Tony Sparano: Defense cannot rest

This blog invests much time discussing the Dolphins' need on offense.

Coach Tony Sparano has to concern himself with the Dolphins issues on defense as well as special teams.

If you've lost sight of the fact the Miami defense needs attention, click the link and see why it's important the Dolphins don't just forget the other side of the ball. Yeah, the other side of the ball, the one that was the team strength in 2010 but still isn't quite championship caliber.

I outline the things the Dolphins need to happen for the defensive unit to become championship caliber.

I believe Sparano and the Dolphins learned a lesson last year. They spent the entire offseason trying to improve the defense and pretty much let the offense become a stepchild of sorts. Oh, the stepchild got a nice Christmas gift. Brandon Marshall was signed at the high expense of two second-round picks and a multi-million-dollar contract.

But pretty much every other resource -- save for one of seven draft picks -- was used on defense. The coaching staff was adjusted but mostly on defense.

Sparano is living the other half of that coin this offseason, with offensive coaches leaving or being encouraged to leave in droves.

He does not, however, wish to simply forget the defense.

Here's an idea: The Dolphins should address both the defense and special teams in fell swoops. In other words, if the team can use some athletes on special teams (a need) perhaps a linebacker or cornerback in the draft would be a way to go.

Among the names on Miami's radar are Arizona's Ricky Elmore and Brooks Reed. Pittsburgh's Jabaal Sheard is also on the radar.

Sheard comes with at least one red flag. Let's just say he's capable of throwing defenders around because obviously Pittsburgh police believed him capable of throwing citizens around. Sheard is from Hollywood Hills. Sheard was not convicted for his arrest because he pleaded down to disorderly conduct charges and paid restitution for damages.

Comments

[klndry]

First??? For all of you qb lovers, who absolutely think that the qb is the only answer to this team, you are wrong. Team is the name of the game.
Proof, Matt Cassels and Tom Brady. Mat Cassels took over right where Brady left off. They lost that year because the d wasn't right.
We need running backs another rushing linebacker, a good second tight end a a good back up qb who could be a starter in a couple of years.
The sky isn't falling.

[The Wolf, ICU, (starvation coma)]

it's a good point you're making here but what we blog about is stimulated (at least initially) by your article which has generally focussed on the biggest dissapointment last season - offense

like i've said before i'm a dreamer and i'm willing to take hope from the noises ross has made about planning for the longterm and for sustained success when it comes

i also feel that many are too harsh on sparano over the last 3 years the team has generally made good progress (the offense was worse than expected and running game regressed last year) but the roster is still packed with young potential only bess, long and marshall have been outstanding but others make progress and could well be outstanding

i feel the secondary is not a priority vs the offense but there's no doubt a stud rusher would always be a good acquisition and whilst i'd take ol/rb/wr/qb at our first pick wherever that turns out i'd also be happy with some extra pass rush

bottom line at the best talent at available at that pick, if it's a close call go with the position need

build a team for the next 4-5 years!

[The Wolf, ICU, (starvation coma)]

bottom line- pick the best...

[scott from Delaware]

You are right Armando , but how many picks do we have? The oline is not very good and our QB sucks if we do not address this right away another season without the playoffs for sure.
If they had not messed up the Oline last year there would not be as much to do this year, it would be nice to add to the D, but the O has to come first I think!

[ALoco]

THE wolf,

any gm when he picks at draft he thinks he picks the best ,how we know it's the best unless we give the draft pick time to develop ?

in the case of henne,he could be breaking out this year b/c we gave him time to develop and we were patient w/him .

[octavio de armas]

I'm not a nuclear scientist but my assesment of the Dolphins is that they are an organization in trouble and denial. From ownership to general manager to coaches and yes to players this team is not well run. Their past mistakes and bad drafting have finally come to haunt them. It's going to take years to get up from under all the rubble.

[mikeoliver1313]

Kindly did u say a back up qb???? Wow how bout a starting qb instead don't make me laugh this early in the morning wow

[The Wolf, ICU, (starvation coma)]

aloco- i agree

and the whole of this process comes down to judgement of the fo and who has the last word between the guys in the war room, as folk were saying yesterday mocks are all very well but who knows what the first 14 picks will be and the trade up/down dynamic on the day

we don't know how much influence bp had on our drafts since 07 and what affect his absence will have, i don't mind the old dinosaur moving on

armando touched on it here , a good team comes from coaching as well as having the talent - it needs developing and it needs a system

the d were vastly improved but they still had their poor moments as armando says - e.g. ray rice ran all over us in the ravens game both rushing and catching dump offs+screens, but this could be addressed as much by coaching and schemes and better communication as by inserting better talent

our offensive coaches are a complete unknown but i look forward to young devious minds at work, they need to sell confusion and deception to opponents d much better than we have in the past

please let me eat something

[Poizen]

I agree, Henne will be a very good QB if they play this year, and the offensive coaching is consistant. We also need better line play, which means less injuries and less shuffeling.

If all that happens this offense is well above average... Need a running back, but I am still under the belief, If we sign ronnie, have Lex and get a speed guy we are more than fiune there. I am however hoping for an upgrade.

however on the D, we could not get off the field very often when we needed to. We did not play well on 3rd down, The Pats lit us up at the end of the year, it was embarrasing. I think the D needs more player attention than the O does. The O needs better coaching and O-line play. That is just my opinion... I am sure there will be disagreement about this though...

[kris]

Poizen....Outstanding point on the 3rd down play...or lack thereof....

I think alot of the frustration with the o-line comes from the expectaions being so high....the year prior we were 4th in rushing....and we expected as fans expected similiar results this year.....the drop-off in production for our run game was almost unbearable to watch....

and when you factor in our HC's specialty is O-Line....then it makes you scratch your head....

[Thomas Edison]

"There are People who are great at changing their writing style, of course, professional writers, where it's practically impossible to know that two writings come from the same person. In the case of Armando, he and the Miami Herald are in fierce competition with Omar Kelly and the Sun Sentinel and this increases the above mentioned Internet practices. Sometimes, pesky, independent People like me, interfere with the Bloggers designs, but that is unavoidable.

Posted by: oscar canosa | March 29, 2011 at 03:08 AM

Oscar please go tell the fool redsky this. He believes there more of them out there. LMFAO

[ALoco]

KRIS,

WHERE'S MY APOLOGY,YOU OWE ME AN APOLOGY ?

[CJ]

hey mando, any chance that the fin's with a later round pick take a look at any local FIU players such as Anthony Gaitor... i think he would be a great fit into the Nickel package as the Nickel CB... kid is like glue to the wr's...

[Thomas Edison]

Oscar I agree with you 100% on your last post in the previous blog. Tell redksy because he thinks it is IMPOSSIBLE to change your own writing style. LMFAO @ REdsky

[kris]

Aloco...You will get NO APOLOGY from me....

I e-mailed Armando like I said I would and he knows you post under MULTIPLE NAMES....YOU....ALOCO....

The only thing he confirmed is that YOU ARE NOT THE FOLLOWING POSTERS:

0.02
Cubano

He is following up on NUMEROUS complaints against you and your MANY alias....

Don't post to me again....I won't be responding....

[Thomas Edison]

Kris, why do you let aloco bother you? Just ignore him(it), pretty simple

[kris]

I will Thomas Edison....thanks

[ALoco]

KRIS,

YOU OWE ME AN APOLOGY ,ARMANDO TOLD YOU I AM NOT GULFDOLPHINS WHERE YOU MADE YOUR DRAMA YESTERDAY ...SO BE A MAN AND GIVE THE APOLOGY SINCE YOU WERE WRONG .....YOU CAN'T ACCUSE PEOPLE AND THEN WALK AWAY .....

PS...YOU NOTICE THE FAKED POSTS LAST NIGHT WHERE THEY SIGNED ALOCO...I DIDN'T SAY ANY THING B/C IT'S A GAME AND THEY WILL GO AWAY..........BOTTOM LINE I AM WAITING FOR YOUR APOLOGY .

[kris]

MIAMI KERALD:
A.J. Edds was injured during his rookie training camp, so he is basically a new talent. Sparano says Edds probably isn’t ready to challenge Channing Crowder for a starting spot, but will be asked to carve a niche in Miami’s nickel package because of his coverage skills.
------------------------------------------------
What does Channing Crowder have on these guys....pics of someone's loved ones in a compromising postion maybe.....

Not sure what they see in this guy....whatever it is I haven't seen it in.....

[ALoco]

KING KOLE,

WHERE'S MY APOLOGY ?

[ALoco]

KRIS,

DID YOU ASK ARMANDO TO FIND OUT WHO FAKES ME ? OF COURSE NOT WHILE PLAYING 007 ......... GIVE ME THE APOLOGY,YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF .

[kris]

Maybe this FO likes the way Channing rides a bike.....

[DC Dolfan]

What's with all this "fake post" and "apology" stuff? What have a been missing on here lately?

Anyway, kris, on Crowder, I think the FO doesn't want to create another problem for themselves (they have plenty holes to fill as it is). While I agree Crowder isn't the best option there, I think he's able enough to hold down the position anther year while the FO handles more pressing needs at the moment.

[Thomas Edison]

aloco kris will not respond to you. Please stop asking him. You may not have been 2 cents or cubano, but you are guilty of using other names.

Now we will all await the grand entrance for the cuban menace to show up. All of the sudden!

Good analysis Oscar. Armando is a very busy man doing a good job with the main bulk of his work. Does anyone really believe he is going to spend a considerable amount of time chasing down trolls.

[ALoco]

THOMAS,

I NEVER HEARD OF YOU BEFORE,YOU MUST BE THE MAFIA BOSS,,,KRIS OWES ME AN APOLOGY FOR THE DRAMA WHICH HE PUTS US THROUGH YESTERDAY THAT I AM GOLFDOLPHIN ...... ARMANDO SAID I AM NOT ......... HE SHOULD GIVE ME AN APOLOG AND ASK ARMANDO WHO FAKES ME EVERY NIGHT IF HE'S CONCERNED ABOUT FAKING .

[kris]

DC....i know we are stuck with Crowder for another year....but he is painful to watch....

I guess what really bothers me is that Sporano is handing him the starting job....Veteran or not....he hasn't earned the right to be handed the starting job...imo

competition is a good thing....and Crowder definetly needs some....

[GulfDolphin]

Exactly Edison, Oscar,

Mando doesn't have the spare time to even answer direct emails from most of us, much less chase down trolls.

That's the nature of the game in blog-a-sphere and journalism.

However someone here seems to be the exception to the rule.

he-he-

[gorge washington]

Churchill was going to lose the war until the us came to his aid .

[DC Dolfan]

I agree totally kris, every position should have competition (or else we get Henne 2010).

Also, sorry I had to leave early yesterday (after sparking some debate), but wanted to touch on that conversation (briefly, I know I have a problem with that).

All I'll say is that was a general guideline on how I'd try to build a winning team (start with QB). That doesn't mean toss Henne. It means Henne will likely be the QB (at least this year) until a replacement is found, and at the same time you can be developing a future QB in the wings in case Henne (or another QB) doesn't work out. But we can't have the hole we had post-Marino. Everyone sees what that did to this team. That's really the only point I'm trying to make, priority should ALWAYS be given to the QB position over any other position on the team in any given year that a potential player is spotted.

So that doesn't mean if there's no player that makes the grade just get one anyway, it means if you're looking at the #1 (or whatever) pick, and you have a choice between the QB you want, and a player at another position you want, I'd go with the QB choice since that can potentially lead to better things in the future (since the QB is the most important position on the field).

[murcielago]

Thomas Edison has left the building.

Look at the Sentinel for example. They claim they have it real bad with trolls and such over there. They only have 10% of the problems we have here. They have a dude named Chris who suspends people at whim. You dearly beloved NJ was suspended for over two weeks and counting. Is that what people want here?

[GulfDolphin]

I see where Mando is headed with his theory, the "two-for-one," package pick in DF/ST.

However, I would like to remind all that with the new kick-off rules, the KR is likely stacked in favor of the kiking team. Not saying the ST should take a back-burner, but we already have Bess as a return guy.

I offered a mock yesterday that included several players that played on special teams in addition to their primary posistions.

But, I didn't mock with defense as a priority, in Rd 1, 3, 4. So my DF/ST additions wouldn't pan out until the later rounds.

Probably too many busts and acorns anyway...

[2 watt]

aloco,what'd i mixx.?.lol

[kris]

From: "Salguero, Armando - Miami"
To: Kritoy E
Sent: Mon, March 28, 2011 9:06:51 PM
Subject: RE: COMPLAINT


Kris,
I got similar complaints and noticed that Aloco did some of this but a new poster is on there now as .002 cents or something who is not aloco. Also, cuban is not aloco. I've been checking and will continue to do so. thanks for being on the blog.

mando


Be sure to read Armando's blog at http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/ and follow him on twitter at www.twitter.com/armandosalguero.

You can also listen to Armando and the Amigo every weekday morning 6-10 a.m. on 640-AM Sports in South Florida or online at www.640sports.com.

[kris]

Looks like I am the exception.....

[gorge washington]

kris,

you owe me an APOLOGY KING KOLE .ARMANDO SAID I AM NOT GULFDOLPHIN ,DID YOU ASK HIM WHO FAKESEVERY NIGHT IF IT'S YOU OR CUBAN OR THE MAFIA BOSS ?

BE A MAN AND GIVE ME MY APOLOGY .

[ALoco]

LOL @ GORGE WASH .

[D]

Well now that most kick offs will be touchbacks, I guess kick off coverage isn't much of a pressing need.

Its simple, the defense was on the field WAY too long, got tired at the end of the game and rightly so. Keep working on the offense, add a little here and there to the defense, and this team will good.

Seems pretty obvious.

[Craig M]

kris,

Totally agree with the furstration about Channing Crowder. I've never really been a fan. I think he's lazy and doesn't dedicate to the sport. He's unreliable. My question is, there's a good chance that the Packers cut Nick Barnett this off-season. Would you consider Barnett an upgrade? I think I would and I think I'd be fine with him for a year or two until we can draft or develop somebody else....maybe Edds.

[murcielago]

Ok so what did we figure out that cuban menace is not aloco. WOW. Who is to say cuban does not come here and post as something else anyway. What the hell is this going to prove? It is still a two ring circus with cm and aloco on board.

[Craig M]

Looks like Dez Bryant is even more trouble. Ever get the feeling that trouble is going to follow this guy wherever he goes? Maybe Ireland wasn't as stupid as all of you make out for passing on this guy. Betcha he never gets an apology on here from anyone for being right....

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/29/second-lawsuit-claims-that-bryant-owes-more-than-300000/

[muricemanga]

Redsky=cuban ,that i know for fact .
gulfdolphin is not aloco
cubanis not aloco .

i like to know who's kris and db are faking ?

[murcielago]

Craig M, Apology for what???

[kris]

CraigM...who does Barnett Play for....i'm not familiar wit him.....

Its my hope that Edds can take his place....I do like home grown talent....

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

ARMANDO:

ON THE LAST POST YOU SAID SOMETHING ABOUT GETTING SIMS-WALKER.

THAT WOULD BE A GREAT PICK UP.

WE NEED TO GET RID OF CROWDER

[Alex in Hialeah]

Awesome column, Mando. Thanks for the info.

[DyingBreed]

Armando- Great article. However, here's my take on it:

1. To date, already recovering one 2nd rd pick(2010), Marshall's total cost thus far has been reduced to only one 2nd rd'er.

2. Wouldnt drafting extra defensive players have the same accumulative effect as Edds and Odrick not being able to contribute?

3. As far as st's, the new kickoff rules should help with that a lot. There should be many more touchbacks recorded than ever before.

4. If the offense truly is better in 2011 than in 2010, there should also be fewer punts. Also greatly helping out the st's.

IMO, in the pass coverage game its Y-Bell who needs replacing moreso than Clemons. I love Y-Bell in run support but his coverage skills are still woeful. I dont think he's met a TE yet that he can consistently cover.

I believe the Fins should let Reshad Jones compete with Y-Bell for the ss position. This may even be Jones' strongest position. He hits like a ton of bricks too.

Also late in the year Clemons begin showing signs of coming around and actually making a few plays. Those are confidence builders for him that should carryover into this current nfl season(2011).

[ericatl]

Playoffs???? Folks this team wont see the playoffs for at least 5 more years. Lets get this thing built with someone who knows tallent. Newsflash it aint Sparano or Ireland. ITs going to take hopefully 1 more season before everyone understands these 2 aint it.and hopefully not an ownership change if it takes that then 10 more years. And no!! Im not going to pick another team!!! I will still be there every Sunday hoping for a winner!! GO PHINS

[Armando Salguero]

Folks, I've gone over every comment on this site posted over the past 12 hours -- back to midnight last night. With the one exception of Aloco posting as Gorge Washington, no one has impersonated anyone else or hijacked anyone else's handle that I could detect.

If you have had your handle hijacked in that time, please post now, and email me your concern. I'll check the IP address you use now and match it with whatever previous post that uses your handle.

I will then simply ban every comment from that imposter from now on. Understand that I will match your current ip address to ones you used earlier so there will be no tricks played on here.

The idea is to keep the site free of imposters, which if you really think about it is silly since you can post as anyone else other than a handle someone already uses.

Anyway, Aloco, feel free to continue to be many-me as long as you don't someone else's handle.

And by the way, Aloco is not Cuban Menace. Kris you're good. Dunphy you're good. fin4life, I got your ip address so you're safe as well.

I don't like to ban people. So please just get along and act like adults so everyone can enjoy the forum.

[Craig M]

kris,

Barnett is an ILB for the Packers. Been there about 6-8 years. He's going to be nosed out by Hawk and the kid they just signed to a 4 year contract. The writing is on the wall for Barnett. I think he'd be an upgrade for us and I think the Pack will chop him realizing that no one will trade picks for him.

[DyingBreed]

Crowder seems to be a favorite target of Crowder bashers. We all know that the guy isnt a magnet for big plays but he does seem to do the little things very well.

If Crowder was truly as crappy as many of us seem to make him out to be. Then how come is it when he's out there's a hugely signicant difference in our ability to stop the run?

Guys, until we're able to commit a 1st or 2nd rd pick into Crowder's replacement. Or sign an available big name fa at his position. I think we should give the Crowder bashing a rest.

Because if we are not able to do those things its very unlikely we'll get anyone better to replace him. Making an overly rash decision on Crowder could also land us out of the frying pan and into the fire.

[Craig M]

murcielago,

Ireland should get an apology from all the posters who have lambasted him for passing on Ireland and taking Odrick and Misi last year. He's been called an idiot and a moron for doing his due diligence on the guy and he's been right. There's a lot of talk that Bryant was taking stuff while still in College and while may not agree with how College rules work it's still an example of a guy who can't stay out of trouble. Maybe guys should wait until some of this has played out before annointing Bryant as a success.

[DyingBreed]

Armsando please key in my ip address too. Though maybe not within the the last 24hrs. I also get impersonated too. Thanks!

[cocoajoe]

muricemanga, I've never seen your name before so, I'll assume you're new and don't know any better.

This is not the first time when regulars on this blog had enough and complained. Even Mando (last year) posted a warning....he named him Many Me...to cool it.

So, you might want to do some research before you make a pronouncement next time.

[ALoco]

armando,
SO YOU R SAYING I AM NOT GULFDOLPHIN,SO LET KRIS GIVE ME AN APOLOGY .
BUT I WAS FAKED LAST NIGHT 8 TIMES ? WHO DID THAT ?

[DC Dolfan]

I've been on this blog for 2-3 years now, and while I have seen my name get faked, I haven't seen it too much, and I've never once posted as someone else (or anyone other than myself). I think if you're an adult and a honest broker in a community you can sidestep the pitfalls on the blog. I try to treat everyone with respect (sometimes anger gets to me like everyone) and accept other points of view and keep it at that.

I can't be responsible for what others do, and if jokers want to be stupid that's on them. As long as you're discussing the matter at hand seriously (usually football, this IS a Dolphins blog), then I'm happy to converse and debate. When I see a poster getting into the idiotic territory, I cut them off and just don't respond. These are suggestions on how to keep your nose clean on here and not get stuck in the mud (like kris seems to be right now).

[ALoco]

KRIS,

YOU OWE ME AN APOLOGY KRIS .

[$0.02]

Top priority for the defense - learn how to defend against the tight end.

[murcielago]

cocoajoe, Whoever posted as muriciemanga was faking me as murcielago. I am not new here since I have been here before.

Why dont all of you post in blue to avoid this krap????

[murcielago]

DC kris is not the problem here. Why dont you all post in blue...it is simple.

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

CRAIG. M:

YOU HAVE A THING FOR DEZ.

SO WHAT HE'S IN DEBET WHO ISN'T