FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- It is cold. There is fallen snow on the ground. And playoff football is in the air. As in years past, The Miami Herald will be at the NFL playoffs watching other teams play while the Dolphins ...
... Well, they're watching just like you and me. Actually, I'm closer to being in the playoffs than the Dolphins. At least I'm in the stadium.
I'm covering the Jets at New England today.
You remember the Jets and New England, right? They're the two teams that finished ahead of the Dolphins in the division. They're the teams the Dolphins must pass in 2011 to get to the playoffs.
So we should watch and see what the task might be like. There will be a live blog here starting at 4:30 this afternoon.
In the meantime, I would ask you to check out my Sunday column. It makes the point that Miami faces a tougher job in getting past the 2010 season than it did in the 2007 season. Yes, I know the Dolphins were 1-15 in 2007 and were 7-9 in 2010. And I repeat, the assignment is tougher now.
I explain why in the column, but suffice to say one of the reasons is the folks trying to turn things around don't have the luxury of working with the benefit of a honeymoon now.
Some extra things I did not have room to mention in the column that makes overcoming 2010 might be harder than overcoming 2007:
After four years of tooling and retooling and retooling again along the offensive line, the Dolphins have to, you guessed it, address the offensive line once more. They need a center and maybe a right tackle.
And they need to dump that idea of picking players who mostly offer position flexibility but no position consistency. Here’s a crazy idea: Rather than find a mediocre player that can play guard and center, how about finding a really good starting center and leaving him there until he retires?
The Dolphins need to upgrade the tight end position. Last year they loved Tony Moeaki and Dennis Pitta in the draft but couldn’t land either. They really must upgrade the spot this year or once again the red zone troubles that plagued in 2010 will haunt another year.
As I touch upon in the column, coach Tony Sparano, already fixing his rift with general manager Jeff Ireland, must broker a fix between receiver Brandon Marshall and quarterback Chad Henne.
Yes, Henne is very likely going to return in 2011. The Dolphins would be unwise to anoint him their starter and probably will not, but I doubt they will simply dump him. And unless an experienced, talented veteran can be added, it is unlikely any rookie Miami finds will be immediately ready to supplant Henne.
So you might find yourself with Henne under center in 2011. Again. Marshall might find himself with Henne under center. Again.
That’s not a comfortable spot. The receiver openly criticized his quarterback the last few weeks and in some cases he was right to do so. But Marshall never admitted that sometimes he blows his assignments and runs the wrong routes and causes problems that sometimes get blamed on Henne.
Both players need help. Both need improvement. And in 2011, both may be surprised to learn they need each other again.
Crazy right?
See you at the live playoffs blog.
I would make Cromartie defend the TE
Posted by: Hayden Fox | January 16, 2011 at 05:02 PM
A Jet is down on the field. It looks to be a foot injury.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 05:03 PM
Watching the jets suffer is almost as fun as bashing Chad Henne....Almost.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 16, 2011 at 05:03 PM
Pats offense remindant of the old Frisco west coast stryle because they are not going to try and line up and blow you off the ball every play, though they still will try and run. But the short passing game supplements the run game, followed by the intermediate to deep passing game.
This is why I say the Pats have transitioned more to a west coast styled offense in 2010. Which is good for them because they dont have that super dominant rb or run game. Only thing lacking is Brady not a real threat to take off running when things breakdown.
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 05:05 PM
kris,
My comments about Ryan and Flacco weren't directed at YOU specifically but rather all those people who spout you can only win if you have a franchise QB. I made the point that everyone claims Flacco and Ryan are franchose QBs but yet they looked very ordinary in theie teams losses.
I was very simply a commentary but you took it as directed at you. I am fine with debating points but when you start getting into name calling such as a TROLL for claiming I'm posting as someone else, then you've crossed the line.
And for the record, I wasn't claiming that YOU said we were wrong to draft Long over Ryan, only that others had. My comments on here aren't directed at you but rather the nonsense that comes out of people's mouths.
Posted by: Craig M | January 16, 2011 at 05:05 PM
A Jason Taylor sighting
Posted by: Hayden Fox | January 16, 2011 at 05:05 PM
lol @ Armando @ 5:03....where is that witty humor on the radio show?
Posted by: Kris | January 16, 2011 at 05:07 PM
Interesting. A. Cromartie is not a cover corner.
Posted by: oscar canosa | January 16, 2011 at 05:08 PM
You see guys? FGs are actually a good thing!
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 05:08 PM
Armando I just joint now, any news about OC for the Dolphins yet?
Posted by: tony in miami | January 16, 2011 at 05:08 PM
Brady executes west coast offense well, he just doesnt have the traditional running ability of the traditional west coast qb's.
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 05:09 PM
. The falcons have done a good job building a good offense AROUND MATT RYAN ..YOU PUT HENNE WITH A FALCON UNIFORM ..AND HE'LL DO WHAT RYAN DOES..AND YOU PUT RYAN WITH THE DOLPHINS AND HE'LL BE CRAP LIKE HENNE..THEY BOTH ARE GOOD QB'S JUST NOTHING SPECIAL..THATS WHY PARCELLS DIDN'T WANT RYAN CAUSE HE'S NOT A SUPERSTAR..OR A 1 PICK QB...BUT HE'S PERFECT FOR THE FALCONS//WHO HAVE PUT A GREAT O FOR HIM..
Posted by: BLACKCEROTE | January 16, 2011 at 05:11 PM
Tony, not really. Garrett is staying in Dallas. I told guys earlier that Childress is a longshot. About it.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 05:11 PM
Black, I disagree with you. Matt Ryan is better than Henne. By a mile he's beter.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 05:12 PM
You are right Armando. It is good to know your kicker can make the FG on the few occasions you don't get the TD in the red zone.
Posted by: Utdolfan | January 16, 2011 at 05:13 PM
Mando, Henne needs better coaches. Hopefully he'll get them.
Posted by: Dbmfins | January 16, 2011 at 05:14 PM
You have to get on the ball, R. Ryan.
Posted by: oscar canosa | January 16, 2011 at 05:14 PM
I like commercials better than regular programming(except football).
Posted by: oscar canosa | January 16, 2011 at 05:15 PM
Black, I don't see Ryan overthrowing or underthrowing wide open WRs with such regularity.
With Henne, you see it all the time. He overthrew Kevin Curtis on a bomb. He overthrew Hartline twice on what would have been easy TDs.
He underthrew Brandon Marshall deep in the opener. He overthrew a wide open Anthony Fasano in the end zone just before halftime in Baltimore. That last pass was a 6-yard connection that Henne threw like 5 yards over Fasano's head.
Should not happen. Cannot continue to happen.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 05:16 PM
Armando: Back to the OC question, any update in terms of Rob Chudzinski?
Posted by: Rand_the_fin | January 16, 2011 at 05:17 PM
Craig....it possible that I came at you kinda hard....but I kept it clean until that other dude got disrespectful....I thought it was you....if it wasn't then you have on hell of an admirer who who will defend your honor at all cost......
We see things differnt....., on the QB issue.....looks to me like we will never find common ground on it.....but you still have put some other good things to say that I more than agree with....this issue just isn't one of them
Posted by: Kris | January 16, 2011 at 05:17 PM
Third sack of the game for Jets.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 05:21 PM
THE JETS D IS FIRED UP ...FOR THERE COACH..BUT WATCH IN THE SECOND HALF ..THEY WILL GIVE UP...THE PATS LACK OF SPEED AT WR IS STARTING TO SHOW..''''I HATE THE PATS BUT I HATE THE JETS MORE'''..
Posted by: BLACKCEROTE | January 16, 2011 at 05:24 PM
A big strong armed QB with no accuracy. Nuff said.
How's our salary cap?
Posted by: Finfanfred | January 16, 2011 at 05:24 PM
Getting to Brady early gives Jets great chance of upset. Even when we used to beat Brady it always happened by getting to him early not allowing him to fall into that comfort zone.
Whenever Brady gets into early comfort zone forget about it!
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 05:26 PM
WOW ... Sick. Jet's take mo'
Posted by: Rand_the_fin | January 16, 2011 at 05:28 PM
What a drive for mr. Taco
Posted by: tony in miami | January 16, 2011 at 05:28 PM
Jets are officially outplaying the Patriots now, folks. Yuck.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 05:28 PM
Great defence by the NJY.
Posted by: oscar canosa | January 16, 2011 at 05:29 PM
This is the first time the New York Jets coach by Rex Ryan have led a game at Foxborough.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 05:30 PM
Armando,
Jets are getting to Brady early. That's always been the recipe for defeating Brady. He seems to be a different qb once you start hitting him in mouth early defensively! LOL...........
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 05:30 PM
Tom, Chad, Tyler, maybe vet qb ,maybe draft qb new OC a good qb coach let's see what happens get Jocby Jones kick return down field threat
Posted by: Ju | January 16, 2011 at 05:33 PM
Pats entire team seems to feed off of Brady. Control Brady and you control the power source to the entire Pats team. Dont control Brady and they seem to erupt all over the place! LOL........
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 05:33 PM
You are totally correct, dyingbreed.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 05:34 PM
Jets have come ready to play today. They don't want to be embarrassed again. However, still plenty of football left.
Posted by: Finfanfred | January 16, 2011 at 05:36 PM
IMO, the SB was played yesterday, Ravens vs Steelers. Green Bay looked good but know one else in the playoffs seem as physicaland at the same time plays as down right mean football as the Ravens or Steelers.
IMO, the SB will be Steelers/Packers. I just dont think the Bears offense can score as many points as the Bears defense will allow. 17-13 Packers win.
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 05:39 PM
Can't believe NE isn't killing the jets.
Posted by: cocoajoe | January 16, 2011 at 05:41 PM
Cocoajoe, I cannot believe I'm covering yet another playoff game that DOES NOT include the Miami Dolphins.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 05:43 PM
Pats need to wake up....I have full confidence that Belichek will figure this this turned around in the 2nd half......
Posted by: Kris | January 16, 2011 at 05:44 PM
The Big Strategy by NY is to keep the football out of Brady's hands!
Posted by: oscar canosa | January 16, 2011 at 05:44 PM
Im picking the the Pittsburgh Steelers as this year's SB champions!
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 05:45 PM
got to hold them to 3 or less.....a touchdown here would be hard...not impossible...but hard to overcome
Posted by: Kris | January 16, 2011 at 05:46 PM
Kris,
Keep waiting! LOL.......
This game's beginning to have the flavor of the Pats 2009 home upset lost to the Ravens last post season! LOL...............
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 05:47 PM
I think that Ben Rothelsburger(spelling?) could be the best big moment quarterback in the game today. He doesn't always play well. But, when the team needs a big play. Ben has 9 times out of ten delivered. He does not shy away from the spotlight. Amazing
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 16, 2011 at 05:47 PM
DB....i'm picking the PATS.....
Posted by: Kris | January 16, 2011 at 05:47 PM
Are you guys rooting for the Pats?
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 05:47 PM
Armando....GO PATS!!!!!
Posted by: Kris | January 16, 2011 at 05:49 PM
I still think the Pats take this game.
Posted by: Utdolfan | January 16, 2011 at 05:49 PM
I hear you Mando and I don't see it getting better next (?) year. Maybe the lockout is a blessing in disguise.
Posted by: cocoajoe | January 16, 2011 at 05:49 PM
Never fully understood why some Dolphin fans favor the Pats to beat Jets. As long as we're sitting at home watching I could never care 2 s*hits less about which one of them won.
Best scenario for me is that they both lose thier starting qb's to career ending injuries to make a little lighter on us playing either the following new season. LOL.................
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 05:51 PM
Armando...L'Espalier, or Capitol Grille???
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 16, 2011 at 05:51 PM
I'm a meat and meat guy, Darryl. Capitol Grille.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 05:53 PM
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Posted by: cocoajoe | January 16, 2011 at 05:54 PM
NE flat today
Posted by: Finfanfred | January 16, 2011 at 05:54 PM
Former Dolphins assistant Scott O'Brien is the special teams coach in New England.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 05:55 PM
There is the SLIP that Rex talked about.....now lets see if he delivers
Posted by: Kris | January 16, 2011 at 05:55 PM
What does Flat mean? Looks to me like the stinking Jets are playing better then NE.
Posted by: Rand_the_fin | January 16, 2011 at 05:56 PM
Armando,
Im rooting for neither Jets nor Pats. Im rooting for the Steelers and Packers SB. Then I'm equally split but my head says the Steelers win it all! LOL........
I dont think Pats or Jets will beat the Steelers. Not after seeing how fearlessly Roslisberger stood in the pocket despite being sacked 6 times and still launched anti aircraft missles at the low flying Ravens.
Love him or not, Roslisberger is just as fearless as the team he plays for. The guys just doesnt blink in the face of even ominous disaster! LOL...............
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 05:56 PM
Jets are luckiest team in football
Posted by: earl | January 16, 2011 at 05:57 PM
YUP! Pats/Ravens 2009 all over again! LOL......
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 05:58 PM