First things first: Please check out my column from the pages of the Miami Herald this morning. It discusses how ugly the Dolphins looked as a football team at their first training camp practice Friday and why. It also tells you why there is good news on the way.
It also tells you that there still could be great news on the way. And the great news is that, contrary to many reports, the Dolphins have not completely closed the door on Kyle Orton.
Once you get done with that, head back here to the comments section because I will be live blogging the Dolphins 11 a.m. practice -- as I did yesterday.
See you in the comments section.
but mando but mando! henne sucks mando! henne sucks!we need a real qb like orton to take us to the dance!
screw orton. draft a qb bigtime next year. get another Pro bowl Guard!
Posted by: gman | July 30, 2011 at 09:03 AM
Mando,
Can anyone confirm the pick the dolphins gave up for Bush... I heard somewhere it was a 6 but was not confirmed.
Why do the dolphins not tell? It doesn't seem like it gives them an advantage. Everyone will find out sooner or later.
Also
What do you view as Miami's biggest needs??
What are the chances that Miami goes after Leonard Davis and lets go of Vernon?
Posted by: Matt | July 30, 2011 at 09:17 AM
Lots of buzz about Miami going after Braylon Edwards Mando, have you heard anything?
Posted by: Jon | July 30, 2011 at 09:24 AM
DB,
Surprised at your reaction yesterday of Crowder being chopped and Burnett being added. You've always been a staunch supporter of Crowder and have always defended him when we've talked about him. When I brought up earlier that they might chop him you shot it down quickly, as did others. I'm glad you're on board with this and see the merits of the move, I just wondered why the complete about face?
Cheers....
Posted by: Craig M | July 30, 2011 at 09:26 AM
Got to get Orton or this could be another flake of year with 7-9 or 8-8 record. Back up rb would nice also. Maybe sign Ricky Williams for one year or get marion barber. Safty help is a maybe.
Posted by: dude | July 30, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Wondering where the Dolphins go now. Yeah, there's a lot of us who still want to see Orton added but doesn't look like anything will happen with that for a while. There's a lot of us who would like to see Zach Miller added but who knows if that's even possible. I still think they need a vet back but who knows when that might happen. I guess I'd like to see them at least examine an upgrade at WR and upgrades on the OL. Not sure they'll have the money to add a starter but maybe some depth would be nice.
Posted by: Craig M | July 30, 2011 at 09:30 AM
I don't know why everyone is on this Orton bandwagon like he is the answer and long-term solution at QB. He had a nice season last year but anyone remember Derek Anderson and his pro bowl season and what is he doing now? How may 2nd or 3rd round picks and trades have we made as an organization to bring in a QB and then he is gone a couple years later? Plus, the amount of money he is wanting is ridiculous! Its Kyle freakin Orton this is not Manning or Brees people. He is a middle of the pack JOURNEYMAN QB. People DO NOT let FRANCHISE QBs float around the league. This man is NOT our saving grace! Henne has much more upside than Orton. Orton has reached his peak and it doesn't get any higher. If Orton was such a stellar QB I am pretty sure there would be MULTIPLE teams pursuing him, but there is NOT! Also, I ususally always enjoy reading these articles but why is Armando being so negative over the FIRST "pratice" of the NFL year. Dude, seriously if you dont have anything nice to report then dont report anything at all.
Posted by: Tee | July 30, 2011 at 09:35 AM
ARMANDO. PLEASE GIVE YOUR TAKE ON THE PLAYERS WHO WOULD BE CUT SOON,
OG.... CORY PROCTER
TE...... JOYE HAYNOS
OT.... PAT MCQUISTAN
WR ... BRIAN HARTLINE
Posted by: ALoco | July 30, 2011 at 09:35 AM
I have a real hard time believeing that we are going to settle for Matt Moore as our competition for Henne. If that was the case we should have just kept Thygpen right?. Armondo what is going on? Please tell me we are going to pull this off somehow and not once again look like the most dysfunctional front office in the NFL
Posted by: james | July 30, 2011 at 09:36 AM
We need a safety. Fill the holes that can be filled. I hope cc goes to the jitts !
Posted by: deathtrain | July 30, 2011 at 09:40 AM
how can you call the 1st practice in 6 months ugly, really football intelligence should be questioned here, unbelievable
Posted by: Alex | July 30, 2011 at 09:40 AM
ALoco,
I don't believe McQuistan or Proctor are on the team right now. I believe they were FAs. Not sure about Haynos. I don't see any way Hartline is cut. The team likes him a lot. I don't think they have the money to upgrade at WR but if they did I think they would try and trade Hartline. He'd be worth something to someone.
Carey will be an interesting guy to watch. I wonder if they might look to free up some money and cut him and replace him with someone cheaper. I realize his contract isn't huge, just wondering if they might try and free up some money.
Posted by: Craig M | July 30, 2011 at 09:40 AM
NO ONE SHOULD BE SHOCKED IF CARSON PALMER ENDS UP IN A DOLPHINS UNIFORM ............
CARSON PAMLER ,ARMANDO'S CHOICE ................
Posted by: ALoco | July 30, 2011 at 09:43 AM
All the "Pundits" and "Experts" GOT IT WRONG AGAIN....
Nnamdi to the Eagles..and he stays out of the AFC....
but we will see him once this year.....
Posted by: Kris | July 30, 2011 at 09:46 AM
GRAIG M..... HAYONS HAD FOOT INJURY AND DIDN'T PLAY AT ALL LAST YEAR AS ODRICK , WORST THAN CROWDER.........
Posted by: ALoco | July 30, 2011 at 09:46 AM
mando you didnt really do what i would call "live blogging" yesterday from practice. can you PLEASE give us as many details as possible and do it very often. wea re dying out here and have been starving for months for real life dolphin action and you hardly posted anything yesterday. you could just type and hit send non stop all practice - every detail!! please :)
Posted by: scott alderson | July 30, 2011 at 09:48 AM
Carson Palmer pretty much the only "big" QB move I personally would be on board with. Stay AWAY from ORTON! Lets not get into another culpepper/feely/griese mess please and thank you
Posted by: Tee | July 30, 2011 at 09:49 AM
Orton has 3 good years under his belt as a starter---he is a pure passer and this would be the best team he has played with if we get him---
The defense could be stacked if we get a young athletic playmaking safety---
Cut YB, that will save you 3.7
Go after Michael HUFF---his potential is unlimited
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v54_Q6rpITY&feature=related
Posted by: allen | July 30, 2011 at 09:50 AM
what do you think about the Fins going after someone like saint UFA S Roman Harper to help the back end of the defense?
Posted by: Josh F | July 30, 2011 at 09:50 AM
SCOTT,,,,,,,,,,,, ARAMNDO OD TODAY NOT THE ARMANDO OF YESTERDAY .......HE'S SHORT ON NEWS,SHORT ON WIT,SHORT AS A PERSON............ I HOPE HE SHOWS SOME SPINE ............
Posted by: ALoco | July 30, 2011 at 09:51 AM
Tee, he not only had a good season last year but he had and even better season in 2009, and a good one in 2008. 2008 not as good as the other 2, but better than any season Henne has had. He's no one hit wonder take a look at the stats before posting.
Posted by: Michael | July 30, 2011 at 09:52 AM
Mando, what was messy about the practice/ everything? Certain plaers, wish I could be there.
Posted by: poizen | July 30, 2011 at 09:55 AM
True Michael... but in one hand you have Orton and his respectable numbers BUT in the other hand you have to potential for the QB of the future. Who you ask... I say we are out of the "Luck" sweepstakes but if we can get out hands of Landry Jones (if you dont know him you should check him out)we might find the next Dan Moreno!!!
Posted by: Josh F | July 30, 2011 at 09:56 AM
The Dolphins 1st practice was ugly? Were they supposed to be sharp? I'd bet most teams 1st practice was ugly.
Posted by: GarbagePlate | July 30, 2011 at 09:57 AM
Mando, are u actally gonna stick with us today? Or are u gonna bail at the first overthrown ball or checkdown pass again?
Posted by: caymanfinfan | July 30, 2011 at 09:57 AM
who da hell dan moreno?
Posted by: Mama Ho | July 30, 2011 at 09:57 AM
daniEl thomas HAVE BEEN SIGNED .........
Posted by: ALoco | July 30, 2011 at 09:58 AM
And Josh we might not. You have a QB with a track record at the NFL level, not a QB with great stats in college that never goes under center. Any draft choich is a crap shoot.
Posted by: Michael | July 30, 2011 at 09:59 AM
OH sh** .. my bad... typo... I meant Dan Marino
Posted by: Josh F | July 30, 2011 at 09:59 AM
2-14 without Orton
Posted by: grfdolphin | July 30, 2011 at 10:00 AM
I might be the only one who thinks the Matt Moore signing is very savvy. There is no QB who would have played well for the 2010 Carolina Panthers. That was a team with a coach who quit on them and an owner that took a mulligan on the season to get ready to throw money around after the lockout.
Look at Matt Moore's stats in 2009. That was an 8-8 team that went 4-1 with him as a starter. He went 2-1 as a starter in 2007 for a 7-9 Panthers team. By no means am I calling the guy a savior but Matt Moore can be a decent starter in this league. And that's all that Kyle Orton is... a decent starter. You get Matt Moore as a similar player at a huge discount.
Seriously, I have been stuck watching Carolina Panther games for the last 10 years while living in Charlotte. Matt Moore throws a nice deep ball and has a live arm... not a great arm but a pretty good one. In fact, let's look at the stats...
Moore: 7-6 record, 57.9% comp, 6.7 y/a, 73.9 rating while playing on teams that were a combined 17-31
Orton: 32-29 record, 58.1% comp, 6.5 y/a, 79.6 rating while playing on teams that were a combined 39-41
Either you guys severely overrate Kyle Orton or you severely underrate Matt Moore. It's a smart move for what they paid.
Posted by: Bill Laimbeer | July 30, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Yea true Michael... but then again... every great QB started as an unproven college QB. And who knows, maybe Chad will surprise us all this year! Or maybe we will land Orton and he turns into a Franchise qb for us... but those two previous options are just as big of a "crap shoot"
Posted by: Josh F | July 30, 2011 at 10:03 AM
all teams need 3 starter quality corners these days so thats great that will allen is still with us. now go get mike huff!
and braylon is at our fingertips as is zach miller!
we will keep lex hilliard and kory sheets to back up thomas and bush.
mando just give us INFO!!!!
Posted by: scott alderson | July 30, 2011 at 10:03 AM
BURNETT'S NUMBERS;;;;;;;;;;
LAST YEAR HE PLAYED ALL 16 GAMES......NO PIKE RIDING
80 TACKLES
6 SACKS
2 INTERCEPTIONS
Posted by: ALoco | July 30, 2011 at 10:03 AM
The last 3 years for Orton 2900, 3800, 3600 yards passing, 18, 20, 21 TD's, 12,12, 9 INT's. Those are not pedestrian stats.
Posted by: Michael | July 30, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Josh you're right, but it's still a crap shoot, and with Orton you have a proven commodity.
Posted by: Michael | July 30, 2011 at 10:05 AM
THERE'S A RUMOR OF B.EDWARDS TO MIAMI ...................... THE JETS WILL NOT SIGN HIM ........
Posted by: ALoco | July 30, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Bill, Unless the things I found about moore on the net were wrong, i dont think he ever passed over 200 yards in a game. Not sure if he was leading the team while he was out there.
But I like the positive vibe, we need it on this blog a little more.
Posted by: Poizen | July 30, 2011 at 10:06 AM
I still think we should go after Roman Harper from the saints! Hes a monster thumper and would be a great upgrade at our safety position. or Huff from Oakland... but the guy I would love to see the phins sign is Kevin Boss TE from the Giants! Cheap and productive (and younger then Miller... i think)
Posted by: Josh F | July 30, 2011 at 10:07 AM
Armando, there was a report that Orton was paid a $1.5M roster bonus yesterday, is that true and if it is doesn't that assure that he will be a Bronco this year????? Why would the Broncos pay him that money if they do not intend to keep him especially if they are up against the cap???
Posted by: Sam | July 30, 2011 at 10:08 AM
Winning season's...PLURAL = Positive Fans.....
If you don't like the VIBE on this blog Poizen....You had better not read Armando's colum....
Posted by: Kris | July 30, 2011 at 10:09 AM
Comparing orton to matt moore just isnt close.
Orton Body of work is much longer and just impressive---He made brandon lloyd look like Torry Holt in his prime---The guy is a tremendous passer---dont just read stats try to find some tape on the throws this guy can make----they are down the field bombs and he isnt afraid to throw at any DB in this league---
He through a 9 route touch throw right at Revis to a rookie for a TD----when you thrown to demaryius thomas when revis is covering tells me your not afraid to make any throw
I think orton with all our new weapons and speed would light the AFC east up----and our defense is one safety away---
Hufff where are u........
Posted by: allen | July 30, 2011 at 10:10 AM
Orton's numbers were real good, I will give you that.
But when Orton was @ the same time in his career as Henne is now, he was having a tough time beating Grossman out for a job.
Orton would be a "good" insurance policy @ the least, just cant pay him to much. His O system was far more QB friendly than the crap we had here last year. And he took a crap load of sacks.
Posted by: Poizen | July 30, 2011 at 10:10 AM
Michael,
I agree Orton is a little above average, but I don't think he has proven anything. I havn't checked the numbers, how many playoff games has he won?
Orton, IMHO, has peaked.
Posted by: JB | July 30, 2011 at 10:10 AM
these dumb mfers better quit dic#ing around. look at it this way if they really truly believe that suck boy henne has what it takes then that just sealed sparano's fate. there is no way in HELL they will win anything with henne, period or moore.ross better put his money where his big nose is and do something!
Posted by: dolphin 77 | July 30, 2011 at 10:11 AM
sam... the Broncos would pay Orton to give them more leverage and time to work a deal... They (the fans and the team) want to give the reigns to Tebow. The deal could still happen but now it might take a few preseason games to get it done!
Posted by: Josh F | July 30, 2011 at 10:11 AM
SAM....... ELWAY WILL NOT BE THE ONE WHO DESTROYS THE DENVER TEAM,HE WILL KEEP ORTON .................
Posted by: ALoco | July 30, 2011 at 10:11 AM
m moore hmmmm
orton would be good competition for henne
but wait til he's cut, don't reach
troy smith out played him in the london game last year
even he might have had more upside than moore and he's a ufa
i've backed the fo a lot on these pages but was pretty stunned by m moore
either way not much ahs chnged from 6 weeks ago - don't reach for guys who r not franchise don't mortgage the future but try to bring in someone to compete or back-up henne this season
mat moore??***??!!!
probably the one qb not called for on this blog in 4mths!
Posted by: The wolf (carcase), icu, terminal starvation | July 30, 2011 at 10:12 AM
Kris, I have been on this blog a long time, and very respectful, I am not going anywhere.
Posted by: Poizen | July 30, 2011 at 10:12 AM
THE ONLY THING MOORE DID GOOD IN HIS LIFE, I 2009 WHEN HE STARTED THE FINAL 5 GAMES FOR PANTHERS AND WENT 4-1 WITH 8 TD AND 2 INTERCEPTIONS ...96 RATING ..........LAST YEAR HE HAD 61 RATING .
Posted by: ALoco | July 30, 2011 at 10:15 AM
Poizen.....
When did I ask you to leave????
Please re-read my post.....
Then...re-post the part where I asked you to leave....
Posted by: Kris | July 30, 2011 at 10:15 AM
*Kyle Orton combined 2005-2007 stats: (First 3 years in league) 2347 yds passing, 12TDs, 15INTs passer rating 66.8
*Chad Henne first 3 years in league:(2008-2010) 6246 yds passing, 27TDs, 33INTs passer rating 75.3
*Kyle Orton (2008-2010) 10427 yds passing, 59TDs, 33INTs passer rating 84.6
Orton stats are better than Hennes during the 08 to 10 stretch but also remember Orton played in '08 and Henne did not and wasn't even SUPPOSE to be starting in '09.
Also compare the first 3 years in the league for both and Henne is clearly above Orton. Orton did not play in '06. It also appears Orton started his climb in his 4TH YEAR. Anyone else we know entering their 4TH year????
Orton Carrer completion 58.1%, Henne - 61.1%
Orton Carrer avg yds per pass attempt 6.5, Henne 6.5
So where is this big huge upgrade? I am not opposed to bringing Orton in to compete but for what we'd give up and pay him I am opossed to it.
Posted by: Tee | July 30, 2011 at 10:16 AM
Football unlike many other sports is the ultimate team sport. Denver was dead last in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing almost 30 points per game. You could have Payton Manning as your QB, and still have a season like Denver did last year. You need a defense to help you win, just ask Dan Marino. And, how can you say he peaked, his QB rating has increased every year, 79, 85 87,
Posted by: Michael | July 30, 2011 at 10:16 AM
harper and boss both have resigned with the saints and giants.
sharper is a ufa but is too old.
huff is a good addition if we did it.
Posted by: scott alderson | July 30, 2011 at 10:16 AM
I think it is already established there is another QB coming here to compete with Henne. Moore will battle for 3rd string unless he somehow becomes a superhero... unlikley
Posted by: Poizen | July 30, 2011 at 10:17 AM
POIZEN................
KRIS IS THE BLOG SHERIFF .........
Posted by: ALoco | July 30, 2011 at 10:18 AM
why would they want braylon edwards? that would just be another wr pissed because henne can't even get the ball to him.
Posted by: dolphin 77 | July 30, 2011 at 10:18 AM
i'm out....
Just remember reading is fundamental......
Posted by: Kris | July 30, 2011 at 10:18 AM
I mis-read it kris,
Posted by: Poizen | July 30, 2011 at 10:18 AM
So the next big date in the Orton deal is Aug 4th when the league year starts and his $8M starts to count against their cap. Then we will see who blinks. If Ireland pulls off this deal he is a genius because every GM we have had over the last 15 years has overpaid for players. Ireland should be commended for his discipline and lack of desperation especially with his job on the line. If they push all in with Henne that is a HUGE risk. I still think that he has skills and can be a good QB but it is far from assured.
Posted by: Sam | July 30, 2011 at 10:19 AM