Aside from the current coaching search, there’s been a lot of talk about overhauling the entire roster and rebuilding, whatever that means.
First and foremost, rebuilds guarantee nothing. In theory, you suffer through a few 2-14 and 3-13 seasons and then eventually become 9-7, and then finally you go 13-3 and make a deep run in the playoffs. In theory.
But what about if you’re Cleveland, or Detroit, or Arizona? What if you go 3-13 for a few seasons as you rebuild, but then you go 4-12 and 2-14 the next few? What if this continues for decades like the hapless Browns and Bills?
Roster purging guarantees nothing.
As a matter of fact, the opposite holds true. Teams that retain their stars have continuity, and that maintains their winning ways.
So I’m not in favor of jettisoning many current Dolphins just for the sake of saving money. Draft picks (even Number One picks) are risky and they have no guarantees.
The Dolphins let proven Olivier Vernon go because we had #1 pick Charles Harris ready to become the NFL’s next rising star.
The Dolphins let proven Mike Wallace AND Brian Hartline go because #1 pick DeVante Parker was ready to become the NFL’s next rising star.
Sorry, but I don’t want “potentially” good players replacing proven good players. I’ll sacrifice some age and money to retain production and professionalism. Extra draft picks are nice, but not at the expense of proven contributors.
So, who do I consider the proven contributors? There are more than you might think. I know many of you will disagree with me, but we have some talent on this team.
Let’s start with defense. Xavien Howard and Minkah Fitzpatrick aren’t going anywhere, and we need to get Howard signed long term asap. Reshad Jones showed his true colors when he whined and benched himself, and I’m not easy to forgive such immaturity, but at least he’s productive and I’d keep him for certain. So that leaves TJ McDonald, Bobby McCain, and a bunch of reserves on the back end. They’re all expendable. But are we gonna get good trade value for McCain or Torrey McTyer, for example? No. We’re better off trying a rookie DB from the draft.
I like our LB crew, and I think they can be stellar under an aggressive, experienced coordinator. Raekwon, Kiko, and Jerome Baker all had great moments. Kiko was essentially playing with two rookies, and although mistakes were certainly made, they held up all year.
The D line was a mess. There’s a lot of talk about saving money by cutting Robert Quinn, but I’d keep him. Again, we cannot keep revolving the door at defensive end. I’d rather give Quinn more time under a new DC to show what he can do. He led the team in sacks, and I am a huge believer in not getting rid of key team leaders. Charles Harris has 2 more years left under contract, and maybe he can be a good role player, but he’s no star…unless a new DC can use him better.
I keep coming back to that point about the DC, and it’s so true. Matt Burke had no idea how to best utilize his men. His designs were putrid. His blitz packages were so easy to pick up. The players blew many assignments, but even when they did what they were supposed to, the opponent hit for big plays. Our blitzers typically blitzed from the outside in, taking long circular routes around the tackles. Other teams blitz right through a gap, taking a short, immediate route to the QB. We all know which method works better.
Cameron Wake is a keeper. I don’t care. He’s consistent and loyal, and I’d like to give him a last hoorah with a new coach and DC. Yes, we can save money with a cheaper D-end, but who knows what we’ll get. Remember bust Mario Williams?
The Dolphins dug their own hole with their interior linemen. Giving away Suh and Jordan Phillips were devastating mistakes caused by Adam Gase’s inability to get along with people. We filled the gap temporarily with Ziggy Hood and Sylvester Williams, but I don’t know if they are the long-term answer. Finding a stud in the draft would be the way to go.
Next up….we’ll look at the offense.
Don’t forget William Hayes. When he got hurt the run defense took a huge nose dive!
Purge the roster like Oakland/LA/Vegas Raiders. Cleveland is a rising team and better than us. Good coaches actually WANT to go there.
Cleveland has purged and drafted for how many years? No thanks to their plan…as even bad plans get lucky once every 10-20 years.
Lack of talent plus overpriced free agents are A PART of our mediocrity. But in Miami, there are always moving parts as well. Poor coaching, poor leadership (sorry, but buying a giant awning for the stadium does not mean you’re committed to winning), and poor attitudes have doomed this team for a decade. I’d gladly sit through a few 3-13 seasons if I KNEW FOR CERTAIN that a 14-2 season was guaranteed afterward. But it doesn’t work that way.
If you want to purge some high-priced vets, then we can live with that. But getting rid of productive pieces never makes sense.
You could probably lock up Howard for a decent salary right now so I agree with you on that. You don’t get rid of guys like that to attempt to replace them in the draft as it’s a crapshoot. Definitely get rid of overpriced vets though although I think I keep Alonso as he makes plays. AS the rookies get better he won’t have to cover as much and will look better although he wasn’t the issue this year on D.
Howard, Minkah, Jones because his contract, McMillian, Baker and Wake is my keepers for defense. Almost the same minus kiko and Quinn.
I’d add the young DT’s as they weren’t horrible. Vincent got hurt which didn’t help. Wake should be more of a back up role next year but I’d keep him. Branch see ya. Otherwise I can agree with admin.
This team could be competitive depending on what they do at QB. Coaching should immediately help them too.