Ireland defends Wilson, suggests he's staying

Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland just finished speaking with the media and the most interesting thing from the talk, in my opinion, was his whole-hearted defense of Gibril Wilson and suggestion the free safety will remain with the Dolphins in 2010.

Ireland was asked if Wilson took too much of the blame for the troubles of the defense in 2009.

"He's playing a position with two young corners," Ireland said. "A lot of things you would try to blame on him ... those weren't always his fault. We have our evaluation of Gibril Wilson. We know what kind of player he's capable of being. I think he's going to be a very good player for the future. He was disappointed in his play last year.He will tell you that. I think he can play better. We'll just have to see. I think he will."

In talking to several reporters who attended the presser, including The Herald's Jeff Darlington, the clear indication they got is that the Dolphins intend to keep Wilson.

That even as the NFL is headed toward an uncapped year and cutting Wilson after March 5 would not cause any salary cap issues. Wilson signed a five-year, $27.5 million deal in 2009 that included a $5 million signing bonus and a total of $8 million in guarantees. 

So what do you think?

By the way, the live blog of the NFL Combine continues in the comments section. See you there. 

Comments

[Ron Burgundy]

So I wanna ask all the people who hate the Wildcat...WHY ??

[Ron Burgundy]

HellsBells should be Yeramiah new nickname

Posted by: DantheMan | February 25, 2010 at 08:23 PM

Good call bro, I like that..

[Mr. Miyagi]

Miyagi say...

Ireland like Gerbil as pet and will cut Wilson at end of training camp.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Wildcat destroy timing of offense in passing game.

[Mr. Miyagi]

wildcat take QB out of good drive during game.

[Mr. Miyagi]

wildcat ruin development of young qb rhythm with inept receivers

[Mr. Miyagi]

wild cat no work no more.

[Bootang25]

Carlito, you're a smelly, pirate hooker. Haha

[T.WAY]

Check out my Miami Dolphins radio show tonight. www.blogtalkradio.com/doubleovertime

[Mr. Miyagi]

where da cobra kai

[carlito from golfito]

bootang,

I love the draft. 60 percent of the time, it works every time

[flipper013]

Wilson played much better after the bye. He did not play worth his pay however.

Miami should draft best player on the board for the first four rounds with the exception of taking a Qb.

[Bootang25]

Carlito, what's that? You pooped in the refrigerator? No, I'm not even mad. Actually I'm impressed.

[Bootang25]

Carlito, I think the 60% line may fit perfectly with the NFL Draft and what a crapshoot it can be lol.

[Mr. Miyagi]

60% in draft better than 20% in FA.

[Derek in WPB]

With Gibril having to play up in run support because of the pathetic play by the linebackers... I can see why he struggled. Its way to easy to focus the blame on this one guy when it was a culmination of factors that lead to his failures. There is no doubt he played poorly in many situations. But, Gibril's run support was exceptional, had he not been where he was so many times that Crowder ran passed the play... Runners would have ran up and down the field like deer on Miami. Two Rookie Corners and a what I think was the worst Line backing corps I have ever seen play in Miami and everyone wants to blame the SS... I don't buy this shyt for a minute. The ONLY reason Miami should be very certain of their decision here is because they have a "GET OUT OF TOXIC CONTRACT FREE CARD" to play this year. They would look mighty dumb to have Gibril play the same way next year. They would look like patient football men if he took off and started doing great in Nolan's system.

[Bootang25]

Derek, all those points I really agree with. I understand his contract far outweighs his performance also. I don't think the question is a matter of this being the best decision this year, but the other 3 years left on his contract. I believe that the uncapped year allows us to cut him as late as march of next year. So you let him come to camp, compete, if he shows something, keep him. And them in real game situations, he fails again, when at his normal position, then you cut him.

[ozzman1972]

I think as far as the qb's go I say let Henne and Thygpen battle for the starting position both are good enough to be the starter.As for the reciever's I say get Marshal I think that would open the door for Ginn , he is quick while the defence is focused on Marshal Ginn will be open in endzone or vise-versa..Oh yeah get rid of Gibril Wilson he cant cover and he cant tackle.
One more thing let Taylor play another year...

[LipsinToronto]

Henne has the most upside at the Qb position. He should absolutely be the starter. If he can settle down with the touch pass, and not have to throw 50 passes a game to catch up (I am talking about you, crappy defense) then his INT numbers go way down and he is the absolute best QB we have..

I am telling you - not since Marino have I seen a young QB come in and play with his poise and have the arm he has. He makes good decisions.. but as with any player at any position, personal stats can sometimes go down the toilet because you are forced to do riskier things to make up for the mistakes of others (once again, I am looking at you, crappy defense!)

[Sean]

Bill and Co will address the middle of the front 7 NT and ILB. Dansby would be a perfect fit but the money it will take might not. If we trade for a WR, pick up Dansby in FA and draft a young NT we will be back in the playoffs.

[The Seer]

I like Dansby & dislike Wilson.

There.

I said it.

[LipsinToronto]

And btw - special congratulations to the Canadiens Women's hockey team - way to go - nice 3peat!

[LipsinToronto]

Was a good game by the girls from the US.. just not enough on this day.

They have met 20 times in either Olympic or World Championship gold medal games.. and it is still relatively close at 13-7 for Canada, with the US winning the last worlds..

[Sean]

Henne starts, we bring back Penn and White to back him up and trade Thigpin for a 5 or 6 rd draft pick. That would give us 10 picks more than enough to fill all needs. OLB,ILB,NT,WR, and depth.

[MiamiFan305]

i swear to myself that if ireland really thinks the Gibril is gonna be good ill play with ferret penis instead of watching dolphins games... if they keep wilson god help us in 2011....

[LipsinToronto]

Assuming Pennington can throw as well as he did in his almost MVP season - that would be ok, but he is 2 years older and just done with his 3rd shoulder surgery.. I think every sack on Henne would remind me how close we were to disaster!

I love what Pennington brought to the dolphins and as much as I hate the Jets, I didn't dislike him when he played for them... he is CLASS... but I think he is about done..

[santo]

Mark, It is a true battle of Wits Between Me and my Nemesis NJ PHIN FAN....But would this blog be what it is if it wasn't for us??????It would be a lot less informative(NJ) and alot less funny(ME) if it wasn't for us......By the way Mando, Where's are paychecks??????

Posted by: cuban menace | February 25, 2010 at 06:24 PM

What an an egotesticle idot the menace is. He thinks he is funny and the rest of the clowns will laugh with him. Fat toad security guard with too much time on his hands.

[Dishpan]

So, are we tough critics as fans, or was Gibril bad?

[LipsinToronto]

Why are there so many haters?

This is not e-Harmony. You are not here to find your soul mate. You are here to discuss football with a bunch of mostly dudes and some gals that like football and are fans of the Miami Dolphins.

I could care less if NJ is as competitive and has big an ego as he makes out. I could care less if NJ and Mark in Toronto can lift more than I can (even if just barely ;)). Cuban can be a mall cop or FBI Agent. Carlito can be from Golfito or Idaho. Rob in OC could be a poet trying to write novels for the first time.. I really don't care nor do I understand why some of you care so much that you seem to harbour real anger?

[The Seer]

Wilson must go. No excuses. No second act.

[Bootang25]

Lips, what is your opinion of Tyler Thigpen?

[NJ PHIN FAN]

Lips. barley ???? I seriously doubt barely . :)

[LipsinToronto]

I think he is a good back-up. He showed what he could do well (a couple of TDs) and what he can do poorly (a couple of INTs).

I think if he HAD too, he could finish off a season and give us a better chance to win than Pat White now and maybe ever.. and again, while I love Pennington, I think if he sneezes while wiping, he will be on his way to Surgery #4.

[NJ PHIN FAN]

By the way , congrats on canada's women.

[LipsinToronto]

haha I knew that would get you to respond. I literally laughed out loud when I read your response! Thanks for the laugh!

I don't lift in competition with anyone but myself.. and I lift for high reps so am sure I am well off .. plus, only been going since August :)

[JB]

Pennington offers many in tangibles to the Dolphins, I understand that they really can't carry 4 QB's and tha presents the issue of who will not be with the fins next year.

[JB]

*intangibles

[LipsinToronto]

Ya, am proud of them!

That is one thing they have done that Americans seem to do VERY well... is perform at amazing levels under the extreme pressure of being a favorite to win.

I am not knocking our guys, but as a fan of Canada, I find myself often a little disappointed in our "favorites" yet pleasantly surprised by those who were hopeful contenders.. we seem to generally do better as underdogs.

[JB]

I don't see Pat White as an NFL QB, although I hope he can be of value in some aspect.

[Bootang25]

Lips, I think Thigpen is under rated. How many decent reps was he getting throughout the week? Was Pat White getting more? I think Thigpen is a guy who does a few things well, and nothing great, if that makes any sense.

[LipsinToronto]

Ya, but does he bring pressure on Henne to be afraid to have a bad game?

Will he have what it takes or is the man with a well know arm strength issue further diminished with a 3rd surgery.

I again, love the guy, but they won't give up on White just yet and I don't see them trading thigpen unless they can get back that 5th..

[NJ PHIN FAN]

LOL @ LIPS. I'm glad i made you laugh. I 'd like to say good for you and keep up the good work. i'm glad your into it , that's half the battle. If you ever need any tips , let me know. I'm training like a animal for a show ( just for kicks ) in may. If mando will have me . i might e mail him a picture and see if he wants to post it for you guys. I have some big name bodybuilders at my gym including VICTOR MARTINEZ.

[LipsinToronto]

Err, my previous response was to the intangibles of Penny..

And exactly on Thigpen.. I see his the same way... kinda like a Jay Fielder was... good enough to start and win some games, but leaving you wish you had a QB with elite potential.

[Bendiesel]

Gibril sucks cut him.

[JB]

I agree, they wont give up White.
I agree, Thigpen is the a better QB than White and that is why it's such a tough decision on who will be leaving. From an analytical perspectve Penning ton will be gone.
:(

[LipsinToronto]

Ya, am still working with a trainer, keeps me trying new things and pushing me.. but am at the point now where I love going to pay that guy to kick my ass - once I get to my goal, I'll dump him and just keep going.. (he said if I got fat again, he would get a bat and break my legs) .

Am proud of myself - have lost over 80lbs in the last year.. (got super fat when dealing with some really big life stresses) so am making sure I keep at it and never go back to that!

[LipsinToronto]

And by the way - cool that you train for competitions at times.. I thought you just kept the good habits from when you played ball.

[punishthesox]

Gibril , ginn , crowder , porter , pwhite all suck major ballz. Waste of cash and picks over the yrs. Cut all the dead weight that won't produce shitt and let's get some hugh playmakers on both sides of the ball. I understand coaches and management know more than us fans or critics but we phin fans have seen enough over the yrs to feel we now deserve greatness from our dolphins.

[Bootang25]

Lips, I think Thigpen could be a legit starter in the NFL. He is very, very good at improvising, good at making something out of nothing. For a guy to have no reps at all, and to know in the back of his head he's not seeing the field, he came in and played well against PIT. His INTs were forcing throws because we were losing. Now, his type of offense is a spread type. To maximize his potential, you keep him in shotgun and spread the field. I would hate to see Henne go down, but I think we could still be productive on offense with Thigpen.

[LipsinToronto]

Ya, he would be my most comfortable back-up. Not exactly steve young, but I feel safer with him there in cases something happens.

anyhow, am off - night folks!

[NJ PHIN FAN]

Lips , The best way to start working out and training is by getting a trainer. very important . good job. I also get on clients when i see them getting good results then warning them not fall back to their old habits. You also have to fool you muscles all the time to get good gains. they're smart and they remember . they need to be fooled. Another very important aspect of going to the gym is that it reduces stress. after you get the hang of it you can let him go and do it on your own but that will be your true test. Good for you losing all the weight , you'll have more energy . you'll sleep better and you'l great . I also hope your life stresses resove too. Keep up the good work.

[Los Lobos]

Okay Mando,

You are the GM for a newly created NFL Team. The North Dakota Ducks.

What order of priority would you place the following positions? For arguments sake you have the first 8 picks in round one. Everyone is available and everyone wants to sign.

O-Line
D-Line
QB
WR/TE
RB
LB
Secondary
Special Teams

Personally, LB would be so far down on my list. Miami is basically a clean slate if you ask me. Shameron placed special teams first when he drafted Ginn BTW.

Posted by: Los Lobos | February 25, 2010 at 05:21 PM
===============================================

Didn't think I would get an answer. Mando, you know ILB, OLB and LB in general is not a make or break position. What we don't have is the top 3 positions. QB, RB and WR. Specifically, we don't have a WR.

Thanks for not responding. Just proves you will never admit you're wrong about something. Maybe that's why Jeff was sent to the Ireland presser instead of you.

[Los Lobos]

PS... and before you say you can't answer every question I find it fascinating you can answer every one of NJ's questions.

Can you limit your involvement with NJ to one response a day. I mean really, you keep asking people to sign up for your tweeter or twatter or whatever account but refuse to acknowledge anyone but NJ. 3000 peeps but you only respond to 1 or 2 Mando? Make a fans day and respond to them personally on tooter.

[Los Lobos]

For those who care...you're only a twitter number to Mando. Nothing more nothing less. Well, I guess if you're NJ then you actually matter. Everyone else is a Tweet.

I wonder what happens when a person gets 3000 followers. I mean really, that has been Mando's focus the last week or so. I wonder if he gets a pay raise or something. Bloggers do get paid by the hit and not by the substance of their blog.

Hurry up Mandosheeple. Sign up for the twitter. Maybe Mando can finally get that new Caddy he's been wanting.

[NJ PHIN FAN]

LOL @ Lobos , I only asked 1 question And then i responded to a comment he made and he got back to me. He answered alot of posters beside me and many of them multiple times. By the way i'am not on mando's twitter acount. I hate twitter.

[morphin]

A vet WR is a bigger need than high rd rook. D Briscoe or Carlton M (USF) in lower rd would be steal for future #1. When Fergy went down the ILB play went way down. Also Mando said Ayodele was playing with nagging injury and thats why he didn't look like same player. NT is going to be crucial in turning D around. Paul S couldn't handle being #1 NT But was impressive when rotating with Fergy. I would be happy with D Williams at 12 , Mike Mayock has him at #16 overall. So how can pulling the trigger at 12 be reaching ?

[stillhardcoredolphinsfan]

To all of you in the know:

Why would the Dolphins keep Wilson? Simple, the trifecta sees promise. If they thought for an instant he was a waste of money, he would be cut. They cut players all the time. What you bloggers don't recognize is what goes on in the film room (e.g. missed assignments, wrong call from the sideline, etc.), Also think about this: Take your job and just film 3 hrs. out of your 40 hour week and then invite a bunch of armchair QBs' in to critique your performance. I don't care what profession you're in, you would say "Those f__ks don't know what they're talking about." I am with a lot of you guys on bashing Wilson on some questionable plays he made this past season, but I at least realize I don't do this for a "LIVING". Leave that to the pros and hope with me that Wilson produces this year. If he F's it up, I'm sure the "pros" will cut him.

[mcg]

wilson sucks so does ireland NERD.

[mike]

ROLLE, DANSBY fill two holes

DRAFT:

1. D.WILLIAMS, NT
2. BEST, RB ... he averaged 8 ypc
3. trade for BOLDIN or MARSHALL (we might have to include more with this trade .... maybe Turner or Hilliard and a 6th round pick.
4. JERRY or ASAMOAH ..... OG
6. BARNES, WR Bowling Green
6. UDOFIA, NT Stanford

[Crunchtime]

At this time of the year dont believe anything a GM says.

Its their job is to mask true intentions.