Dolphins In Depth
Salguero on the radio today 9-11 a.m.
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun May 11 04:07:00 -0700 2008
I'll be doing my weekend radio show today [Sunday] from 9-11 a.m. on 790 The Ticket.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.If you're in South Florida, you know...
Patriots cheated on Dolphins offense also
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu May 08 17:48:00 -0700 2008
[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.]Today we are going to discuss the fact that the Patriots, cheaters and champions that they...
The importance of the Parcells conditioning program
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu May 08 08:20:00 -0700 2008
The Josh McCown column that I told you about yesterday is up on the Herald's site so if you are interested in reading what McCown has to say about this coming season and his chances to win the starting quarterback job, take a quick jump here http://www.miamiherald.com/614/story/525218.html and then make...
Josh McCown most likely candidate to start?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed May 07 11:35:00 -0700 2008
Just had a very pleasant interview with Josh McCown, who is my early pick to be the Dolphins starting quarterback in the season-opener.I lobbed the typical softballs for McCown, you know, how he's getting acclimated and stuff like that. But there were also some pointed questions during the interview that...
Paul Soliai under the microscope in Year Two
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue May 06 07:38:00 -0700 2008
One would think Paul Soliai 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.But if the team knew then what it learned once he got to Miami, that fourth round...
Where do the upgraded Dolphins rank now?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon May 05 10:46:00 -0700 2008
I think no one will argue the Dolphins were the NFL's 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.They were the worst.But where are they today?Although no one has...
Final rookie minicamp practice over
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun May 04 09:57:00 -0700 2008
The rookie minicamp is over and here is the update from today's work.Chad Henne was terrible in practice today. He struggled with his accuracy and was seemingly tired because his sideline throws had very little gas on them."Today, I didn't have such a great practice," Henne said afterward. "I was...
Update following Saturday's morning practice
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sat May 03 10:25:00 -0700 2008
Here's a quickie update from Saturday morning's camp practice:It's interesting to see CB Will Bilingsley and WR 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 Billingsley once...
Live blogging from morning practice Saturday...
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sat May 03 06:56:00 -0700 2008
... OK, just kidding.I'm sure you guys already know about the little web blog hiccup concerning live blogging from practice. Whatev. 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.As you may know I wrote...
Early report from first Dolphins minicamp practice
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri May 02 14:13:00 -0700 2008
Here are some initial thoughts following the end of the first minicamp practice:*The starting offensive line for this practice was LT Jake Long, LG Shawn Murphy, C Mike Byrne, RG Donald Thomas, RT Dan Gore.*Chad Henne, as expected, took the first team snaps at QB while workout player Willie Copeland...
Dolphins minicamp workout postponed until 2:20 p.m.
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri May 02 10:20:00 -0700 2008
The Dolphins have moved back the start of minicamp practice until 2:20 now. They will start with stretching so I am not going to blog about guys bending over, if you know what I mean.I would imagine the live blog will start at 2:30 now.Here is the Dolphins minicamp roster:1...
Live minicamp blogging starts at 2 p.m. Friday
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu May 01 16:47:00 -0700 2008
The Dolphins open a three-day rookie minicamp 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.Saturday will be the only day the rooks go through two workouts. Friday and Sunday offer only single...
For Miami it's about The Code, for us it's about a contest
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Apr 29 19:40:00 -0700 2008
The 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 offseason and wow anybody -- either with mega-signings during free agency or a sexy first overall...
Gholston versus Long rivalry has gone pro
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Apr 29 13:42:00 -0700 2008
Jake Long and Vernon Gholston know each other pretty well. They played against each other the past several years while Long was the left tackle for Michigan and Gholston played defensive end for Ohio State.They are represented by the same sports agency. And now they'll be seeing each other twice...
Jason Taylor saga will become heated barring trade
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Apr 28 07:29:00 -0700 2008
Late Sunday evening when I came to understand the full scope of the current relationship between Jason Taylor and Bill Parcells, I felt like the referee in the middle of a cable television wrestling match.I wrote about that decaying relationship in my column Monday [read it here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/story/512073.html] and basically...
Live blogging starts right now ...
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Apr 27 06:55:00 -0700 2008
....The Dolphins are on the clock.For today, I say a WR, RB, NT, G/RT, and maybe a trade here and there.Fact is the Dolphins and Detroit have made a trade, swapping picks in the third round.The Dolphins move from 64 to 66 and pick up Detroit's sixth round pick, which...
Bad news for Beck: You're not one of Bill's peeps
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sat Apr 26 20:52:00 -0700 2008
One thing I think we all should have learned about Bill Parcells by now is that he knows who he likes and who he doesn't and he is loyal to his peeps.That is one reason he fired Randy Mueller and Cam Cameron. That is the reason he knew he was...
Jags trade-up to get DE hurts Dolphins
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sat Apr 26 13:25:00 -0700 2008
You can remove one of the teams that had shown the most interest in trading for Jason Taylor from the list of possibilities.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...
The Jason Taylor drama may not end Saturday
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Apr 25 17:51:00 -0700 2008
The Dolphins will draft Jake Long with their first overall pick and, absent intrigue about the first pick, the next most interesting thing to me is not who goes No. 2, but whether Jason Taylor is traded.As with most things connected to Taylor the past year or so, there is...
Live Chat starts immediately if not sooner
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Apr 25 09:37:00 -0700 2008
Folks, I am hosting a live chat on The Herald website starting in about 10 minutes. Feel free to come over and chat because, well, because it's a freakin' chat.We can talk draft.We can talk Jason Taylor.We can even discuss how much Cameron Worrell's absence from the Dolphins will hurt...
Some players Miami will look at with the rest of the draft
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Apr 24 11:27:00 -0700 2008
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.We know Jake Long is a done deal....
Taylor wants to play in 2008 but 2009 another story
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Apr 23 06:07:00 -0700 2008
On April 1, website profootballtalk.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.Within hours of the post, several Dolphins players, who apparently...
Taylor wants to play in 2008 but 2009 another story
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Apr 23 06:07:00 -0700 2008
On April 1, website profootballtalk.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.Within hours of the post, several Dolphins players, who apparently...
They've started something they still have to finish
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Apr 22 12:17:00 -0700 2008
Now 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.The job is not finished. The team still has much work to do. And...
Dolphins handle negotiations without gimmicks
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Apr 21 19:40:00 -0700 2008
The much anticipated multi-front negotiation with potential first overall picks the Dolphins were said to be preparing has not happened and, by the most rudimentary uses of logic, will not happen because it is simply too late in the draft game to make it work.The Dolphins talked to Jake Long's...
Ozzie Newsome: Dolphins not picking Jake Long
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Apr 20 13:48:00 -0700 2008
Ozzie Newsome 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.No way, he says.“I think one of the best parts of the draft is the intrigue that...
Dolphins as a punchline is getting very old
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Apr 17 18:23:00 -0700 2008
The guys on ESPN were really yukking it up this evening when they replayed the 52 seconds during which Jeff Ireland, Miami's general manager, suffered his "Freudian Slip" moment.You know the instance, when Ireland said he wants the first overall selection to be "a pillar of the defense," for years...
Ireland speaks and reveals precious little
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Apr 17 10:00:00 -0700 2008
Jeff Ireland just talked for 23 minutes and there were parts that were interesting. Here they are initially:The Dolphins have fielded calls about trading for the first pick, according to Ireland. Nothing apparently is imminent if anything were to happen at all."People are interested," Ireland said. "People are always interested...
What are your questions for Jeff Ireland?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Apr 16 11:06:00 -0700 2008
General Manager Jeff Ireland will talk to the media about the draft Thursday.This will be the last time the organization is scheduled to discuss draft matters publicly before the April 26-27 selections.Soooo.What do you want to know?Tell me what questions you have for Ireland. I just might add the good...
Dolphins to play Bills in Canada
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Apr 15 11:03:00 -0700 2008
The NFL schedule is coming out in a few minutes but one thing I can tell you will happen for sure is the Dolphins will continue their international travels.The team will play the Buffalo Bills in Toronto Dec. 7th at 4:05 p.m.The Bills are playing a couple of games in...
Dolphins trying to roll back cost of No. 1 pick
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Apr 14 11:34:00 -0700 2008
In a post last week I suggested you stop thinking about which player the Dolphins will pick with the first overall selection and think more along the lines of which CONTRACT the Dolphins will offer their first overall selection.That's because the team is more likely to pick a player that...
Dolphins asking questions about Groves' heart
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Apr 11 08:22:00 -0700 2008
The Dolphins are seriously re-examining their initial opinion of Auburn LB/DE Quintin Groves following the news that he underwent heart surgery late last month.Groves reportedly sent letters to all 32 NFL teams to inform them of the surgery and allay any fears that might result in him dropping like a...
Dolphins strategy will be to offer several No. 1 deals
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Apr 10 08:03:00 -0700 2008
The news the Dolphins have entered preliminary contract talks with Jake Long's agent sent ripples throughout the NFL. And there are more ripples coming.By next week, the team will likely talk to the agents for Chris Long, Vernon Gholston, and possibly even Glenn Dorsey. It is the smart thing to...
Dolphins may be telegraphing their intentions
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Apr 09 12:38:00 -0700 2008
The experts are reading the signs as if they were tea leaves and, pieced together like a vast puzzle, they are forming a picture one cannot mistake.The Dolphins seem to be leaning toward picking Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long No. 1 in the draft, adding help at the 3-4 rush...
Dolphins looking at LBs not named Long fairly early
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Apr 08 06:05:00 -0700 2008
It has been assumed that after signing Reggie Torbor and with the possibility of adding Chris Long with the first overall pick, the Dolphins might be looking somewhere other than linebacker during the early parts of the draft.Wrong draftface.The Dolphins, in fact, are seriously considering two highly coveted linebackers as...
Dolphins preseason schedule is released
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Apr 03 13:54:00 -0700 2008
The Dolphins have released their preseason schedule and it is similar to last year's preseason schedule in that it involves the same four opponents.The Bill Parcells-Jeff Ireland-Tony Sparano era will being Aug 9 with a home game against Tampa Bay. Sometime between Aug. 14-18 the team will play at the...
What planting of the Parcells tree means in Miami
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Apr 03 07:03:00 -0700 2008
The Bill Parcells coaching tree is flourishing. It spans the NFL from New England to New Orleans, Cleveland, and with both the Jets and Giants. Now it is taking root in Miami and I thought one way to give you insight into what to expect with the Dolphins is to...
Jags indeed interested in Taylor, but is he long for the NFL?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Apr 01 19:43:00 -0700 2008
Last week I told you in this forum that Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio was interested in the idea of possibly trading for Jason Taylor, according to two league sources. I told you I would try to flush the issue out further at the NFL annual meetings.Mission accomplished.Although Del Rio...
Nuggets from breakfast with Tony Sparano
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Apr 01 06:47:00 -0700 2008
Tony Sparano talked with the media for 64 minutes today. Interestingly, the Dolphins rookie coach had a small mob of reporters around him even as established coaches like Mike Tomlin and Jack Del Rio had only a couple of guys around them.Some nuggets:Sparano admitted the team has no starting RT...
The strange continue to be, well, strange
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Mar 31 19:43:00 -0700 2008
The Miami Dolphins are really an interesting team to cover. It's not so much that they win so much (as they did when I covered them under Don Shula), or that they lose so much (as they have been lately), it's just that they find new and innovative ways of...
Dolphins get extra picks at NFL meetings
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Mar 31 12:00:00 -0700 2008
The Dolphins have been awarded two compensatory draft picks for the upcoming draft.The NFL just announced 32 compensatory picks to 15 clubs and Miami gets a sixth-round pick (204 overall) and a seventh-round pick (245 overall).Under the NFL collective bargaining agreement, a team losing more or better compensatory free agents...
Things I know before today's start of the NFL meetings
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Mar 31 06:39:00 -0700 2008
Clearing out the notebook before I refill at the NFL's Annual Meeting starting today in Palm Beach:1. The Dolphins definitely have plans for John Beck. When coach Tony Sparano talks with his coaches and confidants about Miami's need to get leadership from younger players, he mentions the second-year quarterback. Sparano...
Live blog Thursday 1-2 p.m.
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Mar 26 19:29:00 -0700 2008
Hey, I got nothing to do between 1 and 2 p.m. Thursday so why not spend it with Dolphins fans?I will be on here for those 60 minutes so come aboard -- ask questions, make comments, insult my writing -- and we'll see if we can't have some fun.By the...
Jaguars interested in Jason Taylor?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Mar 25 10:12:00 -0700 2008
This is a post about Jason Taylor but, sorry dance fans, it will not delve into his mambo.I will delve into his future. And that possibly could lead him to Jacksonville.I have been told by one NFL scout and one NFL assistant coach that Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio (pictured)...
Ryan's wonderlic score suggests he's really bright
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Mar 23 12:07:00 -0700 2008
Bill Parcells wants to trade out of the first overall pick. That is not a secret because, as general manager Jeff Ireland said at the Senior Bowl when asked about trading the pick, "We're open for business."But if the Dolphins must pick, one of the critical factors they will weigh...
Trade the Dolphins 53 for Tom Brady?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Mar 20 11:54:00 -0700 2008
Quickie here to go along with the loooong post I put up earlier: As one of my faithful blog readers gave me a heads up, Jason Taylor did make an interesting comment on the Dan Patrick radio show earlier this week.While talking about what he would do if he were...
Miami's 2005 draft unlucky, or simply inefficient?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Mar 20 09:33:00 -0700 2008
A couple of years ago, during a one-on-one interview with Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga, the billionaire expressed frustration about his team based on a fact he said no one could overcome.He said his team was "unlucky."Specifically he was talking about the 2005 draft when, according to Huizenga, the Dolphins had...
Matt Ryan 'pressed' at his pro day
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Mar 18 17:14:00 -0700 2008
Both Chris Long at Virginia and Matt Ryan at Boston College had their pro days Tuesday.There were 39 NFL representatives in attendance with Director of college scouting Chris Grier and quarterback coach David Lee representing the Dolphins at Ryan's pro day. There were 42 NFL reps present for the Long...
Do you suspend reality or believe the truth?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Mar 17 09:15:00 -0700 2008
To celebrate Jason Taylor's debut tonight on Dancing with the Stars we're going to suspend reality now.Why? Well, because that's exactly what we have to do to believe everything that is being said by Taylor and Bill Parcells relative to the defensive end's future with the Dolphins.To recap: Parcells told...
Deck the (DeAngelo) Hall for the Raiders
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Mar 16 06:16:00 -0700 2008
If you guys participated in last Monday's live blog, you got the idea this was coming down the pike but ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting DeAngelo Hall is apparently bound for Oakland.The Raiders reportedly will give up a second-round pick for Hall and then sign him to a lucrative contract...
Dolphins not paying great attention to Jake Long
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Mar 14 17:11:00 -0700 2008
Just got off the phone with a source who was at Jake Long's pro day today in Michigan.For those of you excited about him being the possible first overall pick to the Dolphins ... I would chill on that idea.The Dolphins had one representative at the workout today. The St....
Mark these dates on your Dolphins calendar
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Mar 12 13:04:00 -0700 2008
You know the Dolphins cheerleader calendar you bought when your wife or girlfriend wasn't looking? The one you keep hidden in the drawer underneath copies of your old tax returns?Get that out and bring a Sharpie with you.These dates are important to the Dolphins, and to you also, because you...
Dolphins agree with Davis, reach $100 million in salaries
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Mar 11 09:11:00 -0700 2008
The Dolphins have agreed to terms with former Dallas special teams player Keith Davis.Davis, the special teams captain for Dallas last season, comes to Miami primarily to help turn around what was a putrid special teams corps last season. If you remember, the special teams was so awful early on,...
Live blog Monday from 1-3 p.m.
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Mar 09 20:29:00 -0700 2008
In the interest of remaining interactive with you I will be here from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday to talk with you and answer any of your questions.We can discuss free agency, the draft or my Jason Taylor column which will be posting to the Miami Herald website in the...
Pacman Jones IS NOT on the Dolphins radar
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Mar 09 10:54:00 -0700 2008
Pacman Jones, the suspended strip club enthusiast, is apparently on the radar of several teams interested in trading for him.Want to hear something really funny? According to the Tennesseean newspaper in Nashville, the Dolphins are among the teams interested.With all due respect to the fine work that newspaper does, the...
Salguero on the radio tonight 10-midnight
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Mar 07 08:06:00 -0800 2008
Not a ton going on right now with the Fins other than they continue preparing for the most important draft perhaps of their history.Still think it'll be either Chris Long or Jake Long with the Matt Ryan rumors simply a smoke screen. On the free agency front I am puzzled...
How does free agency look to you now that it is over?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Mar 06 08:10:00 -0800 2008
Excited about Tab Perry? Maybe the addition of special teams ace Boomer "Don't call me Otis" Grigsby has you aflutter.If not, too bad. That because free agency has pretty much come and gone for much of the NFL, including the Dolphins.Sure there was that initial, hopeful surge that first weekend...
Where does Brett Favre rank relative to Marino?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Mar 04 08:50:00 -0800 2008
As you might have heard Brett Favre is retiring.So why is that news on a Dolphins blog? Well, because Favre belongs on the Mount Rushmore of NFL quarterbacks and he's got to share that space with guys like Johnny Unitas and Joe Montana, Dan Marino, and eventually Peyton Manning when...
Calvin Pace going with the J-E-T-S
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Mar 03 12:32:00 -0800 2008
The Dolphins have lost out on linebacker Calvin Pace who minutes ago agreed to a contract with the New York Jets.The Jets stepped up this afternoon, increasing the amount of guaranteed money they were prepared to give Pace from about $19.5 million to $22 million. I am told the Dolphins...
Quickie update on free agent Calvin Pace
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Mar 03 09:45:00 -0800 2008
OK people this is what I've come up with so far this morning on Calvin Pace.He is still searching, hoping, waiting for that magic $20 million guaranteed money figure from either the Jets or Dolphins and apparently NEITHER team is there yet.Amazing that a guy who's had one good year...
Source: Taylor will have to retire to leave Dolphins
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Mar 02 08:56:00 -0800 2008
The Miami Dolphins are not going to trade Jason Taylor. The only way he does not play for the Dolphins in 2008 is if he retires.This from a source close to Dolphins football czar Bill Parcells."There is nothing to it," the source said of the Yahoo.com report that said the...
Reasons to watch Calvin Pace's decision
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Feb 29 20:57:00 -0800 2008
During the 2005 offseason Jason Taylor was watching very closely when new coach Nick Saban added free agent defensive end Vonnie Holliday. Then the coach added free agent defensive end Kevin Carter. Then the coach drafted defensive end Matt Roth in the second round.At that point Taylor texted several friends...
Ernest Wilford contract is big -- aren't they all?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Feb 29 12:59:00 -0800 2008
Receiver Ernest Wilford was expendable in Jacksonville because the Jaguars wanted someone with more speed and dash even though Wilford led the team with 45 receptions last season.The Jaguars went out and signed Jerry Porter. The Dolphins today got Wilford.He will be signing a four-year deal worth $13 million with...
Dolphins make early splash into free agent pool
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Feb 28 22:12:00 -0800 2008
Three things: It is late. I am working. And the Dolphins didn't take long to kick off free agency.San Francisco guard Justin Smiley will soon become the newest member of the Dolphins as he agreed to a free agent contract just minutes ago, according to a Dolphins club source.Smiley, a...
Dolphins talking trade for Shaun Rogers
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Feb 28 09:09:00 -0800 2008
The Dolphins have joined a group of about five AFC teams actively talking to the Lions about trading for defensive tackle Shaun Rodgers, according to a report out of Booth Newspapers in Michigan.I have been unable to confirm this report locally so understand this could be akin to reports about...
Some observations coming out of the combine
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Feb 26 08:40:00 -0800 2008
The frustration of this year's draft is that there is no Carson Palmer or Peyton Manning or Orlando Pace or Bo Jackson who screams, "I am better than everyone else in this draft so pick me."In that regard the Dolphins are reliving the misfortune of 2005 when Nick Saban, armed...
The trade market is open for business
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Feb 25 09:49:00 -0800 2008
Before everyone gets all excited about a trade the Dolphins are about to make, there needs to be a calming disclaimer here that trades in the NFL are not all that common, they are less common when it involves big-salaried players and they don't usually happen until just prior to...
Join me on the radio today from 4-6:30 p.m.
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Feb 24 10:58:00 -0800 2008
I'll be doing my regular Sunday after radio gig today on 790 The Ticket.If you want to call and be part of the show, feel free to call at 1-888-790-3776. I'll be on the air from 4-6:30 p.m.We'll be talking about the Heat, the Marlins, the latest NFL trade rumors,...
Zach Thomas to the Dallas Cowboys
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sat Feb 23 09:26:00 -0800 2008
Zach Thomas is going back to his home state of Texas as The Herald's David J. Neal, who is at the Indianapolis Combine, is reporting the former Dolphins linebacker is signing with the Dallas Cowboys.Thomas has agreed to a one-year deal worth $3 million. At that price it is clear...
Half of Dolphins sold to Stephen Ross
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Feb 22 12:26:00 -0800 2008
Wayne Huizegna has effectively sold 50 percent of the Dolphins and Dolphin Stadium and the land surrounding the stadium.Dolphins fans, meet your future owner Stephen M. Ross of New York and Palm Beach.You should recognize the name. Several months ago The Herald identified Ross as the man about to buy...
Dolphins rule the roost on salary cap space
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Feb 21 12:28:00 -0800 2008
I know a lot of you have been wondering about what the Dolphins are likely to do in free agency when it begins Feb. 29.Well, I can report they can do just about anything they want.That's because the Dolphins have the most cap space of any NFL team, according to...
Mel Kiper lets loose on the Dolphins, the draft
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Feb 21 08:45:00 -0800 2008
The latest rumor? That the Atlanta Falcons are so in love with Matt Ryan of Boston College that they will trade up with the Dolphins to take him. It has merit and if that supposed love by the Falcons is true, I would say the Dolphins will definitely make the...
Marty Booker next to meet with Patriots
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Feb 19 10:26:00 -0800 2008
First it was Larry Izzo and Damon Huard all those years ago and that was a little annoying, especially when Izzo and Huard sent their former Dolphins teammates a picture of themselves holding their Super Bowl rings.Then it was Heath Evans. Then it was Wes Welker. And Sammy Morris. Then...
Bigtime news on Jason Taylor (sort of)
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Feb 18 17:52:00 -0800 2008
In keeping with the cutting-edge sports journalism that this blog offers on a consistent basis, I am now going to break a national story BEFORE it is on national television.Jason Taylor. Remember him?Informed sources tell me that Taylor, whose career with the Dolphins is teetering on the decision to keep...
The Zach Thomas blog offers the latest on Zach
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Feb 18 15:35:00 -0800 2008
OK, here's the scoop on Zach Thomas and his visit to New England today.It was a "great" visit according to agent Drew Rosenhaus and that cannot really be argued considering the Patriots offered the linebacker a contract.He has not taken it and will visit the New Orleans Saints tomorrow as...
Zach Thomas free agent tour starts in New England
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Feb 18 09:11:00 -0800 2008
Ready for the nightmare? Well, close your eyes and imagine Zach Thomas in a Patriots uniform.Now open your eyes. Voila!!! Your nightmare is close to coming true.The Boston Herald and Boston Globe are reporting that Thomas will be in New England today to visit with the Patriots brass. The meeting...
Zach Thomas says he's been preparing for this move
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Feb 15 06:24:00 -0800 2008
Just got off the phone with Zach Thomas who called to say good-bye and ask if I had any final questions for him.He tells me he isn't exactly thrilled that he has to leave the Dolphins. "Anytime you're cut it's not great," he admitted.But in the same breath, he is...
Jason Taylor trade should be next
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Feb 14 20:01:00 -0800 2008
Now that the Dolphins have cut ties with Zach Thomas, it is time for the other shoe to drop.It is time to trade Jason Taylor.If the Dolphins can justify getting rid of Thoma because he will be 35 in September and his physical status is too uncertain and his trade...
Statement from Zach Thomas
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Feb 14 13:29:00 -0800 2008
The Dolphins have just released this statement from a very content Zach Thomas.Why is he content? Let's see, he's escaping a team that was 1-15 last year and in rebuilding mode. He's going to play for a good team next year.Why not be happy?“I want to thank the entire organization,...
Good luck Zach, just don't go to New England
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Feb 14 10:23:00 -0800 2008
I want to wish Zach Thomas all the best as he turns the final corner and heads for the wire of his NFL career.The report from Foxsports.com is true. He will be cut later today. As we speak the Dolphins are in meetings trying to figure out how to break...
Shockey and Johnson don't make sense for Dolphins
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Feb 13 08:37:00 -0800 2008
Google the names Chad Johnson and Jeremy Shockey and you get a lot of results involving those good players being involved in, or wanting, a trade. And while I might not doubt that Johnson wants out of Cincinnati and Shockey may eventually be headed out of New York, I have...
Axe drops on four former starting players today
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Feb 11 12:08:00 -0800 2008
In case anyone forgot how drastic a change the Dolphins are undergoing following the worst season in franchise history, the point was made anew Monday when the team cut nine players, including four veteran starters.The Dolphins have just terminated the contracts of wide receiver Marty Booker, quarterback Trent Green, tackle...
Former assistants' migration to Dallas continues
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Feb 11 08:58:00 -0800 2008
The Dallas Cowboys and former Dolphins secondary coach Brett Maxie are close to finalizing a deal that will continue the migration of fired Miami coaches to Dallas.Maxie was with the Dolphins only one season. He was fired along with practically every other coach on Cam Cameron's staff following the 2007...
Let's talk on radio Sunday 3-5:30 p.m.
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sat Feb 09 21:32:00 -0800 2008
Because you knuckleheads always accuse me of making it all about me, let me feed the machine a little bit.I'll be on the radio between 3-5:30 Sunday afternoon on 790 The Ticket here in South Florida. Feel free to tune in either on the radio or online at 790theticket.com. You...
Sparano availability short on news
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Feb 08 09:28:00 -0800 2008
My apologies for not getting new stuff up sooner, but I've been under the weather since getting back to South Florida from Phoenix.Anyway, you guys should know that Tony Sparano talked to the media Thursday and basically, didn't say a whole lot that was interesting. I must say that, with...
Henning named Dolphins offensive coordinator
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Feb 04 14:32:00 -0800 2008
Dan Henning, a veteran of 28 seasons as an NFL coach, is the Dolphins new offensive coordinator beating out a group of three other experienced and well qualified candidates.Henning, most recently the offensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers from 2002-06, gets the job ahead of New Orleans quarterback coach Pete...
This season finally gives Dolphins something to be proud of
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Feb 04 00:11:00 -0800 2008
I know most of you are Dolphins fans, which makes sense because this is a Dolphins blog. But I haven't understood how lately, as the Patriots have been making their run toward 19-0 and I have written about the 1972 Dolphins, some of you have expressed sentiments against the geezers.A...
Jason Taylor to win Walter Payton award
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Feb 03 13:47:00 -0800 2008
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Defensive end Jason Taylor will be named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year by halftime of today's game, The Miami Herald has learned.Taylor, who has spent countless hours of work on his Jason Taylor Foundation, will win the award named for the legendary Chicago Bears...
What Bill Parcells is telling his peeps
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sat Feb 02 10:47:00 -0800 2008
PHOENIX -- Super Bowl week is a great time for meeting and greeting and I have been blessed to bump into several respected NFL people this week that invariably start talking about Bill Parcells.Miami's football czar is trying to play Houdini -- not talking to guys like me and acting...
Ticket prices will not rise now, but probably will later
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Feb 01 10:32:00 -0800 2008
The Miami Dolphins today announced that 2008 season ticket prices will remain the same as 2007 for current season ticket holders. For now.The move makes sense since the team is hoping not to suffer a mass exodus of ticket buyers unhappy with the fact the team had the NFL's worst...
What ever happened to a new offensive coordinator?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Jan 31 12:02:00 -0800 2008
It's been over two weeks since Tony Sparano was hired and still the new head coach hasn't hired a new offensive coordinator.Problem?You bet.Sparano has been trying to hire his coaches and has pretty much has completed his staff, with the offensive coordinator's job as the notable exception. And it hasn't...
The class of Dan Marino and Jimmy Johnson
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Jan 30 09:16:00 -0800 2008
PHOENIX -- The Super Bowl always brings together people from all parts of country and this one has done something I didn't know was possible.It brought Dan Marino and Jimmy Johnson together.That's right, the two men who spent much of the 1999 Dolphins season feuding in a match of huge...
Trading the first pick to the Cowboys? Not so fast
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Jan 28 22:06:00 -0800 2008
On November 30th I told you of the practical certainty that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones would contact the Dolphins about trading for the first overall pick because, well, he already knew which player he would select.Darren McFadden.Here is the post from nearly two months ago: http://dolphinsindepth.blogspot.com/2007_11_01_archive.htmlWell, now ESPN in recent...
''72 Dolphins talk about Pats pursuit of perfection
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sat Jan 26 14:04:00 -0800 2008
The Patriots are trying to match the '72 Dolphins feat of playing a perfect season and so everyone wants to know what the players and coaches on that perfect team think of New England's attempt.Well, on Friday DICK ANDERSON, BOB GRIESE, JIM KIICK, LARRY CSONKA, MERCURY MORRIS and coach DON...
Jeff Ireland's curious comment about Zach
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Jan 24 07:50:00 -0800 2008
A couple of things: I am on vacation this week before gearing up for next week's Super Bowl. I have caught much of the Senior Bowl week practices on the NFL Network, which apparently is the way Bill Parcells is keeping abreast of things in Mobile as well.I know Parcells...
Jason Taylor a finalist for Walter Payton award
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sat Jan 19 20:54:00 -0800 2008
Jason Taylor is one of four finalists for the NFL's Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, the NFL announced Sunday.Joining Taylor as top candidates for this year’s award, named for the legendary Chicago Bears running back, who died in 1999, are Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, Kansas...
Here is what's next on the Dolphins agenda
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Jan 16 20:30:00 -0800 2008
Now that the Dolphins have their football czar, general manager, and head coach, it's time to find some actual players that can make a difference from here on out, right?Nope. Not yet.Next up on the agenda after the Dolphins hired Tony Sparano Wednesday is filling out the coaching staff and...
All that remains are some mere formalities
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Jan 16 04:38:00 -0800 2008
Tony Sparano is not yet the Dolphins new coach as of this writing. But that's just legalese. He should be named Miami's fifth coach in five years before Wednesday is over.Sparano endured a breakneck day Tuesday. He finished up some Cowboys business at the team's Valley Ranch facility early in...
Ireland on way to Dallas to pick up Sparano
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Jan 15 07:44:00 -0800 2008
Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland is on his way to Dallas to pick up Cowboys assistant and future Dolphins coach Tony Sparano.Ireland a few minutes ago boarded one of Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga's private jets -- one of the smaller ones, not the 737 -- with his wife. Educated guess...
Hoping for a surprise in the coaching search
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Jan 14 20:38:00 -0800 2008
I am seriously hoping the Dolphins hire someone other than Tony Sparano as their head coach.It's not that I have anything against Sparano. I do not. Truth be told, I didn't know that much about the man until mid December. And I'm sure he is a fine coach and solid...
Correction on argument between Traylor and Co.
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Jan 14 09:20:00 -0800 2008
Jay Feely and I were just on a local radio show in which we were discussing the whole end-of-year meltdown that was sandwiched between the New England road game Dec. 23 and the season finale Dec. 30.I had reported in my last post on the subject that the argument on...
Pieces fall into place for Dolphins hiring of coach
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Jan 13 22:08:00 -0800 2008
The Dolphins should have their new head coach by the end of this week barring a MAJOR upsetting of the apple cart in the next few days.With the Dallas Cowboys surprising loss to the New York Giants Sunday, coaching search frontrunner and man everyone including me have anointed Miami's next...
Can the Patriots express be derailed tonight?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sat Jan 12 08:33:00 -0800 2008
NEW ENGLAND -- Here, where drama is relegated to action on the field, the Patriots and Jaguars play tonight in an AFC Divisional playoff game. I will be covering it.And before you say it, I know this is a Dolphins blog and I know tonight's game doesn't involve the current...
The stuff of novellas and soap operas
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Jan 10 18:37:00 -0800 2008
A lot of you have been asking for my information and opinion about the end-of-year meltdown the Dolphins had OFF the field prior to the season-finale.First I commend FOXsports.com reporter Jay Glazer for giving a complete and accurate account of what happened. The players who gave him the information did...
More news about the coaching search
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Jan 08 14:32:00 -0800 2008
The Dolphins search for a new head coach has met its first road block.According to a source, the Dolphins asked for and received permission to interview Arizona offensive coordinator Todd Haley today. But something happened on the way to Haley's head coaching interview.The Cardinals offered their assistant a contract extension...
On Leslie Frazier's interview with the Dolphins
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Jan 08 11:49:00 -0800 2008
I spent a few minutes talking with Dolphins head coach candidate Leslie Frazier earlier today.Frazier is a good man and a solid coordinator but most folks don't think he'll get a legitimate shot to be the Dolphins coach. That is not what Frazier told me today so I wrote a...
Despite all appearances, Sparano is still the guy
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Jan 07 06:58:00 -0800 2008
You know in Goodfellas when Robert De Niro is being kind to Ray Liotta's wife by offering her some new clothes. All she has to do is walk down the street and pick them up. Except when she gets a few feet from the dilapidated storefront, she comes to understand...
Parcells: "No coaches being interviewed today"
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Jan 04 07:04:00 -0800 2008
The media is not allowed to roam the Dolphins facility so some of us have taken over a patch of swale across the road from the Dolphins training facility that allows print reporters to see who is coming and going while photographers shoot into the team's garage.Well, just a few...
Cam Cameron fired by Miami Dolphins
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Jan 03 06:07:00 -0800 2008
The Dolphins have fired Cam Cameron.The team also fired all but two members of his coaching staff -- George Edwards and Steve Hoffman, who were retained.The Dolphins have scheduled an 11 a.m. press conference at which time Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland will speak.More to come soon.
Dolphins finalizing hiring of Jeff Ireland as GM
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Jan 02 09:24:00 -0800 2008
The Dolphins are currently in the process of finalizing the hiring of Jeff Ireland as their new general manager.Club owner Wayne Huizenga flew to the team's training facility at 12:20 -- yes, I said flew as in aboard his helicopter -- to meet the man who will work hand in...
Parcells and Cameron meet, nothing decided
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Jan 01 16:39:00 -0800 2008
Bill Parcells arrived at Dolphins camp at 7:30ish Tuesday, with a healthy breakfast in tow -- a 7-11 Big Gulp.Cam Cameron arrived around three hours later.The two met around noonish and when all was said and done ... nothing was decided.As I have been reporting, Cameron's fate will likely not...
ESPN: Mueller "on the way out"
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Dec 30 09:17:00 -0800 2007
ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that Bill Parcells will fire general manager Randy Mueller.While this is not a revelation because practically everyone has figured Parcells was about to clean house in the Dolphins front office, the part that was a little stunning is that Mortensen said the move would happen...
Perfect Dolphins react to Patriots 16-0 record
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sat Dec 29 20:37:00 -0800 2007
The Patriots have just defeated the New York Giants 38-35 to complete their regular season with a 16-0 record. So they have a perfect regular season.Here are some reactions to that feat by the 1972 Dolphins which were undefeated in the regular season and went on to complete their perfect...
Tuna helper on the menu for afternoon introduction
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Dec 26 18:38:00 -0800 2007
Bill Parcells will conduct his introductory press conference Thursday afternoon from the Dolphins practice facility.And this is the biggest point he wants to make: Parcells will stress that he is neither the Dolphins coach nor the general manager. He will stress that he is simply owner Wayne Huizenga's designee to...
A Holiday greeting from Dolphins In Depth to you
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Dec 24 20:14:00 -0800 2007
Not any football on here today folks.Just want to take a moment to thank you for a wonderful year of blogging.I want to wish you and yours the greatest the holiday season can offer this Christmas. May the Lord keep you, guide you, bless you and make His face to...
Live blogging fro chilly Foxboro today
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Dec 23 13:02:00 -0800 2007
FOXBORO -- Today's game is interesting only in that it gives the Dolphins a small chance to beat the Patriots and ruin for New England their chance at a perfect season.Not likely to happen.The real news is what is going on behind the scenes. Seems speculation that Bill Parcells is...
Wayne Huizenga makes another bold bid
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Dec 20 06:23:00 -0800 2007
Gotta give it to Wayne Huizenga.The Dolphins owner has proven time and again that he will do whatever needs to be done to make the Dolphins champions. Now, of course, after so many past failures the assignment now is to make the Dolphins relevant again.But that's not Huizenga's fault. He...
Parcells now negotiating to join the Dolphins
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Dec 19 12:24:00 -0800 2007
Bill Parcells could be joining the Dolphins after all.As we speak he is considering an offer to become the Dolphins vice president of football operations or a position similar in title to that that would give him control of the football team.My story is up on The Miami Herald website.As...
Parcells on the move but not to Miami
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Dec 19 07:47:00 -0800 2007
ESPN is reporting Bill Parcells will become the Atlanta Falcons vice president for football operations, which basically means he will hire a general manager and the both of them will hire a head coach.It is a position similar to the one Dan Marino filled for three weeks in Miami before...
Cameron deserves another chance
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Dec 18 11:15:00 -0800 2007
I know I've written that the right time, at the least the fair time, to make a decision about Cam Cameron's future with the Dolphins is after the end of the season.And that's what the Dolphins will do -- wait until after this season ends in two weeks.But for me,...
Winning changes some things
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Dec 17 08:53:00 -0800 2007
It is Victory Monday for the first time all season so the players have earned time off until their next practice Wednesday.But that is not the only thing that changes because of Miami's 22-16 overtime victory over the Baltimore Ravens.Now that the Dolphins have won:The argument that Cam Cameron must...
Live blogging action today during the game
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Dec 16 06:34:00 -0800 2007
Lots of things to get to today but because I only care about how many hits this blog gets, as some of you have accused, I have to tell you that there will be a fun live blogging session during the game against Baltimore today.I picked the Dolphins to win...
Dolphins for sale, changes on the way
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Dec 14 14:17:00 -0800 2007
The Miami Herald staff just broke the story that the Dolphins are for sale.Wayne Huizenga, as frustrated about the team's inability to win even one game as you and me, has talked to various people about pulling out and selling -- for the tidy sum of about $1 Billion.So what...
Dolphins wonder if Zach Thomas really wants it
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Dec 14 07:07:00 -0800 2007
On its face the Dolphins hurt for Zach Thomas when he heroically tried to overcome his migraines for six weeks before going, dragging and screaming, onto the injured reserve list, a move that ended his chances of playing again this season.But here on this blog we try to look past...
The no-win quarterback situation -- literally
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Dec 12 14:10:00 -0800 2007
So Cleo Lemon is the old quarterback that is the new quarterback and John Beck is the new quarterback that is now the old quarterback.Doesn't matter much, I believe, until the Dolphins can have a conversation involving a good quarterback.Neither is that right now, which is, I believe the top...
Wayne Huizenga should step in now
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Dec 10 01:44:00 -0800 2007
This season is a perfect example of why Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga needs to become more involved in the daily operations of his team.An NFL team is not a hobby. It cannot merely be a fanciful expenditure that gains amazing equity every year. It is hard work for everybody --...
Live blog today of your fight fans, er, football team
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Dec 09 08:38:00 -0800 2007
So Floyd Mayweather won his fight last night and that's important to you on this Dolphins blog because, the Dolphins watched the fight.Apparently the coaching staff rented out a sports bar near there downtown Buffalo digs Saturday and the players went over there and watched the match that ended in...
The passing of an era for Zach Thomas?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Dec 07 20:18:00 -0800 2007
Amid the attention diverted this week to issues of play-calling and Cam Cameron's capabilities and the happiness of players within the locker room, we all sort of missed a significant moment for Zach Thomas.When he was placed on injured reserve -- against his will, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus --...
You think the record is bad? Read this ...
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Dec 05 20:01:00 -0800 2007
This has not been a good week for Cam Cameron.First his team quit on Sunday. Then, after the game in which they quit, the players admitted there is a divide between some players and coaches and even some players and other players. Dissension is the word used by some.Then we...
LIVE CHAT today (WED.) at 2 p.m.
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Dec 05 07:34:00 -0800 2007
First of all, I want to thank you once again. Once again last month, for the third consecutive month, Dolphins In Depth was the most popular sports blog at The Miami Herald. And for the third consecutive month, you guys came on here in higher numbers than you did the...
The reasons now is not the time to decide on Cameron
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Dec 04 10:02:00 -0800 2007
If you already believe Cam Cameron should be fired, you are wrong. If you already believe Cam Cameron should get a second season, you are wrong.I am not sitting on the fence here, because, among other things that is uncomfortable, it makes my underwear bunch up and it simply goes...
Backlash against John Beck is wrong
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Dec 02 20:54:00 -0800 2007
The instinct among many Dolphins fans is to draw the instant conclusion, and that drive to know a truth before it is truly revealed has been supercharged recently by the current sorry state of the team.Because things are going so poorly, everyone now instantly assumes the worst. If Jason Allen...
Live blog today during the VICTORY today
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Dec 02 08:53:00 -0800 2007
Sitting in the press box overlooking a pristine field this morning, I am watching Dolphins president Bryan Wiedmeier having a friendly chat with Jets special teams coach Mike Westhoff.As you know Westhoff coached the Dolphins special teams for over a decade before being fired by Dave Wannstedt. Although I doubt...
The possibilities for Miami's first overall pick
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Nov 30 07:57:00 -0800 2007
Based on the events of the last week, it is becoming clear the Dolphins will have a grand opportunity to pick up talent in next April's NFL draft and will have a choice how they do it.With coach Houston "Sometimes I feel like a" Nutt leaving Arkansas as the head...
Kareem Brown a Jet, but what did Dolphins know?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Nov 29 08:31:00 -0800 2007
The New York Jets quietly picked up defensive end Kareem Brown off waivers from the New England Patriots this week. The Jets were one of several teams putting in waiver claims on Brown because, with no exceptions, those teams believed he can develop into a fine defensive end in the...
Some of Cam Cameron's questionable decisions
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Nov 27 13:40:00 -0800 2007
Monday night's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers was disappointing in that it was another game the Dolphins might have won were it not for one play here or there, one coaching decision here or there.We all know, and grudgingly accept, that Miami's talent misses opportunities to make plays. That cannot...
Jesse Chatman well enough to start after all
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Nov 26 16:10:00 -0800 2007
Jesse Chatman's apparent miraculous recovery from his ankle injury is such that he will indeed start against the Steelers tonight.As I reported earlier this afternoon, Chatman was all but assured he'd be a backup for this game behind Ricky Williams when he started feeling significantly better. Well, he's good enough...
Ricky scheduled to start tonight, more Zach news
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Nov 25 21:27:00 -0800 2007
Two days ago I reported exclusively that Ricky would not only play, but might very well start against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Well, he is scheduled to start Monday night.Amazing.Only in Miami does the following happen: A guy fails a drug test five times, quits the team once, changes his mind...
Pope with the Dolphins in Pittsburgh
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Nov 25 13:56:00 -0800 2007
Quickie update: Despite his mysterious hospital stay that forced him to miss practice Saturday, linebacker Derrick Pope flew with the team and is in Pittsburgh for Monday's game against the Steelers.“I didn’t feel well and thought I needed medical attention," Pope said in a statement released through the team. "Everything...
Chatman looks worse, Zach likely out for Pittsburgh
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Nov 23 10:32:00 -0800 2007
Running back Jesse Chatman continues to limp and, in this reporter's opinion, he seemed slower and the limp was more pronounced today than it was two days ago when I last saw him during the early part of practice.So what does that mean?As I explained to you, the more significant...
Call in today and talk to Salguero live
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Nov 22 22:40:00 -0800 2007
It is the day after Thanksgiving and everyone is several pounds heavier. Welcome to middle age, people.Anyway, before I head over to Dolphins camp this afternoon, I will be doing the morning drive show on Miami Herald radio partner 790 The Ticket. Sid Rosenberg, the usual morning host, is on...
The latest news on Ricky Williams
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Nov 21 10:34:00 -0800 2007
OK, enough fiction. Let's roll with some tangible information.You should know that Jesse Chatman is hurt. He has a right ankle sprain that is limiting him today in practice. He tried to take some snaps in individual drills but was hobbling noticeably. On one pass attempt, he actually pulled up...
What if Nick Saban had stayed another year?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Nov 21 07:29:00 -0800 2007
Nick Saban should have waited one more year, should have buckled his proverbial chin strap and stayed with the Dolphins and struggled and suffered through one more season. And if he had everyone would be better off.Yes, I just wrote that. Everyone, Saban and Cam Cameron and the Dolphins and...
A conversation leading up to a bad decision
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Nov 20 08:53:00 -0800 2007
It is fourth down and the Dolphins are on the Eagles 1 yard line. So the Dolphins coaching staff, with nothing to lose in this winless season, decides to go for the TD in a 17-7 game. Sure there is 6:45 yet to play and the game is far from...
Dolphins youth movement is on the march
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Nov 19 08:01:00 -0800 2007
Marty Booker is Miami's most accomplished offensive player today. He is the only player on the offense to play in a Pro Bowl. He's had multiple 1,000 yard receiving seasons. And he's smart.So it was interesting after Sunday's game how Booker, standing alone in the Miami locker room while knotting...
Live blogging from Philly (cheese steak) today
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Nov 18 08:19:00 -0800 2007
PHILADELPHIA -- John Beck's NFL debut will come on a cold and overcast day in this historic city.The Beck clan is here. His father, mother, son and wife -- yes, only one wife wiseguys -- are in attendance for this one.And while most of you will have eyes glued on...
A very good week, draft for Randy Mueller
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Nov 15 20:22:00 -0800 2007
During a week filled with tons of news, even as echoes calling for the hiring of Bill Parcells as general manager linger, the Dolphins current general manager is quietly having a stellar week.How else to describe what Randy Mueller has accomplished so far.This week coach Cam Cameron named John Beck...
Source: Williams OK to practice, will play
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Nov 15 09:39:00 -0800 2007
The much-anticipated meeting between Cam Cameron and Ricky Williams apparently went off without a hitch this morning and the running back has been told he can begin practicing and will be used in games this season.It is unclear if Williams will practice today, although that is the expectation -- at...
Dolphins should get as much out of Ricky as possible
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Nov 14 19:52:00 -0800 2007
Thinking about this long and hard, I have come to the conclusion that Ricky Williams is better than Samkon Gado.You know Gado, right? He's the guy the Dolphins signed two weeks ago to be a backup to Patrick Cobbs, who is the backup to Jesse Chatman, who is the backup...
The next step with Ricky Williams
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Nov 14 08:14:00 -0800 2007
Ricky Williams has been reinstated by the NFL with some stipulations, which I am told will become clear in the coming hours and days.So what do the Dolphins do with their new running back?I am told Cam Cameron's first step after announcing Ricky's reinstatement which I am already announcing here,...
Rookie John Beck to start against the Eagles
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Nov 14 04:42:00 -0800 2007
The John Beck era has arrived.The Dolphins will announce later this afternoon that Beck, the team's rookie second-round draft pick, will make his first NFL start against the Eagles Sunday. Beck will replace Cleo Lemon, who has started the past four games after replacing Trent Green, who is out for...
What to expect from Beck once he starts
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Nov 13 06:57:00 -0800 2007
I know everyone is calling for John Beck and you might finally see him this week because, as we speak, Cam Cameron is giving the decision some deep thought.But when (not if) when Beck finally starts this season do not expect Dan Marino.Marino, as many of you Dolphinphiles may remember,...
Special teams are in need of more attention
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Nov 12 07:04:00 -0800 2007
This is a fact: The Dolphins DO NOT spend as much time on special teams work as they do on offense and defense. They don't meet for as long a period of time. They don't conduct walk-thru work for as long a period of time. And in the offseason they...
Live blogging on Buffalo game today
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Nov 11 08:22:00 -0800 2007
Bumped in Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga in the elevator as I was on the way to the press box. He was fiddling with his pass into the stadium which was interesting to me so I asked him, "You don't need that pass do you?""They won't let me in," Huizenga said.But,...
Dolphins apparently don't need the work
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Nov 09 07:24:00 -0800 2007
For the record, I stayed in England a few days after the game against the Giants because, what the heck, I was there and it was an opportunity to see some sites. So I didn't make it back until Thursday of the bye week.The Dolphins were done with their work...
John Beck won't start this week but ...
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Nov 07 18:53:00 -0800 2007
The much debated question about when John Beck starts could become something of an afterthought if the rookie doesn't start -- but plays anyway.The Dolphins are preparing for the contingency Beck could get playing time in small increments before his first start, with the first of those increments coming as...
Dolphins grade poorly according to SI.com
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Nov 06 19:56:00 -0800 2007
Every magazine, website, blog, newspaper and radio show uses the turn at the halfway point in the NFL season to deliver its midseason report cards.SI.com, the cyberspace outpost for the Sports Illustrated mother ship, is no different. And in his midseason grading, SI.com writer Don Banks, who I've known for...
No news on Ricky Williams is bad news
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Nov 05 21:53:00 -0800 2007
[Armando's Note: Before I begin, let me congratulate everyone because Dolphins Indepth is again The Miami Herald's No. 1 sports blog, with over 120,000 page views in October. Eye on the U was second with 114,000 page views. So thank you for your response to my blog. Thank you for...
Get used to the idea of Lemon as the starter this week
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Nov 05 08:00:00 -0800 2007
The chorus of fans and consensus of media opinion-makers has been that John Beck should be Miami's starter Sunday when the Buffalo Bills visit Dolphin Stadium.Sorry, but coach Cam Cameron is more likely to go with Cleo Lemon. Fact is, Lemon today, right now, remains Miami's starting quarterback. And unless...
Not too early to think about the draft
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Nov 04 17:00:00 -0800 2007
It says something about the Dolphins current state that I have started looking at the possibilities for the April draft. I don't believe I'm alone.On the bye weekend, a weekend in front of the TV for me, I watched a lot of football and I have come to this conclusion:...
The sting of the Culpepper saga is numbed
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Nov 02 07:39:00 -0700 2007
Realizing the Dolphins aren't playing this weekend, I'd like to update you on a topic that has been both popular and loathed on this blog: DAUNTE CULPEPPER.Have you heard? He's being benched by the Raiders this weekend.Let me repeat for all the Dauntephiles who thought the Dolphins made a major...
The time to play John Beck has arrived
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Oct 29 01:04:00 -0700 2007
LONDON -- The argument for keeping John Beck under wraps has been pretty compelling until now.The idea has been to let the rookie mature and learn the game while running scout team and, lately, second-team plays during practice. The idea has been not to ruin the kid by putting him...
Live International blogging today
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Oct 28 08:42:00 -0700 2007
LONDON -- Wembley Stadium is amazing. It is cavernous, modern, and unlike most new stadiums that separate the fans from the action, the stands are quite close to the field here.So it is very, very loud.The Dolphins have announced their inactives for the game. They are: Travares Tillman, Zach Thomas,...
The mistakes Huizenga has made
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sat Oct 27 01:23:00 -0700 2007
LONDON -- Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga has taken the blame for his team's woes a handful of times since he's been here.During a 40-minute meeting with South Florida reporters Friday he uttered the words, "I take the blame," and "The buck stops here," and "I take that one," too many...
Dolphins about to evaluate themselves
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Oct 26 05:26:00 -0700 2007
LONDON -- Last week I wrote in The Herald a story saying the Dolphins will do a self-evaluation during the bye week and running through the end of the season.You'll be hearing more about that evaluation in the coming days because Wayne Huizenga today confirmed that process is about to...
Only the weather and time are different here
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Oct 25 12:05:00 -0700 2007
LONDON -- I'm heeeere!Flew in this morning and boy are my arms tired.Had to hit the ground running as the NFL had a press conference to pump up the volume on Sunday's game. I hear a lot about the NFL wanting to take its machine like success abroad but I'm...
Calling all British Dolfans and others ...
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Oct 24 08:16:00 -0700 2007
I am leaving for England today will arrive tomorrow morning. So here's what we're going to do:1. Anyone reading this blog who is in England: Tell me where you live, tell me how you got interested enough in the Dolphins that you are on a Dolphins blog. Tell me if...
Let the free agent parade begin
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Oct 23 08:56:00 -0700 2007
The Dolphins are looking at about half a dozen players today with the idea of somehow improving the team.Good luck.Of the list of players being considered, the most interesting is probably former University of Georgia All-SEC player Quentin Moses.Moses, a defensive end, was a third-round pick of the Oakland Raiders...
Cameron needs to recognize what is important
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Oct 22 21:16:00 -0700 2007
I think Cam Cameron has the potential to be an elite head coach. But he has some growing and learning to do and one thing he has yet to learn is when to micro-manage and when to leave things he shouldn't worry about alone.Earlier this year, when the defense was...
Dolphins fearing worst on Brown knee injury
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Oct 22 09:04:00 -0700 2007
The Dolphins initially believe running back Ronnie Brown suffered a season-ending knee injury. They sent him to have an MRI test done this morning to find out for sure.If the team's worst fears are confirmed, Brown will be out the rest of the season, but that is not the worst...
Live blogging today during the game, yeah!
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Oct 21 06:47:00 -0700 2007
I'm excited about today's game against New England.I am not a masochist. I enjoy good football and I'm sure we can all agree the Patriots play good football practically every time they take the field.But my excitement goes beyond watching the Pats. I will be very interested to see how...
Class wins out in Green-Cameron disagreement
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sat Oct 20 11:17:00 -0700 2007
Quarterback Trent Green is on injured reserve as of a couple of hours ago and that signals the Dolphins know what they're doing on this front.As you may know, two days ago I wrote an column about the little drama playing out between Green and Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron....
Jason Taylor outta here? Not so fast ...
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Oct 18 18:33:00 -0700 2007
All of sudden everybody is thinking that Jason Taylor could be playing his final couple of months with the Dolphins. What a novel idea, right?I think it was last month when I wrote a column stating the Dolphins should trade Taylor -- for his sake and theirs -- either at...
Donovin Darius out, Jason Allen in
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Oct 17 21:14:00 -0700 2007
Donovin Darius sat out much of the Dolphins game against the Cleveland Browns last weekend because he was experiencing "flu-like symptoms," according to the team.Are you kidding me? The guy was out of the game while Cameron Worrell got wore out because he had the sniffles? Or maybe his throat...
The real importance of the Chris Chambers trade
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Oct 16 18:00:00 -0700 2007
You will be reading plenty of opinions about the Chris Chambers trade in the next day or so. If you care about mine, which is a fair assumption since you're on my blog, I am ambivalent about the move.Why, you scream? How is this possible? Where's your passion about what...
Food for thought on a Dolphins morality play
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Oct 15 20:11:00 -0700 2007
The security camera tape of Joey Porter and his posse beating up Cincinnati offensive tackle Levi Jones in Las Vegas this offseason is disgusting.It's not so much that Porter shows his violent unruly side; it's that there is no sportsmanship in a fight in which Porter and three thugs jump...
Fans want to hear from Mr. Huizenga
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Oct 15 10:54:00 -0700 2007
The Dolphins know you, their fans, are feeling uneasy now. They know you want to hear something that will ease the sting of 0-6. They know you want to hear none other than the team's owner, Wayne Huizenga, say something, anything, that will carry you through the rest of this...
Live blogging action today during the game
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Oct 14 09:35:00 -0700 2007
First let me tell you the Dolphins today are trying to avoid their ninth consecutive loss dating back to last year. If they are not successful, it would mark the first time in franchise history that they have lost nine consecutive games.Having said that, this is the healthiest the Miami...
Porter update and a (failed) attempt at positive news
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Fri Oct 12 08:01:00 -0700 2007
Before I get started on today's subject, I want you to know that I did follow up with Joey Porter yesterday and wrote about what he said. Here's the column, in which Porter says he understands your frustration that he's not producing and pretty much throws Dom Capers under the...
Jason Allen done, Joey Porter next
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Oct 11 07:46:00 -0700 2007
Yesterday I wrote about Jason Allen, who happens to be the biggest draft day disappointment the Dolphins have had since, let me see here ...I would say since John Avery, who they took in 1998. That you'll remember was the year Jimmy Johnson was sitting in position to take Randy...
Changes along the defensive front
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Oct 10 10:30:00 -0700 2007
The Dolphins will soon announce the signing of defensive tackle Sam Rayburn, a five-year veteran who has played with San Francisco and the Eagles.Rayburn is 6-3 and 303 out of Tulsa.The reason he's with Miami now is that Vonnie Holliday is clearly not ready to play yet despite sounding an...
Why didn't Miami see this train wreck coming?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Oct 09 08:04:00 -0700 2007
A week before the Dolphins completed the Trent Green trade on June 6th, Jason Taylor was talking to Sports Illustrated about the rumors of the Dolphins acquiring a 37-year-old quarterback with a concussion history.“This is off-the-record. Oh, what the hell, it’s on the record: He’d better not get hit. One...
And the new quarterback is ...
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Oct 08 08:59:00 -0700 2007
In a couple of hours when Cam Cameron has his Monday press conference, subject No. 1 on my agenda will be the quarterback position.It's not about Trent Green anymore as his concussion likely will keep him sidelined for a while. I would think it might keep him on the bench...
Live blogging during the game now
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Oct 07 09:47:00 -0700 2007
So you should already know that Rod Wright is starting for Vonnie Holliday, Derrick Pope is going for Channing Crowder and Cameron Worrell is starting for Donovin Darius.On the bright side for Miami, Zach Thomas returns to the starting lineup for the first time in two weeks.For Houston, Andre Davis...
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Oct 04 19:30:00 -0700 2007
Today I am taking a break from the pitchfork and torch-carrying mob making its way up the castle steps wanting to kill Dolphinstein.As you know very well, the Dolphins are winless but they've put up a fight in a couple of games so everything can't be completely horrible. So I...
The owner can make a difference
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Oct 03 11:04:00 -0700 2007
The reaction to my column in Tuesday's Herald was fast and, sometimes furious. A large majority of readers agreed the Dolphins need to get more expertise out of their experts and that owner Wayne Huizenga cannot be excused from responsibility for the current state of the team.I have long applauded...
Green experiment blowing up in Cameron's face
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Oct 02 08:17:00 -0700 2007
When I first heard the Dolphins were interested in Trent Green, I figured they were looking for a backup quarterback with experience.Then Cam Cameron explained that Green is a solid leader, a man who has not lost any of the skills he showed while going to three Pro Bowls, a...
Time for answers to Miami's questions
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Sep 30 17:53:00 -0700 2007
Ok geniuses, you figure it out.Your team is 0-4. Your defense can't stop the run. Your offense has an aging, inconsistent quarterback. Your special teams isn't special.The roster is what it is so you can't really go out and trade for Tom Brady or Randy Moss or Kevin Williams.So what...
Zach inactive, live blogging during the game
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Sep 30 08:58:00 -0700 2007
I will be on the net with a play-by-play commentary of the game today so join me in the commentary section and let me know what you think.This is a big day for the Dolphins defense. Today will tell us if there is any hope for this unit this year...
Dan Marino still the greatest of all time?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sat Sep 29 07:09:00 -0700 2007
Dan Marino was a great quarterback and, once upon a time, when the argument about the GREATEST of all time would come, I would always contend the Miami quarterback was the guy because, well, look at the numbers.Sure Joe Montana had the Super Bowl rings, but Danny had the TD...
Porter needs to lead by example not exuberance
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Wed Sep 26 19:45:00 -0700 2007
Joey Porter is a great interview. For the sake of the Miami Dolphins he needs to start being a good player.Porter was on fire Wednesday. Surrounded by notebooks and microphones and cameras, he was waxing strong with the quotes and at one point delivered something of a guarantee about Sunday's...
OK Dauntephiles, this is your day
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Sep 25 21:56:00 -0700 2007
I'm going to be brief and then let you guys have at it.1. The Dolphins were correct to let Daunte Culpepper go. The guy today is still not 100 percent healthy and may start Sunday against the Dolphins only because Josh McCown, who is not exactly a stellar QB but...
One reason Miami's special teams aren't special
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Sep 25 07:03:00 -0700 2007
So now all of Miami's players are going to be made available to play special teams because, well, Miami's special teams are production-challenged.I can understand the grand desire to search the entire roster for special teams help, but why didn't the Dolphins consider the special teams in the offseason. You...
The coaching needs to improve also
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Sep 24 10:23:00 -0700 2007
Let me start out by relating the old adage about coaching: High school coaches adjust to things next game, college coaches adjust to things next half, NFL coaches adjust to things next play.The coaching for the Dolphins right now is, shall we say, not getting it done.As you saw Sunday,...
Live blogging action today during the game
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Sep 23 09:24:00 -0700 2007
The Steve Fifita experiment is over the Dolphins.A lot of you asked me during the week why it was that rookie Paul Soliai was not active for last week's game while Steve Fifita took his spot. Well, today Fifita is inactive and Soliai is active again.Truth be told, neither has...
Channing Crowder may have to step up BIG now
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Sep 20 10:40:00 -0700 2007
Zach Thomas missed his second consecutive day of practice Thursday with what the team says is a migraine, but fears is a concussion. Thomas has been sent for a battery of tests and his availability for Sunday's game at New York is very uncertain.Sooo.We turn to Channing Crowder. He is...
Why Jason Taylor and not Zach Thomas
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Tue Sep 18 07:54:00 -0700 2007
As many of you know, I wrote a column in The Herald today suggesting the Dolphins should trade Jason Taylor. The column: http://www.miamiherald.com/1190/story/241141.htmlAnyway, reaction has been mixed with some fans calling me names on the Internet they wouldn't have the courage to call me in person. Other fans are understanding...
A glance around the NFL must be painful to Dolphins
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Mon Sep 17 08:51:00 -0700 2007
It hurts these Dolphins that they have problems in every facet of the game, with an offense that throws four interceptions, a defense that can't stop the run and a special teams that is anything but special.But aside from their internal pains, the Dolphins must look around the NFL now...
Live blog today during the game ...
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sun Sep 16 12:03:00 -0700 2007
Before I give you the latest news, I should tell you that I will be blogging live during the game. So all of us with no friends to sit around and watch the game with can sit around together in cyberspace.Today's inactive offers one interesting move:Rookie defensive tackle Paul Soliai,...
Has Porter done enough to stay on the field?
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Sat Sep 15 09:29:00 -0700 2007
The biggest story of last week's lockerroom, after the loss to Washington, was Joey Porter complaining loud and long about not being on the field in overtime when the game was on the line.At first, it didn't sound right that Miami's signature free agent signee wouldn't be in the game...
How Trent Green is going to deal with this adversity
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Sep 13 19:56:00 -0700 2007
So how is Trent Green going to deal with dropped passes?You saw Sunday that he had plenty of opportunities to react to balls placed in receiver's hands that were dropped. Years ago, Dolphins fans would see Dan Marino spew expletive punctuated poison whenever receivers would run bad routes or drop...
The importance of a good start
Posted by: Dolphins In Depth @ Thu Sep 13 08:32:00 -0700 2007
If the Dolphins are to have any chance of being a halfway decent team this year, a team that sniffs playoff contention,