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| 1 | THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 7 | 8:30p (ET) | @PIT | | 2 | SUNDAY
SEPTEMBER 17 | 1:00p (ET) | BUF | | 3 | SUNDAY
SEPTEMBER 24 | 1:00p (ET) | TEN | | 4 | SUNDAY
OCTOBER 1 | 1:00p (ET) | @HOU | | 5 | SUNDAY
OCTOBER 8 | 1:00p (ET) | @NWE | | 6 | SUNDAY
OCTOBER 15 | 4:15p (ET) | @NYJ | | 7 | SUNDAY
OCTOBER 22 | 1:00p (ET) | GNB | | 8 | BYE WEEK | | 9 | SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 5 | 1:00p (ET) | @CHI | | 10 | SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 12 | 1:00p (ET) | KAN | | 11 | SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 19 | 1:00p (ET) | MIN | | 12 | THURSDAY
NOVEMBER 23 | 12:30p (ET) | @DET | | 13 | SUNDAY
DECEMBER 3 | 1:00p (ET) | JAC | | 14 | SUNDAY
DECEMBER 10 | 1:00p (ET) | NWE | | 15 | SUNDAY
DECEMBER 17 | 1:00p (ET) | @BUF | | 16 | MONDAY
DECEMBER 25 | 8:30p (ET) | NYJ | | 17 | SUNDAY
DECEMBER 31 | 1:00p (ET) | @IND | |
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Although ready for opening day, Daunte Culpepper’s knee injury from 2005 could affect his performance. The season-ending injury to OL Seth McKinney is an unfortunate turn of events for an inexperienced line and could have long-term ramifications for RB Ronnie Brown. Defensive starters Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas and CB Travis Daniels all suffered injuries during camp and should be tabbed as injury concerns.
Fantasy Impact: It may be nothing to worry about, but watch Culpepper's ability to spring back from his 2005 knee injury. |
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Strategy: The Dolphins possess a good passing attack, and they rely on the run to set up big gains down the field. Running back Ronnie Brown, as a rookie last year, demonstrated his massive potential almost immediately. He should play an even bigger role this year without Ricky Williams in the picture. The addition of Daunte Culpepper finally gives the Dolphins a premier quarterback to throw to Chris Chambers who had a career year in '05. If the offensive line only allows 26 sacks again, then Culpepper's strong arm and mobility should allow him to throw for huge gains.
Fantasy Impact: If Daunte Culpepper returns to 2004 form, then the trio of Culpepper, Chambers, and Brown should all be among the best five or ten at their position in '06. |
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Strength: Daunte Culpepper gives the Dolphins a quarterback to man their offense that they haven't had since Dan Marino. Combined with last year's number one pick, Ronnie Brown, and star WR Chris Chambers the Dolphins have a spectacular trio, all with good power and speed. Randy McMichael is an Antonio Gates-like threat in the passing game with great speed for his size.
Fantasy Impact: Ronnie Brown is the featured back now and should be considered a 1,000-yard threat, along with Chambers. If Culpepper only needed a change of scenery then he could be the number one fantasy quarterback with the talent surrounding him. |
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Weakness: The Dolphins’ have a lot of risks on offense this season. After their first two receivers, rookie Derek Hagan will be depended upon to take some pressure off of Chambers, and Chambers could get frustrated. Brown doesn't have to split carries with anyone, but he has split carries going back to his days at Auburn and could be at risk for injuries. Culpepper seems to be healthy, but the offensive line overachieved and a porous line could mean trouble.
Fantasy Impact: The risk of Brown and Chambers should not scare fantasy owners away, but capable backups should be considered a necessity with no one to take pressure off of the two stars. Culpepper may be worth the risk if he is fully recovered from his knee injury. |
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Strategy: From the pedigree of Bill Belichick and with new defensive coordinator Dom Capers, Nick Saban figures to run a version of the 3-4 defense this season. The key player is veteran Jason Taylor. A career defensive end, Taylor still rushes off the edge in the 3-4 and managed to gain 12 sacks last season while huge Keith Traylor clogs the middle as NT. What changes in the offset 3-4 that Miami will run is the presence of big DE Vonnie Holliday playing DT between Taylor and Traylor, and LB Channing Crowder who will be expected to replace Zach Thomas in the middle playing OLB. Although it’s more similar to a 4-3 in appearance, Taylor plays standing up and in addition to the pass rush his responsibilities are more akin to an OLB.
Fantasy Impact: There are a lot of stars on this defense, but it is aging and should expect some let-down in fantasy numbers. |
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Strength: Jason Taylor will always be a force sacking the quarterback and his abilities are so impressive that teams must scheme against him. In fact, the Dolphins were second in the league in sacks with 49. That figure should improve as second-year player Matt Roth develops behind veteran sack artist Kevin Carter. In addition, Channing Crowder and Zach Thomas represent an impressive inside linebacker tandem that excel at making the tackle.
Fantasy Impact: If the Dolphins demonstrate no drop-off in a defense that had 49 sacks last year, they could make a fantasy impact this year. |
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Weakness: This unit is quite old, with the free agency additions of Vonnie Holliday, Dan Wilkinson and Keith Traylor last season only bringing up the average age of the defense. The stars still seem to be performing up to standards, but at some point their skills will begin to decline and with injuries to both Taylor and Thomas, it could be this year. In addition, three starters in the defensive backfield are gone after a sub par season producing turnovers, but the new players are not the same caliber.
Fantasy Impact: The interception total could suffer again this season with a revamped group of defensive backs and the age of the starters could result in more of a letdown on defense. |
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49ers Gore Inactive - 12/14/2008
Source: AP Impacts: Frank Gore, DeShaun Foster RB Frank Gore is inactive today against the Dolphins. Fantasy Impact: RB Deshaun Foster will start in place of Gore, but he is not in consideration for a fantasy roster spot at this point. He is, after all, Deshaun Foster. | | | RB Brown Coming Back - 07/28/2008
Source: Florida Sun Sentinal Impacts: Ronnie Brown RB Ronnie Brown says the hardest part of coming back from season ending knee surgery last year is going to be mental, not physical. He has slimmed down and appears able to do all of the things he could before the injury. Fantasy Impact: That defenses will be able to consistently put 8 or 9 guys in the box against the Dolphins due to inexperienced quarterbacks and wide receivers will hamper his value more than the injury. A more powerful runner, like say, Ricky Williams, may fare better against such fronts. | | | Terry Glenn Gets Interest - 07/28/2008
Source: The Times Union Impacts: Terry Glenn Two Florida teams have needs for a veteran wide receiver, and Terry Glenn could fit the bill. Fantasy Impact: Glenn will catch on somewhere, and is productive when he's on the field. A stop in Jacksonville would give them an interesting wide receiving corps for QB David Garrard to throw to, with WRs Reggie Williams and Jerry Porter also there (though currently on the PUP list). | | | QB McCown Expected to be Ready for Camp After Chainsaw Accident - 07/16/2008
Source: ESPN Impacts: Josh McCown Miami Dolphins QB Josh McCown is expected to be ready for training camp after suffering a cut to his hand, requiring 6 stitches. Fantasy Impact: McCown is competing with QBs John Beck and Chad Henne for the starting spot in Miami. | | | Kevin Jones: Continues to Impress - 06/30/2008
Source: Yahoo! Sports Impacts: Kevin Jones RB Kevin Jones continues to impress following recent knee surgery. Originally told that he'd have to wait 10 months before returning to football after the January procedure, Jones appears to be well ahead of schedule and worked out for four teams over the weekend, and the Browns requested a video tape of the workout. Fantasy Impact: Jones was once a hot commodity in fantasy circles, and after a few injury riddled years he may be back on the right track. He's certainly an ideal handcuff candidate, if you're a fan of that strategy. | | | Jason Taylor: Packers Still Interested - 06/19/2008
Source: Yahoo Impacts: Jason Taylor The Packers continue to inquire about the price tag on Jason Taylor, but they refuse to budge off their demand of a number one pick. The Packers also want Taylor to play commit to playing more than one season, should they agree to trade for him. Fantasy Impact: Taylor would likely benefit from a change of scenery, and Green Bay's defense might rise a notch or two in the rankings. | | | Jets push ahead with soggy 13-10 win - 12/26/2006
Source: NFL.com Impacts: Leon Washington, Joey Harrington, Laveranues Coles, Chad Pennington, Ronnie Brown Stymied for three quarters by steady rain, sloppy play and the Miami Dolphins, the New York Jets found even the simple task of catching a field-goal snap difficult.
But with the game on the line, and their playoff hopes in jeopardy, the Jets came up with the big plays they needed.
New York overcame the weather, a sputtering offense and two late scores by Miami to win 13-10 on Christmas night.
"For us it was all about chipping away and waiting for our moment," Jets coach Eric Mangini said. "This was a game with tough conditions. We faced a lot of adversity."
All of the points came in the final 17:25. Miami kicked a tying field goal with 2:09 left, but on the Jets' next play, Leon Washington caught a short pass from Chad Pennington and broke loose for a 64-yard gain.
Four plays later, Mike Nugent kicked a 30-yarder with 10 seconds left. That meant the Jets (9-6) can clinch an AFC wild-card playoff berth if they beat Oakland (2-13) in their final regular-season game in Week 17.
"We like controlling our own destiny and not having to rely on someone else to help us," defensive end Shaun Ellis said.
| | | Bills stifle Miami 21-0 to keep hope alive - 12/17/2006
Source: NFL.com Impacts: Joey Harrington, Sammy Morris, J.P. Losman, Lee Evans, Chris Chambers J.P. Losman kept Buffalo's slim playoff hopes alive and provided further proof why he's earned the Bills' starting job beyond this season.
Losman overcame wet and blustery conditions, throwing three touchdown passes in a 21-0 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Buffalo (7-7) has won five of its last seven, rallying from a 2-5 start to the season.
The Dolphins (6-8), coming off a 21-0 win over New England, were eliminated from postseason contention despite losing for only the second time in seven weeks.
The Bills defense was solid, forcing two interceptions while limiting the Dolphins to 118 yards through three quarters and 212 overall. It was Buffalo's first shutout since a 2003 season-opening 31-0 win over New England, and first against the Dolphins since a 29-0 win in November 1987.
Bills cornerback Nate Clements continued a string of strong games against Miami, registering his ninth interception against the AFC East rival. It came on Miami's first play of the second half, and on the next play after Jason Taylor had forced a Losman fumble to give the Dolphins the ball at the Bills 44.
Losman was otherwise efficient in finishing 13-of-19 for 200 yards passing. He rebounded from the fumble by hitting Josh Reed over the middle for a 27-yard TD catch and run to put the Bills up 14-0 midway through the third quarter.
Losman also hit a wide-open Robert Royal for a 33-yard touchdown to open the scoring, and sealed the win with a perfectly placed 21-yard touch pass to Lee Evans early in the fourth quarter.
It was a performance that came after Bills coach Dick Jauron announced this week that Losman had earned the right to be the team's starter going into next season. Losman was twice benched last year and forced to regain the starting job during a three-way offseason competition before this season.
The second of Buffalo's two 2004 first-round draft picks, Losman has now thrown 10 touchdowns and four interceptions in his past seven games.
Miami's Joey Harrington went 5-of-17 for 20 yards passing and two interceptions before being pulled in favor of Cleo Lemon in the fourth quarter. Sammy Morris had 71 yards rushing.
| | | Dolphins place Culpepper on IR - 12/13/2006
Source: National Football League News Wire Impacts: Daunte Culpepper Daunte Culpepper's first season with the
Miami Dolphins is officially over.
The Dolphins put Culpepper on injured reserve Tuesday, ruling
out any chance of the quarterback returning from knee problems that
kept him sidelined for much of his first season in Miami.
"Even though Daunte was making good progress in his
rehabilitation, we both felt, along with our medical staff, that it
would be very difficult for him to be ready to play in the next
three weeks," said Dolphins coach Nick Saban. "Because it's
important to have depth at the quarterback position the rest of the
season, we all felt the best decision for the team was to place him
on IR."
It's possible that the Dolphins may look to sign another
quarterback to play behind Joey Harrington and Cleo Lemon for the
rest of the season.
Culpepper started the first four games of the season for the
Dolphins, completing 60 percent of his passes and throwing for 929
yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
He underwent major knee surgery in November 2005 and returned to
the field more quickly than expected, but with his mobility
hampered, he was sacked 21 times. The Dolphins started Harrington
in their fifth game and have kept him in the lineup since, while
Culpepper focused on rehabilitation.
Culpepper -- whom the Dolphins acquired in March from the
Minnesota Vikings for a second-round draft pick -- also underwent
arthroscopic surgery last month to remove a piece of cartilage in
his knee.
| | | Jason Taylor leaves game with arm injury - 12/04/2006
Source: National Football League News Wire Impacts: Jason Taylor Miami defensive end Jason Taylor left Sunday's game
against Jacksonville late in the first half with an injury to his
right wrist, but returned for the start of the second half and
played the rest of the way in the Dolphins' 24-10 loss to the
Jaguars.
Taylor was hurt tackling quarterback David Garrard and quickly
trotted off the field to the locker room, clutching his arm against
his side. He returned with his wrist wrapped.
Taylor, enjoying perhaps the best season of his 10-year career,
recorded 1.5 sacks in the first half to give him 10.5 this season.
He finished with only three tackles.
"I'm fine," he said. "It was sore, but it's no excuse." | | | Garrard, Jaguars down Dolphins 24-10 - 12/04/2006
Source: NFL.com Impacts: Byron Leftwich, David Garrard, Fred Taylor, Joey Harrington, Chris Chambers David Garrard scrambled to his right, reversed his field, retreated and found himself 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage looking in vain for an open receiver.
Even then, the Miami Dolphins failed to stop him.
As usual, Garrard did his best work on the run Sunday, throwing for 229 yards and two scores to help the Jacksonville Jaguars beat Miami 24-10.
"We felt we had a chance to put the ball up and make some big plays," Garrard said. "I feel as long as I keep moving, I have a chance to find somebody open and get the ball downfield."
Jacksonville (7-5) earned only its second road win this year to remain in the thick of the AFC wild-card race.
"The critics say we can't win on the road," cornerback Rashean Mathis said. "Maybe this will do a lot to silence them."
Jacksonville ended a four-game winning streak by the Dolphins (5-7), likely ensuring they'll miss the playoffs for the fifth year in a row.
"It's disappointing to all of us," Miami coach Nick Saban said.
Garrard led Jacksonville on touchdown drives of 95 and 91 yards, while Miami's Joey Harrington threw two costly interceptions and was sacked four times.
Poor tackling also hurt the Dolphins, who geared to stop the run but still gave up 150 yards on the ground. Maurice Jones-Drew broke three tackles on a 32-yard touchdown run -- the rookie's ninth score.
"I kept my head down and kept going," Drew said. "Once I saw a little opening, I didn't give up."
Garrard was sacked four times, but completed 16 of 22 attempts and ran for three first downs. One came when he was forced 15 yards deep to midfield before zigzagging through the defense for a 17-yard gain.
"Anytime the pocket breaks down and the quarterback gets to the edge, the defense eventually will break down," Garrard said. "They're more concerned about keeping up with their man, and sometimes it's hard for them to see what the quarterback is doing."
On the next play, George Wrighster bounced off a defender to score on a 16-yard reception. Matt Jones also caught a touchdown pass and had six receptions for 128 yards.
"Garrard did a good job of scrambling and making throws," Miami linebacker Zach Thomas said. "He creates time for his guys to get open."
The Jaguars built a 24-7 lead, enough to survive a late rally by the Dolphins. After Olindo Mare kicked a 42-yard field goal with 3:45 left, Miami's Chris Chambers recovered an onside kick.
The Dolphins drove to the 5 before Harrington threw an incompletion on fourth down with 1:41 to go.
Jacksonville fell behind 7-0 but scored two touchdowns in the final 1:50 of the first half to go ahead 17-7.
| | | More surgery for Culpepper - 12/01/2006
Source: National Football League News Wire Impacts: Daunte Culpepper Daunte Culpepper underwent arthroscopic knee
surgery Thursday to remove a piece of cartilage that has hampered
his recovery from reconstructive surgery a year ago.
The problem was discovered when Culpepper was examined Wednesday
by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.
"Behind his kneecap there was a little piece of articular
cartilage that was causing some catching," coach Nick Saban said.
"That's what was causing the problem.
"That's why we wanted to get this evaluated. We all feel much
better that there's a solution to what wasn't a serious issue, but
it was an issue that was holding him back some."
Culpepper will remain on the active roster, at least for now, so
there remains a chance he'll play again this season.
Culpepper underwent major knee surgery in November 2005. He
returned to the field more quickly than expected and played in
Miami's first four games this year, but with his mobility hampered,
he was sacked 21 times.
He was then pulled from the lineup so he could focus on
rehabilitation. Culpepper has since practiced on a limited basis
but struggled with sharp pain in the right knee.
"I played through some pain in the first four games and didn't
feel that I had an explosive burst, but the problem couldn't be
detected by an MRI," Culpepper said in a statement. "The minor
surgery today solved that problem and will allow me to continue my
progress."
| | | Romo, Harrington shine in Thanksgiving games - 11/24/2006
Source: National Football League News Wire Impacts: Tony Romo, Joey Harrington, Ronnie Brown, Terrell Owens, Bruce Gradkowski The Chicago Bears can clinch
their second straight division title on Sunday. Tom Brady and
the New England Patriots know all about winning divisions.
The interconference battle between the Bears (9-1) and Patriots
(7-3) is the marquee matchup of Week 12 in the NFL.
The Sunday night meeting between the Indianapolis Colts (9-1)
and Philadelphia Eagles (5-5) was supposed to be another
intriguing interconference game featuring quarterbacks Peyton
Manning and Donovan McNabb. But the contest lost much of its
luster when McNabb suffered a season-ending knee injury last
week.
The Bears can become only the fourth team since the advent of
the 16-game schedule in 1978 to clinch a division title by its
11th game. The other three are the 1985 Bears, the 1997 San
Francisco 49ers and 2004 Eagles.
Chicago can seal the NFC North crown with a win at New England,
coupled with losses by the Minnesota Vikings (4-6) and Green Bay
Packers (4-6). The Vikings host former coach Dennis Green and
the Arizona Cardinals (2-8) on Sunday and the Packers visit the
first-place Seattle Seahawks (6-4) on Monday night.
But beating the Pats will be difficult. New England has won
three of the last five Super Bowls under coach Bill Belichick
and with Brady at quarterback.
The Patriots are seeking their fourth straight AFC East crown.
They own a two-game lead over the New York Jets (5-5), but all
three of their losses have come at home this season.
Led by middle linebacker Brian Urlacher and a strong defensive
line, the Bears have allowed a league-low 12.0 points per game
with two shutouts. They have held opponents to 10 points or
fewer six times and lead the NFL with 29 takeaways.
Last week, Urlacher, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year,
compiled 11 tackles and an interception in a 10-0 victory over
the Jets.
The Patriots flexed their defensive muscle as well in a 35-0
triumph at Green Bay last week. New England has allowed just
13.1 points per game.
The Colts are tied with the Bears for the league's best record
and hold a three-game lead over the Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4)
in the AFC South. The Jaguars will visit the Buffalo Bills
(4-6).
Indianapolis' bid for an unbeaten season was spoiled by Dallas
last week. But the Colts will be heavily favored to bounce back
against the Eagles.
| | | Detroit 's Williams amuses Miami secondary - 11/23/2006
Source: Palm Beach Post Impacts: Roy Williams (WR) Detroit Lions wideout Roy Williams has some advice for the Dolphins cornerbacks: It'll take more than one man to cover him.
"That wouldn't be very good," Williams warned. "We invite them to do that, but I don't think that gives them the best chance to win."
In his third season, Williams is sixth in the NFL with 867 receiving yards. He has 54 catches and four touchdowns.
The Dolphins secondary usually plays man-to-man coverage, but Williams said he would be surprised if they take that approach against him.
"I'm not sure if they're going to do that against us, but we want them to," Williams said. "I think they'll pick and choose when to do it, but I don't think they'll do it the whole game."
Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder laughed when he heard Williams' remarks.
"Roy's a great player, but he's no Jerry Rice," Crowder said.
Crowder said Miami cornerbacks Will Allen, Travis Daniels and Andre Goodman all are capable of defending Williams one-on-one.
"I think we've got guys," Crowder said. "Everybody can do it."
Daniels also smiled when told of Williams' comments, but he refused to fire back.
"I'm going to just let Roy say whatever he wants to say and feel how he wants to feel," Daniels said. "I don't want to get in any sparring match, but we'll be there on Thursday."
Crowder was particularly amused by Williams' trash talk because the Lions are 2-8 and tied for 17th in the league in scoring offense.
"They're not doing anything amazing right now," Crowder said. "For him to talk junk - it's funny for them not to be able to score any points."
Williams had 11 catches for 148 yards and no touchdowns in Detroit's last two games, both losses. The Lions managed 13 points against the 49ers, who give up the most points in the NFL, and 10 against Arizona.
| | | Defense strikes twice, Miami wins again - 11/19/2006
Source: NFL.com Impacts: Brad Johnson, Chester Taylor, Joey Harrington, Ronnie Brown, Jason Taylor Jason Taylor zigzagged through the open field, waved the ball in his left hand and leaped across the goal line to finish with a flourish.
Looking more like breakaway runners than defensive players, Taylor and cornerback Renaldo Hill were the best ball carriers the Miami Dolphins had Sunday.
Taylor and Hill returned turnovers for touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and Miami overcame another sputtering offensive performance to beat the Minnesota Vikings 24-20.
The Vikings, ranked first in the NFL in run defense, lost despite setting a team record by limiting the Dolphins to minus-3 yards rushing in 14 carries. Running back Ronnie Brown netted 2 yards in 12 attempts.
The last time a team won with such a poor rushing total was on Oct. 29, 1961, when Philadelphia beat Washington 27-24 with minus 12 yards.
"They shut down one half of our offense," quarterback Joey Harrington said. "We threw well enough to win. And yeah, we got some help from J.T. and Renaldo."
Hill returned a fumble 48 yards for Miami's go-ahead score, and Taylor scored on a 51-yard interception return with 3:25 left to tie George Martin's NFL record for linemen with his seventh career touchdown.
The Dolphins (4-6), who had the league's worst record less than a month ago, won their third consecutive game.
"When we were sitting there at 1-6, nobody gave us a chance to win another game," Harrington said.
The Vikings (4-6) lost their fourth game in a row, committing three turnovers in the final period. | | | Culpepper says he's still bothered by knee pain - 11/17/2006
Source: National Football League News Wire Impacts: Daunte Culpepper, Joey Harrington One year after surgery, Daunte Culpepper says
he still feels sharp pain in his reconstructed right knee, and he's
noncommittal about whether he'll play again this season.
The Miami Dolphins' quarterback will sit out Sunday's game
against his former team, the Minnesota Vikings. It's the sixth
consecutive game he'll miss after struggling through the first
four.
"This is one I wish I could have been in," Culpepper said
Thursday. "Unfortunately my knee isn't as good as my spirit and my
soul want to be."
Speaking to reporters for the first time in more than a month,
Culpepper said his knee is improving. But he said it's possible
he'll sit out the rest of the year.
"I'd be disappointed, but at the same time I won't be, because
I know I've got to keep my eye on the big picture," he said.
"It's really not about short-term, it's about long-term."
Culpepper has been practicing on a limited basis and said the
knee still bothers him.
"I'm getting a sharp pain when I'm trying to push off," he
said. "If I can get past that point, I think I can be very
explosive." | | | Culpepper reduced to fan against Vikes - 11/16/2006
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune Impacts: Daunte Culpepper Cheer up. There's always 2010. Or maybe a Super Bowl meeting.
But one thing is certain. The Brad Childress-Daunte Culpepper South Beach Showdown won't come Sunday, reducing what would have been an all-Daunte, all-the-time sideshow into one of five ho-hum games between two losing teams, the 4-5 Vikings and the 3-6 Dolphins.
"It's water over the bridge," said Childress, who traded Culpepper for a second-round pick in March when it became obvious the two couldn't co-exist. "I'd rather not go back there."
Culpepper, meanwhile, didn't respond to an interview request for this story, and hasn't talked to the South Florida media since being pulled from the starting lineup after the Dolphins' fourth game because his surgically repaired right knee proved too weak to continue. Culpepper practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, but the Dolphins officially listed him as "out" on Wednesday.
"You really wish he could be out there, and it's kind of sad that he's not," Dolphins tight end Randy McMichael told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Wednesday. "He wants to win every game, but this is a special game for him. So we're going to go out there and play hard for him. We're going to carry No. 8 with us on our back when we're mashing on them."
| | | Dolphins' defense holds off Chiefs 13-10 - 11/12/2006
Source: NFL.com Impacts: Joey Harrington, Ronnie Brown, Damon Huard, Larry Johnson, Eddie Kennison Confronted one-on-one with bruising Larry Johnson in the open field near the goal line, Channing Crowder buried his helmet into the running back's chest for a touchdown-saving tackle.
Then, Crowder rose and broke into a celebratory dance.
"It was a good tackle, so I did a little shimmy for him," Crowder said.
There were many such jubilant moments for the Miami Dolphins defense, which stymied Johnson and harried Damon Huard to beat the Kansas City Chiefs 13-10.
The defense even overcame the Miami offense. The Dolphins took an early 13-point lead but missed chances to build an even bigger cushion because of a sputtering attack, and a turnover on a reverse helped keep the outcome in doubt until the final moments. An earlier trick play set up the lone touchdown by the Dolphins (3-6), who have won back-to-back games following a dismal start. They snapped the Chiefs' three-game winning streak.
"It's exciting to play the kind of defense we know we're capable of playing," said linebacker Zach Thomas, who had a sack and broke up two passes. "It's fun."
The Chiefs (5-4), who averaged 32 points in the past three games, went three-and-out on their first five possessions. The game was 26 minutes old before they registered a first down, and by then, the Dolphins were ahead 13-0.
"We got nothing going, and they played with a lead most of the day," Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said. "We kept going three-and-out. We let it get away from us."
Huard went 15-for-38 for 201 yards with three sacks, and four times was hit as he threw. The Dolphins secondary delivered several jarring hits on intended receivers.
"We had a good bead on the way they were going to attack us," cornerback Will Allen said. "Good running teams use a lot of play-action pass, so we knew what to look for."
They also knew to look for Johnson, the NFL's third-leading rusher, who managed only 75 yards on 18 carries. Tony Gonzalez had six catches for 84 yards but left the game during the Chiefs' final possession with a sprained left shoulder. | | | Dolphins hand Bears first loss, 31-13 - 11/06/2006
Source: NFL.com Impacts: Daunte Culpepper, Joey Harrington, Rex Grossman, Bernard Berrian, Thomas Jones The 1972 Dolphins can breathe a little easier. And once again, they can thank a current Miami team for it.
Although Dan Marino was nowhere to be found this time, the Dolphins once again upset Chicago to spoil the Bears' bid for a perfect season.
Ronnie Brown rushed for a career-high 157 yards and Jason Taylor forced a fumble and returned an interception 20 yards for a touchdown, helping Miami beat Chicago 31-13. Brown carried 29 times and eclipsed his previous career-high set last season against Carolina by 35 yards.
Besides losing their first game, the Bears (7-1) saw linebacker Brian Urlacher hurt his foot when he landed awkwardly in a pileup near the end of the game. The severity of the injury was not known.
After hearing criticism from the media and members of the 1972 team, these Dolphins had their way with a team that had scored the most points and allowed the fewest. The defense constantly applied pressure as the Dolphins (2-6) snapped a four-game losing streak.
"A lot of (media) in this locker room and a lot of people in this country didn't give us a chance," Taylor said. "And I heard some of the crap that was said during the week -- that questioned people's character and everything else. You always want to hand everything with class, but sometimes you can't. People come at you the wrong way, and it's good sometimes to say, 'How do you like me now?"' | | | Ogunleye proving Bears got best of 2004 trade with Dolphins - 10/31/2006
Source: Chicago Tribune Impacts: Adewale Ogunleye, Marty Booker, Michael Strahan, Channing Crowder, Jason Taylor Nothing against the Miami Dolphins, his old team and the Bears' next opponent, but Adewale Ogunleye already was rehearsing for the off-Broadway stage Sunday when he celebrated his sack against the San Francisco 49ers with unorthodox flair.
Ogunleye took an imaginary basketball jump shot and exaggerated his follow-through like someone whose life has been nothing-but-net good lately.
Asked about the celebration, Ogunleye just smiled.
"I'm from New York, so I'm getting it ready for that New York game (Nov. 12). I'm good friends with those people and Michael Strahan," Ogunleye said of the Giants' All-Pro defensive end.
Ogunleye also has friends on the Dolphins. But the fact that he's making a bigger deal out of the Giants game than the one against the team he used to play for shows how far Ogunleye has moved on from his life in South Florida.
"I'm over Miami and I'm in such a better place, so for me to even look back would be stupid," Ogunleye said.
Although Ogunleye's training-camp holdout backed them into a corner, the Dolphins' decision to trade the pass-rushing specialist that Bears coach Lovie Smith coveted still rankles Miami fans.
Stupid might be an overly harsh assessment of the deal. But nobody can deny how smart the Bears now look for giving up Marty Booker and a 2005 third-round draft pick, which Miami used to take starting linebacker Channing Crowder, for Ogunleye on Aug. 21, 2004.
When Ogunleye left, critics questioned how well he would function without All-Pro Jason Taylor playing the opposite end and drawing double-teams. Ogunleye wanted so badly to prove those doubters wrong that he played through a foot injury early in his first Bears season. He was limited to five sacks in 12 games, 10 fewer than he had in his breakout year of '03.
| | | Packers pick off Miami, win 34-24 - 10/22/2006
Source: NFL.com Impacts: Brett Favre, Donald Driver, Joey Harrington, Ahman Green The Green Bay Packers' defenders were more sure-handed than the Miami Dolphins ' receivers.
Ranked last in the NFL in pass defense, Green Bay intercepted Joey Harrington three times and benefited from half a dozen dropped passes by the woeful Dolphins to win 34-24 Sunday.
Brett Favre threw two touchdown passes, including the clincher to David Martin with six minutes left, and Ahman Green scored on a 70-yard run.
But it was big plays by Green Bay's beleaguered defense that made the difference. The Packers doubled their season interception total, and the takeaways led to 13 points.
Charles Woodson made his first interception with Green Bay and returned it 23 yards for a score. Interceptions by linebackers Brady Poppinga and Nick Barnett set up a pair of field goals.
"Today we got our hands on some balls, and we were able to give it back to the offense or take it in for a score," Woodson said. "Any time you can do that, you've got a good chance to win."
Green Bay (2-4) beat the Dolphins in Miami for the first time in seven tries, battling fatigue and cramps in steamy, 86-degree weather to finish strong. | | | Briggs denies leaning to Dolphins in 2007 - 10/19/2006
Source: Chicago Tribune Impacts: Lance Briggs With his future uncertain because of his unrestricted free-agent status at the end of the year, Bears linebacker Lance Briggs has savored every moment of this season as if it could be his last.
Realistically it could, at least in Chicago.
That possibility helps fuel the speculation Briggs addressed Wednesday after a Miami Herald columnist reported that two friends of Briggs said the linebacker would be interested in joining the Dolphins next year.
"I didn't say that," Briggs said. "I don't know where that stuff comes from."
Briggs figures to be one of the top defensive players available on the open market because he is playing at a Pro Bowl level for the second straight season.
Trying to fit a new contract for him under the salary cap will test the Bears' creativity.
The Dolphins play a 3-4 defense and likely will be seeking an impact defensive player in the mold of Briggs. So will most teams in the NFL.
Briggs was at Halas Hall on Wednesday after spending Tuesday in Los Angeles where he appeared on "The Best Damn Sports Show." There he became reacquainted with buddy C.C. Sabathia, the Cleveland Indians' pitcher, and did not address his football future.
| | | Jets hang on to down Dolphins 20-17 - 10/16/2006
Source: NFL.com Impacts: Chad Pennington, Laveranues Coles, Ronnie Brown, Joey Harrington The New York Jets thought they blew it.
The offense built a big lead with a second-half scoring burst, but the defense let the Miami Dolphins back in the game.
And in the end, Olindo Mare was jogging out onto the field for a potential tying field goal.
"I think a lot of us felt that we were probably headed to overtime," Jets quarterback Chad Pennington said.
But Mare came up short on a 51-yarder as the Jets barely held on for a 20-17 win, New York's first home victory.
"Those types of field goals, he makes," Pennington said. "For him to miss one was a shock to us. We felt like we had to get ready to go into overtime. Luckily, we caught a break."
Laveranues Coles caught two touchdown passes and Mike Nugent kicked a pair of 33-yard field goals in a game that could be added to the lengthy list of classic meetings between the AFC East rivals. The Jets (3-3) did just enough after halftime to earn an important division win.
After taking a 20-3 lead, the Jets had to sweat this one out as Joey Harrington led the Dolphins (1-5) on two long scoring drives in the fourth quarter, getting within a field goal on Ronnie Brown's 1-yard touchdown run.
Working out of the no-huddle offense and catching the Jets out of position time after time, Harrington had one more chance and marched the Dolphins down the field again with a plethora of short passes in a last-minute effort to pull even.
"We don't even think about it when we're in that fast offense," Dolphins receiver Chris Chambers said. "Everybody knows what they have to do. The defense can't really set up for what they want to do. We were just using three different plays and they were working. Everything was clicking."
But Mare, who was 1-for-3 this season on kicks of 50-plus yards, came up short, the ball landing in the end zone as the jubilant Jets cheered.
"We thought he could make the field goal," Miami coach Nick Saban said. "We had confidence in him."
Harrington, making his second straight start in place of the injured Daunte Culpepper, finished 27-of-43 for 266 yards and one touchdown and two interceptions, while Brown had 127 yards on 22 carries.
Jets QB Chad Pennington and WR Laveranues Coles hooked up on two scores to seal the win.
"We moved the ball
| | | Reconstructing Culpepper - 10/15/2006
Source: Yahoo Impacts: Daunte Culpepper Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban is faced with the delicate task of getting Daunte Culpepper back to the quarterback he was while simultaneously changing him to what he must eventually become.
All while having Culpepper stand on the sideline.
All while having the media and fans second-guess Saban’s most important move in his plan to rebuild the Dolphins.
Culpepper is out as the starter for the Dolphins and this is not a short-term plan. It’s not about Culpepper simply getting his head straight after some bad outings. It’s about strengthening Culpepper’s knee so that Culpepper can regain the explosive running ability he had before suffering a catastrophic knee injury in 2005. Culpepper began the rebuilding process this week by spending much of practice working on resistance training, running through rope ladders and other moves designed to quicken his first few steps.
Anyone who has watched Culpepper for more than a series or two can tell he’s not back to normal. Good enough to go on the field? Yes. Good enough to be what he was? Not even close.
| | | Time for '72 Fins to worry? - 10/13/2006
Source: Miami Herald Normally, we don't get around to this until sometime between when Halloween decorations are put away and farmers begin separating heads from turkeys. An NFL team usually must be unbeaten past midseason or even a certified and symbolic 10-0 before we bother the 1972 Dolphins, gently rousing them from well-earned naps, pestering them with annual questions about the latest pretender to their Perfect Season throne.
This year, we beat the holiday rush. Don't blame us, though. Blame ESPN's Joe Theismann. It was during last Monday night's game (in which unbeaten Baltimore lost its un) when loquacious Joe, speaking of the Chicago Bears, declared simply: ``The '72 Dolphins better start to get scared.''
That sound? It's the '72 Dolphins not getting scared. It's them snorting laughter. Guffawing. Braying. This is the 34th consecutive season that some other team was bound to equal their Perfection, and very likely the 34th consecutive season every other team will fall short. | | | Culpepper's problems - 10/12/2006
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune Impacts: Daunte Culpepper Maybe Vikings coach Brad Childress knew something when he complained about quarterback Daunte Culpepper not rehabilitating his surgically reconstructed right knee as well as he should have in the offseason.
Childress was convinced Culpepper wasn't making enough progress after he had surgery on the knee and before he was traded to the Miami Dolphins in March, and the Vikings coach has been proven right.
Culpepper was held out last week and is not scheduled to play this week. When asked when Culpepper will play, Dolphins coach Nick Saban said: "When he can move laterally and quickly, and not just in straight-ahead running, but in lateral movements and quick, explosive movements."
Culpepper has been sacked 21 times this season, partly because of his diminished mobility and partly from holding onto the ball too long. He got into an argument with Saban during practice Friday, but was more accepting of his benching by midweek.
"I have to say 'thank you' to coach Saban," Culpepper told the Associated Press. "... He's really protecting me and doing what's best for the team and that's how we're moving along."
Fantasy Impact: Culpepper should not be on your team until he proves he can play again. | | | Dolphins need more from Ronnie Brown - 10/11/2006
Source: Miami Herald Impacts: Ronnie Brown Quarterback controversies tend to visit NFL teams whose seasons have run off the rails, and it's understandable. From a coach's vantage, it is easier to simply chop off the head of the offense than to admit there might be malignancies elsewhere in the body. And from a fans' view, well, the QB is forever the handiest target for blame and noise even if he isn't always the proper target.
Don't lay this mess on Daunte Culpepper, OK?
He isn't why the Dolphins' playoff hopes at 1-4 have gone frail as hummingbird cartilage. Coach Nick Saban benching him in favor of Joey Harrington positions Culpepper as a scapegoat, but we must look deeper. Must look elsewhere.
| | | With Sammy Morris back, Dolphins waive RB Suggs - 10/10/2006
Source: ESPN Impacts: Sammy Morris, Lee Suggs Running back Lee Suggs was waived by the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday.
Suggs, claimed off waivers from Cleveland on Sept. 4, appeared in all five games with the Dolphins this season and rushed for 26 yards on six attempts.
He was signed shortly after backup running back Sammy Morris was suspended four games for violating the NFL's steroid policy. Morris returned to the Dolphins last week.
Suggs, a fourth-round pick of Cleveland in 2003, led the Browns with 744 yards rushing in 2004 before his tenure there was derailed by an array of neck, shoulder, toe, ankle and thumb injuries. He failed a physical after being traded to the New York Jets shortly before this season began but was cleared by Miami's medical staff before joining the Dolphins. | | | New Quarterbacks Buoy Hopes of Two Struggling Teams - 10/10/2006
Source: New York Times Impacts: Joey Harrington, Bruce Gradkowski, Vince Young, Matt Leinart, Daunte Culpepper As Daunte Culpepper and Chris Simms nursed injuries Sunday and watched their teams play without them, they must have shared a discomfiting realization: Their understudies were outperforming them, casting their futures as starting quarterbacks into question.
The Miami Dolphins’ endless search for the heir to Dan Marino took an unexpected detour, with Joey Harrington stepping in for Culpepper for the foreseeable future. That was the same Harrington who in the off-season was ushered out of Detroit on a tide of criticism from fans and teammates alike.
Dolphins Coach Nick Saban said yesterday that Culpepper would begin a training program to improve the condition of his right knee, which he injured last season. There is no timetable for his return.
For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bruce Gradkowski “played his brains out,” in Coach Jon Gruden’s estimation. Gradkowski, a rookie out of Toledo, began his bid to be the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback for good, even if Simms is able to return this season from surgery that removed his ruptured spleen.
Miami’s decision to start Harrington against the New England Patriots represented a significant quarterback switch in a season when a number of young quarterbacks — Matt Leinart in Arizona and Vince Young in Tennessee, for instance — have begun to emerge. | | | Dolphins, Saban sticking with Harrington at QB - 10/09/2006
Source: Miami Herald Impacts: Joey Harrington, Daunte Culpepper Joey Harrington will indefinitely remain the Dolphins' starting quarterback as trainers develop a workout regimen to continue developing Daunte Culpepper's mobility, coach Nick Saban said Monday.
''We're going to plan to play like we did last week,'' Saban said, one day after Harrington started the team's 20-10 loss to the Patriots. ``We're going to get Joey ready to play in the game. Does that make him the starter? I guess it makes him the starter for this week. But that could change anytime in the future.
``Is this going to take a week? Is this going to take two weeks? Is it going to take four weeks? I don't know. I can't answer that. I really can't.''
Saban also attempted to defuse the notion that any lingering bad feelings remain between him and Culpepper as a result of a heated argument that occurred during Friday's practice. Teammates confirmed Sunday that the exchange took place, but none of them would elaborate on the specifics. | | | Report: Culpepper, Saban had heated argument Friday - 10/09/2006
Source: ESPN Impacts: Daunte Culpepper Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban and quarterback Daunte Culpepper engaged in a heated argument at practice on Friday, The Miami Herald reported on Monday.
The argument came the same day Saban told the media he had yet to name a starter for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. Saban eventually settled on Joey Harrington, saying Culpepper's struggles with mobility and a right shoulder bruise were the reasons he was changing starters.
| | | Dolphins turn to Harrington, but Patriots pick up win - 10/08/2006
Source: ESPN Impacts: Joey Harrington, Daunte Culpepper The Miami Dolphins turned to Joey Harrington with Daunte Culpepper sidelined. The New England Patriots capitalized on the backup quarterback's rustiness.
Asante Samuel intercepted two passes by Harrington that led to two touchdowns, and New England overcame a mediocre performance by Tom Brady and beat Miami 20-10 on Sunday.
The Patriots (4-1) matched their season total with three takeaways and dealt another blow to the Dolphins (1-4), whose acquisition of Culpepper in the offseason was hailed as a major upgrade but were undone my numerous mistakes.
Culpepper missed the game with a bruised shoulder, a cumulative result of the 21 sacks he endured in the first four games.
Harrington, Detroit's starter in his other four NFL seasons, took his first snaps this season and was sacked just once. He completed 26 of 41 passes for 232 yards, but the two interceptions were too much to overcome.
| | | New England 20, Miami 10 - 10/08/2006
Source: Yahoo Impacts: Tom Brady, Daunte Culpepper, Joey Harrington, Corey Dillon, Laurence Maroney The Miami Dolphins turned to Joey Harrington with Daunte Culpepper sidelined. The New England Patriots capitalized on the backup quarterback's rustiness.
Asante Samuel intercepted two passes by Harrington that led to two touchdowns, and New England overcame a mediocre performance by Tom Brady and beat Miami 20-10 on Sunday.
The Patriots (4-1) matched their season total with three takeaways and dealt another blow to the Dolphins (1-4), whose acquisition of Culpepper in the offseason was hailed as a major upgrade but were undone my numerous mistakes.
| | | With Culpepper hurting, Harrington to start for Dolphins - 10/08/2006
Source: ESPN Impacts: Daunte Culpepper, Joey Harrington Joey Harrington will start for the Dolphins against the Patriots on Sunday, ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting.
Daunte Culpepper, who started the Dolphins' first four games, has a bruised shoulder and was limited in practice this week.
Culpepper missed a portion of the Dolphins' practice Thursday because of the shoulder problem, which coach Nick Saban said is a cumulative effect of being sacked 21 times through the season's first four games. Culpepper practiced Friday.
Earlier this week, Culpepper acknowledged that he's feeling the effects of being hit so often -- a problem created in part by his lack of mobility following reconstructive knee surgery last year -- but added that he wasn't overly worried about it, either.
Culpepper has completed 81 of 134 passes for 929 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions for the Dolphins, who are off to a 1-3 start. His quarterback rating of 77.0 ranks 20th.
Saban said Harrington has done "a nice job" in practices, but stopped short of revealing if the offense would look markedly different if Culpepper doesn't play Sunday.
"Both guys would basically execute pretty much the same things," Saban said. "I think there are differences that one guy may like certain plays better than another. Short of calling [Patriots coach Bill Belichick] and telling him what those are, I think that's not something I'd like to share with anybody here." | | | J. Allen may play more soon - 10/06/2006
Source: Miami Herald Impacts: Jason Allen, Laurence Maroney Jason Allen has not played one play in the Dolphins defensive backfield during the regular season, and in his duties as a special-teams player he has not had a tackle. But his opportunity to play on defense might be coming.
Maybe this week.
Allen has been told he might see some action in the near future and to be ready for that possibility.
''That's the coach's decision,'' the Dolphins' No. 1 draft pick said Thursday. ``I just feel like if they're ready to call my number and tell me to go in, I'm ready to go. If the opportunity comes, you have to take full advantage of it.''
Allen hasn't been used in Miami's first four games because his familiarity with the Miami defense isn't good enough. But he has had nearly two months to improve that familiarity.
''Physically, I feel like I'm ready,'' Allen said. ``Mentally, there's always stuff you can learn. I've got a ways to go mentally as far as experience.''
There would be irony if Allen were to play against the Patriots, because that team will be featuring rookie running back Laurence Maroney, who was picked five spots after Miami took Allen.
The Dolphins like Maroney as much as they liked Allen. | | | Daunte's ailing shoulder is latest concern - 10/06/2006
Source: Miami Herald Impacts: Daunte Culpepper For at least a day, the Dolphins had no reason to worry about quarterback Daunte Culpepper's surgically repaired right knee.
They had to worry about his right shoulder instead.
Culpepper, who threw passes at the start of practice, sat out much of Thursday's workout as a result of a nagging injury that has bothered him since the Buffalo game Sept. 17. He is expected to play Sunday at New England, despite his first rest of the regular season.
''The guy had a sore shoulder [Wednesday] in practice,'' Dolphins coach Nick Saban said. ``So when he came in today, I asked him how he felt. He thought maybe not throwing it as much would be helpful to him, so we decided to minimize his reps.''
On the team's injury report Thursday, Culpepper was listed as probable, which is defined by the team as a ''virtual certainty that the player will be available for normal duty.'' It was the first time the Dolphins had acknowledged anything about the injury since it occurred last month. | | | Seau not too nostalgic - 10/06/2006
Source: The Boston Globe Impacts: Junior Seau, Corey Dillon Football games are sometimes described as chess matches, one side trying to outwit the other. But inside linebacker Junior Seau said that isn't an accurate description for Sunday's game against the visiting Dolphins.
``It's going to be checkers," Seau declared. ``We're going to attack each other. They know what we do. We know what they do. So let's see who has the most points at the end of the game."
The 37-year-old Seau knows plenty about the Dolphins, having suited up for Miami from 2003-05. His last two seasons ended early because of injuries, and the Dolphins didn't express interest in having him return for a fourth season. But Seau said Sunday's game has no additional meaning, a la Corey Dillon facing the Bengals.
In fact, Seau is looking forward to renewing old acquaintances. | | | Dolphins' Culpepper making strides - 10/05/2006
Source: The Miami Herald Impacts: Daunte Culpepper There is a shining ray of the old Daunte Culpepper now starting to peek through the storm of sacks and misreads and footballs held too long.
The Dolphins' embattled, often-criticized quarterback is actually playing pretty well lately. The last quarter against the Houston Texans saw Culpepper complete 11 of 16 passes as the Dolphins attempted to salvage the game.
''His decision-making has improved, his accuracy has improved,'' Dolphins coach Nick Saban said Wednesday. ``His knowledge and experience in the offense and playing with the players we have is not where we'd like it to be, but it has improved dramatically.
``He's played better in each game as we move from the Pittsburgh game. He didn't play well at Buffalo, but he played a little better at Tennessee, and I thought he played better last week.'' | | | Morris still frustrated about ban - 10/05/2006
Source: Palm Beach Post Impacts: Sammy Morris Ask Miami Dolphins running back Sammy Morris to talk about the low points of the four-game suspension he just completed for using a banned substance, and he doesn't know where to begin.
It could have been the day he had to meet Dolphins strength coach John Gamble in the parking lot of a grocery store so he could receive his paycheck for Miami's final exhibition game.
It could have been the days he practiced in a "random park" without any Dolphins decals on his pads to identify who he was or what he did for a living.
"It was like I was a drug dealer who had leprosy," Morris said. "A total outcast."
It could have been the four times he was so bummed out about not playing he couldn't even bring himself to watch the Dolphins' games.
Or it simply could be the quarter of a season of playing time he lost along with some of his good-guy reputation for something he still doesn't think he did wrong. Morris, a seven-year NFL veteran, insists he has no idea why he tested positive last Oct. 17 for ephedrine, which is on the banned stimulants list of the NFL's Policy on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances. | | | Williams, Texans break through 17-15 - 10/01/2006
Source: NFL.com Impacts: Mario Williams, Daunte Culpepper, Ronnie Brown, Andre Johnson, Ron Dayne On the brink of his first victory as coach of the Houston Texans, Gary Kubiak couldn't bear to look.
Too bad, because if he had turned around, he would have seen No. 1 draft pick Mario Williams make a game-saving play. Williams tipped a two-point conversion that would have tied the game and finally got his first sack as the Texans beat Miami 17-15. | | | Miami 13, Tennessee 10 - 09/25/2006
Source: Yahoo MIAMI (AP) -- Daunte Culpepper endured five sacks, threw no touchdown passes and still managed to put a positive spin on his latest erratic performance.
He merely noted the final score.
Culpepper roused a slumberous offense just enough in the fourth quarter Sunday, directing a 50-yard drive that set up a field goal to help Miami beat hapless Tennessee 13-10. | | | Big games by Brown must become norm - 09/25/2006
Source: Miami Herald Impacts: Ronnie Brown A man who brings the impact that a draft's No. 2 overall pick ought to.
A runner who is elite and can -- by himself, when needed -- put a team on his back and carry it.
Victory tends to put a fresh coat of paint on every blemish in the NFL, and so Miami's 13-10 escape over the Tennessee Titans brought gales of relief and maybe a tad too much celebration Sunday, considering the Dolphins struggled at home to barely eke past a lowly, heavy-underdog opponent.
Similarly, Brown's one late run slapped some needed bright paint on his day personally, taking what had been a tough game in which he advanced 2 and 3 yards at a time and making it a final 90 rushing yards for him on a workhorse 26 carries.
One victory doesn't make everything all right with Miami's offense any more than one long run absolves Brown of every burden still on him, but the smile on Brown's face and the ones all around the postgame locker room were real enough. Really needed, too.
''I think I feel like I played football today,'' Brown said of his heavy load.
Somebody asked how 26 carries feels on a body. ''I had 26!?'' he said. ``Didn't feel like that many. Maybe it will in the morning.''
Hurts so good, if that's the case.
Fantasy Impact: If Miami is to be successful this season, Ronnie Brown will have to carry them on his back. | | | Sloppy Dolphins edge Titans for first win - 09/24/2006
Source: NFL.com Impacts: Daunte Culpepper, Ronnie Brown, Olindo Mare, Kerry Collins, Vince Young Daunte Culpepper endured five sacks, threw no touchdown passes and still managed to put a positive spin on his latest erratic performance.
Culpepper roused a slumberous offense just enough in the fourth quarter Sunday, directing a 50-yard drive that set up a field goal to help Miami beat hapless Tennessee 13-10.
"It's always good to win, no matter how you get it, by 20 points or by one," Culpepper said.
Miami's Ronnie Brown rushed for 90 yards, including a 27-yard gain to set up a tie-breaking 39-yard field goal by Olindo Mare with 3:39 left. But for much of the day, the Dolphins' best weapon was punter Donnie Jones, who averaged 52.7 yards on six kicks.
For the first time in the Titans' three games, rookie quarterback Vince Young didn't play. Collins passed for 269 yards and his first touchdown this season, but he also overthrew open receivers several times.
An interception ended Tennessee's final threat with 1:54 left. The ball was tipped at the line and deflected off a receiver Drew Bennett 's hand before Travis Daniels intercepted.
That was one of three costly turnovers on pass plays for the Titans, and their ground game wasn't much better. In one sequence, they lost 5 and 4 yards on consecutive running plays.
Tennessee played without running back Chris Brown, inactive because of a toe injury.
The sunny, 88-degree weather appeared to take a toll on the visitors, and several Titans had to be helped to the bench in the second half. Penalties hurt them, too. Pacman Jones broke into the clear on a punt return with 8 1/2 minutes left, but an illegal block by Quinton Ganther negated the gain.
Notes: Titans RG Zach Piller limped off with an ankle injury in the second quarter. ... Daniels was back in the lineup after missing the first two games with an ankle injury. ... The Dolphins announced a sellout crowd of 72,733, but there were at least 20,000 no-shows. | | | Titans patient with QB Young - 09/24/2006
Source: Miami Herald Impacts: Vince Young, Kerry Collins The question with Vince Young is not if he will be the full-time starter but when. After leading Texas to the national championship last season, Young became the third overall selection of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.
Coming off a 4-12 season, the Titans are 0-2 and not expected to contend for the postseason. So it would seem the sooner Tennessee gets Young plenty of NFL playing experience, the sooner its quarterback of the future can get better.
''I think the most difficult part would be to resist the temptation of playing him sooner than we should only because of his athletic ability and his big playmaking ability,'' said Titans coach Jeff Fisher, who announced veteran Kerry Collins would be the starter 90 minutes before the Titans' first game. ``. . . Again, as long as he keeps on improving like he is, he's going to play a lot sooner than people think.''
Young has already seen action in the two Titans losses.
In the season opener against the Jets, Young entered in the second quarter and drove the Titans to the Jets' 29 before getting picked off. He was 3 of 4 for 27 yards in his only series.
Last week in a 40-7 blowout loss to the Chargers, Young played more extensively, completing 7 of 19 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown.
With an ineffective Collins still starting, it hasn't been easy for Young to watch from the sidelines.
''But we're being realistic about it. ``It's real difficult,'' Young said. ``I love to compete and I want to be out there playing.''
Fantasy Impact: Likely, Young will get some snaps today against the Dolphins. However, neither he or any other Titan (with the exception of Drew Bennett) should be in your fantasy line-up. | | | Brown is "ready" to go - 09/23/2006
Source: Miami Herald Impacts: Ronnie Brown It wasn't until the game had ended, until after Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown already had showered, when he realized why his body didn't feel overly bruised or battered.
That's when it clicked: Brown only carried the ball twice during the second half of his team's most recent loss.
''You know what? I don't really know,'' said Brown, asked Friday why he didn't have more touches after the first half. ``At first, I didn't even realize it. But I think we got a little antsy, trying to put some points on the board.''
To be clear, Brown wasn't complaining about the Dolphins' decision to call 18 passing plays and four running plays during the second half. He noted he understood the need for clock management last week.
But the loss to the Bills is behind him and he is more than ready to carry the ball more against a Titans run defense ranked 29th in the league.
Fantasy Impact: Look for Brown to have a lot of touches against a non-existent Titans defense. | | | The Medical Opinion was the deciding factor between QBs Brees, Culpepper - 09/21/2006
Source: Miami Herald Impacts: Daunte Culpepper, Drew Brees The Dolphins studied their medical reports on Daunte Culpepper and Drew Brees during their mid-March hunt for a franchise quarterback and came away with the belief that acquiring either offered risk and reward, but Culpepper was the safer pick. So despite the fact the football staff's preference was to sign Brees as an unrestricted free agent rather than give up a second-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for Culpepper, the medical opinion prevailed.
| | | Sad sack Culpepper isn't the healthy QB he used to be - 09/18/2006
Source: Sun-Sentinel.com, PalmBeachPost.com, Sun-Sentinel.com Impacts: Daunte Culpepper Why the seven sacks? While the line bears some responsibility, as do receivers who couldn't get open and other blockers (Randy McMichael) who missed assignments, this is mostly on Culpepper. Sometimes, he waited too long. Sometimes, he just didn't see someone come free. Throughout, he appeared antsy. So forget the fraudulent passing rating of 91.9. Listen instead to Bills linebacker London Fletcher-Baker. Fantasy Impact: The seven sacks that Culpepper took in the game against Miami were the tip of the iceberg in his miserable performance. Culpepper has not looked sharp early in the '06 campaign, but it may be too early to count him out | | | Bills clamp down on Dolphins 16-6 - 09/17/2006
Source: NFL.com Impacts: Rian Lindell, Daunte Culpepper, Josh Reed, J.P. Losman Shortly after kickoff, the Buffalo Bills started knocking Daunte Culpepper around. Around halftime, the quarterback's new fans in Miami started adding to his misery.
The Bills sacked Culpepper seven times -- five in the first 15 snaps -- plus blocked a punt and survived a paltry passing effort in beating Miami 16-6 and sending the Dolphins to 0-2 for only the second time in the past 37 seasons.
"Our defense really played big today," Bills coach Dick Jauron said. "Pressure when we needed it. Got him down when we needed to. That's not easy. Contained the run, too."
Rian Lindell had three field goals and Josh Reed caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from J.P. Losman, who was 11-for-18 for 83 yards. Willis McGahee had 91 yards on 25 carries for Buffalo (1-1). | | | Dolphins' Wilkinson misses practice again - 09/14/2006
Source: Sun-Sentinel.com Impacts: Dan Wilkinson, Keith Traylor Dolphins defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson missed his second straight practice Wednesday due to personal reasons. "It's excused," coach Nick Saban said. "It's a personal issue. I'm not going to comment about it, and you really don't need to ask me about it. It is what it is. There's not a problem from our standpoint. This is something we knew about for a long time, so this is not a surprise. It's just something that needed to get taken care of." Fantasy Impact: The big DT Wilkinson is not a starter on defense, and therefore his absence is not a big problem, but he provides quality depth that aged veteran Keith Traylor would benefit from. This should not change anything for the Miami defense going into week 2. | | | Saban: Daniels' injury 'frustrating' - 09/14/2006
Source: Sun-Sentinel.com, PalmBeachPost.com, Miami.com Impacts: Travis Daniels Dolphins cornerback Travis Daniels, who missed all four exhibition games and the season opener with a sprained right ankle, also may miss Sunday's home opener against Buffalo. "He's better, but I can't tell you whether he can play this week or not," Dolphins coach Nick Saban said Wednesday. "He's still questionable. It's day-to-day. He is doing enough stuff out there, even though he's not full speed, that he is making progress. Fantasy Impact: The injury to Travis Daniels should be frustrating to any owners of the Dolphins' defense. The Miami secondary should be able to compete in week 2 against a poor Buffalo passing attack, but is extremely risky until Daniels returns. | | | Saban waives Smith, continues to reshape roster - 09/12/2006
Source: Sun-Sentinel.com While not mentioning any player by name, his actions spoke volumes when he released backup center Wade Smith, the latest member of a growing list of former high draft picks made by the previous regime of Dave Wannstedt and Rick Spielman to be cut loose by Saban since taking over in 2005. Smith, a third-round pick in 2003, was on the eight-player inactive list for the season-opening loss against Pittsburgh. Saban opted to activate center/guard Kendyl Jacox, although he had been signed four days earlier. Fantasy Impact: This move by Saban represents a commitment to running his brand of football, but the release of the backup center should have little or no effect on fantasy performances. | | | 'You can always count on' Welker - 09/11/2006
Source: PalmBeachPost.com Impacts: Wes Welker, Marty Booker Of the Dolphins' 148 total yards in the first half, Welker accounted for nearly half with 67 yards on four catches, which tied the career high he set twice last season. Factor in his kick and punt returns, Welker totaled 204 before halftime. He finished with 220 total yards for the game. "He's a great competitor, plays fast and has great intensity," Saban said. "He always seems to make plays and has a lot of heart." Fantasy Impact: If Marty Booker is injured this season, then it seems clear that Welker will pick up the slack, and he has the ability to consistently make big plays. | | | Secondary beaten early and often - 09/08/2006
Source: Miami.com, PalmBeachPost.com Impacts: Travis Daniels, Will Allen(CB), Andre' Goodman, Travares Tillman, Renaldo Hill All the Dolphins' secondary had to do after the first quarter was not let Pittsburgh quarterback Charlie Batch, a second-string quarterback on a running team that was having trouble running the ball, win the game for the Steelers. A secondary missing starting cornerback Travis Daniels and his sprained ankle allowed Batch to go 15 for 25 for 209 yards and three touchdowns. That's a stratospheric 126.5 passer rating. Those three scoring tosses included an 87-yarder to Heath Miller that put the Steelers ahead for good 21-17 with 6:11 left in the fourth quarter. Fantasy Impact: The absence of Travis Daniels, who has a lot of experience in HC Nick Saban's system dating back to his time at LSU, probably had a negative effect upon the Dolphins' secondary. However, I don't know if Daniels could rectify all the woes that befell the revamped Miami secondary. | | | Two late interceptions, Saban's hesitation costly - 09/08/2006
Source: PalmBeachPost.com, Miami.com, Sun-Sentinel.com Impacts: Daunte Culpepper, Joey Porter Daunte Culpepper made two bad throws in the fourth quarter Thursday night, but a wimpy toss by Nick Saban might have been the most crucial flub in the Dolphins' 28-17 season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Culpepper, making his first start since a devastating knee injury last October with the Minnesota Vikings, threw two interceptions in the final minutes, the last returned 42 yards for a touchdown by linebacker Joey Porter. Fantasy Impact: Although everyone had concerns about Culpepper's recovery after his knee injury, perhaps a bigger concern should be his ability to recover from a disappointing '05 campaign. | | | Same Magic for Steelers in Opening Victory - 09/08/2006
Source: New York Times Impacts: Ben Roethlisberger, Charlie Batch, Ronnie Brown, Heath Miller, Hines Ward Minutes before the first game of the N.F.L. season began Thursday night, the Steelers unfurled a huge Super Bowl championship flag. The fans thundered their approval, but they needed no reminders that the Steelers who took the field against the Miami Dolphins were hardly the same team that throttled the Seattle Seahawks for the title seven months ago.
Fantasy Impact: Batch looked very comfortable in place of Roethlisberger, recording 3 TDS and no INTs for over 200 yards. TE Heath Miller had a huge night with 1 TD and over a 100 yards receiving. Hines Ward and Ronnie Brown had less than average nights in terms of yards but were each able to find the endzone, Brown doing it twice. | | | Dolphins CB Andre' Goodman will likely start in Thursday's game. - 09/07/2006
Source: FoxSports.com Impacts: Andre' Goodman, Travis Daniels, Charlie Batch Travis Daniels (ankle) was downgraded to "doubtful" Wednesday. The Steelers' pass game still won't be prolific with Charlie Batch under center. (Thu. Sep 7, 2006) Fantasy Impact: For any fantasy owners of Goodman, of which there shouldn't be many, this is surely good news especially against Batch. For anyone else involved with the Dolphins' defense this is a downgrade. | | | Chris Chambers will be covered by Steelers CB Ike Taylor Thursday. - 09/07/2006
Source: FoxSports.com Impacts: Chris Chambers, Ike Taylor Taylor, who just signed a big contract extension, has two inches on Chambers. It's a tough matchup for the Dolphins' top deep threat. (Thu. Sep 7, 2006) Fantasy Impact: Chambers is excellent at catching the ball in traffic and should not have too many difficulties, but playing against a defense such as Pittsburgh's could limit him minimally. | | | Gerry Dulac breaks down the season opener: Steelers vs. Dolphins - 09/07/2006
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Impacts: Charlie Batch, Heath Miller, Ike Taylor, Willie Parker, Chris Chambers Game plan
What the Steelers will do: Charlie Batch will start in place of Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback. The Steelers are 3-3 in games in which Roethlisberger hasn't started, but coach Bill Cowher said Batch is coming off his best training camp since joining the club.
Fantasy Impact: Batch will start in place of Roethlisberger, forcing fantasy owners should temper any expected production from the likes of Hines Ward, Heath Miller, or any other WRs or TEs. | | | Taylor key to Dolphins' defensive scheme - 09/06/2006
Source: Sun-Sentinel.com Impacts: Jason Taylor Taylor, referred to as an open end on the depth chart, is the linchpin in Saban's hybrid 3-4 and is identified only as "99" in some alignments. In 1973, linebacker Bob Matheson played as a defensive end in the team's 53 Defense. With his increased mobility and the tweaks and refinements to the scheme, Taylor believes his impact will be greater. Fantasy Impact: Although every year he gets closer to being past his prime, Taylor may have even more production in the new role that he will be playing as the Dolphins fit the scheme and the personnel to his strength. | | | With Roethlisberger out, Steelers must rely on backup Batch - 09/06/2006
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Impacts: Charlie Batch, Ben Roethlisberger The loss of Ben Roethlisberger may take the luster off the Steelers' opener tomorrow night against the Miami Dolphins for many. It hasn't for quarterback Charlie Batch.
Fantasy Impact: The Steelers are a different team without Roethlisberger under center. Fantasy owners should expect lower numbers from any Steelers WR or TE. | | | Fantasy News - 09/06/2006
Source: FoxSports.com Impacts: Wes Welker, Derek Hagan Wes Welker - #83 - Wide Receiver - 5'9" - 185lbs News: Dolphins KR Wes Welker is the team's No. 3 wide receiver. Impact: Rookie Derek Hagan struggled with drops in the preseason. (Wed. Sep 6, 2006) Michael Lehan - #30 - Cornerback - 6'0" - 190lbs News: Dolphins CB Michael Lehan will be available for Thursday's game. Impact: Lehan underwent knee surgery in camp. He'll work in the nickel and dime packages with Travis Daniels (ankle) likely on the sidelines. (Wed. Sep 6, 2006) Fantasy Impact: Welker has performed well leading up to the start of the season, and until Hagan proves himself capable of success Welker should occupy the third wide receiver spot, though without results worthy of a spot on a fantasy roster. Lehan will be nothing more than a backup corner in week one. | | | Suggs a Quick Learner - 09/05/2006
Source: Scout.com Impacts: Lee Suggs, Ronnie Brown, Travis Minor, Sammy Morris Coach Nick Saban admitted on Tuesday being a little surprised at how well new running back Lee Suggs has been picking up the offense so far, so don't be surprised to see Suggs get a decent amount of playing time in Thursday night's season opener. Saban also indicated that Travis Minor will see action at running back against the Steelers. Fantasy Impact: Considering Sammy Morris's suspension, and Suggs's quick digestion of the playbook, it would appear that Suggs may quickly become a necessity as a handcuff for Ronnie Brown who has never played an entire sixteen game season as a premier back. | | | Daniels unlikely to play - 09/05/2006
Source: Sun-Sentinel.com, Scout.com Impacts: Jason Allen, Travis Daniels, Andre' Goodman Cornerback Travis Daniels and rookie safety Jason Allen were expected to start in the Dolphins' revamped secondary for Thursday's season-opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Daniels, who stepped in for traded Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain to start 14 games in his rookie season last year, has missed all four exhibition games with a sprained ankle. Daniels returned to practice this week but was listed as questionable on the injury report, meaning he has a 50 percent chance of playing. Fantasy Impact: Although Andre' Goodman has performed well thus far in the Dolphins' '06 campaign, the absence of Daniels is certain to be a letdown for Miami's defense in week one. | | | Culpepper ready for Dolphins debut - 09/04/2006
Source: ESPN.com, Sun-Sentinel.com, FoxSports.com Impacts: Daunte Culpepper Touted as a worthy heir to Dan Marino, Culpepper will put his reputation -- and reconstructed knee -- on the line when he makes his Dolphins debut in the NFL opener Thursday in Pittsburgh against the Super Bowl champions. To live up to the South Florida hype, he may need to throw five touchdown passes. But Culpepper is unfazed by the expectations and eager to play his first regular-season game since tearing three ligaments in his right knee Oct. 30 with the Minnesota Vikings. Fantasy Impact: Three days away from the opener, there is finally certainty regarding Culpepper's status. Neither the Dolphins nor fantasy owners should possess much more than the very slightest concern that he will not be up to the standard expected in his career. | | | Dolphins sign Adams, cut Labinjo - 09/04/2006
Source: Sun-Sentinel.com Impacts: Keith Adams, Mike Labinjo The Dolphins signed linebacker Keith Adams on Monday and waived linebacker Mike Labinjo. A six-year NFL veteran, Adams was cut Saturday by Carolina. Adams spent his past four NFL seasons with Philadelphia, starting all 16 games for the Eagles in 2005. Fantasy Impact: Adams is an improvement over Labinjo, due mostly to better skills in diagnosing plays as they are happening, but either one would not have much of an impact in 2006. | | | Suggs passes physical, practices with Dolphins - 09/04/2006
Source: Sun-Sentinel.com, PalmBeachPost.com Impacts: Lee Suggs, Ronnie Brown, Travis Minor, Sammy Morris Running back Lee Suggs passed his Dolphins physical and participated in Monday morning's practice. Suggs, who has four 100-yard games in a three-year NFL career, is expected to compete with Travis Minor for snaps as starter Ronnie Brown's backup. Sammy Morris, who was expected to fill that role, was suspended for the first four games for violating the NFL's steroid policy. Fantasy Impact: Although unwanted by the Browns, Suggs should upgrade the backup RB position behind Ronnie Brown in the absence of Morris. Minor is a decent change-of-pace back, but the addition of Suggs brings a more complete back into the RB stable for the Dolphins and he has instant fantasy value as Brown's handcuff. | | | Dolphins sign Marcus Vick to practice squad - 09/03/2006
Source: ESPN.com Impacts: Marcus Vick A day after he was cut, Marcus Vick was among eight players signed to the Miami Dolphins' practice squad Sunday. Coach Nick Saban, who cut Vick on Saturday to reach the regular-season roster limit, was pleased that no other NFL team claimed him. Vick switched to receiver this summer and showed promise at the position after a turbulent career as a quarterback at Virginia Tech. Fantasy Impact: On the practice squad, Vick would have to be called up to the regular season roster to have any impact this season. In other words, he is certainly not worth a pick in any fantasy leagues. | | | Dolphins make rash of roster moves - 09/03/2006
Source: Sun-Sentinel.com, Scout.com, FoxSports.com The Dolphins signed veteran guard/center Kendyl Jacox, waived tight end Jason Rader and placed rookie guard Joe Toledo on injured reserve with a knee injury Sunday. Coach Nick Saban said the Dolphins added the 6-foot-2, 325-pound Jacox because of the preseason rash of injuries to Toledo and fellow interior linemen Seth McKinney (neck/injured reserve) and Joe Berger (foot). Toledo was a 2006 fourth-round draft pick who was expected to make the team as a backup. Fantasy Impact: Toledo was a surprise with his ability to make the team and possibly start the season as a starter along the offensive line. However, Jacox is a big lineman with experience and the switch could probably be termed a wash. | | | Marcus Vick, others cut as Dolphins trim roster to 53 - 09/03/2006
Source: PalmBeachPost.com, FoxSports.com, Sun-Sentinel.com Impacts: Devin Aromashodu, Kelly Campbell, Marcus Vick, Fred Gibson, Kay-Jay Harris Fullback Fred Beasley, safety Deke Cooper, linebacker Sedrick Hodge and offensive tackle Mike Pearson - all players the Dolphins signed as free agents in the off-season - and wide receiver Marcus Vick were the biggest names cut by the Dolphins, who made 23 roster moves to reach the 53-man roster limit on Saturday. The following players were waived: wide receivers Devin Aromashodu, a seventh-round draft pick, Kelly Campbell and Fred Gibson; running backs Kay-Jay Harris and Gerald Riggs, Jr.; tight ends Keith Heinrich and Teyo Johnson; defensive backs Jack Hunt, Shirdonya Mitchell and Chris Thompson; linebacker Matt Sinclair defensive linemen Ben Ishola and Josh Shaw; and offensive linemen Tony Pape, C.J. Brooks and Orrin Thompson. Fantasy Impact: With the departure of Aromashodu, Gibson, Campbell, and Vick the main beneficiaries are those buried on the Dolphins' depth chart, such as Wes Welker and Derek Hagan. However, with both Harris and Riggs gone, RBs Ronnie Brown and Travis Minor should get all the carries until the Dolphins sign a new back. | | | Kelly Campbell, #80-WR - 09/01/2006
Source: FoxSports.com Impacts: Kelly Campbell, Derek Hagan, Marcus Vick, Wes Welker News: Dolphins WR Kelly Campbell left Thursday's game with a quad injury. Impact: Campbell could very well be cut after missing nearly all of camp with another injury. He didn't make a catch Thursday. (Fri. Sep 1, 2006) Fantasy Impact: Although it was originally thought that Kelly Campbell might be able to challenge for the third or fourth spot on the depth chart, he has been a disappointment thus far in summer and there is a fair chance that he will be cut by Saturday. | | | Marcus Vick Does It All for Dolphins - 09/01/2006
Source: Sun-Sentinel.com, ESPN.com, FoxSports.com Impacts: Marcus Vick Marcus Vick caught punts, grabbed a touchdown pass and even played a little quarterback for the Miami Dolphins in their preseason finale. On a night when backups got a final shot to show their worth before 53-man rosters are set Saturday, third-stringer Cleo Lemon completed 21 of 28 passes for 271 yards -- including a 5-yard scoring pass to Vick that helped the Dolphins beat the St. Louis Rams 29-9 on Thursday night in both teams' preseason finale. Fantasy Impact: At this point it seems likely that Vick will make the Dolphins squad in some capacity. With his versatility he can be a valauble member to the Dolphins and fantasy teams in the future, but he will be buried on the depth charts and will only have limited impact this season. | | | Lemon Sweet Against St. Louis - 09/01/2006
Source: Scout.com Impacts: Cleo Lemon, Joey Harrington, Daunte Culpepper With Nick Saban deciding to rest several starters for the preseason finale, it was a great opportunity for young players to make some plays. And nobody took more advantage of that than quarterback Cleo Lemon, whose performance was the highlight in a 29-9 victory over the St. Louis Rams. Lemon completed 21 of 28 passes for 271 yards and a touchdown against the Rams after taking over for Joey Harrington early in the second quarter. Fantasy Impact: Sitting behind two former starting quarterbacks in Daunte Culpepper and Joey Harrington, Cleo Lemon will most likely never see the field. On this night he shined given the opportunity, but if he were ever forced into action it would not be prudent to use him in fantasy play. | | | Given playing time, rookie Hagan shines - 09/01/2006
Source: PalmBeachPost.com, MiamiHerald.com Impacts: Derek Hagan, Marty Booker, Wes Welker Dolphins rookie wide receiver Derek Hagan waited all pre-season for his turn in the spotlight. Hagan entered camp as one of the team's most promising rookies and had impressed coaches and teammates with his speed and his polished moves. But he had yet to stand out in a crowded receiving corps during the team's first three exhibition games, catching just four passes for 32 yards. Hagan doubled that yardage total by halftime Thursday, with five catches for 64 yards. Fantasy Impact: The Dolphins need Hagan to play effectively as the third receiver with Marty Booker now over 30. Although he could have a superb rookie season, it would not be wise to depend upon him until he has more clearly defined a role on this team. For fantasy owners, preferably above Booker and Wes Welker on the depth chart. | | | NFL suspends Morris - 09/01/2006
Source: MiamiHerald.com, Sun-Sentinel.com, PalmBeachPost.com Impacts: Ronnie Brown, Sammy Morris Dolphins running back Sammy Morris will be suspended for the first four regular-season games for violating the NFL's steroid policy, his attorney David Cornwell said Thursday night. Dolphins running back Sammy Morris will be suspended for the first four regular-season games for violating the NFL's steroid policy, his attorney David Cornwell said Thursday night. Fantasy Impact: With the loss of Ricky Williams and now Sammy Morris to drug suspensions, Ronnie Brown will be carrying the ball more than he expected in 2006. On one hand, as the premier carrier he should have more rushing attempts and yardage, but he won't be able to benefit from Morris spelling him and providing a change-of-pace for the first four weeks of the season. The results of this development could be seen if Brown gets hurt late in the year. | | | Dolphins cut 14 players; trim roster to 75 - 08/29/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Scout.com, FoxSports.com Impacts: Ola Kimrin, Ronnie Brown Trying to work around a tropical storm and get down to a 75-man roster by the NFL-mandated 4 p.m. deadline Tuesday was no easy task for Dolphins coach Nick Saban. But it was even tougher for the 14 players he cut, including former University of Miami quarterback Brock Berlin. Also waived were receivers Jamall Broussard, Frank Murphy and Jason Willis; guard Emmanuel Akah; defensive linemen Steve Fifita and Howard Green; linebackers Travis Harris and Sam McGrew; defensive backs Norman LeJeune, Siddeeq Shabazz and Art Thomas; kicker Ola Kimrin and punter Thomas Olmsted. In addition, the Dolphins placed guard Seth McKinney (neck surgery) on injured reserve, so he is out for the season. Also, rookie receiver Eric Kimble (Achilles' tendon) was put on the physically unable to perform list. Rookie defensive tackle Rod Wright (shoulder) was moved to the reserve/non-football injury list. Defensive tackle Manny Wright, who is on the exempt/left squad list while battling depression, doesn't count against the roster. Fantasy Impact: Like many of the other cuts today, the impact of these players' departure is minimal. The biggest shift was probably the placement of Seth McKinney on IR, thus making him unavailable for the '06 campaign and hindering Ronnie Brown's attempts running behind him. In addition, rookie DT Roderique Wright will be out for the season with a torn rotator cuff which hurts the DL depth. | | | Dolphins' Shelton feels ending up in Miami was his destiny - 08/28/2006
Source: PalmBeachPost.com Impacts: Daunte Culpepper Shelton might not know much about South Florida or being a Dolphin, but the six-year NFL veteran is darn sure about one thing. "I wish I had been in this kind of situation coming out of college, I really do," Shelton said. "I think I'm supposed to be here, at this time, with this team." For the Dolphins, it had better be kismet. Because as the man charged with guarding the blind side of quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who is nine months removed from having three ligaments in his right knee pieced back together, Shelton perhaps has the season and the long-term success of the franchise riding on his back. Fantasy Impact: Offensive linemen may not get much of the credit for the success of the offense, but as a former first-round pick and the protector of Culpepper's back, Shelton's a valuable member of the team. | | | Saban wants Vick to train at QB - 08/28/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel, PalmBeachPost.com With the cutdown to a 75-player roster coming Tuesday, Dolphins coach Nick Saban indicated that he'd like to keep multifaceted rookie Marcus Vick in the organization and continue his development at quarterback. Vick, who has received spot duty at receiver and as backup kick returner to Wes Welker in the first three exhibition games, played quarterback for Virginia Tech in 2003 and 2005 before getting kicked off the team for on- and off-field transgressions. "It was our purpose and goal when we brought him here to continue to try to develop him as a quarterback," Saban said after Sunday's practice. "It is hard for us to get the four quarterbacks that we have reps in practice.
Fantasy Impact: Vick is an intriguing prospect due to his exceptional athleticism, however he is at least a year away from contributions worthy of fantasy performance. | | | Chambers shows he's ready for opener - 08/25/2006
Source: PalmBeachPost.com, foxsports.com Impacts: Chris Chambers, Daunte Culpepper Chris Chambers was so bothered this week by a sprained left thumb that the Dolphins wide receiver went for X-rays on Tuesday. Obviously, they were negative. After catching two passes for 10 yards in the first two exhibition games, Chambers announced himself ready for the regular season with seven catches for 67 yards and a touchdown in the Dolphins' 19-10 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night.
Fantasy Impact: After a breakout season in '05 catching passes from Gus Frerotte and Sage Rosenfels, Chris Chambers should feast on defensive backs with Daunte Culpepper throwing him the ball. Chambers inexplicably slips in drafts, probably because his last name isn't Moss or Owens, but is a pick with little risk and tremendous upside. | | | Dolphin defense stout; other units not so special - 08/25/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Scout.com Impacts: Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas, Matt Roth At least the Dolphins' defense is ready for the regular season. As for the starting offense and special teams, a 19-10 exhibition loss at Carolina showed those units could use a little more practice time before the Sept. 7 opener against defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh. "The defense played very well," Dolphins coach Nick Saban said. "We obviously have a lot of things we need to work on and fix, but I was pleased with what we were able to accomplish." The Dolphins' secondary and defensive line were especially stout. Panthers starting running back DeShaun Foster averaged 2.8 yards on his nine carries and quarterback Jake Delhomme completed only 6 of 15 passes for 58 yards while getting sacked twice.
Fantasy Impact: The Dolphins have a solid group of playmakers for their defense, led by LB Zach Thomas and DE Jason Taylor. It appears as though this group has the ability to play well and cohesively as a unit and could surprise some people. Second-year DE Matt Roth had an impressive game with a few big plays and should contribute more in '06. | | | Culpepper impressive in return to scene of knee injury - 08/25/2006
Source: ESPN.com, foxsports.com, South Florida Sun-Sentinel Impacts: Daunte Culpepper, Joey Harrington, Chris Chambers Daunte Culpepper rolled out of the pocket and took off. He ran down the middle of the field for 8 yards and slid before he was hit. Culpepper was impressive -- and far from timid -- in his return to the stadium where he tore three knee ligaments on a similar play last season. He completed 14 of 19 passes for 130 yards as his Miami Dolphins lost to the Carolina Panthers 19-10 on Thursday. "I wanted to show everybody that the injury is not an issue right now," Culpepper said. "I don't worry about getting hit. I'm going to be smart when I run the ball and get down. Sometimes you've got to take a chance, but that wasn't the time for it."
Fantasy Impact: At this point, it appears that it would take some sort of horrific setback for Culpepper not to be the starter on opening day. If there is concern that Joey Harrington might have to take the reins at any point this season, taking Culpepper and keeping Harrington around as a handcuff would be better than watching as Culpepper excels throwing to Chris Chambers all year. | | | Panthers 19, Dolphins 10 (AP) - 08/24/2006
Source: Yahoo!, Charlotte Observer Impacts: DeAngelo Williams, Daunte Culpepper DeAngelo Williams may not start at running back as a rookie, but he likely secured the Carolina Panthers' kickoff return job Thursday night. Williams returned a kick 98 yards for a touchdown in Carolina's 19-10 win over the Miami Dolphins. Williams, the 27th pick in the draft, had been pressing the Panthers' coaching staff for a chance to return kicks as he plays behind starting running back... Fantasy Impact: Williams gains some fantasy value as the starting kick returner, but his main value is still as the handcuff to DeShaun Foster. The first-team offense struggled mightily in its longest playing time of the preseason, especially Delhomme (6-15), but in its defense was without Steve Smith. Move them down a little. The defense finally relented and allowed a TD, but it wasn't until the 3rd quarter. Unfortunately, it was with the incomparable Joey Harrington at the helm, so that's not good. Overall though, the defense continued to perform well, so you should look to them on draft day. | | | Dolphins at Panthers | Rosters - 08/24/2006
Source: Charlotte Observer These measures will be in place: An NFL mandated policy means pat-downs for everyone entering the stadium. | | | Dolphins' backup RB search continues - 08/23/2006
Source: palmbeachpost.com Impacts: Ronnie Brown, Sammy Morris, Travis Minor There's no question that Ronnie Brown will be the Dolphins' starting running back in the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brown's primary backup? That's a different story. Coach Nick Saban made it clear Tuesday that the search continues, and that player might not yet be on the roster. "I don't feel like that's a position where we're totally settled on making an evaluation or feeling that we have the kind of quality depth that we might need," Saban said. "So it might be something that we continue to work to develop as well as address." Fantasy Impact: Brown should feel comfortable as the Dolphins' number one back, but if fantasy owners are looking for Sammy Morris or Travis Minor to duplicate Ricky Williams's numbers last season they will be extremely disappointed. | | | Dolphins shopping Manny Wright - 08/23/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel, foxsports.com, palmbeachpost.com Impacts: Dan Wilkinson Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Wright is reportedly on the trading block. The Tennessean newspaper reported in its Wednesday edition that the Dolphins called the Titans earlier this week to offer Wright in a trade. Wright left the team almost three weeks ago and originally asked for his release. Fantasy Impact: This comes as no surprise considering Wright's absence form the team as of late, and has no real baring on the team with the recent signing of Dan Wilkinson. | | | Dolphins FB Beasley battling Barnes for starting spot - 08/21/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel, palmbeachpost.com Impacts: Ronnie Brown When veteran fullback Fred Beasley signed with the Dolphins last March he boldly stated that he came to South Florida to be a starter just as he had been with the 49ers since 1999.Beasley didn't take into account the relentless work ethic of a younger version of himself in Darian Barnes, who helped the Dolphins average 119.8 rushing yards in the nine games he blocked for Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams last season. Suddenly, the 2003 Pro Bowl fullback is taking nothing for granted in this fierce, yet friendly competition with Barnes, whom he has been sharing snaps with in the first two exhibition games.
Fantasy Impact: The fullback battle between Beasley and Barnes could mean a change in the Dolphins' depth chart, but regardless of who wins the battle the results should be meager at best for a position in the Dolphins' playbook that does little more than block, an area in which both backs seem capable.
| | | Rookie DB Allen draws Saban's ire - 08/20/2006
Source: palmbeachpost.com Impacts: Jason Allen After Allen was beaten badly on a fourth-quarter score in Saturday night's 13-10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, television cameras caught Saban giving the rookie an earful as he came off the field. "He was showing me tough love, you know?" Allen said. "I deserved it. I played horrible tonight." Saban, much calmer after the game, excused Allen's mental lapse because he was playing cornerback after starting the game at safety in the first-team nickel and dime packages. Fantasy Impact: After missing a good amount of training camp in contract discussions, Allen should be expected to experience some difficulties moving into the starting lineup. Once he builds up the onfield intelligence to succeed in Nick Saban's defense, Allen should be a solid contirbutor. | | | O-line's gaffes too often leave QB in harm's way - 08/20/2006
Source: palmbeachpost.com Impacts: Daunte Culpepper, Ronnie Brown Nothing makes a football team look sicker quicker than an unraveling offensive line. That's why right guard Bennie Anderson and few of his beefy neighbors on the Miami line may be slumped a little lower in their chairs during the film sessions that follow Saturday's 13-10 victory over Tampa Bay. It wasn't any one player's fault, the battering that quarterback Culpepper took in the first quarter, but this is the touchiest of touchy subjects with Miami coach Nick Saban. Fantasy Impact: HC Nick Saban placed a lot of trust in this line that only allowed 26 sacks during the 2005 season, but if the line remains porous and Culpepper cannot regain his top-end mobility then it could be a disappointing year for Culpepper and Ronnie Brown. | | | Wilkinson makes quick impact - 08/20/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel, palmbeachpost.com Impacts: Keith Traylor "Big Daddy'' Wilkinson, who was signed Monday to shore up the defensive tackle spot behind Keith Traylor, made his Dolphins debut in the first quarter Saturday and made an immediate impact, stuffing Bucs' running back Earnest Graham for a 2-yard loss on Tampa Bay's opening series. "I told Coach [Nick Saban] I was ready to go. ..... I've been healthy and I have been in good shape pretty much my entire career. I knew coming out here I was ready to roll," said Wilkinson, 33, who has 5461/2 career sacks. Fantasy Impact: It appears as though Wilkinson will have no problem learning the Dolphins' D and should work his way into a rotation with Keith Traylor. Wilkinson should have minimal IDP production. | | | Culpepper has good reason to be pumped - 08/20/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel, palmbeachpost.com Impacts: Daunte Culpepper Sammy Morris went airborne for the go-ahead score Saturday night. A split-second later, Daunte Culpepper's right arm did the same. Fourteen plays. Seventy yards. More than 9 ½ minutes off the clock. Four completions in as many attempts for 53 yards. What did this mean in the context of Culpepper's comeback from major surgery on his right knee? "It was huge," he said. "I'm very happy and excited." Fantasy Impact: Just like every update on Culpepper, his most recent preseason game is one more signal that he could be ready to regain his previous form. Until Culpepper sees some quality, consistent play in a full game it is difficult to say with any certainty that he will excel. | | | Morris shows he's in running - 08/20/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel Impacts: Sammy Morris, Ronnie Brown For fans wondering who would step in for the Dolphins this year if Ronnie Brown got injured, running back Sammy Morris showed Saturday night the team still has a dependable backup. Morris, who has primarily been a third-down back and special teams player in his previous six seasons, keyed two scoring drives against the Buccaneers in the Dolphins' 13-10 exhibition victory Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium. Fantasy Impact: Sammy Morris will never be more than a back up due to his lack of speed, but if he needs to fill in for Brown then he could have some success. | | | Saban: Starters will play longer - 08/18/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel Impacts: Daunte Culpepper "Starters will play a little longer," Saban said, referring to last Saturday's 31-26 loss to Jacksonville. "If they played 12 to 15 plays last time, maybe they'll play a third more this time. It's not etched in stone, but they'll get a little more work." Saban then seemingly hinted at the status of quarterback Daunte Culpepper and defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson. "If a player played six to eight plays last time, maybe he'll play 12 to 14 plays this time, not being specific to any one person," said Saban, who limited Culpepper to six snaps in his first game action since suffering a major knee injury last October. "If a player hasn't been in camp very long, I'll have to sit down and talk with that player and find out where he is relative to being game-ready," said Saban, whose team signed Wilkinson on Monday to a three-year, $6.1 million contract. Fantasy Impact: In the shroud of secrecy that is the Nick Saban regime in Miami, this is the closest to a sure thing in player news. Culpepper is improving and seems as though he will be ready for the regular season and Wilkinson should be able to make an immediate impact with a little more time under his belt. | | | Taylor: I'm not ready for games - 08/17/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel Impacts: Jason Taylor, David Bowens Although he is practicing and his injured back is improving, Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor indicated Wednesday that he isn't ready to play in an exhibition game yet. "We are doing a lot of work and trying to get it right," Taylor said after a Wednesday morning session at team headquarters. Asked whether he was ready to hit somebody from another team, Taylor replied, "Not yet. We are getting there. I'm looking forward to playing Pittsburgh [in the regular-season opener Sept. 7], put it that way."
Fantasy Impact: Taylor and Zach Thomas are the ageless denizens of this Miami defense that have helped it to be successful for the last decade. An injury to either one would be devastating to not only their status as IDP superstars, but also to the Miami defense as a whole. Back up David Bowens is nowhere near the same caliber of player as Taylor.
| | | Saban: Toledo not badly hurt - 08/17/2006
Source: palmbeachpost.com, South Florida Sun-Sentinel Impacts: Ronnie Brown One day after falling to the turf and holding his left knee in pain, rookie guard Joe Toledo was absent from practice on Wednesday. But Dolphins coach Nick Saban said the news on Toledo's injury was much better than it initially looked. "Joe Toledo is not badly hurt," Saban said. "He'll be out day-to-day like all these other guys that we talk about - maybe a few days, maybe a few weeks."
Fantasy Impact: Although it does not appear as though Toledo will miss any time during the regular season, as a back up along the line it would not have been a catastrophe if the injury had been more severe.
| | | Allen Getting Work at Corner - 08/16/2006
Source: scout.com Impacts: Jason Allen Jason Allen worked at cornerback for the second day in a row Wednesday, a development that is serving two purposes. For one, the Dolphins are short on healthy cornerbacks right now. For the other, this give Nick Saban and his staff a chance to see if Allen could be used at the position at times during his rookie season. The Dolphins are short at cornerback because Travis Daniels continues to miss practice because of ankle injury that Saban acknowledged Tuesday was a "significant" sprain, because Michael Lehan had arthroscopic knee surgery last week, and because Eddie Jackson pulled an abdominal muscle earlier this week.
Fantasy Impact: With little depth at CB, but a S position with multiple starter-worthy players, the attempt to try Allen at corner is not surprising, especially considering his speed. If the switch becomes permanent, at least for this season, then expect Allen to pull in a few picks.
| | | Saban hopeful Toledo injury isn’t serious - 08/15/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel Impacts: Ronnie Brown Dolphins rookie guard Joe Toledo is believed to have suffered a left knee injury during Tuesday afternoon's training camp practice. Toledo was hurt while working as the second-team right guard in a passing drill inside the Dolphins' practice bubble, as the session was moved inside because of lightning. Toledo was assisted off the field by the team's medical staff. Although he was able to place some weight on his leg, Toledo was later placed on a cart and taken from the practice area. Fantasy Impact: Miami's offensive line overachieved last year, so bringing in rookie Toledo was supposed to inject the line with much-needed depth and possibly even allow him to fight for a starting spot. Considering Toledo would most likely have been coming off the bench this season, RB Ronnie Brown should not be too effected. | | | Harrington has solid debut - 08/13/2006
Source: palmbeachpost.com Impacts: Joey Harrington Joey Harrington replaced Culpepper on the second drive of Saturday's 31-26 loss to Jacksonville. After a 4-yard run by Ronnie Brown, Harrington threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end Randy McMichael. "It felt great," Harrington said. But Harrington's first 48 seconds in a Dolphins jersey were his best. He played the remainder of the first half, finishing 10-of-19 for 99 yards. He didn't complete a pass longer than the touchdown, his only score, and he finished with an 85.2 quarterback rating. Fantasy Impact: While he will most likely never be a top 10 fantasy option, Harrington seems to demonstrate the ability to run the Miami offense well if Culpepper cannot start the season. | | | Dolphins lose, but Culpepper passes test - 08/13/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel, palmbeachpost.com, ESPN.com Impacts: Daunte Culpepper Daunte Culpepper did just fine. Nine months after the quarterback underwent major knee surgery, Culpepper made his Dolphins debut, albeit a brief one, in Saturday night's 31-26 loss to visiting Jacksonville in both teams' exhibition opener. Fantasy Impact: Without much action in the preseason opener there is little certainty in how Culpepper will perform in actual game situations. However, being on the field in this game should brighten the hope of Culpepper being effective for the season opener. | | | NFL: Culpepper gets medical clearance - 08/11/2006
Source: BostonHerald.com, ESPN.com, South Florida Sun-Sentinel Impacts: Daunte Culpepper Daunte Culpepper has received medical clearance to take a hit - or dish one out. The Miami Dolphins plan to play their new, surgically repaired quarterback in tomorrow’s exhibition opener against Jacksonville, coach Nick Saban said yesterday. Culpepper will be exposed to contact for the first time since a knee injury ended his 2005 season with the Vikings last October. Fantasy Impact: Well it's official, Culpepper may not play amazingly in the Dolphins' first first preseason game, but he will play and could seriously reinjure his knee. If he is cleared to play in the first preseason game it seems a foregone conclusion that he will be ready for week one. However, he should be consiered a risk until he is observed in regular season game action. | | | Dolphins McKinney out 2-3 months after neck surgery - 08/10/2006
Source: ESPN.com, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, palmbeachpost.com Miami Dolphins starting guard Seth McKinney underwent surgery Thursday to repair a neck disc and is expected to be sidelined two to three months. "He'll definitely be back this season," agent Ralph Cindrich said Thursday. If McKinney's out for three months, he would miss half the regular season, which starts Sept. 7. Fantasy Impact: It's never easy to pinpoint the exact effect that an offensive line injury has on a team, but McKinney is a good player and this could certainly effect the team negatively. | | | Saban says he won't cut ties with troubled Wright - 08/10/2006
Source: ESPN.com, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, palmbeachpost.com The 330-pound Wright left the team last week less than a week into training camp, and when he asked to be released or traded, Saban said no. "We don't have any of this stuff -- `When it doesn't work here, let me go someplace else," Saban said Thursday. Fantasy Impact: Rather than a touching story of a coach's love for his players, this should just demonstrate how little effect Wright will most likely have this season or otherwise. | | | Dolphins DT Wright battles depression, wants out of S. Florida - 08/09/2006
Source: palmbeachpost.com, scout.com, ESPN.com Impacts: Keith Traylor Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Wright said Wednesday that he is struggling with depression and has asked coach Nick Saban to trade or waive him so he can make a fresh start with another NFL team. Asked if he plans to play for the Dolphins again, Wright said: "I don't think so." Fantasy Impact: The hopes for the future of the NT position in Miami seem dashed with Wright's decision to leave. However, he probably would not have garnered too much playing time anyway while Keith Traylor could still be somewhat impressive. | | | Dolphins get roster exemption for Wright - 08/09/2006
Source: ESPN.com, scout.com, South Florida Sun-Sentinel , Keith TraylorThe Miami Dolphins were granted a roster exemption for defensive tackle Manny Wright, sidelined because of personal reasons, and they acquired cornerback Chris Thompson off waivers Wednesday from Cleveland. The 330-pound Wright, acquired last year in the supplemental draft, hasn't practiced in nearly a week. Fantasy Impact: If Wright can be the next NT in the Dolphins' 3-4, then this is potentially a big blow, but if Keith Traylor is playing it shouldn't be too serious of a deal. The acquisition of Thompson is most likely nothing notable considering decent depth in the defensive backfield. | | | Allen signs with Dolphins, ends holdout - 08/08/2006
Source: BostonHerald.com, ESPN.com, scout.com Impacts: Jason Allen Defensive back Jason Allen signed a six-year contract with the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday, ending a 10-day contract impasse between the team and its first-round pick. Allen, who was selected 16th overall, and the Dolphins agreed late Monday to the deal that reportedly includes up to $9 million in guaranteed money. He was on the field with the team Tuesday morning for the first of two scheduled workouts. Allen led the Southeastern Conference with 123 tackles in 2004, becoming the first non-linebacker in at least 35 years to lead Tennessee in that department. Also Tuesday, the Dolphins waived injured cornerback Will Poole - who missed the entire 2005 season after reconstructive knee surgery and was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list earlier in this year’s camp. Poole tore the ACL in his left knee during a minicamp in the spring of 2005. Fantasy Impact: Allen may not be ready to contribute immediately while he learns the defense, but his nose for the ball and natural athletic abilities should be of great use when he's starting at S erarly in the season and contributing. The loss of Poole is unfortunate, but his injuries have prevented him from being an important member of the defense. | | | Fins' Daniels out while ankle examined - 08/03/2006
Source: palmbeachpost.com Impacts: Travis Daniels Dolphins cornerback Travis Daniels will have X-rays taken of his twisted ankle today, undergoing further evaluation of an injury that occurred during Wednesday evening's practice, a source said. He will not practice during the afternoon practice and isn't likely to return Friday, either. Daniels was taken off the practice field on a cart before limping into the locker room under his own strength. Fantasy Impact: A blow to the Dolphins' secondary could be potentially catastrophic considering the complete change that occurred in the offseason. Daniels is already being challenged for his spot by Andre Goodman, but the team defense could suffer without good depth and Daniels had a promising rookie season in '05. | | | Dolphins camp report: Wright, Taylor miss practice; Saban says no more injury reports - 08/02/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel Impacts: Zach Thomas, Jason Taylor Dolphins coach Nick Saban said DT Manny Wright didn't practice because of illness. LB Zach Thomas, who continued to play at a high level in 2005 even after suffering a major shoulder injury, said he is completely healthy and is determined to stay that way. "I feel great," said Thomas. DE Jason Taylor was held out of practice. Taylor was sidelined for Tuesday's team drills because of cramps. CB Will Poole and S Jack Hunt wore red non-contact jerseys. Fantasy Impact: None of the injuries are of serious concern and should be considered one-day affairs. However, Thomas's claim to being 100% recovered is great news for a Dolphins defense that is already older than most. | | | Allen's holdout could imperil starting spot with Dolphins - 08/01/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel Impacts: Jason Allen, Renaldo Hill How long Dolphins safety Jason Allen's contract holdout will continue remained unclear Monday, but this much is certain: The longer Allen remains out of training camp, the greater the odds he might not immediately contend for a starting spot, as the Dolphins expected when making him a first-round pick in last April's draft. Three Dolphins safeties -- current starters Travares Tillman and Renaldo Hill and backup Yeremiah Bell -- said Monday that they would try to help Allen get up to speed when he finally agrees to a contract. But the trio also acknowledged Allen faces a challenge becoming quickly acclimated to the team's defensive scheme when he arrives. Fantasy Impact: Jason Allen's holdout will hurt the team's defense if they are forced to play Renaldo Hill. In addition, it should be assumed that an extended holdout could hurt his playing ability depite the fact that safety is an easier position than most for rookies to step into. | | | Owens, Johnson, Culpepper debut with new teams; Roethlisberger, Edwards return (AP) - 07/30/2006
Source: Yahoo!, Yahoo! Impacts: Terrell Owens, Keyshawn Johnson, Daunte Culpepper, Ben Roethlisberger, Braylon Edwards Terrell Owens, Keyshawn Johnson and Daunte Culpepper made their training camp debuts with their new teams Saturday, while Ben Roethlisberger and Braylon Edwards were back on the field after recovering from injuries. And Reggie Bush was expected to be in camp Sunday. In Owens' first camp with the Dallas Cowboys, he started out by being fashionably late as the last one out of the locker room... | | | Dolphins sign WR Hagan - 07/28/2006
Source: ESPN.com, palmbeachpost.com, scout.com Impacts: Derek Hagan, Wes Welker Rookie receiver Derek Hagan signed a four-year contract with the Miami Dolphins and will be with the team for the first training camp workout Saturday. Hagan is a third-round draft pick from Arizona State. Fantasy Impact: His main competition for the third receiver role is Wes Welker who is primarily a return specialist, so by signing on time Hagan gives himself the chance to make a significant impact, but as a third receiver he will not contribute regularly as a fantasy player. | | | No More Moore - 07/28/2006
Source: scout.com Impacts: Eddie Moore After the Dolphins' trade of Eddie Moore to New Orleans was nullified because of Moore's failed physical with the Saints, it seemed to only delay the inevitable. And that inevitable happened Friday when the Dolphins waived Moore on the eve of training camp. Fantasy Impact: Eddie Moore did not factor greatly into the Dolphins' plans and fantasy impact should not change too much. | | | Culpepper cleared for all Dolphins activities - 07/27/2006
Source: ESPN.com, PalmBeachPost.com, foxsports.com Impacts: Daunte Culpepper Although he wasn't prepared yet to declare that his No. 1 quarterback will be totally rehabilitated in time to start the Sept. 7 regular-season opener, Miami Dolphins head coach Nick Saban said that Daunte Culpepper is sufficiently recovered from three torn knee ligaments to be cleared for full participation in training camp. The medical clearance was anticipated, especially given Culpepper's mobility during spring minicamps and organized team activities sessions, but nonetheless represents another significant milestone in the remarkable recovery of the seven-year veteran. Fantasy Impact: Speedy recovery in time for training camp is just another great indicator for Dolphins' fans and prospective fantasy owners of Culpepper. However, he will be tested in game situations and should still be considered a risky pick. | | | Dolphins sign draft pick Frederick Evans - 07/27/2006
Source: ESPN.com, South Florida Sun-Sentinel The Miami Dolphins signed defensive tackle Frederick Evans, the first of their three seventh-round draft choices, to a four-year contract Wednesday. Evans was the Southland Conference newcomer of the year in 2004. He had 33 tackles, including 17½ for loss, and led the team with 6½ sacks. Fantasy Impact: This seventh-round draft pick should make little impact this year while making a big adjustment from Texas State to the NFL. | | | Dolphins' top pick remains unsigned; may miss start of camp - 07/27/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel, palmbeachpost.com, scout.com Impacts: Jason Allen Dolphins management is running out of time to make team owner H. Wayne Huizenga happy. The Dolphins and first-round draft choice Jason Allen still hadn't agreed to contract terms Wednesday, increasing the possibility that the free safety won't be on the practice field Saturday when the team holds its first training camp practice. Fantasy Impact: The nonsigning of Allen could be an unfortunate development for the Dolphins, as Allen was expected to compete for the starting FS job. | | | Ricky Williams undergoes surgery on fractured left arm - 07/24/2006
Source: BostonHerald.com, ESPN.com, South Florida Sun-Sentinel Ricky Williams had successful surgery on his broken left forearm, but there is no timetable for his return to the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts. Williams was hurt Saturday night in the first half of the Argonauts’ 26-23 win over Saskatchewan when he used his hand to break his fall on the turf at Mosaic Stadium in Regina. Fantasy Impact: The fact that Ricky Williams is suspended for the '06 season and is playing in the CFL means that this is of no real harm to the Dolphins, since he appears to be able to recover swiftly. | | | Dolphins' Siddeeq Shabazz investigated for assault - 07/20/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel Dolphins defensive back Siddeeq Shabazz is being investigated for assault by Las Cruces, N.M., police after an altercation outside a Wal-Mart Supercenter on Sunday evening. Shabazz, a New Mexico State graduate, signed a free agent contract with the Dolphins in January after playing 28 games over the past three seasons with Atlanta and New Orleans. Fantasy Impact: S Siddeeq Shabazz is not much of a fantasy asset for the Dolphins' in the first place, but this investigation can only hurt him. | | | Dolphins, Aromashodu agree to contract - 07/19/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel Impacts: Devin Aromashodu The Dolphins and wide receiver Devin Aromashodu have agreed to terms, according to a source. Aromashodu, a seventh-round pick out of Auburn, was one of the fastest receivers in the 2006 draft, having registered a 40-yard dash time of 4.35 seconds. Fantasy Impact: Behind Derek Hagan, Aromashodu was one of two WRs drafted by Miami in '06 and should reach no higher than 4th on the depth chart. In this sense, he could contribute immediately in the Dolphins' offense, but will be a nonissue for fantasy owners. | | | Dolphins sign draft pick Toledo - 07/19/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel, PalmBeachPost.com Impacts: Ronnie Brown The Dolphins on Wednesday signed offensive lineman Joe Toledo, a fourth-round pick from the University of Washington. The 6-foot-6, 337-pound Toledo played his first three seasons at Washington at tight end, but converted to left tackle as a senior. Fantasy Impact: As far as converted tight ends go, Toledo is a surprisingly large T prospect, but should offer some athleticism to go with his size. RB Ronnie Brown should be the main beneficiary. | | | Agent: Allen has minor knee surgery - 07/13/2006
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel Impacts: Jason Allen Jason Allen, the Dolphins' first-round draft pick, recently had an arthroscopic knee procedure but will be ready for the opening of training camp on July 28, according to his agent, Mitch Frankel. It was just a cleanup procedure, nothing more, Frankel said. "His rehabilitation is going well. If camp started today, he would be ready." Fantasy Impact: Since Allen could be the Dolphins' best option at the safety position, if he misses no time then the arthroscopic knee surgery could be a benefit by preventing further injury. | | | Culpepper's first public workout with Dolphins draws praise - 06/09/2006
Source: ESPN.com Impacts: Daunte Culpepper Culpepper, who had surgery in November to repair three torn ligaments in his right knee, sprinted down the field during a non-contact drill against players not wearing pads. He also ran back to the huddle and showed no signs of being limited at all despite wearing a knee brace. Culpepper did not speak with reporters Friday, but his teammates are impressed with his progress. Fantasy Impact: If Culpepper is as fully recovered as he has demonstrated in practice so far, then opponents of the team that possesses him, fantasy or professional, should be wary of his significant game-changing ability. | | | The medical opinion was the deciding factor between QBs Brees, Culpepper. - 00/00/0000
Source: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/football/15569267.htm?source=rss&channel=miamiherald_football Impacts: Daunte Culpepper, Drew Brees The Dolphins studied their medical reports on Daunte Culpepper and Drew Brees during their mid-March hunt for a franchise quarterback and came away with the belief that acquiring either offered risk and reward, but Culpepper was the safer pick.
So despite the fact the football staff's preference was to sign Brees as an unrestricted free agent rather than give up a second-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for Culpepper, the medical opinion prevailed.
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