J.J. talks Fins and Canes; Magic rips Heat; Fins free agency, UM spring notes

WEDNESDAY BUZZ COLUMN 

A relaxed, engaged Jimmy Johnson is sitting on the sprawling outdoor patio of his bustling Key Largo restaurant (The Big Chill), overlooking an exquisite view of Florida Bay, and taking a break for a one-on-one chat about Dolphins and Hurricanes football.

J.J., who was in the middle of hosting a three-day event last weekend to raise money for the UM Sports Hall of Fame, has a quick response for those who suggest the Dolphins shouldn’t pursue Peyton Manning, 35, who is expected to be released by the Colts on Wednesday.

“Oh please!” the former Dolphins and Hurricanes coach said.

“Age is not a concern. You do whatever you have to do to get Peyton Manning! If Manning has the supporting cast, he’s still a great player. The Dolphins have a good team, not great. They are pretty solid on defense. A great quarterback with a good team can win it all. With Brandon Marshall, Reggie Bush, it gives them some weapons offensively. Bring in Reggie Wayne with Peyton.” (Wayne, we hear, would love for this to happen.)

J.J. pointed out, “It used to be a quarterback-driven league. Now it is a quarterback-only league. You can win today with an average defense, an average running game. If you have a great quarterback, you have a shot.”

Johnson said “the biggest concern I have is will Peyton be as precise with a new group. Is he going to have the same chemistry and be as efficient as he was in Indianapolis? No, he’s not." That, Johnson said, is a compelling reason to sign Wayne. "But if he’s close to what he was, all of a sudden they’re a contender.”

How much would Joe Philbin and offensive coordinator Mike Sherman need to adjust their offense for Manning?

“You use whatever Peyton wants,” J.J. said. “You fit your style to your great players. Great coaches do that.”

J.J. said the Philbin/Sherman offense would be different for Manning, “but not as dramatic as people think. I mean, really. They’re the same routes, they’re the same drops. There’s not quite as much play action. People make so much of the West Coast offense. I learned when I came into the league that everything is so similar.”

If the Dolphins cannot get Manning, Johnson said, “I would be nervous” about signing Matt Flynn. But he loves Robert Griffin III, and “maybe in the Dolphins’ case, pay whatever it takes to get a quarterback. I know Andrew Luck’s the guy, but I would love to coach Griffin. He’s a split second behind Michael Vick as far as speed, but he’s bigger. I love his leadership.”

When he was with the Cowboys, Johnson came up with the trade value chart that’s used today in trading up in the draft. He said teams might need to offer more than what the chart calls for because of the competition for St. Louis’ No. 2 pick. “But whoever gets Manning and Flynn probably will be out of the race, so it may not be as competitive as what you think. You’ve got to play some poker.”

On UM, which is remains very special to him, J.J. said Al Golden “did a great job of cutting down a lot of the mistakes and silly penalties, but we’ve got to get bigger, stronger, more physical, which Al recognizes.

“We will be back in the glory years [eventually]. I don’t know if we’ll ever be as dominant as we were – we lost two regular season games in four years. I don’t know that anybody will ever be that dominant. But you will see championship football.”

What he likes about Golden is “he’s so thorough, an extremely hard worker. People ask me about hiring people. I said, ‘If you give me somebody that’s intelligent, that works extremely hard and is passionate about what they do, they’re going to be successful.’ That’s what Al is.”

CHATTER

### The Dolphins have been telling people they want to add defensive backs in the draft to better defend all the pass-happy offenses and also are looking at both safeties and potential No. 3 corners in free agency. They like Giants starting cornerback Aaron Ross, but he’s likely too expensive and the Dolphins want to make sure they have enough money to do what it takes financially to have a good shot at Manning. Four potential free agent safeties are now off the market (Thomas DeCoud, Tyvon Branch, Dashon Goldson and Michael Griffin), leaving Reggie Nelson, Dwight Lowery, Jim Leonard, LaRon Landry and Mike Adams as the best available.

### With several pass-rushers off the market, the Dolphins likely will need to address this priority in the draft, unless they sign one of just a few accomplished, available rushers, including Jerome Mincey, Mark Anderson or Andre Carter. Mario Williams and John Abraham are too pricy.

### ESPN’s Dick Vitale said, by phone, UM needs to beat Georgia Tech on Thursday and then FSU on Friday in the ACC Tournament “to even get on the table” for serious NCAA Tournament consideration, partly because the bottom half of the league is so weak…. Early spring-practice word on quarterback Ryan Williams: “Extremely accurate,” Phillip Dorsett said, adding he’s more accurate than Stephen Morris and has a stronger arm than Jacory Harris. But Dorsett said Morris is more mobile and throws a better deep ball… UM has been raving about the improvement of second-year receivers Dorsett and Rashawn Scott. “There’s a ton of potential for both to be great,” offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch said.  

### Though the Heat is eager to see if the Hornets buy out Chris Kaman if they can’t trade him, one competing general manager said they appear unwilling to do that. Beyond checking out Rasheed Wallace, Miami has had periodic contact with the agent for former Jazz center Kyrylo Fesenko. Consider this about the Heat’s natural backup big men: Entering Tuesday, Miami had been outscored by 26 points with Dexter Pittman on the floor (in 131 minutes), by 31 with Eddy Curry (in 40 minutes) and by 44 with Juwan Howard (in 76 minutes).

### Magic Johnson has become one of the Heat’s sharpest critics in recent days. “We know the Heat is not a mentally tough team,” Magic said. (We do?) Magic said that LeBron James’ “I fell short again” tweet after the Utah loss is “ridiculous. I’m disappointed [about] all this tweeting.” And Magic said James has to get comfortable taking game-winning shots if the Heat is ever going to win a title. “Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan are going to take that shot.”

### Hanley Ramirez said Tuesday his move to third base has gone so well that "I'm already comfortable there. I don't see anything very different. I feel like I'm playing shortstop. I like it." His Marlins teammates, who didn't know what to expect because of his initial unhappiness about the switch, like his attitude so far this spring.

### Tidbits on the new Marlins ballpark disclosed Tuesday: Beer sales will be cut off after the seventh inning except in the Clevelander beyond left field (there's a cover charge there that will depend on how busy it is); food associated with the visiting team's city will be sold for those specific games (such as cheesesteaks when the Phillies are in town, bratwurst for the Brewers), concession items can be ordered on Smartphones; the temperature will be set at 75 a night when the dome is closed (which will be the case for most games, except a few in April).

Also, the dome will be closed during play (it takes 13 minutes) if a surprising storm sweeps in. MLB will allow it to be re-opened, but only at the start of an inning. "We think it's a pitcher's park," Marlins president David Samson said.

 

Comments

[TigerSam]

I love Jimmy, I wish he could coach the Phins, but I find it highly contradicting him saying “You use whatever Peyton wants. You fit your style to your great players. Great coaches do that.”

Really Jimmy? Because last time I checked you did not do that with Dan Marino. Granted having a slightly better running game was kinda cool since we never had one but we had no decent RB to speak of to take the ball of Dan's hands.

But I understand the position he was in and the position Philbin is in now as well. Nothing should be written in stone and whoever finds the ability to adapt is the survivor. Plain and simple Darwinism. I hope coach Philbin has the ability to become a thriving species and not an extinct one.

I still think RG3 is the better fit for a WCO and for a long term success at QB with the weapons, young weapons I may add, at his dispose. Bush and RG3 together would be an absolute nightmare to opposing defenses. But I also understand Ross's predicament and his opinion is at the end the only one that matters. If we get Manning then go all defense in the draft and start by nabbing Dontari Poe. He is the next Vincent Wilfork.

[Warfield42]

Normally I'd pass over anything the Miami perhia Jimmie Johnson had to say. He singlehandidly destroyed the Miami Dolphins legacy & franchise, left us w/Wanny, which led to cam to Satan to overrated FATuna, etc. All started w/JJ. He handled Marino poorly and hypocritically states above a Coach should mold his team to the strength's of its great players - followed that himself huh? His drafts were absolutely horrendous sans his LUCKY picks later in drafts (JT & Zach). Then he quit, tucked tail like the lil' beeeiotch that he is, and ran away. He's a coward, a blowhard and semi-fortunately is SPOT ON about the 3 QB's in Miami's sights. RG3 is (should be) the top priority - as he said, the price will fall as Manning & Flynn sign. Peyton should be the fall back as option 1A. STAY AWAY FROM MATT FLYNN. More ? than PM or RG3, 7th Rdr., arm strength concerns that led to that 7th Rd. drop, etc.

[Topgoonie]

What is a perhia?

[Miami Kid]

Has there ever been such an overrated hyped player with so few games actually played like Matt Flynn, what the hell is wrong with all these "experts", he's just another Scott Mitchell

[CANETILLIDIE....DH]

Replace shalalalalala with Jimmy Johnson.

[Sign Manning!]

Haha, dude Jimmy Johnson could NOT be the president of UM!

A little more to that job than worrying about the football team...

[George Siblesz]

Dolphins should go all in with Peyton. I was a supporter of Flynn until I heard and saw the news that Peyton's mobility and throwing is coming back. He's one of the greatest QB's for a reason. The Dolphins can easily upgrade their offensive line around him and give him even more weapons (Reggie Wayne) in order to really solidify the offense.

If I'm the Dolphins, I sign Peyton, jeff Saturday and Reggie Wayne. Slide Pouncey over to guard, draft a RT and a passrusher and then adress the other needs (S and CB) via free agency and the remaining rounds in the draft.

[Jerome]

Can we just say "Jimmie has learned from his mistake" and leave it at that - we all do or should.

[Warfield42]

Hey Poindexter, er Topgoonie....so sorry - "PARIAH". Get a hobby dude, besides spell checkin' the blogosphere. Geez

[Joe]

Actually........Magic Johnson s take on LeBron James is right on.He offers very constructive criticism to be taken in the appropriate manner...I am sure.He is best bud s with Coach Riley ya know.He s basically saying to LeBron...shut up.Be a man,stop apoligizing to everyone and stop trying to get everyone to love you."ACCEPT YOURSELF LEBRON."That s my take.Further...he s saying....become an assassin ......keep taking open last shots.....Eventually...he ll begin making his fair share of them.Durant has missed last shots,Kobe has too.So has Derrick Rose.Just take em ..once in awhile....."MAN UP"....basically....LeBron....just "MAN UP."

[Brynn]

@Tiger Sam:

Dan Marino was a great QB on the field. His release is unmatched. He is one of the top 10 players of all time. No doubt.

BUT.

Peyton is a whole different animal. He is similar to Dan in his on the field in accuracy, arm strength, etc....

But Dan Marino NEEDED Coaching...he needed the eye in the sky to call plays and make pre-snap reads for him. Peyton, on the other hand, DOES NOT EVEN NEED AN OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR. The Colts kept one on staff to help coach up the rest of the offense, but he left Peyton alone. And Peyton called the plays (He'd in fact call 3-5 plays in the huddle, check the D out at the LOS, call one of the plays, then depending on the D's adjustment, he'd check into another play using a similar if not the smae formation.

BASICALLY: Jimmy is right (of course he is). The offensive coaching staff is there to help transition Peyton into some newer terminology (or else he keeps his own terms and every one else learns the new, even the OC and HC). After that? The OC works with the skill players, and the lineman....making sure THEY are all on Peyton's page. He is the one the offense needs to revolve around. Then the staff learns from him AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. As does the #2 QB. So in 2 years or so when Peyton has to retire due to his age, the team will be ready, as much as possible, anyway, to roll in Peyton's image.

At that point? The OC would become the play caller, but hopefully he gives the QB a bit of latitude in audibling out of bad calls and into better ones via the read at the LOS.

But short answer: J.J. IS RIGHT, sign Peyton, and let him run things!

[CANETILLIDIE....DH]

Haha, dude Jimmy Johnson could NOT be the president of UM!

A little more to that job than worrying about the football team...

Posted by: Sign Manning!
-----------------------------------

Obviously but think about it. Mind you, this is absolutely wishful thinking. This would be the dream setup.

Howard Schnellenberger as President
Jimmy Johnson as AD
Al Golden Head Coach (current position)

Think of what would be the culture after that... This, obviously is absolute wishful thinking as I previously mentioned but just think of the possibilities...

GO CANES!!!!

[CANETILLIDIE....DH]

Give Peyton Manning whatever the hell he wants. He wants Reggie Wayne, no one down in Miami is gonna complain about a Hurricane playmaker coming home! Hell we need more Canes on our team if you ask me. How many great teams out there have how many Miami Hurricanes on their roster??? Multiple. How many Miami Hurricanes are on the Dolphins roster right now?? One, Vernon Carey. A good lineman but not a playmaker. We need playmakers.

Get'em!!!!

GO DOLPHINS!!! PLEEEEEZZZ!!!!

[SEC TrUmps U Always ...]

### ESPN’s Dick Vitale said, by phone, UM needs to beat Georgia Tech on Thursday and then FSU on Friday in the ACC Tournament “to even get on the table” for serious NCAA Tournament consideration, partly because the bottom half of the league is so weak….

TABLE SCAPS

.

What will Ur excUse be when the Mighty SEC puts more quality teams into “The Tourney” than Ur Athletically Challenged Basketball Conference U Colossal Cane Fools ?

#1 in Football … #1 in Basketball … #1 in Baseball

[Sign Manning!]

"Ur" not our rival! Who cares about the Gators we don't even play them this year!

Sign Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne and take some of those premature metriculators in the later rounds.

And start Clay over Fasano.

[sflafan]

Love Magic Johnson, but he's way off base calling the Heat "soft". Why? Because they got beat by a better team in the Mavs in the NBA finals? Was he soft when he lost to the Celtics in the finals? We're the Heat not tough holding up to the media frenzy last year? Were they not tough beating the undoubtedly tough Celtics and Bulls in the playoffs? Have they not been tough playing aggressive, stifling defense every night this year?

Ok, so LeBron has to be a bit less sensitive and less tough on himself. He should stop showing his vulnerable side by tweeting. But to call him and the Heat soft? One of the few times I've heard Magic talking s#*t out of his donkey.