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A Theory About Why We Didn't Sign Matt Flynn

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by ukdolphin, Mar 19, 2012.

  1. ukdolphin

    ukdolphin New Member

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    Maybe we're all looking at this the wrong way. Maybe the front office is content with not having signed Matt Flynn because he simply wasn't a main part of the "plan".

    Maybe the plan all along was to draft Ryan Tannehill, and we were simply using free agency (besides chasing Peyton Manning) to add second-rate training camp competition for Tannehill. That could explain "low-balling" Matt Flynn - we didn't want to pay up for a guy whose job would be to simply push Tannehill for the starting job.

    Of course, offering Alex Smith an $8 million per year contract after missing out on Flynn completely contradicts this theory, but that may not necessarily be true.

    (By the way, I don't really believe this theory, I'm just trying to work out how anyone payed to be the general manager of an NFL team could let an off-season like this happen)
     
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  2. The_Dark_Knight

    The_Dark_Knight Defender of the Truth

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    I'll go one further than that by asking this question...

    Who was the STARTING quarterback for the Green Bay Packers...and who was the BACK-UP quarterback?

    As many of our posters here have stated about Matt Moore...that he's really nothing but a back up...that could have been Joe Philbin's overall assessment of Matt Flynn.

    Just saying...it's possible it's really that simple.
     
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  3. Alex44

    Alex44 Boshosaurus Rex

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    An offseason like what? It hasn't been horrible unless you believe media BS.

    Bottom line. Manning flat out SAID that Miami was NEVER among his favorites. We didn't blow it.
    Flynn is a guy who probably ends up being mediocre at best, if Philbin didn't want him I'm more than glad we didn't sign him. In my opinion the most likely scenario is that we told Flynn he would have to compete for the job while Seattle gave it to him outright. We will never know the exact truth but obviously we didn't feel he was worth what he got. That says something.

    I didn't like the Marshall trade but in defense of Ireland he didn't tell him to go out and punch a woman in the face.

    We at least signed Richard Marshall who should fill our FS spot nicely.
     
  4. ukdolphin

    ukdolphin New Member

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    An off-season where you fail to address your most pressing needs and somehow create a new one at wide receiver. We still don't have a safety (assuming that Marshall is going to play nickel-back), a starting right tackle, a number one wide receiver, a starting quarterback or a second tight end. The draft might fill some of those needs, but I'll only believe that when I see it. I like what we've done on defense to this point, I suppose, but our offense now rests on the shoulders of an injury-prone running back.

    Regardless of whether or not they were the best options for our team, the front office outlined Jeff Fisher and Peyton Manning as the number one targets for their two most important roles to fill and couldn't sign either of them. That is failure.
     
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  5. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Well arguably our biggest need this offseason was getting the offensive line straightened out, we finished #2 in sacks allowed in the NFL.
     
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  6. BlueTalon

    BlueTalon New Member

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    Your assumption is incorrect. Pete Carroll was very up front about competing for the starting spot.

    Stop me if you’ve heard this before – the central theme of Pete Carroll’s football philosophy is competition.

    So it’s no surprise to hear that new addition Matt Flynn will be competing with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting quarterback job when the team’s offseason workout program begins April 16.
    “We are really excited to bring Matt in here to compete with Tarvaris,” said Carroll about today’s announcement that Flynn had agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the team.
    http://blog.thenewstribune.com/seah...ys-qb-job-up-for-grabs-flynn-will-wear-no-15/
     
  7. Ohio Fanatic

    Ohio Fanatic Twuaddle or bust Club Member

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    I agree with that one. Winston + R Marshall would have been a very good FA for us, irregardless of not signing Flynn. I haven't checked, but hopefully there is still someone decent worth signing at either RG or RT to beef up our line.
     
  8. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Well, I'm fine with a camp competition at RT between Murtha/Jerry/Garner, to me the real problem is LG as Richie I should be playing RG.
     
  9. Alex44

    Alex44 Boshosaurus Rex

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    That is simply not true at all. At all. We turned Fischer away because he wanted GM power and Ross wouldn't give it to him, and rightfully so. Fischer is a pretty bad coach IMO and I'm glad we "missed" on him. If we didn't our DC would be facing suspension for a good portion of the season.

    As for Manning he had a visit with us. How does that make him our top priority in any way shape or form?

    You are also wrong in assuming Marshall will play nickel corner. He is listed as a corner but mainly played from the safety position in their defense last season and it is where he found his success and became the teams defensive MVP.
     
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  10. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Another issue, Henne in Jville means we will need a backup Qb for certain.

    Even if we go with MMoore, anyone really comfortable with Pat Devlin as the #2 Qb?
     
  11. UCF FINatic

    UCF FINatic The Miami Dolphins select

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    I, too, have considered this. That being said, it is leaving us quite vulnerable of being jumped by someone else that wants Ryan Tannehill or even Weeden if he is our guy.

    Think about it the Dolphins have gone after THREE QBs and have yet to sign one, clearly we will be drafting one. If the Browns take Tannehill, or if anyone else wants Tannehill they know they need to jump us in the draft. Additionally, if the plan is to take Weeden in round 2 we have the same problems... Other teams will know that they need to jump us in round 2 for a QB if we didn't take one in round 1.
     
  12. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Well, I suspect our FO thinks MMoore is a fine default, so if the FA Qb wants to much money, MMoore is the fallback.

    OT, maybe not, would not mind rolling the dice on Braylon Edwards.
     
  13. Larryfinfan

    Larryfinfan 17-0...Priceless Club Member

    I might buy that, but what are the chances that Tannehill is still there at #8 ?? He's next in line after Luck and RG3 and there will still be several teams that need QBs besides us. Do you trade up for the guy when there is question that he's even worth more than a mid round pick ?? Or if he's gone do you take Weeden at #8 ? I don't think, where we pick and with other teams needing a QB, that we intend to go into the draft 'hoping' that Tannehill is there at #8...

    I think they low-balled Flynn playing on his desire to reunite with Philbin and it backfired on Irish...
     
  14. Larryfinfan

    Larryfinfan 17-0...Priceless Club Member

    Oh, and would it surprise anyone if Smith waits out the Manning ordeal and re-signs with SF...??
     
  15. BlameItOnTheHenne

    BlameItOnTheHenne Taking a poop

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    What QB wouldn't?
     
  16. emocomputerjock

    emocomputerjock Senior Member

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    According to NFL.com, Arizona and the Rams both allowed more - though TBH that's not good one way or the other. Definitely needs an improvement with either Moore or Smith behind center.
     
  17. NorFlaFin

    NorFlaFin Active Member

    Thanks to the SeaChickens signing Flynn; Tannehill has the potential to fall to aleast 17th.

    8. Miami Dolphins

    9. Carolina Panthers - no thanks invested in Newton
    10. Buffalo Bills - sign Fritz to $$$
    11. Kansas City Chiefs - could be a problem do they believe in Cassel?
    12. Seattle Seahawks -signed Flynn
    13. Arizona Cardinals - key is Kolb gets his bonus?
    14. Dallas Cowboys - Romo
    15. Philadelphia Eagles - Vick
    16. New York Jets - Sanchez
    17. Cincinnati Bengals - prefect trade partner.
    (from Oakland Raiders)
     
  18. JamesyEsq

    JamesyEsq Active Member

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    I still don't understand this logic that we missed out on Flynn because we didn't actually want him,this is totally flawed, you don't invite the guy to the facility and discuss terms if you never wanted him in the first place!!
     
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  19. sws84

    sws84 Season Ticket Holder

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    IMO, Moore as the fallback would be fine except Ireland wasted a lot of time courting QB's instead of signing guys like Winston who could have really helped us. I have read a couple of times this morning that the Dolphins look like they don't have a plan. This is supposed to be Ireland's time to shine; however, if he really is shooting from the hip and doesn't have a plan then maybe the job is too big for him.

    Steve :)
     
  20. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    You think we didn't Winston because Ireland was too distracted?
     
  21. sws84

    sws84 Season Ticket Holder

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    Yep, if I remember the time line correctly, I think he was holding out for Manning and saving the cap space to sign him.
     
  22. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    Do you have a link that says we didn't offer Winston anything because we didn't know how much we wanted to put towards Manning?
     
  23. sws84

    sws84 Season Ticket Holder

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    LOL. I am sure you have read the news where many think Manning is holding the teams he's interested hostage until he makes his decision. When the Dolphins were talking with Winston, I am pretty sure they believed they were still in consideration. I don't have any info on what we offered Winston, but I suspect that it was gonna be either Manning or Winston, unless Winston was willing to come in for what we paid Hicks. No expert here, but I don't think we have the cap space to sign 2 big FA without raising havoc on our team salary structure and having a bunch of dead money in the future.

    That said, if you think Ireland does have a plan, please share it. I would love to hear it.

    Steve :)
     
  24. Bulldog

    Bulldog New Member

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    How do you figure the Dolphins haven't addressed getting a QB? Other than Manning, what proven FA's are out there? It's fairly obvious that Philbin doesn't think Flynn is worth it or else the Dolphins would have went after the guy harder. Manning, for his own personal reasons, doesn't want to come to Miami. My guess is that he knows he's in the twilight of his career and understands that the Dolphins have a new coaching staff and a few other holes to fill (besides QB) so they weren't a good fit for him. That and I'm sure he knows the Dolphins aren't in a position to give him a $90 mil contract.

    As for the "somehow create" another problem at WR remark. WTF are you talking about? Marshall punched a woman in the face. He's been in trouble on and off the field his entire career. They gave him a chance and he failed. That has NOTHING to do with Ireland or Ross. Marshall is no longer a Dolphin because he's a POS.

    The FO interviewed Fisher. You, nor I, know what happened or whom turned down whom. I alread explained Manning.
     
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  25. PhinsRDbest

    PhinsRDbest Transform and Transcend

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    I don't agree with any Theory that doesn't involve the Mayans. :shifty:
     
  26. UCF FINatic

    UCF FINatic The Miami Dolphins select

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    Another thing to point out is why did we bring Flynn in and talk contract with him before Alex Smith, if we liked Smith more and were willing to give him (supposedly) a bigger contract?
     
  27. Who knows what they have in mind. Its possible they are pewtending to have interest in certain players to make them look more attractive to other teams because they want those teams to sign them instead of the gu they want. Everything is smoke and mirriors this time of year.
     
  28. UCF FINatic

    UCF FINatic The Miami Dolphins select

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    Or the Browns could take him at 4.... Plus, I think most teams will project Tannehill to us so if they really want him they know they would have to jump us in the draft.
     
  29. Bulldog

    Bulldog New Member

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    Who said they liked Flynn or Smith better than the other? To me it looks like the Dolphins are giving due diligence to most FA QB's. If Flynn doesn't loo like the answer why sign him? Same goes for Smith.
     
  30. UCF FINatic

    UCF FINatic The Miami Dolphins select

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    We liked Flynn more than Smith because we brought him in first AND talked contract with him first. If he would have agreed to the contract we never would have brought in Alex Smith... Therefore we liked Flynn more than Smith or at the very least we wanted to sign him more than Alex Smith. You don't bring your 3rd option in and talk contract with them before you do that with your 2nd option.
     
  31. emocomputerjock

    emocomputerjock Senior Member

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    I don't think that Smith was in the picture prior to the 49ers working out Manning. Due to the conflict of interest Smith is getting a new agent, and Miami is the most openly needy team looking for a QB right now.
     
  32. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Jeff Ireland is on the record for saying its a priority to find an upgrade at the QB position, Matt flynn was considered the best out there..Matt Moore is already here..Sherman coached Ryan Tannehill...Philbin coached Flynn..

    Philbin didn't think Flynn was big enough upgrade to give up other options..Flynn signs with seattle..

    The Philbin theory.
     
  33. Aquafin

    Aquafin New Member

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    the excusses that dolphins will make to put Irelan on a pedestal . folks Matt Flynn will be a star at qb , Ryan Tannehill is the worst qb from the big 12 . why do people love making excuses for Jeff Ireland ? players talk , coaches talk and the about Miami isnt good . not one good thing is being said about this orginazation.

    just because Philbin wanted a guy meas that Ireland wanted him. several free agents have said they didnt like Ireland and the way he treated him.

    we have holes to fil and so far Ireland has done a horible job. the way some fans think you would think Ireland has naked photos of some of the fans so they wont see what a clown that Ireland really is.

    when players are snubbing a team , any team that will never bold well for that team.

    its time to stop with the sorry *** excusses . we were once a great team to come to and now if you research this we are looking up to the Browns , cardinals, Seahawks and Jacksonville.

    the truth is we should have been able to to land flynn or Manning Ryan Clark 's tweet should be all the proff you need to see Miami has serious problems.
     
  34. AdamC13

    AdamC13 Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, why would coach Philbin want Matt Flynn on the roster who has spent the past 4 years mastering the offense and can do this:

    Indulge me here, if you've already read this. It's from my column last Tuesday on SI.com, about a play I saw when I watched tape of the Detroit game with Flynn earlier this month. It says much about why Seattle thinks he can be its answer. With the emphasis on "could:

    ''
    On third-and-nine, Flynn came to the line with 14 seconds left on the play clock. At 12 seconds, he began a hard count. "Getting the defense to show their hand,'' he said. Middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch took a couple of steps back. In film study that week, Flynn had seen that Tulloch would likely be covering the tight end in the slot on this call, and that Tulloch always liked to give the tight end some cushion, maybe dropping to 12 or 13 yards and then coming in to try to separate the tight end from the ball.

    At seven seconds, Flynn gave the receivers an alert; he was changing Jermichael Finley's route to a 10-yard curl. He snapped the ball with four seconds left on the play clock. Finley ran nine yards, turned around, and the ball was in his gut. First down, barely. Flynn had combined his film study from the week, the stones to check off from a play the team wanted to run, and the trust with his receiver to throw the ball to a spot before Finley turned around. It worked.

    "In the Green Bay offense,'' Flynn said with the tape on pause, "we're what you'd call a 'best-play' team. I've been in the system for four years, and I know how it works. You study during the week and know everything you can possibly know about the defense. You talk to the coaches about what you like and what you don't like. Then, you get in the game, and checks like that come easy. We've worked on plays like that one every day in practice. It's just reaction for me now; I know what to check to.'' Which, for an NFL quarterback, is half the battle.

    When Schneider did his homework on Flynn, one of the players he was reminded of was Rich Gannon. So he called Gannon to see what he thought of Flynn. "He can play the game in his head,'' Gannon said. Like you just read.
     
  35. ukdolphin

    ukdolphin New Member

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    It's not that we didn't want him - just that we didn't want him as the out-and-out starter, so when he asked for starter money we declined and he went elsewhere.
     
  36. AdamC13

    AdamC13 Well-Known Member

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    Miami Dolphins on record as not willing to give "final say" in personnel decisions to #1 coach on their wish list Fisher a 17 year veteran. Dolphins hire 1st time coach Philbin. Coach Philbin calls Matt Flynn throughout FA process and assures Flynn he is a main target of the Dolphins. However, Philbin doesn't really want Flynn on his roster and would rather go with below-average starter M. Moore and spend 8th pick on developing QB probably years away who would be over-valued at pick #8.

    GM Ireland overrides Philbin and has Flynn in for visit. GM Ireland wants Flynn but decides he made a mistake by not giving "final say" to Fisher and now decides to give those rights to rookie coach Philbin.

    Philbin decides to "low-ball" Flynn as he has now assumed GM duties and managing the cap is now his responsibility too. Philbin is now more concerned about players getting "fair" contracts rather than coaching the football team...Flynn signs with Seattle..

    The Ireland theory.
     
  37. ukdolphin

    ukdolphin New Member

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    Manning was the first outside free agent (publicly) planned to visit with us.

    Fair enough about Marshall. I don't know too much about him, I've just heard that the FS competition is going to be Clemons/Jones again and from Omar Kelly that Marshall will likely be used as a nickel corner.

    And, actually, you've made me change my stance about Fisher. I kinda blanked out when he turned us down and didn't really look into it. You are right, though.
     
  38. hazed819

    hazed819 Well-Known Member

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    Maybe Philbin gave us the inside track on the dude.
     
  39. CANEPHINS

    CANEPHINS No Tats & Dreads Allowed

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    It isn't that we didn't sign Flynn. Instead he didn't sign with us. It wasn't because of the offer. It wasn't because he didn't like Miami or the facilities. It was because he didn't believe in the path this oganization is going in. He didn't buy in to what Ireland and Philbin were selling.

    So perception plus our selling skills are why he didn't come here and wh he signed with Seattle.
     
  40. BearsFan21

    BearsFan21 New Member

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    I'm kind of surprised up he didn't want to be with Philbin
     

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