QB Miami's biggest problem ... still
Ten years after Dan Marino stopped being effective, four years after the Jay Fiedler experiment failed, a lifetime (seemingly) since the Dolphins had a quarterback that other teams feared, the team is still looking for a quarterback.
New coach Cam Cameron said Friday the quarterback spot is the most important on his roster and that's good because the Dolphins need a coach that recognizes that fact after Dave Wannstedt and Nick Saban apparently didn't.
But the bad news is Cameron isn't sure any of the current group -- Culpepper, Lemon, Harrington -- is the player to relieve the concerns we all have about the position.
Let me make this clear: Harrington is not the one. His $3.48 million cap number practically guarantees he will either be traded or cut before the team pays him the $1 million roster bonus he is due later this offseason.
Having said that, there is also no guarantee it will be Culpepper, who still isn't 100 percent recovered from his multiple knee surgeries, or Lemon, who still is a wild card with little experience.
So what this tells me, actually it screams at me, is that the Dolphins will go quarterback shopping this offseason. Again. They will either draft someone, although not necessarily in the first round, or they will sign someone in free agency. Don't ask me who is available, I'm eyebrows-deep in Super Bowl coverage now.
Based on what Cameron said Friday, there's also likely to be a QB competition, which is a good thing. What the hay, if Culpepper really is recovered at some point, let him prove it. What the hay, if Lemon is as good as he says and some think, let him prove it.
My prediction is that when all said and done, the Dolphins are likely to go into the 2007 season with Culpepper as their starter, Lemon as the backup, and a young quarterback being groomed as the No. 3.
What will be interesting to see is how quickly Culpepper can recover from his physical problems while, quite importantly, he learns Cameron's system. Lemon pretty much knows that system so he has an advantage. But learning the new system will test Culpepper's ability to study and learn, a part of his game which he's been criticized for in the past.
Your thoughts?
New coach Cam Cameron said Friday the quarterback spot is the most important on his roster and that's good because the Dolphins need a coach that recognizes that fact after Dave Wannstedt and Nick Saban apparently didn't.
But the bad news is Cameron isn't sure any of the current group -- Culpepper, Lemon, Harrington -- is the player to relieve the concerns we all have about the position.
Let me make this clear: Harrington is not the one. His $3.48 million cap number practically guarantees he will either be traded or cut before the team pays him the $1 million roster bonus he is due later this offseason.
Having said that, there is also no guarantee it will be Culpepper, who still isn't 100 percent recovered from his multiple knee surgeries, or Lemon, who still is a wild card with little experience.
So what this tells me, actually it screams at me, is that the Dolphins will go quarterback shopping this offseason. Again. They will either draft someone, although not necessarily in the first round, or they will sign someone in free agency. Don't ask me who is available, I'm eyebrows-deep in Super Bowl coverage now.
Based on what Cameron said Friday, there's also likely to be a QB competition, which is a good thing. What the hay, if Culpepper really is recovered at some point, let him prove it. What the hay, if Lemon is as good as he says and some think, let him prove it.
My prediction is that when all said and done, the Dolphins are likely to go into the 2007 season with Culpepper as their starter, Lemon as the backup, and a young quarterback being groomed as the No. 3.
What will be interesting to see is how quickly Culpepper can recover from his physical problems while, quite importantly, he learns Cameron's system. Lemon pretty much knows that system so he has an advantage. But learning the new system will test Culpepper's ability to study and learn, a part of his game which he's been criticized for in the past.
Your thoughts?
posted by Armando Salguero at 11:34 AM
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That last sentence says it all.
"But learning the new system will test Culpepper's ability to study and learn, a part of his game which he's been criticized for in the past."
Oops, that's the sentence I was talking about!
Aren't you overlooking the possibility that Harrington could restructure his contract? If Cameron wants him to stay and he wants to stay, that seems like the most reasonable solution to the cap/salary issue.
Everyone talks about Culpepper not having been recovered as to why he did not perform well. While that was a part of it, the dude simply couldn't make decisions and watching him drop back to pass was just painful. He won't do anything for us.
where spinning are wheels with the quarterbacks we got now. free agents are not going to do it, whos out there jake plummer, is he better???? we got to look to the draft this year or next. draft somebody and hope we get lucky.
Exactly what I asked you to ask Coach Cameron about in the previous blog.
My thoughts are that it sounds like you've got a bit of a hardon for Culpepper. He sucked in 2005, He sucked worse in 2006 then was benched later to be discovered "Saban thought Culpeppers problem was further north on the anatomy than his knee"
I would think most likely just as Jimmy Johnson said at the beginning of last season, "Daunte is done".
If Daunte was truly going ot be the savior of this franchise Saban never would have left. Fact is he left because he knew he screwed up the Qb situation and was now stuck with Culpepper so his only way out short of being fired was to head back to college.
Personally I think Harrington stay another year as the insurance policy, Lemon starts and we draft a QB in the early rounds for Cameron to groom.
Maybe Cameron will perform a miracle with Culpepper and turn him into a smart quarterback. I have my doubts. I trust Cameron when it comes to QBs (who wouldn't given his recent history grooming them) and I predict he won't be high on Culpepper, and that either Lemon or a free agent, or a rookie, starts for the Dolphins next year.
I agree that none of the QB's are the man for No.1 QB position.
...Culpepper is out unless he has a miracle in time of recovery, and being able to place pressure on either knee without regard of re-injury. There haven't been any reports of changes in his recovery status. If we decide to offer him a chance again, will he be man enough to say I just can't do it, or lie once again knowing he is unable but still wants to play. It is a commendable thought to stay in the game when you know your washed up, but we especially cannot afford it this year.
...Harrington on his own made big mistakes. The offensive line caused many of Harrington's blunders by the lack of pass protection, and missed blocks. He has bad run of luck since getting into the NFL. He had no proper training, or respect while he was in Detroit, then comes here to QB under a fruit cake like Saban. So, I do not know if I would write him so quickly.
...Lemon did ok during the two games he played, and during preseason. I do think he deserves a chance to prove himself.
No matter how we look at or say it, we need two men for the QB spot.The hardest part is finding that diamond in the rough, that does not end up only being a lump of coal... like Culpepper.
You need 3 levels of QB on the roster...you need the #1 who is hopefully someone the other team has to caution the defense about, you need the #2 who is a talented rookie that is trying to take the job away from #1 but might need some experience standing with the OC leqarning the pro game, and you need #3 who is the veteran that, like we saw in Philly still skilled but and knowlegable and able to mentor both #1 and #2.
We are missing all 3. Duante might come back and show us something but it concerns me that, like bloodlust stated, we haven't heard about his progress/recovery. maybe it isn't his knee but confidence that needs recovery.
Armando maybe you could have Cam give us some reports of progress after the bad taste we all have in our mouths post Saban era because he never told us anything.
It would be nice too hear that, like Thomas, Culpepper was doing something of a football heaking nature in the off season such as studying Cams system so it wasn't such a challenge when the QB contest starts
Armando....
any word on Ricky or Vick ?
I think they should just keep Lemon, get a guy to compete with him who is a Veteran, and draft a young QB. Won't they save over 1 million on the cap if they cut Culpepper??
I think it's much more likely (and wise) that Cameron:
* Cuts Culpepper and takes the combination of salary-cap savings and dead-money hit from his contract. His biggest problem appears to be between the ears, and the Dolphins don't have physical receivers to whom he can just heave the ball and rely on them to go after it. In other words, Culpepper's deficiencies aren't easily corrected.
* Restructures Harrington's contract to defer the bonus and include playing and performance incentives. Even with all the mistakes Harington made last year, I see a lot more raw talent there for a QB-centric coach like Cam to work with.
* Re-signs Lemon under his RFA contract.
* Drafts a promising prospect.
But it's odd that we're talking about just Cam's take on this. Doesn't Mueller--as the guy who would sign a free agent, cut or restructure a current player, or draft a new guy--have just as big a stake? Why don't you ask him for his thoughts?
I think it's much more likely (and wise) that Cameron:
* Cuts Culpepper and takes the combination of salary-cap savings and dead-money hit from his contract. His biggest problem appears to be between the ears, and the Dolphins don't have physical receivers to whom he can just heave the ball and rely on them to go after it. In other words, Culpepper's deficiencies aren't easily corrected.
* Restructures Harrington's contract to defer the bonus and include playing and performance incentives. Even with all the mistakes Harington made last year, I see a lot more raw talent there for a QB-centric coach like Cam to work with.
* Re-signs Lemon under his RFA contract.
* Drafts a promising prospect.
But it's odd that we're talking about just Cam's take on this. Doesn't Mueller--as the guy who would sign a free agent, cut or restructure a current player, or draft a new guy--have just as big a stake? Why don't you ask him for his thoughts?
daunte has obviously already played his best ball!the guy will never have the mobility he once had and we all saw what a pathetic pocket passer he was last year!if cameron has any smarts he and mueller will realize this and cut him before march!let's get over this abortion of a move by saban and move on!i for one cannot stand to think of another offseason spent hearing about daunte's re-hab!
I hate to give up on Culpepper based on one season with a messed up knee and a defensive coach. However, I fully understand everyone's misgivings. My big thing? Did anyone see the commercial where somehow Jay-Z coaches Don Shula to a stand still. Just to watch arguably the greatest coach in history lose on a cheat field goal? Isn't this a bit like claiming Micheal Jackson would be able to beat up Mike Tyson, or Kid Rock out bicycling Lance Armstrong?? Ridiculous!
culpepper should be traded for whatever they can get for him. maybe a 3rd rounder from oakland. miami has the worst history with second round picks simply because they keep trading them for garbage. why not sign schaub and restructure harringtons contract and bring in someone like david carr whos value can't be too high. offer lemon a low salary arbitration number and if somebody signs him then fine. then draft a mid round quarterback in the draft like john beck or tyler palko. and then finally have all of them compete for a job. either way i said it last year and i'm saying it again, culpepper is not the answer to anybodys problems they need to have a conservative qb and revamp their line to give some protection. maybe bring in leonard davis and move him back to guard where he was actually guard, and then draft a tackle of bring one in.
We all seem to agree upon is that Culpepper needs to be released. Whether to free up salary cap money, pick up a QB in draft, or free agency.
Boomer Esiason, after the Phin's final game, said to look elsewhere for a QB, and not waste time, and another season on Culpepper.
I read that Wayne has had it with holdouts from our new draftees. He said he would bench them for the year if they did not show up on day one. I think this is a good move in setting the pace for the changes we all want.
Ronnie Brown, Miami's top pick in 2005, missed the first three weeks of camp. Last year, Allen held out 10 days. Allen struggled learning the system.
We cannot afford people not attending training camp. Those who do not attend camp regularly never play to expectancy, and lay the burden on the other players to pick up their deficit. This is why I back Wayne 100% when he says that he will keep them on the bench for the year.
I believe a cap on what any drafted player gets just coming into the NFL. The draftee should have no choice where he goes, or what his salary or bonuses will be. Paying big bucks to unproven draftees causes problems between the players and the organization. You have a guy who plays his heart out every game, then some rookie comes in making more money than him. Its wrong.
This is a new beginning, and I hope we continue to take the steps, no matter how demanding they may be, to bring solidity in the organization and players.
Keep the good work going Wayne.
Let's draft Brady Quinn.
Lets not draft Brady Quinn. For one, he won't be there at nine which means we'd have to trade up for him. I'd prefer to keep the picks. Second, QB's taken that high are a crap shoot. He hasn't proven he can play at a high level against top notch competition. Draft one in the later rounds, but we need a sure thing in the first.
I know why everyone is mad about Culpepper but I dont think it's the best idea to cut him. We haven't even got a chance to watch him play healthy yet. Who's to say he wont return to form. Cam is known for grooming QBs.Give him a chance with C pep. They definitely shouldn't rely on him being the #1 but why count him out. At least he's proven himself in the NFL. Unlike Harrington who just continues to prove every year that he is not capable of making the right decisions or hitting the open receivers downfield on a consistent basis. As for questions about his (Daunte's)intelligence, where is this coming from? Last I heard he scored very high on the (wunderlyck?) coming out of college AND he had no problem in Minnesota's offense. The Moss argument doesn't fly because he has disapeared from the radar since being seperated from Pep. Also Pep played some great games with Moss injured (5 games in 05')and still threw for a ton of yards. I just dont understand how we can call a guy a bum who was 1 Manning away from being NFL MVP. If he is healthy he HAS to be given the chance to compete. PS Someone wrote that Boomer Esiason said we should start over. I would just like to point out that Boomer still argues with Marino (on national T.V.)about who was the better QB between the two of them. Enough said about his intelligence and ability to be rational?
Armando,
The "best" unrestricked free agent QB this offseason is Jeff Garcia. Obviously not the same crop that was available last season. I think we should try the draft. What do you think?
We need picks, picks, picks, picks. Indy gets Manning, Harrison + Wayne-we get John Avery and no 1st rounder for 3 out of 10 years! We need to trade Daunte (1.5 Mil)+ Harrington (3.5 Mil), cut 3 defensive players (10 Mil) and start shopping! Get Shaub, Garcia, etc + move up to get Russell, a speedy receiver, cornerback, and OL or DL.
No let's not draft Russell. He's just like Culpepper, and he sucks balls. Also what do you mean gets back to form? He was never any good. He's just a big guy who can throw the ball a long way. But without Randy Moss to catch it, he's just as good as having Randy Johnson out there throwing it as far as he can. Also he fumbles every other play. Can we really afford a QB that turns the ball over every other possesion. I like Tom Brady Sucks's comments. And Brady Quinn would be a 5th rounder if he went to a different school. He's just like Tom Brady surrounded by hype because of a popular school and a Bill Parcells...i mean Bill Bellichieck knockoff at coach. Until the Dolphins base that position on talent rather than popularity, they will be dwelling in the basement of the division every year, unless of course they get the Jets schedule from this past season.
I just saw on Espn that they predict Brady Quinn to drop to number 9. I think we keep Culpepper and allow quinn to develoe a year or two. Cam showed he hs experience with allowing Breese to play while allowing rivers time to develope. I like Quinn I think he could be awinner given some time to develope.
IF Quinn is available, I would hope the Dolphins would take him. But it's February, guys. The draft is in April. A lot can happen between now and then and I predict a lot will
That's true Armando, but it's not that unlikely Brady will still be available at the #9 spot - Yahoo Sports actually predicted Miami drafting him in its first mock draft.
I'm wondering... Did Marino have the Marks brothers? Did Montana have a Rice? Did Bradshaw have a Swann? I could continue but you get the point. Culpepper had a Moss... Who is the product of whom? Was it Culpepper who made Moss or Moss who made Culpepper? From what we saw early last season I don't think it was Culpepper who made Moss. There in lies the problem... We don't have a Moss, hell I don't think our number one guy is even a good number two guy on most teams. Would Culpepper be good again if we had a true go-to receiver maybe. But how many playoff games did Minnesota win when Culpepper and Moss were together? Not many I can remember. How good would Harrington be if he ever had a go-to guy? I see a lot more in Harrington than Culpepper. I say keep the QBs as is for one season and get them someone to throw to. Once we have a receiver who can get seperation and catch the ball one these guys including Lemon will rise from the ashes. If not we know they suck and we go after a QB next season.
I believe we have more to gain in cap room by dropping Harrington opposed to dropping Culpepper. I say drop Harrington. Leaving Culpepper and Lemon. You sign either Jeff Garcia or Tim Rattay. (I really think Rattay is decent) Schaub from Atl may be a good option, but I think he is restricted and would probably cost us a high pick. Not to mention he has very little starting experience. Then we need to draft a QB wherever we can get good value. Quinn at 9 would be good in my opinion, but if not him someone else in one of the first 4 rounds. If we went into camp with 4 (legitimate) QBs and had an open competition, I think we would finally find someone who can play. Let them battle equally and reward whoever plays the best, regardless of what happened last year. Culpepper was probably the most talented of our QBs last year, but was handed the job prematurely. Not to mention he clearly wasn't healthy, physically or mentally. With Cameron coming in, that position should have to be earned. Everyone should be able to start with a clean slate, in a new offense. We finally have an offensive head coach (who is particualarly good with QBs)who might have a positive influence on that position.
How about this. Culpepper will be back in fine form. He showed glimpses of is acccuracy and talent last season. Let him heal and see what happens. Play lemon as backup and for our third stringer we draft a young arm. Speculation is that Quinn might drop to us. Could be our next Marino (remember he dropped to us also). Nobody better then Cam Cameron to turn our Qb situation around. Also our O-line needs to give more then 3 seconds of protection.
Bloodlust, I can see Wayne being upset about draft choices holding out but to threaten benching them for a year is stupid. What do we gain from that? We would have a 1st round draft pick sitting on the bench for the whole season instead of half. We will still have to pay him every week.
Sometimes Wayne amazes me with his dumb comments. It makes me wonder whether the guy was just one lucky bastard.
It comes down to two things: The character of the player/agent drafted, and the willingness of the team to not play hardball with that player/agent. Bringing a draft pick in on time is a two way street between the team and the player/agent. If you know an agent has a history of late signings you don't draft the guy no matter how good he is. Stick to your principles don't throw out stupid hollow comments and expect a guy about to make millions of dollars think it has any significance.
Right on...if the OL doesn't play better, it probably won't matter who we throw back there. We need to sign an impact lineman in free agency. (Preferably LT)
Armando how do you think LJ Shelton did after moving to RG? I thought he was much better there than at Tackle and with a little more work he could possibly be an asset. But I'd like to hear your opinion on him and the rest of the line in general. Also whats the deal with Jeno James? Hurt? on the decline? He certainly wasn't the impact guy everyone though he would be after his first training camp with us.
On a side note: Ronnie Brown quietly hit 1,000 yards and rushed for over 4 yards a carry despite being harrassed constantly behind the line of scrimmage. I'm really excited about his potential. More carries and next year he could be closer to 1,500 yards. (If he can stay healthy)
Glad to see you interjecting Armando
It will be good to see a coach evaluate DC before he plays as I'm not so sure that like the QB that tries to force the ball into coverage that Saban didn't try to force DC into the game to show he made a bad decision. I think/hope Cam will be more selective and more objective when measuring talent and fit for his program. Like I said all season long we need to play the best player not the name on the jersey.
As far as the DC and Moss thing it might be they both need each other because Moss didn't fare to well as a Raider.
Patrick,
I think you are right. Wayne threatening to sit a player will accomplish nothing. Most of these guys are more concerned with getting paid and I'm not so sure that I blame them. If they are a bust it is their one chance to cash in. Their agents won't let them settle for anything less than what they can get. That isn't the way it should be, but its the way it is. I agree with Bloodlust that rookies should prove something before cashing in but thats not the way it is. Every player acquisition is an investment. They won't all work, but you try to get good value moves. The top rookies get paid a ton because of their potential production. The only way to get them in camp on day 1 is to be less shrewd when negotiating. Otherwise we have to deal with a holdout. Sitting a player for the year hurts everybody involved, but eventually the player will get his money. I'm glad Wayne is voicing his displeasure regarding rookie holdouts, but I don't think sitting them a year is in the team's best interest.
Patrick and Ny...
I agree making key players sit out for a year is not the best way to handle those who come late, or become problems. I merely give him credit for wanting to bring some kind of order or action to those who feel they can play when they want, not by their contract.. Whether it be hefty fines, loss of bonuses, or both to help motivate or get their attention.
I am though unsure on other thoughts given. Jeff Garcia is a big chance. He either plays well or poor. Not a lot of consistancy with Garcia to make him our next man. He's has been bounced around the NFL for quite awhile, no one who had him felt he is good enough to keep.
I like the fact Cam is going to determine if Culpepper's worth by having him perform on the field. Though keeping Harrington is less a risk, and if we let DC go that's 7 mil toward our cap freed. It is a big decision because no one here brings any releif to our QB problem.
We have some time before the drafts come, and the best thing to do is sit patiently and see who will become available in free agency and the draft. I have not had time to read up on Brady Quinn and his stats and strengths, so until I do I can't say one way or another if he is our guy.
NY... how do you see or believe Quinn is whom we should pick. You are pretty good, as the "Dude'" onpicking certain individuals. How does he rank in his stats? Let me know.
As a thought, Ricky Williams is supposed to be back this coming year. He too, is a risk with his drug problem. We will not know if he kicked it until the drug tests at camp.
I am looking at Brown having a better year having some experience under his belt now. If the opportunity is there to get a good QB by trade from someone needing a runnig back, I would use Ricky as that tool. As long as we get someone that is every bit capable of leading this offense to win, I am game for it.
Especially, with the prospects of who else is out there looking for a QB, using Ricky(if RB is what their looking for) could position us in a better draft spot for a QB. Free agency is all up to the recuiters. This is where Cameron and Mueller have to shine with their intellegance, and wits.
Bloodlust...I agree Garcia would be far from a sure bet. But he is a fierce competitor and I think he could fill in for a year or two if we draft a guy.
Quinn has decent size for a QB and a strong arm. Not as strong as Russel's but to me he looks a little more accurate. Quinn is also very nimble in the pocket. He seems good at avoiding the rush. Lets put it this way, if it weren't for the USC game and the Sugar Bowl, Quinn was a great bet to be the #1 pick. So at #9 he would be a great value in my opinion. Of course those two games were the two biggest of the year, but to be honest ND doesn't have the talent to match up with USC and LSU. (Perhaps offensively, but their defense was way overmatched) Brady tried to do way to much in those games and didn't look like his typical self. There is a certain degree of Notre Dame hype, but I think Quinn has all the physical tools to have success at the next level. He also did a pretty good job picking up Weis' complex offense, so he must have a pretty good football IQ. Again just my opinion.
I had to look up the stats, this is from Wikipedia:
During the 2005 college football season, Quinn completed 292 of 450 pass attempts for 3,919 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He finished the season third in the nation in passing yards, third in passing touchdowns, and seventh in passing efficiency. In his career, he has broken the Notre Dame all-time and single season team records for attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns.
The 2006 season turned out to somewhat of a disappointment for the Irish, though Quinn had another statistically impressive season. Quinn threw for 3427 yards, 37 TD and 7 INT. He also became the 32nd quarterback in Division-1A history to pass for 10,000 career yards. For his performance in 2006, Quinn won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (best senior quarterback) and the Maxwell Award (best collegiate football player). He finished third for the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Let the best player win the position. Who is to say which one of the three would gel best with the changes. I find it funny how everyone wants to slam Harrington. He did his job. He wasn't brought in to be the starting QB. There is more talent there then either Culpepper or Lemon. Receivers must hold on to the passes. Chambers dropped way too many balls from Joey and then wants to throw him under the bus. I'm sure the current coaching staff isn't stupid, watch the game films. Harrington isn't perfect, but neither was Cleo or Daunte. Its amazing when Joey went up against Detroit and his team rallied behind him be had an excellant game. Yes it was against Detroit, but of all teams, they should of been able to get at Joey. Remember Detroit did beat Atlanta and Dallas. The QB is key to success and if they are going to go with whoever then make it known, either the receivers and team gets behind him and supports him, or bench the receiver. How much chemistry do you think you would have with a receiver that talks about how great it will be to get Daunte back or how great Cleo is. The stats were no better for this particular receiver when he played with Cleo or Daunte. Its time to bring in young receivers that just want to play, not worried about PRO bowl and bull crap that doesn't matter. Winning and doing the best you can will get you more votes for PRO bowl then running your mouth how your not getting the ball enough. Hold on to it.....Make an attempt to adjust your routes...Try to make yourself open. I don't think the offense will succeed with Daunte, you would have to adjust around him. His style is like a Mike Vick and you can see where its gotten Atlanta. When Daunte and Randy played together, Randy would win that jump ball contest, there were too many times this year that the receivers didn't try very hard to come down with the ball. Blame needs to be put where it belongs. Cleo, is a work in progress. I don't see him ever being more than a backup QB. He;s been in the leauge for awhile and looks more raw than the Rookie QB's in 2006 that didn't get to be in the league years before playing. Dump Daunte, bring in someone else, and have an open compition between Cleo, Joey and whoever. Don't let the receivers decide, let the coachs eyes and the films talk for themselves.
Wrong Bloodlust. Ricky not only was railroaded because of an issue with a supplement this last suspension, but he also has had to keep testing while suspended, and has not failed (that we know).
Drafting a QB in the 1st round is always a risk as we have seen with the Liefs and Klinglers, etc. But I have to think if Brady Quinn is there at number 9 we have to take him.
Watching him several times this year I saw the most polished QB in the country. He is smooth, makes all the throws and has presence in the pocket.
The only negative I saw from him was a kind of blank look in his eyes at some crucial times in big games. It was almost that Wannstedt look and that was scary.
For better or for worse, I think next years QBs are Culpepper, Lemon, and a rookie. Yes, Pep has limitations, but, if he's healthy, there are also things that he does well. He's a very accurate passer. With a stronger running game, and a stronger commitment to it, Pep's weaknesses (reads, etc) can be limited. He may not be a Pro Bowler again, but he does have skills that hopefully Cameron can utilize.
Patrick, were you describing Quinn or Rick Mirer?
Armando, like him or not, Saban did realize that QB was an important position. Regardless of whether or not it worked out, he recognized the need and made two pretty significant additions in the offseason in an attempt to remedy the problem.
Anon, the Quinn - Mirer reference was pretty funny. Mirer, dear God what a bust. Also remember the fanfare that Ron Powlus came into college with. I don't remember if he even got drafted.
I think it's a crap shoot on any QB coming from college. From Manning to Brady you never know where the good ones are going to come from. I think we have to bring one in though. Shula used to draft a QB every year somewhere in the draft. A lot of teams still do that. I think it is wise because you never know where that jewel will come from.
I think it might be wise also to look back at the stats on Culpepper at Central Florida. He basically put that school on the map and I believe still has the highest completion percentage in NCAA history. He didn't have a Moss at UCF. Not that I believe Culpepper is the man, but I would not give up on him so quickly. That is why I said previously to give the QBs we have a chance and get some receivers in here. Chambers is a joke. I have never seen what the big deal is with him. It's 6 years in and he played well for one half of one season.
nydolfan, Shelton was better at guard than tackle but he wasn't great. He's not the biggest problem the Dolphins have on the line. That would be left tackle. Shelton clearly isn't the answer there and Damion McIntosh is a free agent. I haven't seen the FA lists yet, but most good left tackles never become free agents (example: McKinnie in Minnesota). So if I had to pick, this might be a position the Dolphins have to solve extremely early in the draft.
I know it's slightly off the topic, but as someone mentioned: QB/WR go hand in hand. Regardless of how they handle the QB situation, the Phins just don't have a great recieving corp. Wes Welker and Booker are keepers, but I think it's high time they jettison Chris Chambers underachieving butt, for greatest value we can get. He has a name, but simply can't get seperation. We need at least one sure thing, go-to WR to compliment Wes and Booker. Wes is as good as Crash, maybe better, and Booker is consistant and may have at least 2 good years left.
I'll reserve judgement on McMichael until I see the OL improve, but he's another one I'd mark for replacement while he still has some trade value.
WR and OL ARE just as big an issue as who is throwing the passes.
Trade up for Brady Quinn, please!
All the talk and all that needs to be done is that the fins pick up Brady Quinn or trade for someone better then a old beat up QB like Dante.
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