I would like to thank everyone for their excellent input! The results of the poll indicate Flynn as the popular choice, although I’m sure KV voted from 4 different computers!
Matt Flynn……………..……13 (48%)
Peyton Manning….……... 5 (18%)
Matt Moore…………….….. 4 (14%)
RG3…………....………...….. 2 (7%)
Andrew Luck…….………... 2 (7%)
Chad Henne……………….. 1 (3%)
Ryan Tannehill……………. 0 (0%)
Riverdog made a very profound statement when he said, “We will know what Philbin thinks of Flynn very early in March. If Miami doesn't make a pitch for him right away, Philbin doesn't think that much of him.” This is absolutely true and gives Miami a distinct advantage in knowing the worth of Flynn. If Philbin thinks he is the guy, he will be a Dolphin, because there is no one in the NFL who knows Matt Flynn better than Joe Philbin.
“Everyone states Flynn hasn't proven/played enough to be considered... Well lets see now, GIII hasn't even stepped in an NFL locker room & everyone's willing to jump on the GIII hype.” (Finzone) The draft is like Christmas to NFL fans, all the beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree and everyone of them is perfect until the season starts. Fans love draft choices because of the unknown, once the box is unwrapped and turns out to be good or bad doesn’t matter as much as the promise under the tree.
Larryrife said, “if Flynn is a bust he sets you back a lot less then RG3 would. By trading away your picks, you are losing out on a lot of potentially great players.” I agree with Larry and so does Rick, “At least Peyton or Flynn will be free agents and would cost a ton of money but no picks.” Matt Burr’s thoughts are conservative but make a lot of sense, “get Flynn and use our pick to sure up the other side of the line so we can have two great tackles and a great center.” KV’s thinking like a GM with, “I'm nabbing Flynn (in early March) just in case the deal for RG3 (in late April) doesn't come together!!”
Thorny said, “Manning, I love this guy, but too old, too risky, and seriously one great hit from a wheel chair. I really can't see this being a good option at all.” Paul chimed in with, “would prefer Manning, then Flynn, then RG3. I honestly think RG3 is overrated, but I would be all right if they get him.” I removed Manning in the last article due to Thorny’s concerns, but there are many fans thinking he would be good option. Dolfan Jesse said, “Peyton Manning turns the Dolphins into an instant playoff contender. By the time Peyton retires, maybe in 3-4 years (granted no more surgeries), the Tom Brady era will also be coming to an end and it will loosen up the competition within the division.”
Previously I made it clear, Manning is a great QB, aside from the unease about his injury potential, I don’t think Miami would be at the top of his wish list. As a free agent, Manning will have his choice of where he wants to play. He’s made millions in his career and has endorsements worth millions more, money is a secondary priority. Should his brother win the Super Bowl next weekend, Peyton is going to have one thing on his mind, getting back to the dance.
Miami’s roster is geared toward a possession passing game, but with Reggie Bush, the Dolphins have an excellent option coming out of the backfield. The much maligned offensive line was built for the running game. And finally, the defensive line is designed to stop the run first and pass rush second. Defensively Miami does not fit a quick scoring offense. Mike Sherman grew up in a West Coast system and though Manning could probably adapt to his weapons, there are other teams, like the Jets (in close proximity to his brother) that are better options and I think he will choose one of those.
I think Thorny says it all, “Moore, what can I say, I would much rather have Moore as the Qb for this team starting 2012. Look he played lights out once he started to gel with the team and the offense took on a totally different dynamic. Wow, I thought Moore was a chump he prove ME WRONG BIG TIME.” Polly agrees with Thorny, “I feel Moore deserves a chance, with good coaching and training camp, I think he will be a QB that can lead the team. They really rallied with him under center.”
Sgt Flex brings up a great point, “I say keep Matt Moore for a chance, but remember what happened to him in Carolina, and why Dallas let him go in the first place?” I need to remind Sgt that Carolina poached Moore off Dallas’ practice squad. There is no denying Moore showed a lot of potential, after a rough start, he made the most of his opportunity. He is under contract for 2012 and he will be in the mix, it is completely up to him whether he wins the job in Miami.
Several folks on this blog know, I predicted Miami would sign Moore prior to last season. The reason was because Ireland brought in at Dallas and was very unhappy when Carolina poached him. For me, it was because of exactly what Thorny saw, when the guy is given an opportunity, he makes the most of it. Many QBs washout after suffering adversity, Moore just keeps coming back. I like him a lot and whatever happens with the other QBs, Moore makes me feel Miami will better in 2012. As Hooterize said, “Flynn has one good game and he's a godsend? I hated the getting of Matt Moore last year but he's earned my respect and a chance to compete.”
The thought here is Andrew Luck will never make it to Miami. There is probably some outrageous scenario that could make it happen, but I don’t see the Dolphins trading away the future for Luck, even if they feel he is worth it, they won’t do it. That means RG3 is the only option for our 1st pick. I know there is a lot of Tannehill talk and I’ll get to that in a bit, but I don’t see Tannehill at 8/9 in this draft.
Roeblount had this to say, “RG3 is one of this guys who has a high ceiling and because he is so smart he will be able to pickup the offense. He's impressed the likes of Dan Marino, Kim Bokamper, Troy Drayton, Kordell Stewart and Trent Dilfer. So what does that say about the kid, a lot.” RG3 has great potential but I have to agree with Eddie Boswell when he said, “there are at least two other teams that need quarterbacks that are ahead of Miami in the draft so my first pick is Matt Flynn. You get a good prospect as a franchise QB and you don't have to sacrifice a draft pick or a number of them to get a potential franchise QB.”
Canamdolphin agrees with this train of thought, “Flynn in free agency and the 3rd-ranked QB in the draft. Let Moore and Flynn compete and let the rookie watch and learn. Shore up the right side of the O-line through free agency or the draft. Find the best players available.” And then I also like Sgt Flex’s thinking, “get a new safety in the second and then grab Kellen Moore after that. He is a proven winner.”
Jimmy sums up the problem with Tannehill, “why have I heard a lot of excitement about Tannehill? I don't think there is any way he will get out of the first round with so many teams looking for a QB this year (and so few good ones available). I don't see any way of the dolphins getting him unless they take him at 8/9 (quite a reach) and they would most likely have to trade up into the 1st rounds to get him later on if not at 8/9. I realize he played with Sherman and everything. With all the talk about not wanting another 2nd round QB, why the fuss about Tannehill?”
I would not be surprised to see Kellen Moore as a later round pick. For those folks who mentioned Pat Devlin, I’m sorry to say Devlin is a project, he has some skills, but he does not have the confidence needed in the NFL. He left the University of Pittsburgh because he could not beat out Tyler Palko. I don’t think many folks would call Palko a franchise QB, Devlin will be a journeyman backup. Maybe he needs a chance, but I hope it comes somewhere else because if we see Devlin under center, it will mean things have gone terribly wrong in Miami.
Philbin came in with a plan and I’m certain that plan includes Matt Flynn competing with Matt Moore, so KV’s, “FlyMM” is Miami’s QB plan for 2012. In the end, I have to go back to Riverdog’s quote, “We will know what Philbin thinks of Flynn very early in March. If Miami doesn't make a pitch for him right away, Philbin doesn't think that much of him.” If Philbin has the conviction in Flynn all the rest of the talk is wasted because Philbin will do what it takes to get Flynn. Knowing Stephen Ross wants to bring this team back to prominence I’m certain one of his questions to potential coaches was, “what will you do about the QB situation?”
I’m not going out on a limb by predicting Philbin told Ross, “Flynn is the QB Miami has been looking for,” and with Flynn, Philbin will bring the Lombardi trophy back to Miami!
NOTE: To the folks whose comments I did not use… Dolphinshout will do this again and I’d like to thank everyone for their contributions! I tried to correct typos, but I may have missed some…
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Saturday, January 28, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Vote on the Franchise QB------------------>
The Dolphins begin 2012 with a fresh start, a new coaching staff still in the making and new hope from the beleaguered fan base, but the same problem still haunts the franchise since Dan Marino, finding a franchise QB. Rehashing the multitude of QBs since Marino is like trying to find a destiny only to realize the circular journey has returned to the starting point, year after year. Whether it is untimely draft position, wrong choices or just plain bad Luck, the song remains the same.
2012 finds the Dolphins in the familiar position, without a true franchise QB and limited opportunities to acquire one. There are four possible options this year and new coach Joe Philbin’s career success will be defined by Jeff Ireland’s ability to finally make it happen. The big four this year are, two draft choices, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin, and two free agents, Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn. There is also a lingering hope that Matt Moore could come into his own, and carry the banner.
Each of these five has warts whether it be a lack of talent, physical issues or a prohibitive price tag. Each of these choices has positives that merit them being on this list, but for Miami the wrong choice will lead to more years of misery and fan discontent. The intent here is to come to a conclusion as to which player best suits the Dolphins this season and in the future.
Matt Moore is under contract in Miami for another season and the Dolphins should honor that commitment regardless of what they do with the other options. Moore had a good season after a rough start with four consecutive losses. The team rallied around him and he won their respect, if not the fans. He ended the season with an 87.1 QB rating that featured 16 TDs and 9 Ints. He played miserably in October after no training camp and few reps as the backup to Chad Henne. His 87.1 rating was brought down by those first 4 games but his season took off from that point.
In November and December, his play improved to the point where he belongs in this discussion. His improvement is reflected in his 103.3 QB rating with 14 TDs and 3 INTs over that span. He ranked among the leagues best QBs during that period and only his play against the NY Jets, 63.1 QB rating with 1 TD and 2 INTs in a winning January effort kept his season numbers from being even higher. Moore has plenty of room to improve, but he earned the opportunity to compete in 2012. Regardless of the other choices, Moore will be on the roster.
Peyton Manning did not play a single down in 2012 after being sidelined by a career threatening injury. Manning underwent a single level fusion in the cervical (neck) area of his spine, the third surgery in about 1.5 years. Manning’s career peaked in 2004 with a prolific 121.1 QB rating, 49 TDs and 10 INTs. He led the Colts to a Super Bowl victory in 2007. Manning has won 4 NFL MVP awards and led the Colts back to the Super Bowl in 2009.
Manning career numbers speak for themselves, but how does that relate to the Miami Dolphins. The most pertinent question is Manning’s health. A cervical spine fusion takes about 12 months under normal conditions for the bones to fuse, but the nerve damage is the cause for concern with Manning. The cervical nerves are responsible for the movements of the upper body, when those nerves are damaged, weakness of the arms and neck follows. The nerves will regenerate over time, but there is no guarantee Manning will ever regain the strength and range of motion needed to play QB in the NFL. If he does recover, there is always the possibility of re-injuring the neck. After 3 surgeries, the next instance will surely end Manning’s career.
For Miami, the risk is too great. The Dolphins may need a franchise QB, but they are not at the point where one player will take them to the Super Bowl. For Manning, time is of the essence, if he is get another shot at the big dance it will have to come with a team that is ready to win now. Miami is not that team. Miami may make Manning an offer but in his own best interest he will choose to play elsewhere and it could be the best thing for the Dolphins. Manning will not be a Dolphin in 2012.
Andrew Luck would be the dream selection for many teams in the NFL, but remove his name from the running, there is no way the Colts will not release Manning and start fresh with Luck. There could be outrageous trade offers for the 1st pick in the draft, but after knowing the impact of having a Peyton Manning, Luck will land in Indianapolis.
That leave two plausible candidates out of the five presented here, Robert Griffin III and Matt Flynn. That will be the debate for Dolphinshout. Dolphinshout will listen to your opinions on which of these two is the right choice and your reasoning. Consider your reasons well and bring to Dolphinshout your most compelling thoughts on which should be the choice and why.
Once the best Dolphin fans on the web have analyzed this, I will write the conclusion based on your thoughts and of course my own limited wisdom.
2012 finds the Dolphins in the familiar position, without a true franchise QB and limited opportunities to acquire one. There are four possible options this year and new coach Joe Philbin’s career success will be defined by Jeff Ireland’s ability to finally make it happen. The big four this year are, two draft choices, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin, and two free agents, Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn. There is also a lingering hope that Matt Moore could come into his own, and carry the banner.
Each of these five has warts whether it be a lack of talent, physical issues or a prohibitive price tag. Each of these choices has positives that merit them being on this list, but for Miami the wrong choice will lead to more years of misery and fan discontent. The intent here is to come to a conclusion as to which player best suits the Dolphins this season and in the future.
Matt Moore is under contract in Miami for another season and the Dolphins should honor that commitment regardless of what they do with the other options. Moore had a good season after a rough start with four consecutive losses. The team rallied around him and he won their respect, if not the fans. He ended the season with an 87.1 QB rating that featured 16 TDs and 9 Ints. He played miserably in October after no training camp and few reps as the backup to Chad Henne. His 87.1 rating was brought down by those first 4 games but his season took off from that point.
In November and December, his play improved to the point where he belongs in this discussion. His improvement is reflected in his 103.3 QB rating with 14 TDs and 3 INTs over that span. He ranked among the leagues best QBs during that period and only his play against the NY Jets, 63.1 QB rating with 1 TD and 2 INTs in a winning January effort kept his season numbers from being even higher. Moore has plenty of room to improve, but he earned the opportunity to compete in 2012. Regardless of the other choices, Moore will be on the roster.
Peyton Manning did not play a single down in 2012 after being sidelined by a career threatening injury. Manning underwent a single level fusion in the cervical (neck) area of his spine, the third surgery in about 1.5 years. Manning’s career peaked in 2004 with a prolific 121.1 QB rating, 49 TDs and 10 INTs. He led the Colts to a Super Bowl victory in 2007. Manning has won 4 NFL MVP awards and led the Colts back to the Super Bowl in 2009.
Manning career numbers speak for themselves, but how does that relate to the Miami Dolphins. The most pertinent question is Manning’s health. A cervical spine fusion takes about 12 months under normal conditions for the bones to fuse, but the nerve damage is the cause for concern with Manning. The cervical nerves are responsible for the movements of the upper body, when those nerves are damaged, weakness of the arms and neck follows. The nerves will regenerate over time, but there is no guarantee Manning will ever regain the strength and range of motion needed to play QB in the NFL. If he does recover, there is always the possibility of re-injuring the neck. After 3 surgeries, the next instance will surely end Manning’s career.
For Miami, the risk is too great. The Dolphins may need a franchise QB, but they are not at the point where one player will take them to the Super Bowl. For Manning, time is of the essence, if he is get another shot at the big dance it will have to come with a team that is ready to win now. Miami is not that team. Miami may make Manning an offer but in his own best interest he will choose to play elsewhere and it could be the best thing for the Dolphins. Manning will not be a Dolphin in 2012.
Andrew Luck would be the dream selection for many teams in the NFL, but remove his name from the running, there is no way the Colts will not release Manning and start fresh with Luck. There could be outrageous trade offers for the 1st pick in the draft, but after knowing the impact of having a Peyton Manning, Luck will land in Indianapolis.
That leave two plausible candidates out of the five presented here, Robert Griffin III and Matt Flynn. That will be the debate for Dolphinshout. Dolphinshout will listen to your opinions on which of these two is the right choice and your reasoning. Consider your reasons well and bring to Dolphinshout your most compelling thoughts on which should be the choice and why.
Once the best Dolphin fans on the web have analyzed this, I will write the conclusion based on your thoughts and of course my own limited wisdom.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross Wants Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning is on the top of Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross' wish list, according to Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post.
Volin goes on to say that the Dolphins would be very happy to get Green Bay's Matt Flynn instead, but their Ross' first choice for Miami is Manning.
Stephen Ross wants a franchise quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. That much is very obvious. He knows what it takes now to win football games, and I have a feeling that he will be willing to pay really big money to win those games.
I'm not sure what kind of contract offer Peyton Manning will get from the Dolphins, but I would not be surprised if the offer sets some type of record for a quarterback.
Before Manning enters free agency two things have to happen for Miami to be able to offer him a contract. First, the Colts need to be willing to release him. He is due $28 million if they keep him next year, which is a very steep price that they aren't expected to pay him when they can just sign Andrew Luck. Next, he needs to prove that he is healthy enough to play. That could be the biggest obstacle. After all, he did miss all of last year with his neck injury. He needs to be sure that he is healthy before he can play again.
If both of those things happen, then I want Miami to get him no matter the price. I don't care how old he is. Just look at his numbers during the last few seasons that he played and tell me honestly that you don't want that. Here's the link to his full stats: Peyton Manning.
Say whatever you want about Manning, but the fact of the matter is this: he was able to win a ton of games with a surrounding cast that wasn't as nearly as good as the Dolphins current roster. AND, if he stays healthy we could have him for another 3-5 years. I don't know about you, but that sounds amazing to me. Adding Manning would turn us into instant Super Bowl contenders, and I firmly believe that.
I know Coach Philbin said that he doesn't believe in a team being just "one player away", and he may be right, but they are one "top 5 greatest quarterback in the history of the NFL" away. Manning is like Brett Favre after he left Green Bay times two. He still has a few great years left in him. I'll take that all day.
I hope I am preaching to the choir on this one, but I don't think that I am. Let me know what you guys think. Do you agree with me? If not, why?
Thanks for stopping by.
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Volin goes on to say that the Dolphins would be very happy to get Green Bay's Matt Flynn instead, but their Ross' first choice for Miami is Manning.
Stephen Ross wants a franchise quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. That much is very obvious. He knows what it takes now to win football games, and I have a feeling that he will be willing to pay really big money to win those games.
I'm not sure what kind of contract offer Peyton Manning will get from the Dolphins, but I would not be surprised if the offer sets some type of record for a quarterback.
Before Manning enters free agency two things have to happen for Miami to be able to offer him a contract. First, the Colts need to be willing to release him. He is due $28 million if they keep him next year, which is a very steep price that they aren't expected to pay him when they can just sign Andrew Luck. Next, he needs to prove that he is healthy enough to play. That could be the biggest obstacle. After all, he did miss all of last year with his neck injury. He needs to be sure that he is healthy before he can play again.
If both of those things happen, then I want Miami to get him no matter the price. I don't care how old he is. Just look at his numbers during the last few seasons that he played and tell me honestly that you don't want that. Here's the link to his full stats: Peyton Manning.
Say whatever you want about Manning, but the fact of the matter is this: he was able to win a ton of games with a surrounding cast that wasn't as nearly as good as the Dolphins current roster. AND, if he stays healthy we could have him for another 3-5 years. I don't know about you, but that sounds amazing to me. Adding Manning would turn us into instant Super Bowl contenders, and I firmly believe that.
I know Coach Philbin said that he doesn't believe in a team being just "one player away", and he may be right, but they are one "top 5 greatest quarterback in the history of the NFL" away. Manning is like Brett Favre after he left Green Bay times two. He still has a few great years left in him. I'll take that all day.
I hope I am preaching to the choir on this one, but I don't think that I am. Let me know what you guys think. Do you agree with me? If not, why?
Thanks for stopping by.
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Monday, January 23, 2012
Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland Really Isn't as Bad as Everyone Thinks
Now that everyone has had time to calm down a little after the news that Jeff Fisher decided to coach the Rams instead of our Miami Dolphins I would like to say something. I will probably have a lot of people who disagree with me, so I encourage you to post your responses below. Now here it goes:
Despite what a lot of Dolphins fans believe, Jeff Ireland is actually a good General Manager.
You don't hear that much nowadays do you?
But hear me out. Ireland has built an extremely talented team. Miami is a quarterback away from being a top NFL team, and that is a credit to Ireland.
Ireland has built a great defense with a lot of great pass rushers, solid linebackers, and talented young corners. Of the four teams left in the playoffs this season three of them (Giants, Ravens, and 49ers) have great defenses that they have relied heavily on. In an age where passing offenses are the norm it is actually defenses that have, for the most part, carried their teams to the championships, and the Dolphins have a top ten defense thanks to Ireland.
Ireland's only real mistake is not getting a true starting quarterback. One who, as Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel would say, is a killer. Ireland has gotten quarterbacks with good arms, good accuracy, and good size and height, but he hasn't brought in a quarterback with the most important attribute. The ability to do what is needed to do to win. The ability to go in for the kill. The ability to put together a drive when it is needed most and when the pressure is on. No quarterback Miami has is a killer in that sense (hopefully not in any other sense, either). Matt Moore looked like he might be a killer at first, but he doesn't look like it anymore. Moore is a good quarterback just like Chad Henne, but also like Henne, he isn't a good killer.
My hope this year is that Ireland is able to give us a quarterback who knows how to win no matter the situation. If the Dolphins can get that then they will be in the playoffs next year. It's as simple as that.
Now, I know how a lot of people hate Ireland. If you told every Dolphins fan on the planet that they could choose one player, coach, or personnel member to be removed from the team then 75-90% of them would say Ireland.
He just isn't a much liked person, and I understand. He almost never talks to the media or does interviews. He seems to always take in Dallas Cowboys rejects. He had that whole situation with Dez Bryant before the 2010 NFL Draft. He gives the impression that he doesn't care what the fans think, and that's because he doesn't. He only cares about building a good football team.
One thing I really like about Ireland is that he sticks to his guns. He doesn't deviate from the plan too much, and I like that.
So, you can hate on Jeff Ireland all you want, but he has actually built a really good team and I am confident that he will find us the quarterback that Miami needs this offseason.
Thanks for stopping by and let me know what you think.
Don't forget to submit your names for Dolphin Shout's new mascot. We've got some good names, but we are always looking for more suggestions.
Despite what a lot of Dolphins fans believe, Jeff Ireland is actually a good General Manager.
You don't hear that much nowadays do you?
But hear me out. Ireland has built an extremely talented team. Miami is a quarterback away from being a top NFL team, and that is a credit to Ireland.
Ireland has built a great defense with a lot of great pass rushers, solid linebackers, and talented young corners. Of the four teams left in the playoffs this season three of them (Giants, Ravens, and 49ers) have great defenses that they have relied heavily on. In an age where passing offenses are the norm it is actually defenses that have, for the most part, carried their teams to the championships, and the Dolphins have a top ten defense thanks to Ireland.
Ireland's only real mistake is not getting a true starting quarterback. One who, as Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel would say, is a killer. Ireland has gotten quarterbacks with good arms, good accuracy, and good size and height, but he hasn't brought in a quarterback with the most important attribute. The ability to do what is needed to do to win. The ability to go in for the kill. The ability to put together a drive when it is needed most and when the pressure is on. No quarterback Miami has is a killer in that sense (hopefully not in any other sense, either). Matt Moore looked like he might be a killer at first, but he doesn't look like it anymore. Moore is a good quarterback just like Chad Henne, but also like Henne, he isn't a good killer.
My hope this year is that Ireland is able to give us a quarterback who knows how to win no matter the situation. If the Dolphins can get that then they will be in the playoffs next year. It's as simple as that.
Now, I know how a lot of people hate Ireland. If you told every Dolphins fan on the planet that they could choose one player, coach, or personnel member to be removed from the team then 75-90% of them would say Ireland.
He just isn't a much liked person, and I understand. He almost never talks to the media or does interviews. He seems to always take in Dallas Cowboys rejects. He had that whole situation with Dez Bryant before the 2010 NFL Draft. He gives the impression that he doesn't care what the fans think, and that's because he doesn't. He only cares about building a good football team.
One thing I really like about Ireland is that he sticks to his guns. He doesn't deviate from the plan too much, and I like that.
So, you can hate on Jeff Ireland all you want, but he has actually built a really good team and I am confident that he will find us the quarterback that Miami needs this offseason.
Thanks for stopping by and let me know what you think.
Don't forget to submit your names for Dolphin Shout's new mascot. We've got some good names, but we are always looking for more suggestions.
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