The Dolphins had the biggest rise in attendance in the NFL this season, jumping from 29th to 21st this year. If Ireland's fired, they could move up at least another half-dozen spots in 2014.
2014 Miami Dolphins: Raw Doggin' It
- Thread starter pdaj
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Jeff Ireland is gone. Wow. I thought he was going to survive and we were going to see another year of horse shit.
https://twitter.com/MiamiDolphins/status/420691517531897856
I like Philbin, but his job is definitely up in the air now. A new GM might want to hire his own coach and start fresh.
Who are the GM names out there?
https://twitter.com/MiamiDolphins/status/420691517531897856
I like Philbin, but his job is definitely up in the air now. A new GM might want to hire his own coach and start fresh.
Who are the GM names out there?
Edit: Beaten to it by soden.
Here's rotoworld's blurb:
http://www.rotoworld.com/sports/nfl/football
Dolphins fired GM Jeff Ireland.
Officially, the sides "mutually agreed to part ways." It's a long-in-the-making farewell for one of the league's worst general managers. A Bill Parcells disciple, Ireland specialized in mediocrity during his six seasons in South Beach, making the playoffs only once, his first year on the job. The Dolphins are 35-45 since, and gained only one game on their 7-9 2012 this season despite spending gobs of money in free agency and daringly trading up to No. 3 in last April's draft. Ireland's players have had a tendency to perform better once they left South Beach, and worse upon their arrival. Ireland's signature addition, quarterback Ryan Tannehill, crumbled down the stretch this season thanks in large part to the league's worst-constructed offensive line.
Here's rotoworld's blurb:
http://www.rotoworld.com/sports/nfl/football
Dolphins fired GM Jeff Ireland.
Officially, the sides "mutually agreed to part ways." It's a long-in-the-making farewell for one of the league's worst general managers. A Bill Parcells disciple, Ireland specialized in mediocrity during his six seasons in South Beach, making the playoffs only once, his first year on the job. The Dolphins are 35-45 since, and gained only one game on their 7-9 2012 this season despite spending gobs of money in free agency and daringly trading up to No. 3 in last April's draft. Ireland's players have had a tendency to perform better once they left South Beach, and worse upon their arrival. Ireland's signature addition, quarterback Ryan Tannehill, crumbled down the stretch this season thanks in large part to the league's worst-constructed offensive line.
Forget it, apparently I forget how to put a video in my post....
This post was meant to be - The Smashing Pumpkins - Today.
I felt that said it all.
I fully realize my optimism and renewed sense of hope could turn out to be false hope, but at least I have that at the moment, and they'll be a few years of anticipation to see how things turn out.
This post was meant to be - The Smashing Pumpkins - Today.
I felt that said it all.
I fully realize my optimism and renewed sense of hope could turn out to be false hope, but at least I have that at the moment, and they'll be a few years of anticipation to see how things turn out.
Two names immediately being floated around are Dawn Aponte and Brian Gaine possibly being promoted from within.
Do they go with a big name like a Gruden or Cowher? I feel like that would be a mistake.
First and foremost, the news of Ireland's departure is nothing short of exhilarating; breathes new life into this off-season.
We obviously don't have enough information truly evaluate Aponte or Gaine on their respective records/merits. However, I'm of the opinion that the team really needs to distance itself from the Parcels-Ireland experiment, which IMO should include anyone brought into the organization by that regime. No half measures.
I think it's highly unlikely that working for Stephen Ross would be appealing to Gruden or Cowher, but I'd heartily endorse either replacing Philbin and assuming final authority over personnel. For the last three years, this team has operated with zero long-term vision, because the year-to-year "plan" centered around shielding Jeff Ireland from getting fired. At least with Gruden or Cowher, we'd have the peace of mind knowing decisions are being made by an actual adult, with the standing to keep Ross out of the picture.
My fear is that this is shaping up to be - as Florio speculates - a situation where Carl Peterson is brought in to babysit a glorified scout (ala Parcels-Ireland the last time). However, I'll give the team the benefit of the doubt one last time and let the process play out.
Do they go with a big name like a Gruden or Cowher? I feel like that would be a mistake.
First and foremost, the news of Ireland's departure is nothing short of exhilarating; breathes new life into this off-season.
We obviously don't have enough information truly evaluate Aponte or Gaine on their respective records/merits. However, I'm of the opinion that the team really needs to distance itself from the Parcels-Ireland experiment, which IMO should include anyone brought into the organization by that regime. No half measures.
I think it's highly unlikely that working for Stephen Ross would be appealing to Gruden or Cowher, but I'd heartily endorse either replacing Philbin and assuming final authority over personnel. For the last three years, this team has operated with zero long-term vision, because the year-to-year "plan" centered around shielding Jeff Ireland from getting fired. At least with Gruden or Cowher, we'd have the peace of mind knowing decisions are being made by an actual adult, with the standing to keep Ross out of the picture.
My fear is that this is shaping up to be - as Florio speculates - a situation where Carl Peterson is brought in to babysit a glorified scout (ala Parcels-Ireland the last time). However, I'll give the team the benefit of the doubt one last time and let the process play out.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/14/aponte-could-be-on-track-to-become-nfls-first-female-g-m/
Reportedly Ireland declined to cede more power to Aponte--her as GM a clever way to leapfrog your way to being a "progressive" organization? Was interface at NFL between NFPLA and owners.
Reportedly Ireland declined to cede more power to Aponte--her as GM a clever way to leapfrog your way to being a "progressive" organization? Was interface at NFL between NFPLA and owners.
lambeau said:
Last word heard from Darlington and others is that Gaine/Aponte are expected to be retained, but that a fresh face will fill Ireland's old role.
Armando Salguero has been publishing some eye-opening accounts of the dynamic in Miami. For whatever reason, none of this has been on many radars outside of Miami.
The Salgeuro stuff is definitely interesting. And I think Ireland is right to criticize what Philbin was doing. Ireland thought the same thing about Sparano, though.
I don't think Philbin and especially Sherman were doing anything especially right. But the GM should be on the same page with the coach, and working together. The GM shouldn't put together a team expecting it to get used a certain way, then get upset when the coaches don't coach that way. I mean, he can, but when it happens under two different coaches, then clearly there is a communication issue and even a sublime evaluator of talent can't survive as a GM if he can't communicate within the organization. Sox fans should know how valuable that is just watching the difference between Duquette-Jimy and Theo-Tito.
At the end of the day, if Ireland can't go down to the coach's office himself and say "listen, let's have a conversation about the way the team is going" and instead sits in the owners box and bitches aloud to everyone in earshot...well that's a reflection on him.
I know next to nothing about Aponte, but the attitude toward her in the articles does seem a bit misogynist. Like, "obviously if you put a woman in power she is going to gossip and scheme to get more."
I don't think Philbin and especially Sherman were doing anything especially right. But the GM should be on the same page with the coach, and working together. The GM shouldn't put together a team expecting it to get used a certain way, then get upset when the coaches don't coach that way. I mean, he can, but when it happens under two different coaches, then clearly there is a communication issue and even a sublime evaluator of talent can't survive as a GM if he can't communicate within the organization. Sox fans should know how valuable that is just watching the difference between Duquette-Jimy and Theo-Tito.
At the end of the day, if Ireland can't go down to the coach's office himself and say "listen, let's have a conversation about the way the team is going" and instead sits in the owners box and bitches aloud to everyone in earshot...well that's a reflection on him.
I know next to nothing about Aponte, but the attitude toward her in the articles does seem a bit misogynist. Like, "obviously if you put a woman in power she is going to gossip and scheme to get more."
I find Steve Ross as the main culprit of how Miami is performing and has performed last 5 years. When he took over as owner I was not thrilled and to this day I am correct about that. I think he means the best in wanting to win and will spend to do it but he is not and has not handled well choosing the right GM/Coach combination (as well as a few other decisions) in any of his years as owner. The beginning of this off-season has saved Philbin for now and as Dave Hyde writes in his article, good chance another shotgun wedding Coach/Gm looms.
Well, at least they handled the GM search well and professionally.
Worst organization in football. Easily. If not for the equitable nature if the cap, they'd be up for worst in the major sports.
Worst organization in football. Easily. If not for the equitable nature if the cap, they'd be up for worst in the major sports.
Seems reason Caserio denied the job was he would not get a green light in firing Philbin. I think that would have been a great move for a clean slate in coaching staff. Now we get th 6th to 8th best candidate for GM. And news coming out that some players want out. Steve Ross has no business owning this football team. I wish someone would buy it from him, but as things stand more years of mediocrity await.
http://fansided.com/2014/01/26/several-miami-dolphins-players-want/#!tslCH
http://fansided.com/2014/01/26/several-miami-dolphins-players-want/#!tslCH
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2014/01/dolphins-hire-dennis-hickey-as-gm.html
Dennis Hickey from Bucs.
Dennis Hickey from Bucs.
Red PR said:
lambeau said:
Clears Cleaver said:
Well, it certainly ain't easy being a Fins' fan. There are certain qualities that I like about Ross. His loyalty is one of them. I think he recognizes that Philbin has the potential to be a quality HC; and that it wouldn't have been "fair" to fire him after only 2 years.
That said, in the NFL, you hire a GM ... and then you let him bring in his guys. It's the only way to attract the league's brightest minds. Once Ireland was let go, there was really only way avenue to take for a smooth transition. Ross' plan to keep Philbin and Aponte, while just plopping a GM (with limited power) in the middle, made sense in theory, but just doesn't work in the real (NFL) world.
So, the Dolphins hire Hickey, a guy with a dubious record, instead of just promoting Gaine? I find this decision curious. The hot rumor presently is that Aponte will truly run the show, and perhaps she preferred to end all connections to Ireland? Regardless, I think it's safe to say that Philbin has one more year to make this work. It's playoffs or bust. Failure = blow this shit the fuck up.
Well, at least they handled the GM search well and professionally.
Worst organization in football. Easily. If not for the equitable nature if the cap, they'd be up for worst in the major sports.
Dude, it's the Browns. Easily.
Clearly you didn't follow their search for a new HC after firing the last one within 12 months. You also haven't read up on their owner. Or looked at their record since forever.
Cheer up. You ain't the Browns.
Worst organization in football. Easily. If not for the equitable nature if the cap, they'd be up for worst in the major sports.
Dude, it's the Browns. Easily.
Clearly you didn't follow their search for a new HC after firing the last one within 12 months. You also haven't read up on their owner. Or looked at their record since forever.
Cheer up. You ain't the Browns.
"Blow it up again." Patriots fans have got to be happy how inept the other AFC East teams are. You have to wonder if the Patriots domination of the division makes these teams stupid, like the red sox in the early 90s or the Orioles and Blue Jays later. Hickey did put together that Bucs team that was so successful this year.
ProFootballTalk @ProFootballTalk2h
Report: Dolphins had Brian Gaine escorted from building after he was fired, though the team disputes it http://wp.me/p14QSB-9oW5
Report: Dolphins had Brian Gaine escorted from building after he was fired, though the team disputes it http://wp.me/p14QSB-9oW5
Miami has resigned Brent Grimes according to Adam Schefter to a 4 year 32 million dollar contract with 16 million guaranteed.
Seems like a win-win to me. Grimes said he wanted to come back, and I'm certainly happy he's coming back. He outperformed what even the most optimistic fan could have predicted last season.
Seems like a win-win to me. Grimes said he wanted to come back, and I'm certainly happy he's coming back. He outperformed what even the most optimistic fan could have predicted last season.
32 million/16 guaranteed is a lot of coin for a player turning 31 in July. Grimes will have to play really well in his 31, 32, and 33 year old seasons to make this deal worth it; and like HB, CB's tend to fall off > 30. I'm not saying I don't like the resigning -- one could argue it's a deal they had to make -- but it comes with a lot of risk. Grimes, as an athletic freak, will hopefully buck the trend.
The past few days, most of the Miami media has suggested that Egene Monroe will be the Fins primary target. Now, per Rotoworld:
Albert, Veldheer, and Collins are also options.
Assuming a LT is brought in via FA, that'll leave Pouncey at C and Brenner and Thomas competing for spots. I wonder if Miami's front office will consider bringing back McKinnie for a year to play RT.
Monroe/Collins, <FA/draft>, Pouncey, Thomas/Brenner/<FA/draft>, McKinnie
Albert, Veldheer, and Collins are also options.
Assuming a LT is brought in via FA, that'll leave Pouncey at C and Brenner and Thomas competing for spots. I wonder if Miami's front office will consider bringing back McKinnie for a year to play RT.
Monroe/Collins, <FA/draft>, Pouncey, Thomas/Brenner/<FA/draft>, McKinnie
Miami has released Dimitri Patterson and signed Louis Delmas on the eve of free agency. Delmas signed to a 1 yr deal worth a max of 3.5 million. If he can stay healthy and stay on the field, could be a good signing. Basically the 2014 Brent Grimes.
I would have preferred Clemons back at reasonable $$, but Delmas played pretty well last season; and now we don't have to worry about Hickey spending 8-10 mil per on Byrd. Solid signing if Delmas stays healthy.
Agreed. While Byrd is a very good player, there are far greater needs for Miami than safety. If Albert really is a done deal as is being reported, they should look to lock up at least another T and G in free agency. Keeping Tannehill upright and improving the run game are priorities 1a and 1b.pdaj said:
I've talked myself into the Albert singing - they're flush with cap space and he's a better player than Monroe (albeit two years older), would rather they pay for the premium talent.
Lukewarm on Mitchell if it means Starks signs elsewhere.
Lukewarm on Mitchell if it means Starks signs elsewhere.
CouchsideSteve said:
Starks is gone -- he got himself added to Philbin's hitlist with his post-tag behavior last season.
pdaj said:
Armando Salguero @ArmandoSalguero 15m
Mulling Dolphins offer last nite, expected a decision this morn. MT @magic2feet: you think starks is really near signed?
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I'd love to be wrong on this one.
Per PFT & other sources, it's a done deal - Starks is coming back for 2/$12MM. Fantastic value, with minimal downside risk.
This team needed Albert, but I'm most happy with this Starks signing. He's such a tough, consistent player. I'm pleasantly surprised Miami was able to sign him to such a short-term deal.
pdaj said:
Not only that, but he's done everything the team has asked of him his entire time here. He played 3-4 DE, 3-4 NT, and 4-3 DT all without batting an eye and played last season under the franchise tag. Glad to see him sticking around. The depth of Miami's DL is still it's biggest strength. Wake, Starks, Mitchell, Odrick, Vernon, and Jordan.
They need to continue to shore up that offensive line, but I like what I've seen thus far from Hickey.
Miami signs Cortland Finnegan to a two year deal. Another low-risk signing from Hickey to shore up the secondary. This also gives the Dolphins a window to try and groom their two young corners they drafted last year, Taylor and Davis. With Carroll gone, one of those two is going to get the opportunity to step up into the nickel back role while learning from two very good, experienced players.
Finnegan on a short deal hopefully works out much like Grimes did.
Finnegan on a short deal hopefully works out much like Grimes did.
Miami also signs Shelley Smith today. I can't say I know a lot about him, but he's regarded as an ideal fit in a ZBS, more athletic than a mauler, and his former line coach is now our line coach, so I'm sure he is going to have some familiarity with the system. Miami still needs to lock up another tackle and a guard. One or both of those may be addressed via the draft.
sodenj5 said:
Smith's a bargain player with a lot of upside. He'll compete with Brenner and Thomas for a G spot. The more competition the better, IMO.
Finnegan is basically a nickel at this point, but is a great leader. Hopefully he can help get the two kids up to snuff.
They still need a RT, G, RB and ILB. And upgrades at blocking TE, DT, And third down back maybe.
They still need a RT, G, RB and ILB. And upgrades at blocking TE, DT, And third down back maybe.
[Mod note: breaking out a new 2014 thread. pdaj, please feel free to edit the thread title as you see fit]
X-posting from the FA thread:
Excellent signing by the Texans, has to hurt the Phins and help the Pats.
Clemons played a ton of snaps last year (1158) and was the 9th best coverage rating out of all safeties last year, only allowing %52.4 of passes his way (10th best).
Dear Phin fans -- thoughts?
X-posting from the FA thread:
Excellent signing by the Texans, has to hurt the Phins and help the Pats.
Clemons played a ton of snaps last year (1158) and was the 9th best coverage rating out of all safeties last year, only allowing %52.4 of passes his way (10th best).
Dear Phin fans -- thoughts?
SeoulSoxFan said:
Thanks, SSF -- much appreciated. I meant to start a '14 thread weeks ago and never got around to it.
Miami chose to sign the talented, but oft-injured Delmas to a 1-year, 3.5 million deal a while back, all but ending Clemon's tenure with the Fins before FA even started. I liked Clemons a lot, primarily for the stat you provided. While he has rocks for hands (4 picks in 5 years), he was rarely ever beat deep, played a strong center field, and could man-up if needed without looking silly. 2.7 million for 2 years is fantastic value, IMO.
Why Delmas over Clemons? He had a great season last year with 3 interceptions and 9 pass deflections; and he also exhibits a more aggressive, physical playing style, which is more suitable for defending the run. I think the Fins think they got the better, more well-rounded player, health permitted. Meanwhile, I fully expect Hickey to draft a safety in April, with Delmas serving as the bridge-guy.
I'd say Clemons is what he is. Solid but unspectacular. As pdaj said, he rarely comes up with a game changing play, but also rarely makes mistakes and has a negative impact.SeoulSoxFan said:
The big question with Delmas is his health. Health permitting, I'd say he's clearly a better player than Clemons. He played a full season last year, and he's coming home on a one year prove it contract. I'm sure he's going to be highly motivated to have a productive season.
As an aside, I like Miami's recent strategy of taking proven veterans on short term deals either coming off of injury or a down year. Finnegan and Delmas are two very good vets. Add them in with Jones and Grimes, with Taylor likely holding down the third CB slot, and Miami has a very good mixture of youth and experience in their secondary. I don't expect Finnegan to be a shutdown corner, but I expect him to be a very good #2, and certainly an improvement over Nolan Carroll.
Hard not to like Moreno at 1yr/$3MM. He and Miller should represent a cheap, effective backfield tandem. Hopefully this is the end of Daniel Thomas, as much as that pains me to say as a K-State grad.
With the draft around the corner, it's time to start talking about what the Fins do at 19. Most mocks have them taking Zack Martin. An obvious selection for an obvious need for the Fins. He can start right away at either RT or either guard slot.
One pick that seems to be gaining momentum and as quickly grown on me is CJ Mosely. The thinking there is that he not only instantly upgrades you at MLB, but he also allows you to shift Ellerbe to his natural position of WLB, and you end up improving two spots with one pick. Miami's line backing was atrocious last year, so anything to improve their tackling and coverage there would be a huge boost, IMO.
One pick that seems to be gaining momentum and as quickly grown on me is CJ Mosely. The thinking there is that he not only instantly upgrades you at MLB, but he also allows you to shift Ellerbe to his natural position of WLB, and you end up improving two spots with one pick. Miami's line backing was atrocious last year, so anything to improve their tackling and coverage there would be a huge boost, IMO.
If they got Martin or Moseley it would be a win in the first round. It would be nice of they actually picked someone on day 2 who could play. I think there are starter grade guards available on day 3. So if you take Martin u think he's a tackle. I'm always dubious of these "can play any position" guys because u need him first to be elite RT.
Dallas Thomas?
Dallas Thomas?
Draft day. I'm of the opinion if you don't get Martin you do everything to trade down and get an extra 3 or so
Clears Cleaver said:
Fins had that option, but opted for Ju'Waun James instead. He looks to be a gifted pass protector, and supposedly made Dee Ford look like a clown 1:1.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/ja'wuan-james?id=2543755
OVERVIEW
Started in all 49 games played, setting a Tennessee record for career starts for an offensive lineman. 2013: Started all 12 games at right tackle. 2012: Started all 12 games at right tackle. 2011: Started all 12 games at right tackle. 2010: Started all 13 games at right tackle and was named to the Freshman All-SEC team.
ANALYSIS STRENGTHS
Outstanding size, girth and overall body mass. Good hand placement. Can steer and control blockers once he gets his hands on them. Very patient pass protector. Matches up very well vs. size and power (see Alabama). Battle-tested, experienced four-year starter in the SEC. Outstanding personal and football character. Very smart, mature and highly respected.
WEAKNESSES
Raw footwork. Has a lot of heaviness in body and can improve sustain. Lumbers to the second level and struggles to cut off and adjust to moving targets. Does not roll off the ball with power and generate strength or movement in the run game.
BOTTOM LINE
Big, strong, heavy pass protector with good balance, anchor strength and hand use to handle power and speed. Does not affect the run game the same way and almost appears more destined for the left side in the pros. Has instant-starter potential.
- Status