ATTN Joe Philbin: Let Tannehill turn it loose!

Sometimes the turning point in a game can transpire in the game's first minute. Such was the case in the Miami Dolphins' past two defeats. It wasn't Reggie Bush's fumble in the first quarter during the Dolphins Week 10 loss to Tennessee Titans or the first quarter punt return by Leodis McKelvin in the first quarter of a road loss in Orchard Park to the Buffalo Bills in Week 11 that would prove to be turning points and swing momentum in favour of their opponents. Momentum was already in the tight grip of these opponents before those respective plays ever occurred.

It was the Dolphins offense, led by rookie signal-caller Ryan Tannehill, that has started the last two games. In both of those games, the first drive resulted in alarmingly conservative play-calling. Against Tennessee, after one first down, the Dolphins would then run the ball three times, with a final uninspiring fullback carry from Javorski Lane on third and one leading to an opening drive punt. It was much of the same against Buffalo, save the one first down. After a predictable, minimal gain run on first down, Tannehill then completed a screen pass to Hartline for five yards. The Dolphins faced another third and short on the opening drive and again went conservative attempting a five yard out to Anthony Fasano, resulting in a punt (which would be the punt McKelvin would return for the TD). Of the nine plays from those opening drives, Tannehill did not attempt a pass that was in the air 5 yards past the line of scrimmage. It doesn't get much more conservative than that. 

Those early punts were the true turning points in the game.

While I will concede that you're always better off in third and short situations than third and long attempts, you simply cannot play to achieve third and short situations with each set of downs you have on a drive. Eventually, you have to push the ball up the field. I live by one credo in football:

THE MORE PLAYS YOU ATTEMPT, THE MORE LIKELY YOU'LL MAKE A MISTAKE

I understand yards and points are tough to come by in the NFL and even more so for the Miami Dolphins. Truly, running the Dolphins offense these days is no easy task for Philbin and Offensive Coordinator Mike Sherman. They are dealing with a rookie Quarterback, a shaky offensive line and a set of extremely ordinary pass catchers. That said, it's time to see what we truly have in Tannehill. To this point, Tannehill has provided highly promising performances. I don't think his numbers (6 Touchdowns to 11 Interceptions) are indicative to how good he's been this season, especially for a converted receiver who had only 19 starts previous to his entry into the NFL. Tannehill has been poised, collected and methodical in his approach. For Philbin, it's time to take Tannehill out of the crib and let him sleep in the big boy's bed aka let him loose!

Lately, Joe Philbin has no answers for the Dolphins offence 

The schedule won't lighten for Tannehill over the next few weeks, a top-ranked Seattle Seahawks defense travels to South Beach this Sunday to battle the Fish. However, it's imperative that Philbin has Tannehill push the ball up field because, as been the case the last two weeks, they continue to be on the short end of third and short.

The 2012 Miami Dolphins: Where Have We Seen This Before?

Why does this 2012 Miami Dolphins story sound so familiar? For whatever reason, it feels like Dolphins fans have been down this path before.

Think back to the 2008 Miami Dolphins season. If you can't recall or you forced yourself to "misremember", let me remind you. This is the story of a rebuilding team starting from scratch, merely looking to improve upon on a highly forgettable and historically awful 1-15 2007 season. 2008 brought a new Head Coach and new Quarterback into the fold. A new culture was being created in Miami.

Is this starting to sound more familiar?

Fast-forward to 2012 - how does the 2012 team compare to the 2008 team? Let's go down the checklist:

• New game-managing Quarterback? Check
• New Head Coach? Check
• New culture? Check
• 4-4 start through 8 games? Check
• Played NFC West Division? Check
• Zero to few wins against teams with winning records? Check

These resemblances, these eerily resemblances are remarkable. That Miami Dolphins squad would end up winning 11 games on the back of discarded signal-caller Chad Pennington and the "revolutionary" Wildcat offence, earning their first playoff birth in 7 seasons. Despite, an early exit in the postseason  this new Dolphins regime led by Vice-President of Football Operations, Bill Parcells provided a small glimmer of hope of what would be a return to glory for the once-proud franchise. However, that small glimmer of hope would quickly darken with each fist-pumping Field Goal after fist-pumping Field Goal from Head Coach Tony Sparano. The 2008 season was the start of a giant step backward, rather than forward.

Field Goal Fist Pump!

Flash forward 3 seasons, Chad Pennington along with "future franchise QB" Chad Henne and said Head Coach Tony Sparano are all gone with only much-maligned General Manager Jeff Ireland remaining to direct personnel decisions.

I know history indicates that this optimistic Dolphins season is more of a mirage than the start of a successful run in South Beach, but wait Dolfans! Before you start to hit the panic button, or reserve that optimism you've built up for a surprising 4-4 start to the 2012 campaign, I'm hear to tell you, despite these similarities, the 2012 Dolphins, unlike the 2008 Dolphins, aren't a flash in the pan and will continue to build upon this success. Feel free to continue building that optimism. Here is where these two teams differ:

• Head Coach Joe Philbin is much more equipped to handle the responsibilities of being the main boss than Tony Sparano ever was. He already calls a better game than Sparano ever did.
• While it's preached for rookie QB Ryan Tannehill to limit his mistakes and manage the game, his skill-set is MUCH more diverse than what Chad Pennington could offer as signal caller. Both manage a game exceedingly well but unlike Pennington at the time, Tannehill's best years are ahead of him and he is able to sling the ball when needed.
• Ryan Tannehill is the first-round, franchise Quarterback of the future - Chad Pennington was a New York Jets cast-off.
• The NFC West provides much more competition to AFC East teams than it did 4 seasons ago, ergo the victories over these teams are more impressive than they were in 2008.
• The 2012 Dolphins are winning games through executing fundamentals like running the ball and stopping the run; they are not relying on gimmicks like the Wild Cat to spark an otherwise pedestrian offence.

I hope I talked you off that ledge. While scary similarities remain between the 2008 and 2012 Miami Dolphins, the 2012 team is ready to step ahead.

Dolphins Receiving Contributions From All Players - All Units of Team

Half way through the season, the Miami Dolphins are officially in the post-season hunt. Despite the emergence of rookie Quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who they believe will be the franchise QB for 15 years, it hasn't been a Herculean effort from their gun-slinging passer that has allowed them to get to a 4-3 record.

Despite their stout run defense, this Dolphins defense won't at any time this season resemble the '85 Bears D or '00 Ravens D. 

For the 2012 Miami Dolphins, it isn't one player or one unit of the team that is guiding the team to a post-season push. They've had early season success because they've received significant contributions from all players and units of the team. The Dolphins are obviously buying into the Joe Philbin program.

Last Sunday, in their 30-9 victory over the Jets, it was the Special Teams unit that played a key role. Jimmy Wilson blocked a punt leading to an Olivier Vernon Touchdown. When the Jets finally had a decent offensive drive near the end of the first half, leading to a possible momentum-building Field Goal, it was Olivier Vernon that blocked said Field Goal, killing any chance of gaining momentum.

In their first win of the season, it was the running game led by Reggie Bush and the offensive line that propelled the Dolphins to an impressive victory. In other victories it was efficient play from Ryan Tannehill and overall stout defensive efforts that led them to victory. 

If the Dolphins were to make the playoffs in 2012, it would be because they continued to receive contributions from all players and units. These are the players and units I've been most impressed with:

Quarterbacks: You can't just point to Ryan Tannehill as the one to lead the team at the most-important position. Matt Moore was efficient and instrumental in the Dolphins victory over the Jets after Tannehill left the game in the first quarter with a leg injury. Both quarterbacks have played exceedingly well and have provided the Dolphins stability at a position that has been devoid of stability for over a decade.

Special Teams: Special Teams Coordinator Darren Rizzi has done an incredible job with a unit that has converted a fake punt, blocked a punt for a TD and blocked an attempted Field Goal. 

Safeties: While there is still a lot of room for improvement both Reshad Jones & Chris Clemons, the much-maligned Safeties have been key contributors in the run defense and have contributed two turnovers a piece with key interceptions, one by Jones to end the game and one by Clemons near the goal line to stop a key drive by the Jets.

Jones & Clemons have improved their respective games immensely

Rookie Class: For all the flak Jeff Ireland receives, much of it is deserved, he's also acquired some great talent over his five-year tenure, this is no more evident than with his 2012 rookie class. Obviously, the gem of the class is Quarterback Ryan Tannehill but Oliver Vernon is starting to establish himself as a playmaking pass rusher and Special Teams player. Jonathan Martin has been solid on the right-side of the offensive line all season. Once Lamar Miller can fully absorb the playbook and learn to pass-protect, he'll be one of the real steals of the draft. He's shown flashes of playmaking ability, scoring a game-sealing Touchdown v. Oakland in Week 2.

This isn't a Peyton Manning-led Colts team where he practically carries the team to the playoffs, the Dolphins are playing like the cliched "well-oiled machine". If they continue to all contribute in the fashion they currently doing, the Dolphins have a great shot at the post-season!

Finally, for professional coverage of the Miami Dolphins there's no better writer than Ben Volin from the Palm Beach Post. His writing and knowledge of the team is excellent!

Opposition to Salguero's thoughts on the Fish

I first want to comment that I have a lot of respect for Miami Herald, Miami Dolphins columnist, Armando Salguero. I believe he has a great grasp of the Miami Dolphins organization and unlike me, he shares a professional view of the Dolphins.

However... I have philosophical differences in how I view the Miami Dolphins, in particular to two of his recent 'Miami Dolphins in Depth' blog posts. In these posts he shared his thoughts on GM Jeff Ireland and the search for a franchise QB.

First, in a post titled, 'Jeff Ireland is not the Devil', Salguero shared his sentiments that despite the desired replacement of Ireland from all of "Phins Nation", Salguero feels Ireland hasn't done as bad as a job as many Dolphin fans believe. In the post, he states that Ireland made wise choices in not signing Flynn, resigning Soliai, signing Garrard and trading Brandon Marshall.

He also defended Ireland against onslaughts from Ryan Clark and Joey Porter who claim free agents are avoiding playing for Miami because of Ireland. This could be a hangover from 2010, when during the draft process, when interviewing WR prospect Dez Bryant, Ireland asked Bryant about his Mom's past of prostitution. Salguero's defense of Ireland was that Porter specifically has a history of ripping front office personnel that has either cut or traded him (Porter was cut from the Dolphins after the 2009 season).

I agree with Salguero with all accounts. Garrard can provide QB stability throughout the 2012 and maybe 2013 season. They did resign Soliai for a bargain and trading Marshall alleviates any future headaches when he inevitably gets into trouble again. I'll go one further, Ireland has DRAFTED considerably well. After years of other Dolphins GMs missing on first round draft picks, Ireland has hit on every single first rounder he's selected in Jake Long, Vontae Davis, Jared Odrick and Mike Pouncey. He's also found undrafted free agents in Davone Bess and former CFL standout, Cameron Wake.

However, Ireland has just as many misses in the draft and in free agency. Here's a list of misses:

• Justin Smiley (free agent Left Guard in '08)
• Ernest Wilford (free agent Wideout in '08)
• Jake Grove (free agent Centre in '09)
• Pat White (Drafted Quarterback in '09)
• Patrick Turner (Drafted Wideout in '09)

Is he the only GM in the league that has missed in the draft and free agency? HELL NO. But, despite any spitefulness from Joey Porter, his comments shared by Ryan Clark show, "where there's smoke, there's fire".

I ask Salguero, why should the Dolphins retain his services? He's been an average GM, AT BEST!

Salguero's other post, titled, 'Dolphins don't seem done at Quarterback' goes into detail a draft strategy for QBs going into the 2012 draft. Salguero states that while he likes Texas A&M prospect, Ryan Tannehill, he would not reach to draft him in the first round. The earliest Salguero would select Tannehill is in the 2nd round.

My dispute to Salguero is that if the Dolphins think he can be a franchise QB, you can't reach for him at any position. So Armando can put whatever grade on him, but if Jeff Ireland, Head Coach Joe Philbin and Offensive Coordinator (also former coach and mentor of Tannehill at Texas A&M) believe he's a legitimate franchise QB, you draft him if he's available at 8, 40 or 268.

I believe while still VERY raw, Tannehill possesses all the physical skills and QB accumen to be a franchise QB. If he's available at #8 when the Dolphins are on the clock, they should sprint to Commish Godell to make that selection.

Ideally, going into the 2013 season, I'd love to see the Dolphins have a new GM and Ryan Tannehill as their starting QB. I guess Armando has different opinions. Either way, I feel bad for both of us as fan and columnist, 2012 will be UGLY!

Optimism rearing it's Aqua & Orange Head

Usually, I write this blog to add PR perspective to an intriguing sports story. However, sometimes I need to embrace the Miami Dolphins superfan in me. It was yet another pivotal moment in the history of the franchise on Friday with the announcement of the hiring of their new Head Coach, former Green Bay Packers Offensive Coordinator, Joe Philbin. Philbin becomes the sixth Dolphins Coach in seven years; I'm not too sure how "pivotal" these moments truly are anymore. Since Don Shula ended his 25 plus years coaching tenure with the Dolphins in 1996, the Dolphins have employed eight coaches to become the, "next Don Shula".

Is Joe Philbin the Man to Finally Lead the Dolphins Back to the Superbowl?

Coincidentally, since former Dolphin great, Quarterback and Hall-of-Famer Dan Marino retired in 1999, the Dolphins have employed 17 Quarterbacks to become the, "next Dan Marino". 

The new Head Coach and QB combo for the Dolphins is a road WELL-travelled. So why should Dolphin fans feel optimistic about the latest hiring in the 15-year journey to find stability at Head Coach and Quarterback?

Philbin's hiring may not have come with the hoopla the hiring of an experienced and successful coach like Jeff Fisher would have created, but I feel it's a smart move regardless of the hype. Already a likable individual, Philbin will be rooted for thoroughly in Miami. 

During Philbin's first week of interviewing for head coaching jobs, tragedy struck his family when his 21-year-old son's body was discovered in the Wisconsin River. The week that started a new and prosperous journey in his life ended in unthinkable heartache. A week afterwards, Philbin returned to the Packers sideline to coach the offense in a divisional playoff game against the New York Giants. From opening kick-off the Packers looked like a lifeless team still grieving alongside their respected coach. The Packers were upset by the Giants and were eliminated from the chance to repeat as Superbowl Champions, a mountain Philbin stood atop of, last year. 

Philbin will have the support of Phin Nation but coaches fighting adversity doesn't automatically equate to winning Superbowls. Here is how Joe Philbin can lead the Miami Dolphins back into the playoffs and perhaps back to the mountaintop Philbin stood with his former team. 

West Coast Offense

As long as I've been a fan of the Miami Dolphins (since 1990), I can't ever remember them employing the West Coast Offense (WCO). Someone please correct me if I"m wrong. I suppose they never had the personnel to do so. As we stand right now, they most certainly have the personnel to switch to Bill Walsh's iconic offensive scheme. Their most oft-used weapons will fourish in the WCO. Brandon Marshall, their large-bodied and multi-talented Wide Receiver will benefit from the WCO's principles of employing big, sure-handed receivers (though, admittedly, not always the case with Marshall) with quarterbacks that get them the ball quickly and let them do their most significant damage when the ball is in their hands. There are not many receivers currently in the league that are better or more physical than Marshall after the catch. 

Reggie Bush, a rejuvenated Heisman-winning Running Back will also be a benefactor with the switch to a WCO. While Bush was brilliant running between the tackles during the second-half of the 2011 season (a feat experts said was not possible for Bush), he is still utilized best by giving him the ball in space and making tacklers miss. This is the ideal trait for a Running Back in the WCO. Bush had a 43 receptions in 2011, a far cry from his personal best of 88 in his rookie campaign. I expect him to get closer to 70 receptions and nearly 300 touches in 2012.

Stability at QB

Dolphin fans have LONGED for stability in the QB position since Marino's retirement in 1999. 17 Quarterbacks have failed to become the long-term solution, at the most important position, for the Miami Dolphins. Dolphin fans aren't necessarily looking for the next Dan Marino but a QB that they feel confident in, if last-minute heroics are needed. I believe Matt Moore (the latest horsey in the Dolphins QB carousel) played admirably after taking over for the injured Chad Henne. Moore could be the long-term solution for the Dolphins, but many fans aren't looking for that type of gamble. I believe many Dolphin fans are hoping Matt Moore to be a quality backup for the next several years.  

I think going into 2012, the Dolphins will have their answer at QB; it's going to be one of three guys:

1. Matt Flynn - Flynn will be the rumoured favourite to be under centre for the Dolphins in 2012. It makes incredible sense. Flynn has been under Philbin's tutelage in Green Bay for the past four seasons. After a six-Touchdown game in week 17 against Detroit, he'll undoubtedly be starting for a Quarterback-starving team. While Flynn's body of work is not a substantial one, it's even smaller than Moore's, he would come with a great pedigree. Flynn was a National Champion at the University of Louisiana State in 2007. While he was a late-round selection in the 2008 draft, he has fared exceedingly well in his two career starts, throwing for 10 Touchdowns and nearly 800 yards. Oh and for the past four seasons he's studied under the best QB in the league, Aaron Rodgers. Despite the small sample size, I'm a Flynn guy and feel he can be the guy to add stability to the position. Drawback: Flynn has the shortest ceiling of the three choices
2. Peyton Manning - Despite the Dolphins 6-10 record, they have a team that can certainly win NOW. Look at the Dolphins roster, there isn't a glaring hole to be found. Peyton Manning would make a lot of sense. It's still unknown what the Colts will do with Manning (we do know they are drafting the prodigal Andrew Luck with the #1 overall pick), but I suspect that Manning will either be a salary cap casualty or traded for a couple draft picks. If healthy, Manning, 35, should still have three or four great seasons left in him. If that's the case, the Dolphins should consider giving up a first and second round selection for him. Manning on the Dolphins would catapult them to favourites of not only the AFC East but the entire AFC.
   Drawback: Health remains the biggest concern for a Manning acquisition. If he passes physicals, it's a no-brainer. The only other consideration is that Manning is in the twilight of his career and certainly is not a ten-year solution but a heck of a three-year solution.
3. Robert Griffin III - Robert Griffin III, affectionately called RG3, is the 2011 Heisman winner. The swift, accurate and smart  Baylor Bear has shot up draft boards in the last few weeks of the NCAA season. It is no secret that one, maybe many teams covet his superb athleticism and will trade up to the #2 spot to draft him. Why not the Dolphins? The Dolphins are STARVING for an electric Quarterback in the style of Michael Vick. Also, because RG3 is highly accurate, he will fit the mold of a WCO Quarterback. It's also important to note, current Dolphins General Manager, Jeff Ireland, is a Baylor alumni.

1. Drawback: Despite his skills and athleticism, his transition to the pros is still largely contested and a big if. Calculate that risk by the draft picks needed to trade up to the #2 spot and it could be an unmitigated disaster. 

As a Dolphins fan, being taken down this all-too familiar road before, it would be easy to balk at the idea that Head Coach Joe Philbin would fare better than his predeccesors and the Dolphins would be hiring the next Joe Philbin by 2014. However, this time, it simply feels different.

Let's hope he has no ties to the Cowboys or University of Alabama...