What they do, not say: Pass-rush edition

First the news: ILB Rashad Jeanty signed a contract today with the Philadelphia Eagles. He went with the Eagles even though the Dolphins and the Jets also offered him similar one-year deals.

The reason the South Florida native went north?

A source tells me he was simply more comfortable with the situation in Philadelphia over that with the Dolphins and Jets. He felt he had a better chance to start there than in Miami or New York.

On another front:

If you are a Dolphins In Depth reader with any standing or memory, you know I've told you to be wary of what the club and its personnel say but always accept what those folks do as gospel.

We remember this lesson from the Gibril Wilson lovefest of last offseason that led to his departure. We learned it when Cam Cameron loved on Daunte Culpepper publicly while I told you the kid was on the outs -- and months later he was cut. We learned this when Dave Wannstedt went on and on about how valuable Dan Marino was and how he could write his own ticket in the waning years of his career and, meanwhile, the Dolphins had him come to their offices to void his contract and usher him out.

It is not always about what they say. It is about what they do.

Well, the Dolphins last year where seemingly thrilled with Cameron Wake exploding onto the NFL scene with 14 sacks. They repeated time and again how pleased they were with rookie Koa Misi's development as a pass-rusher even though he showed good-not-great ability and good-not-great results with 4.5 sacks.

(For the record, I think Misi will be fine as a pass-rusher. He's more an effort guy, a high-motor guy. He's not the most gifted guy on the field, but he'll get his stats because he never quits and works hard. And he'll probably be a bit better when he learns the game and techniques better.)

So the Dolphins seemed quite pleased with their pass-rush and obviously the 39 team sacks for the season was good enough to tie them for 10th in the NFL.

But ...

While the Dolphins seemed satisfied in what they said about their pass-rush, their deeds yelled otherwise.

Even as many folks were hoping GM Jeff Ireland would improve the offense during the season any way he could -- perhaps putting in a waiver claim on Randy Moss -- he instead went with a waiver claim on outside linebacker Shawne Merriman when San Diego cut him loose.

Obviously, Ireland and the Dolphins saw a need to improve the pass rush at the time even as Wake was going nuts on offensive tackles.

Recently, The Miami Herald reported, the club interviewed former linebacker Bryan Cox for a defensive line coaching position. Although the club has yet to finalize anything on that front, a club source says part of the intrigue with Cox would be getting him to 1.) help defenders upgrade their pass-rush skills 2.) bring a more aggressive and perhaps even emotional approach to the front seven.

So, again, pass-rushing is on the club's mind.

What does that mean?

Obviously, the team is not afraid of improving an area of the team that is already fairly stout. It's a good idea because, after all, the New York Giants long ago wrote the recipe for defeating Tom Brady and the Patriots and that was hurry him, rush him, sack him, and hit him time after time.

This also suggests we should not lose sight of available pass-rushers in the coming draft and eventual free agency. I won't go into names here. It's too early for that. Or you can do it in the comments section. But, I tell you, do not sleep on additions to the pass-rush this offseason even as everyone is focused on offense.

Sure, the Dolphins haven't said they want to add a pass-rusher. But remember, it's about what they do, not necessarily what they say.

[NOTE: This will be the last blog update until Feb. 28. The Miami Herald, you see, imposes mandatory furloughs on its employees to reduce salary costs. It does so twice a year, lately. I am on mandatory furlough this week so I will not be working for The Herald thus not allowed to update this blog.

That doesn't mean I'm off this week. I will still be on my morning radio show, Armando and the Amigo, every morning 6-10 from Monday to Friday on 640-Sports in South Florida and streaming live on the web. If anything Dolphins related happens, you can bet I'll be discussing it on the air and taking calls about it, too. So you can tune in or call, if you wish.

I will also be live on my twitter account which is under my name. Please follow me to get my tweets. Later this week I will be sharing information on the NFL scouting combine. I'll hope to be back here with you on Feb. 28.]

Comments

[DyingBreed]

0x80,

If a 1st or 2nd rd drafted player cant become an at least "solid starter" by yr 2. Then he's a major disappointment. You dont use 1st and 2nd rd picks in hopes of at least getting a "utility" player.

I would think 4th rd and beyond is where you look for a guy to become a "utility" player in the least. Even up to 3rd rd your hopes are for far better than simple "utility".

[beerphin]

I like the Mankins idea but then we get aanother franchise size contract... but still they need to fix the OLINE anyone like the idea of Tyron Smith moving to OG position he'd be an amazing runblocker and a perfect size/ strength at guard

[beerphin]

VY and a late rd QB is not a bad idea...Hell it's necessary. If Newton/ Gabbert arent't there at 15 and they can't trade back to land Locker/ Mallet then I'm all for VY Creating competition maybe a guy like Devlin or Johnson from Texas A&M in the 5th rd

[DyingBreed]

beerphins says the only reason DeMarco Murray isnt 1st rd is because of injury history. Boy is he out of the loop.

Yes, beerphins injury history(suggesting he's soft). But also the big knock on him is a guy that size shouldnt be as easy as he is to bring down(like a little girl).

Add the two together and you get soft + like a little girl. I dont want a guy like that near this team.

[beerphin]

Murray is a dual threat at RB becuz he is arguably the best by far at catching the ball. I'm just saying that as a 3rd pick he'd be a guy i'd take

[DyingBreed]

beerphins,

You can run into a lot of trouble drafting a guy at one position and moving him to another once he's drafted. You're increasing his developmental time and readiness to be a day one starter.

This is something I would stay away from if I used a 1st or 2nd rd pick on that player. Is grade his high becuase he played a certain position well, you havent clue how well he'll do at new position.

[DyingBreed]

Beerphin,

another terrible rap against Murray is he's a terrible pass blocker. That leaves the possibility you can use a 3rd or 4th rd pick on him and he cant even beat out a Patrick Cobbs.

Hell he may not be able to beat even Hilliard out.

[DyingBreed]

Murray also runs soft between the tackles. The onlything he does do well is attack the edges. In the NFL that makes him a 8-13 carry per game rb max.

The best thing Spiller does is attack the edges of a defense. See how well that's working out for him in the NFL.

You get hugely exposed in the nfl if you're a one trick pony. Youre not going to be busting off long runs on the edge with any kind of regularity in the nfl. This isnt Kansas Dorothy! LOL..........

[DyingBreed]

If a guy(DeMarco Murray) only has the skills to use him 8-13 carries per game. You had better not even begin sniffing for his scent before 6th rd. The value of what you'll truly getting severley undercut what youre willing to risk.

[DyingBreed]

Also depending on how a game that youre playing is going. You may only get to use him only 3-5 carries per game. Murray needs lots of work! LOL............

[DyingBreed]

Gotta think about how a game's going. None play out truly exactly the same. If a game controls how you can use your personel. The less a guy can do, the less you can use him.

[DyingBreed]

Still I think some team fall in love with Murray's speed and drafts him far higher than he's really worth.

[DyingBreed]

I'll put it this way. If Ireland draft Demarco Murray he wont be here in 2012! LOL..........

[DyingBreed]

Murray would be fantastic value as an undrafted free agent. Then it cost litterally nothing to find out if he can succeed on the nfl level. As a one trick pony he wont.

[DyingBreed]

Murray has to learn to block pass rushers just to be on the field on 3rd downs.

[DyingBreed]

Thats all Im saying about Murray. As you can see there's a complete clinic of raps about this guys. His only positive is great speed.

Almost sounds John Avery-like. LOL..........

[0x80]

I say Cam Newton goes to Carolina or Buffalo. If he goes to Buffalo, well then all the more reason to play a 'keep away' game with a clock eating running back.

Folks it may sound like I think Ingram is the next LT, but I certainly don't. It's just that I see a lot of value at having a solid versatile RB that can handle the full load locked up for the next 5+ years. I also think we would be putting ourselves in a very unfavorable position leaving this draft without one of the top three RB's in this draft. At 15 we are guaranteed to get one of them, by the third round maybe not, and unless we trade down and get a high 2, maybe not.

[dishpan]

Shockey to visit the Panthers. 0x80, Ingram makes sense man. If we're at 15 and stuck there, he'd be a great pick. If it's a question of value, still a great pick. Our first rounder needs to fill an important need and if we're losing Ronnie or Ricky, then Mark Ingram to the rescue

[ALoco]

I SAID 2 DAYS AGO THAT DOLPHINS WILL NOT FALL FOR SHOKEY AND SIGN HIM .............SHOKEY IS A FRUAD .WE NEED YOUNG AND FAST PLAYers not injured .

SHOKEY .........6 TD'S LAST 3 YEARS.
FASANO.........13 TD'S LAST 3 YEARS .

[ALoco]

DB,

DO YOU HAVE ANY INFO RE Mark ingram KNEE INJURY ?

WHAT IF WE WE DRAFT HIM THEN HE RE INJURE HIS KNEE AGAIN ?

[DyingBreed]

WILL THE REAL ALOCO PLEASE STAND UP. ONE ALOCO SAYS SEND FASANO TO APE CITY AND THE OTHER ALOCO SAYS SEND SHOCKEY TO APE CITY.

WILL THE REAL ALOCO PLEASE STAND UP! LOL.........

[ALoco]

DB,

I HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO CHANGE MY VIEW ON A PLAYER BASED ON THE ALTERATIVE .IF YOU YOU ASK ME TO CHOOSE BETWEEN SHOKEY THE INJURED MAN WHO WANTS TO COME TO MIAMI TO BE HOME IN HIS SUN SET YEARS AND THE YOUNG FASANO ,I PICK FASANO .

JEFF IRELAND,

PLEASE DON'T SIGN PLAYERS WHO PASSED THEIR PRIME LONG AGO .

[DyingBreed]

ALoco,

Last season Ingram showed the knee is fine. But it isnt until yr 2 the player returns to normal if there werent any new complications.

That plus Richardson is Bama's future at rb is why Saban had them splitting time at rb. Ingram didnt actually return until game 3, still rushing for right at 900yds.

Seems the knee is fine. Judging by his forty time today, I woudl say at least a little over 90% or higher in ok-ness.

[Craig M]

Boy guys were right about Ingram. I see a lot of emmit smith in him, in terms of his running style and size. The guy certainly has the right attitude also. I'm not saying he's going to be anything close to Smith but you can certainly see where the similarities are coming from.

[0x80]

Aloco, Ingram only had arthroscopic surgery, didn't miss much time at all. Wasn't any kind of acl or major knee blow out. That injury appears to be a non-factor at this point. Saban did a good job of not overwoking him while he was healing.

[DyingBreed]

ALoco,

Shockey is the best known answer for as a seam threat right now. Just hope if Ireland doesnt sign him he's really done his homework. Because even if we do get a speed wr we'll be facing cover 2(both wideouts doubled) and want be able to answer with a legit seam threat TE.

ALoco a seam threat TE is one who can beat lb's over the deep middle of the field. He's an excellent weapon against cover 2. He's still an excellent offensive weapon no matter what.

That's why I say if we dont sign Shockey I sure hope they get if right with someone else.

[0x80]

I wonder if Wallace or Moore can play TE?

[inimounts]

Aloco, I'm sorry but that is ridiculous. Besides. We would keep both, I would take shockey any day of the week.

I hate this effin team. It's a horrible time to be a dolphin fan. Jeff Ireland is an idiot. Tony sparano is an idiot. Obviously stephen Ross is somewhat of an idiot. We just paid an average at best player ten million more than he should have ever made, someone want to tell my why? We are of course going to get burned by another contract year warrior, all for what? Paul isn't even worth that as a pro bowler.

[inimounts]

The problem with Ingram
Is he doesn't have the speed we need, and comparing a runner to smith, who I love as a football player, worries me'. He was great becAuse he had maybe the best o line ever.

[DyingBreed]

CraigM,

Ingram's a very humble kid and a workout warrior. He takes life very seriously and IMO a leader.

The guy has excellent field vision, really understands how to set up his blocks, and just has excellent "football". Football speed cant be timed on a clock. "Emmitt Smith" already proved this.

[beerphin]

70 receptions for 1500 yrds as a runningback really one purpose there huh? he was given the ball 35 times and rushed for 212 yrds thats a guy that has potential whether you like it or not Murray will be taken before the end of the 4th rd

[ALoco]

INIMOUNTS,

WE CAN REPEAT THE MISTAKES OF WILSON,GROVE AND THE RESTY .SHOKEY IS DONE .WE CAN'T GET EXCITED FOR A FRAUD .LET IRELAND DO HIS JOB

0X80 ,
THANKS FOR THE INFO ABOUT INGRAM;S KNEE @ 10.44

[ALoco]

WE CAN'T REPEAT

[DyingBreed]

inimounts,

Remember the year Jones did not want to pay Emmitt and he sat out the first two games and they lost? Im sure Jerry Jones thought it was the great oline too.

Funny because the two games Emmitt sat out they didnt have a 100yd rusher in either. When Jones gave up the money and Smith returned he rushed for well over 100yds his first game back.

Now, did he make the oline look great or did the oline make him look great? Seems they couldnt get a rb 100yds when Emmitt was out! LOL..........

[0x80]

inimounts, you may be underestimating Ingram. Check out his 9 min video on youtube, he shows more burst than I initially realized. He has power and burst, great blocker and great hands, can be an every down back. Does he have Chris Johnson speed? No, but that may be the only knock on him. Plus he is a very mature, level headed guy and his dad played in the nfl, he has real football smarts. I think many are underestimating him, time will tell.

[beerphin]

They move players to different positions based off projections all the time they did it last year 1st rd and 2nd rd on Odrick and Misi... It happens T. Smith has the right body size and athleticism most NFL scouts would covet at guard.
Also anyone have an opinion on D. Thomas his draft stock is rising fast. Maybe a 2nd rd pick now?

[DyingBreed]

beerphin,

You and DeMarco Murray again? Yeah the predominant passing attack they had at Oklahoma. Did you know when OK faced 3rd and longs they pulled Murray?

Did you know Murray goes down like a little girl went contact's made against him? Im sure that huge oline often open huge holes for him on that level. They were usually that much better than the d-lines they played against.

Aint happening like that on the pro level. Murray's weak running between the tackles, can pass block, goes down as easily as a little girl for his size, and his only strength is speed and attacking the edge.

Why dont you get all of those things makes him a 8-13 carry a game nfl rb? Depending on how some nfl games goes offensively and defensively, there are many games he's lucky to see 3-7 carries per game.

[DyingBreed]

Beerphins,

Patrick Cobbs is more well rounded to see more playing time than Murray. Using a 6th rd pick on Murray is a huge gamble.

MURRAY IS A ONE TRICK NFL PONY!.....Potential disappointment's written all over him. Thats the last reply I'll give you concerning him. I Promise. LOL.....................

[Craig M]

inimounts,

Read your above comment about Soliai. This is what I want to hear. I don't think Ireland had any choice but to franchise Soliai. It's only for one year. He will show us this year whether he has it or not. Besides, just because he's been franchised doesn't mean he can't sign a long term deal this year. If we'd let him walk, I'm not sure how we would have filled that hole and the NT hole would have been an important one to fill. What would you rather he would have done?

[beerphin]

DB Quit smokin ur crack u sound ignorant
U have no idea what DeMarco Murray is going to be at the pro level. It's hilarious really All I was saying was that he's going to be a guy thats available in the 3rd rd possibly if he falls to that far... U stating that he's not even a RB prospect only carrying 10 times or whatever a game and comparing him to a girl is totally ridiculous.
The guy is an immediate offensive threat that can catch, play ST, and RB. he's 6'0 and can block.

[DyingBreed]

Beerphins,

You may see undersized DE's get moved to 3-4 olb's. Some cases college defensive tackles moved to NT or DE.

But you will never see an offensive lineman drafted 1st or 2nd rd immediately moved from the position he's drafted at. They may see if he can be moved to another position on the line to try and salvage him if he busting out at his drafted position only.

You're talking apples and oranges entire beerphin. No one uses 1st or 2nd rd picks on olineman to switch them to a new position right away. No one but you, I should say. LOL.........

[DyingBreed]

Beerphins,

If now you're including your rb can also play st's. That really isnt something you want to try and sell yourself on drafting a rb before 6th rd.

I could have called you names long before. So please try and go against your true nature of resulting to childish name calling. LOL................

[DyingBreed]

Beerphins really doesnt sound old enough to be drinking beer even if he is. LOL...........

[beerphin]

I'm talking about a specific guy Tyron Smith People have talked about him being the top rated OLineman but his size at 6'5 285 doesn't project to the newer OLine prototypical OT. IDK maybe Carey would be the better fit at guard. Nate Solder has jumped up as the #1 OT now after what I saw with his footwork and combine at 6'8 he's another guy I'd pick at #15

[DyingBreed]

ROTFLMAO............... We need a feature rb and beerphin selling his rb can play st's! LOL...................................

[beerphin]

That's funny DB cuz I was just thinking the same thing about you with the way you obsess over everything. What are you 60 with the mind of a 12 yr old?

[ALoco]

BEERPHIN,

DO YOU LIKE ANY THING ABOUT DB ?

[DyingBreed]

beerphins,

Remember, anything I say isnt personal....

Ty Smith plays RT for the USC Trojans. The move many experts are projecting for him is the move to LT because of his footwork, extremely long arms, and great athleticism.

They are not projecting moving him inside. They are projecting he's freakish enough to play LT in the pros. He plays RT right now.

That a great endorsement not a great experiment.

[ALoco]

I AM WATCHING THE OSCARS AND IT'S VERY BAD .ALL WOMEN LOOK REAL BAD AND OLD LIKE SOILED BOTTOM .

[Alice Cooper]

I got a Baby's brain and an Old Man's heart..................

[DyingBreed]

Beerphins,

They are also saying Ty Smith needs to hit the weightroom in the pros. They werent that impreessed with his 225 bench reps.

They said he either needs to add more weight or get real busy in the weight room. They fear he'll get pushed around at the point of attack.

Beerphins, most all of the info Im giving you about players you're talking about is public knowledge. Arent you staying on top of it before your post?

If you were, most of it would have never made it your keyboard.

[Soiled Bottom]

French people smell like dead prunes

[beerphin]

DB = blog hitler LOL.................................................................................................peace to everyone else on here who is stable
I'm out got better things to do than argue w DB about his brilliance

[Aleister Crowley]

Heil Hitler

[DyingBreed]

Beerphins,

It seems you look at a players speed and size then lock onto them. You dont consider intangibles, quality of bodywork(who he put up the big numbers against and who he didnt), nor do you seek to find out what thier weaknesses are.

We've already had a slew of gm's just like that for an entire decade before this one. Right now we can only rate this one average at best. But that's still far better than previous regimes. They were flat out terrible!

[GulfDolphin]

This team is currently in its' worst draft situation as far as I can remember. Coupled with a rag-tag coaching staff of the unglamoured, I just can't see us getting beyond .500, short of a miracle.

No FA prior to the draft (which shuts some squeeky doors); mid round picks (#'s 15 throughout), and without a second...

All the top ranked college players (except targeted # 15 Ingram) either falling above or below our slot. And we have 31 teams to compete against?

I see mayhem on the helm.

So yes, I enjoy everyone's post that contributes solutions to this very unpredictable off-season.

And trust me, I do cross-reference someone's adament voucher on a player against my own before making a critiqe.

Sometimes I just see no reason to. Because after reading another's post addressing a weakness, I may see the wisdom of such thinking. And then reavaluate my choice of draft pick to better the cause.

I do want to point out that during the Marino days, I realized that Miami was out of the draft loop and was adversely effected by it.

What I mean is: If you are a fairly good team, for decades, you are always drafting at #16 or higher, when all the great choices are taken already. Multiply that for 10 or twenty drafts, and you're relying on FA, to plug holes.

Ok, some holes are expensively plugged, and back to a .500 season (+ or - some wins). And stuck in the same old rut.

Mostly because we have an unlucky draft streak, and not acquired the best college player available at # 15 and above. But then, not many franchise players remain in the tail end of the 1st round, or any round beyond that.

Right now, if the dolphins didn't draft a soul, we'd probably do as good or better than we did last year. Especially if the Oline isn't riddled with injuries. But then, this coaching staff remains a huge question mark.

I venture no more mock picks at this stage - even after watching the combines, because it is absolutely pointless.

But miracles are known to occur.

[ALoco]

DB,

YOU GOT TO ANSWER beerphin soon or this hitler thing will stick .

[DyingBreed]

Beerphin now pissing sour grapes. Maybe its true what they say about idiots. If you wanna hide something from them write it down or put it in a book.

They'll never find it. Its the last place they'll ever look.

[ALoco]

beerphin, what do you mean by ,blog hitler ?

[DyingBreed]

GulfDolphin,

You got that right. We wont have a clue as to our future status until after the draft is concluded. This fo is famous for the draft day curve ball. If 10% of us are lucky we may have name one player they actually drafted.

Right now we are still riddled with uncertainties at personel, coaching staff, and front office. Then there's not a new cba already in place to boot.

This is a make or break year for our fish on so many different levels. We'll either build a mountain or end up with a mountainous pile of rubbish.