The Dolphins were one of approximately 14 teams to attend Terrelle Pryor's Pro Day workout today. That does not mean they will draft the former Ohio State quarterback in the supplemental draft that will take place Monday, but obviously the team is doing its homework on the player.
That homework is probably just as draining as the long hours and eyelid drooping work the club did on practically every other quarterback that was available this year -- both draft picks, free agents and now the supplemental draft.
The man most responsible for that work, the man ultimately deciding what the Dolphins did or didn't do at quarterback this season, is general manager Jeff Ireland. And he obviously ultimately has decided that he is good with Chad Henne.
(So much for the conspiracy theorists or prayerful fans hoping for a late miracle addition at QB. It doesn't look like it is going to happen.)
Ireland has not spoken with the local media since the lockout ended. He did appear on Friday night's telecast of the Dolphins preseason game versus Carolina because the club and the broadcast company airing the game have that appearance written into the broadcast contract.
And in that interview on CBS-4 in South Florida, Ireland made it clear he is putting his faith, hope and trust on Henne to succeed at quarterback this year. That is ultimately why he didn't draft anyone else and the reason he didn't pay the necessary price to acquire Kyle Orton from Denver.
"We really felt Matt [Moore] was a capable backup this year," Ireland said. "He's had a lot of starts in his career. We really felt a lot of confidence in Chad Henne as well. And to go and leverage the franchise to go and do something else different than what we had here with Chad and his continued development, we just didn't feel like we needed to to do that at this time."
Earlier this offseason, the Dolphins spoke of upgrading at QB and, at the very least, bringing in a player to challenge Henne for the starting job. They did not do either. And Ireland is obviously cool with that.
"You got to know the value of what you're trying to get accomplished," he said. "The great thing about what we did is we threw a lot of faith into Chad and the continued development of Chad. We felt like a lot of things last year were fixable. And we have a lot of faith in [offensive coordinator] Brian Daboll as well and that process is going very well."
So Ireland is on record. He believes in Henne. He thinks Henne's problems of a year ago and two years ago will be fixed. That is some mighty strong commitment.
And it is a two-sided coin.
If Henne is good, Ireland's repuation for knowing his player becomes unquestionable because he made the right call. If Henne is not good this year, Ireland's reputation for knowing his player will have been wrong. (It's never good when the general manager makes a bad call on a QB.)
Either way, Henne has Ireland's reputation in his hands.
ElCacheUSA,
Not grabbing a TE suggests to me the fo has big plans for Clay once he's up to speed. IMO, once up to speed, they're seeking Clay to have a type h-back effect as Dallas Clark in Indy.
Dallas Clark is not a true TE, though most see him that way. If Clay can be half of what Clark is we've made ourselves a pretty good find.
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 20, 2011 at 05:02 PM
With New Englan's improved D-line, we need to keep Brady off the field! I thought Vernon played preet well last night on the O-line! Is Sean Ohara signed by a team yet form the Giant's? We need soild depth there!
Posted by: ElCacheUSA | August 20, 2011 at 05:03 PM
Sparano said Lex Hilliard is one of our best st's players. Doesnt particular sound like a guy who'll soon be be one of your top 2 rb's.
Guys, 2yrs in a row had it not been for his st's play Hilliard wouldnt even be on the roster. Now you're trying to annoint him to stardom. Let's be real here! LOL...
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 20, 2011 at 05:05 PM
DD, buy why is the guy not on the field? Is he a moron? Can he not figure out the HUGE playbook Brian Daboll gave him? He should be there on the field more!
Posted by: ElCacheUSA | August 20, 2011 at 05:06 PM
DD, he did start when our RB's were injured last year towards the end of the season! Would you put Thomas as your startin RB, he fumbled the ball last night! Lex will be our starter, he is 245lb battering ram. He said when he run's the ball in scrimmages he can hear the POP's on the collision's during practice!
Posted by: ElCacheUSA | August 20, 2011 at 05:09 PM
Sean O'Hara is only interested in signing with a team where he is a great ability to be a starter. He did pass our physical, but that doesnt mean he's 100% over whatever injury he had. Means he was good enough to pass the physical.
Ask yourselves, there are 31 other starting center positions besides the Dolphins. Whyb hasnt any of those other 31 teams signed O'Hara to be thier starter? Not even the Raiders with Samson Satele. LOL...
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 20, 2011 at 05:10 PM
JarvisRocked-
Not huffing anything brother. Re-read my post. Never said Reggie=Barry. Said on that particular run, the lateral movement reminds of Barry.
You stand corrected.
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 05:11 PM
ElCacheUSA-
I like Hilliard too, but Thomas has a huge upside. Give him time. Won't take long.
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 05:13 PM
Ww would sign O'hara as a guard, so he can play next to Pouncey! He would help him develop over the year's and playing guard is not as brutal like a center facing the NT on every down! That would give us depth as well incase Poncey chokes or get's injured! The guy is getting close to his mid 30's Not so funny now!
Posted by: ElCacheUSA | August 20, 2011 at 05:14 PM
I was glad to see the OL play better last night. Hope they keep improving.
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 05:17 PM
Hilliard has always been listed #4 rb on the depth chart. Has only had 1 impressive regular season run his entire tenure here. Still some of you already wanna catapult him to #2 rb on the depth chart. By what body of evidence are you basing this on? LOL...
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 20, 2011 at 05:20 PM
Agree w/Ireland. Lets upgrade the position the right way, through the draft. its not like getting either of them would close the gap with NE anyway, so it doesn't matter.
Still think we should use one pick EVERY year on a QB until we find the next #13.
Posted by: dolfanSF | August 20, 2011 at 05:22 PM
he hate Henne 2 says Ireland is the problem.
Got it Mando! See you at church buddy!
Posted by: gman | August 20, 2011 at 05:22 PM
If you guys wanna blast a rb who's done absolutely nothing since he's been here. Then I promptly direct to Cory Sheets. This guy is supposed to be fast but everytime I watch him in games he plays slow.
WTH is up with that? LOL...
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 20, 2011 at 05:24 PM
dolfanSF,
A famous basketball coach made the comment:
"Bird, McHale, and Parrish arent walking thru that door."
Just as hard as it may be to do for your. Replace Bird, McHale, and Parrish with MARINO! A lot lesser qb's than Marino are sporting SB rings. The true goal isnt to find the next Marino, it's to find our next SB ring.
We never found it in Marino did we! LOL...
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 20, 2011 at 05:28 PM
dolfanSF-
You are absolutely correct. We MUST find our franchise QB in the draft. If they don't draft a 1st Rd QB next year, they will be pissing in the wind, again!
And if he'as a bust (50% chance) they have to keep trying!
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 05:28 PM
DD, #4 when we had Ricky, Ronnie and Cobb's who they did not want! That was last year in the beginning of the season! Wake up Bra! He will have a BREAKOUT YEAR! All you Fantasy players will be wrong on this guy! Watch! Look how Peyton Hillis turned out in Clevland last year! Daboll like these big bruising back's!
Posted by: ElCacheUSA | August 20, 2011 at 05:30 PM
I AM TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT HENNE THIS AND IRELAND THAT ,HOW COME IRELAND CAME OUT NOW AFTER ONE GOOD GAME BY HENNE ,,,,,,,,
WFT .............. I SALUTE YOU FOR TELLING US THE TRUTH ABOUT DB WHO GETS IDEAS FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES ,THEN CLAIMS HIS OWN.........
I RATHER SEEN HIM WIRTE DUMB POSTS LIKE OSCAR TO REFLECT HIS TRUE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE .........
Posted by: ALoco | August 20, 2011 at 05:31 PM
DB-
We don't necessarily need another Marino, but the NFL has changed. Check the last 8-10 years. It's a QB driven league now. Caretaker QB's like Trent Dilfer don't cut it anymore.
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 05:31 PM
There isnt one franchise qb in the league that doesnt have superior weapons around him. Also there isnt one qb in this league who doesnt have superior weapons around him that's considered a franchise qb.
So go figure that Einstiens! LOL...
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 20, 2011 at 05:32 PM
FIN72............... I THANK THE LORD,THE MIGHTY GOD,THE MERCIFUL THAT WE GOT READY OF THE WORST 2 RB'S IN FINS HISTORY ......R.BROWN AND R.WILLIAMS ........
Posted by: ALoco | August 20, 2011 at 05:34 PM
ALoco-
I like Oscar's posts. They are trippy- sometimes give me a FLASHBACK!
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 05:34 PM
FLASHBACK=free high
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 05:35 PM
DB, CAN YOU TELL US WHO MADE THAT COMMENT ABOUT BIRD ,M AND B ??????
Posted by: ALoco | August 20, 2011 at 05:35 PM
Yes, Chad and the O-line had a good game...but let's temper this optimism with some hard reality; the Panthers d-line was soft and their secondary and LB's never contained our passing game. And their offense was headlined by a rookie QB who was starting without his starting WR's.
Chad plays well against bad competition, but can he beat NE consistently? We'll find out soon enough
Posted by: Babylicious | August 20, 2011 at 05:37 PM
IM out for a green lizard, and aloco, if you did not read the story this is why Ireland came out:
Ireland has not spoken with the local media since the lockout ended. He did appear on Friday night's telecast of the Dolphins preseason game versus Carolina because the club and the broadcast company airing the game have that appearance written into the broadcast contract
Peace out!
Posted by: ElCacheUSA | August 20, 2011 at 05:37 PM
FIN72..... I LIKE OSCAR POSTS ALSO , WHAT I DON'T LIKE ,HIM THINKING HE'S WRITING SOME THING IMPREESES US .......BUT THE FACT IS , W/ALL THESE DUMB POSTS ,HE LOOKS SMART IN THE LAND OF IDIOTS ........
Posted by: ALoco | August 20, 2011 at 05:38 PM
ALoco-
Ricky and Ronnie were good, but they were getting old. Ricky was one of the best ever, in his first years here.
My all-time favorites are Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris.
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 05:38 PM
fin72,
Dilfer didnt have potent weapons around him neither. Just a defense that gave up less than 10pts a game. Maybe the best defense ever, over even the 85 Bears.
Defnse will play a pivotal role if whether or not we're a playoff team. Especially going against high flying attacks. If Friday's any indication we just may be a better than average offense in 2011.
If we're better than average on both sides of the ball in 2011. I really love our playoff chances. No way with all of the pieces now assembled on offense will everything be scrapped to bring in a rookie qb. Henne will have to be absolutely horrible(2011) for it to happen.
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 20, 2011 at 05:38 PM
just sayin, with all the other picks we've blown on project players, just draft a prototype QB in the latter rounds every year, and sooner or later we might get lucky and find the next T.Brady. If not, like Mando said you trade them like currency for picks or whatever.
That's how the Oakland A's BB team operate out here. They just draft pitchers.
Posted by: dolfanSF | August 20, 2011 at 05:39 PM
Armando you are less talented as a writer than Henne is as a QB. The way you pander to the nervous and cynical fanbase is pathetic. When henne DOES start playing well we will kick you of the bandwagon, jerk.
Posted by: Mando Checker | August 20, 2011 at 05:39 PM
EICACHEUSA......... GOOD TRY ,BUT THE FACT REMAINS ,THIS GM ONLY COMES OUT WHEN THINGS ONLY LOOKS GOOD FOR SOME PLAYER WHO WANTS TO TALK ABOUT ...................
Posted by: ALoco | August 20, 2011 at 05:41 PM
DB-
Good point about having weapons, but look at Peyton Manning. He's gone through spells where half his starters on offense were out hurt, and he still plays like a champ- contends every year. THAT's a franchise QB.
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 05:41 PM
R.BROWN ,RICKY WILLIAMS HAVE PLAYED IN THE WORST FIN TEAMS EVER ,THEY BELONG TO THE TRASH PIN OF FOOTBALL HISTORY ......
ONE FUMBLES ALL THE TIME IN THE LAST 3 YEARS .
THE OTHER AVERAGE 3 YARDS A CARRY B/C HE'S INJURED ALL THE TIME ..
Posted by: ALoco | August 20, 2011 at 05:44 PM
fin72,
Also have to remember Manning's been in the same offense for 10 plus seasons. The pieces may not always be as great due to injuries. But he always knows exactly where the pieces are supposed to be.
It's a simple matter of drumming into the heads of the the injury replacements where they're supposed to be and delivering the ball there.
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 20, 2011 at 05:45 PM
DB-
I LOVE our defense, and getting excited about the offense, too. The optimist in me wants to see playoffs, and I'll be thrilled if we make it, but we're not going far into the playoffs as constructed.
I hope Henne becomes a solid starter this year, AND they draft a 1st rd QB next year, too. I'd rather let the young QB sit for a year or two and learn. If we end up with 2 quality QB's, that's a GOOD problem to have.
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 05:46 PM
IRELAND IS TRYING TO SCREW CHAD HENNE AGAIN....... I HOPE HENNE WILL HIRE A KILLER AGENT BEFORE SIGNING HIS 10 MILLION A YEAR CONTRACT ........
Posted by: ALoco | August 20, 2011 at 05:47 PM
And Ireland seals his fate.He will be gone when the season ends.What a fool.
Posted by: Mike Gentile | August 20, 2011 at 05:47 PM
Here's my CRACK-UP of the day today!
FIN72..... I LIKE OSCAR POSTS ALSO , WHAT I DON'T LIKE ,HIM THINKING HE'S WRITING SOME THING IMPREESES US .......BUT THE FACT IS , W/ALL THESE DUMB POSTS ,HE LOOKS SMART IN THE LAND OF IDIOTS ........
Posted by: ALoco | August 20, 2011 at 05:38 PM
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 05:49 PM
Under DaBoll, this is the first attacking offense Henne's had the pleasure of operating in. It's also the first time ever having more than one lethal weapon.
Last night showed some potential that even Henne could be remarkedly improved in this system and with these weapons. If he doesnt we'll all be ready to see the end of the Henne era in Miami.
THAT'S UNQUESTIONABLY CLEAR!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL...
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 20, 2011 at 05:50 PM
fin72,
Im still feeling a little queasy about our defense until I began to see play making ability against the pass from our fs position. Im still having nightmares on 3rd and longs getting beat deep for td scored or consistent first downs.
Actually both safety spots still concern me on passing downs. Y-Bell couldnt cover his own shadow neither. Safety is still our weakest pass defense link until proven otherwise.
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 20, 2011 at 05:55 PM
DB/ LET'S NOT MAKE HENNE LOOKS LIKE TOM BRADY ,LET'S WAIT AND SEE ,OTHER WISE WE THE DUMBEST FANS EVER.........
TALKING ABOUT SUCKLING PIGS ,LAST NIGHT DD WAS TALKING ABOUT COOKING SUCKLING PIGS WHO ARE 4-8 POUNDS .THERE'S ANY POGS THAT SMALL ?
THIS Q FOR DB .
Posted by: ALoco | August 20, 2011 at 05:55 PM
DB-
Don't get me wrong, I'm not hoping to scrap EVERYTHING and start over again from scratch. I like Henne and hope he flourishes in this new offense.
I just think to get back to the Super Bowl and be champs again, we're going to have to get a TOP SHELF QB in the draft and develop him for a year or two.
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 05:55 PM
The top 5 nfl qb's will still expose our safeties in the passing game unless the light quickly comes on for the guys at those positions.
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 20, 2011 at 05:58 PM
Phin Phans,
I have thought that the reason they really did not go after a QB this year is because they (GM & Coach) belive that if they stink this year as well, they'll get a high draft pick next year and get the best college qb available. Anyone else pondered this...?
Would an owner go for this...?
Posted by: MDPhinPhan | August 20, 2011 at 05:58 PM
somethings cooking, but it aint ready yet, it needs a regular season plate before we can be sure its edible
Posted by: The wolf, icu, starvation coma | August 20, 2011 at 05:59 PM
ALoco-
I saw the post about the pigs last night. He said they were BABY pigs.
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 05:59 PM
fin72,
To get back to the SB all we need is for Henne to be better than average, so does the entire offense, and our safeties must finally show and and play some huge ball against the pass.
That's the recipe for a possible 2011 SB appearance.
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 20, 2011 at 06:00 PM
DB-
Bell is getting a little old, but we might have a young answer at safety.
Jones, Wilson?
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 06:01 PM
Jets at home last game of the season.... My prediction is that the winner finishes 2nd in the division and claims the 2nd wild card spot in the AFC.
This is based on the Phins improving incrementally both on offence and defense while the Jets have stood still at best.
Posted by: Pete | August 20, 2011 at 06:01 PM
Wolf, you sound like Oscar!
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 06:02 PM
DB-
I just don't agree. Better than average QB play can get you into the playoffs (Flacco) but not into the SB. Check the records.
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 06:03 PM
Nothing will matter if the defense forces offenses into 3rd and longs and safty mental errors keep letting those same offenses off the hook in those 3rd and long situations.
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 20, 2011 at 06:03 PM
Only 2 things the Jets have over us right now. A qb with 2yrs of afc championship experience(that doesnt neccessarily equate to better). And I think they clearly have the best safeties.
Everything else I think we match or exceed them in.
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 20, 2011 at 06:06 PM
oscar has more grey matter and more adipose
Posted by: The wolf, icu, starvation coma | August 20, 2011 at 06:06 PM
Here's the last 8 SB winners-
Packers- Aaron Rodgers (1st rd pick)
Saints - Drew Brees (rare 2nd rd pick)
Steelers- Big Ben (1st rd pick)
Giants - Eli Manning (1st rd pick)
Colts - Peyton Manning (1st rd pick)
Steelers- Big Ben (1st rd pick)
Patriots- Tom Brady (1 in a million 6th rd pick)
Patriots- Tom Brady ("
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 06:09 PM
db, u r spot on, d was awesome last season 90% of time but gave up huge plays at bad times , (j allen lost us the first jets game by himself) and got canned for it but the whole secondary has to prevent giving the opposition chunk yardage (as tony would put it)
as ever need TEAM performance, not everyone has to be outstanding but nobody can stink
Posted by: The wolf, icu, starvation coma | August 20, 2011 at 06:10 PM
Wolf-
What is adipose?
Posted by: finsfan72 | August 20, 2011 at 06:11 PM
also like u db i am really looking forward to seing the jets play this season if u know what i mean, given my current diet I thinking i might get a few calories out of reg season jets losses!
Posted by: The wolf, icu, starvation coma | August 20, 2011 at 06:12 PM
Henne is in the final year of his contract. If they don't offer him an extension by game 8, well then we'll know what they really think of him.
There have been undeniable improvements on the offense, I do expect Henne to perform better. But I have a very hard time seeing Henne with a SB Ring unless he gets one as the 2nd string QB.
Posted by: nome | August 20, 2011 at 06:12 PM