Live chat today (Thurs) 11:30 to 12:30
I will answer your questions. I will hang out with you. I will do what I can to entertain you for one hour today.
Let's see how it goes and depending on the response, we'll either do it again in the future or call this one of the dumbest ideas I've ever had.
So start posting at 11:30 a.m. (unbeknownst to your employers, of course) and I'll be right here to talk back for 60 minutes.
Let's see how it goes and depending on the response, we'll either do it again in the future or call this one of the dumbest ideas I've ever had.
So start posting at 11:30 a.m. (unbeknownst to your employers, of course) and I'll be right here to talk back for 60 minutes.
posted by Armando Salguero at 12:34 AM
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75 Comments:
Thanks for the time change Armando... I've never done one of these chats before but I'll join in and see how it goes.
OK guy, I'm here a little early, but what the heck. Let's get started. What shall we talk about?
Armando,
Billy here: what do you think Miami thinks is their greatest needs?
Nice~ couple of questions: Who are the fins most likely to pickup in free agency? And what will the new OC once he's named, actually do with the team? Seems kind of like a place holder job to me at this point with Cam calling the plays and using his playbook...
thanks,
Dane
Hey Armando... Let's talk about the QB position and how you think it will shake out.
Billy,
Let's talk about their needs and then we'll prioritize them. They need a speed WR, a CB, an OLB preferrably a pass-rusher, they need a DT, a LT and oh yeah, a QB.
Assume for a minute that a QB is always the most important position, you have to balance that out against the fact great QBs won't be available in free agency and the team is hopeful Daunte Culpepper will be back. Sooo, I see LT as the No. 1 need, then DT, then OLB, then QB, then CB. If Olindo Mare gets cut, the team will also need a kicker
I have my doubts about Culpepper. I think he never really was more then a one receiver QB. When he had Moss he could chuck it up when his selected option was not there. Do you think he really has the ability to step through a pattern progression?
Hey Armando, thanks for helping us out. That guy who took over for Jason Cole aint cut out for the job. Anyways, who do you think MIA will target via free agency and who should they target in the 1st 3 rounds of the draft? Thanks again.
Dane, the Dolphins offensive coordinator job is indeed not that attractive because it doesn't have full power of the offense. That means it's not a stepping stone to head job. It took Brad Childress a ton of time to overcome such a situation in Philly while Andy Reid called plays. The OC job in Miami will probably be primarily a qb coach job.
The one thing that always makes me frustrated is the lack of aggressiveness from coaches when things are not working... Why let Joey start the last few games, if it was clear he was not the solution??? I disagree that WR is not one of the top priorities of the team. Chambers sucks.
Sooo, I see LT as the No. 1 need, then DT, then OLB, then QB, then CB. If Olindo Mare gets cut, the team will also need a kicker(Armando) So how do you think they fill these needs? And how about speedy WR? Thanks
Hey Armando,
It's funny that you bring up the possibility of Mare being cut. Which leads me to the fact that we signed former UCF PK Matt Prater. Do you see Prater having a realistic chance of replacing Olindo, or is he merely training camp fodder?
On the quarterback issue... if they really need someone there, they should draft one... New Orleans got lucky with Brees... that's the "fat tail"... Joey is what you get when buying from other people's litter.
Patrick,
I think Harrington will get whacked as they say in Goodfellas. A $3.48 million cap number for a guy who threw more interceptions than TDs is too much. So he'll either have to renegotiate a pay cut or get cut.
I think Culpepper will likely be the starter (because there really isn't anybody else out there) and Lemon will be the backup.
I do think the team will add a young QB in the draft -- maybe not in the first round, but in some round.
The one wild card is David Carr. I LOVE HIM!!!! But I don't know what the asking price for him is on the open market.
Armando, is it true that the Dolphins are going to be able to have some extra mini-camps, and workouts due to the fact there is a new head coach and coaching staff in place? Or are they going crank up when everyone else does?
d yankee, I have no specific guy they will target in FA yet.
First three rounds of the draft?
A LT, a DT, an OLB. Those are the biggest needs to me. Of course, if I'm wrong and Brady Quinn is there at NO. 9 in the first round, all bets are off. They take him.
David Carr huh.. He hasn't been very successful at Houston but that could be a product of that team. I didn't know he was available.
David Carr? Really? What makes you say that?
Are there any Free Agent QBs or OLs that we would likely go after? I mentioned Rattay in the previous blog post of yours, so you can ignore that one and answer it here. What is your opinion on him? I think he probably isn't a long-term solution, but should be cheap and a good fit for what we need. (A good back-up and can start in a pinch)
Anonymous, I agree that it was bad that vets continued to start when the team was clearly out of it while younger players sat and got zero experience.
Here is Saban's thinking at the time: You play the best player and the guy who gives you the best chance to win.
Here is the Salguero thinking at the time and now: Hey, you so-called best players and the ones who give you the best chance to win ain't winning. So give a younger guy a shot.
First three rounds of the draft?
A LT, a DT, an OLB. Those are the biggest needs to me. (Armando) So then you feel they will target a WR and CB via Free Agency then?
JM, I think Prater will be given a legit chance. If he's for real, he'll have a chance. It's up to him.
Bruno, I totally agree with you.
I'm with you on David Carr...but if we had to trade for him we would have to pick up a #1 overall pick's salary. Best case scenario, Texans cut him and we can scoop him up at a bargain. I could see Carr leading an offense if you give him a line.
Yes, guys DAVID CARR!!! The talk out of Houston is that he's on the trade block. Last year, before he beat the Dolphins, Houston coach Gary Kubiak wasn't talking as if he was too impressed with Carr. And Carr was leading the NFL in passer rating at the time.
That combined with the fact Carr has a big cap number and offers a big savings to get off the books and the fact Jake Plummer (who Kubiak coached at Denver and likes) will probably be available later, has teams buzzing about Carr.
The Texans have talked to at least two teams about trading Carr. I don't believe the Dolphins are one, though.
On the day free agency opens, assuming the Dolphins are aggressive, name a couple of players you think they will make a serious effort to lure. Secondly, should further opportunities present themselves in FA, would the Dolphins be able to create some more cap room by restructuring a few contracts of guys like Chambers, Taylor and Zach? Thanks Armando
I think rookie CBs are more of a crap shoot than at many of the other positions. (Jamar Fletcher) I would rather see the team sign an established guy, even if they have to overpay a little.
D yankee,
That's just a guesstimate. They may target a CB in the draft.
Let me tell you this: This year's free agency is going to be nuts. Assante Samuel, the best CB available in my opinion, will likely get at least $15 million guaranteed. The reason is so many teams have a bunch of money. Some teams have $25-$30 million in cap space.
It'll be crazy!!! So look for the quality players to get megabucks. The Dolphins don't have nearly that much money -- more like $16-$17 million.
Hey guys, since there's only one of me and several of you, feel free to engage each other while I answer questions.
I think the only way this team can turn around quickly if to take some major risk... I say we forget about upgrading the defense (other than secondary), let it waste... put all the chips on upgrading the OL... and roll dice. If if doesnt happen, you'll end having to upgrade the defense anyway by 09.
quickphish83, I know that the corners struggled to get interceptions.
Seems like Will Allen has always had those issues and he dropped at least four interception in his hands this year.
But I caution you to recall how the Miami secondary got beat a lot. The problem was often in the deep secondary. Tillman struggled bigtime and those struggles were enlarged in games against Houston (got beat twice on long passes) and Buffalo (had the potential game winning interception in hands but let it through and it was caught for a TD).
Miami's corners were not studly by any means, but they were passable. Now, can you tell me one play Donnie Spragan made all year at OLB? Can you tell me the last time you felt comfortable with Miami's left tackle protecting the QB?
That's why I worry about those positions. The Dolphins have starters at CB. They don't have starters at the other two spots.
Why do you love David Carr? Isn't he just Joey all over again.
NY, Nobody is going to get Carr at a bargain. I would love to think it would happen, but it won't, let's face reality.
Who are some of the veterans to likely be cap casualties? I think some big names could roll. I know the GM has remained constant, but I get the impression that much of our current roster is "Saban" guys. Harrington, Booker, and Mare come to mind. Also, I think Carter is a very important player, but he has a big salary, is there any indication that we may look to restructure/extend his contract? Thanks!
Andrew, I do not know which players the Dolphins will target the first day of free agency because, frankly, the team hasn't set that strategy yet.
During the past week, Randy Mueller, the scouts and coaching staff have been preparing for the scouting combine that starts next week. Free agency and that strategy comes afterward.
As for restructures, yes, Marty Booker, Zach Thomas, Kevin Carter (unless he's cut outright) and Jason Taylor are likely guys the team will approach.
Hey guys
I have been following this for a while now. I think our biggest needs is really WR and line. I think Joeys confidence was burned early on. Go back and look you will see he was hitting our WR and TE in the hands with the ball and that were either droping them and or they bounced off and was intersepted. The problem is our WR need to hold on to the ball and catch them and I think we will all ok.
I mentioned Booker and Mare...not because they are Saban guys, because of their salary.
Kevin, that is a great question. The reason I love Carr is that he has a much better arm than Harrington or just about 80 percent of the QBs in the league. He works hard, he can read defenses and he's not immobile.
The downside? The guy has gotten the worst protection in the NFL since he joined the league. His OL was the pits and he's learned some bad habits as a result. He's also had practically no running game (Dominick DAvis?) to help him.
I think he's Drew Brees only bigger and stronger. Remember Brees struggled in SD the first few years when they had a pitiful group but came into his own when the rest of the team sort of improved. That's what I project would happen with Carr.
Also one thing I like for CAM over Sabin is Sabin said this is my system and you need to be able to succeed in this system. Cam says and I like it is If I have to play on Sun this is what I have and what do they do best. Lets develope our system to what the players do best. I think our QB poss is just fine with either Joey and or Pep. We need Offencesive line and WR if you look at Cams offience he likes the fullback. Thats where I think Cam is going
Armando -
The offensive Cam ran out west was highly successful in large part to outstanding talent (LT, Gates, Rivers)here does not have that level of talent.
I like the potential of the Ronnie/Rickie backfield tandem and I beleive a healthy Dante will eb an upgrade. My concern is with the TE/WR group.
The Chargers could kill a defense with Gates b/c they had respect the LT run/catch/pass threat. And the combo of LT and Gates allowed Rivers to successful with a less than steller WR corps.
Based on what we saw last year Chambers & McMichaels as the primaries in those positions are going ot be problems. Was last year an abboration for the both of them or was it them coming back to reality after career years (which I beleive were contract years for the both of them)previously?
Your thoughts?
Alan, I think that's probably right... If I were the coach, I would start by not addressing the crowd as "we got to do this, to put ourselves in a position to have success", and try to HAVE success...
I think Ronnie will have a breakout year in 07. I say we put a lot of effort in the OL... draft a QB late in the draft, and get a new (or even 2) WRs. Get a couple of DB's and that's that. Lemon will be at least equal to Harrington, and if Culpeper is smart enough to learn the new system, we can have that as a potential upside too...
Alan, I agree the WR position was a problem. I think Miami doesn't have enough speed and consistency there. But ....
Miami does not have a starting LT on the roster right now. The draft begs for Miami to pick someone there that can be around for the next 10 years. I think that is where Miami should go FIRST.
WR? You can find guys in the second, third, fourth round.
You keep bring up the DT position as a position of need. Don't you think the players drafted in the last two year will not be good?
Canedb, I don't believe in abberations. It happened and neither Chambers nor McMichael have had multiple mega years on a consistent basis to make you think otherwise.
Both dropped a lot of passes. When I asked McMichael at the end of the year how he played, he said, "I sucked." I think they will work hard to do better. We'll have to see if they do.
As for your observation about Cameron's offense in SD working well with great talent, you are totally right. I will be interested to see what he can do to make up for that talent gap in Miami
I don't think Matt Roth has anything sewn up right now.
Kevin, I have no clue. And neither does anyone else.
The guys drafted at DT the last two years were seventh rounds (Vickerson and Evans) and Manny Wright in the fifth round of the supplemental draft.
Which one of those three made plays to suggest they can be starters? Fact is they couldn't beat out a 37-year-old Traylor and 36-year-old Zgonina. And the future of those two is uncertain.
So that is why I worry about that position.
If we added a deep threat it would take some heat off Chambers and McMichael. While there is no excuses for their drops!, I think both players are most effective when we get them involved early in the game. They tend to lose focus which probably leads to the drops, and may be what's keeping them from playing at a pro-bowl level. (Again, no excuse, they are pros) Cameron should be a breath of fresh air to our offense, and Chambers and McMichael should be motivated to put last season's problems behind them. We still need to add a deep threat! I also think Hagan could develop into a solid WR. (He also needs to limit the drops)
Personally, I have always been a fan of David Carr's since his Fresno State days, and we should've tried to get him last year. Carr has been victim of some very horrendous offensive lines, and given the right protection he could still do great things. However, I don't believe Carr is in Miami's sights and the fans are tired of "other teams QB's." If we did aquire Carr, I'd be happy, but it would be a hard sell to the rest of the fanbase.
Can you give us any insight on the Jason Allen situation? Will he ever be able to play more then just a dime back.
John... another 80-85 QB rating other people's litter QB is a tough sell with me...
hehe
Armando you may have missed my two question...or don't have an opinion, but things have settled down a bit now.
1) Do you have any opinion on Tim Rattay?
2) Are there any other high priced vets that might be cap casualties? (Other than the ones mentioned)
Also, what is Jeno James' status and do you think he'll ever be able to contribute?
Hey Armando
Do you agree that the most important cog to our team will be to solidify our O-line?? We've havent had a dominant O-line since the Richmond Webb days and I feel its time we make this a priority.
Not only does a great O-line allow for a good running game and protect the passer, but it allows you to dominate time of possesion, keep our aging D fresh so they can maximize thier experience w/o suffering the negative effects of getting older.
How do you see Cameron/Mueller addressing this position?
Would you Draft an LT or look into a quality free agent? Leonard Davis or the LT from the Giants Luke Pet…???
Armando,
agreed, the Fins need a LT. But the tackle from Wisconsin will be gone by the ninth pick. Is Levi Brown of PSU the answer? Doesn't look there are any LTs out there worth the ninth pick.
I think we should all read Saban's book and discuss it in the next chat...
NY84,
I don't share you strong like of Tim Rattay. I think he's a career backup that can get you by in two or three games, but if he's any more than that, you have a bad team. Sorry.
Jeno James? He's been a starter every year since he signed as a FA. Is he dominant? No. Is he a problem on the OL? No.
My only concern with him is that he started to show wear last year with his knee. But I think the Dolphins will have plenty of bodies at guard next season. Remember Seth McKinney, Joe Toledo and Bennie Anderson will all be back.
Yeah my concerns with James are with his health...seems like he is always banged up. I know his first year here he was very solid though.
Thanks Armando
Roy, I've been told Levi Brown at No. 9 is not a good value pick. IF the Dolphins like him, they might want to consider trading down a few spots and maybe picking up a second-day selection in the process
Armando,
Thank you for great insight. I hope you will think about doing this again after the combine.
Kevin, I don't think Pettigout is the answer at LT. Think of it this way, the Giants didn't think enough of him to keep him at his scheduled cap number and they weren't exactly a dominant OL. He's someone else's discard and I think he's kinda stiff
Yeah thanks for your time...have a good weekend! I'll probably be watching a lot of sports since we have been hit with 2 feet of snow the past 2 days.
Guys, my watch says 12:36. Let's call it a chat. I'll probably do this again in the future. It was fun. You guys are great. God bless.
Armando, this was a great idea! Hopefully there will be mor chats in th future.
Thanks Armando... Sorry I had to pop out early. I really appreciate your time.
Thanks Armando. Really appreciate the chat as well. Looking forward to another as the offseason takes shape.
You guys forget Tim Rattay. As a veteran he really could not beat out Simms a veteran who was really not doing all that good and a 7th round rookie. Who actually I think did pretty good all things considered. Rattey looked a little good in a meaningless game against sub par defense. I think we well be fine with either Joey and or Pep. We had a coach who as I said put it this way “I want you to run this system weather you can or not” Plus at the time our line was playing a little sub par. Even with those interceptions and sacs Pep still posted a QB rating of 77. Plus he had the same problem that Joey did. Our WR just kept dropping the balls and the line just let him be sacked. Hey look in SD they don’t really have WR that sets the world on fire. But they hold onto the ball and there O-line gives them a little time to get open. Hey look at Cam’s system. It’s really a little simplistic. I am very surprised there are not more offences running it. They run trap plays with the guard and full back. Its 5 blockers on 3 defenders. With a scat back. It’s a center, guard, TE, and fullback on a DE, tackle and one linebacker. They keep on running till the CB and Safety’s start coming up to protect and bam through it down field. And if one linebacker starts to help they start the passes to the TE. With this system the QB does not read all that much. He hands off and or throws predetermined. Hey does that not sound like a perfect system for Pep. Also is not Brown a fast big scat back. Did he not get most of his big plays when the phins ran off tackle trap plays? These I think played huge in Cams choose to come here. To run Cams systems Miami just needs a good experienced blocking fullback, (L Neil type) WR. And a center. All the other parts are here. Plus with that system it will keep the D-fence off the field a little longer. Um do I hear much improved?
Armando & nydolfan84...
Thanks for the info you gave to get the best football information. As i said, with all the things that keep me busy, it is hard to identify the best sites for information on my own.
Any time!
The real reason Armando Salguero "LOVE(s)" David Carr is that he is a Bible thumping self-righteous "Christian" just like Armando. Just read back about all the insults Armando levels at non-Christians such as Ricky Williams and then compare that to the outwardly Christian ones. I think this would make for an interesting research project. Armando is like the Kirk Cameron of NFL beat writers. Weird stuff.
http://www.bluefishtv.com/Bio.aspx?id=1022
oh boy...anyways on a football note:
Looks like Briggs and Samuel have been franchised by their clubs. That's not good for us, in particular Samuel being off the market. Now Clements is the only big-time corner left. It's only going to drive his price tag up if we are to bid for him.
>> The real reason Armando Salguero "LOVE(s)" David Carr is that he is a Bible thumping ...
Hey Armando. Do you realize that David Carr got OWNED by Harrington, in direct face-to-face competition at the 2002 NFL Combine? Article here.
You've been dogging Joey ever since he arrived here. What gives? From pushing a non existent competition with Lemon in last years camp (everyone knew Harrington was the backup QB), to last week's article basically contradicting what Cam Cameron said.
(1) We're looking at the players we have now on the roster, and (2) every player gets a clean slate. That includes Joey. But you're telling us the only experienced healthy QB on the Roster is gonna get "whacked"??
Doesn't make much sense. Armando did you see Cameron is talking to Terry Shea (from KC) about the QB Coach position - You DO realize that Shea has run a West Coast type passing game before (which Joey has run), and KC under Saunders had been interested in Harrington.
Maybe check your facts and do a little research before spouting off and injecting your personal bias, Armando? Or maybe just leave the real reporting to Ed Pope. :)
At DT Armando is forgetting about the kid from Texas (can't remember his name) who had shoulder surgery. Before the injury I think he was considered a low first round or second round pick. We got him cheap because of the injury.
Armando - doing one live chat does not let you off the hook from posting for 5 days in a row. To see how real dolphins blogs operate (e.g. they have a new post everyday) please check the listings out on The Dude's blog.
And oh yeah, to get an idea of how real journalists cover the dolphins, check out the sun sentinel.
If your response is "oh, I have a life" well yeah - and you have a job too...this one!
thanks buddy.
It cracks me up how it's always the anonymous people with the big talk and misbegotten criticism.
Understand, I don't mind any criticism. You have a right to do it and I actually appreciate it because it makes this forum more lively.
But find a way to man up.
If you want to tell me how often to post, or what blog rocks, or what journalists please you most, then have the decency to write your name. Stop hiding your dark hearts behind a shield of anonymity.
Come to think of it, I might remove the ability to post anonymously here. HMMM. That's a thought.
... Oh and another thing. The Dude is cool. As he says, 'The Dude abides.'
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