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Jeff Darlington has covered sports in Florida - including college football and the NFL - since 2000. Currently the South Florida representative of the Pro Football Writers Association, Jeff began covering the Dolphins before the 2005 season. He previously wrote about the football and men's basketball programs at the University of Florida. Jeff also is a graduate of UF.
Submitted by Nick from Rochester,NY
Q: Maybe, I over reacted a bit. We should def get something for Jason if we trade him. At least a 2nd round pick. I'd like to get a reciever, but we'll see how it plays out. When we drafted Jake Long, I was really excited. One reason being that he would get to practice with JT lining uo against him in training camp. I thought that would give him some much needed practice against one of the top defensive ends in the league. That would have really helped Jake out. I'm just realy frustrated about the whole situation. He was suppose to be our leader and when things start going bad, he turned his back on his team. Thanks
Answered 05/27/08 12:27:01 by Jeff Darlington
A: You make some good points about JT potentially turning his back on the team. That said, after covering only three Dolphins seasons, I don't even have enough fingers on both hands to count the number of times I've walked into a locker room (either home or away) and seen Jason in the corner, hunched over in a chair, with his hands buried in his face after another frustrating loss. The guy has taken every season in Miami extremely personally, which is more than I can say for most players who seem to simply take a business-like approach to the game. JT loves Miami. I don't doubt that. But I can also understand why the guy would want to get a taste of victory before he leaves the game. If you were an elite football player, would you really want your most victorious moment to be on the dance floor? It's a tough situation, and I can certainly see why fans are frustrated by all of it. Unfortunately, it's tough to say that either side is right. Or wrong.Submitted by FG from Orlando, FL
Q: OK I know there has been a lot of talk on JT and that the fans in S. FL are frustrated and over it. Do you really blame JT for wanting to stick around for a rebuild? Not me, he's done so much for our team, the community, and the fans I don't blame him for wanting to go to a contender a hopefully finish with a ring on his finger. Something that alluded the Great Dan Marino. Dan had his chances to move on to another team late in his career yet he chose to remain a Dolphin to appease the fans, and community. What did that get him? Absolutely nothing! If Dan would have left for another team and a chance for a ring he would of still been elected to the Hall, and would of gone in as a Fin. I'm sure if you ask him he'll tell you he made the right choice, but behind close doors he probably regrets the move. So let's not put the blame on Taylor here, Parcels has much of the blame as well. Instead of putting #99 in his pocket all he did was push him away. Then again that is the regime that Wayne has bought into, Parcels did the same thing to Emmit Smith. The difference there was that Jerry Jones stepped in and sent Smith off with the respect and honor he deserved. Here is a chance for Wayne to grow a pair and send Taylor off with grace. Yet in the eyes of the fans all Wayne and Parcels are doing is pushing him out with egg on his face. Thanks but no thanks, Jason Waltz out of Miami while you still can, go get that ring. The rest of them can sit and spin.
Answered 05/27/08 12:20:21 by Jeff Darlington
A: Looks like we've got our first opinion on my recently posed question -- even though this response came before I even posed the question. Mark one down for player loyalty. Anyone else?Submitted by Fahmi from Dubai
Q: Dear Jeff, as much as I like or rather liked JT, it is never about the player. Loyalty is for the organization and team - we either buy into Parcel & Co and give them the benefit of doubt for at least 2 - 3 seasons or we don't. Whatever JT did for the team, he did not do it for free or for being in love with the fans or the city! He is an employee and got paid a ransom to do his job. Albeit a job well done, but nonetheless a job. If it wasn’t him it could have been Strahan or Freeney or the next DE in line. I bought into Randy and Cam's regime but they were not given enough time. Parcel is no doubt an upgrade to R&C and I can't wait to see the Fins in action this season. So JT thanks and adios, we don't need you here, neither should we compromise in a trade. He doesn't like it then tough - let him sit on the sideline and watch. Does that make sense in your opinion?
Answered 05/27/08 12:19:04 by Jeff Darlington
A: That brings up a great question, Fahmi: From a fan's perspective, is it more important to be loyal to an entire organization or to a player that certainly evokes a great deal of respect from his fan base? On one hand, I see why you'd say loyalty should be directed toward the organization, since a team is bigger than any one player. But hasn't JT done enough for this organization over the past 10 years to elicit more loyalty than a regime that hasn't been part of the Dolphins' history for more than six months? If Jason Taylor and Bill Parcells are both elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, JT will surely be recognized as a Dolphins player. His decade of service make that easily understandable. And Parcells? No way should anyone expect this man to bleed aqua and orange. He's here for a very clear reason: To turn an organization around. And while I absolutely agree that it's important to give Parcells the freedom to do whatever he deems necessary (trading JT, cutting Zach, etc...), I'm more curious about something else from the readers of this forum: How do you handle your loyalty when it comes to players like Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas? Does your loyalty extend to the players you love or the organization you follow?Submitted by Steve G from Sarasota
Q: Hey Jeff... What is up with Merling? We know he had a sports hernia operated on, but what concerns me is he was supposedly limping noticibly at the mini camp, and he said "I always walk with a limp"????? I can't imagine the Dolphins drafting a guy so high who always walks with a limp....Is there anything more you can elaborate on in regards to his limp?
Answered 05/27/08 12:11:40 by Jeff Darlington
A: Nothing to worry about, Steve. I watched that conversation take place between Phillip and another reporter, and I didn't even see a reason to question the way he was walking at all. He appeared just fine -- and his comment back to the reporter was clearly a joke. A funny one, too.Submitted by BennyV from Enfield, CT
Q: So with owners opting out of the labor deal what do you think that does to Bills 4 year deal? I don't see him hanging around if the players go on strike. What does it do, if anything, to his strategy of rebuilding this team?
Answered 05/22/08 08:30:05 by Jeff Darlington
A: That's a good question, Benny. It's not something I considered as I analyzed the current CBA situation, but you make a solid point. Is Parcells really going to stick around to oversee a bunch of replacements if it comes down to it? Let's just hope it doesn't come to that for anyone. The NFL is such a great organization, but it would be a sad day if greed ultimately caused this show to be put on hold. Still, Benny, I don't think it will change Parcells' rebuilding strategy. It might change the language of a few contracts, given the potential for an uncapped year, but Parcells can't spend his time wondering "what if" when these CBA discussions are likely to last until the final deadlines, which are still a few years away.Submitted by Jason from Zarou
Q: Hey Jeff, If JT gets traded do you think we would be smart enough to trade him for something we need bad like WR(maybe Chad johnson and a pick) or a corner like lito sheppard?...Thanks and by the way great job rep'n the fins on NFL network
Answered 05/22/08 08:24:53 by Jeff Darlington
A: Hi Jason. While I'm not going to rule out the possibility of a trade for another star player, I'm also not going to count on it. In the current age of the NFL, when draft picks are the truly prized possessions, the Dolphins are more likely looking to land a few selections to continue their rebuilding project in Miami. Would it help to add Lito Sheppard or Chad Johnson? Sure, it would. It might also be fun for fans who will be looking to replace their No. 99 jerseys for a new fan favorite. Still, I'm guessing that's not the way this showdown will end.Submitted by Nick from Rochester, NY
Q: OK, enough is enough. Jason Taylor sickens me. I am sooooo sick and tired of hearing about him. It's obvious he does not want to be a dolphin. Some leader he turned out to be. Trade him NOW!!!! I dont care if we only get a bag of chips for him. He's definately not worth keeping any longer. He is such a pretty boy. Really the truth is, he's old, he's arrogant and we need to move on without his girly self. I hate Jason Taylor and always have from day one. I wish we had Zach Thomas still, he was a real leader. Oh well.
Answered 05/22/08 08:21:12 by Jeff Darlington
A: This is an interesting angle to take about this situation -- mostly because it's probably the attitude currently being taken by plenty of Dolphins fans right now. Frustrated. Annoyed. And over it. The only problem is, although understandable, this attitude is also precisely the way Miami can't act in its current situation. By growing overly frustrated by Taylor's desires, the Dolphins would ultimately be folding to his demands. Trade him for a bag of chips? If you don't like Taylor, that's precisely what you should NOT want Miami to do. All that said, this is also why the current situation has grown into yet another sad saga. Like him or not, JT has been a tremendously loyal advocate of the Dolphins. And now, we're going to see him leave South Florida in a way that will ultimately be perceived as quite the opposite.Submitted by Chris from St. Pete
Q: Jeff, you wrote: "Four roster spots are essentially locked up by Ginn, Hagan, Wilford and Kircus." WHY is Kircus a lock? He has less productivity in the NFL than Camarillio and a lot more off the field baggage. I think he has little chance to make the roster unless he clearly is better on STs than Camarillo.
Answered 05/22/08 08:14:34 by Jeff Darlington
A: That's a fair point, Chris. But also keep in mind: When we hear Sparano make comments about "his guys," he's making a pretty blatant point about the mentality of the current regime. This group of coaches and personell people are placing their own stamp on the roster, so in many cases, whether anyone wants to admit it or not, the players that were before January are probably a lot less safe than the players who arrived after. That's not suggesting Kircus is any better than Camarillo -- but it is implying that Miami added Kircus to the roster because they see something in him. And by the way, Drew Mormino (who was drafted by the previous regime and is arguably better than several guards on the current roster) was under the impression that he was one of Sparano's guys, too. Look how that turned out. Nonetheless, I absolutely understand your point, Chris.Submitted by rob from psl
Q: hey jeff this is what should happen to the patriots! in my opion bill belichick cheated and should be banned for life! pete rose gambled on his team to win bilichick cheated for a decade and cheated to win games! he should be banned for life deffinetly be banned from the hall get fined the max which is i think 250,000 for ever year he cheated that they have proof for! have there #1 draft pick taken away for every year they have proof of. so 6 years of profit then well i guess they should get 6 years worth of #1 picks taken away! all the superbowls they won should get revoked! and not be counted in the history books! so have the trophys taken away and have the 3 superbowls they won not count in history! so all the trophys and rings given out should be confiscated! the owner mr kraft should get fined very heavy for aloowing this to happen! i say the 08-09season he should get all profits taken away in fines! so he loses all the profits of the season! so that way the coach ,owner,players,and fans! get a fine and a big hit for what they did! reason being is kraft knew what they were doing when they did it! so not only does it hurt by taking away history and his trophys they take his money and his future draft picks to! bill cheated and shouldent of done it so he has to pay big like being banned for life and losing A TON OF MONEY IN FINES! the players because they knew what was going on and they hid what they were doing so they are responsiable to! the fans because they don't think it matters to cheat only because they are the pats and they can do what they want! if this was college it would happen it should in the nfl to! what u think about what i said jeff at what should be done what is your two cents about the cituation and what i think?
Answered 05/19/08 19:13:39 by Jeff Darlington
A: Sheesh, I'd hate to hear your solution for overcrowding in the United States prison system! Might as well throw Belichick in jail while we're at it, too?Submitted by drsamii from Belmont, NC (Miami displaced)
Q: So even though he looked like he was finally starting to "get it" last year, you sound like you still think Jason Allen is toast.
Answered 05/19/08 19:11:37 by Jeff Darlington
A: I'm not saying he's toast. But I'm simply saying I'll officially enter into "wait and see" mode with Jason. I like the guy. I think he has the athleticism to succeed in the NFL, and a few scouts that I'm friendly with have told me they really believe Allen could be a highly successful cornerback in a Tampa Two system. Given Allen will no longer need to deal with the complex schemes that Dom Capers tended to install over the past few years, I could see how he might be more effective in the soon-to-be installed system. But Allen isn't very quick when it comes to picking up the systems, so like I said, I'll "wait and see." He has the tools and the right attitude. But it's going to take a bit more than that for him to live up to his first-round potential -- even if it wasn't his fault he was drafted in the first round.Submitted by BILL PITONIAK from WATERTOWN NY
Q: DO YOU THINK THE DOLPHINS SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED WR-MARIO MANNINGHAM AND/OR RB-KEVIN SMITH?
Answered 05/19/08 19:08:36 by Jeff Darlington
A: Manningham simply doesn't fit the mold of the type of player Miami is currently looking to add. Already, before he even reached the NFL, he was flagged with far too much baggage for the liking of Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland. These guys can deal with an occasional blemish on the resume, but dishonesty (something Manningham had been accused of during the scouting combine) isn't an acceptable quality from this regime. Kevin Smith? That's a different story. I like the guy -- but I'm partial to him given my affection to the good ol' Golden Knights. I think Smith will have a solid NFL career, although that's not suggesting the Dolphins were wrong not to draft him. When you only have nine picks, you can't have everyone.Submitted by chris from san diego
Q: any chance that we keep camarillo? i dont know what it is about the guy, but i think it would be a mistake to let him go.
Answered 05/19/08 19:05:09 by Jeff Darlington
A: Sure, Chris. The Dolphins could end up keeping Camarillo -- but it's not going to be easy for last year's hero. Four roster spots are essentially locked up by Ginn, Hagan, Wilford and Kircus. That means Greg will need to compete with guys like Davone Bess, Selwyn Lymon and Tab Perry for a fifth roster spot. While Camarillo has an edge on the inexperienced guys (Bess and Lymon), Perry should give him a solid run. And if Bess can prove to have the stamina to make it in the league, he also could be a highly competitive wideout during training camp.Submitted by fake jorge from MB, FL
Q: Thanks a lot for helping me kill time back in the days of Calc I and Calc II. I spent entire lectures reading the alligator from back to front. What is the deal with Lito Sheppard? He is a top notch corner in the NFL and the Eagles are seemingly using him as tradebait. Any chance Ireland makes a move?
Answered 05/15/08 12:41:42 by Jeff Darlington
A: Ah, yes. The days of "Chasing Gator Tail." I'm not sure which should depress me more: The fact that you were forced to suffer through Calc. Or the fact that you were forced to suffer through my column. As for Sheppard, one of my favorite guys, I'm not sure he would necessarily fit as well in the Dolphins' defensive system. He's more of a Tampa-Two corner, which actually means he possesses a lot of the same qualities as someone like Jason Allen. That said, I think he's versatile enough to still play in any system, which would make him a nice addition opposite Will Allen. A trade for JT? It could make some sense. But I'd still honestly doubt it will go down.Submitted by Alan from Charlotte, NC
Q: Because the Phins signed so many new guys, and drafted several potential starters, I would like to know your thoughts on what the starting lineup is going to look like (including players who will have significant playing time, but maybe not starting). Thanks.
Answered 05/15/08 12:36:02 by Jeff Darlington
A: I'll try to keep this as summarized as possible, but here's what I'm anticipating as the starters if the season started today: Miami will shift Vernon Carey to the right side, where he can resume his rise to the elite status he appeared on the brink of achieving two seasons ago before being shifted to the left. Jake Long will naturally slide to the left tackle. If Justin Smiley can stay healthy (which is going to be critical to the unit's success), he'll be a good fit at left or right tackle, while rookie Shawn Murphy can battle for the opposing starting job on the opposite side. Tight ends are up in the air (not sure anyone is really a great fit), while Ginn and Wilford should grab the top spots as the wideouts. Hagan and Kircus will vie for the third spot in the slot. Ronnie will start -- but Ricky will give him plenty of reason to run harder. Reagan Mauia will block -- but Boomer Grigsby will give him plenty of reason to block harder. On defense, assuming the team runs the 3-4, look for Roth and Holliday to handle the ends with Randy Starks competing to overtake one of the two. Jason Ferguson will anchor the middle. Jason Taylor will handle the edge in a hybrid role, while Joey Porter will remain opposite him. Channing Crowder and Reggie Torbor will take care of the middle. Renaldo Hill and Jason Allen will battle for a safety spot, as Yeremiah Bell locks up the opposite side. Will Allen is going to be a solid corner this year, leaving Travis Daniels and Andre Goodman a competition for the other job.Submitted by Brent from Honolulu HI
Q: Aloha Jeff, heard your call-in segment to our afternoon drive time sports radio show on the local espn affiliate, nice job...I was surprised you largely ignored McCown when evaluating the QB position... he looked like a promising QB in '04 and '05 (11 games with a 80+ passer rating) despite being yo-yo'd in and out of the line up on a terrible Arizona team - then was largely ignored in stops in Detroit and Oakland. What do you hear about his potential, or lack there of? Thanks and keep up the great work!
Answered 05/15/08 12:27:40 by Jeff Darlington
A: Hi Brent. Glad you enjoyed the segment. I always like doing the Hawaii show. This way, I'm hoping someday when I need some surf lessons, I'll have some connections on the island. ;) As for McCown, I definitely didn't mean to ignore him when it comes to the competition. He is, no doubt, a legitimate contender for the job. It seems most questions often lead into the potential of Beck and Henne, two young prospects who are mostly unknown. While I stand by my belief that Beck will be the starter on day one, I think McCown will certainly give him the best run for the job. But you're right: If Beck deserves to be given a break for last year's struggles based on the lack of talent around him, we can certainly make a case that McCown deserves some similar slack. The difference, however, is that McCown has yet to truly grasp that starting role given three chances in three different cities. At some point, you've got to start to wonder whether it's the talent around him -- or whether it's the talent within him.Submitted by Todd from Atlanta. GA
Q: Jeff, Selwyn Lymon was a top prospect out of High School, but his off the field conduct caught up with him at Purdue. He has two things that can not be taught, size and speed, something the Fins have not had in a WR for some time. What is your take on him?
Answered 05/15/08 12:19:36 by Jeff Darlington
A: You hit this one on the head, Todd. We already know Parcells likes big linemen, but he's also extremely keen on big wide receivers. I was recently talking to someone who works for the Dolphins, and he told me that Parcells has one clear belief about finding seventh-round and undrafted talent. He says, "Find me a player who is tough, smart or loves the weight room. If they have one of those qualities, we'll work on the rest." Lymon is tough. And at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, I'm guessing he probably knows how to throw a few weights up, too. Still, it's going to take more than that to make this roster. We'll see if the Dolphins' training staff and coaches truly can take care of the rest.Submitted by Steve from Miami, FL
Q: With Ginn and Wilford locks to start, who do you think will be the other starting wideout at the start of the season?
Answered 05/15/08 12:13:46 by Jeff Darlington
A: I'd imagine Derek Hagan. I know many of you don't want to believe that, but it's really the most realistic option at this point. I just hope Hagan starts to build some of the swagger and confidence that it's going to take to become a more consistent player at his position. If not Hagan, I suppose Kircus is the next most realistic option, but I like Hagan's potential more.Submitted by superman006968@aol.c from psl
Q: hey jeff i say we skip the season go 1-16 again and just start picking in the 09 draft 1st again! lol and this time round 1 we go WR 2nd rd cb 3rd cb 4th wr 5th wr 6th wr 7th wr what u think? lol we got to hit on a cb and wr then more we draft the more likley we will hit somebody at 1 of thoughs postions!
Answered 05/15/08 12:11:21 by Jeff Darlington
A: Actually, it's funny you say that. I was actually having a discussion with someone the other day about the Dolphins' outlook, which led me to endorse Miami's draft this year for a few simple reasons: It's really the first time in years that the Dolphins seem to have stuck to their patience when it comes to planning for the future. While I thought Randy Mueller was also setting the team up to eventually succeed, it didn't seem like he had as clear-cut of a plan as the current one being implemented. This year? Miami attacks the trenches. They build their defensive and offensive line in the draft, bolster their linebacking corps in free agency, while ultimately neglecting wide receivers and defensive backs. And even though I don't like the idea of ignoring those two areas of need, it at least seems like it sets the team up to have a similarly focused draft next time around. So my point is, I'm with you. This season is likely to be an improvement of last year, but not until the team can draft another batch of players to fill several more holes should we expect a serious contender.Submitted by rob from psl
Q: hey jeff i have high hopes for the dolphins running game this season! i think the dolphins can have the best running game in the NFL this year! i think the dolphins will have the top 3 offensive line in the league. with LT jake long, LG justin smiley, C satele, RG drew mormino, RT vernon carey! that is a damn good line if ronnie brown can be 100% healthy at the start of the season and stay 100% healthy all year just imagine what he can do with this line! last year he was just tearing it up before he went down with an ACL tear! and we had the worst line in the league!
Answered 05/15/08 12:06:14 by Jeff Darlington
A: Heeyyy, Rob!! Guess what? We agree on this one!! How about that?! While I think it might be a bit drastic to suggest Miami will have the best running game in the league, I do think it will certainly be the team's best quality. Jake Long is going to be a phenominal run blocker, and Reagan Mauia seems to be making some considerable off-season improvements as a potential force at fullback. With that kind of blocking, Ronnie and Ricky might actually be able to fulfill their potential. There's one problem with all of this: Balance is crucial. If the Dolphins can't open up the passing game, opponents will simply stack the box with eight guys in order to further limit Miami's chances to run. So while it's clear the team has the running personell to succeed on the ground, it's also going to require some of the right passing personell to actually make it happen.Submitted by pablo from san antonio, tx
Q: Ricky Williams is entering the final year of his contract, but still owes the Dolphins milions of dollars...could that be a factor to extend his contract with Miami?
Answered 05/15/08 11:54:39 by Jeff Darlington
A: No, Pablo. There's been a publicly unspoken understanding for a long time that Miami would allow Ricky to escape his debt with the team if he fulfilled the remainder of his contract at a minimum cost. Of course, it will be interesting to see whether that understanding will remain intact with Parcells currently running the football operations. Given Parcells seems to be pretty high on Williams (that wasn't intended as a pot joke), I'd imagine there's a good chance it will hold up.
