Why not consider playing a couple of younger players?

Yesterday I shared with you the news Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman doesn't see Michael Egnew getting involved in the offense much this year and the reasons the coach gave for that.

Me?

It's bad news when a third-round draft pick playing a position that needs upgrade has been basically eliminated from playing this year. It's not a problem if a veteran ahead of him is playing great. It's fine if the rookie is simply caught in a numbers game.

But not playing based on his slow start while the guys playing are having a slow month?

Where does that make room for improvement? How does that keep the players playing from feeling entitled or too comfortable? Most importantly, where does that give Miami the opportunity to find out what talent is on the roster?

And that leads me down a road that eventually the Dolphins will travel. That leads me to thinking about the future. This year, you see, is on the brink of being over.

The Dolphins are 4-6 and have lost three consecutive games. And now comes the killer portion of the schedule. The next three weeks the Dolphins face three consecutive games against teams with winning records for the first time this season. (Also for the only time this season).

And we're not just talking about good teams. After Miami plays 6-4 Seattle on Sunday the team will welcome New England the following week and travel to San Francisco after that. The Patriots and 49'ers are Super Bowl contenders.

Unless the Dolphins find immediate answers to the issues they have been unable to solve the past several weeks, this team is going to find itself at 4-9 within the month. That's not a prediction. That is a statement of fact. The Dolphins must find their absent running game, must find a way to straighten out a suddenly leaking secondary, must get more consistent play and fewer mistakes at quarterback, and have to win battles along the offensive line or this is going to get ugly.

So think of what I'm advocating as desperate times calling for desperate measures. Sort of.

I, for one, am thinking this rebuilding season needs to get back to, well, rebuilding. The Dolphins have youngsters on the bench that may not be quite ready to play but could be the future for the team nonetheless.

Well, it's time to see what the future promises. Rishard Matthews finally got in a game last week and didn't seem overmatched.

“I thought he looked like he belonged out there," coach Joe Philbin said. "He did some good things. Hopefully, he can continue to develop. He earned the opportunity to play in the game. Some of these guys, you’ve watched them in practice and you see them make more catches, more plays, play faster and he deserved to be in the game and didn’t look out of place."

Great. Play him more.

Look, Jabar Gaffney is a better wide receiver right now. But at 32 years old next month and on a one-year contract that expires after this season, he's not going to be around next year and everyone knows that. Matthews will come to camp with the team.

So why not maximize the rookie's experience now, during a season that really isn't headed toward the playoffs anyway? You know, kind of like the Dolphins are doing with Ryan Tannehill.

Let's face it, Tannehill is in a slump because he cannot get the offense in the end zone lately. Maybe Matt Moore would do better. But the thought of a switch hasn't crossed anyone's mind (mine included) because Tannehill is the future and needs all the experience he can get now.

It's short-term pain for long-term gain.

Well, why not apply that to Matthews over Gaffney?

And while we're at it, why not apply that to Egnew over the veterans ahead of him who, by the way, are not exactly lighting it up lately and in Charles Clay's case haven't lit it up yet in over a season and a half?

Maybe Egnew doesn't have it. Maybe he was a reach or a bust. But isn't it better to find that out now than next year after the draft and free agency?

There's also the case of Lamar Miller. Perhaps I am biased because the University of Miami is my school. But the kid was dynamic in high school. He was dynamic in college. And I have seen hints that he can be dynamic in the NFL.

But he simply isn't getting many carries.

"We’re not getting a whole lot of snaps in the game," Sherman said, explaining why Miller doesn't get many chances. "If we were getting 65-70 snaps, which I envisioned -- actually I envisioned 75-to-78 snaps -- then I think there’s more snaps to be got. But when you’re not functioning like we’re not functioning, it’s hard to take a Reggie [Bush] out or a guy that has experience, whether it’s Daniel Thomas out of the game.

"I really like Miller. I think he works hard at it. I think he’s going to be a very good player. I’m excited when he gets in the game. I have no problem when he is in the game. It’s just only one of those guys can play at a time usually."

Timeout. Look, Bush is unsigned. I've told you time and again his chances of returning next year didn't look great at the start of the season. Then he got off to a fast start and that gave me pause. But he's come back to the pack and hasn't really electrified anyone to the point he must be re-signed.

He's been benched twice this year for fumbling -- once against the Jets, once against Tennesee. The foreshadowing here is obvious.

Well, why not give Miller more of a chance to show you if, indeed, he can help cure the ailing running game or at least give hope for the future?

Of course, the Dolphins don't plan anything such as I'm advocating. Philbin was asked this week if he planned any lineup changes in the midst of a three-game losing skid.

"Nothing really specific at this point," he responded.

Comments

[BOYCOTT IS ON]

BOYCOTT THE FINS UNTIL IRELAND IS FIRED! WE'RE TIRED OF THE LOSING! HELP MAKE THE CHANGE! ROSS IS GETTING THE MESSAGE WITH THE EMPTY STADIUM! STOP PAYING FOR A CRAP PRODUCT!

[#1 Dolphin Fan in Montreal]

Of course teams started stacking the line against us...We have ZERO weapons on offense...Try doing that against Gronkowski, Hernandez and Welker...Good luck...Look, I'm not sold on Tannehill either, but before calling him a bust I'd like to see what he can do with a few playmakers...And for the record, I was NEVER a Chad Henne fan...Bashed him on this blog more than once...Often called him a stiff...Tannehill, however, has showed me he can make some pretty difficult throws...Also has great mobility, can run...Henne never had any mobility at all...Tannehill can read defenses extremely well, Henne never could...Tannehill has a lot of upside, but with no weapons, forget it, that's asking way too much out of a rookie QB...

[mattybfromnc]

Oscar.. Long getting blown up after not in the past 3 yrs.. tell me how that happens?

[2 watt]

kaboom
lol

[#1 Dolphin Fan in Montreal]

Anyway, lunch is over, have a good day gentlemen...

[oscar canosa]

Broder, what's with Ireland? What has he personally done to you. Anything?

[2 watt]

adieu

[Truth]

Canadians know nothing about football. Stick to ice fishing.

[oscar canosa]

Everybody leaving when the Fire is on. That's most of Miami for you.

[NJPHIN]

We got weapons for Henne and how'd that work out? LOL

[oscar canosa]

Ask Long, matty, why he has declined. Beware.

[CommonSense]

Dline...

Vernon is invisible? look up his sack #s. Not to mention the one that put the Rams out of field goal range...

Odrick is solid btw...

If you want to analyze actually do it.

[CommonSense]

Uh Oh... Here comes the fair weather fans and the fire Ireland chants...

Maybe we should give them a cookie and pat on the head for knowing the GMs name...

[Fin 77]

Very few complaints when Moore plays. Tons of complaints when Tannehill plays. Moore makes his teammates around him better and Tannehill makes them worse. Thats the difference between good and bad QB's.

[David Robertson]

I could be wrong, you got2 corners for the Dolphins
that is not very good.
(1) is Corroll is not good corner,when the reciever
Look back he doesn't,look for the ball
(2)Sean Smith give reciever room, doesn't
Chuck the reciever, and doesn't look back
for ball miss interceptions.
Tannerhill regressed playing scared,you
can see in hls eyes.

[Opti/Pessi Mist]

Spot on Oscar @12:42. we are getting beat at the line. We need to be a lot more aggressive, push the opposing line men flat on their butts, open holes for our running game and then only can we stick with the game plan. Since we do not have a running game or a # 1 WR threat the only other option is to protect the QB. Take a look around the league all good offenses have a dominating O line, be it pass protecting or run blocking and we cannot do either.

[We Have Draft Picks]

"Let's face it, Tannehill is in a slump because he cannot get the offense in the end zone lately. Maybe Matt Moore would do better. But the thought of a switch hasn't crossed anyone's mind (mine included) because Tannehill is the future and needs all the experience he can get now."

Mando,

That's NOT what it is!!! It's the poor pass protection & the lack of a running game.

I guarantee you that people are saying how great Kaepernick is & how bad Jason Campbell is after last night's game. Well how about how great SF's O-line played & how well they were able to establish the run early on to open the rest of the field.

You put Tannehill on the 49ers with the way that offense played last night & we wouldn't be talking about 'a slump.'

[2 watt]

if if if, but but but.
lol
more 'xcuses.

[We Have Draft Picks]

Mando,

I do agree though that it's time to see more Rishard Matthews & Lamar Miller.

If there not even considering playing Egnew that should tell the fans something about him. Translation--Wasted pick & he'll be cut after his 'red shirt' season.

[Homer Jones]

How many excuses can we think up for Tannehill?

[oscar canosa]

Are our Players declining, less say, Richie Incognito?

[DC Dolfan]

Andy (and I'm sure Kris will have something to say about this),

First, maybe teams are catching on to Sherman's offense because it's a college offense (yeah, maybe "pro-style", but meant for college). Not sure if it's been updated or not, but the whole purpose was to get Tannehill up to speed, so I'm sure it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of a true pro offense. Skins are doing the same thing, so I guess that's just what you have to do with a rookie QB, but hopefully it will grow in complexity the more experience Tannehill gets.

Second, to your Draft Andy. Here's a question: Are playmakers found or are they developed (maybe a little of both)? Because to Kris' point-of-view, our GM isn't a "great" evaluator. If we're honest, in 4 years, he's only really hit on one true elite-talent player, Jake Long. Everyone else he drafted had blemishes.

And I know others will point of Belichick and others who aren't drafting that great and say we've hit more than other teams and blah blah. But we don't need to hit on role players, or potential players, we need an influx of talent in many positions on the field. Do we have faith Ireland is the GM to bring home the bacon?

Kris, this is my conundrum. I don't think getting rid of the GM a year removed of replacing the HC, 4 years removed from replacing BOTH is a recipe for winning. Then again, (a la Chad Henne) how long do you give something a chance to succeed? And will Ireland draft better with Philbin, and will Philbin develop players better than Sparano, so in the end we get a better result?

These are all very difficult assessments to make (if you're really interested in trying to figure out the best course of action). IMO, there's no easy answer.

[We Have Draft Picks]

This team is going nowhere this year. That's a fact so winning meaningless games for the rest of the season like we did last year does nothing but lower our draft position. We were lucky to get Tannehill at 8 but the Colts did it right. If you're a bad team then have a bad record so you can draft better players.

You look at teams like the Lions & the Niners who continued to have bad teams but eventually hit on enough draft picks to turn their franchises around. I don't think the Niners have missed on a 1st round pick in 7 or 8 years--Aldon Smith, Michael Crabtree, Mike Iupati, Joe Staley, Patrick Willis, Vernon Davis, & even Alex Smith has even started to look pretty good.

[2 watt]

but he only played 19 games in college
but he has no wr's
but he has no ol
but he was a wr
but he got hurt
but he is a rook
but but, worse rating out of starting qb's
but but 0 td's and 7 int's on 3rd downs
but but continues to throw int's
but but 1 td in 9.5 q's
but but continues to have batted paxxes
but but has horrible accuracy
but but happy feet
but but = henne.
lol

[2 watt]

henne and tanne and henne and tanne and henne and tanne and henne and tanne.
lol

[oscar canosa]

That is very true, WHDP. Ireland has hit on Pouncey and Tannehill in the last 2 yrs. But we have to wait 5 more years to equal the 49ers. True.

[We Have Draft Picks]

DC,

You raise some very good points & to be honest I just don't think that our last five drafts have produced enough talent. However, before Parcells & Ireland took over there wasn't much to work with either. In fact I believe Soliai is the longest tenured Dolphin.

Sure I can name some good draft picks like Reshad Jones or Brian Hartline or even to a lesser extent Misi, Smith, & Carroll but these are also five examples of players that have GREATLY improved this season & I believe the credit must be given--at least to some degree--to the new coaching staff.

[Oline Analysis]

Long - once elite, now a notch above average. Decling quickly. Soon to be FA & not worth the long investment. If he's declined this sharply in 5 years, imagine over the next 2-3 years. NOT WORTH RESIGNING.

Incognito - Decent G. Nothing more, nothing less

Pouncey - above average C

Jerry - too big & not agile. A liability in a WC blocking scheme

Martin - Natural LT playing RT. Was a finesse player at Stanford & appears to not be strong enough. Consistently beaten by quicker & more powerful players. I haven't seen a Dolphins Olineman on his back more than I have seen Martin.

[Ron Son]

Tannehill is another Ireland bust. Time to face reality and stop the rationalizations and excuses.

[oscar canosa]

I think Sparano was the only one that could make Incognito play well. Obviously, Richie is not doing well with this new Coach.

[Dline Analysis]

Vernon has 2.5 sacks...

And the one you got your panties wet about vs the rams? He was unblocked due to a missed assignment by the rams oline.

No offense to him but, even you, I assume, would have been able to sack bradford! (I'm giving you the befite of the doubt)

Stop riding ireland's jock. It's unbecoming of Men to drool over other men like you & the canadian guy do.

[CommonSense]

Incognito has always kind of been a hit or miss guy. Sometimes hes great, sometimes hes terrible and most the time he is taking a 15 yard penatly : )

He would be a great backup because he is very versatile, but he can start in this league.

I don't know if the OL play dropped because of the scheme or the talent. Biggest suprise is Long, was that preseason "non-injury" more of an issue than they said or just complete decline. Martin hasn't done great, but lets be real he hasn't done any worse than Colombo.

[RB Analysis]

Bush - Impending FA who is injury & fumble prone

Thomas - Injury & fumble prone. He's had 3 concussions in less than 2 years. He'll be dinged out of the league in the next 2-3 years, if that

Thigpen - good return man

Miller - Too early to know but, from limited carries, seems like he might be a decent player

[wallyfin]

would be nice if our linebackers or safties would hit someone. receivers have no fear against our defense, corners can't cover either. we need to draft a speedy receiver then it is on to the secondary.

[CommonSense]

Oh Dline...

You mean the rookie DE that isn't in on every play only has 2.5 sacks 10 games in and two block field goals.

You are right he sucks!!!!! dbag

[We Have Draft Picks]

That is very true, WHDP. Ireland has hit on Pouncey and Tannehill in the last 2 yrs. But we have to wait 5 more years to equal the 49ers. True.

Oscar,

They're loaded b/c they keep hitting on their picks & they keep them in SF. Then there are guys who weren't drafted in the first round like Navarro Bowman, Frank Gore, etc. that they've kept. I don't know how they fit this team under the cap.

I'm not saying Harbaugh isn't a great coach b/c he is. The different formations on offense & the intensity he brings to his players BUT let's be fair here--they're also loaded w/ talent.

[LB Analysis]

Burnett - always on the injury report. Sometimes looks good in coverage & decent vs the run. Other times is invisible.

Dansby - Overrated & overpaid. This guy hasn't made 1 impactful play in a game that has mattered. 1 game clinching int vs Buffalo last year when they were 2-7 or so. Not nearly good enough.

Misi - Decent against the run. Complete liability in pass coverage.

[oscar canosa]

I'm pretty sure that many Dolphins Players read this an other Blogs. I'm also pretty sure that some of those Athletes, the bigger Ones for sure, approach Armando sometimes and tell him, Listen, you little creep, why do you allow People to post sh-t about me? Beware, Armando.

[2 watt]

looks like the doom and gloomers in aug. were correct...again !
lol

[AndyNJ]

DC,

Playmakers can either just be there or they can be developed. They true elite playmakers all have a common traits, size and speed and also body control. Both size and speed are 2 things that can't be developed. Body control can get better but that's another gift most guys just have. A perfect example of size and speed but lacked body control was Demaryius Thomas. He worked on his technique and he has gotten better at it every year.

Now all the fundamentals have to be developed but if you have size and speed you are in the mold of the NFL current mold of a playmaker - AJ Green, Calvin Johnson, Demaryius Thomas, Jordy Nelson all are 6'3 or taller and all have great speed for their size.

Justin Hunter the reason I keep bringing him up is because he is 6'4 210 and probably mid 4.4 speed. That is the type of player that makes a difference that although he is there he also has to be developed because like every position there is a bust factor but you are ahead of the eight ball when you have those sort of skills.

[We Have Draft Picks]

"Long - once elite, now a notch above average. Decling quickly. Soon to be FA & not worth the long investment. If he's declined this sharply in 5 years, imagine over the next 2-3 years. NOT WORTH RESIGNING.

Incognito - Decent G. Nothing more, nothing less

Pouncey - above average C

Jerry - too big & not agile. A liability in a WC blocking scheme

Martin - Natural LT playing RT. Was a finesse player at Stanford & appears to not be strong enough. Consistently beaten by quicker & more powerful players. I haven't seen a Dolphins Olineman on his back more than I have seen Martin."

Oline,

I fully agree with everything you said except Pouncey. He's already one of the best Centers in the NFL so don't blame him b/c the rest of the guys can't do their jobs.

With the exception of Pouncey, Philbin inherited a mess on the O-line. I'm very confident that he can fix this over the next two years.

[Dline Analysis]

CommonNONsense,

Stop being a Homer. You're ridiculous! Vernon had 1 sack gifted against the rams where no one blocked him!

The other sack, ALSO AGAINST THE RAMS, was because Wake flushed the QB out to Vernons side and wound up running right into him.

Vernon has done NOTHING on defense! 2 sacks in 1 game, against a lousy oline & 0 in every other game. WOW! IMPRESSIVE!

Also, since you refuse to read what I initially wrote. I mentioned he's been decent on ST but, that ISN'T what he was drafted to be.

Get your head outyer as* & find yourself a clue.

I'm being objective, try doing the same.

[oscar canosa]

Oh, WHDP, we have undrafted players like Bess, and FAs like Wake, Marcus Thigpen. We need to wait 5 more years to = SF. We are in a good path with Ireland here, don't you think?

[We Have Draft Picks]

Burnett - always on the injury report. Sometimes looks good in coverage & decent vs the run. Other times is invisible.

Dansby - Overrated & overpaid. This guy hasn't made 1 impactful play in a game that has mattered. 1 game clinching int vs Buffalo last year when they were 2-7 or so. Not nearly good enough.

Misi - Decent against the run. Complete liability in pass coverage.

LB's,

I have to agree. They're hardly Patrick Willis & Novarro Bowman. Dansby & Burnett are both overpaid for what they've done over the last two years.

[oscar canosa]

In a little while, YG will explode.

[CommonSense]

WHDP,

I hope you are right, but not 100% confident in that. Just because Green Bay's OL even during the superbowl year was nothing special if not a liability. Now Rodgers being a very good QB with mobility can make up for that, but not every single play. Makes me wonder about his blocking scheme.

[TheMexican_Marino]

At this point we should start watching the draft order, correct me if I am wrong but we should be picking 8th. Let's try to keep it on the top 10.

[WR Analysis]

Hartline - can be a decent #2 WR but, is not going to be more than that. Worth resigning! Sneaky fast. Has a knack for making the big play. He could be very good with someone else opposite him to draw more attention.

Bess - Quick & clutch slot WR but, not fast. best hands on the team. Wotth having around but, he isn't an every down WR

Moore - PLEASE!

Gaffney - Too bad he isn't in his prime or he could stick.

Matthews - I would like to get a glimpse of this kid more. He had a deep ball throw to him & netted a PI call & made another catch during the Bills game.

[ALoco]

ITS OFFICIAL ,

THIS SEASON IS A BUST...............

OUR DONKEY FANS ARE BACK TALKING DRAFT PICKS,,,,,,,,,,,,

PLEASE.............

HASTEN THE RELEASE OF;;;;;;

IRELAND
SHERMAN
DANSBY
FASANO

[We Have Draft Picks]

"Oh, WHDP, we have undrafted players like Bess, and FAs like Wake, Marcus Thigpen. We need to wait 5 more years to = SF. We are in a good path with Ireland here, don't you think?"

Oscar,

Maybe in 5 years with Ireland if he did everything right. Realistically??? More like 10 years.

SF has our former Number One pick (9th overall that year) returning punts & they don't even use him as a WR. They took Gore in the 3rd round & we took Ronnie Brown at Number 2 overall...That should give everyone a sampling of how bad this franchise has drafted over the last ten years.

[Marc]

I Agree with that 100 percent

[oscar canosa]

I tell you, I'm not one for losing Games without trying, but, WTH were we expecting here? Another Jim Harbaugh and another Marino? Sure. Lose them All the rest of the way.

[CommonSense]

Don't think I am being a homer on that one man. He isn't the starter and is still getting some numbers in.

I agree with most of your other postings with the exception of Vernon/Odrick analysis

[DB Analysis]

I don't know if this, WR, or TE is the weakest link on the team but, this unit flat out STINKS!

Smith - a decent #2 CB but, let's not kid ourselves. This kid cannot play the ball in the air, ALWAYS gives up a big play or a PI call, is afraid to tackle & cannot change direction very well. Resign him if the price is right but, you know this guy is looking for #1 CB money & he just isn't worth it. NO WAY IN HELL IS HE WORTH IT!

Carrol - We were told he improved & for a few weeks looked like a viable #3 or 4 DB. This guy is simply terrible.

Jones - To me, the ONLY DB who has played very well & exceeded expectations. He hits, he blitzes, he makes plays behind the line. Very happy with this kid.

Clemmons - Early in his career always late or beat for big plays. Took bad angles on tackles. This year the coverage lapses & giving up big plays has subsided but he is nothing other than ordinary.

Wilson - Kid looks good when he blitzes but, let's face it. This kid is too short & is getting outmuscled routinely in pass coverage.

Marhsall - was ADEQUATE while he played. Back issues ruin careers. No idea what he'll become.

[ALoco]

I LIKE TO KNOW HOW MUCH SHERMAN IS MAKING PER YEAR ,SINCE HE'S GIVING UP ALREADY ON THE SEASON...

TO WORK FEW WEEKS ,,THEN TALK TO THE MEDIA AND CALL IT A SEASON .....

[We Have Draft Picks]

Hartline - can be a decent #2 WR but, is not going to be more than that. Worth resigning! Sneaky fast. Has a knack for making the big play. He could be very good with someone else opposite him to draw more attention.

Bess - Quick & clutch slot WR but, not fast. best hands on the team. Wotth having around but, he isn't an every down WR

Moore - PLEASE!

Gaffney - Too bad he isn't in his prime or he could stick.

Matthews - I would like to get a glimpse of this kid more. He had a deep ball throw to him & netted a PI call & made another catch during the Bills game.

WRAnalysis,

Your analysis of the O-line (with the exception of Pouncey), the LB's, & now the WR's is spot on.

[mattybfromNC]

If after 10 games you can call Ryan Tannehill a bust you have no business watching football much less giving your opinion about it. Aaron Maybin is a bust, Vernon Gholston is a bust, Pat White was a bust, it happens but to call someone a bust after 10 games is ridiculous and you have no football sense about you..

[oscar canosa]

Now, WHDP, Ireland drafts Te'o next year, will you be happy with Jeff?

[ALoco]

IRELAND WILL BE FIRED BEFORE THE DRAFT NEXT YEAR....ITS A SURE THING........

[Dline Analysis]

Sorry but, you are being a homer.

Vernon hasn't posted a sack in ANY game except the Rams game. And I already explained 1 sack he was unblocked & the other was when Wake Flushed bradford right into his arms.

Vernon has done NOTHING on D. ST, yes but, he isn't putting up numbers. Unless you are only counting 1 of the 10 games.

Odrick? PLEASE! This guy has done NOTHING all year long! He is INVISIBLE!