tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255531052024-03-07T03:04:30.321-05:00Dolphins In DepthEverything Dolphin: No subject is taboo, no deadlines, no space crunch.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger407125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-72133947236069799552008-05-12T10:35:00.000-04:002008-05-12T10:39:08.334-04:00Blog has moved so visit new blog for new postingMy blog has moved as promised so please visit the new Dolphins in Depth at this URL: <a href="http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/">http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/</a><br /><br />I have a new posting up on that site already so leave your reactions there.<br /><br />In the next day or so the blog will be moved by the Herald so all you'll have to do is come to The Herald site as, I assume, you've been doing and click on my face to get on the blog.<br /><br />See you over there.Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-36552435227234665182008-05-11T07:07:00.001-04:002008-05-11T07:11:38.710-04:00Salguero on the radio today 9-11 a.m.I'll be doing my weekend radio show today [Sunday] from 9-11 a.m. on 790 The Ticket.<br /><br />You are invited to call in and discuss the Dolphins or any other topic on your mind. You can also call in and give a shout-out to your mom.<br /><br />If you're in South Florida, you know the station can be heard on 790-AM. If you are in Siberia and all points south, you can listen live online at 790theticket.com.<br /><br />If you want to call into the show, the toll free number is 1-888-790-3776.Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-78831218258246939462008-05-08T20:48:00.004-04:002008-12-10T17:25:28.421-05:00Patriots cheated on Dolphins offense also<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxrMe0arqJQCLsuvMHfTsAulR3KedbDjMDFjcHJhj3e8he_Z0zXe16FH_l1Eck1XG9BH7UiQ7tI06p_aJcRuYlXvvt8wmKuHORUnA1HAc1AmUyAg9YXgcFPUi73bDnyCQTOgx/s1600-h/pats+cheerleader.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198181505436572674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxrMe0arqJQCLsuvMHfTsAulR3KedbDjMDFjcHJhj3e8he_Z0zXe16FH_l1Eck1XG9BH7UiQ7tI06p_aJcRuYlXvvt8wmKuHORUnA1HAc1AmUyAg9YXgcFPUi73bDnyCQTOgx/s400/pats+cheerleader.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>[For all of you that consistently criticize me but nonetheless come to this blog more often than you sit down to eat, I am announcing this is my final blog entry. More on that later.]</div><div></div><div>Today we are going to discuss the fact that the Patriots, cheaters and champions that they are, have been further busted by the NFL.</div><div></div><div>As you know, they were fined $750,000 as an organization, had to forfeit a first-round pick this year, and coach Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Belichick</span> was fined $500,000 for taping the defensive signals of other teams.</div><div></div><div>Seems they also stole opponents' offensive signals, too.</div><div></div><div>At least they stole the Dolphins offensive signals, according to a report by USA Today. </div><div></div><div>Among the tapes delivered by former New England video employee Matt Walsh to the NFL is a tape marked to indicate it contains the Miami Dolphins' offensive signals from an Oct. 7, 2001 game against the Patriots.</div><br /><div>"One of the tapes is labeled that way. Until we review it, we don't know what's there," NFL spokesman Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Aiello</span> told the newspaper. </div><br /><div></div><div>It remains to be seen if the NFL will further cite the Patriots for this latest example of how that team trampled league rules against taping opponents. When it originally spanked the Patriots last season, the league noted the punishment was for videotaping opponents' defensive signals, never mentioning offensive signals.</div><br /><div></div><div>By the letter of Commissioner Roger <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Goodell's</span> statement, the taping of offensive signals was not included in that punishment. So further punishment seems in order if the Patriots indeed gained a competitive advantage in that game and others as a result of taping offensive signals.</div><br /><div></div><div>Taping of signals is considered to be an advantage in an ensuing game, generally after coaches have had time to study the signals. In the best case scenario, the Patriots could have gained an advantage in the second half, after studying Miami's offensive signals at halftime.</div><br /><div></div><div>The problem is the Patriots lost the Oct. 7 game 30-10 so no amount of cheating could really have helped them. They did win the rematch on Dec. 22, 2001, 20-13, but the thing that killed the Dolphins that game was, well, the Dolphins.</div><div></div><div></div><div>Lamar Smith fumbled at the 2 yard line, ending Miami's hopes for one score. Jed Weaver caught a pass for 19 yards and fumbled, ending another drive. Both Pat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Surtain</span> and Sam Madison drew crucial penalties inside the Miami 25 yard line that led to New England points. And Ed Perry fumbled a kickoff that led to a field goal.</div><br /><div></div><div>So did the Patriots (and their pictured cheerleaders) cheat? Probably.</div><br /><div></div><div>But did the Dolphins lose because of it? Didn't look that way.</div><br /><div></div><div>[I want to say good-bye as this will be my last post on blogger.com. My blogs will now move to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">typepad</span>.com! What does that mean to me? It means The Herald is going to start making money off this blog because there will be ads about the site. For you, it means nothing. I remain in your lives! But I figured it was a chance to mess with your heads a little.]</div>Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-13227534422492523152008-05-08T11:20:00.002-04:002008-12-10T17:25:28.553-05:00The importance of the Parcells conditioning program<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAPGCuUYfq-3F1Bn1UB5o6EMseTZWyMugNPgVHGWL2r33gNPIOUcvX6b6sTq0muB_ic8XdKzmm53HM_Qn_FG1mrpJM3DzPF9sI_HR4NfkRpUwjNaui-D-Nb2b7GOMzItZ3kPY/s1600-h/edytaIII_thumb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198038328406793202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAPGCuUYfq-3F1Bn1UB5o6EMseTZWyMugNPgVHGWL2r33gNPIOUcvX6b6sTq0muB_ic8XdKzmm53HM_Qn_FG1mrpJM3DzPF9sI_HR4NfkRpUwjNaui-D-Nb2b7GOMzItZ3kPY/s400/edytaIII_thumb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The Josh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">McCown</span> column that I told you about yesterday is up on the Herald's site so if you are interested in reading what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McCown</span> has to say about this coming season and his chances to win the starting quarterback job, take a quick jump here <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/614/story/525218.html">http://www.miamiherald.com/614/story/525218.html</a> and then make your way back.<br /><br />Something I didn't get into in the column that really fascinates me is the Dolphins' new training regimen that Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Parcells</span> brought to the team. One of the first things <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Parcells</span> was surprised with and knew he had to change when he became Lord Dolphin was the number of injuries the team suffered last year.<br /><br />There were a ton, and for a team with limited depth, they were fatal. No exaggeration. The injuries killed the Dolphins season.<br /><br />I've written before on this blog what folks like Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Belichick</span> (the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">freaken</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">fracken</span> cheater) and Sean Payton say about the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Parcells</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">offseason</span> regimen. They swear by it. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">McCown</span>, who has played for three other NFL teams before joining the Dolphins, also is impressed.<br /><br />"Everybody has a different way of doing things," he said. "And I’m not the one to say what is right or wrong. For me this system as far as the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">offseason</span> approach seems very, very detailed down to the way we stretch, the way we warm up, even how we cool down. And obviously the workout and the running in between seems very detailed and says how we’re going to approach this thing.<br /><br />"Throwing is something I'm doing here. It’s very detailed on how they expect me to perform and it’s specific for the things I needed to do to get better whether it’s footwork or my release or whatever the case may be. It seems a very detailed approached. They don’t just say, ‘It’s OK for you to do things your way.’ It’s the way they think is the best way to get it done. That’s the way they want you to do it.<br /><br />"And they really hammer that in. For me that’s a little different and it’s exciting. I hope its beneficial and I think it will be because I like the changes I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ve</span> made as far as myself and the way I approach football and the way I approach a day in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">offseason</span>."<br /><br />If you understand how quickly this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">offseason</span> workout routine makes converts of guys coming from other teams, if you recognize that assistants in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Parcells</span> coaching tree have taken the system with them to their new teams when they become head coaches, you should then see why <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Parcells</span> thinks it is so important.<br /><br />Agree or not with its effectiveness, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Parcells</span> believes in it. He apparently swears by it. That is the reason I think he was so angry and disappointed that Jason Taylor isn't participating. I believe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Parcells</span> thinks Taylor is not maximizing his chances to have a great season in 2008.<br /><br />That is the bottom line.<br /><br />Taylor, always in shape, may disagree. He can argue it's a voluntary program and he ain't volunteering. But the debate is not the point.<br /><br />The point is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Parcells</span> thinks Taylor would be better for this team after going through his conditioning program rather than the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Edyta</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Sliwinska</span> (pictured) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">offseason</span> program. I am not saying <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Parcells</span> is right or Taylor is right.<br /><br />I am just trying to make you understand why <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Parcells</span> is so torqued-off by the issue. It's like the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">offseason</span> program is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Parcells</span>' baby and somebody just ignored his baby.<br /><br />Anyway, it also is interesting to me that after <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">McCown</span> admits in my column that he is adjusting his footwork and release, that makes two Dolphins quarterbacks who have been trying to do that this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">offseason</span>. Remember that coach Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Sparano</span> said earlier this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">offseason</span> John Beck was adjusting his release.<br /><br />How long before Chad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Henne</span> is adjusting his release, I wonder?</div>Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-88101635339722616952008-05-07T14:35:00.001-04:002008-12-10T17:25:29.200-05:00Josh McCown most likely candidate to start?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVqk0LNthrEyvp5dK1h6s2ZmzhEXtoVCriGd7tdtWOCReXwsYg4cBokL-nFxuFT1DxKFe_pkYd30FnmbLFHHmQ12aUHjz0UWtrVL_Y0_234UvZh1pPA2n_sXzYph8JuNruiV3/s1600-h/mccown.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197715754888027106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVqk0LNthrEyvp5dK1h6s2ZmzhEXtoVCriGd7tdtWOCReXwsYg4cBokL-nFxuFT1DxKFe_pkYd30FnmbLFHHmQ12aUHjz0UWtrVL_Y0_234UvZh1pPA2n_sXzYph8JuNruiV3/s400/mccown.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Just had a very pleasant interview with Josh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">McCown</span>, who is my early pick to be the Dolphins starting quarterback in the season-opener.<br /><br />I lobbed the typical softballs for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McCown</span>, you know, how he's getting acclimated and stuff like that. But there were also some pointed questions during the interview that he handled well -- like a routine snap from center.<br /><br />I asked him why we should believe he can be a success in Miami when he hasn't been in Oakland, Detroit or Arizona. I asked him if he believes he can be one of those late-blooming <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">QBs</span> such as Rich Gannon that become proficient later in his career. I asked him specifically what he believes will make him better in Miami?<br /><br />So what did he say? If I tell you here, there is no need for you to read my column. I will post it here once it posts on The Herald site and update this post with more quotes.<br /><br />I will tell you that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">McCown (pictured)</span> isn't shy about the subject of the open quarterback competition.<br /><br />"I don't feel like there's anything standing in my way that says, 'Hey, you can't be the starter,' " he told me.<br /><br />Personally I believe his experience will be the over-riding factor in him earning the starting job at the beginning of the season. I think he has every bit the physical tools as John Beck or Chad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Henne</span>.<br /><br />But <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">McCown</span> is, after all, entering his seventh season and has played in 44 NFL games. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Henne</span> is a rookie and Beck has played in only five NFL games.<br /><br />Anyway, give me your breakdown of the Dolphins quarterback spot. Tell me if you agree that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">McCown</span> is the guy -- at least early on -- and if you disagree, tell me why. Please have a better reason than, 'Because I'm smarter than you, Armando.'<br /><br />Because you're not.<br /><br />[ I wish to publicly thank Harvey Greene and his Dolphins media relations department for setting up the talk with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">McCown</span>. I rip the Dolphins a lot when they act like the media is the enemy. So I want to be fair when they are cooperative on issues that don't involve competitive advantage.]</div>Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com102tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-83530345690280297142008-05-06T10:38:00.001-04:002008-05-06T11:02:55.331-04:00Paul Soliai under the microscope in Year TwoOne would think Paul <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Soliai</span> has a great NFL future before him. He is 6-4. He weighs 344 pounds. The Dolphins thought enough of him to draft him in the fourth round last year.<br /><br />But if the team knew then what it learned once he got to Miami, that fourth round pick would have been used on someone else.<br /><br />For all his potential and upside, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Soliai</span> is becoming something of a disappointment. His size and bulk simply didn't translate last year as he started out the season in the defensive line rotation then regressed.<br /><br />He played in nine games during his rookie year, but had only three tackles. This while he was playing right there in the middle, where every play begins and most of the running is done. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Soliai</span> played in six games in which he did not record a tackle.<br /><br />Do the math: That means the most tackles he had in any one game was ... one.<br /><br />It did not surprise anyone when he was inactive the final three games of the season even while lesser-known but more effective Steve <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fifita</span> got more playing time.<br /><br />So what was the problem?<br /><br />Well, part of it was a lack of experience and adjusting to the NFL. A lot of rookies go through that. But more troubling was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Soliai's</span> attitude and [lack of] work ethic. As one source put it to me, "He's just a big, lazy baby."<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Soliai</span> played poorly and made no substantive effort to get better. He didn't stay after practice. He didn't put more work in with the weights. He didn't do any extra tape work to study opposing linemen. He barely did enough to get by.<br /><br />So now with the new Dolphins administration -- one that promises to have no tolerance for disinterested players -- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Soliai</span> will be under the microscope. His size and draft status have apparently bought him time on the roster, perhaps until July when they put on pads.<br /><br />But at that time, his laid-back, minimum-effort style better disappear. Either that or Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Parcells</span> will make him disappear.Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-47886067698657542662008-05-05T13:46:00.000-04:002008-05-05T14:42:07.462-04:00Where do the upgraded Dolphins rank now?I think no one will argue the Dolphins were the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NFL's</span> worst team last season. They had the worst record. They had the No. 1 overall pick this year. They fired their coach and general manager after only one season.<br /><br />They were the worst.<br /><br />But where are they today?<br /><br />Although no one has played a game lately, there has been plenty of activity around the NFL since February when the Giants were crowned kings. Coaching changes, free agency, and the draft have changed things in a lot of places.<br /><br />Well, the changes have been exceedingly kind to the Dolphins if one studies Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">si</span>.com today. In his NFL rankings, he's got Miami at No. 27. The Dolphins, per King, are better than San Francisco, St. Louis, Oakland, Kansas City, and Atlanta, which he ranks dead last.<br /><br />I have to disagree.<br /><br />While I do think the Dolphins have addressed some issues this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">offseason</span>, I am also quite familiar with the warts. So I don't see how the addition of Jake Long, Chad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Henne</span>, Reggie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Torbor</span>, Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Parcells</span>, Phillip <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Merling</span> and Josh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">McCown</span> has helped the Dolphins vault past the Raiders.<br /><br />If you remember the Raiders pretty much handed it to the Dolphins last season. The score was 35-17 but the game wasn't really that close as Oakland so dominated the line of scrimmage that the offense needed only five pass completions to turn the game into a route.<br /><br />The Raiders have the best CB tandem in the NFL today with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">DeAngelo</span> Hall and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Nnamdi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Asomugha</span>. They have a supremely gifted QB about to embark on his first full season in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">JaMarcus</span> Russell. They just improved their running game with this guy, you may have heard of him, Darren McFadden.<br /><br />And with a $143 million payroll somehow tucked into the $104 million cap, the front office is not as bereft of imagination as everyone believes.<br /><br />King has the the Rams rated behind the Dolphins also. Really? Tell me how many Pro Bowls the Miami starting quarterback has been to. For that matter, who is the Miami starting quarterback?<br /><br />Rams QB Marc <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Bulger</span> has been to two Pro Bowls. Torry Holt is better than any receiver Miami puts on the field. The defense last year was better than Miami's and it has added Chris Long. And Orlando Pace is said to be on track with his recovery from injury while the addition of guard Jacob Bell promises stability.<br /><br />Oh yeah, Steven Jackson has been more productive and more durable than Ronnie Brown. So while I don't think the Rams are ready for any sort of playoff run, I don't see how the Dolphins passed them considering the two-game difference between at the end of 2007.<br /><br />King has Miami ahead of San Francisco also. I guess he believes Miami has picked up <em>five</em> games on San Francisco this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">offseason</span>. Maybe he thinks the unsettled quarterback situation in SF is a problem. I'm more worried by the unsettled quarterback situation in Miami.<br /><br />And while I trust <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Parcells</span> to eventually get that QB situation addressed in Miami, I can also appreciate Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Martz</span> and his ability to turn OK quarterbacks -- Kurt Warner, Jon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Kitna</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Bulger</span> come to mind -- into very good quarterbacks.<br /><br />I do agree the Dolphins have moved past Atlanta and Kansas City, as King notes. Atlanta was the lone team that had a <em>worse</em> season than Miami last year, what with the Mike Vick debacle and the Bobby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Petrino</span> in-season departure and the inability to land <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Parcells</span>.<br /><br />The Falcons believe they've found their new franchise quarterback in Matt Ryan, the guy the Dolphins passed over. But the Falcons have holes along the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">OL</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">DL</span> and in the secondary and Ryan may not play right away. So this team looks worse than Miami.<br /><br />So does KC. The Chiefs traded away their best player -- something the Dolphins have so far resisted doing with Jason Taylor. And although they got a king's ransom back from Minnesota for Jared Allen, the Chiefs aren't likely to see the fruits of that trade immediately. The rookies selected with the extra picks will have to grow into the NFL game as might first pick Glenn Dorsey.<br /><br />And talk about quarterback problems. With Brodie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Croyle</span> as their answer, KC is one NFL team with a worse quarterback picture than Miami.<br /><br />So by my reckoning, the Dolphins should be ranked 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">th</span> ahead of KC and Atlanta. It is not No. 27 where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">si</span>.com has them. But at least it ain't last anymore.<br /><br />Your thoughts?Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com101tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-86884369425368779162008-05-04T12:57:00.001-04:002008-05-04T21:08:55.502-04:00Final rookie minicamp practice overThe rookie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">minicamp</span> is over and here is the update from today's work.<br /><br />Chad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Henne</span> was terrible in practice today. He struggled with his accuracy and was seemingly tired because his sideline throws had very little gas on them.<br /><br />"Today, I didn't have such a great practice," <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Henne</span> said afterward. "I was inconsistent with my throws."<br /><br />The conditioning of these players is a serious concern -- particularly considering that it wasn't very hot this weekend. Although players believed it to be blazing hot, as Jake Long noted, it was really mild.<br /><br />Yet guys were clearly winded. Coach Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sparano</span> told the players they needed to get in better shape on Saturday but that wasn't the only message the team sent about being well-conditioned. The message came from the Dolphins when they signed tryout player Anthony Toribio.<br /><br />Notice that GM Jeff Ireland released a quote about signing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Toribio</span>: "Anthony was here on a tryout basis and really showed to everyone what can happen to a kid when he <strong>comes</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>camp</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>shape</strong> and works hard," said Ireland.<br /><br />Remember that Ireland didn't release a quote when the Dolphins signed most of their veteran free agents. So yeah, it was a message.<br /><br />Anyway, Jake Long is confident he improved during the three days of camp. "I got better," he said. He will return to South Florida May 16 and get settled, and hopefully start to get acclimated with the heat.<br /><br />By the way, Marcel Reece continued his struggles of the weekend, dropping at least three passes today.<br /><br />The Dolphins worked both the 3-4 and 4-3 set on defense.<br /><br />On offense the team moved around some of the interior linemen. At one point I looked up and saw Shawn Murphy at tackle. It would not surprise if throughout training camp, coaches will move guys around so they can play alternate positions in a crunch.Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-84674770853228124592008-05-03T13:25:00.001-04:002008-05-03T16:56:58.681-04:00Update following Saturday's morning practiceHere's a quickie update from Saturday morning's camp practice:<br /><br />It's interesting to see CB Will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bilingsley</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">WR</span> Jayson Foster go against each other. These are probably the two fastest guys on the field so when Foster runs 9 routes it is all about going fast. Foster got behind <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Billingsley</span> once this morning, but Chad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Henne's</span> pass was overthrown.<br /><br />Coach Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sparano</span> noted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Billingsley</span> has caught the eye of the coaching staff with that 4.29 speed but, "he needs a lot of work," he said, with his technique.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Davone</span> Bess has been OK during the workouts but he seems to slow down as the practice wears on. "He has pretty good ball skills," <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Sparano</span> said, "but he needs work from a conditioning standpoint."<br /><br />The curious thing about that is Bess played at Hawaii and they threw the ball on practically every down. So he should be used to running route after route after route without losing his breath.<br /><br />Second round pick Phillip <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Merling</span> has shown "more strength," than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sparano</span> thought he had. But the coach said practically all the rookies need to improve their strength.<br /><br />Not to pick on the tryout players, but TE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Khristopher</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Kasparek</span> can't seem to keep his shorts from falling down. And QB Willie Copeland has a penchant for throwing balls all over the place, which makes judging the receivers very difficult.<br /><br />One receiver that has caught the ball well is Marcel Reece, but at 231 pounds he's not exactly a burner.<br /><br />By the way, the Dolphins conditioning program for vets is six weeks in. They have gone through 24 conditioning sessions, according to Sparano.<br /><br />Finally, the Dolphins today signed defensive tackle Anthony Toribio from among the tryout players at the current minicamp. “Anthony was here on a tryout basis and really showed to everyone what can happen to a kid when he comes to camp in shape and works hard,” said Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland in a statement. “In addition, his signing will improve the depth at nose tackle and will help us get younger at that position.”<br /><br />Toribio is from Central High School in South Florida. Miami represent.Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-37862008841291622032008-05-03T09:56:00.000-04:002008-05-03T10:13:26.431-04:00Live blogging from morning practice Saturday...... OK, just kidding.<br /><br />I'm sure you guys already know about the little web blog hiccup concerning live blogging from practice. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Whatev</span>. Less work for me. And more work being done throughout corporate America as guys now can't be online here rather than doing their jobs.<br /><br />As you may know I wrote a column about Jake Long for today's paper. I was truly impressed by his work Friday. Now, I realize it is a rookie camp and he is facing rookies and free agents. I realize there is no contact. I realize he will have plenty of long, hard, bad days in the months ahead as he learns to be a pro.<br /><br />But yesterday you could see he is special. He moves well. I'm not talking well for a man his size, I'm talking well for anybody. He is not a big, lumbering, slow Big 10 guy. He moves well! And once he gets his technique down, he'll be fine against Big Time pass rushers.<br /><br />Chad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Henne</span> revealed Friday that he took injections after five games last season to numb the pain of a separated right (throwing) shoulder. That injury sapped his passing velocity and affected his play. But it also showed pro teams that he's gutsy.<br /><br />Some things I'll be looking at today:<br /><br />Can <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jalen</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Parmale</span> catch the ball cleanly? He was hit and miss Friday.<br /><br />Can Jayson Foster follow a pretty good first day with a better second day? The trouble with a lot of rookies is they think they've arrived after one day. They haven't. Some think once they do something well, that's good enough. It isn't.<br /><br />Coaches are looking for and demanding IMPROVEMENT. So Foster was good Friday. He needs to be better Saturday.<br /><br />I want to concentrate on DE Kendall <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Langford</span> today. GM Jeff Ireland said he runs a 4.9 at 287 pounds, which is something that caught a lot of teams' attention during the draft. Let's see if that flashes at some point today.<br /><br />Finally, I'll be focusing on CB Will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Billingsley</span> also. Who is this guy? He wasn't drafted last year and sort of disappeared. But he supposedly runs a 4.3 in the 40 which makes him special already. We'll see if that speed is accompanied by some instincts and coverage ability.<br /><br />See you after practice.Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-67020683248492767692008-05-02T17:13:00.000-04:002008-05-02T17:27:18.512-04:00Early report from first Dolphins minicamp practiceHere are some initial thoughts following the end of the first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">minicamp</span> practice:<br /><br />*The starting offensive line for this practice was LT Jake Long, LG Shawn Murphy, C Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Byrne</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">RG</span> Donald Thomas, RT Dan Gore.<br /><br />*Chad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Henne</span>, as expected, took the first team snaps at QB while workout player Willie Copeland was second. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Henne</span> had an OK day. Copeland, predictably, struggled skipping a couple of passes and overthrowing three or four.<br /><br />*Jayson Foster, playing exclusively at receiver, was impressive. He has great acceleration and catches the ball cleanly which is impressive because he played QB at Georgia Southern last year.<br /><br />*Phillip <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Merling</span> worked throughout the practice and said he felt "no pain," despite his hernia surgery a little while back.<br /><br />*Partial owner Stephen Ross watched practice from the sideline. Wayne <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Huizenga</span> was not present.<br /><br />*Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Parcells</span> watched throughout. The only player I saw him talking to was Foster, which is great for Foster because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Parcells</span> obviously thinks enough of him to even know he exists.<br /><br />*Foster was also used returning punts.<br /><br />*<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Khristopher</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kasparek</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Davone</span> Bess <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">each</span> dropped at least one easy pass.<br /><br />[More later.}Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-89675065100519915152008-05-02T13:20:00.004-04:002008-05-02T14:05:06.653-04:00Dolphins forbid live blogging at minicamp and all campsThe Dolphins have just announced that they are not allowing any live blogging at their practices, including this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">minicamp</span>.<br /><br />You guys that defended the team's ridiculous new clamp down on the media, have fun. No live information for you on what is happening during today's practice -- or any practice, for that matter.<br /><br />The reason the Dolphins say they are not allowing this to happen is that they've never allowed live accounts of practices before. Except they did allow live blogs last year so that is a lie. Media relations VP Harvey Greene says he conducted an unscientific survey of 15 other NFL teams and was told by 13 of them they do not allow live blogging. He did not say which teams he talked to nor did he say which teams allowed it.<br /><br />Anyway, if you don't mind, so be it. If you are the least bit disturbed by the information blackout, say so. I guess we'll do it the old fashioned way -- I'll take notes and file a blog about practice, you know, after practice.<br /><br />Here is the Dolphins <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">minicamp</span> roster:<br />1 Dan Carpenter K<br />7 Chad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Henne</span> QB<br />11 Justin Wynn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">WR</span><br />14 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">jayson</span> Foster <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">WR</span><br />15 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Davone</span> Bess <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">WR</span><br />26 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Lex</span> Hilliard RB<br />27 Will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Billinglsley</span> CB<br />31 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Jalen</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Parmale</span> RB<br />35 Aaron Lane CB<br />48 Matthew Mulligan TE<br />49 Kelly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Popinga</span> LB<br />57 Titus Brown LB<br />60 Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Byrne</span> CB<br />61 Shawn Murphy G<br />63 Kory Robertson NT<br />66 Don Thomas G<br />67 Darren <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Heerspink</span> T<br />70 Kendall <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Lnagford</span> DE<br />71 Lionel Dotson DE<br />73 Dan Gore T<br />79 Jake Long LT<br />84 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Selwyn</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Lymon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">WR</span><br />86 Marcel Reece, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">WR</span><br />97 Phillip <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Merling</span> DE<br /><br />The team also has 15 workout players trying to earn an invitation to training camp. They are:<br />6 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Radamez</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Rubio</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Gaytan</span>, K<br />8 Willie Copeland QB<br />36 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Rolly</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Lumbala</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">FB</span><br />38 Tim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Mixon</span> CB<br />40 Roger Williams S<br />41 Scorpio <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Babers</span> CB<br />42 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Khristopher</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Kasparek</span> TE<br />44 Aaron Weathers S<br />45 Sam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Juckeba</span> LB<br />50 Brandon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Ogletree</span> LB<br />53 Brandon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Renkart</span> LB<br />58 Keith Saunders LB<br />62 Anthony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Toribio</span> NT<br />78 Chris Capote, G<br />93 Brandon Jones DEArmando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-26523875951380665372008-05-01T19:47:00.001-04:002008-12-10T17:25:29.494-05:00Live minicamp blogging starts at 2 p.m. Friday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfb88g3PiDZ2GxaRbBHu8rtyn8aZEEQLgMTGi27fNXRiUidsttVgAvY6vnenW7t5X5aCfhPVA6lOSq3jK1EZqZ-vXIO3Cvm5CU5R0YC0b98-Dv6QRfXyShH0DFjkW4Bac8nCW/s1600-h/don+shula.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195566074034005426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfb88g3PiDZ2GxaRbBHu8rtyn8aZEEQLgMTGi27fNXRiUidsttVgAvY6vnenW7t5X5aCfhPVA6lOSq3jK1EZqZ-vXIO3Cvm5CU5R0YC0b98-Dv6QRfXyShH0DFjkW4Bac8nCW/s400/don+shula.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The Dolphins open a three-day rookie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">minicamp</span> Friday but it is interesting to me that rather than two-a-days on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Dolphins are working only once Friday and once Sunday.<br /><br />Saturday will be the only day the rooks go through two workouts. Friday and Sunday offer only single practices.<br /><br />Don Shula (pictured) typically worked the rookies twice a day all three days so they could get their vomitting out of the way early. But what did he know; he only won 347 games.<br /><br />I will be blogging live Friday starting promptly at 2 p.m. so join me then. This <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">minicamp</span> is closed to the public but I will be your eyes and ears to tell you what is going on assuming the W<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ifi</span> at Dolphins camp remains reliable.<br /><br />Some things I will be looking for:<br /><br />1. How involved will Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Parcells</span> be at practice, if at all.<br /><br />2. Can LT Jake Long get through the entire weekend without passing out. Seriously, he is said to be in great shape, but the South Florida heat has worn out many a great player down through the years. The heat down here is going only half-speed right now. We'll see if Long, at 318 lean pounds, can keep up.<br /><br />3. I will be gauging QB Chad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Henne's</span> arm and release time and comparing it to John Beck.<br /><br />4. Will DE Phillip <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Merling</span> participate? He said he was feeling no ill effects from the hernia surgery and he worked out for scouts earlier. Will he work this weekend?<br /><br /></div>Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-10541835893039779692008-04-29T22:40:00.001-04:002008-04-30T12:16:45.361-04:00For Miami it's about The Code, for us it's about a contestThe Dolphins have a marketing problem and they know it. They haven't made the playoffs since 2002. They were the worst team in the NFL last year. And they didn't exactly go out this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">offseason</span> and wow anybody -- either with mega-signings during free agency or a sexy first overall draft selection.<br /><br />So the question is how to get people interested enough to buy tickets and fill seats.<br /><br />I would suggest win games. I would also suggest the team play nice with the media instead of having one of the worst media policies in the NFL which effectively prevents fans from getting to know players, coaches or anyone else.<br /><br />But, alas, the Dolphins haven't asked nor care for my opinion. Instead they have come out with a marketing campaign whose slogan is "Respect the Code."<br /><br />In the coming weeks and months, potential ticket buyers will hear about what The Code means. To hear the Dolphins tell it, it means loyalty and sacrifice and honor and courage and commitment and hard work.<br /><br />I will now resist the strong temptation to mock this as hooey. You, however, are free to tell me what you think of this coming marketing campaign.<br /><br />Do you buy it? Do you even understand it? And can you do better?<br /><br />Tell you what: Best alternative marketing campaign idea will receive from me the privilege of writing a blog entry about the Dolphins in this main space sometime in the next two weeks. Your picture will be included in the space and I will keep your entry up for at least 24 hours.<br /><br />I will be judge and jury for this contest so here's a hint: I'm partial to comedy. But you are free to try what you will as long as you keep it free of profanity and bad taste. So show your imagination. You could become famous.Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com151tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-31969062374248101582008-04-29T16:42:00.001-04:002008-04-29T17:01:40.270-04:00Gholston versus Long rivalry has gone proJake Long and Vernon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gholston</span> know each other pretty well. They played against each other the past several years while Long was the left tackle for Michigan and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gholston</span> played defensive end for Ohio State.<br /><br />They are represented by the same sports agency. And now they'll be seeing each other twice a year in the AFC East games between the Dolphins, who picked Long No. 1 in the draft, and Jets, who took <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gholston</span> with the No. 6 pick.<br /><br />Building rivalry? No doubt.<br /><br />Blowout rivalry that Long's one sack allowed in 2007 suggest? Nope.<br /><br />Long's one sack allowed came against, you guessed it, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Gholston</span>. And Buckeyes coach Jim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tressel</span> told <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Newsday</span> today the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">matchup</span> was not as one-sided as the highlights shown during the draft suggested.<br /><br />"You know, in all the highlights on Saturday, I never saw any of those plays where [<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Gholston</span>] carried Jake Long into the quarterback's lap," <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Tressel</span> told <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Newsday</span>.<br /><br />The article did not include from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Tressel</span> the answer to key followup questions: How many plays are you talking about specifically, and what exactly happened on those plays as a result?<br /><br />It is universally <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">acknowledged</span> that Long was the more consistent college player. It is also universally <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">acknowledged</span> that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Gholston</span> is something of an athletic freak of nature. So what we have here is an opportunity to see those two guys go at it for years to come.<br /><br />We'll see who comes out ahead in the NFL. And we'll see if Miami's pick of Long at No. 1 pays the dividends the team hopes.<br /><br />[By the way folks: The Dolphins are soon expected to announce they have released nose tackle Steve Fifita and quarterback Matt Baker. Not big news but thought you'd like to know.]Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-63549793169018925012008-04-28T10:29:00.000-04:002008-04-28T11:35:01.998-04:00Jason Taylor saga will become heated barring tradeLate Sunday evening when I came to understand the full scope of the current relationship between Jason Taylor and Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Parcells</span>, I felt like the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">referee</span> in the middle of a cable television wrestling match.<br /><br />I wrote about that decaying relationship in my column Monday [read it here: <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/story/512073.html">http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/story/512073.html</a>] and basically advocated that Taylor and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Parcells</span> should just forget their differences, call each other, and make nice.<br /><br />I am told that is not going to happen.<br /><br />What is more likely to happen is that as early as TODAY the Taylor camp will call the Dolphins and renew its request to be traded. Agent Gary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wichard</span> is scheduled to call <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Parcells</span> or general manager Jeff Ireland and once again remind the Dolphins that Taylor wants to play for a playoff-caliber team in 2008. He will also remind them the Dolphins are not a playoff-caliber team, no matter what they might want you to believe.<br /><br />If that renewed request doesn't get results look for more drastic measures on the horizon. If Jason Taylor is still on Miami's roster at the start of training camp in July, do not be surprised if he declines to report.<br /><br />And if he's on the roster at the start of the season in September, don't be surprised if he threatens to retire.<br /><br />The Dolphins, meanwhile, would be retaliating with fines for every day Taylor misses in training camp and grow angrier that such a distraction is threatening to overshadow the building of a team. And knowing the antagonists involved, don't be surprised if it gets personal when folks become frustrated enough to start speaking on the issue publicly.<br /><br />The point is this was once a win-win situation that now could turn lose-lose.<br /><br />If the Dolphins did the logical thing and traded Taylor for a draft pick or picks, they would have added ammunition for building their team. Taylor, meanwhile, would have been happy to thank the team for 11 wonderful seasons and gone onto trying to win a championship for himself and new team. Win-win.<br /><br />But the Dolphins put a ridiculous asking price on Taylor (a first round pick) that no one was willing to pay. So of course, no one made a trade offer. So Taylor is still on the team, but he may sit out while the team has a soap opera on its hands. Lose-lose.<br /><br />If the Dolphins had strong leadership from managing partner Wayne <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Huizenga</span> this would be over. The man who has employed Taylor for 11 years could easily step in and order <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Parcells</span> and Ireland to trade Taylor. Case closed. He obviously hasn't done that for reasons only he understands.<br /><br />So while these two trains build up steam and roll headlong at each other, we should realize there seems very little chance of the reconciliation I was calling for in my column. Either Taylor is traded or it's going to get ugly.Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com138tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-707666989709680382008-04-27T09:55:00.000-04:002008-04-27T10:00:44.297-04:00Live blogging starts right now .......The Dolphins are on the clock.<br /><br />For today, I say a WR, RB, NT, G/RT, and maybe a trade here and there.<br /><br />Fact is the Dolphins and Detroit have made a trade, swapping picks in the third round.<br /><br />The Dolphins move from 64 to 66 and pick up Detroit's sixth round pick, which is 176 overall.<br /><br />Weeeee....Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com412tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-42550662977769817362008-04-26T23:52:00.001-04:002008-04-27T00:44:02.815-04:00Bad news for Beck: You're not one of Bill's peepsOne thing I think we all should have learned about Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Parcells</span> by now is that he knows who he likes and doesn't like and he is loyal to his peeps.<br /><br />H fired Randy Mueller and Cam Cameron, in part, because he didn't know them. He hired Jeff Ireland and Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sparano, in part, he knew them and felt comfortable with them.</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Parcells</span> is big on familiarity and that's the reason he's got a corps of assistant coaches that follow him from place to place.<br /><br />Picking his guys and sticking with them is HUGE for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Parcells</span>.<br /><br />And that is the reason John Beck should be worried.<br /><br />Beck is not a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Parcells</span> guy. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Parcells</span> didn't scout him, didn't draft him, didn't sign him. And that makes Beck the only one of Miami's three quarterbacks that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Parcells</span> did not pick or scout or sign.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Parcells</span> inherited Beck from the previous regime while he went out and got Josh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">McCown</span> as a free agent and drafted Chad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Henne</span> Saturday.<br /><br />So that puts Beck at a disadvantage. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Henne</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">McCown</span> are not going to get a free ride by any means, but I do believe they rate higher than Beck in the mind of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Parcells -- b</span>ecause they were picked by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Parcells</span>.<br /><br />That means any tie on any matter goes to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">McCown</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Henne</span>. And not Beck. For Beck to win the coming quarterback competition -- assuming he's even in the competition, by the way -- he's going to have to outplay the other two.<br /><br />Ties go to the other guys because they are Parcells guys.<br /><br />One final thought: Yes, I said assuming he's in the competition. It is a big assumption, in my opinion. Given what I've seen of how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Parcells</span> has basically torn up the roster -- with the latest move being a trade of running back Lorenzo Booker -- I would not be surprised if Beck ends up traded or cut altogether by this time next year.<br /><br />The only way he avoids that fate is by being <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">waaay</span> better than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Henne</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">McCown</span>. It's the only way he overcomes not being one of The Big Tuna's peeps.<br /><br />[I will be blogging live starting at 10 a.m. Sunday. Yes, I'm missing church to be with you, so show up!]Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com75tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-10145497573253083852008-04-26T16:25:00.003-04:002008-04-26T16:57:49.103-04:00Jags trade-up to get DE hurts DolphinsYou can remove one of the teams that had shown the most interest in trading for Jason Taylor from the list of possibilities.<br /><br />The Jacksonville Jaguars traded up from No. 26 to No. 8 today and used the pick on Florida DE Derrick Harvey. Harvey had all of 4.5 sacks last season and yet the Jags gave up their pick in the first round (No. 26 overall, along with their two third round picks) for the chance to move up.<br /><br />So where does that leave the Dolphins as they try to trade Taylor?<br /><br />Philadelphia, Washington, Dallas, and lately San Diego and Green Bay are showing as the biggest interest if a trade is to be made.<br /><br />Frankly, I don't see anyone giving up a first round pick for Taylor, however. We'll see.<br /><br /><br />[I am blogging live now, commenting on picks and other stuff as it happens. Join me there and let me know what you think of what is going on.]Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com377tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-37873107486280051762008-04-25T20:51:00.011-04:002008-12-10T17:25:29.815-05:00Dolphins make trade but not the one you think<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSElw2nGUnnZc4MiCXf8H7LYjRkQiv00ynvuc3FseJSxjHJZpgp6N5zq8OJ7cU2wieUAjeFeAfukH2RMBSgeuQFrPnN0VRBXwwO-jSR0t6-jSAjT5gJnekaBMCToHxIiVURvh/s1600-h/taylor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193366595511920034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSElw2nGUnnZc4MiCXf8H7LYjRkQiv00ynvuc3FseJSxjHJZpgp6N5zq8OJ7cU2wieUAjeFeAfukH2RMBSgeuQFrPnN0VRBXwwO-jSR0t6-jSAjT5gJnekaBMCToHxIiVURvh/s320/taylor.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The Dolphins tonight acquired linebacker Akin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ayodele</span> and tight end Anthony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Fasano</span> from the Cowboys for a fourth-round draft pick. The Dolphins are scheduled to have seven picks Saturday after giving selection No. 100 to Jerry Jones and Co.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ayodele</span> became expendable in Dallas when the Cowboys upgraded by signing, you got it, Zach Thomas. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fasano</span>, a second round pick in 2006, had been lost behind Jason <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Witten</span>. He will be able to compete with David Martin for a starting job in Miami which basically means he will be the starter in Miami.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>It's a good deal as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ayodele</span> is a pretty fair player with plenty of experience, yet young enough to get better. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Fasano</span> is merely so-so, having not yet lived up to his draft pedigree, but the Dolphins have very little at that position now anyway.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The trade was first reported by the Dallas Morning News.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Not the trade news you expected for Saturday, right? </div><div></div><div>Well, relax. There will be plenty of Jason Taylor trade drama Saturday. Much.<br /><br />Travolta, I mean Taylor, has requested through his agent to be traded. Actually, a request is kind of soft. He pretty much has demanded a trade. That is the primary reason Miami general manager Jeff <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Irleand</span></span> has been calling teams during the past week, shopping Taylor (pictured).<br /><br />The most interested teams -- and thus most likely to make a trade for Taylor if one happens at all -- are Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Washington and Denver.<br /><br />But there are problems: The Dolphins want a first-round pick for Taylor because they rightly argue that consistent right defensive ends -- the guys who go up against premier left tackles -- are in short supply. </div><div></div><div></div><div>They argue Taylor is one of only 15 players in the league that had double-digit sacks last year. They argue he has had no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">drop</span> in production despite his advancing age.<br /><br />And so they want a first round draft pick. Firm.<br /><br />But as of this writing, no one is willing to make that deal, particularly considering Taylor is 33 years old and his desire to enter show business is not a secret around league circles. Remember that I reported Tuesday the Dolphins were firmly saying they are not trading Taylor? Don't take that necessarily as, "He's not on the market." He obviously is. Take it as, "We know what we want, we know what is being offered. It ain't happening."<br /><br />It also isn't helping Miami's cause that Oakland is apparently shopping defensive end Derrick Burgess, who had eight sacks last season. Burgess is not as good as Taylor. But the Raiders aren't expecting a first round pick, either.<br /><br />So we shall see what happens Saturday. But to assume this will pass into the night after Saturday is to forget my theory about the Dolphins: They are a circus.<br /></div><div>The Dolphins don't lose if they don't trade Taylor this weekend. They can keep him for now and still can trade him before the October trade deadline for a 2009 first round pick. In fact, the market for a 2009 pick might be better than it is for a 2008 pick.<br /><br />Also, if the Dolphins don't trade Taylor, they still win because they keep what is by all accounts a good player. And isn't stockpiling good players a goal in the NFL?<br /><br />I would, nonetheless, tell you there is a definite drawback to keeping Taylor.<br /><br />He definitely wants out. Very badly, in fact. And it remains unclear what he might resort to if he doesn't get his way.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">If that sounds serious, it's because it is serious. It is more serious than those days when Taylor </span>didn't like Nick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Saban</span></span> initially. It is more serious than when he didn't like Cam Cameron for not deferring to him.</div><div></div><div></div><div>Today Jason Taylor is a man who feels personally insulted by the Dolphins. That is a result of an incident last week when he visited the team while on break from his dancing. During that visit Taylor was treated coldly by both coach Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Sparano</span> and Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Parcells</span>. So now he apparently feels disrespected.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>And that brush-off could lead to Taylor's send-off.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The Dolphins argue they're not thrilled about Taylor spending his spring dancing. They might say, "What did Taylor want us to do during his visit? Applaud that he has blown off the offseason work other players are doing?"</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Taylor might counter he's always in shape and will remain that way regardless of whether he's dancing or lifting weights with the rest of his teammates. He might more vehmently and rightfully argue, "At least treat me like a man who has earned your respect over an 11-year career."</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>What there can be no argument about is that this is a broken situation.</div><div></div><div></div><div>And that means Taylor might have agent Gary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Wichard</span></span> turn up the public heat on Miami if a trade isn't made this weekend. It's not what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Wichard</span></span>, a classy agent, wants to do.<br /><br />But it wouldn't surprise me one bit if we've not heard the last of this drama.<br /><br />[I will be blogging live on Saturday once something important happens for the Dolphins. I figure I'll be on here around 5 p.m. So join me here then. Meanwhile, I'll be on 790 The Ticket from 1-3 p.m. if you need to insult me earlier than usual.]</div>Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-20906934767914955352008-04-24T14:27:00.003-04:002008-12-10T17:25:29.956-05:00Some players Miami will look at with the rest of the draft<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZwIgJhW2irDjspuGXGlizDBwgICz0p9HTY_R4hk78ShvX6yTzP4c0cfPGDaO3ZM8rSr4KiRGvjL_w9Ngu0oNBIaYTXX3PKMbsv2Bios8DKlW6LhNzr2STGgl0diH7FzkX_po/s1600-h/groves.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192898761904235922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZwIgJhW2irDjspuGXGlizDBwgICz0p9HTY_R4hk78ShvX6yTzP4c0cfPGDaO3ZM8rSr4KiRGvjL_w9Ngu0oNBIaYTXX3PKMbsv2Bios8DKlW6LhNzr2STGgl0diH7FzkX_po/s320/groves.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>OK guys here are some names of players I have unearthed that the Dolphins are very, very, very interested in. This is not a complete list by any means but it includes names you might not have seen mentioned by other news sources.<br /><br />We know Jake Long is a done deal. But the rumors about the Dolphins liking other Michigan players based on the friendship between Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Parcells</span> and Lloyd Carr are accurate. When Long visited the Dolphins a while back, receiver Mario <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Manningham</span> and quarterback Chad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Henne</span> were also here.<br /><br />The three had dinner with coach Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sparano</span>, GM Jeff Ireland and offensive coordinator Dan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Henning</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Henne</span> worked out for the Dolphins, by the way, but he also worked for the Tampa Bay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bucs</span> and the Falcons.<br /><br />Watch for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Manningham</span> as third round pick if he's around. He didn't run well (4.6) at the combine and had issues with marijuana but that might still make him a value in the third round or even the fourth round. Another Michigan player the Dolphins like on the second day is Michigan receiver Adrian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Arrington</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Arrington</span> is neither fast, explosive nor a great route runner. But he is has good hands, is a fine blocker, isn't afraid to go over the middle and, at nearly 6-3, has the body to get bigger and stronger.<br /><br />We know the Dolphins love Auburn linebacker/defensive end Quentin Groves (pictured). He's the guy I believe the team will take with No. 32, if he is available. They also like Auburn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">DT</span> Pat Sims as a second-round pick. Another possible second round pick is Penn State inside linebacker Dan Connor who is a little light for the 3-4 at 230 pounds, but could easily add some bulk.<br /><br />Connor had character issues. He missed three games in 2005 after he got caught making <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">harassing</span> phone calls. But that is reportedly is something Connor addressed with the Dolphins during his visit with them.<br /><br />Sims has good bulk and he is VERY explosive off the ball which typically makes him a disruptive force when he can disengage from the center. Keep your eyes on him when the Dolphins are picking in the second round.<br /><br />The Dolphins still have not made a decision on Reagan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Mauia</span> following his arrest for punching somebody at an Ale House parking lot earlier this month. So look for them to hedge their bet by adding a fullback either in the draft or as an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">undrafted</span> free agent. Miami likes Idaho fullback <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Rolly</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Lumbala</span>, who worked out for them.<br /><br />I realize the Dolphins are telling everyone Vernon Carey is going to right tackle. But the fact of the matter is the previous regime finished last season convinced Carey is best suited for a guard position. I don't know if this regime shares that idea but I do know the Dolphins really like Toledo offensive tackle John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Greco</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Greco</span> has drawn interest from numerous clubs over the past few months, including formal interviews at the Combine with San Diego, Miami, Dallas, Arizona, St. Louis, Detroit and Indianapolis. The Colts and Miami were also prominent among the teams that were looking at him recently.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Greco</span> seems like a perfect right tackle candidate.<br /><br />The Dolphins need a tight end because David Martin simply didn't get it done last year. Watch for Tennessee's Brad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Cottam</span>, who had personal workouts with the Miami, the Chiefs, Falcons, Browns and Jets. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Cottom</span> is a second-day player also. University of Miami linebacker Tavares Gooden showed great speed at the Combine. He visited the Dolphins during their chats with local players but he didn't work out for them then. He would be a good value in the third round. The Ravens love the kid, but they love many UM players.<br /><br />Finally, watch for Purdue CB Terrell Vinson. Purdue's productive <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">cornerback</span> has received repeated inquiries from the Cleveland Browns, but he's also been in contact with the Dolphins, Panthers, Texans, Colts, Chiefs, and Vikings recently.<br /><br />He is 5-9 and 183 pounds and, as you might guess at that size, he is quick, running the 40 in 4.47. But he is deceptively strong having done 16 reps of the 225 pound bench press at the Combine.<br /></div><div>[Thursday evening update] I continue to be told that even though there is much fanfare about the possibility the Dolphins will take Joe Flacco, it just doesn't seem to be the thing the team will do. Flacco does indeed have a great arm and potential.</div><div> </div><div>But he is erratic with his delivery and his footwork is atrocious. Part of the problem is he spent most of his career in a shotgun offense and that hurts because he not only has to straighten out the footwork, he has to correct the problem of taking snaps from center which he displayed at the Senior Bowl. Also, this guy didn't beat out Tyler Palko at Pitt!</div><div> </div><div>The Dolphins haven't really been calling him or his agent, so I just don't see the connection to him. Another thing: He seems a value in the third round but not any earlier.</div><div><br />I will add more names as I come across them. I will also do a live chat on The Herald website from 1-2 p.m on Friday. Join me there. I will be on 790 The Ticket from 1-3 p.m. Saturday so you can listen locally or on the Internet at 790<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">theticket</span>.com. Feel free to call with your comments.<br /><br />I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">will</span> be blogging live from Dolphins camp once the draft begins. Join me here then.</div>Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-38983646206121610872008-04-23T09:07:00.002-04:002008-12-10T17:25:30.109-05:00Taylor wants to play in 2008 but 2009 another story<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcBH5w0svH3OHGBiYB7t2jiv19gCAkN0mGWCDEQa33PQ5EdJg1Vx6Ff1Qym4EYhFZ4IyfLRt0k5bNVPYNI9PFKVmPxpgrJxI5T45o84s7u2lOvOaQsbAICviSWsghF-qC8cph/s1600-h/taylordance.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192433986313266562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcBH5w0svH3OHGBiYB7t2jiv19gCAkN0mGWCDEQa33PQ5EdJg1Vx6Ff1Qym4EYhFZ4IyfLRt0k5bNVPYNI9PFKVmPxpgrJxI5T45o84s7u2lOvOaQsbAICviSWsghF-qC8cph/s320/taylordance.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>On April 1, website <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">profootballtalk</span>.com celebrated the foolishness of the day by posting a spoof basically saying Jason Taylor was retiring from football because he had been bitten by the show business bug and wanted to devote his life to dance.<br /><br />Within hours of the post, several Dolphins players, who apparently think everything the site posts is gospel, were either calling Taylor or sending text messages seeking confirmation of the so-called news.<br /><br />Taylor eventually answered saying the “rumor mill” post was not true – what a shock – and he had every intention of playing in 2008.<br /><br />BUT…<br /><br />In those very responses Taylor also told his teammates and friends that he could not and would not guarantee playing in 2009, which is scheduled to be the final year of his current contract.<br /><br />Taylor, you see, has every intention of going into show business very soon. He has been pleasantly surprised by his ongoing success on <em>Dancing</em> <em>with</em> <em>the</em> <em>Stars</em>. His <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cha</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cha</span> was rewarded with another week of life on the show Tuesday night. He believes he's gotten more attention and will have more business opportunities based on that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">show's</span> run than he got all these past years as a Dolphin.<br /><br />Taylor’s intentions to seek Hollywood movie or TV fame are not new. What is new is the shifting of his priorities between football and show business.<br /><br />After the 2006 season, Taylor turned down a show business opportunity because the Dolphins had a new coach coming in – again – and he decided participating in the team’s voluntary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">offseason</span> program and pleasing Cam Cameron was more important than pursuing the opportunity.<br /><br />Taylor and his agent Gary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Wichard</span>, who along with Taylor dislikes Cam Cameron, regretted that decision.<br /><br />So when <em>Dancing</em> was offered this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">offseason</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Wichard</span> worked to convince Taylor to take it even though it meant missing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">offseason</span> program instituted by Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Parcells</span> and Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Sparano</span>, regardless of how it made the new guys feel.<br /><br />This is not to suggest football is no longer important to Taylor. But it should clearly show that show business is growing in importance for Taylor.<br /><br />He has told teammates he will try for and audition, if he must, for every reality television and movie role that seems attainable. He hopes that won’t interfere with football. But if it does as the 2009 season draws close, show business may win out over football.<br /><br />And that brings us to this weekend.<br /><br />The Dolphins now have a player who will be 34 years old in September. He is on the roster but not on the field with his teammates during the current <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">offseason</span> program. Coach Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Sparano</span> has been publicly supportive of Taylor’s dancing.<br /><br />But Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Parcells</span> has got to be seething privately.<br /><br />How else would tough guy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Parcells</span> view that one player is skipping Miami’s workout program, lifting absolutely no free weights as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Parcells</span> wants his players to do, and is instead dancing six to eight hours a day?<br /><br />Does that sound like a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Parcells</span> player to you?<br /><br />For that reason and the short shelf life I have outlined above, I believe the Dolphins will not only listen to trade offers for Taylor this weekend, but actively seek them. I agree with NFL Network analyst Adam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Schefter</span> who today said he thinks it is better than 50-50 that Miami trades Taylor.<br /><br />The price will not be cheap. After the Jared Allen trade set the market pretty high for a pass-rusher, I think the Dolphins would trade Taylor for a pick anywhere between No. 26 and No. 45<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">ish</span>. I know <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Parcells</span> has vowed not to trade Taylor. But things change.<br /><br />And based on the fact the player would rather play on a contender than the Dolphins -- which was reported by me March 10 -- and based on the fact Taylor is not certain about playing at all in 2009, trading him would certainly be the wise thing to do. </div>Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-79749791103374131472008-04-22T15:17:00.001-04:002008-04-22T16:27:59.910-04:00They've started something they still have to finishNow that Jake Long is penciled in as Miami's starting left tackle, I wish to remind you of one small detail that threatens to be lost following today's signing: The Dolphins are still on the freakin' clock.<br /><br />The job is not finished. The team still has much work to do. And with eight more selections in the draft to finish what they have started, one hopes the Dolphins can turn this draft into a boon.<br /><br />I remind you the team still needs a starting guard, an inside linebacker or two would be good, a quarterback, a cornerback, a 3-4 defensive end capable of playing the run, and possibly a fullback are needs.<br /><br />I also like the idea of getting a 3-4 rush linebacker because I simply don't see Jason Taylor as being long for this team whether he is traded or not.<br /><br />I will write about specific players the Dolphins may be looking at in tomorrow's Herald. Feel free to leave me players you like in picks 32 through 245.Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com94tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-61640007812402159712008-04-21T22:40:00.002-04:002008-04-22T00:20:06.970-04:00Dolphins handle negotiations without gimmicksThe much anticipated multi-front negotiation with potential first overall picks the Dolphins were said to be preparing has not happened and, by the most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">rudimentary</span> uses of logic, will not happen because it is simply too late in the draft game to make it work.<br /><br />The Dolphins talked to Jake Long's agent for the first time about two weeks ago and haven't talked to anyone else. Now, only five days from selection day, it is clear there will be no talks with Chris Long or Vernon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gholston</span> or Matt Ryan or Glenn Dorsey.<br /><br />Jake Long is Miami's man. And Jake Long will probably be drafted and agree to a contract with Miami, although not necessarily in that order.<br /><br />So <em>wha happen</em>?<br /><br />Why didn't the Dolphins open negotiations with another first pick candidate, if for no other reason than to use it as leverage against Jake Long? Why didn't the team try to ensure a discount for signing that first pick while at the same time hedging its bet against a holdout?<br /><br />Let's count the reasons.<br /><br />First, the Dolphins clearly decided Jake Long is their man. This was apparently decided as early as March when I first told you they had set their draft board. After this decision, the team apparently made the next logical decision -- rightly, I think -- to open negotiations in GOOD FAITH.<br /><br />Tom <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Condon</span>, who represents Jake Long, is a veteran agent who doesn't intimidate easily. He knows the game and knows how to play. And it was wise on the Dolphins part not to mess too much with what could be a good thing by explicitly imposing negotiation deadlines and threatening to go elsewhere if they didn't get their way.<br /><br />By keeping this negotiation free of gimmicks, the Dolphins hoped to get, and apparently got, a clean negotiation free of unnecessary drama. Of course, they still held the card of moving on if the talks didn't move forward -- and that was the <em>implicit </em>deadline I told you about last week. But there has not been a written or spoken deadline by which <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Condon</span> was forced to work.<br /><br />Another reason the Dolphins haven't talked to other players thus far -- and likely will not barring a total collapse of these talks -- is that they really want Jake Long. He fills a need. He is likely to be a good player. He is a safe pick in that he has no questionable background. And if he falters as a left tackle, he can always play right tackle.<br /><br />There is also the agent factor that worked against Miami. Although Long has been their choice for a while, it's not a blowout decision. The team likes Matt Ryan. The team likes Vernon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Gholston</span>. The team likes Chris Long.<br /><br />But to play hardball with Jake Long's agent didn't serve a purpose because the Dolphins couldn't really turn and say, "We're going to open talks with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Gholston</span> and get a better deal." The reason is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Condon's</span> agency also represents <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Gholston</span>. And <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Condon's</span> agency also represents Matt Ryan.<br /><br />Miami really had nowhere to turn other than to Chris Long and his agent Marvin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Demoff if the talks with Condon became ugly</span>. Guess what? Marvin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Demoff</span> is not the type of agent that gives discounts either. When he caught wind of the bogus <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Internet</span> talk about the Dolphins passing on their pick then selecting his client fourth or fifth in order to pay less for the pick, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Demoff</span> told reporters that if Miami picked his client after pulling that prank, he would demand to be paid like the first overall pick.<br /><br />So forget using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Demoff</span> as a legitimate foil against <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Condon</span>.<br /><br />Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I believe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Condon</span> is aware enough of the financial environment he's operating in with the Dolphins that he isn't going to try and steal the silverware after being invited to dinner. There is prestige in representing the first overall pick. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Condon</span> didn't want to screw that up.<br /><br />For those many reasons, the negotiation with Jake Long seems pointed toward a successful conclusion by 3 p.m. Saturday. It is doubtful the Dolphins will get the huge discount everyone, including myself, predicted they would get out of this negotiation. But neither will they get fried like a plump chicken leg as the Raiders did last year in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">JaMarcus</span> Russell negotiations.<br /><br />At the end of the day, the Dolphins should get their man. And their man will get a contract representative of his status as the first overall pick.Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com69tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25553105.post-79373512029692382682008-04-20T16:48:00.000-04:002008-04-20T16:58:45.559-04:00Ozzie Newsome: Dolphins not picking Jake LongOzzie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Newsome</span> knows the Dolphins need an offensive tackle. He is aware the Dolphins are talking to Jake Long. But that doesn't make him believe the Dolphins are going to actually draft Jake Long.<br /><br />No way, he says.<br /><br />“I think one of the best parts of the draft is the intrigue that goes with it with what other teams are going to do," <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Newsome</span> said. "Right now, probably half of you think Jake Long is going to be the No. 1 pick. I’d probably smile and say that’s not going to happen. And, [Miami is] negotiating with the kid right now, for whatever reason."<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Newsome</span> believes the Dolphins are still desperately trying to trade out of the top pick but would end up picking Chris Long if they have to stay at No. 1. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Newsome's</span> guess is as good as any because he bases how he handles the Baltimore draft, in part, on how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Parcells</span> has traditionally done things.<br /><br />“I give Bill a lot of credit," <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Newsome</span> said. "You probably can take eight to 10 teams in this draft that are byproducts of what Bill started with the New York Giants. You take New England, then you have Atlanta, the Jets, you have us, Jacksonville and Cleveland.<br /><br />"A lot of what we do started in New York with Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Parcells</span>. Now, he has the first pick. But, I go to sleep every night – and this is what I learned from the first draft when we were picking fourth: If you’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ve</span> got four players, the other teams can’t get four. They can get three. So, I can go to sleep every night knowing that if we have eight players, we are going to get one of those eight. That’s the comfort level I have. I have spent a lot of time with Bill. But he is not going to tell me, and he’s definitely not going to tell you all."Armando Salguerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863688767139857171noreply@blogger.com60