Happy 2011 everyone! This is the day many people put forth New Year's resolutions. They are meant as promises to improve. They are goals to reach for.
My resolutions? Eat less. Work out more. Make fewer mistakes in print. Make fewer mistakes on the radio. Update this blog more often. Update the songs on my show more often. Update my wardrobe.
Show more kindness and patience with those I love. Show more kindness and patience with my enemies and the haters.
As you did not come here to read how much I need to improve, let me share with you how much our teams need to improve and how they might get about the business of doing that:
The Dolphins should resolve to stop using running plays up the middle on third-and-goal from the 14.
The Dolphins should resolve to stop running the ball with running backs that aren't special anymore. Find a dynamic RB. Please. Otherwise give up on being a running team.
The Dolphins should resolve in their postseason evaluations that the fourth remake of the interior offensive line in four years probably isn't a great idea. Add a guard, move Incognito to center and stick with Jerry, folks.
The Dolphins should resolve to get a young, new, aggressive offensive coordinator who is also the quarterback coach. Let's face it, Dan Henning is a great wide receiver coach and a good coordinator, but his game-day play-calling is often frustrating at best and his scheme is starting to show its age.
So would that mean for QB coach David Lee?
The Dolphins should resolve to thank coach Lee for the Wildcat. They should resolve to thank him for always being prepared and diligent. And they should resolve to thank him for his services as he leaves the organization.
The Dolphins should resolve to replace Lee because he is seemingly more worried about his guys making mistakes than making plays. They should resolve to find a quarterback coach who can, you know, actually develop a quarterback. They should resolve to find a QB coach with nerve and boldness because what I'm seeing is too much David Lee in Chad Henne. And I don't like it.
The Dolphins should resolve to get Brandon Marshall some help. That means getting him a legit speedster on the other side and a quarterback that is confident and daring and won't take any crap from him and let him know who's boss.
Chad Henne should resolve to have a conversation with Drew Brees. You figure it out.
Henne should resolve to have conversations that don't include the phrase, "I mean."
And Henne should resolve to play with passion and emotion and daring and aggressiveness, because the way he did it last year and the year before didn't work.
Sean Smith should resolve to catch some interceptions this year. Instead of heading back to Cali or partying or just hanging in the offseason, he should catch 100 passes every single day until the 2011 season opener. And he should resolve to do this not while he's standing in front of a jugs machine, but as he's on the move and winded and under duress -- like he would in games. If he had resolved to fix this last offseason, he'd have eight or nine interceptions now and be in the Pro Bowl.
Tony Sparano should resolve to stop telling us how much he "likes this group," of players who have failed to the point his job security is in question.
Sparano should also resolve to stop saying, "I'm not that smart." Not saying he should tell us he's a genius, but we definitely don't want a coach who isn't smart.
We have some resolutions for the teams we follow for various reasons as well.
The Hurricanes should resolve to find a quarterback that completes fewer passes ... to guys on the other team.
Bill Belichick should resolve to prove how great a coach he really is by trading Tom Brady ... to the Dolphins ... for the 199th overall selection in the coming draft.
The Florida Panthers should resolve to become relevant. Maybe one way to do that is make the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Or even get out of last place in the Southeast Division.
The Miami Heat should resolve ... oh, never mind. They don't have to resolve squat. They're showing everyone how it's done right now.
HOW IS THAT STATEMENT IS WRONG ,EVERY PLAYER SHOULD FOLLOW THE COCAH ORDERD DC Dolpfan .
do you want all players to act like marshall as if they own the team ,fight w/henne and yell at thigpen on the sideline ,not even moss did that .
Posted by: ALoco | January 01, 2011 at 02:23 PM
black monday coming fellas, ts is almost gone forever
Posted by: bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com | January 01, 2011 at 02:23 PM
DB, I used to play a friend of mine in Switzerland (who was supposedly a junior chess champ). First like 4-5 games we played, stalemate! I don't think I EVER played to a stalemate before that (at first I thought he was b.s'ing about the stalemate). But, I started to notice his strategy. I was always aggressive, getting up in his face. And after a little while of that, he'd come to the conclusion he couldn't win, and actually strategize to the stalemate. Incredible.
I finally beat him, and he kept coming back to, "oh, that's just once, all the others were stalemates." LIKE THAT WAS SUCCESS TO HIM!!!
I was like, "I won when it was a stalemate, you didn't have a chance to beat me, it was ME beating you, and you forcing the stalemate."
That's when I realized I was a true American, and Switzerland will NEVER take sides in anything.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | January 01, 2011 at 02:25 PM
switzerland is great place for having sex not stalemate .
Posted by: ALoco | January 01, 2011 at 02:28 PM
DC,
The thing about this team is we've still been in positions to win games despite getting in our own ways. The defense hasnt been the reason why we didnt win most of those games but dropping sure picks and pick 6's were just as big a reason why we lost them.
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 01, 2011 at 02:28 PM
dcdolfan which comic book did you pull that story from or have you been drinking alocos water?
Posted by: yeah | January 01, 2011 at 02:29 PM
DB..I get your point. Trust me when Carrol dropped that sure pick six against Cleveland it hurt me both emotionally, and financially(needed the Phins to cover to hit 3 teamer, should never bet on your team). Those plays are easy to pick out because like I was saying we leave no margin for error. Yes if these plays are made we most likely win some more games. My point is that there are a ton of plays that add up during these close games that start to add up. These are the plays that need cleaning up. Then there are less situations in which 1 play decides your fate.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 01, 2011 at 02:31 PM
As I read it posted in another blog, we were only 1-2 plays away in at least 5 of our losses from turning defeat into victory. That a possible 5 more victories and in hindsight possible 12-3 record right now.
-posted by DB
DB...by that logic we are only 1-2 plays away from being 1-14 since every game but the Raiders was a 1 score victory.....I know its a glass half-full/half-empty kinda deal but.....
I think looking at 1-2 plays away from a better record is a defeatest attitude and will only bring much more of the same for the next season....
Posted by: Kris | January 01, 2011 at 02:33 PM
No ALoco, like I said, the HC can make up the game plan. The OC can call the plays. But they don't see what the players see on the field. Players have a say too. I don't want him to be a vigilante, but have you heard of audibles ALoco? That's when the QB CHANGES the play at the line. How about the RB ALoco, have you seen when a play was supposed to go one way, but the RB sees more room somewhere else and cuts back? You think the Coach told him to do that?
How about when a CB looks into the backfield, and jumps a route because of he has a sense of where the ball will go, heard of that ALoco?
All those are times when players use their OWN intuition and knowledge of the game to make plays that weren't called by the coaches.
THAT'S what Henne needs to understand, if he's played football since he was a kid, he should be able to "sense" some of these things like other players do.
This isn't Madden ALoco. I know Henne may look robotic, but I promise you, all these players are human beings.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | January 01, 2011 at 02:36 PM
reality is not a friend of DB ....to say our defense wasn't the reason for at least 4 game is wrong .
Posted by: ALoco | January 01, 2011 at 02:36 PM
DC,
I love playing chess too. Stalemates usually occur when there's a lot of pass pawn play. Some guys are tentative about taking pxp breaking down thier defense.
When I play those those types I look for or try to create opportunities to break the pawn chain defenses down sacrificing knights or bishops getting a 2 pawns for a key piece swap. Also must already have other key attacking pieces in the area to take advantage of the opportunity in collapse of his defense.
In the very least, in the end game you'll have more pawns, and he must sacrifice key pieces to prevent you from promoting your pawns into queens. If he doesnt his end game ends in slaughter from your promoted pieces! LOL........
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 01, 2011 at 02:38 PM
hell of a story dc
Posted by: bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com | January 01, 2011 at 02:38 PM
Thanks DB, I'm gonna try that next time I play one of those screwballs.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | January 01, 2011 at 02:39 PM
One more thing...And this goes to my point. Take the Pitt game. Everyone wants to blame the referee, and the botched call as the reason we lost that game. Maybe it is, it is an easy out for sure. But I ask this. Be honest when thinking about it and take away emotion. Does anyone really think we would have made a first down and ran the clock out? We have all seen this offense, and what it can and can't do. Now of course we will never know, but be realistic. It would have been 3 straight runs and a punt, and everyone knows it. Unless of course they let blockhead throw it. We all know what the outcome of that would be to. Also we had the ball twice inside the redzone and had to kick FG's. Again, look at what Pitt did when they turned us over. T frickin D's. Finally we had the last meaningful possestion, screwed the pooch on that one as well. Everyone wants to point to the 1 play as the reason we lost, and I don't totaly discard that as true. But take a real look, and the facts say this isn't so.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 01, 2011 at 02:41 PM
turning it into a graphic novel bill. Should be out in 2012, lol.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | January 01, 2011 at 02:41 PM
dc, I AM SO HAPPY YOU ANSWERED ME, NOW I CAN ADD THAT WORD .............. (( AUDIBLES ))...IT MAKE SENSE WHAT YOU R SAYING ,HENNE DOESN'T HAVE THAT GIFT ........
P.S.... INTUITION ,ANOTHER WORD ....HENE DOESN'T HAVE THAT EITHER UNLESS THE COACHES NOT LETTING FREE , WE WILL SEE NEXT YEAR IF HE DOES HAVE INTUITION OR NOT ....
Posted by: ALoco | January 01, 2011 at 02:42 PM
darryl i said that when it happened and everyone acted like i was an awful fan. no way would they run out the clock, they would of punted and pitt would of won.
Posted by: bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com | January 01, 2011 at 02:42 PM
Mostly here we all will agree on a slight few things. But predominantly we disagree on a pregnant lottery full of others. Does it make any of us fully right or wrong? Absolutely not!
What's most important that we all agree upon, and I agree that we all agree a full 100%, is that in 2011 we want to see this team get much better! LOL..............
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 01, 2011 at 02:44 PM
Not like this will happen, but hypothetical situation for everyone:
Let's say the team plays well Sunday (against NE's STARTERS), I mean really takes it to them. Like that '08 game where we broke out the Wildcat. We totally dominate NE. On offense, Henne is dynamic (again, this is a pipe dream), clicking with receivers, run game is pumped up and vigorous. And defensively we shut Brady down.
Would that change anyone's mind about what to do this offseason or are your views already set in stone? Just trying to gauge how fluid offseason changes are to everyone.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | January 01, 2011 at 02:45 PM
DB, I CHALLANGE YOU TO CHESS GAME ANY TIME ,ANY WHERE ,WE CAN PLAY THE GAME ON LINE .
Posted by: ALoco | January 01, 2011 at 02:45 PM
I backup what bill just said, cause I was one of them who made him feel like an awful fan. Sorry bill.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | January 01, 2011 at 02:47 PM
ALoco,
You name the time and place. I love playing chess! LOL.................
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 01, 2011 at 02:48 PM
I CAN DESTROY YOU IN 14 MOVES DB AND IF NOT I HAVE ANOTHER PLAN FOR 17 MOVES .
Posted by: ALoco | January 01, 2011 at 02:50 PM
DC...i'm glad you see these statements for what they are...i looked at this as well and started posting on them in the other blog...i will re-post them here
Posted by: Kris | January 01, 2011 at 02:51 PM
yes matchup of the century aloco vs dying put some money on it, paypal!
Posted by: bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com | January 01, 2011 at 02:53 PM
Happy New Year to ALL and Good Morning FIN FANS.......
``I don't think [the relationship] is ruined,'' Henne said when asked about their differences. ``I just deal with it. It is what it is. As long as he shows up on Sundays and does his job, we're good".
-Todays' Miami Herald-
This is not what I want comming out of the mouth of my starting QB of my 100 million plus proffesional football team.....
Henne still doesn't get that he is by postion a LEADER....not just a guy who shows up to work...does "his job" and everything is "good"....
That mentality will get you 8-8...7-9 all the time....might get you 5-11 2011.....
More to follow....
Posted by: Kris | January 01, 2011 at 02:53 PM
``You do what your coaches tell you,'' Henne said. ``Sometimes, [Marshall] might be right. But sometimes, he's completely wrong. If I make that decision and follow what he says, and it's a mistake, who's fault is it? I take all the blame, and I'm OK with that.
-Miami Herald-
That first sentence says it all....ROBOHENNE is in full-up DOG mode.....that is to say....when I say "jump" you say "how high".....If I say "run" you say "how far"....if i say" stay"....you say 'how long"
But.....is Henne telling the truth when he says....``You do what your coaches tell you,'' Henne said.
More to follow.......
Posted by: Kris | January 01, 2011 at 02:54 PM
TIME...... SUNDAY 01/09/2011
WHERE..... ON LINE
WITNESSES ......... OSCAR THE MIDGET
Posted by: ALoco | January 01, 2011 at 02:54 PM
``I think when you get into the offseason, you develop a little bit more of that kind of chemistry,'' said Sparano, who pointed out they have never had a full year to work together. ``Brandon is such a big-body guy. He's not always covered even when he's covered.
-Miami Herald-
``Brandon is such a big-body guy. He's not always covered even when he's covered".
This kinda blows up the theory that Henne is "coached" to never throw it up to Marshall....it doesn't mean he hasn't been coached to not turn the ball over...all QBs are coached on that......
From Sporano's mouth...``Brandon is such a big-body guy. He's not always covered even when he's covered".....
But Henne says he "does what the coaches tell him"......
Now you really have to question his 2 min offense or lack there of.....
His constant check downs to backs in critical situations
His heart....does he have what it takes to compete in this league or is he just a guy holding on to a job.....I hear he has a rocket arm.....since I have never seen him throw the ball more than 30 yards (2 maybe 3 times this season) can't say wether he does or doesn't........
Posted by: Kris | January 01, 2011 at 02:54 PM
Dc..This game is pointless as far as what we should or will do personel wise. Even if Henne throws for 350 yard 4 TD's, or 120 3 int's.My opinion of him will be the same. If Ronnie Brown rushes for 100 yards should I think WOW there is the future? I guess if they let my man Lex get some carries, and he ran wild at least I could do some bragging here for a few days. but I don't think it would mean much. The only thing a Victory brings is a better taste in our mouths going into the offseason. The coaches and the orginization can spin it to be something like "This is a building block into the future of this team as we take on the challenges of getting better everyday" something stupid and poetic like that.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 01, 2011 at 02:54 PM
MARSHALL IA ACTING LIKE MOSS .
Posted by: ALoco | January 01, 2011 at 02:55 PM
ALoco,
Believe me, in about 10 moves you'll be so concerned about the emerging presence of my attacking pawns backed up by key pieces in the face of your king you'll be s hitting your pants trying to figure a way to defend you wont have time to think attack.
Every move you waste on a useless attack, because not only are my pieces attacking they also well defend my king, it's just another deadly nail in your king's coffin. LOL...........
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 01, 2011 at 02:58 PM
Thats what I took from the article....seems like the coaches haven't "turned him into a shell"...seems like he did that all by himself...
Posted by: Kris | January 01, 2011 at 02:58 PM
Bill,
I do have a paypal account and ALoco and I can invite everyone to the chess website he chooses to watch the painful and deadly demise of his sorry ass king. LOL.........
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 01, 2011 at 03:00 PM
Kris...You can see why the players like Sparano. He is sticking his neck out for Henne and making excuses for him like a father for his son. Orton and Marshall didn't get to practice at all last year(remeber the Marshall drama? He wasn't even in camp) Anyway they managed just fine.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 01, 2011 at 03:01 PM
DD,
You are correct! The outcome of this game changes nothing. There are still offseason changes that must happen no matter what.
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 01, 2011 at 03:02 PM
DB,
I PLAY CHESS EVERY DAY ON LINE ,ABOT 2 GAMES A DAY ,I MOSTY WIN ABOUT 60 PERCENT OF GAMES ,I GOT THE FEELING YOUR KING WILL NOT BE PROTECTED AS YOU SPEAK W/HIGH CONFIDENCE ....YOU KING WILL BE NACKED AFTER 4 MOVES ONLY .
Posted by: ALoco | January 01, 2011 at 03:02 PM
first day of the new year and nothing but the same old blogsterbaters whacking off on all the same ol whatifs and shoulda couldas and what-we-needs as they have for months now. reminds of when the ladies get together and talk nail polish for six hours LOL.
Posted by: ho hum | January 01, 2011 at 03:03 PM
Aloco,
Playing chess is just a simple game of following a few basic rules of turning your opponents strength into weakness and weaknesses into his annihilation. Never let the opponent dictate tempo unless it's your cleverly devised ruse to send him straight down a laid out path to disaster. LOL..........
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 01, 2011 at 03:06 PM
I would love to watch some live chess. It would beat the product the Phins have put out the last 5 weeks. Except the jet game, that was sweet! The usless attack of 2 inept offenses(on that week)
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 01, 2011 at 03:07 PM
Good point Daryl....hadn't really thought about that....but yeah they didn't practice together either....So that statement is kind BS
Posted by: Kris | January 01, 2011 at 03:07 PM
aloco put your monthly allowance the state gives u on the line vs dying
Posted by: bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com | January 01, 2011 at 03:07 PM
Every day, read this blog. It is great.
My one resolution will be to not live and die by the results of this team. No more PO's Sundays when the team loses. Just take it and relax and hope they play better.
Happy New Year
Posted by: klndry | January 01, 2011 at 03:09 PM
DB ,
you just told EVERY ONE HOW I AM GOING TO IMPROVE YOUR PLAYING BY TURNING YOUR STRENGTH INTO WEAKNESS .HOW YOU LIKE LOSING WHILE ALL YOUR PIECES STILL IN PLAY ?
Posted by: ALoco | January 01, 2011 at 03:09 PM
Sorry ALoco but bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com @ 3:07 That is funny. I almost spit up my coffee when I read that..
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 01, 2011 at 03:11 PM
Alocos English back to babble today, the other day he was writing just fine. He must be tired after a hardcore night of partying.
Posted by: sandal | January 01, 2011 at 03:14 PM
ALoco,
Are you now proposing I follow along with you down the paths of fools mate? Believe I will! LOL.........
I will take that bishop and the loss of opportunity to castle anyday. I never castle early, that keeps the opponents forces divided at least until mid game. So if you wanna trade your king's bishop for my king's pawn I welcome it. That's a very important king defender you wont have in mid game when I have your king in the pressure cooker.
My mid game begins around the 10th/11th move. How soon are you able to get into your full attack? LOL..........
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 01, 2011 at 03:14 PM
DD,
bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com @ 3:07 was pretty funny. LOL........
"aloco put your monthly allowance the state gives u on the line vs dying."
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 01, 2011 at 03:17 PM
BILL, i never got a dime from the state or any other place in 15 years but paying my fair share to make sure you have some thing to eat every day .
Posted by: ALoco | January 01, 2011 at 03:17 PM
db,
THERE'S NO MID GAME WITH ME ,IT'S ABOUT THE FIRST 7 MOVES WHERE NO ONE CAN DEFEND .
Posted by: ALoco | January 01, 2011 at 03:19 PM
what good is having a gun for an arm if you cant pull the trigger??????? i guess a game full of checkdowns will get you a good completion pct%!
Posted by: greg z. | January 01, 2011 at 03:20 PM
first day of the new year and nothing but the same old blogsterbaters whacking off on all the same ol whatifs and shoulda couldas and what-we-needs as they have for months now. reminds of when the ladies get together and talk nail polish for six hours LOL.
Posted by: ho hum
hu hum @ 3:03 ITS TRUE
Posted by: ALoco | January 01, 2011 at 03:21 PM
Not me, Arthur Grossman.
Posted by: oscar canosa | January 01, 2011 at 03:22 PM
See you fine fellows later..Gotta go pay the band from last night. The bass player may not get paid he may owe me. I feel a little like Bob from Bobs Country Bunker in the Blues Brothers.. "You boys owe me some money for all that beer you drank"
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 01, 2011 at 03:24 PM
ALoco,
Getting any major advantage in 7 chess moves involves being either very astute in the "center game" or your opponent being very limited in center game. Believe me I know, recognize, and know the correct counters to a wide variety of center game ploys.
So your margin of error will be even more slight than what we witnessed from our fins this season. It'll make thier margin of error seem like the Grand Canyons. LOL...............
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 01, 2011 at 03:27 PM
Seeya DD! Happy New Years brother. LOL.............
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 01, 2011 at 03:28 PM
It's official. Ross says Sparano staying, says Fox NFL
Posted by: ugh | January 01, 2011 at 03:30 PM
I WAS RIGHT ...THANK GOD I WAS RIGHT.SPARANO WILL STAY
Posted by: ALoco | January 01, 2011 at 03:37 PM
Coach is a reflection of your team......Mr ross f#c%ing blew it....horrible decision!!!
Posted by: superPHIN | January 01, 2011 at 03:49 PM
kris, ditto everything u said.
DD, pretty much where I'm at too. I might be angrier at Sparano for not putting that on the field during HOME GAMES if he lights it up in NE.
Sparano's in a no-win situation with the fans.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | January 01, 2011 at 04:00 PM