Miami Dolphins News

Look to the draft for the biggest talent boon
"I talked to two NFL general managers on Monday -- no, not Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland who flees at the mere smell of a tape recorder. In e-mail exchanges with these two GMs, I came to believe that if a team is going to load up on talent in the 2010 offseason, it's going to happen primarily through the draft. These guys were truly excited about the college talent coming out, have already put in long hours of tape study on college players, and are eagerly looking forward to the Indianapolis Combine later this month. And, no, they weren't bailing on the idea that free agency will have a few good players in the offing and even some intriguing surprises. But when 140 to 200 players in their mid to ..."
Parcells-Payton connection remains strong
"Ten minutes before walking into his morning-after Super Bowl news conference, Saints coach Sean Payton took a congratulatory call from one of his greatest mentors. It was Dolphins football czar Bill Parcells, who hired Payton to his Dallas staff and employed him from 2003-05. "He was just proud," a bleary-eyed Payton said, refusing to divulge any details of the conversation. "Proud and, uh, proud." What about the successful onside kick Payton called to open the second half in Sunday's 31-17 upset of the Colts? What about the fourth-and-goal attempt late in the first half? What did Parcells think of his pupil taking a classic page from his mentor's big-game handbook?"
Ex-Cowboys coach Bill Parcells congratulates former pupil Sean Payton
"Ten minutes before walking into his morning-after Super Bowl news conference, Saints coach Sean Payton took a congratulatory call from one of his greatest mentors. It was Dolphins football czar Bill Parcells, who hired Payton to his Dallas staff and employed him from 2003-05. "He was just proud," a bleary-eyed Payton said, refusing to divulge any details of the conversation. "Proud and, uh, proud." What about the successful onside kick Payton called to open the second half in Sunday's 31-17 upset of the Colts? What about the fourth-and-goal attempt late in the first half? What did Parcells think of his pupil taking a classic page from his mentor's big-game handbook? "He liked it," Payton ..."
Dolphins give fans a chance to walk on Super Bowl field
"Fans who weren't able to attend Sunday's Super Bowl XLIV ? and even those who were ? will get a chance to walk onto the same field where the NFL's championship game was contested. Those opportunities will come Monday (for Dolphins season- ticket holders) and Tuesday for the general public. Both sessions will run from 4 to 8 p.m. at Sun Life Stadium. "The Super Bowl is a community event," Dolphins CEO Mike Dee said in a statement. "We want everyone to share in the experience of stepping on a Super Bowl field." All visitors are encouraged to make donations to the Sun Life/Miami Dolphins Haiti Relief Fund. Those organizations have pledged to match every donated dollar with a $2 matching ..."
Porter says he's finished as a Dolphin
"Linebacker Joey Porter, appearing on NFL GameDay Morning on Sunday at Sun Life Stadium, said he has played his final days in a Dolphins uniform and plans to play elsewhere next season. "Probably as a Dolphin, but not the last time you'll see me in this stadium," Porter said when asked about his future in Miami. "I still have a lot of years of football left … but strapping on that jersey, yes, this year is the last time.""
Dolphins player charged with domestic violence
"Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Tony McDaniel appeared in a Broward County courtroom Sunday morning, charged with domestic violence, according to police and court records. McDaniel, 25, and his girlfriend, Alaina Smith, got into a shoving match outside their Davie home Saturday morning. They were arguing over unanswered phone calls and a late night of partying, according to McDaniel's arrest report. The fight happened about 8:30 a.m. Saturday in the 3100 block of Palm Tree Landings. Smith told investigators she had just returned from buying breakfast for houseguests when McDaniel confronted her about not answering her phone when he called. He had just returned from a night out with ..."
Super Bowl teams won't forget narrow wins over Miami Dolphins
"No matter what happens Sunday night in Super Bowl XLIV, Robert Mathis won't soon forget his previous visit to South Florida this season. His Indianapolis Colts, still adjusting to new coach Jim Caldwell, fought back from a three-point deficit in the final four minutes of Week 2 to escape with a 27-23 win over the Dolphins before a national Monday night audience. "That was just a dogfight," says Mathis, the Colts' Pro Bowl defensive end. "Tired, sweaty. Everything you could think of, it was that." Saints safety Darren Sharper has similar memories of a 46-34 win over the Dolphins on Oct. 25. The unbeaten Saints fell into a 24-3 first-half hole and still trailed by 10 at the start of the ..."
Ten issues facing the Miami Dolphins
"The last month or so has been interesting because tons of stuff has happened with the Dolphins that have led to many notions of what is about to happen. Some of those notions are probably well-founded (such as Joey Porter is going to get cut) while others aren't. I figured today would be a good day to address some of these flights of fancy based on what I know, what experience tells me and, in some cases, what is only an educated guess. 1. Joey Porter. He will get cut. The Dolphins need to get Cameron Wake into games and they can't have Porter being a "progress stopper." Porter cannot stay around as a backup because he'd be a locker room cancer in that role. So Porter has played his final ..."
Miami Dolphins: Should they bring back Pennington?
"Spoke to Chad Henne on Monday at Dan Marino's rained out golf tourney, and Henne again had the highest praise for Chad Pennington. It is clear that Henne would not publicly protest if the Dolphins brought Pennington back. The question is whether it makes sense. The Dolphins like Tyler Thigpen, bit it's not really about that. The question is whether you want Henne looking over his shoulder."
Chad Pennington faces 'tough decision' on his future
"One month from free agency, Chad Pennington is already fighting an inner battle over what his next stop should be. Should he sign with the team that offers him the best chance to return to a starting quarterback role he held with the Dolphins until getting injured in Week 3 at San Diego last year? Or should he take the best backup role he can find in the best overall situation, even if that means staying in South Florida as Chad Henne's mentor? "I've got all kinds of little voices in my head talking to me every day," Pennington said Thursday afternoon after participating at an NFL-sponsored clinic at the Boys and Girls Club. "It's going to be a tough decision." Pennington's rehab from Oct. ..."
Dolphins teammates still supportive of Joey Porter
"Two key cogs for the Miami Dolphins still want Joey Porter to return in 2010, even after he blasted the coaching staff and his fellow outside linebackers in public comments this week. "Definitely I'd like to have a guy like that back," Lousaka Polite, the Dolphins' fullback, said during a Thursday appearance at an NFL Play 60 event at Sun Life Stadium. "He's the heartbeat of the defense, a leader. He's a great player. He's been around this league. He knows what it takes. So who wouldn't want a Joey Porter on the team?" Cornerback Nate Jones also expressed support for Porter, who all but dared the Dolphins to release him during a two-day media tour early this week. "I love Joey," said ..."
NFL players preparing for 2011 lockout
"As collective bargaining agreement negotiations between the NFL Players Association and the NFL owners continue to drag, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said he expects the owners to lock out the players before the 2011 season. Chad Ochocinco, representing OCNN, asked the first question of a press conference this afternoon in which the NFLPA laid out their message. He asked Smith how worried he is about a lockout next season. "On a scale of 1 to 10," Smith said, "it's a 14." Smith said he and NFLPA president Kevin Mawae have informed players to save 25 percent of their paychecks in order to prepare for a lockout. Mawae said negotiations for a CBA have been "frustrating" and moved ..."
Chad Pennington willing to return to New York Jets to backup Mark Sanchez
"Chad Pennington, he of the thrice-repaired throwing shoulder, isn't ready to call it a career. The popular former Jets quarterback intends to play in 2010, even as a backup, and he's willing to consider any offer. Even from the Jets. While acknowledging it "would be tough" to return to the team that fired him only 19 months ago, Pennington - an unrestricted free agent in four weeks - told the Daily News Thursday he would definitely listen if GM Mike Tannenbaum called. "I'd be crazy not to be interested," the current Dolphin said at a youth-football clinic, one of many NFL-sponsored events during Super Bowl week. "Once you think you're too big where you can't entertain every opportunity, ..."
Chad Pennington wants another shot in Miami
"Against a widespread belief that Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington's two-year tenure in Miami is over, the two-time NFL comeback player of the year isn't ready to say the same. Pennington wants to stay in South Florida. The veteran has decided to make it his priority to stay with the Dolphins, even if it means backing up quarterback Chad Henne, two sources said this week. The Dolphins are willing to entertain the possibility under some circumstances. Pennington, who underwent his most recent shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum on Oct. 1, must prove strong enough to make some of the most difficult throws in football. Specifically, the team wants to see Pennington make a 15-yard out ..."
Peyton Manning blames Miami Dolphins for his unwillingness to come out of games
"Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who hasn't missed a game in his sterling 12-year career, traces his reluctance to coming out for even one snap to a 27-24 loss to the Miami Dolphins in October 2001. The host Colts were up 24-20 in the fourth quarter when Manning took a helmet-to-helmet blow from then Dolphins defensive end Lorenzo Bromell. The personal foul gave the Colts 15 yards, but also gave Manning a broken jaw. "I remember my right tackle Adam Meadows just saying, 'Dude, you just don't look right ... you better come out,' '' Manning regaled Wednesday morning at the team hotel. "I am kind of mad that I even listened to him.'' Manning, dripping blood from the mouth, came out for one ..."
Joey Porter, upset about playing time, goes to airwaves insisting on being released
"In two radio interviews on Tuesday, Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter continued to vent his frustration with the 2009 season and expressed his desire to leave the team. Speaking on Sporting News Radio and 560 WQAM Miami, Porter acknowledged a rift with coach Tony Sparano following a one-game suspension and criticized the team for putting first-year linebacker Cameron Wake into games to replace Porter. Porter said he sees no alternative but to move on. "I just really don't think it works for both of us," Porter told Sporting News Radio. "You don't want someone on your sideline on your team that really doesn't want to be there." Porter said the problems began when Sparano deactivated Porter ..."
Joey Porter continues rant against Miami Dolphins
"Some athletes use the Super Bowl media frenzy to promote a product. Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter is using it for a different reason: to publicly declare his unhappiness with his team, while continuing to state he wants out. For the second day in a row, Porter has used television and radio outlets to rant about Miami's coaching staff -- specifically coach Tony Sparano -- and the way the team used him. First appearing on ESPN's Jim Rome Show on Tuesday, Porter then took his gripes to Sporting News' national radio show before sitting down with teammate Channing Crowder on Crowder's weekly show, which is broadcast on WQAM. ``I don't have time to play childish games,'' Porter said on ..."
Brees at Dolphins camp – a picture of what might have been
"Monday, in an odd scene, Drew Brees sat in Dolphins headquarters, at the front of the Dolphins' meeting room, under a banner with the Dolphins slogan of "Smart, Tough, Disciplined." "It's kind of interesting, I guess,'' Brees said, his smile saying it was more than that. We don't talk enough about luck around championship teams. It's the taboo subject. It's always about hard work, good decisions, smart blueprints and clutch plays. But this Super Bowl, at its core, is a testament to coin-flip luck. Here's a story: In 1998, Indianapolis was deciding between Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf with the No. 1 pick. Colts General Manager Bill Polian, as smart as anyone in the business, was uncertain ..."
Joey Porter says he 'felt like an outcast'
"Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter continued his bridge-burning media tour Tuesday, hinting at a locker-room rift and saying he felt like an "outcast" while rarely speaking to coach Tony Sparano after a midseason benching. "The last seven weeks of the season was no fun for me," Porter said during an appearance on WQAM. "Only time I talked to [Sparano] was on game day." That coach-player relationship went sour, Porter said, after Sparano benched him for the Nov. 15 Tampa Bay game after Porter was spotted out late on a Friday night. Porter said his dinner ended by 10:30, but he was still forced to sit due to a "coach's decision." After that, Porter said, "the writing was on the wall," and ..."
Joey Porter has told team he wants to be traded
"The Joey Porter saga picked up steam Monday. The outspoken linebacker went on the Jim Rome show on ESPN and said he doesn't want to return to the Dolphins unless he is a full-time starter. An NFL source confirmed that Porter has told the Dolphins he would like to be traded in the wake of a frustrating season. Porter missed two games - one because of injury and one because coach Tony Sparano deactivated him - and his playing time was reduced, in part to make room for younger players such as Cameron Wake and Charlie Anderson. Porter, who turns 33 on March 22, told Rome on his Miami Beach set that his situation "could easily have been fixed" by management. However, the Dolphins might decide ..."
Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins swap salary-cap specialists
"The Browns completed their long-anticipated trade with the Miami Dolphins today. Of salary-cap specialists, that is. It was a straight-up trade of the Dolphins' Matt Thomas for the Browns' Dawn Aponte. Thomas, a 12-year member of the Dolphins, was named Browns Vice President -- Football Administration, the role held by Aponte during the 2009 season. Aponte, meanwhile, was named Senior Vice President of Football Operations for the Dolphins, filling the role vacated by Thomas. The trade occured because Bryan Wiedmeier, the Browns new executive vice president of business administration, came from Miami and wanted to bring Thomas with him. Bill Parcells, who runs the Dolphins, agreed to let ..."
Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter says team should trade him
"Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter confirmed Monday that he no longer wants to be a part of the organization in his current role, and he has no intention of playing for the team if they plan to continue rotating him as a role player rather than a starter at weakside linebacker. ``I won't accept it no more, you know what I mean?'' Porter said while speaking to Jim Rome on ESPN. ``I accepted it last year because I'm a team guy. I just want to play, have fun and win football games. ``When you're winning, all of this stuff is [swept] away. But after seeing how last year went, asking me to come back and play that role again, I can honestly say I won't come back to do that. I can't be happy about ..."
Porter says he 'won't come back' to play part-time with Miami Dolphins
"Mount Peezy finally erupted. Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter, coming off a frustrating season that included a one-game benching, said Monday he isn't interested in returning as a role player in 2010. "After seeing how last year went, to ask me to come back and play that role again, I can honestly say I won't come back and do that," Porter told ESPN's Jim Rome in a beachfront interview. "I can't be happy about coming back playing that role." Porter, named Sunday to the NFL's All-Decade team, stopped short of demanding a trade but did say it "would be the smart thing to do. Why would you keep a guy there that you want to make a role player? Why pay me all that money and make me a role ..."
Rolle would welcome chance to play for Dolphins
"Following his first Pro Bowl on Sunday night, Arizona Cardinals free safety Antrel Rolle was ready for the off-season to begin. "It's been a long season," he said following the NFC's 41-34 loss to the AFC. "I'm ready to kick back and relax and enjoy me some coladas." But Rolle won't be able to get away from the game completely because business is at hand. Rolle, 27, isn't sure where he'll play next season. There's a chance it could be back home in South Florida with the Dolphins. If the Cardinals decide Rolle, who's due more than $12 million in 2010, isn't worth the price, playing for the Dolphins would be an ideal scenario for him. "Home is home," said Rolle, a native of Homestead. "I ..."
Dolphins honor Shula with statue
"Even at 80 years old, and far enough removed from his coaching career to have a statue crafted in his honor, Miami Dolphins legend Don Shula still has the same feistiness he showed during his 33 seasons on the sideline. Following the dedication of Shula's statue outside the team's new offices at Sun Life Stadium, he chastised former quarterback Dan Marino for showing up 53 minutes late and interrupting the ceremony. "Marino's going to get fined," Shula said. "I'll let him know how much it's going to be." He also jokingly questioned the accuracy of the sculpture. "I think the chin is too long on that statue," Shula said, jutting his lower jaw into the air and laughing. "My chin is a lot ..."
Dolphins misfired on draft day on these Pro Bowlers
"It isn't fair to go all John Greenleaf Whittier on the Miami Dolphins, but the 19th-century American poet had a point back in the day. "For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: 'It might have been!' " Oh, so true. Because hindsight - here comes the unfair part - is always 20-20, which means mistakes made in real time seem obviously stupid in review based on subsequent results. That's because knowing then what you know now would have changed everything. A pre-emptive apology is therefore due the Dolphins for what comes next, which is a small-scale study of this year's Pro Bowl rosters based on Whittier's lament. Miseries can happen to any franchise, and certainly do, ..."
Statue of former Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula unveiled
"On a day when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said legendary Miami coach Don Shula would be ``part of the NFL for the remainder of history,'' the Dolphins unveiled a symbolic bronze statue outside Sun Life Stadium to help ensure it. The statue, which stands 15 feet tall, portrays Shula being carried on the shoulders of Hall of fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti and former guard Al Jenkins, just as they did after Shula's team won Super Bowl VII to finish the perfect season. ``Coach Shula represents the spirit of this franchise,'' team CEO Mike Dee said. ``How fitting that his image will now greet and inspire the players, coaches, alumni, staff and guests who walk through our doors.'' The ..."
Dolphins' Dan Carpenter, Yeremiah Bell enjoy the playful mood
"They got the biggest ovation from the 70,697 at the Pro Bowl and part of the bigger share, the winner's share, as part of the AFC. And the big grins on their face during the fourth quarter said they had fun. So who cared that Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter pushed a 36-yard field goal wide right to end the Pro Bowl's first half? The last field-goal attempt that short Carpenter missed in Not Joe Robbie Anymore Stadium was in warmups, if it has ever occurred. ``It's got to be up there for the shortest one,'' said Carpenter, who banged through two other field-goal attempts and five extra points for the winning AFC team."
NY Jets coach Rex Ryan flashes obscene gesture to Miami Dolphins fans
"Less than a week after the Jets magical postseason ride came to an end, their brash, tell-it-like-it-is rookie head coach is making headlines again. Rex Ryan shot a group of Miami Dolphins fans an obscene hand gesture at a Mixed Martial Arts event Saturday night in Miami, according to a report in the Miami Herald. Ryan, whose team opened plenty of eyes with an unlikely run to the AFC Championship game, grabbed headlines all season. From his proclamation that he wouldn't kiss Bill Belichick's Super Bowl rings to his declaration that the No. 5 seeded Jets should be the Super Bowl favorites before the playoffs began, Ryan's bluster has been well documented. Ryan, who visited his players at a ..."
Jason Taylor: Decision on future not set
"During an interview with the Miami Herald on Friday, Dolphins linebacker Jason Taylor said he has not made any decisions about his NFL future -- whether he will play in South Florida or for any other team next season. Asked if he has decided whether he will continue his career, Taylor said, ``I haven't decided anything. . . . I'll figure that out down the road.'' Taylor, speaking to The Miami Herald after an event with DJ Irie at the Jason Taylor Reading Room in Miramar, said he would spend this time focusing on his family. The football decisions will come later, he said. ``I never close the door, so I'm not going to be committal here on anything,'' Taylor said. ``I'm enjoying my time now. ..."
Miami Hurricanes have a record-setting 11 Pro Bowl picks
"Sun Life Stadium's crew might want to leave up a couple of University of Miami signs for Sunday's Pro Bowl game. What better way to make the record-setting 11 Hurricanes selected to the Pro Bowl either as starters, backups or alternates feel welcome in their old backyard? Don't be surprised to see plenty of U's being thrown up during the NFL's showcase game because UM has the most participants one school has had since 1970, which is when the league started keeping Pro Bowl records. And to no one's surprise, they're boasting about it. "It's great to know that the same guys you played in college with you have a chance to play in an handpicked all-star game with," said New England safety ..."
Jason Taylor will continue to play, hopes to stay with Miami
"Jason Taylor plans to play in 2010, and wants to remain with the Miami Dolphins, the team he's spent all but one of his 13 seasons in the NFL with. But Taylor has been around long enough to know the Dolphins are actively looking for his replacement, which means he might be searching for another team come March. "It's a business, and we'll see where it takes us," said Taylor, whose 127.5 sacks makes him the NFL's active sacks leader. "If they don't find who they want, and [other] teams don't find who they want, that's when your phone starts ringing." Taylor, a six-time Pro Bowl pick, sought his release from the Redskins last offseason because of a strong desire to return to the Dolphins. ..."
Jets coach only sorry for trash-talking Crowder
"Rex Ryan made plenty of bombastic comments this year. But after looking back on all of them, there was only one the Jets head coach regretted. "Well, probably the Channing Crowder deal," Ryan said in an interview on the NFL Network today from Pro Bowl practice in Miami. "That probably got blown out a little bit ... I was in Miami and I had my head on a swivel, you know?" Ryan and Crowder, a linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, engaged in a heated back-and-forth during the summer, which culminated with Ryan saying, "I've walked over tougher guys going to a fight than Channing Crowder. Trust me, he can send himself and his father after me. It's fun to get with it and spar with someone else." ..."
Dolphins' kicker Dan Carpenter gets the call, but not the jersey
"It was easy to spot the new guy on the AFC Pro Bowl roster Thursday. He was the only one without a name on the back of his jersey. Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter was wearing a No. 5 jersey, which is his number. And the shirt was red, matching the color of his teammates'. But it was all luck. When Carpenter got the call on Wednesday that he was replacing San Diego's Nate Kaeding, he grabbed a Dolphins quarterback practice jersey that happened to be the right color and number. "I think a few guys might know who I am, but I'm definitely a no-namer out here," said Carpenter, who expects to receive an official Pro Bowl practice jersey by Friday's practice. Kaeding injured his groin Wednesday, ..."
Darryl Sharpton impresses Tony Sparano
"Count Miami Dolphins/South team coach Tony Sparano among those impressed with Miami Hurricanes inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton. Sharpton may be undersized at a shade below 6 foot and 229 pounds, but he's a playmaker who fits the Dolphins' motto of finding guys that are tough, smart and disciplined. He does not, however, fit their size template for the position. "He's had a really good week, he really has," Sparano said here Thursday night at the Senior Bowl. "I've been really impressed with him. He flies all over the place, plays with a lot of energy, makes tackles. I think he shows great range in there. Pretty physical guy. Liked him in the pass rush stuff. Did a good job that way. ..."
Wilfork would play for Bucs, Dolphins
"Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork is in Miami for the Pro Bowl. As he has in the past, Wilfork, a Boyton Beach, Fla., native, let it be known to a Dolphins writer that he's open to the idea of playing all of his games in Florida. This time he expanded the field to include not only the Dolphins, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, saying playing in Florida would be "a dream come true." However, he also said "he would love to stay in New England." Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel caught up with Wilfork today and the big nose tackle continued his case for a new contract after being a good solider last year. Wilfork said he has been trying to get a new contract with the Patriots for ..."
Joey Porter wondering if the Miami Dolphins want to dump him, source says
"Dolphins outside linebacker Joey Porter endured injuries, a one-game benching and a reduced role during a frustrating season. Now he is wondering if he'll have to take a major financial hit and find a new team, an NFL source familiar with the situation said Wednesday. The Dolphins have until March 4 to release Porter or pay him a $1 million roster bonus. "That has not been decided yet," coach Tony Sparano said Wednesday during a break from his coaching duties at the Senior Bowl. "And that's it." Porter also is scheduled to earn a base salary of $3.8 million in 2010, plus a $200,000 workout bonus. If Miami releases Porter, the team owes him nothing. His future with the Dolphins became a hot ..."
Sources: Joey Porter tells Miami Dolphins he is not happy
"Since the season's end, one of the biggest questions facing the Dolphins has centered around whether linebacker Joey Porter's tenure in Miami will be cut short within the next few months, two seasons before his contract is set to expire. The decision -- which will take into consideration his salary, his age, his production and his polarizing presence in the locker room -- now has a new set of circumstances to deliberate: Porter, 32, isn't happy. When the season concluded, Porter met with coach Tony Sparano to discuss a number of issues that bothered him, according to sources. Those issues, among others, involved the way and the amount that he was utilized. While the sides are working ..."
Pro Bowlers praise new Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator
"Denver safety Brian Dawkins spent only one year with defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, now the Dolphins defensive coordinator, and unequivocally ``loves'' Nolan as a coach. Denver defensive end and Miami Jackson High graduate Elvis Dumervil likes Nolan as a coach. Both Pro Bowlers were stunned by Nolan's departure from Denver and reemergence with the Dolphins in the job that Paul Pasqualoni, also at the Pro Bowl, formerly held. Dawkins made a point to tell Dolphins safety Yeremiah Bell of Nolan's defense: ``Everybody gets their turn in this defense as far as pressure, making plays. You're going to have your chance to make plays in that defense. He in particular is going to love it. ``We ..."
Paul Pasqualoni discusses his departure
"Paul Pasqualoni, fired as Dolphins defensive coordinator at the end of the season, is now a member of the Cowboys coaching staff, as he was before the Dolphins hired him in 2008. That means he's a member of the NFC Pro Bowl staff. Was he surprised by his firing? "Somebody's got to be accountable, somebody's responsible. And you know, we gave up some plays. At the end of the day, we just gave up too many big plays. I don't know if surprised is the word. Every day you go in, you know you are responsible, you are accountable, you are in a position of leadership as a coordinator. Somebody's got to be responsible. So at the end of the day, you are prepared for anything to happen. So are you ..."
Wildcat offense adds to Tebow's NFL possibilities
"None of the three NFL teams that have interviewed Tim Tebow this week – Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs – seems committed to the Wildcat formation as an offensive foundation. But they might have a package drawn up as an option in 2010. Such possibilities might just diversify Tebow's NFL draft stock for most teams around the league. Tebow is at this week's Senior Bowl to prove he's an under-center, pocket passer, but every scout and general manager in Ladd-Peebles Stadium this week knows something else Tebow can do – barrel through a line after taking a shotgun snap, an ideal Wildcat attribute. Tebow doesn't have elite speed, but he's strong and shifty enough to ..."
Dolphins propose raising tourist tax to pay for stadium fixes
"Aiming to raise public dollars to improve their privately-owned stadium, the Miami Dolphins and team backers have hatched a plan: get state legislators to lift the ceiling on Miami-Dade's hotel tax and then ask county commissioners to increase the rate of the so-called bed tax. Backers of the plan, which has been presented to state legislators in recent weeks, say the move would generate millions of dollars for renovations on the Dolphins' Sun Life Stadium -- along with upgrades of the Miami Beach Convention Center. State law now caps hotel taxes at 6 percent, the amount already assessed in Miami-Dade County. Revenues from the tax levied at Miami-Dade hotels are largely spoken for after ..."
Dolphins get sneak peek of NFL Draft at Senior Bowl
"By the time the Dolphins got the phone call that they would have the opportunity to coach this year's Senior Bowl, it meant that at least four other AFC teams with lesser records this season turned down the same offer. Miami wasn't about to do the same. ``When it got to us, [general manager] Jeff [Ireland] and I spoke,'' coach Tony Sparano said. ``We just felt like it was an opportunity to get close to these kids in a way not a lot of other teams are able to do. We felt like, if it's an advantage for us, we need to take it.'' Now, after two days of intense practice, the advantages are already beginning to pay off. Relationships are developing with players. Intimate knowledge about a ..."
Why did the Miami Dolphins defense regress?
"Seeing as how few people listen and dissect Tony Sparano's words more than me, I consider myself an expert when it comes to Sparano-speak. As your linguistics expert I'll reveal that sometimes the Miami Dolphins' head coach is more revealing in what he doesn't say than what he does. Here are a few things I've discovered over the past two seasons. Sparano prides himself in his honesty. He's never lied to us...YET...and takes pride in that fact. A long pause always means it's a difficult question that will require some tap dancing.... If something is going negative he'll find a way to turn it positive somehow, putting a fresh coat of pain on it.... Sometimes Sparano has messages he wants to ..."
Dolphins 'very fortunate' to get Mike Nolan as defensive coordinator
"Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano couldn't ignore the signs: his struggling defense needed a major overhaul this off-season. What Sparano didn't know was that Mike Nolan would be the one to do it. When Sparano fired defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni on Jan. 11, Nolan held the same position with the Denver Broncos. But a week later, Nolan resigned - and the Dolphins pounced last week. "When we had the opportunity to get him," Sparano said Monday, "we did." Nolan's sudden landing in South Florida raised some eyebrows around the league. Miami reportedly had requested permission to interview Nolan, but some wonder whether the Dolphins had gauged Nolan's interest in the job before ..."
Miami Dolphins' Yeremiah Bell makes Pro Bowl roster; Brett Favre out
"Dolfans who attend the Pro Bowl on Sunday at Sun Life Stadium will get to see one of their own, after all. But they won't get to see perhaps the biggest star who had been eligible for the game. Dolphins strong safety Yeremiah Bell, who led Miami this season with 114 tackles, was one of 16 replacements named to the roster Monday. He replaces Antoine Bethea, one of seven Indianapolis Colts who will skip the game because they qualified for Super Bowl XLIV on Feb. 7 at Sun Life Stadium. More important to Pro Bowl ticket-holders is that Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre pulled out of the game Monday, citing injuries he sustained in the NFC title game Sunday. He'll be replaced by Dallas ..."
Dolphins' Davone Bess disappointed in his 2009 performance
"Davone Bess isn't satisfied with being a regular contributor, occasional starter, and go-to slot receiver for the Miami Dolphins. Bess knows he has more to give his team, that's why he closed the chapter on the 2009 season fairly disappointed in his production. As far as stats are concerned, Bess had a breakout year in 2009, his second NFL season. He led the Dolphins with 76 receptions for a team-high 758 yards, and two touchdowns. He was also the NFL's second most production receiver on third downs, bringing in 35 passes for 344 yard and scoring a touchdown on that critical down. But Bess openly admits he played better in 2008, when he came out of nowhere as an undrafted rookie out of ..."
It's time to cut ties with Joey Porter
"This week, the Dolphins will be at the Senior Bowl, looking for new players. Over the next few weeks, they'll be making final decisions about many of their holdovers. One of those holdovers is Joey Porter. And while Porter's fate may be decided partly by the Collective Bargaining negotiations -- the expected failure of which could lead to an uncapped year and the ability to clear his contract -- my belief is that the Dolphins need to part ways with him either way. This opinion is based on conversations with several sources, including teammates. It's not that they don't enjoy Porter's company. Most do. And it's not that they all believe he's done. Most think he can still be effective if ..."
Miami Dolphins: Vontae Davis Unfiltered
"Miami Dolphins rookie cornerback Vontae Davis taught me a valuable lesson about the draft process. Don't judge a book strictly by it's reviews. As you'll remember, during the draft process Davis' name was accompanied by plenty of rumors, speculation, and bad baggage that raised red flags. Whether they were true or not, I was alarmed that the Dolphins drafted him because his alleged persona didn't fit their blueprint. At least so I thought, and my concerns grew when upon becoming the Dolphins first-round pick Davis referred to himself in the third person a handful of time during a brief teleconference. Please understand, in my profession, hell, any profession, that's NEVER A GOOD THING. But ..."