Although Josh McCown said he expects to be the Dolphins' starting quarterback, you won't hear any similar declaration from John Beck. But Beck explained last week why he believes he has improved, and insists he doesn't care if the Dolphins draft a quarterback in the early rounds.
In two months working with new quarterbacks coach David Lee, Beck said he has received more individual coaching on technique than he did all last season.
''It was hard last year because I was the third guy,'' he said. ''Now, it's been nice because we've been able to focus a little bit of time on me. Coach Lee definitely has helped me. I've made a lot of strides since the end of the season in some smaller detailed things'' -- including delivery and footwork.
For weeks, Beck and Lee have been watching Beck's game tape as a teaching tool. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo credits Lee for his development when they were together in Dallas.
Beck hired a trainer and has gained 11 pounds to 216, his weight last summer. ``When I'm driving, I think about third-and-8, fourth quarter, critical situation against the Jets. Last season was frustrating. That's why four days after the season, I started working for next season.''
Asked if he believes this regime has a favorable impression of him, Beck said, ''I don't know.'' (He said nobody has told him.) He ''chatted a few times'' with Bill Parcells, ``but there hasn't been any discussion of the future. It's just a get-to-know-me, get-to-know-you type deal.''
He said the Dolphins told him they were signing McCown the day it happened but didn't elaborate. McCown was told it will be an open competition, and Beck surmises that.
''The same confidence he has about himself, I have about myself,'' said Beck (62.0 passer rating, one touchdown, three interceptions in five rookie appearances). ``He wants it just as badly as I want it. I heard he's a hard-worker, very athletic guy. Those are the kind of things I feel I bring. If we both [bring] kind of the same thing, what's going to separate us is being smart, making correct decisions, getting out of bad plays.''
Would he feel let down, or a lack of confidence from management, if the Dolphins draft Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan No. 1 or another quarterback in an early round? ''No,'' he insisted. ``The way I am, I couldn't care less.
``When the opportunity comes, I have to strike. I'm not coming in to say I'm shooting to be an average quarterback and I'll be happy with that. I have such a high expectation for myself. I'm trying to be the absolute best I can.''
CHATTER
• Stephen Ross, buying 50 percent of the Dolphins, said he will become the majority owner and managing partner eventually. Associates of Wayne Huizenga say the transfer of power might happen in two years, if not sooner.
• The recent message from Alonzo Mourning to some Heat people is not to count him out, but that he hasn't decided whether to eschew retirement and play next season after knee surgery. Nobody will be surprised if he returns.
• If he coaches next season, Pat Riley said he doesn't think he would ''be allowed'' to return to his heavy-handed style because of the culture of today's athlete: ''It would be a bloodbath and I would lose. . . . I'm not that way anymore. Maybe that's why we've won 11 games.'' Riley insists he wasn't angry about Antoine Walker recently saying the game has passed him by.
• A UM insider who watches the closed spring practices said Allen Bailey has been the the best defensive end opposite Eric Moncur; Richard Gordon has improved (UM said it will use three tight ends -- Dedrick Epps, Gordon, Chris Zellner); and UM looks much better at fullback (coaches love John Calhoun's and Patrick Hill's toughness).
• When Andrew Miller has control problems (happens a lot), Marlins catcher and former Tigers teammate Mike Rabelo said he sometimes tries unusual techniques ''to make him smile'' during mound meetings, including asking him, ''You want to go fishing tomorrow?'' Pitching coach Mark Wiley said Miller is ''more athletic than Randy Johnson, '' although he doesn't throw as hard as Johnson in his prime. Marlins executive Larry Beinfest compares Miller to former Angels left-hander Chuck Finley.
• The Heat and Panthers have their third consecutive overlapping home games Sunday (and 10th this season), but the Heat said no attempt will be made to prevent conflicts.
