Submitted by Doc Mac from Asheville, NC

Q: Jeff; Would you say it's the Offenses progress that has led the Phins to the place they are at today? I'm sure we are all shocked at where Miami sits currently, if the season ended today wouldn't this be a successful year?

Answered 11/12/08 17:04:19 by Jeff Darlington

A: Sure, Doc. It's the offensieve progress. But more specifically, I think it's the offense's discipline that has largely fueled the success of this team. Limited penalties. Limited turnovers. Limited blunders in time management. In general, the team has resisted making "shoot yourself in the foot" type mistakes. And the result can be seen in the record. As for your second point, it depends how you look at it: If the season ended today, I think it would be a very unfortunate, premature conclusion to what could be something even more special. This team isn't just 5-4. They also have won five of their last seven games. That suggests they are continuing to mature as the season progresses, which is something that should fuel even more hope for the weeks ahead.

Submitted by Stan Martucci from Nashville, Tn.

Q: Jeff, I sit in a sportsbar with numerous games going on at the same time. One thing that stands out to me is how many empty seats there are at Dolphins stadium. Where is the fan support from the locals?

Answered 11/12/08 14:55:08 by Jeff Darlington

A: I don't know, Stan. But I will say this: The Dolphins are earning the respect of their fans once again. They are actually legitimizing the price of admission with a fun, innovative offense and tough, play-making defense -- and a genuine chance to see a win every single week. So while it might be disappointing to see empty seats, it's important to remember that Miami's fans are in the process of renewing their loyalty toward this team. As a result, with time, I think you'll soon see more bodies in those stands.

Submitted by Chris from Erie, PA

Q: I was hoping that the Dolphins would make a statement with a convincing win against Seattle last week, but too many errors and mistakes nearly cost the team the game. Do you think the Dolphins will build off of their mistakes and make the Oakland game a statement game where they play at their highest level and win maybe 30-6?

Answered 11/12/08 14:51:12 by Jeff Darlington

A: Chris: You bring up an interesting point. Personally, I think Miami's tight win might have been the best thing that could have happened to the Dolphins. They still came out with the victory, but they also were somewhat humbled as they prepare for another opponent that could otherwise be considered a potential trap game. Making statements doesn't really matter in this league -- getting wins does. At the end of the year, this isn't like the college game, in which the strength of schedule and the margin of victory can impact the fate of a team's ultimate success. Only one thing matters: Wins. And now, the Dolphins should realize that they never will come easy.

Submitted by BennyV from Enfield, CT

Q: OK so Jason Allen hasn't been a pro bowler performer in the 2 games he's played at CB, but the guy has certianly held his own. Why did it take so long for the coaching staff to make this move? We saw the same thing a few years back when Saban held out Bell in favor of Tillmen. It was like night and day. Why\What is so different from practice to game day that guys like this cn flourish come Sunday, but be in the doghouse all week?

Answered 11/05/08 13:25:58 by Jeff Darlington

A: Here's what you've got to keep in mind, Benny: Just because Jason has been playing well lately, it doesn't mean he would have been producing in the same manner had he played earlier this season. Tony Sparano is the first one to say Allen has made great strides recently, so he might simply be ready to play now. I'm not necessarily taking the blame off of the coaching staff completely, though. It's important to also remember this staff believed with great conviction that Jason Allen was a natural safety, which they stated at the start of training camp. It wasn't until near the season's start that the transition to corner began, so perhaps there's an argument to be made that his impact would have been felt sooner had it not been for the late transition. Nonetheless, Jason hasn't exactly been a standout during his first two years, either. So before you blame the coaching staff, you might need to also take a look at the player. And now that he's showing some progress, he also deserves the credit, too.

Submitted by Jeremy from Keeseville, NY

Q: I was just reading that the Raiders might release Deangelo Hall. Do you think that he would be a good fit for the Phins secondary? He's young, fast and if not a upgrade at least a good fit for a secondary that is getting better but still needs improving.

Answered 11/05/08 13:04:49 by Jeff Darlington

A: Thanks for the question, Jeremy. I've gotten several questions on this one (from Irton, Adam G., and Nick), so I'll address them all with one response. I'll be watching closely what happens with Hall, but I'd be slightly surprised if the Dolphins go after him for one major reason: Money. While I know Hall won't get the same type of contract he got in Oakland (seven-year, $70 million with $24.5 million guaranteed), there's going to be some team out there willing to shell out a bunch of bucks. And I don't think that team will be the Dolphins. As we've already seen plenty of times, this regime believes in discovering NEW talent. Jeff Ireland and Bill Parcells believe (and rightfully so) that they can discover cheap players with ability -- rather than relying on paying for expensivetalent that has already been unearthed in other NFL cities. I'm not saying he's not speedy and talented. He is. But I'm just saying I'll be surprised if Miami gets into a bidding war with other squads.

Submitted by Gil from Boynton Beach,FL

Q: Why release Hagan (445,000) a year ? Why not Wilford, more salary and has done just about the same as Hagan. Thanks

Answered 11/05/08 12:52:26 by Jeff Darlington

A: Good question, Gil. I'll be looking into the reasoning for this decision today, and I'll surely get back to you. But yes, Hagan does seem awful affordable to just cut without a plan to replace him in place. And given the methodical approach of this front office, I'm guessing we'll find out quickly what that plan is. I'm not sure we need to make a comparison to Wilford, since his bonus of $6 million makes him tough to cut. But it's certainly worth wondering why they cut Hagan -- even if he has yet to produce -- considering his affordability. Then again, as I've learned from this staff, there's sometimes just no reason to delay the inevitable.

Submitted by Andrew Robinson from Homestead, FL

Q: Do you feel, as I do, that the Dolphins offense is too predictable until they get into a must-produce situation? It just seems that they call the same plays most of the time. If they get into a situation when they HAVE to score to get a win, then the play-calling seems to loosen-up, usually with positive results. Why can't they call those plays all the time?

Answered 11/05/08 12:49:16 by Jeff Darlington

A: I hate to disagree with you, Andrew. But the statistics actually would back up the opposite sentiment -- that Miami is actually better when they are NOT in must-produce situations. Consider their success on first downs compared to third downs. The Dolphins are a lowly 2-for-37 when they need more than six yards on third-down situations. In general, Miami has converted 32.3 percent of their third downs this season, meaning they aren't exactly thriving in pressure-filled situations throughout the regular course of the game. Now, to the contrary, the Dolphins are second in the NFL for yards on first downs. They currently are getting 5.97 yards on the first play of each series -- which suggests they are actually very solid when NOT in must-produce situations. See what I'm saying at all?

Submitted by Luis Gonzalez from Honolulu, HI

Q: Jeff I keep reading comments that give off the idea that the Dolphins are on the right direction to eventually hand off the team to Henne. That is crazy talk... This is and is going to be Pennington's team right?

Answered 10/27/08 10:45:42 by Jeff Darlington

A: I don't know, Luis. It's a terrific question, and it inspires a worthy debate, but I don't know if anyone (including coach Tony Sparano) could truly say with conviction that there's a definitive plan in place for such a transition. Here's what we know: Chad Pennington has been extremely efficient for this football team, and his efficiency has arguably been one of the top three differences between this year and last year (I'd say Ronnie Brown's good health and Tony Sparano's influence rank above Pennington's efficiency). We also know Chad Henne has shown great potential, and he has the arm strength to do certain things Pennington can't. There's two theories any rational person could choose to side with: (1) Don't delay the inevitable. (2) Don't mess up a good thing. I tend to think, although the latter lends itself to a conservative approach, Miami might still be best fit for now with the proven, efficient quarterback leading the way. But next season? Well, that's anyone's guess. Then again, look at the bright side: When was the last time Miami was trying to decide between two solid options at quarterback rather than two bad ones?

Submitted by tim mahaney from auburn,ny

Q: how does a team in miami's position as a team rebuilding for the future, play it in the early rebuild years. do they play to win as many games as they can with the possibly subpar players at certain positions and have lower draft picks and never get those elite players that go at the top of the draft,the players that produce for years. or do they win just enough to keep the team somewhat competetive and get those elite players for the future. my take of this season is they want to win just enough to ensure good draft picks. what road do you think miami's going down?

Answered 10/27/08 10:43:18 by Jeff Darlington

A: I know where you're going with the question, Tim. The problem is, Miami has had plenty of years with high draft picks over the past four seasons. And yet, they have continued to find themselves in the same lowly place at the end of each season. I think this team should absolutely try to win as many games as possible -- as soon as possible. Forget focusing on being a losing team in order to gain better picks. If this regime is confident in what they do (and believe me, they are), they'll find talent at the bottom of the first round. Hey, I know I don't need to remind anyone of this, but Dan Marino didn't exactly wind up on the worst team in the NFL at the time.

Submitted by JAMES JOHNSON from MIAMI GARDEN,FL

Q: HERE MY QUESTION, HOW COME THE DOLPHINS WILL NOT ADD TY LAW TO THE ROSTER HE'S A GREAT (CB) IN HE CAN HELP US. AND WILL WE EVER ADD ANOTHER (WR). AND WHAT THE DEAL WITH KEYSHAWN SHOWING UP TO PRATICE. IS THAT A GOOD THING OR BAD THING. THANK U FOR YOUR TIME.

Answered 10/27/08 10:40:36 by Jeff Darlington

A: James: I don't think the Dolphins are necessarily opposed to continuing their talks with Ty Law, but he's currently more interested in finding a team in contention for a Super Bowl. Whether he finds it or not remains to be seen, but I'm guessing the longer he spends waiting, the less likely his arrival in Miami would be. As for Keyshawn, there's nothing to that. He's just very good friends with Bill Parcells, and he was stopping by to see The Tuna.

Submitted by tim from ny

Q: I seems to me that the wild cat is getting stale. when ronnie pitched it back to chad for a big strike down field,that put a other wrinkle it the wild cat. why don't they pitch it back to chad and have him shoot not the bomb, but shorter pass and put another wrinkle in the wild cat. defences are keying on ronnie and ricky to run why not give it back to the man really in control of the off. why not mix up the wild cat between pass and run like you mix up the base off. between pass & run to keep def's. honest.

Answered 10/27/08 10:38:27 by Jeff Darlington

A: Yeah, Tim, I don't know that the Wildcat is necessarily stale. I just think the Dolphins will allow the defensive scheming to dictate how they use the package. For now, it's being used as a fitting way to create space for Ronnie Brown to gain anywhere from three to five yards each time. In the future, as teams tend to spend less time preparing for it, I think Miami will pull it out for another occasional surprise. Is it overused? No. If they were trying unsuccessfuly to trick defenses with it everytime, then I'd say it was stale. But that's just not the case right now.

Submitted by Andy from Orlando, Fla

Q: If you had to name 4 starters that you don't think will be on the team next year who would they be. By trade, droping or whatever. Ginn and who else.

Answered 10/27/08 10:35:46 by Jeff Darlington

A: Great question. I'd say Vernon Carey, Casey Cramer, Renaldo Hill and Andre Goodman. Nothing against any of those guys. But for one reason or another, my guess is you'll see an influx of young guys in the secondary, along with the loss of Carey to free agency. I really like Hill and Goodman, and I hope both stick around Miami, but we'll see.

Submitted by Mike from Tucson, AZ

Q: Are you really an expert?

Answered 10/27/08 10:32:29 by Jeff Darlington

A: Yes, Mike. I am an expert. If you ever need anyone to wrongly pick the final outcome of a Dolphins game, I'm your guy. Hey, everyone has their special talent, right?! (By the way, for the record, I picked Miami to defeat Buffalo, ending what has been a humbling 0-6 start to the season. 10-6 or bust!)

Submitted by drsamii from Belmont, NC (Miami, displaced)

Q: That's what I'm talking about Jeff! Like I said in my reply post, I just want these young guys to play and show us if they can sink or swim. No relation to any of em, just think that some guys need a little time and you have to be patient. Ginn was phenominal. I hope people stop questioning his toughness cuz he took a mean lick on the chops and laughed it off (Hope you like your 5-10k Fine whoever that buffalo guy was). He would have had a touch down if Chad put it out there a little more. And you guessed it, here it comes...how do u think Jason Allen did? I thought he did pretty good out there.

Answered 10/27/08 10:30:32 by Jeff Darlington

A: Yeah, Doc. I thought Jason did some good things. I was happy to see him make the most of his opportunities. I'm not sure what kind of player he can grow into -- or what his ceiling for success might be -- but I was happy to see him play generally effective in coverage. He had a few miscues here and there, but his transition to the corner position seemed to pay off. Let's see what happens. The next eight games likely will dictate the rest of your boy's career.

Submitted by Chris from Bohemia, NY

Q: Is the Dolphins defense really that bad, or are they in a lapse. I can't understand how they can shut down the offenses of New England and San Diego, then blow it to the Texans and Ravens.

Answered 10/24/08 14:16:38 by Jeff Darlington

A: We still have yet to learn the true identity of this defense, but it's nonetheless important to refrain from underestimating the significance of Jason Ferguson's absence for the final three quarters of Sunday's game. Without Paul Soliai (suspended for that game) and Ferguson (injured his oblique), the Dolphins were very susceptible to the Ravens' running game up the middle. It placed a huge burden on the rest of the unit, and it was never able to recover. Now, I'm not saying that excuses the poor tackling in the secondary, which was responsible for 11 missed tackles in the back end against the Ravens, but Ferguson's absence had a ripple effect that really skewed what we could take out of that game in terms of an analysis of the defense. You're still right: The team isn't consistent enough -- with or without Ferguson.

Submitted by Jenkins

Q: Is Tedd Ginn doing K/O for sure? ...I get pts for returns on Fantasy....

Answered 10/24/08 14:12:33 by Jeff Darlington

A: I would anticipate he'll be back there, Jenkins. It's been a week-to-week decision, but as long as Ginn didn't drop any kicks during practice this week (something that irks Sparano), I'd say there's a very high probability he'll be the one back deep. Davone Bess will handle punts.

Submitted by drsamii from Belmont, NC (Miami displaced)

Q: Well Jeff, I may get what I asked for..sort of. I wanted to get Jason in but at safety. Now he gets in at corner but, on a day of baptism by fire: Lee Evans aka certifiable dolphin killer. Geez. If he has a bad day, how do we quell the fires of he's a bust. Don't you think he needs several games to be assessed properly? Hopefully he shines. It's crazy, I am the most nervous about this game because between Lee and Roscoe you always have the potential for a big play. Those little, fast receivers are dangerous...one fake and they're gone. The line has to get pressure on Trent...they can not allow him to sit and wait while these little guys run around, find a crease, and mount up YACs. Your thoughts?

Answered 10/24/08 13:58:59 by Jeff Darlington

A: So wait, you're making excuses for Jason's debut at corner already?! Let's just see how the guy does first. I like Jason a lot, but I'm starting to think my affinity for him doesn't even come close to comparing to yours. Why all the love, Doc? You guys related? NOTE TO EVERYONE HERE FOR THE CHAT: SPARANO'S PRESSER IS RUNNING LATE. I'LL BE BACK ON AT 2:15 P.M. Thanks!

Submitted by Doc Mac from Asheville, NC

Q: Jeff; Most likely Beck is a gonner in the off season, with the Minnesota Vikings in such need for a QB would that not be a place to start in trying to deal Beck. With Becks arm and mobility one would think with the Vikes RB's and WR's Beck would greatly bennefit with them. What value would he hold, and why if the Vikes were trying to get a QB at the trade deadline was Miami not trying to give Beck away?

Answered 10/22/08 09:49:48 by Jeff Darlington

A: Hey Doc. For starters, I'd say it's probably not smart to ever try to "give Beck away," when you consider the current perception of John at this point in time. The Dolphins need to have a third emergency quarterback on their roster, and you might as well keep a player who still clearly has more value than he's currently worth. If the Dolphins can consistently groom Beck into the player he has the talent to become, there's no downside to keeping him around as a necessary part of the roster. Does Beck's future include a starting job in Miami? More than likely, no. Chad Henne has instead shown too much in too short of a time to believe anyone but him will take over for Pennington. But wherever Beck goes right now, he'll be a backup. If Henne's time is coming soon, and Pennington doesn't stick around as a backup (unlikely), it's not such a bad thing to have a quarterback like Beck as your backup, unless you find a deal that would truly allow you to gain back some of what you spent on Beck to begin with.

Submitted by Yatta from Montgomery Al

Q: How many games do you think were gonna win this year???

Answered 10/20/08 10:03:26 by Jeff Darlington

A: At this point, I'd guess six or seven.

Submitted by Mike White from Bella Vista, AR

Q: Miami has been pretty successful with the new Wildcat formation and using it regularily. Since we are up against Dolphins Former Head Coach (sic) Cam Cameron and he added a verson of the old Statue of Liberty play when he coached, do you think he may try to slip it in if the situation warrents (inside the 5 etc) to the unsuspecting Fins? Especially since the Texans beat us last week on a QB Draw. Do you think Sprano may have thought about this play from Cameron and preped for it? Thnx for your answer. Mike

Answered 10/20/08 10:02:32 by Jeff Darlington

A: Sorry I missed your question before the start of the game, Mike. It was a pretty busy week. But please, feel free to submit a few more if you've got any, and I'll be sure to get to them.