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.
4th quarter, don't count out Brady just yet.
Posted by: Finfanfred | January 16, 2011 at 06:51 PM
Reports of Tom Brady's playoff demise have been greatly exaggerated.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 06:51 PM
Neither was Moss, nor Crumpler, who just scored...
Posted by: Marc | January 16, 2011 at 06:52 PM
Neither was Sammy Morris
Posted by: Marc | January 16, 2011 at 06:52 PM
Sammy!
Where do I know that dude from?
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 16, 2011 at 06:53 PM
Lets see which Jets qb comes out in the 4th qtr, Sanchez or Henne. If the Jets play the 4th qtr not to lose they will! LOL........
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 06:54 PM
Sammy Morris figures... Mando who else are we gonna interview for OC position?
Posted by: PhinFan4Live | January 16, 2011 at 06:55 PM
And if the jets allow Mark Sanchez to air it out for any length of time here, he will throw an interception.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 06:56 PM
How many more seasons of good QB play would everyone here say Brady has left?
Posted by: VA Fin Fan | January 16, 2011 at 06:56 PM
Why are there so many ex fins in the playoffs this year?
Posted by: kali | January 16, 2011 at 06:56 PM
DyingBreed
Shula screwup a lot drafting, so no mention Shula please
Posted by: tony in miami | January 16, 2011 at 06:56 PM
LOL Po
Posted by: cocoajoe | January 16, 2011 at 06:56 PM
I would rather see Pats lose simply because we know chinks exist in the Jets armor. In 2011 we need all of the chinks in the Pats armor that we can get! LOL...........
Guess we've become programmed to losing so much that we cant even pick the right team to root for even to lose! LOL...............
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 06:58 PM
Um, that guy with the ball running down the sideline ... um, tackle him.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 06:58 PM
Where are the Pats and who are these scrubs on the field?
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 16, 2011 at 06:59 PM
Dying, it's in our DNA to hate the jets.
Posted by: cocoajoe | January 16, 2011 at 06:59 PM
WOW
Posted by: Rand_the_fin | January 16, 2011 at 07:00 PM
Hope you are well Joe.
I'm choking on vomit......
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 16, 2011 at 07:00 PM
Holmes scores....So, Mandy, you can say that every player that has scored today was not drafted by their teams...
Posted by: Marc | January 16, 2011 at 07:00 PM
CLEARLY WE NEED THE PATS TO LOSE TO BRING THEM DOWN A NOTCH FROM WHRE THEY WILL BE SHOULD THEY NOT LOSE! LOL...........
EUREKA! JETS SCORE.........LOL...............
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 07:01 PM
F*ck the Jets.......
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 16, 2011 at 07:02 PM
I guess that you can now forget the comparisons between Sanchez and henne.
Never seen henne do that.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 07:02 PM
Doin Ok Po and you?
Posted by: cocoajoe | January 16, 2011 at 07:03 PM
I've been very impressed by Sanchez's placement of the ball.
Posted by: oscar canosa | January 16, 2011 at 07:03 PM
What did they give up for Holmes, Edwards, LT, and JT combined? And why did we not even bother?
Posted by: Marc | January 16, 2011 at 07:03 PM
Yuk, me too Po
Posted by: Finfanfred | January 16, 2011 at 07:03 PM
Armando,
I believe we're much better served in 2011 if the Jets win and Pats lose. That high horse will shrink a little shorter. We already know that the Jets are riding a shetland pony. They wont be able to resign everyone.
The Pats are the real enemy of 2011 and it would be great to have them knocked down a peg or two entering into the new season! LOL...............
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 07:04 PM
Do not despair, Armando, there is almost 1/4 game left.
Posted by: oscar canosa | January 16, 2011 at 07:04 PM
Oh, and Cromartie
Posted by: Marc | January 16, 2011 at 07:04 PM
Correct, Marc. And I will. You know I will.
I agree with the do everything, don't dismiss anything approach.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 16, 2011 at 07:04 PM
Doing real good here lately. Just tired of watching the playoffs without us in them.
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 16, 2011 at 07:05 PM
Why have we done with out good TE's for the last 3 years? I thought they believe in TE's-but they also emphasize special teams and look where that got us.
Posted by: David | January 16, 2011 at 07:05 PM
Would be Jets ball had Revis fallen on it! LOL..........
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 07:06 PM
LOL, Finfanfred.
I feel ya man.
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 16, 2011 at 07:06 PM
Boy, Crumpler is fat
Posted by: Marc | January 16, 2011 at 07:07 PM
David,
We believe in TE's, just believe that they should be blockers! LOL.......
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 07:08 PM
Maybe the TE's have to block because after 3 years they STILL haven't drafted a decent O-line
Posted by: Marc | January 16, 2011 at 07:09 PM
Can we get a guy like Woodhead-and get Welker back?
Posted by: David | January 16, 2011 at 07:11 PM
Know what you mean Po. Wouldn't be so bad if we were showing signs of improvement.
Posted by: cocoajoe | January 16, 2011 at 07:11 PM
Who is that Welker guy?
Posted by: Marc | January 16, 2011 at 07:11 PM
Sanchez is miles better than Henne...never was a comparison...the Jets liked him...traded up for him...put the house on him...they had a conviction about him and moved on it...now look
back to us...the phins...we would have said something like..."no...you can get a good one in the 3rd or 4th round...dont mortgage our future...he is overrated...don take a chance...we need more line guys.."....
Errrr.....that would be something CraigM would advise....
Well...hows that working for us boys..???
We positively MUST look at Newton ( even with his perceived naughty attitude ), or VY in fa, or Mallet...or Orton.....we need to make a move..
Me, id make a call on ORTON and then look to LUCK next year and give up the family jewels to get him...it may set us up for 10 years...but doing what we are doing will get us watching the JETS playing off against the Patriots every year....
Armando.....you know this....write articles and push...
Posted by: bigalfy | January 16, 2011 at 07:11 PM
PATS DONT GET A TD HERE GAMEOVER! LOL..........
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 07:12 PM
Joe, you where right all along.......
No Kool Aid for you.....
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 16, 2011 at 07:13 PM
Is it me or does the NE OL seem very leaky today. Usually they don't allow so may sacks....
Posted by: NHDolphan | January 16, 2011 at 07:13 PM
Glad I didn't bet money on this game.
Posted by: cocoajoe | January 16, 2011 at 07:13 PM
We all wanted to draft Brady Quinn too....Just saying
Posted by: Marc | January 16, 2011 at 07:13 PM
Pats have to go on 4th here.
Posted by: Rand_the_fin | January 16, 2011 at 07:13 PM
Armando"......
the game is over..... talk to u versus pitts.
Posted by: tony in miami | January 16, 2011 at 07:14 PM
MARC,
BY WE ALL WANTED TO DRAFT BRADY QUINN DO YOU MEAN THAT MOUSE IN YOUR POCKET?
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 07:15 PM
ARMANDO ,
YOU BROUGHT YOUR FINS BAD LUCK WITH YOU TO BOSTON .
BLACK YELLOW EYES.
Posted by: ALoco | January 16, 2011 at 07:16 PM
The BM and KD moves in FA were enormous...we need to move for a QB...we need to draft really good TE's and a speedy receiver....
we need about 10 new guys...
Hate the JETS....DB....i prefer the Pats any day
Posted by: bigalfy | January 16, 2011 at 07:17 PM
Come on Sanchez-throw a nice interception-you know you want to!
Posted by: David | January 16, 2011 at 07:17 PM
Good post bigalfy @ 7:17
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 16, 2011 at 07:18 PM
whats up with the Patsies
Posted by: Dan The Man | January 16, 2011 at 07:18 PM
The stinking jets look like they are going to pull this off. Yuk, now I'm really choking on puke.
Posted by: Finfanfred | January 16, 2011 at 07:18 PM
DB, I've never made a draft prediction, want, etc. because I don't watch college ball...
I only remember about the picks that people ask for that we do or don't get.
Like both McFadden's, Bowe, Harvin, Ryan, Flacco, Earl Thomas, Suh, and on, and on, and on...
TONS of people wanted Quinn
Posted by: Marc | January 16, 2011 at 07:18 PM
Aloco...whats for lunch?...I like beef burgundy...
Posted by: bigalfy | January 16, 2011 at 07:19 PM
Neither Jets nor Pats were going to beat the Steelers anyway. Neither will boast of a 2011 SB victory. Given that I rather see Pats lose.
Pats losing is more ego deflating. Brady's 3rd consecutive playoff loss to a WILDCARD team(2007 SB loss to wildcard Giants included). Not worried about Jets in 2011 season because they'll be in financial pergurtory. Pats need reason to lose a little edge going into the new season.
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 07:19 PM
Jets will run run and run some more
Posted by: Dan The Man | January 16, 2011 at 07:20 PM
Guys,
The Pats losing today helps the 2011 Dolphins most. Put aside your personal hatred for the sake of the team you claim to love. LOL.........
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 16, 2011 at 07:21 PM