I covered the playoff game between the Broncos and Patriots Saturday and while this is a Dolphins blog, allow me to discuss with you something we rarely get to talk about on a Dolphins blog -- the playoffs.
Coming out of the thumping of the Broncos by the Patriots it's clear to me that while Tom Brady continues to play at his current level, the Dolphins have little chance of winning the AFC East unless they find their own franchise quarterback. I'm not talking about finding a nice quarterback or a fair quarterback or caretaker. I'm talking a Top 10 QB is necessary for Miami to compete with the Patriots.
Otherwise Miami is merely playing for second place in the division.
Coming out of that game, it struck me as odd one comment I heard in the press box from a journalist. Mocking the fact the Broncos were getting shredded, he turned to another writer and asked mockingly, "Where's Tim Tebow's God tonight?
Obviously, Tebow is a man of faith and he delivered an impassioned speech to his teammates before the game that was taken straight out of the Bible. It didn't work.
But does that diminish the power of faith?
I say not.
I say without faith we have nothing.
Now, some people put their faith in God. Some people put their faith in their abilities. Some put their faith in the greater group, as Vince Wilfork said following the game. But faith was at work all over the field last night.
Believing is important is important in sports. You cannot succeed unless you do not believe.
Today on Sportscenter the analysts discussed Tebow's future. It was interesting to hear their take -- even known Tebow hater Merrill Hoge who clearly has allowed his dislike of Tebow's game to blind his analysis.
The topic that came up was whether Tebow be the Broncos QB going forward. Tom Jackson made a troubling statement about Tebow when he wondered aloud if "Tebow's fansbase" would allow Denver President John Elway to make a change.
"Tebow's fanbase," seems odd phrasing to me. It makes the group sound like some cult or something. It makes them sound like drones that approve of everything Tebow does regardless of those actions.
I'm a Tebow fan. I make no apologies for that because I like his approach off the field and appreciate his winning ways on the field. I identify with the fact Tebow's unorthodox. I love that he's gritty. And after he took a 1-4 team and helped it get in the playoffs, I cannot deny he wins.
But I'm not blind and I don't think "Tebow's fansbase" is blind. I'm not the spokesman for that fanbase, but allow me to tell you what I think Tebow's fanbase will allow, Tom Jackson:
They'll allow a legitimate quarterback competition for the right to start.
They'll allow the winner of that competition to have as much support as possible.
They'll allow for the idea that Tebow's mechanics are not very good, but mechanics can change and improve with coaching -- just ask Aaron Rodgers -- and in a lockout offseason, Tebow didn't get that coaching.
Tebow's fanbase understands that the guy they root for is not a complete player. But he's only 16 games into his NFL career. That's a bit early to throw up your hands and say, "Tebow's got no chance to improve, or Tebow absolutely positively cannot be a good NFL quarterback."
The statement is idiotic.
Perhaps you disagree. That's fine. It's America. But if you disagree, tell me how it is Drew Brees got two years of struggles knowing he would never be taller than 6-foot and a national outcry didn't ensue. Tell me how it is Mark Sanchez was awful his rookie season but the folks in New York thought him capable of improving because he went to the playoffs with his team?
No one said Sanchez needed to go after that terrible first full season as a starter. How is it that Tebow similarly takes the Broncos to the playoffs and he doesn't get the same room for growth?
Look, Tim Tebow is not Tom Brady. Nowhere close. Brady played Goliath to Tebow's David Sunday and Goliath clearly won. But I cannot discount Tebow's growth potential. I cannot discount that he was in a playoff game last night. And I cannot discount the fact that when the Broncos bring in competition for him next year, he just might do what he's been doing for a long time going back to college.
Win
Armando:
I loved this writeup.
Too bad you NEVER say anything positive like this about the phins.
Posted by: Gary | January 15, 2012 at 11:23 PM
The only thing I know for sure is I wouldn't want any kind of trade scenario. I mean not unless we getting a boat load of higher end picks.
Posted by: Odin's Bottom | January 15, 2012 at 11:16 PM
Ah YES! The Bourbon is kicking in.
I meant to say:
I wouldn't want any kind of trade **DOWN** scenario...................
Duh!
Posted by: Odin's Bottom | January 15, 2012 at 11:23 PM
Thank you Wait, 5 Guys out of 10,000 that have played in the NFL, Maybe you could write a book "Famous jewish sports legends" It would only consit of 1 page but you keep up the good fight.
Posted by: Just passing by.. | January 15, 2012 at 11:16 PM
__________________________________________
And maybe someday you'll have the brains to come up with your own material rather than lifting it unattributed from 'Airplane.'
But probably not.
Posted by: walt | January 15, 2012 at 11:24 PM
Tim Tebow is creating his own problem; becoming his own false idol.
I don't feel for him nor do I accept the premise that God cares who wins a football game.
And as much as I HATE his flaunting of his faith, during the Steeler-Bronco game, they cut to Hines Ward who did a little nod up to the sky.
So, Tebow is just one in a line of idiots who have to express their religious beliefs in a "shove it down our throats" manner. But he is the loudest and therefore the worst. He joins Nascar, Country Music Awards and Prison for the "I love Jesus more than you" parade.
He is creating the problem on himself and...may I say Mando, I enjoy your columns but don't need you sticking up for him or Jesus.
Posted by: ajdczar | January 15, 2012 at 11:25 PM
THE RAMS HAVE SIGNED THE EX JETS OC AS THEIR NEW OC WITH FISHER .......
NOW RAMS HAVE A CERTIFIED (( CELLAR )) HC AND CRAPPY OC ....
Posted by: ALoco | January 15, 2012 at 11:26 PM
Darryl. The Miami Dolphins are on an infinite loop of rebuilding every 4 years, and changing coordinators every 2 years. Once again new coaches will come in, a handful of players will be flushed out and new players with new schemes will be coming in. All that equals more time to gel. More experimenting. More false starts.
This organization is going nowhere faster than a dead hamster on a treadmill.
Posted by: DevilsAdvocate | January 15, 2012 at 11:26 PM
Amen, ajdczar.
(or something like that, lol)
Posted by: Otto Preminger | January 15, 2012 at 11:27 PM
And maybe someday you'll have the brains to come up with your own material rather than lifting it unattributed from 'Airplane.'
But probably not.
Posted by: walt | January 15, 2012 at 11:24 PM
Good Man Wait, A Movie watcher, I Salute you sir..
Posted by: Just passing by.. | January 15, 2012 at 11:28 PM
DEVIL......... ROSS KNOWS THAT ,THAT'S WHY HE BELIEVES SOME HC COACH CAN COME AND EXEL WITH THE CURRENT PLAYERS...ALSO THAT'S THE REASON IRELAND STILL HERE .......
I THINK THAT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO .......
Posted by: ALoco | January 15, 2012 at 11:31 PM
But Ross just tried to hire Fisher who would have brought in Schotty, a guy who just failed.
Posted by: DevilsAdvocate | January 15, 2012 at 11:32 PM
Odin...I would love to see us pull the trigger on a trade to aquire Luck or Griffen. I don't get to evaluate the quarterbacks, but I'm not sure right now there is another first round guy. This could change, and if the Phins during their evaluation see fit to go that route(one of the guys outside of the top 2) i would support the move..
Maybe, just maybe. Losing Fisher to the Rams will make Ross do something to make a splash..Something we aren't accustomed to here.It seems like Ross is desperate to make a big move. Perhaps that move will be a lay all your chips on the table trade on draft day..Or a big free agent signing..The second may be tough because of our cap structure. We will have around 20 mil in cap space next year..This will b a factor in building the team. If truly quarterback is the only piece missing..Then it's a no brainer. I think it would be a bad move to put all of our efforts into 1 big free agent..Just my opinion.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 15, 2012 at 11:34 PM
Since there are no superstar coaches out there, we won't even give the next coach 3 years. He will be replaced in 2 years for some other experienced coach on the market.
Posted by: DevilsAdvocate | January 15, 2012 at 11:34 PM
Aloco, Hows "Godzilla"?BTW, Ask Darrly D. For a recipe for Iquana, He is a Chef.
Posted by: Just passing by.. | January 15, 2012 at 11:35 PM
I'm not being pessimistic here, but at this rate we won't win a playoff game until 2042. It will be against Brady's grandson.
Posted by: DevilsAdvocate | January 15, 2012 at 11:37 PM
DD,
DO YOU HAVE A GOOD RECIPE FOR IGUANA ?
Posted by: ALoco | January 15, 2012 at 11:38 PM
Laura Prepon or Laura dern?
Posted by: Who Do you want moore? | January 15, 2012 at 11:38 PM
I DO NOT THINK IT IS VERY FUNNY TO TALK ABOUT COOKING GODZILLA.,.HE IS MY FRIEND ALL WAYS.,.HE IS ALL BROWN NOW AND HE SLEEP A LOT..,I HAVE GIVE HIM LETTUCE HAMBURGER HOT DOGS CELARY CORN BUT HE STILL ACTS VERY SICK AND THROWED UP ALSO MANY TIMES. I HAVE ASK ABOUT IGUANAS HERE BEFORE BECAUSE MANY ARE IN FLORIDA IT IS THE LAND OF IGUANAS
Posted by: ALoco | January 15, 2012 at 11:40 PM
DEVIL..... WHEN THE FIRST TIME YOU HAD A DATE WITH A GIRL ?
Posted by: ALoco | January 15, 2012 at 11:40 PM
..Just passing by..I have never cooked iguana. I have tried it though. The locals in the Yucitan eat it. If you find a street vendor where there are no tourists you can find it. Usually grilled and put into a taco.. I had to try one..Not bad..Not great. It tastes like an oily fish..Mackerel comes to mind. If you put a bunch of condiment on them it masks the flavor a bit..Kind of against the point.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 15, 2012 at 11:41 PM
Daryl.. Did you say that you were certain that we will be super bowl caliper next year? If that was not a joke please explain how..I don't see it unless we have a franchise QB and some other key pieces on O and D. I might have missed earlier posts by you cause I just jumped in here so sorry if it's a repeat man
Posted by: C63-AMG | January 15, 2012 at 11:41 PM
Aloco the first time I kissed a girl I was 8. I don't think it was officially a date though. It was more like an attack in the hallway.
Posted by: DevilsAdvocate | January 15, 2012 at 11:43 PM
Aloco...devour any good iguana swisschard lately?
Posted by: C63-AMG | January 15, 2012 at 11:43 PM
DARYL I DO NOT WANT YOU TON WRITE ABOUT THAT ANY MORE BECAUSE I WOULD NOT WRITE ABOUT COOKING YOU DOG OR CAT AND PUTTING THEM IN A TACO
Posted by: ALoco | January 15, 2012 at 11:43 PM
DD,
I hear you loud and clear. I also believe like Odin's Bottom is surmising and believe the price of getting RGIII may be a peeric victory. Too big a cost and thus I would settle for trying to find a Yates type in QB Case Keenum of Houston. The guy has a killer arm and fast release...who knows, may develop.
Many on here don't think so but I believe Moore has earned his chance to compete to start and would probably beat out most rookies. At this stage of his career he should be able to hold off a first year guy.
As for the pass rush I am 1000% in agreement with you. Nothing evens the odds vs Tom Brady, Brees, Rodgers etc like a ferocious pass rush. The Texans bring the thunder pretty good right now as do the Giants.
The guy I would target right now as an impact OLB is 'Bama's own Courtney Upshaw. He goes about 270lbs and could hold up the run responsibilities of the edge. I REALLY like his angry, pass rush leverage and ability get under OL and defeat them. He always seems to arrive in a bad mood. The guy may be a tad short for some but I think he is a Harrison type waiting to happen.
Brady can't beat us if he is on his keister a bunch. Maybe Odrick develops more and Wake still has his side locked down.
That is my initial thought. Two others I am looking at are OLB Keenan Robinson of Texas and OLB Bruce Irvin of West Virginia (sorta Aldon Smithish). I will let you know what I think after more research.
Obtaining a nice TE and/or another larger WR with good hands like Jeff Fuller Texas A&M would be high on my list as well.
Cheers,
Posted by: Rob in OC | January 15, 2012 at 11:44 PM
Recipe for Iquana, Marinate with Mojo for two days(They are tough) Grill on open flame till it internal temp. reaches 165(Thus killing all Parasite) serve with new potatoes and garnish with celentro., Darryl might have a Idea on what type of wine to serve. I have noIdea., Darryl, What say you? Red or White?
Posted by: Who Do you want moore? | January 15, 2012 at 11:44 PM
Devil..I had a similar encounter...but it was two girls in a school hallway..and then I had the sack to tell one girl that she was better than the other with both standing there looking at me
Posted by: C63-AMG | January 15, 2012 at 11:45 PM
See the movie Walkabout. There you will learn how to cook an iguana. Good movie.
Posted by: DevilsAdvocate | January 15, 2012 at 11:45 PM
C63-AMG..No I said I don't thinK we will be Super Bowl Caliber next year..I think with the right mix of players, luck, limited turnovers. We could be competitve. But Competing for the Super Bowl would in my mind be a very difficult. It may be more reasonable to think I could pick the winning lottery numbers..
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 15, 2012 at 11:46 PM
DEVIL,
THEN WHEN THE FIRST TIME YOU HAD A DATE WITH REAL WOMAN ?
DO YOU REMEMBER THAT NIGHT ?
PS... I AM SICK OF ALL THESE BLOGGERS TALKING FOOTBALL AND SAYING THE SAME THING THOUSAND TIME ........
Posted by: ALoco | January 15, 2012 at 11:46 PM
You always drink white with iguana man...red is for beef and some Italian dishes
Posted by: C63-AMG | January 15, 2012 at 11:47 PM
RECIPE FOR WHO DO YOU WANT MORES DOG//..PUT DOG ON TABLE AND CHOP UP AND PUT DOG MEAT IN PAN AND STIR FRY FOR 5 MINUTES WITH GARLIC THEN PUT IN TACO AND EAT DOG TACO
Posted by: ALoco | January 15, 2012 at 11:47 PM
Daryl...got ya, I actually just re-read and picked that our. Sorry man
Posted by: C63-AMG | January 15, 2012 at 11:47 PM
ummmmmmmmmmmm, Iquana, The other white meat.
Posted by: Who Do you want moore? | January 15, 2012 at 11:47 PM
Mmmmmmmm dog, the other brown meat
Posted by: C63-AMG | January 15, 2012 at 11:48 PM
THE WORST MEAT IS ...PORK. PORK FOR HORSES ..........
Posted by: ALoco | January 15, 2012 at 11:49 PM
Aloco, Tell us how to Flavor the dog, Your leaving a lot out dude.
Posted by: Who Do you want moore? | January 15, 2012 at 11:50 PM
RECIPE FOR C63 AMG CAT TACOS//..PUT CAT ON TABLE AND CHOP HEAD OFF//PUT CAT HEAD IN CHICKEN STOCK TO MAKE SOUP.,.USE OTHER CAT MEAT TO MAKE CAT HAMBURGER
Posted by: ALoco | January 15, 2012 at 11:50 PM
I wouldnt give more then 2 years to anyone thats isnt an experienced HC like Fisher, Cowher.
Posted by: TGH | January 15, 2012 at 11:50 PM
TO FLAVOR A DOG IS TO COOK IT THE CUBAN WAY ....
Posted by: ALoco | January 15, 2012 at 11:51 PM
Aloco, What side would you serve for dog/cat Tacos?
Posted by: Who Do you want moore? | January 15, 2012 at 11:52 PM
THE CUBAN CUSINE IS BIG WHEN IT COMES TO DOG AND CAT RECIPES .
Posted by: ALoco | January 15, 2012 at 11:52 PM
Tim Tebow is a man of faith and openly says so and people give hime smack for it. Leave the man alone. I'm not a fan of his, but for him to thank God in all his press conferences is awesome. I'm a man of faith and I hope he can shine his light on this organization to right the ship, but that's only hoping. Tebow wins games and that's important, he will soon be exposed if he doesn't improve. All NFL teams will figure him out, until then just let the man play. I'm sure a lot of us would love to be in his shoes right now, he's just thanking God for all his talents and the media criticizes him and asks "where is Tebow's God now?" when he looses... Wow! God's always with him whether he wins or looses can't the media understand that. Or are they not religious enough to understand?
Win, loose, or tie... Dolphins till i die!!!
Posted by: CA_DolFan | January 15, 2012 at 11:53 PM
Ross is sticking with Ireland! Run this franchise into the ground. Yeap, Ireland has done a great job the last 4 years! Ross thinks mediocre equals a winning season. Maybe Ireland and the Tuna convinced him of that!
Posted by: redsky | January 15, 2012 at 11:53 PM
ON THE SIDE YOU CAN MAKE PET BIRD MILK SHAKS.//PUT PARROT IN BLENDER WITH ICE AND MIX FOR 20 SECONDS THEN POUR INTO GLASS
Posted by: ALoco | January 15, 2012 at 11:53 PM
Darryl,
I know you've mentioned being a guide on some fishing excursions.
I was just wondering if your an experienced Hunter? Like say, maybe being a guide for an Elk or Moose hunting excursion?
During rutting season Moose and/or Elk are probably the most dangerous animals in the forest. So you have to know what you're doing.
I don't. Not when it comes to them. The reason I'm asking is because I'd like to plan a trip out there maybe for some hunting.
We could jam out on the guitars. Do some partying. Get in some hunting.
I'm not a zillionaire or anything like that, but I'm budgeting it in this year. You think you could handle something like this?
PS: I'd also promise to be on my best behavior. No crazy shyt, just a nice hardcore week long party!
Posted by: Odin's Bottom | January 15, 2012 at 11:54 PM
Ireland and Sparano = Parcells puppets without their strings = FLOP
Posted by: Mike | January 15, 2012 at 11:54 PM
when he looses... Wow! God's always with him whether he wins or looses can't the media understand that. Or are they not religious enough to understand?
Win, loose, or tie... Dolphins till i die!!!
Posted by: CA_DolFan | January 15, 2012 at 11:53 PM
Looses? Notice how its always the ignorant, uneducated or extremely poor that are religious. This whacker can't spell at a 5th grade level.
Posted by: Ginga | January 15, 2012 at 11:56 PM
He wants to get in your pants, Darryl. Run!!
Posted by: Desert Essence | January 15, 2012 at 11:57 PM
NY G...regarding "**** MY DAILY RANT ****
It's all well and good and (I agree0 that a franchise QB is a MUST to compete in our division, and in fact the NFL.
You recommend giving up the farm (paraphrasing)...and again, I MIGHT agree concerning Luck.
However, you than go on to say we must get THIS, we must get THAT...etc...
I ask...WITH WHAT?
To get Luck, we'll have to give up our #1's for 2012/2013, LONG, and probably our #2 in 2013 as well...AT LEAST.
So, we'll have to build EXCLUSIVELY in free agency.
Show me ONE team that did that and won a Super Bowl. You KNOW it's through the drag, 99 out of 100 times.
I offer the Eagles as this years example of failure.
While I TOTALLY agree with your premise, it's the execution, especially with our current FO that I find unrealistic.
Still, I would do what Ditka did, not for a running back, but for a Franchise QB. But not RG3.
Posted by: IMAWriter | January 16, 2012 at 12:01 AM
DD,
I am not so doom and gloom as many on here although I have no delusions of SB. I am thinking aim for the playoffs first.
If people went back and did a collage of every single throw that Moore made while in the games he played they would see the incredibly gross number of drops we had team wide. I say if those were cut by 35%-50% it would have netted a bunch more 1st downs, more TDs and yes 2-3 more wins. This would put us in the mix of the playoff hunt.
I just kept lamenting to myself how close we were every time the sports channels would put up those clinched a playoff spot/ wildcard /in the hunt charts. This was after we had gone 0 fer 7!!
I am not wearing aqua glasses and drinking too much purple drank...just thinking optimistically but realistically in my humble opinion.
Cheers,
Posted by: Rob in OC | January 16, 2012 at 12:01 AM
ODIN BEEN ON A 40 YEAR VACATION, HE HAS NOMONEY, DDDIONT INETE HIMTHEREHE DID SAME THING WITH FLIPER BRED HE"S BEEN THERE FOR FIVE YEAR NOW IN SMALL TRAILER WITH 50 CATS AND CUBEN., JIUST SAY NO.
Posted by: ALoco | January 16, 2012 at 12:01 AM
I have to add to my previous post, that I don't believe 3 #1's would get Luck.
Posted by: IMAWriter | January 16, 2012 at 12:03 AM
..CA_Dolfan. I agree. I'm mot a religious person. I have no problem with someone who chooses to express their faith. If I don't agree, or do not like it. I have the option to not let it affect me, and go my own route. It seems like Tebow is happy in his own skin. That is what really matters. He praises god, and his teamates after losses the same as if they win..If these are his beliefs. Who Am I to say he is wrong. It's not my life.
I will say I think it is incredible what he accomplished(and the Denver team) Is he the perfect quarterback? No. Is he extremely flawed? Yes. The team did win a playoff game. You can blame it on luck, devine intervention(which I think is hogwash) skill..Whatever. Their team did something this team hasn't in more then a decade.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 16, 2012 at 12:03 AM
Wow this is old. More trade up for Luck talk. Don't you guys ever get bored rehashing that subject all day long?
Posted by: Leaf | January 16, 2012 at 12:03 AM
"Looses? Notice how its always the ignorant, uneducated or extremely poor that are religious. This whacker can't spell at a 5th grade level."
Posted by: Ginga | January 15, 2012 at 11:56 PM
----------------------------------------
Well then, your post goes goes to prove you can have EXCELLENT grammar and post a stupid generality.
Posted by: IMAWriter | January 16, 2012 at 12:06 AM
What kind of lip gloss do you ladies prefer?
Posted by: Interested In Your Feminine Habits | January 16, 2012 at 12:07 AM
Morris Rabinowitz isn't my real name!
Posted by: Morris Rabinowitz | January 16, 2012 at 12:08 AM
GOD LOVES TOM BRADY
JEUSIS LOVES TOM BRADUY
THE WORLD LOVES TOM AND HIS WIFE GIESELE .
THE HIGHEST PAID CELEBRITY ,THE WIFE MAKES 53 MILLION A YEAR AND TOM BRADY MAKES 46 MILLION A YEAR FROM DEALS WITH UNDER ARMOR AND FEW OTHERS ......
Posted by: ALoco | January 16, 2012 at 12:11 AM
Leaf, one can Dream?
I suppose I'm just steamed that the Colts refused to get a real QB before the start of the season (not a 40 year old) and just how conveniently their defense tanked. Even the Fins managed not to give up 62 points in one game.
It is a travesty that after 13 years of Peyton, the Colts sidle up to the bar and order a LARGE glass of LUCK.
The curse goes on.
The curse of BAD OWNERSHIP.
Posted by: IMAWriter | January 16, 2012 at 12:12 AM
Well then, your post goes goes to prove you can have EXCELLENT grammar and post a stupid generality.
Posted by: IMAWriter | January 16, 2012 at 12:06 AM
Studies have shown it to be true. The poorest countries are generally the most religious. The more highly educated you are, the less likely you are to be religious. If you can't spell simple words, then you probably are dumb enough to be religious.
Posted by: Ginga | January 16, 2012 at 12:12 AM