The Miami Dolphins, apparently tired of seeing their second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill continually battered, have reportedly acquired Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie. McKinnie, who was replaced as the starting left tackle after Baltimore traded for Eugene Monroe a couple of weeks ago, will get another opportunity to become a starter. The move was first reported by Fox Sports' Jay Glazer:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>The Miami Dolphins, who've been dealing w o-line trouble, have traded with the Ravens for Bryant McKinnie according to Ravens sources</p>— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayGlazer/statuses/392353859969884161">October 21, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Dolphins have surrendered 26 sacks through six games, including two late in their last-minute loss on Sunday to the Buffalo Bills, the second one which led to a Tannehill lost fumble. Buffalo ate up the next three minutes before making the deciding 31-yard field goal with just over 30 seconds left in the game.
While McKinnie is still no longer the Pro Bowl-caliber player he was for Minnesota during the early-to-mid 2000's, he will likely see he field soon. Tyson Clabo has been beaten regularly at right tackle, while Jonathan Martin has shown improvement but still has a ways to go.
Grade for Miami: B-. Taking a chance on a former Pro Bowler is a fairly low-risk proposition for the Dolphins, who desperately need better play from their offensive line if they want to compete for a playoff spot this season. Perhaps a move to his old collegiate stomping grounds and a warm-weather city could give McKinnie's play a boost.
Grade for Baltimore: B. After acquiring a new offensive tackle in Eugene Monroe, the team clearly had no plans to keep McKinnie after this season. Getting what will likely be a late-round pick for an aging veteran is a solid haul.
Showing posts with label Miami Dolphins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miami Dolphins. Show all posts
Monday, October 21, 2013
Sunday, August 25, 2013
2013 Miami Dolphins Season Preview
Offense: Ryan Tannehill made strides at quarterback in his rookie season, and will now have a new weapon on offense with the addition of wide receiver Mike Wallace. Both Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas figure to see time in the backfield for the 'Fins, but expect Miller to eventually beat out the plodding (and fumble-prone) Thomas to replace Reggie Bush as Miami's feature back. Along the line, the team has slid second-year tackle Jonathan Martin to the left side to replace the departed Jake Long, while Tyson Clabo was signed from Atlanta to start at right tackle.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Grading the 2008 NFL Draft: AFC East
In what is the final part in my eight-part series re-grading the 2008 NFL Draft, I'll be breaking down the AFC East.
Buffalo Bills
1(11) - CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy
2(41) - WR James Hardy, Indiana
3(72) - DE Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech
4(114) - CB Reggie Corner, Akron
4(132) - TE Derek Fine, Kansas
5(147) - LB Alvin Bowen, Iowa State
6(179) - RB Xavier Omon, NW Missouri State
7(219) - OT Demetrius Bell, Northwestern State
7(224) - WR Steve Johnson, Kentucky
7(251) - CB Kennard Cox, Pittsburgh
Thoughts: McKelvin has scored three touchdowns on returns (INT, kick, punt), but struggles mightily covering double-moves and deep balls, though he's played better covering slot receivers. Hardy collected just ten catches in his two seasons in Buffalo, and was a final cut with the Ravens in 2011. Ellis played with the Bills for three season (13 tackles, 1.0 sacks), but was cut by the Steelers in the preseason this past year. Corner spent three seasons as a reserve with Buffalo, was a preseason roster cut, but re-signed with the team midway through the season. Fine was largely the third tight end in his two seasons with Buffalo, and after landing on IR, was cut by the Bills, Rams and Texans. Bowen appeared in two career games (with Jacksonville in 2010), while Omon appeared in seven games through 2009 with the Bills (11 rushes, 27 yards). Bell has emerged as a solid left tackle, but has battled injuries in both 2009 (8 games missed) and 2011 (9 games missed). Johnson is the gem of the group, as he became the first receiver in Bills history to record consecutive 1,000 yard seasons. Cox was cut in the preseason, but has been a reserve with both the Jaguars and Seahawks the past four seasons. Outside of the selections of Bell and Johnson, this draft really lacked contributors.
Grade: D+
Miami Dolphins
1(1) - OT Jake Long, Michigan
2(32) - DE Philip Merling, Clemson
3(66) - DE Kendall Langford, Hampton
4(110) - OT Shawn Murphy, Utah State
6(176) - RB Jalen Parmele, Toledo
6(195) - G Donald Thomas, Connecticut
6(204) - RB Lex Hilliard, Montana
7(245) - DE Lionel Dotson, Arizona
Thoughts: Long has been a Pro Bowler in each of his four pro seasons, and was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2010. Merling has just 3.5 sacks in four seasons, while Langford has recorded 7.5. Both have suffered after the team transitioned to an even front. Murphy has appeared in one NFL game, and was cut by Denver during the 2011 preseason. Parmele was cut early in the 2008 season, but landed a job as a reserve running back and kick returner for the Ravens from 2008-2010. Thomas made 12 starts with the Dolphins in 2009, and was most recently a backup guard with New England. After spending 2008 on the practice squad, Hilliard emerged as a solid fullback for the Dolphins, a role he's held since then. Dotson has appeared in 12 career games with the Dolphins (2008-2010) and Bills (2011). Long and Hilliard were the only players who provided value for where they were selected.
*the team grabbed both WR Davone Bess and K Dan Carpenter as undrafted free agents
Grade: C
New England Patriots
(original 1st rounder forfeited due to "Spygate")
1(11) - LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee
2(62) - CB Terrence Wheatley, Colorado
3(78) - LB Shawn Crable, Michigan
3(94) - QB Kevin O'Connell, San Diego State
4(129) - CB Jonathan Wilhite, Auburn
5(153) - WR Matthew Slater, UCLA
6(197) - LB Bo Ruud, Nebraska
Thoughts: Mayo was the defensive rookie of the year in 2008, received All-Pro honors in 2010, and has been one of the few consistent players on the Pats' defense. Wheatley has appeared in just 12 games over four seasons with the Patriots, Jaguars and Bills. After missing his first two seasons with injuries, Crable appeared in six games during the 2010 season. O'Connell completed just three career passes, and spent time with the Pats, Lions, Jets and Dolphins. Wilhite has been a solid depth corner since his rookie season, and has 121 tackles, 2.0 sacks and 4 interceptions between stints with the Patriots (2008-2010) and Broncos (2011). Slater has been a special-teams dynamo for the Patriots, and was selected to the Pro Bowl as the AFC's special teamer this past season. Ruud never appeared in an NFL game.
Grade: C-
New York Jets
1(6) - DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State
1(30) - TE Dustin Keller, Purdue
4(113) - CB Dwight Lowery, San Jose State
5(162) - QB Erik Ainge, Tennessee
6(171) - WR Marcus Henry, Kansas
7(211) - OT Nate Garner, Arkansas
Thoughts: Gholston never recorded a sack in his three seasons with the Jets, and was cut after the preseason by the Bears in 2011. Keller has been a solid receiver for QB Mark Sanchez, but still has the potential to be better as a blocker. Lowery has been a solid safety with both the Jets and Jaguars (143 tackles, 9 INT, 2 sacks, 2 TD). Ainge suffered with injuries and substance abuse before retiring in mid-2011. Henry spent three seasons on the Jets (2008, 2009) and Jaguars (2010) practice squads, while Garner has appeared in 32 games over his three seasons on with Miami (9 starts).
Grade: C-
Buffalo Bills
1(11) - CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy
2(41) - WR James Hardy, Indiana
3(72) - DE Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech
4(114) - CB Reggie Corner, Akron
4(132) - TE Derek Fine, Kansas
5(147) - LB Alvin Bowen, Iowa State
6(179) - RB Xavier Omon, NW Missouri State
7(219) - OT Demetrius Bell, Northwestern State
7(224) - WR Steve Johnson, Kentucky
7(251) - CB Kennard Cox, Pittsburgh
Thoughts: McKelvin has scored three touchdowns on returns (INT, kick, punt), but struggles mightily covering double-moves and deep balls, though he's played better covering slot receivers. Hardy collected just ten catches in his two seasons in Buffalo, and was a final cut with the Ravens in 2011. Ellis played with the Bills for three season (13 tackles, 1.0 sacks), but was cut by the Steelers in the preseason this past year. Corner spent three seasons as a reserve with Buffalo, was a preseason roster cut, but re-signed with the team midway through the season. Fine was largely the third tight end in his two seasons with Buffalo, and after landing on IR, was cut by the Bills, Rams and Texans. Bowen appeared in two career games (with Jacksonville in 2010), while Omon appeared in seven games through 2009 with the Bills (11 rushes, 27 yards). Bell has emerged as a solid left tackle, but has battled injuries in both 2009 (8 games missed) and 2011 (9 games missed). Johnson is the gem of the group, as he became the first receiver in Bills history to record consecutive 1,000 yard seasons. Cox was cut in the preseason, but has been a reserve with both the Jaguars and Seahawks the past four seasons. Outside of the selections of Bell and Johnson, this draft really lacked contributors.
Grade: D+
Miami Dolphins
1(1) - OT Jake Long, Michigan
2(32) - DE Philip Merling, Clemson
3(66) - DE Kendall Langford, Hampton
4(110) - OT Shawn Murphy, Utah State
6(176) - RB Jalen Parmele, Toledo
6(195) - G Donald Thomas, Connecticut
6(204) - RB Lex Hilliard, Montana
7(245) - DE Lionel Dotson, Arizona
Thoughts: Long has been a Pro Bowler in each of his four pro seasons, and was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2010. Merling has just 3.5 sacks in four seasons, while Langford has recorded 7.5. Both have suffered after the team transitioned to an even front. Murphy has appeared in one NFL game, and was cut by Denver during the 2011 preseason. Parmele was cut early in the 2008 season, but landed a job as a reserve running back and kick returner for the Ravens from 2008-2010. Thomas made 12 starts with the Dolphins in 2009, and was most recently a backup guard with New England. After spending 2008 on the practice squad, Hilliard emerged as a solid fullback for the Dolphins, a role he's held since then. Dotson has appeared in 12 career games with the Dolphins (2008-2010) and Bills (2011). Long and Hilliard were the only players who provided value for where they were selected.
*the team grabbed both WR Davone Bess and K Dan Carpenter as undrafted free agents
Grade: C
New England Patriots
(original 1st rounder forfeited due to "Spygate")
1(11) - LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee
2(62) - CB Terrence Wheatley, Colorado
3(78) - LB Shawn Crable, Michigan
3(94) - QB Kevin O'Connell, San Diego State
4(129) - CB Jonathan Wilhite, Auburn
5(153) - WR Matthew Slater, UCLA
6(197) - LB Bo Ruud, Nebraska
Thoughts: Mayo was the defensive rookie of the year in 2008, received All-Pro honors in 2010, and has been one of the few consistent players on the Pats' defense. Wheatley has appeared in just 12 games over four seasons with the Patriots, Jaguars and Bills. After missing his first two seasons with injuries, Crable appeared in six games during the 2010 season. O'Connell completed just three career passes, and spent time with the Pats, Lions, Jets and Dolphins. Wilhite has been a solid depth corner since his rookie season, and has 121 tackles, 2.0 sacks and 4 interceptions between stints with the Patriots (2008-2010) and Broncos (2011). Slater has been a special-teams dynamo for the Patriots, and was selected to the Pro Bowl as the AFC's special teamer this past season. Ruud never appeared in an NFL game.
Grade: C-
New York Jets
1(6) - DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State
1(30) - TE Dustin Keller, Purdue
4(113) - CB Dwight Lowery, San Jose State
5(162) - QB Erik Ainge, Tennessee
6(171) - WR Marcus Henry, Kansas
7(211) - OT Nate Garner, Arkansas
Thoughts: Gholston never recorded a sack in his three seasons with the Jets, and was cut after the preseason by the Bears in 2011. Keller has been a solid receiver for QB Mark Sanchez, but still has the potential to be better as a blocker. Lowery has been a solid safety with both the Jets and Jaguars (143 tackles, 9 INT, 2 sacks, 2 TD). Ainge suffered with injuries and substance abuse before retiring in mid-2011. Henry spent three seasons on the Jets (2008, 2009) and Jaguars (2010) practice squads, while Garner has appeared in 32 games over his three seasons on with Miami (9 starts).
Grade: C-
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Potential Destinations for Peyton Manning
With March 8th looming, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is in an unenviable position. His franchise quarterback Peyton Manning is still trying to recover from three neck surgeries in the last two years, the most recent procedure costing him the entire 2011 season. Without Manning, the Colts floundered, losing their first 13 games of the season, and ending up in a tie with St. Louis for the worst record in the league.
Manning is due a $28 million roster bonus in less than a month, and while both sides have said they'd like to find a way to keep Peyton with the Colts, the writing appears to be on the wall. Whether it was their back-and-forth during Super Bowl week about the environment at the Colts facilities, or the fact that ownership has said they're going to draft a quarterback with the #1 overall pick this season, the odds of Manning staying in Indianapolis seems to shrink by the day. Should he hit the free agent market, here are some of the teams that could be interested in his services.
Washington Redskins
The Redskins were simply putrid at the quarterback position, as Rex Grossman (16 TD, 20 INT, 72.4 quarterback rating) and John Beck (2 TD, 4 INT, 72.1 quarterback rating) seemed horribly out of place as an NFL starter. Owner Daniel Snyder has never been shy in doling out big contracts, and Mike Shanahan hasn't had an elite level quarterback since John Elway was under center for the Broncos in the late 1990's. The receiving corps needs an upgrade, but if the fron office is able to retain tight end Fred Davis, it would give Manning his next potential Dallas Clark.
Fit: Poor
For my money, I have a hard time seeing Manning going to an offense whose line was largely mediocre in pass protection (41 sacks allowed), and the lack of a solid running game or true #1 receiver. If Manning were to play in Washington, it would either have to be because he wants to play for Mike Shanahan, or he really likes what Daniel Snyder has to offer (money).
Manning is due a $28 million roster bonus in less than a month, and while both sides have said they'd like to find a way to keep Peyton with the Colts, the writing appears to be on the wall. Whether it was their back-and-forth during Super Bowl week about the environment at the Colts facilities, or the fact that ownership has said they're going to draft a quarterback with the #1 overall pick this season, the odds of Manning staying in Indianapolis seems to shrink by the day. Should he hit the free agent market, here are some of the teams that could be interested in his services.
Washington Redskins
The Redskins were simply putrid at the quarterback position, as Rex Grossman (16 TD, 20 INT, 72.4 quarterback rating) and John Beck (2 TD, 4 INT, 72.1 quarterback rating) seemed horribly out of place as an NFL starter. Owner Daniel Snyder has never been shy in doling out big contracts, and Mike Shanahan hasn't had an elite level quarterback since John Elway was under center for the Broncos in the late 1990's. The receiving corps needs an upgrade, but if the fron office is able to retain tight end Fred Davis, it would give Manning his next potential Dallas Clark.
Fit: Poor
For my money, I have a hard time seeing Manning going to an offense whose line was largely mediocre in pass protection (41 sacks allowed), and the lack of a solid running game or true #1 receiver. If Manning were to play in Washington, it would either have to be because he wants to play for Mike Shanahan, or he really likes what Daniel Snyder has to offer (money).
Monday, November 14, 2011
NFL coaches on the hot seat
It seems as though this year has more coaches on the hot seat than any in recent memory. I've compiled a list of the head coaches that are potentially on the chopping block, as well as the likelihood of them no longer in their current position before the 2012 NFL season.
Tony Sparano, Miami Dolphins
I almost feel bad for the guy, in that the team he had back in his first season over-achieved by such a large margin (went from 1-15 in 2007 to 11-5) that it almost set unreal expectations. The team has largely lacked elite talent, especially at skill positions. As an example, here are the quarterbacks he's had under center since taking over in Miami: Chad Pennington, Chad Henne, Tyler Thigpen and Matt Moore. In a league that's become increasingly quarterback-driven, the Dolphins have had almost zero consistency over this time (outside of Pennington's 2008 season), putting extra pressure on the running game and forcing the defense to play almost-perfect football. Throw in the fact that they've had to play the Patriots and Jets twice a year, and that'd make life pretty difficult for ANY coach.
Odds for 2012: Miniscule
Tony Sparano, Miami Dolphins
I almost feel bad for the guy, in that the team he had back in his first season over-achieved by such a large margin (went from 1-15 in 2007 to 11-5) that it almost set unreal expectations. The team has largely lacked elite talent, especially at skill positions. As an example, here are the quarterbacks he's had under center since taking over in Miami: Chad Pennington, Chad Henne, Tyler Thigpen and Matt Moore. In a league that's become increasingly quarterback-driven, the Dolphins have had almost zero consistency over this time (outside of Pennington's 2008 season), putting extra pressure on the running game and forcing the defense to play almost-perfect football. Throw in the fact that they've had to play the Patriots and Jets twice a year, and that'd make life pretty difficult for ANY coach.
Odds for 2012: Miniscule
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
5 NFL teams that might be feeling "Luck-y" in April
With the season one-fourth over, I thought it'd be a good time to do some research on the teams that might finish the season towards the bottom of the standings. I have five teams here that are either 1-3 or 0-4 that will probably: a) finish under six wins, and; b) at least contemplate drafting Andrew Luck.
Indianapolis Colts - Without Peyton Manning, this team can't utilize their biggest strengths (great receivers, pass rush). This defense is not one that's built to stop the run, and without Manning racking up points, there will be less opportunity for Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Should Peyton not be able to return following three neck procedures in the past 18 months, then they'll no doubt need to look for a new franchise quarterback. Luck has top notch instincts and feel for the game, as well as uncanny accuracy and mobility both inside the pocket and out, which would probably be necessary as the Colts offensive line isn't great either.
Reason they could draft first: No Peyton Manning will definitely hurt, as neither Curtis Painter or Kerry Collins are really starting caliber NFL quarterbacks. The division could be construed as down, though I'd argue its more balanced than lacking talent.
Remaining Schedule -
Home: Chiefs, Falcons, Jaguars, Panthers, Titans, Texans
Away: Buccaneers, Bengals, Saints, Titans, Patriots, Ravens, Jaguars
Projected Record: 4-12. The Colts will be out of the playoff picture by week 10, so don't expect Peyton to play in 2011.
Indianapolis Colts - Without Peyton Manning, this team can't utilize their biggest strengths (great receivers, pass rush). This defense is not one that's built to stop the run, and without Manning racking up points, there will be less opportunity for Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Should Peyton not be able to return following three neck procedures in the past 18 months, then they'll no doubt need to look for a new franchise quarterback. Luck has top notch instincts and feel for the game, as well as uncanny accuracy and mobility both inside the pocket and out, which would probably be necessary as the Colts offensive line isn't great either.
Reason they could draft first: No Peyton Manning will definitely hurt, as neither Curtis Painter or Kerry Collins are really starting caliber NFL quarterbacks. The division could be construed as down, though I'd argue its more balanced than lacking talent.
Remaining Schedule -
Home: Chiefs, Falcons, Jaguars, Panthers, Titans, Texans
Away: Buccaneers, Bengals, Saints, Titans, Patriots, Ravens, Jaguars
Projected Record: 4-12. The Colts will be out of the playoff picture by week 10, so don't expect Peyton to play in 2011.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)