People, yesterday f***in' sucked plain and simple. But, your kidding yourself if you didn't at least anticipate even possibly expect it. For gods sake its who we've been, who we are, and who will continue to be if we don't make a change.
Change meaning in this sense based off necessity rather than desperation. There are many talented parts of this team in key areas, there are also parts that may not fit going forward, but plain and simple a change is needed. And it needs to start from the Top and continue to the Bottom. In this article I am going to address major issues with environment, philosophy, staff, roster, etc. Hope to spark a discussion on changes they want.
Current State: 7-6 and in most peoples minds out of the race. Steelers, Ravens, Chargers, all have a better record and we still have the Patriots to play. If by some miracle we beat the Pats on Sunday then the playoffs could still be achievable. Regardless, nothing leads me to believe it and heartbreak is all but a forgone conclusion.
Rest of the season plan: After this week's game is 7-7 is the record then Stephen Ross must intervene and instruct the GM and Coaching Staff to play younger players the last two games. Why? At 7-7 the plan should be apparent to this man...Progress has not been made by this staff and problems that have ailed us in past years have continued currently. Not a blow it up type situation but what I'd call some reconstructive surgery. By playing the younger players such as Billy Turner, Rishard Matthews, Dion Sims, Dion Jordan, Chris McCain, Jordan Tripp, Walt Aikens, etc we can assess this roster, which I will do later. That will give the next staff substantial film to assess current state of roster and the plan going into the offseason.
Step 1: As you may have noticed I would like to eradicate the Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator. Yes, fire both plain and simple. The rest of the staff if pickings for the league and our future staff. My hope: (Save Kacy Rogers, Jon Benton). Yes, Bill Lazor is not included because honestly there hasn't been an efficient identity whether its him or Philbin really calling the shots. Philbin is a dud, we all knew it last year and still think we all gave him a fair shot. Yes, we gave him a fair shot... it is ok to say it aloud and believe it. Is he the lone scapegoat for this season? No, the players are to blame as well but the issues we've had have not improved. He is still the same stubborn cream of wheat coach that he was at his introductory press conference. I hear all the time he is a good man, etc. Well, I've seenplenty of good men fail at coaching and here is another. The one positive is I will say this roster is in better shape than when he came on board post-Sparano. Kevin Coyle is not a good Defensive Coordinator, as he can not scheme correctly nor identify and fix problems in personnel. Linebacker play has been an issue for 3 years now and the choices made by the GM have been a tough thing to swallow but when the coaching staff refuses to play backups who are marked improvements a la Wheeler for Jordan at SLB.
Step 2: Leave the fate of the roster and GM up to HC. Yes, leave the HC to run the show, as that relationship is very crucial for success in the organization. I am sick of grabbing one and forcing him to accept the other. Hickey had a decent draft in rounds 1-2, the rest is still TBD. His FA choices have not lasted and the depth on the roster is still a problem. Plain and Simple he used some chewing gum to stop a leak and the bubble is bursting. The roster definetly has some pieces going forward that have been answered this season and no 2014 has not been a waste.
Step 3: Let Football People Make this Decision. This one falls on Mr. Ross, and get the deal done. Don't publicize it, don't let news cameras follow you, nor give daily updates with news conferences. Trust in the people around you, the real Football people to help you with the decision. Who should those be? Dan Marino, Jason Taylor, and Bob Griese. You may laugh and I get it. But, there you have 3 different generations of Dolphins greats who are still around the team and football in a heavy capacity. Griese was a winner in Miami and played for the best winner in Shula. Marino was the best pure passer who played for a winner but knows what it's not like to get over the hump. Taylor had personal success but didn't have team success, he left and came back due to his love for this organization. All are good Dolphins and educated football people.
Step 4: It's about the right fit not the flashiest. Truthfully, I just want the right guy for this organization who embodies the type of team we bring on the field every Sunday. Yes, I am a firm believe a team plays with an imprint of their coaches personality. The good teams have on real thing in common and that comes from coaching. The number one choice for many will be Jim Harbaugh and I will say if by some miracle Ross woos him to South Beach I will have zero problem with him. I will say his appeal has worn a little bit the past two years with the play on the field and just the issues off it with his contract. Regardless he is the type of coach who demands from his players but also understands conceptual football. There are three qualities I want going forward for a HC: 1. Is he a leader of men? A True Leader? 2. Has he been a HC previously or at least called plays as a coordinator? 3. Has he played/coached for a winning HC? The first one should be very apparent by the lack we have currently. Actually the first two I could identify as major factors why Philbin has failed in Miami. Unfortunately, he won a SB in GB with McCarthy and won with Sherman before that so he had won before. All tehse qualities intrigue me in a coach. Basing what I have heard as rumored "hot names" on the coaching market I came up with a little list of possible options:
Adam Gase Denver OC: Yes, he is only 36 but his track record in 2 years with Peyton Manning has been historical, yes historical. He seems like a cordinator who understands his teams strengths and caters his game plans towards it. He isn't afraid to sacrifice stats for the W. My only doubt is that he hasn't been HC on any level. Would love the offensive mind he would bring to this team.
Todd Bowles Arizone DC: Familiar name and face. Was interim back in 2011. Don't see it happening but don't put it past Ross to patch a sore spot and get Bowles back in Aqua and Orange. Love the way he coaches defense and the way he got players to go 2-1 in final games 2011 but not sure he is the guy for the job. Regardless wouldn't hate the hire and would legitimize it as a good transition from Philbin.
Dan Quinn Seatlle DC: After taking over for Gus Bradley his defense has been rated #1 in back to back years with one SB ring and pursuing another. Yeah, I like that resume. He coached the Dolphins Dline from 2005-2006. He then went to Florida then to Seattle where he has established himself as one of the hottest DC coordinator candidates on the market. I really like the way he schemes his defense to his players abilities. I literally drool at the possibilities for young players like Vernon, Jordan, Jones, and Jenkins. Also the possibility of what he could make this defense become. My question is who does he bring with him to take care of the offense? And what is his mentality on roster? Hopefully, he is following the Seahawks blueprint. I do like that he has success outside of working with Pete Carroll, so it can't be a fluke type of thing.
Dave Fipp Philadelphia ST: Seems like noone really appreciates or values ST coaching. But Fipp has the best unit in the business and helped Miami as an Assistant in 2011 have the 2nd ranked unit in the league. The fact that he has been under Chip Kelly's wing makes him even more appealing with the type of regime he has his team under. John Harbaugh is showing people that ST coaches can succeed and win SB at the HC level. I would consider Fipp very highly and he continues a trend of coaches familiar with the Dolphin organization.
Gus Malzahn Auburn HC: Yes, he probably woudl never take the job. But for god sake there is something about this man that even if showed a little interest I'd give him what he wants. His schemes are amazing, his prepartion is equally, his biggest issue is he coaches in state of Alabama at a school named Auburn and plays in SEC West. Hard to build a dynasty with those odds against you with an everchanging roster. Maybe just maybe he could see the opportunity for conitued success with teh right system in place with an NFL team.
Sleeper:
Sean Payton New Orleans HC: Something hasn't been right since bounty gate and who knows it may be time for a chance. I see Payton as the type to walk away before the you know what hits the fan. But, if there is anyway he is available I go and get him.
One thing I do NOT do is trade draft picks for a coach. Not even for Harbaugh.
My Pick: Dan Quinn DC
Step 5: Once right coach is in place and he has his people in place it's assesing the roster. I am not going into the GM chase because it'll be determined off HC and their preference. If Hickey stays and HC approves so be it. The roster below is my personal preference of key players on if they are expendable and what to do:
Offense: OL still an issue, lack of power back, no Alpha Receiver, health issues at TE, need to improve QB's deep ball.
Ryan Tannehill - Safe, he proved enough to me this year to warrant the option. Long term extension hinges on rest 2014 and 2015. Would not pass up chance to draft mid to late round QB.
Lamar Miller - Safe, he has had a good season for the lack of continuous opportunity. He usage is frustrating and while he is a good back it's still undetermined if he is a workhorse. Still believe he needs a power back complement.
Damien Williams - Expendable, with a back added he will need to keep improving to keep his place.
Daniel Thomas - Expendable, enough is enough.
Mike Wallace - Expendable, yes expendable. His contract and lack of production isn't worth it. He brings a lot of speed to the table but with our QB who isn't a deep ball specialist and lack of chemistry. For the right price or having a proper replacement in place Oceans 11 is expendable.
Brian Hartline - Expendable, need to cut him as I doubt someone will trade for him but you never know.
Jarvis Landry - Safe, only WR I say is a must have going forward.
Brandon Gibson - Expendable, if he stays he is nothing more than a #4 and his $$$ is too much for that.
Rishard Matthews - Expendable, staff hasn't believe enough to play him but still think he offers enough to stick around for next year as #4/#5.
Charles Clay - Expendable, been injured this year and isn't the complete TE to offer big bucks too. Hope he is back but not a must have going forward.
Dion Sims - Safe, has improved and warranted more opportunity. Don't believe he is true #1 TE but a very solid #2 and blocker.
Gator Hoskins - Safe, contract is cheap and if a seam TE replaces Clay, he could replace what Clay brings to table
Branden Albert - Safe, his contract makes him safe. Hopefully he returns better than ever in 2015.
Daryn Colledge - Expendable, not good.
Shelley Smith - Expendable, too much money for backup
Samson Satele - Expendable, contract is up and Pouncey is more natural center
Mike Pouncey - Safe, picked up his option and needs to get back to Center.
Juwan James - Safe, best OL this year should only get better, has proved he can be long-term LT going forward.
Billy Turner - Safe, hasn't shown anything but was a highly touted prospect and could be a mauler at G in future.
Jason Fox - Safe, still wonder why he didn't play more but he is a swing tackle who has proven success. Need depth somewhere.
Dallas Thomas - Expendable, terrible just terrible. Injuries stunted his growth at Guard and moved him to Tackle, still if he were that good at Guard he would of starter.
Nate Garner - Expendable, can't stay healthy.
Defense: Need to revamp interior DL, LB unit needs makeover, Secondary needs depth, and a possible scheme change could be needed
Cam Wake - Expendable, a lot of hate coming for this one. But he is 32 still a good pass rusher but a serious liability in the run game. Vernon has surpassed him in being the mroe complete DE on this team. He still has high value and for the right price could be had. Not a need to get rid of him and I hope we don't but for the right price it could be a solid move.
Olivier Vernon - Safe, 23 years old and emerging. Would love to see what he can do going against RT instead of LT every play.
Dion Jordan - Safe, while his performance doesn't warrant the title. His age, potential, contract, and intrigue from future coaches should keep him safe. He is a piece to a puzzle that is interchangable, DE, 4-3 OLB, 3-4 OLB.
Terrance Fede - Expendable, 7th round pick of a former regime. His ability should give him a fair chance but no way to say he is safe.
Chris McCain - Expendable, undrafted rookie who has had sparing impact. His ability and measurables should keep him around, and if scheme change is possible he could exceed in 3-4.
Jared Odrick - Expendable, not much choice on this one as his is a FA. But, we need to make brining him back a priority. He is a damn good football player and scheme diverse.
Earl Mitchell - Safe, good production and a decent contract. He is younger player too.
Randy Starks - Expendable, has regressed with age this year and his contract isn't worth it any more.
Derrick Shelby - Expendable, rotational player who could be replaced.
Anthony Johnson - Expendable, has ability and could make jump in year 2 to be a rotational player
Jelani Jenkins - Safe, kind of like Jarvis Landry he is the bright spot on an underperforming and overpaid unit. Has been my most improved player on defense for 2014 and he is a young player.
Koa Misi - Expendable, can't stay healkthy and having him as a long-term answer at ILB will keep this unit from being elite especially in run game.
Phillip Wheeler - Expendable, needs to get off this team
Dannell Ellerbe - Expenable, needs to get off this team
Jordan Tripp - Safe, 5th round pick who if he adds strength should contend for LB spot in 2015, contract control means he is ST and depth at very least.
Jason Trusnik - Expendable, need a better back option at ILB.
Jonathan Freeny - Expendable, decent ST not much as backup LB.
Brent Grimes - Safe, contract has him on for two more years. Arguably the only Elite player on roster and the best player.
Cortland Finnegan - Expendable, age and injuries don't make him anything but a liability going forward, no need for $$$ for depth.
Jamar Taylor - Safe, contract control should keep him safe and he showed enough to at least be on 2015 roster
Jimmy Wilson - Expendable, could use an upgrade in slot going into 2015.
Will Davis - Expendable, injured in 2014 but had rough go of it on the field before that.
Walt Aikens - Safe, at least until training camp. He could get crack at S going into 2015.
Reshad Jones - Safe, under contract control a very good safety but not elite
Louis Delmas - Expendable, one year rental who lasted 13 games before injuries caught up with him. Too much concern to count on him as starter going forward
Michael Thomas - Expendable, but was improving in slot. Injury cost him rest fo the season, but would at least give him training camp shot if he gets healthy.
ST: Overpaid Punter, and wimpy Kicker
Caleb Sturgis - Expendable, His draft status and Philbin's inability to admit and learn from mistakes are the only reason he currently is a Dolphin. He needs to be Challenged and hopefully beaten.
Brandon Fields - Expendable, hasn't had the same year this year as past and is overpaid for his position to not finish top 3 every year.
Let's recap those who should be safe:
Offense: Tannehill, Miller, Landry, Sims, Albert, Pouncey, James, Turner, Fox = QB, RB, WR, TE, LT, C, G, RT, and Backup T.
Defense: Vernon, Mitchell, Jordan, Jenkins, Tripp, Grimes, Taylor, Aikens, Jones = DE/OLB, DT, DE/OLB, LB, LB, CB, CB, developmental CB, Safety
ST: No one
Of course, more players will be kept but none of those should feel safe.
Step 7: Trim the Fat and Build the Muscle. Above the roster has been assessed and now the time comes for replacing the necessary pieces and finding the proper ones to fix them. That process will be done first through Free Agency then the Draft.
Ste
Plan A: Free Agency - the good thing for us is that 2015 should have a nice year for Free Agency and our needs and potential fits. So, first thing is first what are our major needs after our fat loss.
Major - OL, WR, TE, DT, LB, S
Intermediate - RB, OL Depth, CB, backup QB, Depth
OL is a glaring need as we have two proven starters returning in Pouncey and James. Albert is coming off season ending injury and who knows what his future holds, could be a move to LG. Billy Turner hasn't sniffed the field but he has measurables to project as Guard. WR we could be left with just Landry or Landry/Matthews or Landry/Wallace or Landry/Matthews/Wallace either way that unit isn't good enough. Viewing Dion Sims as starter and feeling good about ability for TE in passing game should make any coach quesy. Odrick could be gone, Starks should be and Mitchell by himself can't do it. Jenkins is only answer at LB going forward. No option on roster that is realistic to rely upon. Depth is needed everywhere as injuries always occur and there is always that one position we neglected to address that comes back to bite us.
Free Agent Targets/Options:
Backup QB: Jake Locker, Christian Ponder - both athletic QB who have started before who could be serviceable in a pinch.
RB : Stevan Ridley, Mark Ingram - both younger compact RB's who use leverage and power when hitting the hole. Ridley is coming off injury which worries me.
WR: Torrey Smith, Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas, Hakeem Nicks, Jeremy Maclin, and Michael Crabtree - let's put it this way if Bryant or Thomas are made available I go get them no questions asked. Truthfully, if Wallace is dealt or cut we could sign someone. My preferance is draft a young WR early. Nicks is someone I'd give a chance on one year deal as he is a go up and get it target.
TE: Jermaine Gresham, Charley Clay, Jordan Cameron, Julius Thomas, and Virgil Green - Clay would be my choice out of the group cause Cameron's consusion concerns. Julius will be overpaid and is more of WR, still think he thrives cause of Peyton. His backup Green would be a good cheap option. Gresham would be my choice if we don't resign Clay.
OL: James Carpenter, Mike Iupati, Orlando Franklin, Clint Boling, Stefan Wiseniewski - this group isn't great but those first three names would give us some maulers at Guard, would like to see us sign one guy and draft answer in mid rounds. Guard is must needed position to be addressed.
DT : Terrance Cody, Stephen Paea, Nick Fairley, Jared Odrick, and Corey Peters. - Suh is too expensive to be an option. Cody would provide run stuffer and ability to eat blocks, Paea is emerging, Fairley might need a change of scenery. Odrick needs to keep his and Corey Peters is affordable option. Re-sign Odrick and draft mid round.
LB: KJ Wright, Rolando McClain - yup that is it. We made mistake of overpaying for FA options who didn't perform. These are two I'd sign for right deal but truthfull want to see Jordan at LB and us to draft a playmaker in the middle.
CB: Chris Harris, Kareem Jackson, Byron Maxwell, Perrish Cox, and Chris Culliver - I look at Grimes as a lock down corner but a ticking clock. Taylor showed some impovement but not enough to count on fully. Nickel is what really needs to be improved. Harris can do that both inside and outide as well as Cox/Culliver. I'dlike to see us sign on guy and draft mid round prospect.
S: Will Hill, Tashaun Gipson, and Rahim Moore - Jones is a very good safety just hasn't had the running mate to make it a great pairing. I'd like to see us draft that center field FS and allow Jones to play more around the klline allow his physicallity to take over.
Free Agent Choices:
Stevan Ridley - 1 year deal
Charles Clay - 4 year deal
James Carpenter - 3 year deal
Terrance Cody - 3 year deal
Perrish Cox - 3 year deal
Rahim Moore - 4 year deal
Plan B: The Draft - I am firm believe in building through the draft but Free Agency isn't a terrible thing if you choose young players. The 2014 class founrd some contributors in James and Landry. Jury is still out for Turner, Tripp, Fede, McCain, Johnson, Aikens. The 2015 NFL Draft lacks the star power like past drafts but should be plenty deep to find quality day one starters. Re
Re-assessing post FA needs:
Major - WR, OL, LB
Minor DL, RB, CB
WR and LB were not addressed via FA for two factors: 1. The top guys I believe will stay with their current teams 2. The draft features better options than the second tier of FA's for those groups. OL still needs addressing as Guard/Tackle could use depth.
WR/LB should be address in rounds 1-3, preferrably 1 & 2 as their are some great options:
WR's - Amari Cooper, Devante Parker, Kevin White, Jaelan Strong, Dorial Green-Beckham, Devin Funchess, Rashard Greene, Duke Williams, and Nelson Algolor.
LB's - Shaq Thompson, Eric Striker, Benardrick McKinney, Denzel Perrymen, Eric Kendricks, Stephone Anthony, Kris Frost.
The reality is we are in familiar territory and we have every right to be fed up. The next step is to get rid of the problem and allow the next HC for it to be his team and only his team. This is a team that has talent in place and important places. While RT17 might not be an elite QB I think coaches look at him as a good piece to build off of. They have playmakers in key spots, a defense that just needs to learn to close out.
Let me know your thoughts, preferences, frustrations, etc. Just let it all out lol