Jason Ferguson re- signed....Depth at NT ?

A fresh-legged Ferguson could be a nice asset when it comes time for a playoff push, hopefully we can put ourselves in that position without him for the first half of the season.

To me, this tells me that we won't be spending a top pick on a NT this offseason.

"LandShark13 wrote:

Wow that's a shocker. I mean I love the guy but he's set to miss half the season. I can't remember the last time the NFL 'shortened' a suspension. Let's hope they know something we don't.

Yep, confused the hell out of me. I just don't get it. I sure hope the FO knows something we don't.

I guess we're going with Soliai as our starter until Ferguson comes back.

yeah I mean to draft Dan Williams is overkill no?? then who Earl Thomas?? honestly they might draft Dez Bryant......ohhhhh god.....

Smart move. Works out on his own, comes all the way back from the injury, and by the playoffs he's in football shape. All for little money given his situation, I'd bet.

Im not really a big fan of this. Given his age, his suspension, and health at this point. Seems like desperation. Which makes sense since we don't have much depth at the position. I get it... but I just wish there was another option for us. Unfortuantely though, it doesn't appear their is. Hopefully Soliai plays out of his mind this year for us. We're gonna need it.

"Caps wrote:

A fresh-legged Ferguson could be a nice asset when it comes time for a playoff push, hopefully we can put ourselves in that position without him for the first half of the season.

To me, this tells me that we won't be spending a top pick on a NT this offseason.

Excellent point. That would be a huge advantage for us. Hopefully though, Soliai or someone else can step up in the meantime.

I still expect us to draft one at some point though.

"brandon27 wrote:

Im not really a big fan of this. Given his age, his suspension, and health at this point. Seems like desperation. Which makes sense since we don't have much depth at the position. I get it... but I just wish there was another option for us. Unfortuantely though, it doesn't appear their is. Hopefully Soliai plays out of his mind this year for us. We're gonna need it.

How is it desperation when they didn't even appear to even contact anyone else?

People have some really bizarre ideas about how Paul Soliai played last year. The guy was more than adequate as a starter. Odds are if Ferguson were completely healthy, he'd
have lost a significant portions of his snaps to Soliai anyway.

I think they resigned him as a backup plan. If they get a NT in the draft they really like, and think Fergy is expendable after training camp and 1st round of cuts, they cut him to open up a roster spot. If not, like stated above, we have a vet with fresh legs down the home stretch. No harm, no foul.

It's not desperation it's insurance :up:

I was shocked when I read this on their website, but can't help but wonder if they are keeping him around as a mentor to the NT they are drafting. Soliai is average with flashes of greatness, but needs help in rotation. Ferguson is also a team captain which might have influenced their choice. It's a shame he's 35, because he really has talent.

The only thing I dislike about the NTs in this draft is that they're not capable of providing the level of pass rush that Ferguson was when he was younger. Ferguson was never anything special in pass rush but if your man in the middle can stop the run and rush the passer that's a invaluable player.

Oh who cares the NT is just a run stopper? Nonsense, he has to be able to collapse the pocket quickly and preventing the quarterback from stepping up. Having another rusher up the middle can completely alter the offense.

True, but Dansby is a pretty good rusher as well. 25.5 sacks ain't too bad! Definitely insurance and thinking late in the season. I'm sure they picked him up cheap. Need to go ahead and resign JT while they're at it!

Excellent! prob signed him up cheap, and he will provide much needed help later in the year and throughout the playoffs! ;)

not sure the confusion here .... why wouldn't you resign him ?

exactly who could we pick up today that is available or draft next month that could readily fill in for him. Both Soliai and Starks are more 'active' type DT/NTs that can not bring what Fergie does.

He will be a welcome addition for the stretch drive ... assuming of course that we have one.

Lastly, is it truly an 8 'game' suspension or 8 weeks ... since we normally have our bye week before week 8.

Need to go ahead and resign JT while they're at it!

The one good thing that came out of all the injuries last year was that out depth at key positions got a lot of play time. People like Hillard really came on strong as they got their sea legs. This can do nothing but help us down the road. There is always a silver lining if you look for it.

IMHO Jason Taylor needs to stay a Dolphin. He has more up side than down and bang for the buck you really can't go wrong. JT is pretty predictable. He is a good positive influence in the locker room and plays every down hard.

What more do you wish?

"LandShark13 wrote:

Wow that's a shocker. I mean I love the guy but he's set to miss half the season. I can't remember the last time the NFL 'shortened' a suspension. Let's hope they know something we don't.

Goodell has shortened a lot of suspensions. Usually a game, sometimes 2, so it will still be a big one. They prolly got him to sign a minimum contract, so there's not much risk there, why not?

"phineas64 wrote:

Goodell has shortened a lot of suspensions. Usually a game, sometimes 2, so it will still be a big one. They prolly got him to sign a minimum contract, so there's not much risk there, why not?

Who's suspension has he shortened? Not saying it isn't true I just can't remember one.

I don't know where to find info on specific suspension changes (original length vs modified), but I recall that there were a couple last year. Goodell is the only commish I remember doing it though. Before that nothing comes to mind.

Or maybe my memory sucks....:lol: I do remember a lot of people thinking it was silly to have the commish impose a suspension, and only being able to appeal it to the same guy. The reason it kind of sticks in my head that some were changed is because it sounded silly, until he changed some.

"phineas64 wrote:

I don't know where to find info on specific suspension changes (original length vs modified), but I recall that there were a couple last year. Goodell is the only commish I remember doing it though. Before that nothing comes to mind.

Or maybe my memory sucks....:lol: I do remember a lot of people thinking it was silly to have the commish impose a suspension, and only being able to appeal it to the same guy. The reason it kind of sticks in my head that some were changed is because it sounded silly, until he changed some.

You and I are about the same age so I understand the memory 'issues':tongue2:
However I can't remeber him showing any leniency what so ever. In fact As far as I'm concerned he's been way to strict on suspensions so I guess we can just agree to disagree unless someone with a better memory can shed some light on the issue :knucks:

"LandShark13 wrote:

You and I are about the same age so I understand the memory 'issues':tongue2:
However I can't remeber him showing any leniency what so ever. In fact As far as I'm concerned he's been way to strict on suspensions so I guess we can just agree to disagree unless someone with a better memory can shed some light on the issue :knucks:

:up: