captains were announced last year it looks like the vote takes place the week of opening day. I had NO intention of misrepresenting Henne. There is enough articles and interviews out there of his teammates referring to how Henne has grown into a team leader this off season that makes the point stand on its own. May have been Griese's drinking or mine...
Well SB, disagree, the seasons that mattered for "us" were 08-the 2011 Draft, the foundation has been laid for a great team, this season matters to: -Tony Sparano, can he get the Franchise over the hump? 2 7-9's with the talent on this team is just not exceptable if this team is looked at objectively, we have the talent to beat the Pats, Bills, Jest, for whatever reason, Sparano has been unable to consistently do so, time to step up big boi. -Chad Henne, yr #3, weapons all over the field, time to prove it, or go elsewhere -Jeff Ireland, as much as I like the job he has done, this franchise MUST take the next step, ulitmately it is his job to ensure that happens.
This is where I think my confusion resulted from... On the captains from last game, are they the captains for the season“No, it’s just a game-time deal. Put four guys out there, we won’t vote for captains until after the Dallas game. The team will vote then.” http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-08-15/sports/sfl-miami-dolphins-qanda-tony-sparano-20110815_1_tony-sparano-q-a-full-speed-captains I think Henne was one of those 4 guys put out there and it was reported during the game Henne was a team captain which hadn't happened before. It sounds like it is a coaches decision on who to put out there and not by players vote. My bad for not understanding the context.
I've seen Sparano a few times on TV and, to me he seems like a different person, as serious as death. Even when asked about something very positive, he appears to answer as if they were asking about a relative with cancer. The players are about the same, very serious and focused. I have a very good feeling about this year. Hell, half the starters have something to prove above and beyond the norm.
We have a number of young guys who should be ready to mature, be consistent, and start their prime. I also believe that the leadership will be MUCH better with Henne and Dansby leading the way, and JT and Bush getting big assists. We had none last year, and it is overly important to any team's success.
Well Henne wasn't great, he had a better QB rating than Eli did when the Giants won the Super Bowl. Stats are just stats though, but it's not like Henne has been a total disaster. And as a team the Giants went 8-8 in 2006 (which the Phins basically were last year, screw the Steelers game) before going 10-6 and winning the super bowl in 2007. I just don't think the Dolphins should be completely counted out even if they aren't favorites. Certain "experts" who predict 3 wins for this team are total morons and haters, nothing more. They get paid to say outrageous things, that's all.
Thing is, if Sparano is gone, Thor and VD and SS and Wake and Beast and Bush are all still here, so at the end of the day this really more about whether Sparano can get us over the "talented .500 team" hump or whether he just does not have it in him and needs to be replaced. I love Coach Sparano, but that is the nature of the business, you grow, or you are Wade Phillips and are soon to be fired. Same deal with Chad Henne, he has a Coach risking his job for him, if he does not perform who is the next HC, on a different team, who will roll the dice on him? That is why my theme for the season is "March or Die". In the player acquisition portion of the preseason it is: -fix the running game -fix ST -find Wake a complimentary player to pressure the Qb
