Donovin Darius out, Jason Allen in
Donovin Darius sat out much of the Dolphins game against the Cleveland Browns last weekend because he was experiencing "flu-like symptoms," according to the team.
Are you kidding me? The guy was out of the game while Cameron Worrell got wore out because he had the sniffles? Or maybe his throat was a little sore? Or perhaps he was feeling a little stuffed up?
No wonder Donovin Darius and his "flu-like symptoms" got cut Tuesday. Talk about not wanting it.
I remember watching Michael Jordan play in a playoff game once with a fever of 101. The guy had phlegm (I love that word) flying out of his nose and down his chin but he scored like 63 points in the game and the only folks feeling ill when it was over was the other team.
"Flu-like symptoms?" Get real. So this ridiculous chapter in Dolphins history is now thankfully closed and we move on with some real business.
Which brings me to Jason Allen.
Remember Cam Cameron stating last week this is "make or break" time for Allen? Well, make or break starts Sunday against the Patriots. Allen is going to be playing in Miami's dime (6 defensive back) package against the Patriots. He and Courtney Bryan are going to get snaps against arguably the best passing offense in the NFL.
"It’s time for those two guys to step up and play," Cameron said Wednesday. " I told them that in the meeting today, and Jason as well. I thought both of them did a nice job today in practice. It’s time for them to step up and play and help us out.”
I hope it works out for Jason Allen and Courtney Bryan. I will especially be interested to see what Allen does because, frankly, that's where the Dolphins have the biggest investment. If he can compete against the Patriots passing offense, he can play against anyone.
And trust me, the Patriots will make sure they test Allen. Take today for example: Bill Belichick will read this blog and find out Allen is in Miami's dime package. How long before he orders the offense to rewrite the game plan so as to be in four-wides the entire game and go after that guy wearing No. 32?
It should be interesting.
Your thoughts?
Are you kidding me? The guy was out of the game while Cameron Worrell got wore out because he had the sniffles? Or maybe his throat was a little sore? Or perhaps he was feeling a little stuffed up?
No wonder Donovin Darius and his "flu-like symptoms" got cut Tuesday. Talk about not wanting it.
I remember watching Michael Jordan play in a playoff game once with a fever of 101. The guy had phlegm (I love that word) flying out of his nose and down his chin but he scored like 63 points in the game and the only folks feeling ill when it was over was the other team.
"Flu-like symptoms?" Get real. So this ridiculous chapter in Dolphins history is now thankfully closed and we move on with some real business.
Which brings me to Jason Allen.
Remember Cam Cameron stating last week this is "make or break" time for Allen? Well, make or break starts Sunday against the Patriots. Allen is going to be playing in Miami's dime (6 defensive back) package against the Patriots. He and Courtney Bryan are going to get snaps against arguably the best passing offense in the NFL.
"It’s time for those two guys to step up and play," Cameron said Wednesday. " I told them that in the meeting today, and Jason as well. I thought both of them did a nice job today in practice. It’s time for them to step up and play and help us out.”
I hope it works out for Jason Allen and Courtney Bryan. I will especially be interested to see what Allen does because, frankly, that's where the Dolphins have the biggest investment. If he can compete against the Patriots passing offense, he can play against anyone.
And trust me, the Patriots will make sure they test Allen. Take today for example: Bill Belichick will read this blog and find out Allen is in Miami's dime package. How long before he orders the offense to rewrite the game plan so as to be in four-wides the entire game and go after that guy wearing No. 32?
It should be interesting.
Your thoughts?
posted by Armando Salguero at 12:14 AM
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37 Comments:
I must confess, I placed a bet with three friends that the Dolphins would beat the Patriots once this year. It won't happen Sunday, but what about next time? Losing slackers like Darius certainly helps. What is it that the 'Phins have on Brady?
It's about time we see what Jason Allen is made of. The only question now will we finally see Lorenzo Booker?
Hey Armando,
Thanks for the blog - long timer reader first time poster. I was just wondering if you could write in a future post or in an article how the Dolphins salary cap will likely look after the season. Which veterans do you think might retire, be traded, or just cut now that we are officially rebuilding, um oh excuse me, retooling. Your old friend Jason Cole wrote today that he believes Zach will retire at the end of this season. Do you have any insight on that? Thanks and keep up the great work.
I know Ronnie Brown wears 23, but tell Jason Allen to change his number to 23 so maybe Brady gets confused and thinks he is looking at Patrick Surtain when Brady drops back.
Belichick reads this blog? Hey Bill,I did your wife. I bet you knew that though,you probably had an employee videotaping it.
Greg, where's the article about Zach retiring? Can you post the link (it's not on Yahoo Sports where J. Cole writes). Thanx.
Here is a link and here is a copy of the comment. As I said it is just his "belief", not anything confirmed as fact:
Cole: We welcome the Bears to the dregs of the NFL. Eight months removed from the Super Bowl and the once-vaunted Bears defense looks like a JV unit right now. Injuries are a big reason, but no team worth its salt should allow more than 300 yards rushing at home. … The Jets should really be making a change at quarterback to Kellen Clemens. Chad Pennington is really done. … Miami tried its best to make a game out of it in Cleveland after getting behind big early, but the once-proud Dolphins defense is just a wreck these days. Considering that, don't be surprised if the great Zach Thomas calls it a career at the end of the season. It's a sad end for a wonderful player.
Forgot to paste the link:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AvHGnxPWeOQKGtTQua1EMz9DubYF?slug=ys-rankings101607&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Armando, the one thing I wonder about Jason allen is if he is "a gamer". By that I mean that he is a poor practice player but a good "game" player.
We'll see soon enough. I just know that the Dolphins are desperate for someone with his size and speed to help out over the top. Aside from Renaldo Hill, he's the only DB that has the physical tools to handle Randy Moss.
I hope Jason Allen's a "gamer" - there are definitely people like that, that don't show it on a practice field, but come up big when it counts. I would rather a guy be that way than be a practice superstar and suck when it counts. I want to see some 4 receiver sets with Ginn, Hagan, Booker (ok, I don't want to see Booker, but you know he'll be there for the time being) and... Booker. Imagine Booker in the slot with Ginn stretching the field. Booker would have crazy stats (assuming he can catch a pass better than a punt). And remember, Crowder said that Booker still can't be tackled in practice and that he's still breakin' some ankles, but it turns out that may be more of a reflection on our defense than on Booker... who knew?
Just a reminder if you think the Phins have no chance...Last time they played Brady and the Pats they punked them 21-0.
Playing against the HATED Patriots should be enough motivation for all true Dolphins players to step up, especially with them entering the game unbeaten. It will be interesting to see which players actually play their best against the best.
My gut tells me that Cam Cameron needs to do everything he can to keep Cleo Lemon healthy, and keep John Beck as far away from the playing field as possible this week. He's not ready to face the whuppin' the Dolphins are about to get this Sunday.
As for Zach, who could blame him for hanging up his cleats after this season?
Wouldn't it be fitting if the Dolphins actually won this game?
Hey, I can dream, can't I?
Go Dolphins!!!
I'm glad we're throwing Jason Allen into the fire and no longer handling him with kid gloves. This guy has got to go out there, get burned, and get right back out there and attempt to make a play. Should be interesting how he handles things.
Now, I know the Dolphins have split with the Patsies in recent years and usually give them fits one out of the two games that they play.....
That being said, and in my dreams this turns out wayyy different, but I think on Sunday, we're going to witness murder in the first degree by the Patsie passing attack against our secondary. Its insane the weaponry they have....Moss, Stallworth, Welker, Watson, Gaffney, Washington, and the kid from Florida who I believe is coming back from injury.
I hope Miami gives them the usual fits, but....YIKES.
Keep this in mind, one of the few plays Jason Allen made last season was against the Patriots. Remember when Allen laid TE Ben Watson out to dry with a brutal hit forcing an incomplete pass? Watson was on the ground for a good while after that hit. I've pretty much resigned to the fact, that Jason Allen is pretty much a B-U-S-T. However, I would have no problems if in these last few games he changed my mind.
I agree with you. What a baby. "Flu-like symptoms" - give me a break. I play amateur baseball and played a playoff game with what turned out to be pneumonia. I bet Jason Taylor was disgusted with Darius. We need guys with passion for the game. Good riddance Darius!
This is another example that the season is over. By putting Jason Allen in... they want to see if they need a first or second round pick on a kick ass Safety or Corner. Now soon we will see other players being thrown in to see how they play as well.
Guys sit back because the fins are now officially on cruise control, but its a very rocky ride.
Jason knows his stuff, but I don't agree with him on Zach. I think Zach will be around for a while, if not in Miami then somewhere else.
He just LOVES to play and every conversation I've had with him on the subject continues to suggest that.
As for Jason Allen being a gamer: Who knows? He hasn't gotten in enough games to find out.
Armando your funny. Worrell got wore out ... LOL.
We can just count this season as being a 20 game preseason.
Trying out players to see if they are going to make the team for next season, or if they have any trade value.
PhinPhan
Okeechobee
"Arguably" the best pass offense?
Only if the person you're "arguing" with is an Indy fan.
all you optimistic freaks, see reality.
the chambers trade means the team is going down the tubes.
I can't really say I agree with Darius, flu-like symptom's, or not. Hell, I have flu-like symptoms every time I watch the Dolphin's play! He was a good vet and a hard-hitter. They, OBVIOUSLY have no depth to make that kind of move. (Of course, I haven't agreed with 80% of the Dolphins moves dating back to Marino!) I've been asking Armando about Allen on almost every blog, so it'll be nice to see if he can hack it. Of course, that's assuming Porter's NOT being used as a DE and Brady doesn't have all day to throw because it really won't matter who's in the secondary at that point! I can't imagine he could possibly be any worse than ANYBODY in our secondary. He WAS an All-American!
Flu-like symptoms can also mean vomiting uncontrollably. Could care less though.
Can't this kid catch a break? I think Jason Allen is cursed. The first time he's being inserted into a prominent role and it's against Tom Brady and the Patriots. Good luck JA, you're going to need it. I hope he plays well but if he doesn't I also hope that he is not judged too harshly. He will probably need a few weeks to gain confidence. Go get em' Jason!!
This Patriot game is what I call a "God's-green-earth" game, as in... Not on God's green earth will the Miami Dolphins beat the New England Patriots on Sunday. There that feels better. The worst thing is these are the games that shock the world. Not that I would ever again attempt to stir the pot by guaranteeing a Miami victory.
Here's a thought though; remember back in the day when the Giants played the vaunted Buffalo Bills offensive Juggernaut, Kelly, Thomas, Reed and the boys? The defensive coordinator for that Giants team was none other than Bill Belichick... Mr. Belichick made a statement I still remember. He said something like, "If Thomas rushes for a hundred yards or more, than we will win the game."
He was going to let the Bills run all day, but he was not going to let Kelly beat him. So, he ran a defense much of the game that consisted of only 2 defensive linemen and one linebacker. The rest of the field was spread out with safeties and corners.
The Bills were supposed to wipe up the Giants but it didn't happen that way because Kelly couldn't throw down field and was forced to drive the length of the field to score. They scored but not at the prodigious rate they had during the course of the season and were held to 19 points. The Giants only needed to score 20 and won the game. Granted the missed Norwood field goal will go down in infamy, but the strategy worked.
So, I think it's time to Belichick the Belichick... Let's use his own strategy against him. Hold the Patriots to 20 points and hope Cameron can come up with 21.
Not on God's-green-earth... But it's a thought.
Hey Armando ... next time you talk to Zach, tell him we need his type of passion, committment to excellence, IQ, and football knowledge in the front office. As great a player as he's been for the 'fins (top 10 all-time), he'd be an even better GM/CEO.
For Jason Allen it EZ. forget about the Damn defensive schemes, just stop the deep ball. Play safety with your "Natural" ability, everything else will take care of its self!! I am so hoping that JA has a good game, and he is out there next yaer with Yeremiah Bell. 2 Hard hitting ball Hawking safties. Watch Wes Welker TORCH our asses for 3 TD's. 'DAMN!!!" NCFINFAN
LOL
Patrick that was a great post man!!! I think its gonna be another losing day for us , but I would love to see an upset and anything is possible on " Any Given Sunday" !! Lets not forget we always have a good game when we play the Pat's!!! We put an end to the Bears undefeated run they were making last year so anything can happen!!! I'm just glad to hear we'll finally be seeing more of Derek Hagan and Ted Ginn, ITS ABOUT TIME!!! Next step is to get a good evaluation on Beck!!
As far as Jason Allen I hope he steps up to the plate and proves he's worth something!!! If not it'll be interesting to see how Cam and Randy will handle the situation, especially since we have so much cap tied up in his contract!!
I have a question to my fellow Dolphin fans!!! Armando I'd like your opinion on this too!!!
How many of you think that if John Beck is given play time this season and doesn't do well, that Cam and Randy will use our first round pick on a QB???
I personally think even if Beck does horrible Cam isn't going to stray away from his "plan" meaning we shouldn't even get excited about the current college QB's that look awesome!!! I also think this is why we haven't seen Beck in action yet!!!
To j dizzle, I think that theres no way cam will give up on Beck no matter how he does, i do like the look of Brohm who knows he may be too good to pass up but i hope he goes for Jake Long OT to sliodify the OLine then defence. As for Beck I think he may take a couple of games but he'll be the real deal hopefully.
Jdizzle...
Just my opinion, but I think if Beck doesn't do well, if he gets some playing time, Miami will NOT draft a QB with their first round pick. I think there are far more pressing needs, such as defensive secondary & offensive line.
I have a hunch that Beck is going to be just fine. He won't break any of Marino's records, mind you, but I think we got the real deal in him. We just have to see it.
Just my thoughts
j dizzle,
No way the coach gives up on Beck after only a few games in his rookie season, assuming he even makes it into a game this season. Dude has a cannon, completes passes at a high percentage, and has proven that he can win big games (in college).
That being said, I wouldn't rule out the 'Fins drafting another young QB next year, but probably not on the first day of the draft. There are far too many other needs on this team.
Speaking of which...
Go Jason Allen!
Go Dolphins!!!
DrumFinFan
Patrick,
"God's-green-earth" game. Too funny.
Best comment I've read in a while!
The Dolphins pass rush will have to be resurrected like Lazarus to have any chance against the Patriots on Sunday.
Go Dolphins!!!
DrumFinFan
Hey, Armando, thanks for the heads-up about the Allen kid. Scott and I are going to give you a raise soon; we're just looking around in the slush fund to determine how much.
By the way, 'flu-like symptoms' can also mean he had a bad case of the trots. Acknowleging your well-known penchant for scatology, you really did want the guy to dump his trash truck on the field, didn't you?
Lawyer, the guy with the video camera is sooo stooopid he not only got caught in NY, but taped over your tryst with the old lady. Could I borrow your copy? I promise to return it.
That's it Mando, keep up the good work; without you, we'd be lost.
Billy
Mueller is smart enough to draft another QB regardless what he and Cam think of Beck. I doubt it'll be in the first round this time, just as it wasn't last time. You can't have enough good QBs.
Armando, get over yourself, already. The preening is unbecoming.
... especially for someone with such pedestrian skills.
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