Submitted by SLICK MIC from CAPE CORAL

Q: Jeff D, Lets start out like this: TED GINN SUCKS! The only ball he should get is the game ball. And thats only if the Coach HANDS it to him, he'll NEVER catch it! He couldn't catch a football if the game depended on it. OHHHHH it does! WILL SOMEONE TELL HIM THAT! No better yet, lets trade his as_. I'll give him credit, he MAY make one good play a game. But thats it. Jeff, this guy IS NOT a first rounder much less a #1 Pick! COME ON! We have to trade him off. Problem I see, no takers. WAY OVER PAID FOR HIS Performance on the field. Help me out, print something that will get the ball rolling, GET GINN GOING GOING GONE!

Answered 10/28/09 16:42:32 by Jeff Darlington

A: Trade deadline is over, my man. Ginn is here for the rest of the season -- at least.

Submitted by irton from Miami, FL

Q: HEY JEFF!! TED GINN NEEDS TO GO ALREADY!!!!

Answered 10/28/09 16:38:28 by Jeff Darlington

A: I'll let him know you think so. ;)

Submitted by CESAR TORRES from MIAMI FL

Q: HEY I LISTEN TO YOU ALL THE TIME WITH JOE ROSE. I WANT YOR COMMENT I AM ONE FOR CHANCES BUT TED GINN I THINK AFTER ALL THE TIME HE HAS HAD IT,S ENOUGH!!!! I MEAN A WR HOW CANT HOLD ON TO THE BALL PLEASE.

Answered 10/28/09 16:37:47 by Jeff Darlington

A: Thanks, Cesar. Joe Rose rocks. One of my favorite people in South Florida. As for Teddy, I'd say you're likely in the majority. And you'll likely get your wish, since it looks like Ginn is about to get a diminished role this Sunday.

Submitted by NY Fish Fan from NYC, NY

Q: An observation and something perhaps to ask. My father told me you get what you pay for. Given that our free agant signings reenforce that reality. At saftey both Brian Dawkins and Darren Sharper were available, the difference they've made for the Saints and Broncos speaks volumes. Trying to get a bargin basemant guy Gibril Wilson and last year WR Wilford proves that point. Take the wasted money and buy one good guy, cab you imagine Sharper or Dawking in Aqua and Orange. Also go get WR Bowe from KC he's worth a 2nd and he's a sure thing.

Answered 10/28/09 16:35:43 by Jeff Darlington

A: True, you get what you pay for. But here's another cliche that fits this situation: Hindsight is 20/20. While I do agree Miami has some room to grow when it comes to evaluating players (Wilson and Wilford are good examples), Darren Sharper got passed up for two weeks by 30 other teams as well. Does that excuse the Dolphins? Absolutely not. But it's easier to pinpoint where they should have spent their money now that we see the results.

Submitted by Daniel Ryan from Jax, Fl

Q: Jeff; Would you be willing to say that project Ted Ginn is offically over, and considered a failed experiment? Have you heard any behind the scenes stuff that he just doesn't prepare enough, or he's not a worker? I got a feelin that this will be one of those many story lines where a players speed and domination in College simply doesn't transfer to the NFL game. Your take!

Answered 10/28/09 16:31:57 by Jeff Darlington

A: Hey Daniel. Thanks for the question. I'm never willing to say a project is over until the player has been released or traded. But I will say this: The fewer opportunities a player gets means the less chance he'll have to prove he deserves to be in a prime position. So with that in mind, a diminished role in the offense suggests Ginn will have an even deeper hole to dig himself out from. He can salvage a decent career, but that's going to require some significant changes, which brings us to the second part of your question. Ginn prepares well and works hard. But I'm hearing from my sources that he often fails to bring the lessons coaches try to teach him during practices into games. For instance, even after coaches stress it to him all week, he's failing to sell defenders on a good first move that would normally maximize the seperation he can get between himself and a defender. So while that isn't the same as a poor work ethic, it certainly qualifies as something that will set him back from reaching his potential.

Submitted by tony from miami

Q: for the most part, opponents have not done a good job of pressuring Drew Brees. How do you believe the Dolphins will solve this issue and ensure that they harass Brees into possibly making some mistakes?

Answered 10/23/09 14:28:46 by Jeff Darlington

A: Honestly, Tony, I know this isn't the answer anyone wants to hear, but I'll repeat exactly what I said on ESPN's First Take this morning: The only way to stop Drew Brees right now is to keep him off the field as much as possible. Minimize his opportunities by grinding away long drives by utilizing Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Brees is going to get his ratio of big plays. So if you already can anticipate that he's going to complete 60 percent of his passes, then you'd better make sure 60 percent still only equates to no more than about 15 completions. And when you do pressure him, you can't expect to just get blitz happy. As Sparano says, Brees will "smell that from a mile away." He makes his reads far too quickly to just run everyone at him. So you've got to have good four-man pressure and play sound base defense. And then, when it comes down to it, you've just got to hope your team has the ball more often than not.

Submitted by Robert from Laredo, texas 78041

Q: Are they pretty much focused on the running game as opposed to finding someone at QB. WHen the game is on the line and you need points in a hurry (COLTS GAME) the ball and closk control is very important and vital. RUnning the ball with less than 2 minutes is not something we (Fnas) want o see at that satge of the game. what do uthink what do u think

Answered 10/23/09 14:23:47 by Jeff Darlington

A: Well, I've got to admit: The two-minute offense during the Colts game blew me away, specifically when considering it was Chad Pennington under center. I'd like to think, given Pennington's history as a cerebral quarterback and Dan Henning's solid job as a play caller over the past 1 1/2 years, that situation was nothing more than an outlier. In retrospect, I think the Dolphins would have done a lot of things differently on that drive -- whether Chad Henne was the quarterback or Chad Pennington. So for what it's worth, let's go ahead and throw away that drive. I think the Dolphins understand they need to throw the ball in that situation, which they proved to be the case against the Jets when Henne made several outstanding completions to march the team downfield with a balance of running and passing. Nothing to be overly concerned about, Robert.

Submitted by Irton from Miami, FL

Q: Hey Jeff. Youre doing a very good job here on your forum. It is always fun to read it. As we can see, the coaches really trust Henne as a QB. Both of the games he started, they dolphins started off with pass plays. When Pennington was the QB, the dolphins rarely had deep passes on 3rd nd long situation. Do you see the dolphins calling pass plays on 3rd and long situations with Henne under control?

Answered 10/23/09 14:19:49 by Jeff Darlington

A: Thanks for the comments, Irton. As I just mentioned in a previous response, I do agree that Henne brings a new dimension to the team's offense. But I think you still need to be cautious when it comes to altering playcalling on third-down situations. If it isn't broken, don't fix it. Currently, the Dolphins lead the NFL in third-down efficiency, an incredibly solid statistic that should not be taken lightly. So should the Dolphins pass on third and long? I think they should just continue to do whatever they're doing. Word?

Submitted by ben from miami fl,

Q: Why don't the Dolphins trade a pick and get a proven wide receiver?

Answered 10/23/09 14:14:35 by Jeff Darlington

A: Too late, Ben. The trade deadline passed Tuesday at 4 p.m. No trades until the offseason.

Submitted by Richard from New Orleans

Q: Hey Jeff, You've probably gotten bombarded with questions concerning the Dolphins Wildcat formations, and while that is a point of concern for my Saints team, I am more interested in the your analysis of Chad Henne. He's looked surprisingly good so far in two starts this season, but he's facing a much improved Saints defense this week and ball-hawking safety Darren Sharper. What do you see as his strength going into this matchup and can the Wildcat open things up for him in the passing game? Thanks for your time and GEUAX SAINTS!!! Richard PS: I'll be at the game this weekend representing the Who Dat Nation!

Answered 10/23/09 14:13:53 by Jeff Darlington

A: Well, there's no doubt that Henne's strength is still the same: His arm. With a running game that's already clicking, Henne's ability to throw the deep ball gives the Dolphins a new dimension to their offense. But as you pointed out, Miami still needs to make sure it doesn't turn Henne's asset into a detriment considering the ball-hawking ability of Sharper. Even against some very good quarterbacks, Sharper's ability to use his eyes and read where a quarterback is going makes me think the Dolphins should go with a conservative passing attack -- and instead rely on some added wrinkles to the Wildcat, as well as their typically sound rushing attack. But you're absolutely right about your final point: If Miami does want to eventually go deep, they need to first establish some misdirection through the unconventional playcalling that has gotten the Dolphins to this point.

Submitted by SMITH from GAINESVILLE,FL

Q: Hello again Jeff. Question, i know we drafted Pat White as a QB and thus that is his spot on the roster. Do you know of any NFL League rules that prohibit the Phins from saying designating White as a RB or WR? that way we can bring him in at any point in the game as our "wildpat" circumventing the rule about the Emergency QB. With all the talk of Wildcat 2.0, and the formation reaching "the next level", we still have yet to prove that we can pass out it, save Ronnie's occasional throws.

Answered 10/22/09 16:49:04 by Jeff Darlington

A: Actually, Smith, there's no rule prohibiting a team from bringing three quarterbacks into a game. The "emergency third QB" rule is intended to benefit teams from having to activate all three quarterbacks for a game. So whether they list White as a wide receiver or a quarterback, the question is instead whether they want to actually use a gameday roster spot on him. So with that being the case, it actually makes more sense for Miami to use Thigpen as a third quarterback. That way, you at least have a player on your inactive list that can come into the game in a dire situation. Make sense?

Submitted by *Home SuperBowl 2010 from Coconut Creek Fl

Q: How Bout some Exposure For my New Song? Dolphin Wildcat Strut **Celebration Song** Oooh, Oooh, Oooh, Oooh, Aqua and Orange Wildcat sittin' on a fence Got enough prowl and I`ll use my sixth sense I'm Blasting threw defenses but I don't care ...I strut right by with my tail in the air Stray cat strut, I'm the #1 Rushing Offense ... Wildcat A Smash Mouth Offense hey man, thats where its at Get defenders thrown at me from a mean old man Get my Touchdowns from the Wildcat Plan Yeah don't cross my path! I don't bother chasing nay sayers down I`m "Clawin" down the field looking for a fight Howling to the Dolfans on a Hot summer night Singin' the praise while the lady cats cry, "Wildcat, you're a real TD guy." I wish I could be as carefree and wild, but I got Dolphin Class and I got ...Wildcat Style.

Answered 10/21/09 14:04:08 by Jeff Darlington

A: Sounds, um, great!

Submitted by Samdolphin from Jupiter FL

Q: Thigpen is a right handed throwing QB and Pat White is a lefty. Would you say that in the near future we could see them on the field at the same time as WR's with R.Brown taking the snap and handing off to which everone the play is designed for throwing a pass?

Answered 10/21/09 13:55:10 by Jeff Darlington

A: No, Sam. Unless Chad Henne is hurt, White and Thigpen will never be on the field at the same time because one will always be listed as the emergency third quarterback. And even if they could have both out there, I doubt they would. You'll often hear coaches citing a very specific explanation for the success of the Wildcat, which is the benefit of having an extra blocker on the field because the ball is snapped directly to Ronnie Brown. By putting White and Thigpen out there at the same time, you're eliminating that benefit. I do believe you'll see more creativity from this package -- and maybe even more people involved -- it just won't come in the form you mentioned.

Submitted by Chris from Erie, PA

Q: Who was the last team to beat the Saints and how did they stop their offense?

Answered 10/21/09 13:49:49 by Jeff Darlington

A: Scary enough, the Saints' last loss doesn't matter at this point because the team's roster last year didn't have the type of depth and health it has currently enjoyed through six weeks this year. With Marques Colston healthy, as well as Jeremy Shockey and Reggie Bush, the Saints are clicking at nearly every position on the field. The scariest statistic about the Saints this season? They have yet to trail in any game. Wow. (For the record, the Saints last loss 33-31 to the Panthers in 2008. So how did the Panthers do it? Well, they scored 33 points.)

Submitted by Marti, Carlos from Miami, FL

Q: Hey Jeff,Im a die hard dolphins fan and very proud from what they acomplish last year finishing 11-5 compared to complete disaster seasons from previous years.I think our offensive line and running backs are solid Henne may well be on his way of beein our frenchise quaterback.our defense is a 7 from a 1 thru 10 comparison giving most credit to our defensive front 7 and feel good obut our strong safety.concerns about secondary i feel we got good athletes at the positions but they just cant seem to work together as a unit and constantly give up the deep ball and hurt our team.back on ofense our receivers are average not elite ginn got all the factors to be a deep threat but hes very inconsistent camarillo is a good posesion receiver slowly comin back from his injury last season startin to get hi status from last year.i think in order to make playoffs we will have to win division no wild card for us this year.We could beat buffalo twice and jets.take one from New england.beat tennese,tampa bay,jacksonville.content with houston and give saints a win if we control time of posesion and run ball well like we have been doin keepin brees off the field as much as we can and put pressure on him.10 and 6 look good right now anything else will be dissapointment. can we win division

Answered 10/21/09 13:46:05 by Jeff Darlington

A: Good talk!

Submitted by Fred Bouteiller from Toronto Canada

Q: Great forum Jeff, We are wasting V Davis on the bench, he and S Smith should both be in the game. Ed Reed is arguably the best safety in the league, at 5'11" and 200lbs he is a great cover guy and can stuff the run. V Davis has shown that he can cover receivers, and can come up and make a big hit on the running game. He is 5'11" and 203lbs, why not move him to safety and then we can have both of these talented kids on the field. He would do a better job than what we have out there now. Our safeties have been burned too often for huge chunks of yardage, and I'm afraid Brees is going to expose them again. Thanks for your time

Answered 10/21/09 13:45:13 by Jeff Darlington

A: Just a warning, Fred: Yes, the safety position has been incredibly annoying to a lot of people this year. And yes, Vontae has the aggressive nature that could work at the position. But there's more to that spot than size and athleticism. As the last line of defense, it requires a different level of skill sets (often more cerebral) than the cornerback spot. Vontae is a very athletic guy who will benefit more as a corner than as a safety, and switching him to a different position will ultimately cost him some very important development during the early portion of his career. Unfortunately, help at the safety spot will need to come from somewhere else.

Submitted by James from Cabool, MO

Q: I have been a Dolphin Fan since the 60's, and still proudly proclaim my love for the team. However, since Shula left, I have witnessed a pattern of botched draft making or trades, especially in the quarter back position. One of two mistake was not listening to Dan Marino in keep Huard as his replacement, and the second is passing up Drew Brees twice, and taking on that idiot Culpepper. I have some faith in Chad Henne, and believe he can become a great QB. However, Do you think that with the new Dolphins organization under Bill Parcells will change the blunders made by those in the past as Jimmy Johnson and Nick Saban? It makes me sick to see Drew Brees performing as he has since his coming to the Saints, and this is the man who could be leading our offense. I know it is no use crying over spilt milk, but it is the poor choices that brought us into our dilemma. What is your insight?

Answered 10/21/09 13:42:20 by Jeff Darlington

A: This is always a tough question to answer. On one hand, I completely understand the frustration involved when Dolphins fans wonder what could have been with Brees. On the other hand, I always remind myself that every turn and every decision often causes a different set of results. Take a guy like Wes Welker, for example. Right now, it'd be easy to say the Dolphins should have never allowed him to leave Miami given what he has proven capable of accomplishing in New England. But does Welker really become such a star if he stays with the Dolphins? Or does his career stay on a path of solid play without such exceptional results? Then again, facts are facts. And Drew Brees is an unbelievable quarterback who would have been better than any of the quarterbacks that have joined Miami since the team had the opportunity to snag him. So with that said, you're right: Not signing him was a mistake. And it was a mistake, given Miami's decision to sign Chad Pennington despite his own shoulder issues, that I can't see this regime making if they were in the position to have signed him. Will they have their own faults throughout the draft? Of course. Every team does. But if Henne can turn into an NFL stud, I think it will provide you with the type of satisfaction you have thirsted for since the days when this organization lacked the mistakes you cited in your question.

Submitted by aj from cocoa, fl

Q: Hi Jeff, wanted to say I like your forum. What a game against the Jets.. I started looking ahead and I see we play 2 teams that are 0-5(at this time) 2 teams that have 1 win (one being Buffalo)2 2-3 teams and 2 3-2 teams, and the saints at 4-0. That doesnt seam that bad considering at the start we had the toughest schedule. I guess to put a question here it would be at this time what would you rate the upcoming schedule on a one to ten basis? Miami cant have the toughest schedule ahead at this time. Thanks for your time.

Answered 10/14/09 17:24:46 by Jeff Darlington

A: Thanks for the question, AJ. We were having this conversation Monday in the press box, pointing out how those preseason superlatives that suggested Miami has the hardest schedule in the NFL can always wind up out being skewed after only a few games. I'd say Miami's schedule probably looks a bit easier than it did when we were simply analyzing the 2008 records of Miami's opponents. Still, although the Dolphins might have a softer second half to the season, none of that matters if Miami can't survive the gauntlet this team must now endure. They'll play the Saints, the Jets and the Patriots during the next three games. With the hottest team in football and two divisional games ahead, the Dolphins need to put together some great football to maintain their relevance, considering they already have three losses. So what do I rate the rest of the schedule? An 8. Every game is simply too important for the Dolphins to be looking ahead at any of the easier opponents.

Submitted by Smith from Gainesville,FL

Q: Hi Jeff. Where is Chad Pennington? From reading reports i know he's had surgery to repair the shoulder. But since then has CPenn been around the team to lend out his support or has he chosen to remain distant to 1.)Allow Henne to transition to becoming the leader of this team and 2.)given his contract situation, knowing he more than likely will not be retained by the Dolphin brass.

Answered 10/14/09 17:19:16 by Jeff Darlington

A: Good question, Smith. Pennington has been spending some time at the facility, but certainly not nearly as much time as he spent when he was healthy. It's not unusual for a player rehabilitating a fresh injury to take some time away, but as coach Tony Sparano has noted, Pennington's love for the game won't keep him gone for long. And don't forget, Pennington and his wife, Robin, had their third son this offseason. After all these years of letting Robin do all the work at home while Chad plays football, I'm sure he's got plenty of "chores" to make up for some lost time around the house! So, within a matter of weeks, that probably means Chad will be doing whatever he can to get over to the team's facility -- even if it means polishing Parcells' shoes -- to get himself a little break from the little guys.

Submitted by Gil from Boynton Beach, Fl

Q: really tough losing Cobbs for the year but JT appeared to be injured in the 4th on Monday also What is the status of his injury>

Answered 10/14/09 17:14:40 by Jeff Darlington

A: Jason is fine, Gil. He did leave the game at one point, but it was nothing serious. Taylor practiced Wednesday, too. The only concerns with injuries heading into the bye week, beyond replacing Cobbs, are Channing Crowder (ankle) and Joey Porter (hamstring). Both players are likely to be fine, and coach Tony Sparano said he expects to give a few other players some rest throughout the week. I'd expect a full, healthy roster -- minus Cobbs -- in time for next week's game against the Saints.