Even though he has yet to be reinstated, RB Ricky Williams has drawn interest from the St. Louis Rams, whose head coach Scott Linehan was Miami's offensive coordinator in 2005. On Thursday, Linehan said that he would consider trading for Williams to serve as RB Steven Jackson's backup.
I would be against trading Ricky unless the compensation was too good to resist (a second or third-round draft pick) or if Adrian Peterson somehow fell to the No. 9 spot in the upcoming draft and QB Brady Quinn had already been selected. Neither of these options seems likely. Keeping Ricky has nothing to do with my assessment of Ronnie Brown. Brown is an excellent back and he should continue to improve. But in this day and age, a two-RB system is the only way to protect your workhorse from wearing out very quickly both during the season and over his career. Trading Ricky would leave a gigantic question mark as far as depth behind Ronnie. I know Ricky has proven to be less than reliable in the past, but it really seems that he has changed this time (call me gullible, but I believe him). Having a backup of his caliber and for his price-tag is irresistible. His presence allows Miami to protect its investment in Ronnie.
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In a puzzling move, the team fired RBs coach Bobby Williams on Thursday. No immediate reasons were given. I'm sure this story will continue to unfold in the coming days. As for right now, it's all speculation.
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Although it is highly unlikely that QB Cleo Lemon or SS Yeremiah Bell will receive an offer sheet from another team before today's deadline, Bell's agent said he will not immediately sign his one-year $1.3 million tender with Miami. Instead, he will look to sign a longer-term deal. Lemon's agent said that Cleo will likely sign the one-year deal, which will allow him to become an unrestricted free agent after next season.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Jones allowed to leave; draft scouting continues
The Dolphins decided not to match the offer sheet given to P Donnie Jones by the St. Louis Rams. In return, the team will receive the Rams' seventh-round draft pick (#225 overall). I previously wrote that I was hesitant to let Jones walk for only a mid-seventh-round pick, but the contract he signed probably proved to be just a bit too large. There's no doubt that he has a booming leg and plenty of potential, but the question that remains to be answered is whether his normal production in the future will look more like the 2005 season where he played extremely well or the 2006 season where he saw a significant drop-off in his level of play and looked very average. Unfortunately for Miami, at this point even a very average punter is probably better than the only punter currently on the roster - Ryan Flinn.
The team brought in LSU punter/kicker Chris Jackson for a private workout on Tuesday. He could be a late round draft option or a potential undrafted free agent. Former Dolphins P Matt Turk is a veteran free-agent possibility.
Miami now has the following ten selections in the upcoming NFL draft:
DAY ONE
Round 1 (9 overall)
Round 2 (40)
Round 2 (60, from New England)
Round 3 (71)
DAY TWO
Round 4 (108)
Round 6 (181)
Round 6 (199, from New Orleans)
Round 7 (219)
Round 7 (225, from St. Louis)
Round 7 (238, from New England)
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* RB Ricky Williams will be eligible for reinstatement on April 25, although the Commissioner has 60 days to review the request.
* In addition to P/K Chris Jackson, the team has recently scouted the following players:
The team brought in LSU punter/kicker Chris Jackson for a private workout on Tuesday. He could be a late round draft option or a potential undrafted free agent. Former Dolphins P Matt Turk is a veteran free-agent possibility.
Miami now has the following ten selections in the upcoming NFL draft:
DAY ONE
Round 1 (9 overall)
Round 2 (40)
Round 2 (60, from New England)
Round 3 (71)
DAY TWO
Round 4 (108)
Round 6 (181)
Round 6 (199, from New Orleans)
Round 7 (219)
Round 7 (225, from St. Louis)
Round 7 (238, from New England)
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* RB Ricky Williams will be eligible for reinstatement on April 25, although the Commissioner has 60 days to review the request.
* In addition to P/K Chris Jackson, the team has recently scouted the following players:
- BYU QB John Beck (met with the team earlier this month)
- Ohio State WR Ted Ginn Jr. (visited Miami today)
- Penn State LT Levi Brown (visited Miami today)
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Depth signings made at RB and C
After working out with the team on a tryout basis during this weekend's minicamps, RB Ray Perkins and C Johnathan Ingram signed with the Dolphins.
Perkins (5'10", 205 pounds, 24 years old) was an undrafted free agent of the Chargers in 2005. He spent all of the previous two seasons on the Chargers' practice squad. Even though Miami is looking for a backup running back, I think Perkins is only being brought in as training camp depth. His chances of making the team seem small.
Ingram (6'2", 290 pounds, 26 years old) was an undrafted free agent of the Chiefs in 2003. He split time between the practice squad and as an inactive member of the roster. In 2005, he played in 4 games for the Chiefs. Ingram could possibly make the roster as a backup lineman, although it's more likely that he will serve as training camp depth.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Green trade talks resume; Weekend minicamp wrap-up
Citing an unnamed source, the Palm Beach Post has said that a deal for Kansas City QB Trent Green is "imminent." The article says that a deal should materialize before the April 28-29 NFL Draft. It will be interesting to see what compensation Miami gives up for Green. I wrote a previous article saying that Miami should wait until Kansas City releases Green and thus avoid giving up a draft pick, but Miami's front office must see a need to bring him in earlier. Whatever draft pick the team gives up must certainly be a second-day pick and hopefully it's no higher than a sixth-rounder.
If and when Green arrives in Miami, I hope that the team doesn't immediately release Daunte Culpepper. If they find he has good trade value and can move him, fine. But the team should be in no rush to rid themselves of the injured QB. The chances of him remaining with Miami after the addition of Green are astronomically small. Still, the team owes it to itself to truly find out whether he can get healthy. They've held on to him throughout his entire rehab, so why cut ties with him when he is right on the verge of finally being able to play? It would be a shame if another team reaped the rewards of a healthy Culpepper simply because Miami got impatient.
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Weekend Minicamp Wrap-up
* WLB Channing Crowder and SLB Joey Porter were the defense's nickel linebackers. This is a good move that will give MLB Zach Thomas additional rest during the season while also having better coverage linebackers on the field during pass plays. Thomas is still unquestionably a star linebacker, but he is slowing down a bit and can be a liability in pass coverage. Crowder and Porter are faster and they will be an upgrade over Thomas when dropping back down the field.
* QB Daunte Culpepper and CB Andre' Goodman did not participate due to injury. DT Dan Wilkinson was the only player not present at the minicamp. His locker and number 95 were given to DT Chase Page, which pretty much spells out Wilkinson's future with the team - he has none. If he does decide to play again, which very well could happen after training camps are over, hopefully the team can find a way to trade his very large and very lazy ass.
* QB Cleo Lemon showed a lack of accuracy, going 2-8 with 2 INTs. While obviously not a good sign, his performance should not be highly criticized as this is the first action of the season.
* LT Anthony Alabi and LG Joe Toledo struggled against DE Jason Taylor and DT Vonnie Holliday.
* The secondary looked good (most would against the QBs that were out there), with CB Will Allen, CB Michael Lehan, and S Renaldo Hill looking particularly good. DT Fred Evans also looked impressive.
* P Ryan Flinn struggled a bit on Sunday. Granted their were some strong winds, but I don't see this guy as the team's answer at P if indeed Donnie Jones is allowed to leave for the Rams.
* RB Jesse Chatman, who had been allocated to play in NFL Europa, instead took part in the Dolphins minicamp because he couldn't get a passport in time to travel overseas. If RB Ricky Williams is brought back to the team following his reinstatement, Chatman will likely battle RB Patrick Cobbs for the third running back roster slot. Cobbs saw some work at FB during the minicamp.
The Dolphins players currently participating in NFL Europa are:
DT Kevin Vickerson - Cologne Centurions
DT Steve Fifita - Frankfurt Galaxy
CB Shirdonya Mitchell - Frankfurt Galaxy
WR P.K. Sam - Rhein Fire
Sources: Palm Beach Post, Sun-Sentinel
If and when Green arrives in Miami, I hope that the team doesn't immediately release Daunte Culpepper. If they find he has good trade value and can move him, fine. But the team should be in no rush to rid themselves of the injured QB. The chances of him remaining with Miami after the addition of Green are astronomically small. Still, the team owes it to itself to truly find out whether he can get healthy. They've held on to him throughout his entire rehab, so why cut ties with him when he is right on the verge of finally being able to play? It would be a shame if another team reaped the rewards of a healthy Culpepper simply because Miami got impatient.
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Weekend Minicamp Wrap-up
* WLB Channing Crowder and SLB Joey Porter were the defense's nickel linebackers. This is a good move that will give MLB Zach Thomas additional rest during the season while also having better coverage linebackers on the field during pass plays. Thomas is still unquestionably a star linebacker, but he is slowing down a bit and can be a liability in pass coverage. Crowder and Porter are faster and they will be an upgrade over Thomas when dropping back down the field.
* QB Daunte Culpepper and CB Andre' Goodman did not participate due to injury. DT Dan Wilkinson was the only player not present at the minicamp. His locker and number 95 were given to DT Chase Page, which pretty much spells out Wilkinson's future with the team - he has none. If he does decide to play again, which very well could happen after training camps are over, hopefully the team can find a way to trade his very large and very lazy ass.
* QB Cleo Lemon showed a lack of accuracy, going 2-8 with 2 INTs. While obviously not a good sign, his performance should not be highly criticized as this is the first action of the season.
* LT Anthony Alabi and LG Joe Toledo struggled against DE Jason Taylor and DT Vonnie Holliday.
* The secondary looked good (most would against the QBs that were out there), with CB Will Allen, CB Michael Lehan, and S Renaldo Hill looking particularly good. DT Fred Evans also looked impressive.
* P Ryan Flinn struggled a bit on Sunday. Granted their were some strong winds, but I don't see this guy as the team's answer at P if indeed Donnie Jones is allowed to leave for the Rams.
* RB Jesse Chatman, who had been allocated to play in NFL Europa, instead took part in the Dolphins minicamp because he couldn't get a passport in time to travel overseas. If RB Ricky Williams is brought back to the team following his reinstatement, Chatman will likely battle RB Patrick Cobbs for the third running back roster slot. Cobbs saw some work at FB during the minicamp.
The Dolphins players currently participating in NFL Europa are:
DT Kevin Vickerson - Cologne Centurions
DT Steve Fifita - Frankfurt Galaxy
CB Shirdonya Mitchell - Frankfurt Galaxy
WR P.K. Sam - Rhein Fire
Sources: Palm Beach Post, Sun-Sentinel
Friday, April 13, 2007
Tillman re-signed, Rosenthal signed; Mini-camp news
Lots of news items to go through today. Here's a rundown of the latest:
* S Travares Tillman (pictured at left) re-signed with the team. He received a one-year contract worth $720,000. Tillman was a disappointment when starting at safety over the past two seasons. Last year, he was benched in favor of Yeremiah Bell. Tillman is being brought back to compete for a reserve safety role and as a special teams player.
* T Mike Rosenthal (pictured above), a 8-year NFL veteran who spent the last four seasons in Minnesota, signed a one-year contract worth $720,000. He only started 3 games for the Vikings last season, but has started 58 times in 89 career games. Originally a fifth-round draft choice of the New York Giants in 1999, Rosenthal has experience playing both left guard and right tackle. He is 6'7", 320 pounds and is 29 years old. I would assume this is purely a depth signing. After looking at his stats, Rosenthal has a propensity for committing penalties (14 penalties in 15 starts over the past two seasons) and for allowing sacks (6.75 sacks allowed in those 15 starts).
* FSU LB Lawrence Timmons and Michigan State QB Drew Stanton visited the team's facilities this week. Ohio State WR Ted Ginn Jr. will visit next week.
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Minicamp News
* During a media session, QB Daunte Culpepper said that the timetable to return from his last surgery is 4-6 months. He is currently at the 4-month mark of that rehab, so his return is slated for June. While this revelation stands in stark contrast to Nick Saban's statement that the surgery was minor, it is no excuse to give up on Daunte. According to that timetable, he will be ready for training camps. Culpepper rode a stationary bike while Cleo Lemon took the starter's snaps at QB.
* The first-team offense was:
LT Anthony Alabi - LG Chris Liwienski - C Rex Hadnot - RG L.J. Shelton - RT Vernon Carey
QB Cleo Lemon - FB Cory Schlesinger - RB Ronnie Brown
TE David Martin - WR Chris Chambers - WR Marty Booker
I would expect before long to see Joe Toledo get an opportunity to work with the first-team offensive line. It's also nice to see the coaches sticking with Shelton and Carey on the right side and giving Alabi his shot at LT. Reports say that Cleo Lemon was not very sharp today. Obviously that's not good to hear, but let's keep it in perspective - this is the very first minicamp. WR Kelly Campbell impressed with his quickness. Hopefully his oft-injured hamstring can find a way to not continually sap his potential.
*The first-team defense was:
LE Matt Roth - DT Keith Traylor - DT Vonnie Holliday - OE Jason Taylor
SLB Joey Porter - MLB Zach Thomas - WLB Channing Crowder
CB Travis Daniels - S Yeremiah Bell - S Renaldo Hill - CB Will Allen
That's one menacing defense. It's interesting to see that Daniels got the starting nod over CB Andre Goodman, although Goodman has a shoulder injury and only worked on the side. Daniels said that he is close to being fully recovered from off-season ankle surgery and that he expects to battle Goodman for the starting job opposite Will Allen. Jason Allen worked primarily at cornerback. As I wrote in a recent article, it should be no surprise that he is not a starter yet as his versatility can still be a great asset. In practice, he saw time in the nickel packages.
* RB Ray Perkins and C Johnathan Ingram are participating on a tryout basis.
* Absent players for the first minicamps include P Donnie Jones (who recently signed an offer sheet with the Rams), DE Jason Taylor (accepting an award), and DT Dan Wilkinson. Jason Taylor arrived in time for the afternoon practices. It's unclear whether Wilkinson will return to the team, but I doubt that he will.
* MLB Zach Thomas has bulked back up to 238 pounds after losing some weight last season.
* Joe Toledo is working at left guard.
Sources: Sun-Sentinel, Palm Beach Post
Donnie Jones to sign offer sheet with Rams
P Donnie Jones, a restricted free agent, has been offered a 5-year contract worth $5.9 million, including a $1.175 million signing bonus from the St. Louis Rams. Jones is likely to sign the deal today. Miami will have 7 days after he signs to match the Rams offer. If they choose not to match the offer, Miami will receive the Rams seventh-round draft pick.
According to Jones' agent Drew Rosenhaus, "The Dolphins won't match because we really haven't had any productive discussions with them about an extension.''
I'm all for stockpiling draft picks, but in this case I would rather keep Jones. The contract that the Rams are offering is slightly more expensive than I think Jones is worth, but a mid-seventh round pick doesn't seem worth it. Parting ways with Jones would simply create another hole on the team that needs to be filled. The team currently has P Ryan Flinn on the roster, but he's only played in 2 games in two seasons in the NFL. Jones showed the potential he has during the 2005 season when he led the NFL with a 39.3 yard net average. However, his play slipped a bit last season. It's tough to say at which level of play Jones is more likely to perform at, but his youth and potential are promising. The free agent market is bare, and there are more pressing draft needs than punter. Another important consideration was Jones' use as the holder on field goals. He did a good job in that role and his departure will result in a 2/3 turnover in the long-snapper/holder/kicker unit. Nevertheless, at this point it appears as if Jones will be leaving. Hopefully Miami scouts out some college punters who could end up as undrafted free agents.
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- Miami's other restricted free agents, S Yeremiah Bell and QB Cleo Lemon, have signed injury waivers which will allow them to participate in the team's first minicamps which begin today.
- Miami had scouts at Ohio State University on Wednesday to scout WR Ted Ginn Jr.
According to Jones' agent Drew Rosenhaus, "The Dolphins won't match because we really haven't had any productive discussions with them about an extension.''
I'm all for stockpiling draft picks, but in this case I would rather keep Jones. The contract that the Rams are offering is slightly more expensive than I think Jones is worth, but a mid-seventh round pick doesn't seem worth it. Parting ways with Jones would simply create another hole on the team that needs to be filled. The team currently has P Ryan Flinn on the roster, but he's only played in 2 games in two seasons in the NFL. Jones showed the potential he has during the 2005 season when he led the NFL with a 39.3 yard net average. However, his play slipped a bit last season. It's tough to say at which level of play Jones is more likely to perform at, but his youth and potential are promising. The free agent market is bare, and there are more pressing draft needs than punter. Another important consideration was Jones' use as the holder on field goals. He did a good job in that role and his departure will result in a 2/3 turnover in the long-snapper/holder/kicker unit. Nevertheless, at this point it appears as if Jones will be leaving. Hopefully Miami scouts out some college punters who could end up as undrafted free agents.
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- Miami's other restricted free agents, S Yeremiah Bell and QB Cleo Lemon, have signed injury waivers which will allow them to participate in the team's first minicamps which begin today.
- Miami had scouts at Ohio State University on Wednesday to scout WR Ted Ginn Jr.
Ellis Rainsberger, a scout for the Dolphins, told The Columbus Dispatch that Ginn was limping at times and wore out at the end of his workout, which included running routes and catching passes."It was a heck of a feat for him to do what he did [while still recovering from his injury]."I'm not comfortable with the Dolphins taking Ginn with the number 9 pick. He's too much of a risk at that spot. If Miami can't land Quinn and decides to trade down, then Ginn becomes more of an option.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Schedule Analysis
Now that the schedule is out, let's take a look at the road Miami must travel. Before I begin, I must caution that any speculation regarding the schedule at this point in time is exactly that - speculation. There's no chance that the standings from last year will end up the same at the end of next season, meaning that some teams will be better than we think, and some teams will fall off. Having said that, I'm going to break the schedule down into quarters in order to see which portions of the season bring which challenges.
Weeks 1-4 (First Quarter)
@ Redskins, vs. Cowboys, @ Jets, vs. Oakland
The team begins its season on the road, but fortunately its against a mediocre team with a young QB under center (Jason Campbell). The first game of the season is always a crapshoot (anyone remember Denver in 2005?), since all the teams are just getting acclimated to real game speed, and it's the most likely week for an upset. It's hard to say which team winning would be the upset, however. Both teams seemed to be matched in mediocrity, so it will be important for Miami to get a win and gain some confidence heading into the much more difficult match against the Cowboys. I for one, am not looking forward to the circus that will inevitably follow Terrell Owens into this game. Obviously the most critical matchup in this first quarter is the division game versus the Jets. Unfortunately, it's an away game and the Jets proved last season that they are dangerous. Capping off the first four games is a home game against the lowly Raiders. Again, the Dolphins will be facing a team that most likely will have a youngster starting at QB. If that QB is a rookie, Miami's defense will have an excellent opportunity to cause havoc for him.
Worthless Prediction (2-2)
Weeks 5-9 (Second Quarter)
@ Texans, @ Browns, vs. Patriots, vs. Giants (in London), BYE week
By the second quarter of the season, Miami should be fully up to speed and settled in for the long haul. Luckily, the first two games are against average teams which are again led by inexperienced and young signal-callers (that makes 4 out of the first 6 games against young, green QBs). These two games also mark two Sundays away from Miami. The sign of any good team is that it beats the teams it is "supposed" to beat. Well, the three game stretch versus Oakland, Houston, and Cleveland seems like a stretch that Miami "should" sweep. But, as Dolphins fans have learned the past few years, these are exactly the kind of games that cannot be overlooked. Houston, in particular, has proved pesky and I can guarantee that Miami is looking to finally beat them, as well as to repent for their awful 22-0 loss to Cleveland in 2005. Then comes the first game of the matchup that I most look forward to every year - Dolphins vs. Patriots. As a Dolphins fan in New England, these games always bring the most excitement for me. If the pattern continues as it has in recent years, Miami plays a very strong game and wins its home game in the series. Unfortunately, while Tom Brady has struggled mightily in Miami, the Phins have had one hell of a time coming away from Foxboro victorious, but that game comes later on in the season. Miami finishes up the first half of its season playing a "home" game in London against the Giants. The Giants were a mess last year, but this game will be a toss-up. Going to London is going to throw each team out of its normal routine. Luckily, Miami has its BYE week following its overseas trip. By this time, it will be much needed.
Worthless prediction (3-1), (5-3 overall)
Weeks 10-13 (Third Quarter)
vs. Bills, @ Eagles, @ Steelers, vs. Jets
This is a tough section of the season. With an extra week to prepare, Miami will take on the division rival Bills at home. After that game, Miami faces both the Eagles and Steelers on the road. The Steelers game is Miami's lone chance to shine in the national spotlight. Hopefully, Joey Porter comes ready to wreak havoc against the team that let him go. Miami caps off this quarter with an divisional game against the Jets at home.
Worthless Prediction (2-2), (7-5 overall)
Weeks 14-17 (Fourth Quarter)
@ Bills, vs. Ravens, @ Patriots, vs. Bengals
This is another tough stretch of games. The second half of the season definitely seems tougher than the first half. If Miami is somehow still in the playoff hunt at this point, they will have to play extremely well to beat these teams. Playing both the Bills and Patriots on the road will be hellish (if hell was blanketed in snow) at this point in December. The Ravens will be tough, too. The Bengals game is hard to predict. Either team could be out of the playoff hunt or the Bengals could even be resting its starters if it has a good enough season. That one's a toss-up (just like they all are at this point).
Worthless Prediction (1-3), (8-8 overall)
Finishing 8-8 overall will be an improvement from last season, although a somewhat disappointing improvement. In reality, Miami's success depends so heavily on the quarterback play and the ability of the offense to establish an identity early. As for the general patterns in the schedule, Miami absolutely needs to capitalize on its opportunities against young QBs in the first half of the season. If they can establish momentum in the first six games, they can carry that into their important divisional games. Overall, the schedule is very fair. There are only two times that Miami has to go on the road two weeks in a row, and having the BYE week after the London game is perfect. Also, Miami is one of 8 teams who does not have to face an opposing team coming off its BYE week all season. That means that no team Miami faces will have two weeks to prepare for them.
And in the spirit of High Fidelity, here's my top 5 list of Miami games for the 2007 season:
Weeks 1-4 (First Quarter)
@ Redskins, vs. Cowboys, @ Jets, vs. Oakland
The team begins its season on the road, but fortunately its against a mediocre team with a young QB under center (Jason Campbell). The first game of the season is always a crapshoot (anyone remember Denver in 2005?), since all the teams are just getting acclimated to real game speed, and it's the most likely week for an upset. It's hard to say which team winning would be the upset, however. Both teams seemed to be matched in mediocrity, so it will be important for Miami to get a win and gain some confidence heading into the much more difficult match against the Cowboys. I for one, am not looking forward to the circus that will inevitably follow Terrell Owens into this game. Obviously the most critical matchup in this first quarter is the division game versus the Jets. Unfortunately, it's an away game and the Jets proved last season that they are dangerous. Capping off the first four games is a home game against the lowly Raiders. Again, the Dolphins will be facing a team that most likely will have a youngster starting at QB. If that QB is a rookie, Miami's defense will have an excellent opportunity to cause havoc for him.
Worthless Prediction (2-2)
Weeks 5-9 (Second Quarter)
@ Texans, @ Browns, vs. Patriots, vs. Giants (in London), BYE week
By the second quarter of the season, Miami should be fully up to speed and settled in for the long haul. Luckily, the first two games are against average teams which are again led by inexperienced and young signal-callers (that makes 4 out of the first 6 games against young, green QBs). These two games also mark two Sundays away from Miami. The sign of any good team is that it beats the teams it is "supposed" to beat. Well, the three game stretch versus Oakland, Houston, and Cleveland seems like a stretch that Miami "should" sweep. But, as Dolphins fans have learned the past few years, these are exactly the kind of games that cannot be overlooked. Houston, in particular, has proved pesky and I can guarantee that Miami is looking to finally beat them, as well as to repent for their awful 22-0 loss to Cleveland in 2005. Then comes the first game of the matchup that I most look forward to every year - Dolphins vs. Patriots. As a Dolphins fan in New England, these games always bring the most excitement for me. If the pattern continues as it has in recent years, Miami plays a very strong game and wins its home game in the series. Unfortunately, while Tom Brady has struggled mightily in Miami, the Phins have had one hell of a time coming away from Foxboro victorious, but that game comes later on in the season. Miami finishes up the first half of its season playing a "home" game in London against the Giants. The Giants were a mess last year, but this game will be a toss-up. Going to London is going to throw each team out of its normal routine. Luckily, Miami has its BYE week following its overseas trip. By this time, it will be much needed.
Worthless prediction (3-1), (5-3 overall)
Weeks 10-13 (Third Quarter)
vs. Bills, @ Eagles, @ Steelers, vs. Jets
This is a tough section of the season. With an extra week to prepare, Miami will take on the division rival Bills at home. After that game, Miami faces both the Eagles and Steelers on the road. The Steelers game is Miami's lone chance to shine in the national spotlight. Hopefully, Joey Porter comes ready to wreak havoc against the team that let him go. Miami caps off this quarter with an divisional game against the Jets at home.
Worthless Prediction (2-2), (7-5 overall)
Weeks 14-17 (Fourth Quarter)
@ Bills, vs. Ravens, @ Patriots, vs. Bengals
This is another tough stretch of games. The second half of the season definitely seems tougher than the first half. If Miami is somehow still in the playoff hunt at this point, they will have to play extremely well to beat these teams. Playing both the Bills and Patriots on the road will be hellish (if hell was blanketed in snow) at this point in December. The Ravens will be tough, too. The Bengals game is hard to predict. Either team could be out of the playoff hunt or the Bengals could even be resting its starters if it has a good enough season. That one's a toss-up (just like they all are at this point).
Worthless Prediction (1-3), (8-8 overall)
Finishing 8-8 overall will be an improvement from last season, although a somewhat disappointing improvement. In reality, Miami's success depends so heavily on the quarterback play and the ability of the offense to establish an identity early. As for the general patterns in the schedule, Miami absolutely needs to capitalize on its opportunities against young QBs in the first half of the season. If they can establish momentum in the first six games, they can carry that into their important divisional games. Overall, the schedule is very fair. There are only two times that Miami has to go on the road two weeks in a row, and having the BYE week after the London game is perfect. Also, Miami is one of 8 teams who does not have to face an opposing team coming off its BYE week all season. That means that no team Miami faces will have two weeks to prepare for them.
And in the spirit of High Fidelity, here's my top 5 list of Miami games for the 2007 season:
- Both New England games (although seeing Wes Welker in a Pats jersey will be sickening)
- Monday Night Football vs. Steelers - hopefully Miami shines in the national spotlight and earns a flex schedule appearance
- Jets/Bills games (I know, that's four games, I'm greedy)
- Eagles - let's see how the team performs against top competition
- Cowboys - hopefully T.O. gets shut down, and Romo gets knocked down
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