IF we get Keller we would then have signed 4 starters during free agency, at very vital positions, all of which we will depend on to live up to our expectations. We are also in pursuit of Winston, Woodson, and Gibson (possibly Mckinnie and Munnerlyn in lieu). Winston (or Mckinnie) and Woodson would also be legit starters. In addition, we will also be absent of 3 captains and 2 legit leaders with Long, Bush, Dansby, Burnett, and Smith all gone or looking like they are on their way out (assuming Long and Smith leave, and hoping neither do). This is just a bit concerning to me considering that we would lack quite a bit of leadership and especially CHEMISTRY. Our team will be very young and have obviously never played together. Do you think we should really keep looking to free agency to fill in holes? If not, where in the draft do we look to fill them? As we all know, historically a team filled with new good FA's don't exactly play up to expectations and it could be setting ourselves up for a let down. In general, I'm typically incredibly optimistic. There is no doubt in my mind that we look good right now and I LOVE the direction we're moving in, but with the scenario above can there be any concerns? Thoughts?
Very very valid points...and yes, the Tossed Salad approach can certainly cause catastrophe. That being said, it is a new coach and he deserves to do things "His way". God knows the old way wasn't working out very well. I personally think that losing Bush, Long and Smith is going to be very very tough to overcome, especially Long an Bush with the rookie QB, who will now have a Soph LT who didn't shine nearly as much at RT as I thought he would, and Bush single handedly was our offense on too many occasions last year.....
we have lots of draft picks, we arent just using FA as a means to solidify the team. FA just comes first is all... as for leadership, RYAN TANNEHILL. You live and die by your QB and this mofo just got handed the kingdom. I think he'll carry this team in a new way next year. Let's hope...
I'll add this. After watching RT EXTENSIVELY at A&M, IF we are backing the truck up for him to haul, I think we are in for a lot of MEH...... IJS
Long isn't necessarily gone. We didn't want to pay the 12+ million a year he was asking for, so we let him shop himself. Given that they don't seem terribly impressed with St. Louis the city and that Long has stated he will give Miami a chance to match, I think we might be able to underbid a little by pointing out the lack of income tax in Florida. As for the rest, it was based on pure performance. Dansby and Burnett couldn't cover Gronk and Gonzales, so they're gone and replaced by people who hopefully will. Smith can't play zone, so he's gone. The team thinks Bush's production can be matched by Lamar Miller, so we're giving the young stud a chance. Our FA acquisitions are being filled by people who are in their primes and who can fill gaps that aren't easily drafted for, the rest is going to be taken care of in the draft.
besides AZFINFANS points which are valid, your question also speaks volumes of our talent last year. We were good, but not good enough. We needed upgrades at multiple positions. We absolutely need a good CB now - enter the draft. I hope Ireland doubles up on CBs in the draft.
I'll add this. Your extensive watching is 19 games starting.... Say what you like I don't think you can really judge any player on 19 games. You can see potential ups and downs but cannot make a judgement in my opinion.
I knew someboy was going to go there..... I'm just surprised it was you instead of ......somebody else
Yep, absolutely, but that was indeed 19 games of absolute MEH.....plus quite a bit of it this last season lol We will see. As I have stated repeatedly, obviously Sherman knows boat loads more than I do
Its not necessarily the talent I speak volumes of but the leadership and unity as a team. If we can bring back Long and Smith I feel that we can keep some of that leadership. From there go to Keller for TE and look to the draft for DB's and rookie talents rather than moving around the OL, signing a 36 year old DB, and possibly even using a first rounder on an OL.
As long as we don't abandon the draft. It's always draft vs. FA. How about, Draft & FA? Look at the Jets who traded away picks like crazy. As long as the draft is still a focus, then an injection of talent via FA isn't bad. Remember, it's not our money.
Yep, we haven't wasted any picks making deals, and have more than our fair share of picks this year. Might all work out.........
Kind've like the Ravens are right now. Honest question, is it worth it for a single ring? In today's NFL, it is almost impossible to be successful for years in a row.......
like seattle will be haha In a couple of years they will have more player than you can imagine asking for huge contracts if they dont already have one. cap hell if ill ever see one
well, there may very well be a period of adjustment for the players to assimilate together, but leadership likely wont be an issue. The guys we've picked up are not rookies and come from teams with strong leadership traits, so they know what to do....
I'm concerned about this as well. I don't want us turning into the 2011 Eagles. I think we need to stay away from some of the bigger names out there. This is about change and if we are going to win games it's going to be with guys like Ryan Tannehill and Cam Wake doing it. Lamar Miller, Hartline, Bess. We added a much needed dimension to the passing game with Mike Wallace and we have upgraded our linebacking core. Donell Ellerbe may very well take the next step at becoming great at his position. I suspect he will be the vocal leader defensively for us. Wheeler is one of those guys that can fit in anywhere. He blended in with the Colts, and he played very well in Oakland. So far so good for us...We are chasing after Dustin Keller and if we can land him I think we need to simmer it down a bit after that. No need to bring in a Charles Woodson or an Ed Reed. No need for Dwight Freeney or Nmandi Asoumagacha (?) either. Signing a bunch of big name players only puts the expectations on us and when we lose we becoming a punchline in jokes. I don't want those things to happen...We don't need to go free agent crazy. I think we made the right moves so far and if we can lock up Dustin Keller i'll call this a wrap. Of course we will add a couple other players throughout the offseason but after Keller (if it happens) our "big" "sexy" (no homo) moves need to end. We have the draft coming up...Lets not forget about that. We have a ton of picks and I expect atleast three of them to be starting for us once the season gets rolling. The youth movement needs to carry on.
I'm pissed off at what the "media" are saying about our Dolphins yet again. "We are spending too much money because all we care about is putting people in the seats." Jesus Christ on a surfboard. NFLN, Tannenbaum and Pioli are both criticizing us for spending too much. Yet, nobody is bagging on the Colts, for example. PFT just said we're the only ones spending significant amounts of money on FA. REALLY?!?!
Relax bro. They are all just pissed cause the JESTS haven't given them any good fodder....as of yet. They will eventually, and then all attention will be shifted there.
A change was inevitable either way you look at it. We have one of the youngest teams in the league and we have shed some more age and considerable cap expense and still have a slew of draft picks to spend. I like that they have been willing to spend in free agency but haven't gone crazy. I believe we have improved so far and that's a positive.
I honestly have zero idea what you're saying here? Are you the guy that goes into IHOP and drinks the syrup bottles at each table? Sorry, I don't get it?
