The NFL and it's players are disagreeing over practically everything these days and the latest such point of contention is the franchise tag so many teams use on their most valuable players to keep them locked to their rosters during free agency.
The NFL sent all 32 teams a letter recently informing them the franchise tag can be employed beginning Feb. 10. The NFL Players Association is countering with a letter to agents telling them the union would go to court to challenge any franchise tag being used prior to the signing of a new labor agreement -- an agreement that is not close to happening.
How does this affect the Dolphins?
Well, it seems unlikely the Dolphins would tag any of their pending veteran free agents. That's bad news for fans because it means Miami probably doesn't have a veteran player so valuable he would merit an enormous franchise tag type guaranteed salary by the Dolphins in exchange to keep him.
It is likely, however, other teams would tag their quality players. And that is bad news for the Dolphins.
Remember I've been telling you for months the Dolphins would be very interested in New England Patriots Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins if he hits free agency? Chances are good he would not hit free agency because the Patriots would likely use the franchise tag on him.
The same would happen with other quality players around the league. Come to think of it, even if the NFLPA goes to court and gets a favorable ruling and teams aren't allowed to use the tag now, eventually some form of the tag is expected to be part of the new collective bargaining agreement. So we have to cool our jets about Mankins, folks, considering the Pats might still use that tag regardless of whether its on Feb. 10 or later.
On the other hand, I've got an unsettled feeling about the Jets.
There are reports the Raiders are going to use their franchise tag on Richard Seymour. That's because they cannot use it on outstanding and soon-to-be free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. You remember Aomugha, right?
Last year there were rumors he might be traded to the, wait for it, New York Jets.
He wasn't. But now he's able to go to any team he wants and has a want for him.
The Jets initially are acting coy about the possibility. They have their own players to re-sign first. But guys, I think I've seen that team operate from afar in such a manner that they do the audacious things to try to get better -- at least they have the past three years.
Yes, Antonio Cromartie is one of those players the Jets would like to re-sign to continue competing for AFC titles. But if they can sign Asomugha and team him with Darrelle Revis instead, that would be an enormous upgrade. So that is a possibility that cannot be dismissed.
The Eagles, possibly the 49ers, and other teams might also be players for Asomugha. But he has already expressed an interest in playing alongside Revis. That is troubling to me.
Very troubling.
Oscar..I think I have seen some lines at GB-3
It started GB-2.5. I tought all of the points would have gotten bought up, and the line would have come down. When the publis is all putting their cash on one team, it scares me.
But I think you have to take the points.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | February 05, 2011 at 04:02 PM
One silly bounce of the ball, tipped pass, missed call, bad call, fluke play, fluke injury, can sway the entire game. All the analysis and computer simulations going on can't account for the intangibles.
Posted by: crapshoot | February 05, 2011 at 04:06 PM
Crapshoot...Yeah 2 years ago I had the Cardinals +3 in the first half. It was 10-7 and even a field goal gets me home. Nope! Harrison intercepts it and takes it to the house. Half time score 17-7 and I get a big fat Doughnut. What line really interests me is the over under 44.5. For me, since I took the Steelers. And my theory is that if they win it will be a lower scoring contest. I also took the under. Usually, I never do this because when I'm nuetral I like to see points scored. I'm sure I'm set up to lose a bunch of cash again this year. I've gotten pummeled this year, after a hot start. My advice..Don't listen to a thing I say.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | February 05, 2011 at 04:23 PM
Only a fool would give up points in this game. The line should be dead even. Ben is as crafty as they come in making things happen, doesn't wilt under pressure, toughest QB in the league, and hangs in the whole game, not to mention 2-0 in SB games.
A blowout either way wouldn't surprise me nor OT. Its cold, ugly weather, either team could come out flat. The under seems like a good call.
Posted by: crapshoot | February 05, 2011 at 04:49 PM
Also, in all these extravaganza contests the public tends to overbet the favorite. It means doodle.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 05, 2011 at 04:49 PM
The Giant/Pats SB was a perfect example of the line being media biased. At 18-0, naturally NE had to be the favorite, but I never really saw the Giants as the big underdogs the media portrayed them to be. They dominated towards the end of the year and through the playoffs. They even played NE tough at the end of the regular season. Maybe Tyree had a fluke catch and Manning made that throw....but that wasn't the story. The Giants flat out beat them that game, no question, and looked like they'd beat them again if they played once more.
I don't remember enjoying a victory as much in a very long time. It was great to see Belichek dash off the field before the clock actually expired...running from the handshake, running from an unforgettable loss.
Posted by: 0x80 | February 05, 2011 at 05:35 PM
If you can say so, I think Aaron Rodgers is less experienced in reading coverages, specially disguised coverages, than Ben. I know the Steelers D. coordinator is a specialist in that kind of thing, so that could be an advantage for Pittsburgh.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 05, 2011 at 06:12 PM
Also, neither Team is going to be able to run the ball effectively. That would make it an air game.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 05, 2011 at 06:15 PM
I'm traveling illegally to Havana tomorrow (could care less about the stupid embargo) and hope to be able to see the game somewhere. I'm sure there's a way.
I'll predict 27-21 Packers.
Posted by: JP | February 05, 2011 at 06:25 PM
WHO GIVES A SH.....
THE DOLPHINS ARE JOKE NOW. AND HAVE BEEN FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS. FROM THE OWNER ALL THE WAY TO THE FIELD AFTER THE FIASCO OVER THE PAST MONTH. WELCOME TO THE NEW DETROIT LIONS OF THE SOUTH.
Posted by: vaustn | February 05, 2011 at 06:43 PM
JP, one of the major tourist hotels should have access. Try the Havana Club 25 year old Rum too....one of the best in the world, the brand belongs to the Bacardi family, but they are having to fight for it, currently in court in Spain.
Posted by: redsky | February 05, 2011 at 06:44 PM
Vaustn, are you really aloco?
Posted by: redsky | February 05, 2011 at 06:45 PM
Whats Up "FINLAND" ???, What about a live blog tommarrow for the Super Bowl????
Posted by: Cuban Menace | February 05, 2011 at 06:47 PM
vaustin is alias # 98 for our lil glue sniffing friend Aloco....
Posted by: Cuban Menace | February 05, 2011 at 06:49 PM
I'm pulling for GB, Lombardi Trophy needs to go back there....Also, we were ripped off by Pitt this year on that lousy call in the end zone! Go Cheeseheads!
Posted by: redsky | February 05, 2011 at 06:50 PM
Cuban, whazzup brother? I was going to ask Armando and his little Mi Amigo if there was going to be a blog tomorrow...how are the Empress' Pineapples?
Posted by: redsky | February 05, 2011 at 06:53 PM
Sky, The Princess is Well.......That's all I'am Allowed to say........
Posted by: Cuban Menace | February 05, 2011 at 07:01 PM
BTW, The "Pineapples" Are quite firm, The best Money can buy..............
Posted by: Cuban Menace | February 05, 2011 at 07:06 PM
And a Finely trimmed landing strip if you know what I mean...(And I think you do...)
Posted by: Cuban Menace | February 05, 2011 at 07:08 PM
Cuban I'm impressed, or should I say Empressed....tell her I worship her Kala-Kahikis AND her private landing strip!!!! LOL
Posted by: redsky | February 05, 2011 at 07:15 PM
Red, We3ll do, Till Tommarrow Nite, you guys have a "Phintastic nite"...........
Posted by: Cuban Menace | February 05, 2011 at 07:20 PM
Redsky I left you a response on the other side dude!! It's dead for sure the last post has been yours and mine!!
Posted by: ray | February 05, 2011 at 08:26 PM
Ray, maybe things will liven up tomorrow! Talk then....
Posted by: redsky | February 05, 2011 at 08:53 PM
The Herald is really one of the worst edited publications in the country. It's an embarrassment to professional journalism. Armando's blogs all to frequently have egregious grammatical errors, they are not proof read by anybody. Now there is a new article in the Herald...the headline reads:
Super Bowl XLV
Legacis in the making at Super Bowl XLV
Legacis??? Geez....how does that even make it to print??? I mean, how does that even make it to print?
Unreal... Another example of the degradation of society.
Posted by: 0x80 | February 05, 2011 at 10:01 PM
No, 273, the degradation of the Miami Herald.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 05, 2011 at 10:10 PM
I JUST CAME BCKE FROM WORKING HARD TO PAY FOR THE CUBAN,DB AND DC DOLPHIN , THE UNEMPLOYED FANS .
Posted by: ALoco | February 05, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Why you support so many people, ALoco?
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 05, 2011 at 10:17 PM
anyone have a good recipe for fart soup?
Posted by: dunga | February 05, 2011 at 10:24 PM
OSCAR,
IF YOU NOTICE THE MEMBERS OF THE GANG OF DEFEAT ARE THE UNEMPLOYED FANS...THEY HAVE NO JOBS AND NO FUTURE .
Posted by: ALoco | February 05, 2011 at 10:29 PM
FART SOUP RECIPE;;;;;;;;;
1-RED KIDNEY BEANS
2-CHILI
3-SPLIT PEA
4-PORK FAT
Posted by: ALoco | February 05, 2011 at 10:31 PM
If you notice the people with mediocre wage jobs accept mediocre. So they are happy to dream 7-9 will one day be 8-8, and 8-8 will one day be a playoff berth with a first round loss. Winners don't settle for less, only the best.
Posted by: not white trash | February 05, 2011 at 10:36 PM
Ahhh, you are a kind man to those in despair, ALoco.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 05, 2011 at 10:38 PM
AGREE , NOT WHITE TRASH .DB WILL BE BE FINE WITH MEDIOCRE RESULTS .HE'S UNEMPLOYED FAN .HE GET US TO WORK AND HE JUST STAY ALL DAY LONG ON THE BLOG .
Posted by: ALoco | February 05, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Wow, they have now corrected the article title to read 'Legacies in the making at Super Bowl'. I'm glad they are newspaper editors and not doctors or pilots!
Posted by: 0x80 | February 05, 2011 at 10:41 PM
ALoco, do you think Tony 'al dente' Sparano will take the Miami Dolphins to the Super Bowl one day?
Posted by: 0x80 | February 05, 2011 at 10:49 PM
08X80 ,
TONY WILL NEVER BE IN A SUPER BOWEL AS WELL THE 95 PERCENT OF COACHES .
Posted by: ALoco | February 05, 2011 at 10:54 PM
So then you think we should change coaches. Doesn't that put you in the gang of defeat?
Posted by: 0x80 | February 05, 2011 at 10:56 PM
NO OX80...... TO WIN A SB YOU NEED , ARRON ROGERS,BEN S,BRADY NOT THIGPEN ...
Posted by: ALoco | February 05, 2011 at 11:00 PM
So, you see, 273, even big shots read our poor comments.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 05, 2011 at 11:13 PM
Henne is not the answer but neither is the draft for a qb...I really don't think any of the qbs in this years draft are all the great. We need OL, WR, Rb,CB/S..ideally what I would like miami to do is resign brown and soali. In FA sign R. Bush for backup rb and to be a wr threat and do PR/KR, and sign a TE like Miller from oakland or owens from huston and get another cb for nickle and dime packages..henne gets one more year by default but we should bring in another qb for competition. Hopefully henne shows us somethin..coaching needs to do better..we r a solid team just underachieving..we should be a solid team if office does a good job in FA and draft...GO FINS
Posted by: ohiofinfan | February 06, 2011 at 02:18 AM
ok Darryl Dunphy.
I agree with you.
Posted by: GulfDolphin | February 06, 2011 at 08:48 AM
Mando,
Sparano, is still the coach.thats BAD NEWS for the Dolphins!
Ireland is still the GM...thats BAD news for the dolphins!!!!!!!!!
The worst news for the Dolphins is ROSS is still the owner!!!
Posted by: phinfaninhh | February 06, 2011 at 11:18 AM