[First off, thank you for a record day on the blog yesterday. Incredible how a little actual football news turns this blog into a monster. GRRRRR! Anyway, continue to stay here or return here often throughout the day as the Dolphins continue to operate in stealthy fashion while folks like me chase what's going on from other less-than-perfect, agenda-driven angles. What can I say? You get shut out, you do what you have to do.]
Now to the news and analysis:
Tyler Thigpen is a Buffalo Bill. He has agreed to join that team in return for a three-year contract that gives him a chance to compete for a starting job against Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick will win that competition. The deal sends Thigpen packing after a year and a half in Miami and reunites him with Buffalo coach Chan Gailey, who was Thigpen's offensive coordinator in Kansas City in 2008 when Thigpen enjoyed his best NFL season.
Even though the Dolphins showed casual interest in keeping Thigpen, I do not see this as a big loss, folks.
I know many of you thought Thigpen had potential to chase a starting job. Me? I shared that thinking until he got on the field in 2009 against Pittsburgh and last year against Chicago and was ineffective both times. Thigpen has the gift of adding spark. You see it when he enters a game and the pace picks up.
But Thigpen also is cursed with inconsistency. He'll lead an energy-lifting touchdown drive on one possession. And throw an interception and go three-and-out on the next two possessions.
Thigpen lovers will say that inconsistency in Miami was a result of his little opportunity to work with the first-team offense. Great, so explain his similar inconsistency in Kansas City when he was the starter for 11 games.
So the Dolphins will have a new backup quarterback for 2011.
They're also trying to add a new starting quarterback for 2011.
Hear that, Chad Henne? Hear that Henne supporters?
I have confirmed that Miami is heavily involved in trying to add Kyle Orton while various reports which I've not been able to independently confirm have linked the Dolphins to Matt Hasselbeck. I can see the Orton thing. I don't understand the Hasselbeck fling one bit.
[7:45 AM update: The Hasselbeck fling is not a thing in Miami after all. He is going to the Tennesse Titans. That obviously limits the Dolphins to a focus on Orton with a possible fallback being Marc Bulger or Vince Young.]
Orton is better than Chad Henne, or at least has been the past two years. Is he the man? Is he a franchise quarterback? No. Does he have a superstar arm? Can he escape the rush and turn disaster into dynamics? No.
But he's better than Chad Henne.
And right now, that seems to be good enough for the Dolphins who at last check were hopeful of adding Orton in trade from the Denver Broncos. Problem right now is the Broncos apparently have at least one other team on their line and are trying to reel in the highest draft pick compensation possible.
I do not know the specifics of what the Dolphins have offered (if anything, officially) but I understand the Broncos were asking for a first-round pick initially and are seeded in the second-round asking price of late. Really, Denver? A second for Kyle Orton?
The Dolphins aren't quite ready to do that, apparently. I hope they don't have to at that price. I would more comfortably understand yielding a conditional pick in which Miami gives up a fourth-rounder that could be a third if Orton takes the team to the playoffs, and maybe a second if he advances them to the AFC title game perhaps. (Yes, improbable, but I'm a dreamer.)
Bottom line: Be it either Orton or Hasselbeck, the point is clear the Dolphins are trying to add a veteran quarterback whose resume is superior to Chad Henne's because, well, they are trying to replace Chad Henne even if it's on a short-term basis.
Good for Miami.
Henne is young. He is talented. He has potential. But he has not earned the right to go into training camp unchallenged. He was benched in the 2010 season-finale, if you remember, the second time in the season he suffered that fate. That does not translate to, as some of you have suggested, "sticking with Henne to see if he develops."
The Dolphins are not afforded the luxury of seeing if Henne develops. Both Tony Sparano and Jeff Ireland want to, have to, win now to secure the footing underneath themselves. Banking on Henne to either develop or flop for a third consecutive season is not the most certain way to secure one's footing.
Henne should be watching this and understanding. He must realize he still has a chance to win the job if he, well, wins the job. But he must realize this isn't 2010 when the job was simply handed to him without a competition.
The hope here is this itself makes Henne better. Nothing like a realistic view of the situation to sober the spirit and steel the mind. Would be nice if it improves the decision-making and long-range accuracy, also.
By the way, regardless of whom the Dolphins add -- and it will not be Donovan McNabb as some of you lobbied for -- the idea is not simply to hand over the job. Sure, Orton or Hasselbeck come with reputations. But the Dolphins can still sell the competition idea to the public and Henne.
That can only make everyone better.
Follow me on twitta, as they say in Boston.
Get Orten, But only for a 4th rd pick,Henne Sux.
Posted by: WTF.COM | July 27, 2011 at 04:38 AM
Didn't kno wthat Thigpen's gone, ok. Devlin is better, anyway. However, I would have proposed the Bengals to trade Henne for Palmer, as he doesn't want to play for them anymore. This would mean that the Dolphins would still have to add another QB then. But I would say it would be worth the risk. trade Henne, have Palmer as starter and Devlin as backup, adding another guy as third string. Any option would be better than Henne. That guy is finished in Miami. I doubt, after 2 poor seasons and especially due to the fact that he was benched and hence lost "credentials", that the team entirely stands behind him. If he wants to give his career a second start, it has to be somewhere else, why not in CIN ?
Posted by: Pierchen | July 27, 2011 at 04:41 AM
Get the running back situation done first. Get a reliever for qb Wait to see if Tennessee releases VY and go for him. VY will have something to prove this year.
Posted by: klndry | July 27, 2011 at 04:46 AM
i wish tyler the best. he will get a fair chance to compete in buffalo unlike miami. its going to be a long year as ireland digs a deeper hole for himself.
Posted by: greg z. | July 27, 2011 at 04:48 AM
trade ireland and sparano for a 7th round pick.
Posted by: greg z. | July 27, 2011 at 05:08 AM
trade ireland and sparano for a 7th round pick.
Posted by: greg z. | July 27, 2011 at 05:08 AM
Nobody would be stupid enough to do it....
Posted by: WTF.COM | July 27, 2011 at 05:26 AM
we have wasted so many 2nd round picks inthe last 5 years on bust, does it really matter if we give asecond for orton?
Posted by: finfan | July 27, 2011 at 05:28 AM
We already know what orton can do in the NFL.just saying
Posted by: finfan | July 27, 2011 at 05:29 AM
Cant be any worse then Fatneck.
Posted by: WTF.COM | July 27, 2011 at 05:32 AM
V Y.......no freaking way.That guy will tear the team apart with his attitude.Henne will be the starter
Posted by: beerndrums | July 27, 2011 at 05:34 AM
Beer, 7 and 9(Again)Here we come.
Posted by: WTF.COM | July 27, 2011 at 05:36 AM
I'd do it for a third round pick and a late rounder.
Not too much for a potential starting QB.
I wouldn't go 2nd rounder - too high.
Where are we at with the running back chase?
Posted by: NHDolphan | July 27, 2011 at 05:55 AM
Strictly to push henne .....but don't mortgage the house fer orton no 2nd pick ....but I would b on board wit mando if he gets us to championship game ....well then noone ...noone would b happier and I can say that wit all honesty ..... But I still believe u make that o line like n 09 n run ball wit authority ....more problems will b solved than a lot o u all realize ...
Posted by: csonka67 | July 27, 2011 at 06:00 AM
Note to pierchen BENGALS WON'T TRADE PALMER HE IS RETIRED ...can only hope u were messing round cuz u only prove my point more bout u fans more n more ....js
Posted by: csonka67 | July 27, 2011 at 06:04 AM
Man I hope that get Orton that would be great, I like VY too if possible get both of them why not Henne most likely will be out of the league soon anyways
Posted by: scott from delaware | July 27, 2011 at 06:30 AM
When will you learn. The fins could have Peyton behind center and the fins would still be mediocre. The Fins organization is mediocre. What the dolphins need to do is bring in a veteran coach to give Sparano some competition. Henne is no better or no worse than the rest of the team. Now the Dolphins big splash into free agency is another serviceable but mediocre linebacker from the new offensive coaches last team.
When free agency is over we will have basically, the same mediocre group of players we have now and when it's all said and done, we will be watching the Jets and Patriots back in the playoffs. Looking forward to another 7-9 season. If we are lucky.
Posted by: Jim Stenson | July 27, 2011 at 06:49 AM
ARMANDO:
WE NEED A COACH THAT'S WILLING TO GO FOR THE KILL ALL THE TIME.
AT ALL COST.
IF THERE IS 5 SECONDS ON THE CLOCK AND WE ARE ON THE 50 YARD LINE WILL WE GO FOR THE HAIL MARY?
NO!!!!
NOT US.
WE WOULD DOWN IT AND GO INTO THE HALF TIED.
WHEN THE PATS LOST TO THE COLTS WHEN THEY WENT FOR IT ON 4TH DOWN.
I CAN RESPECT THAT THEY WENT FOR THE WIN.
NAME ONE TIME SPARANO MADE A GREAT CALL OR DID SOMETHING GREAT.
OH THE WILD CAT
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | July 27, 2011 at 06:55 AM
Jim Stenson, the dolphins have the best receiving core in the NFL, hennes holding them back, if manning was at the helm, Miami would go 16-0 and win the super bowl
Posted by: Mr Person | July 27, 2011 at 07:11 AM
people are rediculous
Posted by: gman | July 27, 2011 at 07:13 AM
passer rating, Fourth quarter of close games (trailing or ahead by 7 or less points)
Orton 58.5
Henne 58.4
Passer rating, inside opponents' 20 yard line
Orton 91.5
Henne 89.0
passer rating, 3rd down
Orton 58.0
Henne 73.0
passer rating, 3rd down and 3-7 yards to go
Orton 45.8
Henne 119.7
passer rating, when blitzed
Orton 72.8
Henne 74.4
passer rating, under pressure
Orton 12.2
Henne 23.7
Posted by: Mark | July 27, 2011 at 07:13 AM
In reply to Marks statistical comparison, I comment with two words--CHECK DOWN!
Posted by: Barry | July 27, 2011 at 07:29 AM
Anything more than a third rounder for Orton would be a bad decision. He's not much better than Henne, just has more experience. Palmer will be available NY mid-season. I hate the Jets, but at least they allow Sanchez to develop and give him the right tools.
Posted by: fins4ever | July 27, 2011 at 07:32 AM
Since we are out shopping, can someone run over to aisle 7 and get an Ahmad Bradshaw?
Posted by: $0.02 | July 27, 2011 at 07:33 AM
ARMANDO DOESN'T LIKE ANY PLAYER ON THE DOLPHINS TEAM ......PLEASE LIST ME A PLAYER THAT ARMANDO LIKES , NONE ..........
HE LOVES PALMER WITH RECORD OF 4-12 LAST YEAR .
Posted by: ALoco | July 27, 2011 at 07:41 AM
Another day gone by and many teams plug holes in there roster and some even improved themselves at positions where they were already strong. Making themselves better any way they can. Dolphins? Pat Devlin. This front office operates as if they are smarter than everyone else. Go against what everyone else says they should do and are super secretive. Truth is, they are constantly lost and unprepared. They now have signed Matt Hassleback. OMG. 35 years old and always injured. It sucks being a loyal fan to this team!!!!
Posted by: jrljr2 | July 27, 2011 at 07:49 AM
now i know why parcells left; ireland and sparano. the curse remains until they depart. give me back my dolphins.
Posted by: greg z. | July 27, 2011 at 07:51 AM
2cents, no big splashes. Just more mediocrity. I can't effin believe these guys!!!!!
Posted by: jrljr2 | July 27, 2011 at 07:51 AM
Matt hassleback guys. That's the big splash. Forget any RB that could make a difference. That's as crazy as these guys will get. 13 mil to spend. Matt Hassleback. LOL. Another 7-9 year. At least we will get rid of this regime.
Posted by: jrljr2 | July 27, 2011 at 07:55 AM
this franchise has lost its way! its become painful to witness the bonehead moves by this FO. would take a miracle to win 7 games and stay out of the cellar.
Posted by: greg z. | July 27, 2011 at 07:55 AM
if the bills start thigpen and we start henne i know who will win that game! i'm praying for a veteran qb; v.young,m.leinart,k.orton or k.kolb
Posted by: greg z. | July 27, 2011 at 08:03 AM
the problem with your scenario is that we'd still be far from having an exciting offense with a qb that can do damage in the afc east... essentially any above scenario is mediocre at best
that's why i think there's something else out there for the phins that you missed
Posted by: ny phins fan | July 27, 2011 at 08:07 AM
I apologize guys. A radio station where I am reported that they signed Hassleback. It was the Titans. Thank god!!!!!
Posted by: jrljr2 | July 27, 2011 at 08:07 AM
The Tennessee Titans swooped in Wednesday on Matt Hasselbeck, reaching agreement with the free-agent quarterback on a multi-year contract, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
News broke Tuesday that the Seattle Seahawks wouldn't re-sign the 35-year-old Hasselbeck. Instead, the Seahawks agreed to a deal with former Minnesota Viking Tarvaris Jackson, multiple sources told ESPN.
Posted by: odinseye | July 27, 2011 at 08:08 AM
I still don't like the idea of giving up picks. Denver is in need of defensive line help. I would trade Merling & a fourth or fifth to get Orton. But they need to hang onto those top 3 picks.
Posted by: Turd Ferguson | July 27, 2011 at 08:09 AM
jrljr2, whew! i'm glad it was a mistake. hasselbeck isnt the answer at 35 and often injured.
Posted by: greg z. | July 27, 2011 at 08:11 AM
Spend the second rounder if that is what it takes to get Orton! We need somebody who can help this offense now!
Posted by: Pete G | July 27, 2011 at 08:11 AM
Thigpen won't hit the field this year, Ryan Fitzpatrick is the 2nd best QB in the east. No way Thig plays.
Posted by: Michael | July 27, 2011 at 08:13 AM
Hassleback? Really?
Posted by: joe | July 27, 2011 at 08:14 AM
Turd... You would trade Merling, sure, but you really think they would accept him and a 4th for Orton? Get real.
Posted by: Dalton | July 27, 2011 at 08:15 AM
Yeah, thats some message sent to Henne.
We have one QB with any experience and now Thigpen's gone, I'm sure Henne wasn't expecting them go out an actually sign a veteran free agent QB.
Come on Armando, a little flair for the dramatic during this fast and furious pace of todays NFL?
Sheesh.............
Posted by: odinseye | July 27, 2011 at 08:16 AM
Patience guys....it's only day two. They were in the Hasselbeck talks but he's gone to the Titans. Thigpen's off to Buffalo...no big loss. McNabb will end up in Minnesota, assuming he restructures his contract. Orton is likely heading to Miami or Arizona. Arizona wants Kolb but the price might be too high. Backup plan might be Orton. I think Orton would be great in Miami. He would compete and push Henne and that's what we wanted. Giving up a 4th would be great but I'd go to a third if necessary. We wanted competition for Henne and he eally didn't have it last year. We will still have options. Matt Moore is one. VY will likely be released today. Marc Bulger is still an option. Orton is the guy to get but don't sell the farm for him. We still have time guys...don't panic.
Posted by: Craig M | July 27, 2011 at 08:19 AM
ODIN........
ARMANDO THINKS HE CAN WRITE ANY CRAP LIKE (( SOME MESSAGE SENT TO HENNE )) AS IF HENNE IS SOME BABY DOESN'T KNOW HIS VALUE IN DOLLARS BETWEEN 7-10 MILLION A YEAR .
Posted by: ALoco | July 27, 2011 at 08:19 AM
Three QB related sighs of relief so far:
1) Donovan McDrabb to Minn.
2) T-Jerk to Sea.
3) Matt Brokeback to Tenn.
Posted by: $0.02 | July 27, 2011 at 08:28 AM
Look, I am not a chad henne fan...but to say he is not as good as kyle orton? Really? That's like comparing rotting apples to rotting oranges.
So they will spend draft picks to only marginally improve a position that their philosophy states "manage but don't screw up."
Give me a break. I'd rather see them go after Terrelle Pryor just for the excitement value then waste yet another pick on a back-up qb who truly has proved nothing over several years.
The ONLY reason you bring in a Kyle Orton is to motivate Henne to play at a higher level. But if your arguement is that Henne isn't good enough to play at a higher level, then what's the point? Wouldn't it make more sense to let the current group compete, wait til next year's draft and get an instant star like a rothlesberger or Newton?
And by the way, how do you know Henne isn't good when he's been trapped in Hennings' sad circus?
(glad to have you back)
Posted by: ajdczar | July 27, 2011 at 08:28 AM
Craig M,
By: "patience guys....", did you mean us or Ireland and SpOrano?
Just curious as too who your post was directed too.
PS: JEFFY, don't overpay for Orton or Kolb.................DOLT!
Posted by: odinseye | July 27, 2011 at 08:29 AM
Phins to sign OLBer Jason Trusnik
Posted by: dishpan | July 27, 2011 at 08:30 AM
More silly talk about someone to push Henne. If Pennington couldn't push him out of his sleep walking state, what makes anyone thing some other average or aging vet will? Push him where? Henne is a tree stump.
Posted by: HoHum | July 27, 2011 at 08:31 AM
Orton only for a 3rd rnd pick. If Henne beats him then its fine with me. If Orton justs plays like he did LAST year we'll be in the playoffs. We dont need an Arron Rogers or a Drew Brees with the defense we have. (It would be nice though)
Posted by: MJ | July 27, 2011 at 08:33 AM
Hasselbeck to Titans
Posted by: dishpan | July 27, 2011 at 08:33 AM
dishpan do you read the blog? that was reported 8 times already. old news.
Posted by: sam | July 27, 2011 at 08:34 AM
henne couldnt take the offense down the field in training camp! they even gave him extra set of downs when he stalled! it was check down chad then too! no wonder marshall's frustrated.
Posted by: greg z. | July 27, 2011 at 08:37 AM
I knew Armando was a Patriot fan, now we have the proof.
Posted by: jeff | July 27, 2011 at 08:40 AM
Sam, Hasselbeck to the Titans
Posted by: dishpan | July 27, 2011 at 08:45 AM
Orton has improved each and every year in the league. Had he not missed the last 3 games last year he would have thrown roughly 24TDs to 10INTs and over 4000 yards, on a Denver team with a horrible offensive line. A third round pick for Orton would be a steal. A second round pick is more likely. Charley Whitehurst was traded to Seattle a year ago from San Diego for a 3rd round pick and SD moved up 20 spots in the 2nd round by swapping picks. Shaub to the Texans for 2, 2nd round picks. McNabb to Washington for a 2nd and a 4th. Cassell a 2nd. Outside of McNabb these other guys had no better track record than Orton before they moved on to their current teams.
Posted by: GAfin | July 27, 2011 at 08:48 AM
Fins sign Devlin.
Posted by: dishpan | July 27, 2011 at 08:49 AM
Looks like Thigpen is going to Buffalo.
Posted by: dishpan | July 27, 2011 at 08:50 AM
Tyler is the best QB in Miami you will find that out later. Football is a team sport, you have to have a good team around the QB so you can win. In KC and Miami he did not have team around him
Posted by: Bill | July 27, 2011 at 08:51 AM
Armando,
Who is Brian Baldinger and why should we care what he has to say?
Oh yeah, Baldinger is that sick piece of shyt that said Ines Sainz was "asking for it ..." when she was sexually harrased at the wets training camp.
Jeez Armanod, I didn't know having fat retired dumbasses on your show would help your ratings, Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..................
Posted by: odinseye | July 27, 2011 at 08:52 AM
Phins trade Ginn
Posted by: dishpan | July 27, 2011 at 08:52 AM
watch thigpen kick the chit out of the fins twice this year.lol
Posted by: 2 watt | July 27, 2011 at 08:52 AM