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The Not-So Overreaction Plan

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by zwave21, Dec 8, 2014.

  1. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    People, yesterday f***in' sucked plain and simple. But, your kidding yourself if you didn't at least anticipate even possibly expect it. For gods sake its who we've been, who we are, and who will continue to be if we don't make a change.

    Change meaning in this sense based off necessity rather than desperation. There are many talented parts of this team in key areas, there are also parts that may not fit going forward, but plain and simple a change is needed. And it needs to start from the Top and continue to the Bottom. In this article I am going to address major issues with environment, philosophy, staff, roster, etc. Hope to spark a discussion on changes they want.

    Current State: 7-6 and in most peoples minds out of the race. Steelers, Ravens, Chargers, all have a better record and we still have the Patriots to play. If by some miracle we beat the Pats on Sunday then the playoffs could still be achievable. Regardless, nothing leads me to believe it and heartbreak is all but a forgone conclusion.

    Rest of the season plan: After this week's game is 7-7 is the record then Stephen Ross must intervene and instruct the GM and Coaching Staff to play younger players the last two games. Why? At 7-7 the plan should be apparent to this man...Progress has not been made by this staff and problems that have ailed us in past years have continued currently. Not a blow it up type situation but what I'd call some reconstructive surgery. By playing the younger players such as Billy Turner, Rishard Matthews, Dion Sims, Dion Jordan, Chris McCain, Jordan Tripp, Walt Aikens, etc we can assess this roster, which I will do later. That will give the next staff substantial film to assess current state of roster and the plan going into the offseason.

    Step 1: As you may have noticed I would like to eradicate the Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator. Yes, fire both plain and simple. The rest of the staff if pickings for the league and our future staff. My hope: (Save Kacy Rogers, Jon Benton). Yes, Bill Lazor is not included because honestly there hasn't been an efficient identity whether its him or Philbin really calling the shots. Philbin is a dud, we all knew it last year and still think we all gave him a fair shot. Yes, we gave him a fair shot... it is ok to say it aloud and believe it. Is he the lone scapegoat for this season? No, the players are to blame as well but the issues we've had have not improved. He is still the same stubborn cream of wheat coach that he was at his introductory press conference. I hear all the time he is a good man, etc. Well, I've seenplenty of good men fail at coaching and here is another. The one positive is I will say this roster is in better shape than when he came on board post-Sparano. Kevin Coyle is not a good Defensive Coordinator, as he can not scheme correctly nor identify and fix problems in personnel. Linebacker play has been an issue for 3 years now and the choices made by the GM have been a tough thing to swallow but when the coaching staff refuses to play backups who are marked improvements a la Wheeler for Jordan at SLB.

    Step 2: Leave the fate of the roster and GM up to HC. Yes, leave the HC to run the show, as that relationship is very crucial for success in the organization. I am sick of grabbing one and forcing him to accept the other. Hickey had a decent draft in rounds 1-2, the rest is still TBD. His FA choices have not lasted and the depth on the roster is still a problem. Plain and Simple he used some chewing gum to stop a leak and the bubble is bursting. The roster definetly has some pieces going forward that have been answered this season and no 2014 has not been a waste.

    Step 3: Let Football People Make this Decision. This one falls on Mr. Ross, and get the deal done. Don't publicize it, don't let news cameras follow you, nor give daily updates with news conferences. Trust in the people around you, the real Football people to help you with the decision. Who should those be? Dan Marino, Jason Taylor, and Bob Griese. You may laugh and I get it. But, there you have 3 different generations of Dolphins greats who are still around the team and football in a heavy capacity. Griese was a winner in Miami and played for the best winner in Shula. Marino was the best pure passer who played for a winner but knows what it's not like to get over the hump. Taylor had personal success but didn't have team success, he left and came back due to his love for this organization. All are good Dolphins and educated football people.

    Step 4: It's about the right fit not the flashiest. Truthfully, I just want the right guy for this organization who embodies the type of team we bring on the field every Sunday. Yes, I am a firm believe a team plays with an imprint of their coaches personality. The good teams have on real thing in common and that comes from coaching. The number one choice for many will be Jim Harbaugh and I will say if by some miracle Ross woos him to South Beach I will have zero problem with him. I will say his appeal has worn a little bit the past two years with the play on the field and just the issues off it with his contract. Regardless he is the type of coach who demands from his players but also understands conceptual football. There are three qualities I want going forward for a HC: 1. Is he a leader of men? A True Leader? 2. Has he been a HC previously or at least called plays as a coordinator? 3. Has he played/coached for a winning HC? The first one should be very apparent by the lack we have currently. Actually the first two I could identify as major factors why Philbin has failed in Miami. Unfortunately, he won a SB in GB with McCarthy and won with Sherman before that so he had won before. All tehse qualities intrigue me in a coach. Basing what I have heard as rumored "hot names" on the coaching market I came up with a little list of possible options:

    Adam Gase Denver OC: Yes, he is only 36 but his track record in 2 years with Peyton Manning has been historical, yes historical. He seems like a cordinator who understands his teams strengths and caters his game plans towards it. He isn't afraid to sacrifice stats for the W. My only doubt is that he hasn't been HC on any level. Would love the offensive mind he would bring to this team.

    Todd Bowles Arizone DC: Familiar name and face. Was interim back in 2011. Don't see it happening but don't put it past Ross to patch a sore spot and get Bowles back in Aqua and Orange. Love the way he coaches defense and the way he got players to go 2-1 in final games 2011 but not sure he is the guy for the job. Regardless wouldn't hate the hire and would legitimize it as a good transition from Philbin.

    Dan Quinn Seatlle DC: After taking over for Gus Bradley his defense has been rated #1 in back to back years with one SB ring and pursuing another. Yeah, I like that resume. He coached the Dolphins Dline from 2005-2006. He then went to Florida then to Seattle where he has established himself as one of the hottest DC coordinator candidates on the market. I really like the way he schemes his defense to his players abilities. I literally drool at the possibilities for young players like Vernon, Jordan, Jones, and Jenkins. Also the possibility of what he could make this defense become. My question is who does he bring with him to take care of the offense? And what is his mentality on roster? Hopefully, he is following the Seahawks blueprint. I do like that he has success outside of working with Pete Carroll, so it can't be a fluke type of thing.

    Dave Fipp Philadelphia ST: Seems like noone really appreciates or values ST coaching. But Fipp has the best unit in the business and helped Miami as an Assistant in 2011 have the 2nd ranked unit in the league. The fact that he has been under Chip Kelly's wing makes him even more appealing with the type of regime he has his team under. John Harbaugh is showing people that ST coaches can succeed and win SB at the HC level. I would consider Fipp very highly and he continues a trend of coaches familiar with the Dolphin organization.

    Gus Malzahn Auburn HC: Yes, he probably woudl never take the job. But for god sake there is something about this man that even if showed a little interest I'd give him what he wants. His schemes are amazing, his prepartion is equally, his biggest issue is he coaches in state of Alabama at a school named Auburn and plays in SEC West. Hard to build a dynasty with those odds against you with an everchanging roster. Maybe just maybe he could see the opportunity for conitued success with teh right system in place with an NFL team.

    Sleeper:

    Sean Payton New Orleans HC: Something hasn't been right since bounty gate and who knows it may be time for a chance. I see Payton as the type to walk away before the you know what hits the fan. But, if there is anyway he is available I go and get him.

    One thing I do NOT do is trade draft picks for a coach. Not even for Harbaugh.

    My Pick: Dan Quinn DC

    Step 5:
    Once right coach is in place and he has his people in place it's assesing the roster. I am not going into the GM chase because it'll be determined off HC and their preference. If Hickey stays and HC approves so be it. The roster below is my personal preference of key players on if they are expendable and what to do:

    Offense: OL still an issue, lack of power back, no Alpha Receiver, health issues at TE, need to improve QB's deep ball.
    Ryan Tannehill - Safe, he proved enough to me this year to warrant the option. Long term extension hinges on rest 2014 and 2015. Would not pass up chance to draft mid to late round QB.
    Lamar Miller - Safe, he has had a good season for the lack of continuous opportunity. He usage is frustrating and while he is a good back it's still undetermined if he is a workhorse. Still believe he needs a power back complement.
    Damien Williams - Expendable, with a back added he will need to keep improving to keep his place.
    Daniel Thomas - Expendable, enough is enough.
    Mike Wallace - Expendable, yes expendable. His contract and lack of production isn't worth it. He brings a lot of speed to the table but with our QB who isn't a deep ball specialist and lack of chemistry. For the right price or having a proper replacement in place Oceans 11 is expendable.
    Brian Hartline - Expendable, need to cut him as I doubt someone will trade for him but you never know.
    Jarvis Landry - Safe, only WR I say is a must have going forward.
    Brandon Gibson - Expendable, if he stays he is nothing more than a #4 and his $$$ is too much for that.
    Rishard Matthews - Expendable, staff hasn't believe enough to play him but still think he offers enough to stick around for next year as #4/#5.
    Charles Clay - Expendable, been injured this year and isn't the complete TE to offer big bucks too. Hope he is back but not a must have going forward.
    Dion Sims - Safe, has improved and warranted more opportunity. Don't believe he is true #1 TE but a very solid #2 and blocker.
    Gator Hoskins - Safe, contract is cheap and if a seam TE replaces Clay, he could replace what Clay brings to table
    Branden Albert - Safe, his contract makes him safe. Hopefully he returns better than ever in 2015.
    Daryn Colledge - Expendable, not good.
    Shelley Smith - Expendable, too much money for backup
    Samson Satele - Expendable, contract is up and Pouncey is more natural center
    Mike Pouncey - Safe, picked up his option and needs to get back to Center.
    Juwan James - Safe, best OL this year should only get better, has proved he can be long-term LT going forward.
    Billy Turner - Safe, hasn't shown anything but was a highly touted prospect and could be a mauler at G in future.
    Jason Fox - Safe, still wonder why he didn't play more but he is a swing tackle who has proven success. Need depth somewhere.
    Dallas Thomas - Expendable, terrible just terrible. Injuries stunted his growth at Guard and moved him to Tackle, still if he were that good at Guard he would of starter.
    Nate Garner - Expendable, can't stay healthy.

    Defense: Need to revamp interior DL, LB unit needs makeover, Secondary needs depth, and a possible scheme change could be needed
    Cam Wake - Expendable, a lot of hate coming for this one. But he is 32 still a good pass rusher but a serious liability in the run game. Vernon has surpassed him in being the mroe complete DE on this team. He still has high value and for the right price could be had. Not a need to get rid of him and I hope we don't but for the right price it could be a solid move.
    Olivier Vernon - Safe, 23 years old and emerging. Would love to see what he can do going against RT instead of LT every play.
    Dion Jordan - Safe, while his performance doesn't warrant the title. His age, potential, contract, and intrigue from future coaches should keep him safe. He is a piece to a puzzle that is interchangable, DE, 4-3 OLB, 3-4 OLB.
    Terrance Fede - Expendable, 7th round pick of a former regime. His ability should give him a fair chance but no way to say he is safe.
    Chris McCain - Expendable, undrafted rookie who has had sparing impact. His ability and measurables should keep him around, and if scheme change is possible he could exceed in 3-4.
    Jared Odrick - Expendable, not much choice on this one as his is a FA. But, we need to make brining him back a priority. He is a damn good football player and scheme diverse.
    Earl Mitchell - Safe, good production and a decent contract. He is younger player too.
    Randy Starks - Expendable, has regressed with age this year and his contract isn't worth it any more.
    Derrick Shelby - Expendable, rotational player who could be replaced.
    Anthony Johnson - Expendable, has ability and could make jump in year 2 to be a rotational player
    Jelani Jenkins - Safe, kind of like Jarvis Landry he is the bright spot on an underperforming and overpaid unit. Has been my most improved player on defense for 2014 and he is a young player.
    Koa Misi - Expendable, can't stay healkthy and having him as a long-term answer at ILB will keep this unit from being elite especially in run game.
    Phillip Wheeler - Expendable, needs to get off this team
    Dannell Ellerbe - Expenable, needs to get off this team
    Jordan Tripp - Safe, 5th round pick who if he adds strength should contend for LB spot in 2015, contract control means he is ST and depth at very least.
    Jason Trusnik - Expendable, need a better back option at ILB.
    Jonathan Freeny - Expendable, decent ST not much as backup LB.
    Brent Grimes - Safe, contract has him on for two more years. Arguably the only Elite player on roster and the best player.
    Cortland Finnegan - Expendable, age and injuries don't make him anything but a liability going forward, no need for $$$ for depth.
    Jamar Taylor - Safe, contract control should keep him safe and he showed enough to at least be on 2015 roster
    Jimmy Wilson - Expendable, could use an upgrade in slot going into 2015.
    Will Davis - Expendable, injured in 2014 but had rough go of it on the field before that.
    Walt Aikens - Safe, at least until training camp. He could get crack at S going into 2015.
    Reshad Jones - Safe, under contract control a very good safety but not elite
    Louis Delmas - Expendable, one year rental who lasted 13 games before injuries caught up with him. Too much concern to count on him as starter going forward
    Michael Thomas - Expendable, but was improving in slot. Injury cost him rest fo the season, but would at least give him training camp shot if he gets healthy.

    ST: Overpaid Punter, and wimpy Kicker
    Caleb Sturgis - Expendable, His draft status and Philbin's inability to admit and learn from mistakes are the only reason he currently is a Dolphin. He needs to be Challenged and hopefully beaten.
    Brandon Fields - Expendable, hasn't had the same year this year as past and is overpaid for his position to not finish top 3 every year.

    Let's recap those who should be safe:
    Offense: Tannehill, Miller, Landry, Sims, Albert, Pouncey, James, Turner, Fox = QB, RB, WR, TE, LT, C, G, RT, and Backup T.
    Defense: Vernon, Mitchell, Jordan, Jenkins, Tripp, Grimes, Taylor, Aikens, Jones = DE/OLB, DT, DE/OLB, LB, LB, CB, CB, developmental CB, Safety
    ST: No one

    Of course, more players will be kept but none of those should feel safe.

    Step 7: Trim the Fat and Build the Muscle. Above the roster has been assessed and now the time comes for replacing the necessary pieces and finding the proper ones to fix them. That process will be done first through Free Agency then the Draft.
    Ste

    Plan A: Free Agency - the good thing for us is that 2015 should have a nice year for Free Agency and our needs and potential fits. So, first thing is first what are our major needs after our fat loss.
    Major - OL, WR, TE, DT, LB, S
    Intermediate - RB, OL Depth, CB, backup QB, Depth

    OL is a glaring need as we have two proven starters returning in Pouncey and James. Albert is coming off season ending injury and who knows what his future holds, could be a move to LG. Billy Turner hasn't sniffed the field but he has measurables to project as Guard. WR we could be left with just Landry or Landry/Matthews or Landry/Wallace or Landry/Matthews/Wallace either way that unit isn't good enough. Viewing Dion Sims as starter and feeling good about ability for TE in passing game should make any coach quesy. Odrick could be gone, Starks should be and Mitchell by himself can't do it. Jenkins is only answer at LB going forward. No option on roster that is realistic to rely upon. Depth is needed everywhere as injuries always occur and there is always that one position we neglected to address that comes back to bite us.

    Free Agent Targets/Options:
    Backup QB: Jake Locker, Christian Ponder - both athletic QB who have started before who could be serviceable in a pinch.
    RB : Stevan Ridley, Mark Ingram - both younger compact RB's who use leverage and power when hitting the hole. Ridley is coming off injury which worries me.
    WR: Torrey Smith, Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas, Hakeem Nicks, Jeremy Maclin, and Michael Crabtree - let's put it this way if Bryant or Thomas are made available I go get them no questions asked. Truthfully, if Wallace is dealt or cut we could sign someone. My preferance is draft a young WR early. Nicks is someone I'd give a chance on one year deal as he is a go up and get it target.
    TE: Jermaine Gresham, Charley Clay, Jordan Cameron, Julius Thomas, and Virgil Green - Clay would be my choice out of the group cause Cameron's consusion concerns. Julius will be overpaid and is more of WR, still think he thrives cause of Peyton. His backup Green would be a good cheap option. Gresham would be my choice if we don't resign Clay.
    OL: James Carpenter, Mike Iupati, Orlando Franklin, Clint Boling, Stefan Wiseniewski - this group isn't great but those first three names would give us some maulers at Guard, would like to see us sign one guy and draft answer in mid rounds. Guard is must needed position to be addressed.
    DT : Terrance Cody, Stephen Paea, Nick Fairley, Jared Odrick, and Corey Peters. - Suh is too expensive to be an option. Cody would provide run stuffer and ability to eat blocks, Paea is emerging, Fairley might need a change of scenery. Odrick needs to keep his and Corey Peters is affordable option. Re-sign Odrick and draft mid round.
    LB: KJ Wright, Rolando McClain - yup that is it. We made mistake of overpaying for FA options who didn't perform. These are two I'd sign for right deal but truthfull want to see Jordan at LB and us to draft a playmaker in the middle.
    CB: Chris Harris, Kareem Jackson, Byron Maxwell, Perrish Cox, and Chris Culliver - I look at Grimes as a lock down corner but a ticking clock. Taylor showed some impovement but not enough to count on fully. Nickel is what really needs to be improved. Harris can do that both inside and outide as well as Cox/Culliver. I'dlike to see us sign on guy and draft mid round prospect.
    S: Will Hill, Tashaun Gipson, and Rahim Moore - Jones is a very good safety just hasn't had the running mate to make it a great pairing. I'd like to see us draft that center field FS and allow Jones to play more around the klline allow his physicallity to take over.

    Free Agent Choices:
    Stevan Ridley - 1 year deal
    Charles Clay - 4 year deal
    James Carpenter - 3 year deal
    Terrance Cody - 3 year deal
    Perrish Cox - 3 year deal
    Rahim Moore - 4 year deal

    Plan B: The Draft - I am firm believe in building through the draft but Free Agency isn't a terrible thing if you choose young players. The 2014 class founrd some contributors in James and Landry. Jury is still out for Turner, Tripp, Fede, McCain, Johnson, Aikens. The 2015 NFL Draft lacks the star power like past drafts but should be plenty deep to find quality day one starters. Re

    Re-assessing post FA needs:
    Major - WR, OL, LB
    Minor DL, RB, CB

    WR and LB were not addressed via FA for two factors: 1. The top guys I believe will stay with their current teams 2. The draft features better options than the second tier of FA's for those groups. OL still needs addressing as Guard/Tackle could use depth.

    WR/LB should be address in rounds 1-3, preferrably 1 & 2 as their are some great options:
    WR's - Amari Cooper, Devante Parker, Kevin White, Jaelan Strong, Dorial Green-Beckham, Devin Funchess, Rashard Greene, Duke Williams, and Nelson Algolor.
    LB's - Shaq Thompson, Eric Striker, Benardrick McKinney, Denzel Perrymen, Eric Kendricks, Stephone Anthony, Kris Frost.

    The reality is we are in familiar territory and we have every right to be fed up. The next step is to get rid of the problem and allow the next HC for it to be his team and only his team. This is a team that has talent in place and important places. While RT17 might not be an elite QB I think coaches look at him as a good piece to build off of. They have playmakers in key spots, a defense that just needs to learn to close out.

    Let me know your thoughts, preferences, frustrations, etc. Just let it all out lol
     
    RoninFin4, evz, DeDolfan and 7 others like this.
  2. DolphinGreg

    DolphinGreg Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Great post! :) :) :)

    Let's see...where to begin?!

    First, I guess I would disagree a little with the "HC as GOD" mentality. That would seem to me to be born out of a misunderstanding of what GMs do. Fans don't hear much about GMs so they assume that it's all about who drafts better and hell, that's mostly player development anyway. The GM's job is harder than that of the HC and that person ultimately shapes the franchise more than the HC. Having the head coach select the GM doesn't make a lot of sense. It would be like opening up a Best-Buy, hiring the hourly staff and then like having the hourly staff select the management. It just doesn't make any sense. Putting the future of the organization and its structure in the hands of someone whose background is in coaching 18- to 35-year old athletes is just not wise and doesn't speak to very good planning.

    You also spoke to the current GM/HC fixing long-term issues with short term solutions. I don't see where you're getting that. I think you may have accidentally said too much with that. It's not really a defensible statement. Signing Branden Albert and Ju'wann James were great moves for the long-term future of the team. If we repeated that with the Guard positions next year, I'd be in love with those guys for what they did. Moreno was a wise move at the time. No one saw the elbow or ACL injury coming. Delmas has worked out well. The only poor signing was Cortland Finnegan who isn't very good but that doesn't hurt us long term. Davis and Taylor just need to step up into their respective roles.

    With the off-season we had, I don't know that criticizing that area of team development has any merit. We improved in both the long- and short-term. Not everything gets done in a year's time when a new GM comes in. What we saw was very positive in general though so attempting to say we didn't make progress this past off-season is not going to come close to convincing everyone.

    As for HCs, I want to thank you for assembling a list. That took effort and I appreciate the time you took doing it! It makes you a cut above my friend. ;)


    Adam Gase Denver OC: I wouldn't touch him. He has Peyton Manning and that's all I need to know.

    Todd Bowles Arizone DC: I don't know enough about him at this point so I'll refrain.

    Dan Quinn Seatle DC: We don't have the players that Seattle does so it's hard for me to look there and credit the coach. They were ridiculously talented top to bottom last year. When a defense is that far ahead and wins the Super Bowl, every person on the staff is going to look incredible. Same thing as with Harbaugh, his record with elite players is what you like. Coming to Miami would be a huge transition for both guys though.

    Dave Fipp Philadelphia ST: Not much of an argument. We need to know we're getting someone who can build an organization.

    Gus Malzahn Auburn HC: The best guys in college are virtually never the best guys at the Pro level and vice versa. For every Pete Carroll there are 100 Nick Sabans. And let's remember that Pete Carroll was a monumental flop during this first stretch in the NFL as a HC. Carroll has won only when he's had elite talent. It's simplistic logic, but I'd eliminate Malzahn because he seems to be good at what he does which is very different than what the NFL calls for.

    Sean Payton New Orleans HC: Hell of a sleeper, haha! Can't knock Payton though. He's the type of offensive coach everyone wishes they had.




    If we got Sean Payton, I'd go for it. If I knew we could retain Hickey and Lazor while getting Rex Ryan, I'd go for that too.
     
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  3. ExplosionsInDaSky

    ExplosionsInDaSky Well-Known Member

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    Arizona locked up Todd Bowles so that won't happen. I vehemently disagree that Cam Wake is expendable. Who is his replacement going to be? Our best defensive player is and should not be expendable. Yes he's 32 but he looks amazing physically. If the idea would be to have Jordan replace him, you're really getting out there with that.
    The other head scratcher is Jared Odrick.....I fail to see where he is expendable lol. Getting rid of our two best defensive lineman without legitimate replacements seems crazy, especially with Wake. Its more than just his ability to rush the quarterback. How many games has he won us off of him making crucial plays all by himself? I'm willing to bet a lot.

    Honestly after the Wake talk, I quit reading...Smh
     
  4. ExplosionsInDaSky

    ExplosionsInDaSky Well-Known Member

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    I do agree with you that a coaching change is needed, but I like Rex Ryan over any of the names the OP listed.
     
  5. slickj101

    slickj101 Is Water

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    Only real disagreement is Wake. Our whole offense needs to be used more efficiently and continue to build around him.
     
    zwave21 likes this.
  6. slickj101

    slickj101 Is Water

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    Not even after 60 beers does that look good.
     
  7. MonstBlitz

    MonstBlitz Nobody's Fart Catcher

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    Nice Write-Up. I disagree with the following:

    Admittedly I don't know a lot about him. But to me, Denver's offensive success is all about Peyton. Maybe this guy is a great OC, but I think I could probably be Denver's OC and just let Peyton do his thing and they would probably be fine.

    I actually agree with you about Wake if the team could get good compensation. He just disappears in too many big games. I know he gets held, double teams, etc. etc. but I just don't see him coming through in these big games with playoffs on the line.
     
  8. DolphinGreg

    DolphinGreg Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I love Cam Wake as a person but his value to the Dolphins is highly overrated.

    How can you glorify a guy who disappears for games at a time and often fails to make an impact against sub-par competition?

    He's the best pass rusher we have but he's not irreplaceable.

    I don't know what people are seeing but he runs himself out of the play way too often. While Vernon doesn't have the elite pass rushing ability, he's more reliable and faster to the edge.


    I'd offer you all a warning here and now...

    Jason Taylor looked physically amazing too but we got greedy as a franchise and didn't ship him out when he had value. It was a mistake then and we were stuck watching a guy who made very little impact during games.

    If the team doesn't look to move Wake in the next couple seasons, they will have repeated the same mistake.

    You have to make those decisions while the team is still capable of absorbing the blow.



    And I don't know if Dion Jordan is a star, but he's definitely a starter. Moving Wake for the right compensation, might be the way forward.
     
    zwave21 likes this.
  9. CaribPhin

    CaribPhin Guest

    I stopped when I saw the blurb on Jason Fox. He's not had success. He couldn't win a starting job in Detroit. He was forced into the starting lineup due to injury and is himself an injury concern.
     
  10. Vertical Limit

    Vertical Limit Senior Member

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    If you have seen the Broncos play the last two games, I think the offensive system has shifted to Gase, he's been running the ball a lot lately. A lot.. More than usual, which makes me think Peyton is hiding an injury, especially since some of Peyton's throws have been a little weak as of late. He didn't even go for a touchdown pass and snapped his consecutive TD pass streak. So it's been all about the power running game first and Peyton's arm second, and they've been succeeding with it.

    Anyways, I don't think Adam is a run first offensive coordinator, but you do see the creative schemes he has setup for his offensive line that has given this nobody CJ Anderson a lot of success.
     
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  11. DolphinGreg

    DolphinGreg Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Could be he's banged up.

    That O-line has been blocking lights out as of late though. It's a lot more physical than people think.

    With Gase, there's just the huge stigma of being the next Josh McDaniels. In other words, look to the best offense/defense in the game and hire the coordinator.

    That sort of simplistic approach to finding a coach never seems to work out well.
     
  12. RickyNeverInhaled

    RickyNeverInhaled Well-Known Member

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    I stopped reading when you said Cameron Wake was expendable.
     
  13. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    Greg, thanks for the response always nice to get some good feedback. I wanted to answer a couple things:

    The reason I want the Coach to be God, is because he is the face of this organization. We haven't had a noticeable face as a head coach since the short tenure of Saban and truthfully that doesn't count so Jimmy Johnson really would be the last guy. I want a face like a Shula. I've watched our HC/GM relationship falter too many times. Personally I want a HC who has a plan for the type of players he wants and a GM whom has the same principles.

    In regards to short term fixes for long term solutions the opinion is completely defensible, and here is how: Of all Hickey's FA signings he brought to the Dolphins how many are currently playing? That would be one and that is Shelley Smith who can't even start. So while I liked his intention and the names of his signings all came with a injury history and got injured. Albert/James was a great idea and hopefully Albert can come back healthy. Moreno had injury history and only played 4 games.... bust. Delmas thankfully played 13 games but like his past he got injured again. Finnegan has been injured last few weeks and has been a killer.

    I mean critcizing the teams development is exactly what we should do. If anything we regressed... last year we fell out of playoffs in Week 17. This year you could say this past week 13 or if we lose Week 14 would be the kicker. Some players developed which is great but we still make same mistakes from the past. This team has too much talent to be in this situation and I am truthfully tired of seeing us unprepared in games that matter most....recurring theme.

    Gase: Caldwell is winning in Detroit without Peyton Manning, guy is known as a bright offensive mind - something we haven't had

    Bowles: Former DB coach for us, Interim coach for us in 2011 went 2-1, hottest DC name out there

    Quinn: Don't see why having good players should affect our decision on the coach, he took over for Bradley when he left for Jax and made that unit "THE BEST" in the NFL. He coached Seattle before Carroll got there and infused that talent. He also coached us. All those qualities make him more attractive than unappealing.

    Malzahn - def apprecaite the point and agree with you. CFB to NFL is a tough transition for a coach. But, if Saban were to stick it out in NFL i trully believe we woulda been a winner, no doubt in my mind.

    Payton - Yeah dub tit happen but god I love this guy. If he did come he would not bring another Ryan with him and that is a fact. Lazor probably would be gone too and he'd bring Carmichael with him which would be great.
     
  14. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    Man, i gotta ask have you been watching Wake play these past few weeks? He played 3 fewer snaps there Derrick Shelby this week!!! Why? because he is a liability in run defense. While he still is a clutch pass rusher his inability to set the edge is killing us. Replacing Dion for Cam in a 4-3 would not be a improvement, but in a 3-4 yes it could very well be. Again, I don't want to trade him and don't think we need to but if for the right price would be a interesting situation.

    He's expendable because he isn't under contract. He is FA priority #1 in my mind.
     
  15. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    Really, weird that he only allowed 1 sack last year as their swing tackle in Detroit. BTW, our RT who is Dallas Thomas allowed 4 sacks last week, pretty sure a Fox could at least match that production. Oh, and when he was forced in for James he played very well.
     
  16. DolphinGreg

    DolphinGreg Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    For one, don't claim the injury bug in support of your argument. It just looks really bad.

    Doing so undermines your case entirely. No one here is going to look at the Albert, Delmas and Moreno signings as being in any way bad things. And when I see people criticize our Guards (Smith, Thomas, Colledge), I wonder if they realize that we went from having 20% of our O-line in place to 60% in just a single year and that's while we had our developing 2nd rounded flat out quit. If we move forward again this offseason and get to 80% we can claim ourselves as being amongst the league's elite.

    Looking at last year's season-ending downfall and blaming Philbin is a horrible conclusion that one could reach only by ignoring the facts. We had lost multiple starters on an already rebuilt O-line and it was that unit which was most to blame for our inability to execute our offense against the Bills and Jets. If you don't like the play designs or the scheme, attack Philbin for that, but when you don't even get a chance to see it in action, it's absurd to try and lay it on Philbin. He managed to hold it together enough to beat New England but there was no way that our O-line was going to allow us to win games against elite D-linemen which Buffalo and NYJ have in spades.

    Todd Bowles is the most realistic name anyone has thrown out. The fact is, we probably stand no chance of getting Harbaugh or Rex.

    Still, you don't risk everything you've done to drag yourself out of the cellar to go bet the farm on Todd Bowles. I'm just not signing up for that.
     
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  17. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    Not sure how claiming injuries would undermine anything. While injuries can't necessarily be forseen, signing players who have histories with injuries can be predicted to happen again. All the aforementioned signings were good at the time. Can't sit here and say Albert was bad because he made a huge difference. Moreno affected one game... that is one game so his signing had little to no affect. Delmas played well in the 13 games but again has serious injury concerns.

    Regarding the line completely aware of where we were to where we are at and the difference isn't much. Yes, injuries happened but here is my problem, Shelley Smith signed by Hickey to compete for role, been a backup most of year and rotated. Dallas Thomas started at guard then bounced to RT with Albert injury, literally worst RT in football and not much better at guard. Daryn Colledge aging verteran stop gap, liability at Guard. The sad part is we have invested money, and high picks for this P.O.S. line and we aren't in much better shape than last year. That issue is two parts. 1). The GM for neglecting to address Interior OL which is our biggest problem 2). Coach who refuses to make necessary changes and fixes.

    My question is how is Billy Turner not able to play over Colledge or Smith?

    Not sitting here blaming Philbin or Philbin only, as I discussed the roster being just as much to blame. But, what I can't stand for is the same late-season downfall as last year. The facts are this my friend, on a weekly basis there is a point in the game where Philbin & Co. puts the game in jeopardy. Whether its misusing timeouts/kodaking, having a LB cover a TE split wide on the goal line, or not adjusting units at appropriate time. That is coaching plain and simple. Watch the tape of the Ravens game and tell me that Baltimore wasn't two steps ahead in every aspect. They lost Ngata and blitzed to compensate the difference, they were lightyears ahead of us. Other than that I can't sit here an accept the way the coach feeds this team. Like for christ sake that was teh Playoffs last week and it couldn't have been a bigger of a flop. Our inability against the Jets was simple, they took away the deep pass and we refused to feed Miller.... coaching. On defense, they used misdirection to get outside and kickouts on run plays, we didn't switch to a 5-2 until the 2nd half....coaching.

    He didn't hold anything together in NE. The fact that the coaches had Ellerbe/Wheeler ahead of Jenkins is the first crime. Just so we are clear, Jenkins would not be playing if it weren't for an injury and he is a few tackles away from 100... let that sink in. We beat NE cause we had 6+ months to prepare for them, a lot easier than 6 days. We also were able to use a new offense scheme to catch them off guard. Nothing of that game should be attributed to Philbin.

    You make this comment: "but there was no way that our O-line was going to allow us to win games against elite D-linemen which Buffalo and NYJ have in spades." - How can you make that statement as a fan and not believe that the issue is caused by neglect from GM/Coaching staff???

    We aren't in the cellar we are in the space between complete failure and success something called mediocrity. This franchise approached Harbaugh with a team that was significantly worse in talent than we are present day. We offer a young QB as a piece to build off of something not all teams can offer.
     
  18. Jersey Dolfan

    Jersey Dolfan Active Member

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    I don't want a "God" coach. They never ever pan out. Get me a good game day coach who is awesome w one side of the ball and can lead men. Not an egomaniac who thinks he's Bill B. I don't need an old man drafting players etc. I don't need him gutting everything and then leaving in a few years either.
     
  19. Jersey Dolfan

    Jersey Dolfan Active Member

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    That all said - I'm on the Rex train.
     
  20. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    Love the last point and the Parcells' dig. One thing I got to ask, why wouldn't you want an egomaniac like Bill B as long as he gets results.

    Sorry, despise the Pats as much as you guys but anyone who doesn't think BB is the greatest NFL coach of all-time is mistaken
     
  21. DolphinGreg

    DolphinGreg Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    You don't hire anyone knowing what the future will bring so that question doesn't make any sense.

    The problem with egomaniacs who think they have all the answers is that they follow their gut in drafting the Pat White's of the world over Jimmy Graham, haha. ;)
     
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  22. TooGoodForDez

    TooGoodForDez Deion Sanders for GM

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    RT has 4-5 options to hit on every play essentially and never hits it big.

    [​IMG]



     
  23. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    Appreciate the thoughts on the coaching moves - though Rexy Boy comes into play there as well.

    But, I disagree about several of the expendables (clearly Hartline has to go). However, it would benefit you to recognize the cap situation with these players first - most especially Wallace. Cap wise, he will cost the same whether we cut him or not. There are no cap savings so we are actually handicapped as a team if we cut him because he has to be replaced with a starting calibre WR - actually need two starters (to replace he and Hartline). This adds more money to the cap than if we keep Wallace (e.g., Keep Wallace and say he costs $7M against the Cap. Or Cut him, still pay the $7M then have to add likely another $3-4 M against the cap to sign a high calibre starting WR). It actually will cost significantly more against the cap to cut him this year. However, keep him and he still has value to the club and you can still bring in another starter to replace Hartline. Makes way more sense.

    You can also draft another WR as well (1st or 2nd round) who may become a player to replace Wallace in his second year. Unless you are Disgustipate who despises Wallace and doesn't care about the cap but just wants him gone, you don't cut Wallace this year. You do so next year. Furthermore, Wallace has been a very good citizen (unlike some others) as far as his dealings with the press this year. But, knowing he is likely to be cut if he doesn't have a good year - or cut regardless - after next year, I think he'll be motivated: either to maintain his contract $$ or to garner a bigger payday if he is cut for cap reasons.

    It's a no brainer. Keep Wallace. Keep Gibson and Matthews (they both can play; neither cost a huge amount - esp. Matthews) and you aren't going to get 4-5 WRs better than those two. Gibson dropped off a bit but he's better than this year. Matthews is pretty darn good also.

    Hartline has to go and you draft a good WR as well as look to sign a more physical veteran WR. A Michael Crabtree would be ideal - but there are other potential WRs who will be free agents - some are likely to be retained by the team - Demarius Thomas; Dez Bryant; Torrey Smith; Jeremy Maclin; etc.
     
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  24. Fin4Ever

    Fin4Ever Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Ummmmmm.....sorry I just saw this..The record says otherwise. I believe he has a ways to go before he can be in the same talk as SHULA
     
  25. DolphinGreg

    DolphinGreg Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    What do you mean by that? I'm not clear what you're saying.

    My only point is that while there might be examples of a small handful of game changing coaches who are responsible for all the success their team had--meaning they hand picked the staff and players--it's not really a true option.

    I'm not even sure I'd be proud of a team that just hired 1 guy and let him do all the work. Look at what Elway did. He's no genius. He simply did what was necessary to acquire Peyton Manning. A few free agents later and they're in the Super Bowl.

    I'm sure Denver fans are temporarily satisfied but what happens when they actually have to attempt a full-on restructuring like the Dolphins are doing? I know John Fox isn't going to be the long-term answer when Peyton Manning's arm finally falls off. When you look at the Phins, they're trying to build from the ground up. It's a lot more difficult but it assures us success for a longer period if we can find the answer.

    If there was one guy who had all the answers it would make sense to put that individual in charge, but for every Shula there are literally thousands of other coaching options who fail, especially when given full control. Unless someone knows who the next Don Shula is or can predict exactly which 3rd round QB will turn into the next Russell Wilson, those aren't things that a true "options."

    If this was the NBA and we could just assemble a team with LeBron, Bosh and Wade, I'd be all for chasing the big names and letting it just "happen," but unfortunately for the fans, building a football team is a lot more complicated and does in fact require grown men to work together.

    I just highly doubt that giving one guy the keys to the car is the answer. It just seems like a lazy perspective and an unwise way to build.

    After all, it's not like we didn't try it with a proven Super Bowl-winning HC. Giving Parcells the keys proved to be a horrible decision though.
     
  26. Fin4Ever

    Fin4Ever Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I am sorry Greg, I meant to reply to zwave who said " anyone who doesn't think that BB is the greatest NFL coach of all-time is mistaken." Again Greg, I apologize for replying to the wrong post.
     
  27. DolphinGreg

    DolphinGreg Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    NO problem, haha.

    Cheers!
     
  28. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    LOL. Love that mix up. ;)

    It is an interesting discussion. I would say Belichick has reached that top 10 echelon. And, it's tough to compare across generations. BB is the only great coach of this era right now, imo. In Don's era there were several very good ones.

    In my book, Lombardi will always be the greatest ever. 5 titles in the post 60's era (5 in 7 years). But, among others is Shula, Walsh, Halas, Paul Brown, Lambeau, Landry, and Noll. But, Belichick has definitely entered that rarified air, imo (3 SBs and 5 Conf. titles). Gibbs with 3 titles is close but I just don't think he had the longevity (Shula, Halas) or innovation (Walsh; Brown).
     
  29. Fin4Ever

    Fin4Ever Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Good post DaFins you make several good points there. In am just a Shula/Dolfan but Lombardi maybe was just a little higher than Shula. I also agree with the statement you made about BB in the " Modern Era. " I am also glad I was able to make you laugh today when I replied to the wrong post as it was funny. :)
     
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  30. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    Oh, yeah, I love Shula also. I'd probably put him #2 behind Lombardi (for me, Lombardi is just the definition of "Coach" - to be cliche, its his picture next to that word in the dictionary). I also think Shula could have had at least 1 if not 2 more SB wins if he had not taken over as GM (all-time great coach, middling to poor GM); or if a good GM had come along in the early 80's and the could have made good choices in the draft through the 80's .... could have been a great team.
     
  31. Fin4Ever

    Fin4Ever Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Ah, I agree again...he was not a GM..LOL..He should have tried to bring Bethard back 1st.
     
  32. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    I love Coach Shula and he is a Top 3 of all-time and the winningest coach of All-Time. But the game was a different then and a lot less teams and talented players. Shula would not have the same success in today's football it is just unheard of especially with the short leases these coaches get to perform.
     

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