Before we start today, let me update you on a roster move: The Dolphins re-signed defensive lineman Ryan Baker to the 53-man roster this morning because they are seemingly concerned about the injury status of Tony McDaniel, who has been injured most of the preseason and got hurt again against Houston. So there's that. With the signing the Dolphins have 52 players on the roster.
The start of the NFL season was an exciting prospect for Joe Philbin and his coaching staff becasue, as they said, the outcome against Houston would be a gauge of where the Dolphins are at this stage of their development.
Well, now they believe they know.
And if the players didn't know based on Sunday's 30-10 loss, Philbin reminded them Sunday night during the 2 1/2 hour flight home from Houston.
"I walked to the back of the plane and visited with players and told them, 'Now you know we're you're at. This is where we are." Philbin said. "The film is what we are right now. And so we have to accept responsibility for that and move forward and improve."
The bad news is the Dolphins are not in the same orbit as a project playoff team and possible Super Bowl contender. The good news?
The schedule offers a chance for better days.
In the next 10 weeks the Dolphins have it pretty good. They have only one playoff team from a year ago crossing their path -- the Cincinnati Bengals. It can be argued they don't run into an elite quarterback during that entire time, depending on what you think of Carson Palmer or Andy Dalton.
The team is also playing at home the next couple of weeks.
Things get easier, people.
Philbin, meanwhile, is hoping that while the opponents get easier his team gets better.
Maybe Ryan Tannehill makes better decisions and makes more accurate throws -- the five passes coaches thought should have been better.
Maybe a defense that suggested it can generate pass rush with Randy Starks helping Cameron Wake actually gets it going. Maybe the offensive line which Philbin said played only "ok" and "average" gets itself together and does well.
Maybe the Dolphins add a couple of veterans. (Philbin said general manager Jeff Ireland continues to search for talent to add to the current roster. A veteran wide receiver is obviously still possible, as Jabar Gaffney continues to be out there.)
Maybe the Dolphins cut down on four give-aways. That is a formula for disaster and Sunday proved that. "We have to do a better job on our end of protection, eye control, throwing it in the open lane," Philbin said.
"This was the first time we had been in an NFL locker room before and getting ready to play in a real game," Philbin said. "So I don't know that I had any ... as I had said to you guys and said to the team, we're looking to have a reference point to find out exactly where we are so I didn't sit around and think, 'we're going to do this, that, and that.' I wanted to find out for myself where we were.
"And I think we've got a group of guys this game's important to. I think they're professional. I think they care. I think we got a lot of work to do. And hopefully they accept responsibility, as did I because I didn't coach the game well enough, nor did they play well enough for us to earn a victory.
"We did not play well enough to earn a victory. But I'm excited about going to work today and going into the team meeting and addressing the situation of where we are and where we're headed and I expect us to play better this week."
Maybe the Dolphins add a couple of veterans. (Philbin said general manager Jeff Ireland continues to search for talent to add to the current roster. A veteran wide receiver is obviously still possible, as Jabar Gaffney continues to be out there.)
LMAO....
Posted by: FP4FGs. | September 10, 2012 at 03:33 PM
I know let's add more acorns and move them immediately to the top of the depth chart.
That always helps.
Posted by: LincolnContinental | September 10, 2012 at 03:35 PM
Anyone know if the Raiders game is going to be a sell-out?
Posted by: FP4FGs. | September 10, 2012 at 03:38 PM
maybe.?.lmao
Posted by: 2 watt | September 10, 2012 at 03:38 PM
Amen! Hopefully Jeff I hasn't destroyed the team's talent pool for years to come...
Posted by: FinsFanCT | September 10, 2012 at 03:38 PM
ireland,out back dumpster diving again. what a fking bum.
lol
Posted by: 2 watt | September 10, 2012 at 03:40 PM
IMO--As much as I hate to see us lose winning meaningless games this year only hurts us. This is a FULL rebuilding effort here. Like another 3 drafts away.
BTW--Unless Long has a dominant All-Pro (forget Pro-Bowl) season I would not re-sign him. If he's not the best LT in football & is physically breaking down then why on Earth should we shell out an insane amount of money for him.
I would definitely re-sign Starks (who will turn 29 in December) who has been the consummate pro since he got here. He's been extremely durable & he's going to dominate at DT in our 4-3 defense. Just a good, solid player.
Posted by: We Have RB's | September 10, 2012 at 03:43 PM
We are already assured of 5 picks in the top 96; at least 3 in the top 35 with our own picks plus Indy's 2nd rounder for Vontae.
Our own top pick can be traded back a couple of times to have potentially 7 picks in top 96.
That is pretty good incentive for a GM to come here.
Cowher for GM?
Posted by: LincolnContinental | September 10, 2012 at 03:47 PM
Until this organization stops trying to win against the lesser team and then patting themselves on the back when they do - and saying all the right things about watching the film and we've got to get better when they don't, the Dolphins will never get better. They'll stay in the middle of the NFL.
Posted by: I Hope | September 10, 2012 at 03:47 PM
Might take the new GM a couple years to clean up this toxic waste dump.
I wonder if the fins could get goverment help via the super toxic waste dump program formed after the love canal act?
Posted by: FP4FGs. | September 10, 2012 at 03:49 PM
We are arguably the worst team in the NFL.
We can start rebuilding if someone else than Ireland has the final say on all our picks in the 2013 draft.
Posted by: Gibril please come back | September 10, 2012 at 03:49 PM
As an Offensive minded coach and your team can not come away with points is unacceptable !! I'd say bring back Les Brown and convert him to a WR, if he has a hard time blocking DE or LB then let him block the DB, if anything he would be an upgrade in the woeful Red Zone.. If Ireland has a brain he would give in to the idea before another team sign him up __
Posted by: Wang Chun | September 10, 2012 at 03:55 PM
On top of everything else, we keep Incognito around embarrassing us even further.
Team is garbage.
Posted by: Doc Holiday | September 10, 2012 at 03:57 PM
Say what you will about Ireland's current talent pool, but in terms of managing the future next year there will be major cap space available (cannot remember the exact figure), and there are plenty of picks. At least Ireland isn't flushing it all down the drain to save his job.
Posted by: Shadley | September 10, 2012 at 04:02 PM
Dashi knows the HaterS won't like this.
But U have to like Philbins honesty compared to Sporano!!
The Man speaks his mind. At least he's not Happy. I like that he spent the flight back talking to T-Hill. Had the Team watching the Game on the Flight.
Posted by: Dashi (FIRE IRELAND) | September 10, 2012 at 04:08 PM
Stop buying tickets!! Boycott Ireland!!
Posted by: Semi | September 10, 2012 at 04:14 PM
3 reasons for failure............Ross (Clown #1), Ireland (Clown 2), Philbin (Clown #3)
Posted by: Greg | September 10, 2012 at 04:19 PM
Wake up everyone! Miami drafts Ronnie Brown when it could have picked Aaron Rodgers. They pick Long and Merling when they could have drafted Matt Ryan and Ray Rice. They give up 2nd rounders for Feeley, Culpepper, Beck, Henne and Pat White.
Let's face it -- the Atlanta Falcons wanted Bill Parcells as their GM -- he said no and came to Miami, bringing with him the much-mailigned Ireland -- and the Falcons get Dimitroff and they haven't had a losing season since.
Posted by: AP | September 10, 2012 at 04:21 PM
Understand that all these mediocre teams we have coming up in the next few weeks are also looking at their schedules, see they're playing the Dolphins, & think "Well, at least that's ONE game we're gonna win."
Posted by: Lucadawg | September 10, 2012 at 04:23 PM
And as No. 30 in a lack of cap space ahead of just Detroit and Pittsburgh doesn't tell you Miami is mismanaged, then I don't know what will.
Posted by: AP | September 10, 2012 at 04:24 PM
Will someone tell me why we can't sign kellen Winslow ASAP!!!
Posted by: asseff | September 10, 2012 at 04:24 PM
Is picking up Winslow to easy of a decision. If he sucks release him. Should be a no brainer . I rehabs won't because it doesn't involve giving up a 2nd round pick. AP
Posted by: asseff | September 10, 2012 at 04:26 PM
Sorry Ireland
Posted by: asseff | September 10, 2012 at 04:27 PM
Fair weather fans! thats all I can say... always looking at the negative. Tan-hill looks very promising and Defense look good but no team in the world is going to win giving up turnovers I dont care how much talent they have. Anybody watch A Luck play yesterday didnt really impress me RG3 look good but lets see how consistant he is and if he keeps running the way he does he is going to get hurt MARK my words.
Posted by: steve molloy | September 10, 2012 at 04:29 PM
"We are arguably the worst team in the NFL.
We can start rebuilding if someone else than Ireland has the final say on all our picks in the 2013 draft."
Gibril,
Ross will have to fire Ireland after we go 5-11 & that's being optimistic about our win total.
BTW--Gibril Wilson was awful in Miami.
Posted by: We Have RB's | September 10, 2012 at 04:34 PM
"Philbin said general manager Jeff Ireland continues to search for talent to add to the current roster..."
Well, that's encouraging! Right?
After all, isn't the team just loaded with superior talent that was selected by Parcells AND Ireland over the past half decade.
Why is the team nearly at the top of the cap in terms of money, but has no talent to show for it?
In this never ending five year rebuild, why are there no top flight WR's or TE's on the roster? It's only been a passing league for well over a decade.
Why is an offensive line with two 1st round picks, a 2nd round pick, a 3rd round pick, and a free agent near the BOTTOM of the league?
Why can the defense not stop the pass when it counts? Has this defense ever successfully covered a TE for an entire game?
The only thing this team can do well is punt the ball and stop the run (again, in a passing league).
RGIII went to a worse team than the Dophins (based in record) and looked great.
According the Ireland and Ross, the Dolphins were just a tweak away from the playoffs and being a championship contender. Perhaps I'm mistaken, but I thought that meant being about to WIN games that matter against the Texans, Patriots, and so on.
The Dolphins will probably win some games against the lessor teams over the next ten weeks. Yawn. They did that last year. And missed out on Luck and RGIII.
At least they have Ryan Pass TipperHill, who is trying to find out which division the Patriots play in.
The Dolphins need to be looking for talent at the GM position. Fire Ireland if the Dolphins do not make the Playoffs and prevent him from trading any draft picks or signing Jake Long to a massive contract.
What a joke of a team.
Posted by: Sigh | September 10, 2012 at 04:35 PM
Armando,
Why should anyone be surprised at where the Dolphins are right now. They almost beat the Giants and the Patriots last season but were defeated in the final minute of each respective game. Then what happens; the Dolphins decide to REPLACE the interim coach who was winning, the 12th rated passer in the league in Matt Moore, Change the offense and offensive coordinator, change the defense and defensive coordinator, trade their number one receiver without a replacement, trade a talented conerback without a replacement......and so it went. Now this current Dolphins regime is surprised that they are not a playoff team. Moreover they will be more surprised when they view the film. Oh I should mention that Parcells took the money and ran. Well that was a good thing but he left a strongly influenced guy who he mentored as a GM (Ireland) to follow his old school methods of doing things.
Posted by: promichael | September 10, 2012 at 04:38 PM
How come Denver did well with their new G.M. Oh, yeah he's John Elway. He actually knows about football!
Our G.M. only shop bargain basement for players. Hey but at least our players aren't allowed to curse. Go Regis Philbin!
Posted by: Fin-ality | September 10, 2012 at 04:46 PM
Odin--
I thought the stench was Jeff Ireland?
Posted by: Fin-ality | September 10, 2012 at 04:47 PM
"I never thought Sparano was anything but an ethical, honest, and basically likeable person. My problem is that he never sounded any smarter than the people I see posting here---and that's REALLY bad!
Philbin clearly has a much more evolved intellect."
DJ,
Agreed. I think Philbin is going to be a good HC. The O-line that Sparano couldn't fix is already better & that's with starting a rookie @ RT.
Tannehill looked like a seasoned veteran in the first quarter & a half. He didn't look skittish in the pocket & he didn't look rattled. I like his toughness & clearly he can take a hit. If he stays healthy the kid's going to be a good one. And bear in mind this is from someone who wasn't impressed with his play in college & wanted us to draft Kuechly. He's definitely improved since then & he's got a really live arm.
Posted by: We Have RB's | September 10, 2012 at 04:48 PM
Sounds like PHILBIN is throwing Ireland under the BUS....
I like it....
Posted by: Kris | September 10, 2012 at 04:51 PM
The road to 0-16 doesnt stop at Houston folks,
0-1 and counting...
Make sure to log on to fintix.com and be apart of the History With Infamy chase. Dont forget that our Blowout special is still available at a pretty steep price but we all know is worth the admission.
*See You On Sunday*
Posted by: YoYo | September 10, 2012 at 04:51 PM
Kellen Winslow Jr right now even though 30 other teams wont touch him (because of attitude problems) would be a better TE than Fasano. Speaking of him how the F do you go with this non playmaker for the last 3 years. SMH @ Ireland
Posted by: Clue | September 10, 2012 at 04:54 PM
I never thought Sparano was anything but an ethical, honest, and basically likeable person. My problem is that he never sounded any smarter than the people I see posting here---and that's REALLY bad!
Philbin clearly has a much more evolved intellect.
Posted by: dj | September 10, 2012 at 04:15 PM
---------
deej, I might agree with all but ETHICAL. How can that be said when a supposed O-Line guru as Sparano was pro ported to be grants Columbo a JOB, when even a amateur such as I could clearly hear the rusty hinges emanating from Columbo on a 21" monitor?
That gig was a gift, from one favored nationality to another. Why else? Oh yeah, there's the Cowboy connection, the thing that has prolly hurt the Fins worse than Sparano himself.
Posted by: IMAWriter | September 10, 2012 at 04:55 PM
Ireland has to go before he screws up all those picks Miami has next April.
Posted by: Turd Ferguson | September 10, 2012 at 04:55 PM
SPorano sucks....PERIOD....
Loving Sporano for because he trounced the Bills is a dumb as Hating Tanne because he effed up his 1st game....
a little perspective please...
Posted by: Kris | September 10, 2012 at 04:55 PM
Nobody was showing Sporano any LOVE during the pre-season...it was all JOKES and INSULTS....with NO dissenting voices....
Now we LOVE Sporano...GIMME A BREAK....
Posted by: Kris | September 10, 2012 at 04:56 PM
Sorry, I meant who was purported to be an O-ine guru.
Posted by: IMAWriter | September 10, 2012 at 04:57 PM
What total will be more....The amount of turnovers the defense creates or the amount of touchdown passes Tannehill throws? If Tannehill throws 15 I bet he wins.
Posted by: Turd Ferguson | September 10, 2012 at 05:00 PM
I'm getting a bit tired of the RG3 hype on ESPN. Yes, he had a fine game. But that's not the NO from last year. No HC, no OC, no middle LB, confusion and disorganization.
Lets see how he does against the rest of his division.
He is a talent, no doubt, and you betcha I'd love him with us, but Tanny will, I believe be our Ben Rothlisberger. Tough, smarter, and repeated by his teammates.
He also throws a pretty great ball. He will NOT turn out to be our biggest problem this year. Red zone TD% will be the key. Too bad he doesn't have a real go to guy there. Plax would be worth it, even as a decoy, allowing Tanny to roll out, without the safety coming up.
Posted by: IMAWriter | September 10, 2012 at 05:02 PM
"Sounds like PHILBIN is throwing Ireland under the BUS....
I like it...."
Kris,
Philbin & Tannehill both deserved better than these WR's & TE's. Total bullsh#t by Ireland. Bess & Hartline are pretty good players but they wouldn't see the field very much in GB & he knows that. Same goes for Fasano. Pretty good TE but not exactly a threat in the passing game like Jermichael Finley. Clay needs to really step up ASAP.
The clear advantage our offense does have is at RB assuming Thomas is okay. I'd love to see more Thomas & Javorskie in the passing game. If Lane can stay healthy & keep his weight down I believe Sherman found us a legitimate acorn.
Posted by: We Have RB's | September 10, 2012 at 05:02 PM
Sorry, I meant perhaps smarter than Ben. RG3 is, like Tanny a super bright guy, as his college transcripts attest.
Posted by: IMAWriter | September 10, 2012 at 05:03 PM
Jeff Ireland simply doesn't have the right stuff. The 'Hard Knocks' episode where he had the exchange with Coach Philbin relative to whether or not Clyde Gates was actually a football player....says it all.
Why were Egnew and Miller inactive for the Texas game? These are two draft picks with play making potential who need experience under fire. Mr. Ross needs to make a move.....and quickly.
Posted by: Old Warrior | September 10, 2012 at 05:05 PM
I hope the defense gets angry and kicks Oakland's ass on Sunday. Our offense played well other than the picks and fumble. Could have been alot closer even with 2 field goals at the end of the game. There is only 1 JJ Watt, who may be the NFL MVP this year. Oh yeah, FIRE IRELAND! KEEP PHILBIN!
Posted by: Jake in Pa | September 10, 2012 at 05:06 PM
Everyone complains about Ireland, but it was Parcels who pulled the trigger from 2008-2010. Irelands picks started in 2011 and this year!!
Posted by: CA_DolFan | September 10, 2012 at 05:07 PM
Javorski is the MAN. A slightly slower Peyton Hillis. NO ONE really wants to tackle him.
Other than Reggie, Lane looked the most like a guy ready to do his thing.
We can run on the Raiders, and I'd like to see us get 4 yards on the ground, as opposed to 4 yards through the air, which is far more risky, especially with the likes of Naanee, or the still possibility of more tipped passes, till Tanny and the OC figure out how to cure that.
Posted by: IMAWriter | September 10, 2012 at 05:07 PM
How smart can Tannehill really be if he cant name teams in the AFC East or put simple furniture together?
Posted by: Clue | September 10, 2012 at 05:07 PM
"deej, I might agree with all but ETHICAL. How can that be said when a supposed O-Line guru as Sparano was pro ported to be grants Columbo a JOB, when even a amateur such as I could clearly hear the rusty hinges emanating from Columbo on a 21" monitor?
That gig was a gift, from one favored nationality to another. Why else? Oh yeah, there's the Cowboy connection, the thing that has prolly hurt the Fins worse than Sparano himself."
IMAWriter,
Pro ported??? The word you were looking for is purported. I recommend that you try your skills at scratching off lottery tickets rather than trying to be a writer.
Posted by: We Have RB's | September 10, 2012 at 05:10 PM
RBS....
I agree....But Thomas seems like he is made out of GLASS...I think he needs to go see the Wizard and ask for a new heart....
One of the coaches (NFL)...think it was Parcells...had a saying....."are you hurt...or are you injured...there is a difference".....
Thomas needs to decide if he's hurt or injured.....RBs will be hurt on most plays.....but being injured...well that is another matter....
Posted by: Kris | September 10, 2012 at 05:10 PM
keep improving and get that first pick
Posted by: bill connors | September 10, 2012 at 05:11 PM
I think Thomas has really good skills @ being a RB....
but he has GOT to get tougher.....
Posted by: Kris | September 10, 2012 at 05:12 PM
Maybe the Dolphins add a couple of veterans. (Philbin said general manager Jeff Ireland continues to search for talent to add to the current roster.
Jeff Ireland couldn't pick a winner in a one horse race as he again proved with his offseason acquisitions. I pray he is gone before next season.
Posted by: Mike Pergeorelis | September 10, 2012 at 05:13 PM
Everyone complains about Ireland, but it was Parcels who pulled the trigger from 2008-2010. Irelands picks started in 2011 and this year!!
CA_Dolfin,
Please...Enough already. The guy sucks as a GM. Ireland will be gone at the end of this season & hopefully we can hire a competent GM with a good scouting department.
Posted by: We Have RB's | September 10, 2012 at 05:14 PM
donald thomas looked great for pats yesterday
Posted by: bill connors | September 10, 2012 at 05:14 PM
should def play thomas more with bush 100 percent gone after season. let thomas learn
Posted by: bill connors | September 10, 2012 at 05:15 PM
Did someone really write the offense played well yesterday, they manage to score 3 points. How is that playing well?
Posted by: Clue | September 10, 2012 at 05:17 PM
I agree....But Thomas seems like he is made out of GLASS...I think he needs to go see the Wizard and ask for a new heart....
One of the coaches (NFL)...think it was Parcells...had a saying....."are you hurt...or are you injured...there is a difference".....
Thomas needs to decide if he's hurt or injured.....RBs will be hurt on most plays.....but being injured...well that is another matter....
Kris,
Made of glass??? Are you serious??? Thomas was crushed on that run. If you suffer a concussion then you're injured not hurt.
Posted by: We Have RB's | September 10, 2012 at 05:17 PM
miller inactive was so predictable. some in here acted like it was a great pick, the guy sucked in college, why would we expect anything different
Posted by: bill connors | September 10, 2012 at 05:20 PM
i thought the 2 bright spots on offense were hartline and lane
Posted by: bill connors | September 10, 2012 at 05:20 PM
"I think Thomas has really good skills @ being a RB....
but he has GOT to get tougher....."
Kris,
You're out of your mind. Toughness has nothing to do with the concussion he got. So Zac Thomas wasn't tough b/c he suffered concussions in his career??? I don't get it....
Posted by: We Have RB's | September 10, 2012 at 05:21 PM