Football returns to the front burner today

At approximately 2:45 p.m. on Friday the Dolphins can get back to thinking about football. Thank you, Jesus!

After a couple of weeks that weren't necessarily all about football, but rather raised issues about sensitivity and arrogance and vision, we get back discussing football today. Dolphins coaches this afternoon will take eight draft picks, maybe eight or nine undrafted free agents, maybe a dozen tryout players, and some others onto the field for an afternoon practice.

So let's discuss football, shall we?

First thing to look for today? Mike Nolan, the Dolphins new defensive coordinator.

I'll be interested to hear about his style on the field ... Is he a yeller or a mild-mannered teacher? I'll be eager to hear what position he pays closest attention to on defense. Remember Nick Saban used to concentrate almost exclusively on the defensive backs?

I'll be interested to hear how exactly the Dolphins line up on defense. Yes, I know it's just a rookie camp but the alignments should be the same as the ones Nolan will or has already installed for the veterans.

As so many of Miami's draft picks were defensive players, the focus is going to have to be on defense.

Can Koa Misi cover? After playing mostly defensive end in college, is he really a fine OLB candidate like the Dolphins believe he is? (Let's hope!)

Is Reshad Jones instinctive enough, smart enough, agile enough, fast enough to play free safety? Or is he more of a strong safety?

Is A.J. Edds really as good in coverage as everyone says. Remember he had like 78 interceptions in college (actually 7) so this is supposed to be his ticket to plays in the nickel package.

Does weakside linebacker Chris McCoy have the explosive ability to pass-rush that the Dolphins say he does? Where does he get it from? Is it strength, an amazing first step, great technique, what?

Can Nolan Carroll stay healthy? And is he a viable candidate to compete for spot on the roster as a fourth cornerback or perhaps a special teams contributor? Can he catch punts and kickoffs well enough that he might become a return option?

Finally, Jared Odrick will be on display. It's hard to judge what a lineman can do in a minicamp setting. I'm not that sophisticated. Tony Sparano is that sophisticated. He'll find something interesting about Odrick, learn something, tweak something.

How about that? Football. 

Comments

[DC Dolfan]

Hey, I think Mando reads these posts (since people cried yesterday about no real football news). But I'm interested in Koa Misi too. I really hope he's what the FO expected. Mando, please let us know ASAP on Nolan's coaching style, R Jones' play especially (and Misi). Thanks.

[Jamillion]

Bring Adalius Thomas!

Gives us flexability and a guy who has something to play for and prove looking to get back at the Pats! Why wouldn't you want an individual like this on a flexible defense?

He's good in coverage andcan play DE - great fit in the Nolan scheme!

Lets do it!

Any news on Sharper? He is the key for the defense! We need a ball hawk back there until R. Jones is ready!

[comeback373]

Will somebody tell me the best way to watch the Dolphins live from an iMac, if it's even possible? Here in Tulsa we mainly get the Cowboys and the Chiefs, and whatever by luck Dolphins game might ever be on. DirectTV Sunday ticket is not that easy, have to break every rule in this apartment complex to put it up. One of you computer brains please help out an old die-hard. I'm jealous as hell of you guys who get to watch every game.

[Rick]

If Will Allen's in the nickel it is because he's not worth a dime.

[Craig M]

I'm interested to hear about Misi and Jones. To me Misi and Edds will be the keys to this draft (and Jerry too of course). I'm excited about Misi and if I he turns out he's what I think he's going to be, I think we got one Hell of a player!

I'm not convinced Jones is going to contribute much this season. I think he was drafted to be Bell's eventual replacement. I don't see him as being a free safety. I think he's more of a strong safety.

Does anyone know if Turner is invited to rookie camp? He was never actual on the active roster last year, so I'm wondering if he still qualifies as a rookie. I'm hoping for a lot better things from him this season.

[bobbyd12]

comeback373...Government LAW prohibits apt complexes, condos and co-ops from denying an individual to install DirecTV unless the building is a designated historical building...In other words, if ur apt complex is saying u cannot have DirecTV, they are in violation of Federal Law. Tell them ur getting it and if they give u a hard time tell them they are violating Federal Law and u will be filing a complaint with the FTC, then have it installed...they won't do a thing cause they know they will be subject to large fines...and YES, I know all about Federal Laws

[Chat]

"oh and David aquaandorange or whatever you call your self, shut the F UP you dumb fruitcake, GO ROOT FOR THE 49ers like every other QUEER in FRISCO!LAY OFF PARCELLS!"

Posted by: NumberJuanPhinsfan

LMAO!!!!

[SoiledBottom]

Dear Mr. Salguero

So I was hanging out in the blog minding my own business when I see FZB hittin on ASK Bill Ruger.

"Ask Bill, you are the bomb man, you are smart, funny, and you rock"

"I hope this does not sound creepy, becuase I love all your posts and by far, you are my favorite"

"You are too good for these IDIOTs on this blog."

"THAT was a hell of a post...you're making way too much sense for this bunch...agree with you 100%"

You can't really blame FZB, Ask Bill Rugers posts seem to be smart and sound and they have good bone structure.

Ask Bill Ruger seems to me like a mans man..not some panty waist, limp wristed Jets fan.

Does FZB have a shot you think ?
Would a sample of Enzyte boost his confidance ?

Is love in the air ?

Soiled :)

[DolfanTom]

Like you said, "Thank you Jesus!!!!!"

Enough of this overhyped garbage from the past few days.

[captcrunch]

Pleeeaassee...how can anybody called MISSI play defensive anything...except maybe in the back seat of a car...LOL...LOL

[Gian]

Finally. We've got some time to go before we can answer those questions Armando, but the "I want these players to be great and the Dolphins to win now" feeling, is mutual.

If there's one specific player from this Draft that I want to see play soon and dominate (hopefully) is Reshad Jones. Great kid, intimidating hitter. That's a factor we've been lacking for quite a while.

[Kevin]

Bobbyd u r pretty much right, but the problem he mightvbe having in a apt. Or condo is dish placement, since directv requires exact angles for signals, he could be in a dead spot in his condo building. Having that said he does have the right to buy premium services from anywhere at anytime. If he is unable to still, than there is p2p sites that will televise the games on tv. Try justintv.com. U can find games on there and other sites.

[Frank]

FOOTBALL. YES! I think the Dolphins have been thinking about football all along. You guys in the media are the only ones keeping the other crap alive.

I'm also tired of hearing about JT and Zach and who gets what number. Who really cares? I rooted for those guys because they were Dolphins, not the other way around. I'm sick of losing. I want to see the team get younger, faster, and most importantly, better!

I want to see winning football back in Miami. Go Dolphins!

[Mark in Toronto]

comeback373, www.atdhe.net and www.channelsurfing.net work if you have a good internet connection

By the way, Misi is wearing Joey Porter's #55 and Nolan Carrol is wearing Travis Minor's 28 . I'm waiting for an Armnado piece on how this is pizzing on the legacy of former Dolphins.

[Rodge]

I hope nobody is direspecting Cecil "the Diesel" Collins #34.... oh wait, that was yesterday's topic. I'm glad it's over. I'd like to see any of the unproven safeties we have start. I don't care if they alternate. They really need to play so we know what we got.

[D-dense]

Football, let go fins! Glad to talk about something other than the pr crap coming out of the front office and the draft. Let's see what the rooks can do!!!

[Ken]

David:

Here are some replies to your random thoughts or questions. All of which are pretty self apparent but I will say them for your benefit anyways:

1. That was a mistake in judgment made a couple of years ago. We can stop whining about it now.

2. Injuries to his shoulder. We have already seen what those can do to a high price talent acquisition.

3. Any good GM or personnel guy is secretive. No one is more secretive than Bellichek and look at his success rate. What do you want Parcells to do tell everyone what our personnel strategy is?

4. TE will be less of factor know that we have Marshall. He will be the guy that stretches the middle of the field instead of Martin. This will make the guys on our roster effective without the need to bring in some one else.

5. Because we have Davis, Smith and Allen on the team.

6. I liked JT too but the fact of the matter is they want Wake in there and believe he is going to put more pressure on QBs at this stage of his career than JT would.

7. Who did Denver have behind Marshall? How many pro bowl WRs can any team have on its roster?

8. Who cares? It is Parcells show and everyone knows that.

9. Joey Porter, we had 2 guys to play the same position.

10. Most likely some one not on our roster yet.

11. Because he works for Parcells who is a demanding task master.

12. Money, South beach and the weather.

13. Because Parcells style is different but no less succesfull.

14. These guys played in a different era and things are not the same nowadays.

15. If Miami finishes short it won't be because of JT.

16. People in sports are measured by the wins, if you believe otherwise you are just fooling yourself. Look at A-Rod is anyone talking about his past steroid use?

17. We all hope it works out.

18. They are building a strong team IMO and they know alot more about how to do that than you or I.

[Dolfnman]

Question for David from 2:40AM

1) Why are you such a homer!

Mando glad to see you are talking football again. You fuel the fires for homers like David when you whine about JT, Zach and Parcells. By the way David Parcells already has a great legacy!

[DC Dolfan]

Mark, are u serious? Misi wearing #55? THAT'S DISRESPECTFUL!!!

Ok, I'm over it. Back to minicamp news.

[Kevin]

Rodge ur the first person to say that and now that I think of it clemons was a hawk last Yr all over the field and jones is a big hitter. would love to see them both in a 2 man rotation at FS. Just hope jones can play FS well enough.

[D-dense]

David, projecting out a bit? Jt will be the game-maker/play maker in the AFCE? Well sounds like rubbish! WTF, you a dolphins fans or a JT fan. I like JT, but you're talking past history. We need to move forward with our current LB! Support the team and we'll worry about the rest after the season.

[Rodge]

Right in Kevin. I wanted Clemons or J Allen to start last year at FS. Even if they got burned sometimes they have much better recovery speed than Gibril. And if we lost a couple more games because of inexperience, oh well, they learn and get a higher draft pick...

[Ask Bill Ruger]

"Soiled".... I am humbled to be the subject matter of one of your posts. Even if it seems to be a Pseudo decapitation at my expense... I must say... your ability to apply a movie line or a scenario that fits the time and place perfectly has made me one of your favorite readers.
But, I gotta tell ya... I have a deep affinity for the Heterosexual lifstyle. Be it my looks, Politics, selection of hobbie activities (such as Blasting Bambi with large caliber Semi-Automatic weapons) or the fact that most of those who I spend time with are just like me (or are female with great booby's) Would never allow for the growth of...OR... be a comfy place for a Homosexual relationship. That and I don't feel that is where "FZB" was really coming from Either. I think he is just as sick as me of trying to deal with much of the negativity that is floating about... However, I "Gets It", no offense taken, I hope none was meant... Truthfully, I have to say once again you cracked me up.... Keep up the low down work "Soiled" ...it brings a "Balance" to this blog that I feel would be impossible otherwise...

That... and your use of a lines such as the one you used the other day from the the Movie "Platoon" ... The whole ambush scenario ending with...
"I promise you a way out of the Bush... in a body bag!!!"

Is just pure genius at work...

[Rodge]

AskBillRuger keep your personal bios for your dating websites. I'm upset that I wasted 47 seconds reading your post. There's plenty of dating sites and motels for you guys. Let's try to keep it "football only". Anyways, I hope the addition of Odrick motivates Merling to step up. The guy can be a beast when he wants.

[Mark in Toronto]

DC, I was upset at Misi wearing #55 too. And Carroll wearing Minor's/Gibril Wilson's 28? That's too much pressure for the kid.

But then i snapped out of it quick.

[Account Deleted]

We're back to talking football, who would of thunk it! Thank God because I was actually starting to get sucked into the he said/ she said stuff. I'm looking forward to coming home and reading all about our rookies. Have a good day ladies and gents.

[Gian]

Armando, you are on ESPN now. You made it.

http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/13366/afc-east-wire-fins-add-new-pr-flub

[Ask Bill Ruger]

Roger... I am sorry that you are "Upset"... however... I was not talking to you. I was responding to an earlier post made by "Soiled Bottom" that did not exactly place myself or the other person involved in a good light. I have a great deal of fun reading "Soiled" posts so 'I GEt IT" when it comes to the humor.
Other then that I am a regular poster on this site. And write as I see fit and will continue to do so at my digression. If you not want to read my posts, don't it its up to you. I have respect for anyone on this site who respects me... and its clear you had no idea what you were talking about when you made your remarks to me.
However, I will respond or say what I chose as I am certain that you will also... so please, respect my space and I will do the same for you... unless you wish to go the other route and I have absolutely no problem with that either.
Personally, I have been enjoying speaking about the team and the game for the first time in 5 or 7 day and would like to keep it that way... But, I made a personal response to a post made concerning me and that is my right. "Don't like it?" Don't read it... otherwise you may just have to stay upset... and that would just cause me to lose all sorts of sleep.

With all respect, Ruger.

[flipper013]

Patrick Turner should have some of these goals:

1) Make the team
2) Get snaps at WR during reg season
3) Have at least 32 receptions (avg of 2 per game)

[Lee Underwood]

Can you please provide information on the camp invitees that have not already been mentioned? It would be greatly appreciated.

[Rodge]

Easy BillyRuger, didn't mean to ruffle your feathers. I'm just excited about the additions to the team and was traumatized from yesterday's catastrophe. My bad, I mean your bad. So let's talk football hot-shot

[Ask Bill Ruger]

Nah... you had it right the first time... It was "Your Bad"... Roggy... So you want to take it this direction..Huh?, Tough Guy?

[CLASS OF "08"]

IS IT TURE THAT BRANDON MARSHALL IS GOING TO WEAR #0?????

[Will]

Why does Armando regularly bring in religion to his posts? Why is he thanking a largely imaginary figure like Jesus? Why not thank Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny? At least the latter two actually give us stuff on a yearly basis.

-Will

[Ask Bill Ruger]

I have not hear that Class or 08.... Damn.... That would be a bizarre number for him to take? I am not even certain which numbers are available.

[Rodge]

Yes. I would like to take it the Football direction. Just a request champ. You can tweet your opinion all you want. Now I know to skip over your intelligent non-football posts on a football blog. Have a great day sweetheart

[Mark in Toronto]

Will, not to make this a religious blog, but Jesus was real - proven historical fact. Whether you believe in who he is as portrayed in the Bible is a personal decision.

[ifeeltheheat]

Craig M - Yes, Turner is eligible for rookie camp. You should certainly expect him to be there.

[ifeeltheheat]

I believe Marshall's # needs to be something in the teens or the eighties. Zero is not an option.

[SoiledBottom]

Dear Mr. Ask Bill Ruger

First off thanx for your kind words :)

There is never malice in my posts.

I look at this blog as one big dysfunctional Dolphins family with wierd aunts and uncles and cousins and with Mr. Salguero sitting at the head of the table.

Soiled :)

[ifeeltheheat]

Koa Misi's name is pronounced Mess-e

(not Miss-i)

think: Koa Mess-e

sounds tough enough for me...

[THUNDERBOLT]

Ask Bill and Soiled are the top bloggers.

[Mark in Toronto]

I don't think 0 is an option for any player. 1 is the lowest # someone can pick. QB or kicker.

Mess-e? Like the soccer player? Cool.

[THUNDERBOLT]

I was reading that the rookie TE from Montana was also invited to the Vikings camp but they wanted him to pay for all his expenses so he chose Miami instead.

[Rodge]

If Miami can get a 325+lb acorn to help at NT that would really bring them to the next level. I think Misi will be good but I'm curious to see him in coverage. Maybe Edds can come in on third down to cover the flats or TEs.

[comeback373]

To those gentlemen who weighed in on my not-being-able-to-watch-the-Dolphins problem I offer sincere, born and bred in Miami thanks. I knew there had to be a way. My problem with the apartment and Sunday Ticket is dish placement, which I could overcome with a tripod and a portable dish--but it would have to sit out where anyone starting with management could bust my balls and then I'm out $300 plus the equipment. Thanks again.

[allen]

for every1 who thinks adalius is slow---and cant be effective in coverage and in blitizing ---focus on Adalius on the big ray rice 70 yd run to start the plaoff game---rice had a 7yd head start on the opposite side of field and never seperated from adalius---adalius also beat a corner down the field thats was on his side of the field----this guy is still an athletic freak who would be a defensive weapon---no injuries to his lower body

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0uMKbjQTdU

[carlito from golfito]

Soiled Bottom, Very nice, what part of family I am?

[carlito from golfito]

Allen,

Has has only 34 tackles in each of the last 2 years and only 8 sacks in the last 2 years combined... Why do you have such a hardon for this guy? Not to mention he was a problem off the field last year too

[THUNDERBOLT]

In lieu of the progress stopper rationalization for not resigning JT, I would be scratching my head if Thomas was signed.

[Rodge]

Adalius was a product of the Baltimore Ravens' system. Any LB can look great with a d-line like they always have. Adalius is not what Miami needs. He woukd be a progress-stopper and talking about it is becoming a blog-blocker!!

[SoiledBottom]

Dear Mr. Salguero

The ratings are in.

"Ask Bill and Soiled are the top bloggers"

Ask Bill and I are no Diva's but clearly based on the numbers I think our contracts should be restructured.

We would also like the numbers 99 and 54 be designated to us...to heck with history.

Get back to us with a counter offer...use a post it note to keep our agents out of the loop.

Soiled :)

[THUNDERBOLT]

Soiled ur hilarious. I hope ur doin standup comedy somewhere.

[Ask Bill Ruger]

I agree THUNDERBOLT... if he isn't making money at that gig he damn sure could.

[SoiledBottom]

Dear Mr. Carlito from Golfito

"what part of family I am?"

Not sure what side of the family you come from but on sundays we would sit at the same table and drink Vino, eat pasta, play Canasta(card game)and watch our Phins.

Soiled :)

[carlito from golfito]

Sounds like a deal! As long as we can throw some dominoes in there with the card game!

Wait, before we watch fins games together, I need to ask you a question:

Was your mother ever prostitute?

:D

[bobbyd12]

Santonio Holmes thrown off a plane in Pittsburg for being disruptive...He may not see the field for the Jets this year..

[Ask Bill Ruger]

THUNDERBOLT.... I read that also about the Viking asking Dan Beaudin to pay his own way to camp... never heard that shiznit before... Like I said a page or so back, I have a hunting friend in Billings Montana and he said they Really liked him when he was playing for the Grizzlies. Said he was a Monster for third down and goal line work.
He has all the size
6'5...252 and has a rep. for being a "Decent"..Not Good... "Decent" blocker. But has GOOD, hands... just having that sort of height over the Middle is nice... ad long as he isn't afraid to go there. Camp will weed that out fast enough. I really am hoping for,,, what is it they say??? "Acorn Guy?".... TE was one of two issues I had with our draft, I really wanted Pits or Graham, Graham went too fast... Pita was there. The other being Cam Thomas. I know and understand the new vision at NT... I just think it still works and has back up with Cam Thomas right behind Starks... Just a thought.

[LipsinToronto]

I see a Soiled flash back sequence in the works!

[bobbyd12]

Ask Bill, guess u had a good fishing trip. Like you I wanted that big TE, Gronk went to Pats ahhhhh, but can't have everything...Maybe this kid Ivey will eventually work out at that position