Submitted by Rich from Welland, Ontario

Q: Seems like everyone is getting antsy and wanting to dump the Trifecta for bad draft picks or FA signings. It is always a crapshoot when you sign or draft players. If your right 50% of the time, I think you are doing pretty good. Rememeber, this team was 1-15 not that long ago. We have won 18 games and been to the playoffs once since then (2 years). We are a victim of high expectations after the first years 11 win season. Keep the faith and lets see what they pick up from the waiver wire.

Answered 09/08/10 09:56:24 by Jeff Darlington

A: Here's an example of a fan talking other fans off the ledge. A fine job of doing so, in my opinion.

Submitted by fishfan from durham, nc

Q: Jeff.. Several readers have made a great point about Will Allen...in your opinion was there a player we picked up possibly worth Allen's roster spot? And can you ask around with other players--there has to be a growing concern that good players won't play for this regime based on the way they treat people. David Martin is yet another great example. Can anyone truly think we are a better team this year without Jason Taylor, David Martin, and even Charles Grant...hell even as painful as it is to say--don't you think we would even be stronger if we had Ted Ginn stretching the field and returning kicks...come on fish...where the hell is the plan to improve...

Answered 09/08/10 09:52:32 by Jeff Darlington

A: You covered about three different topics in that question -- but I'll see if I can summarize all of them. First, regarding Will Allen, I still can't comfortably justify that deciscion because it still doesn't make all that much sense to me. From all indications, Allen thought he could return within a month. The team had less confidence about those goals, instead believing Allen's knee could require as many as eight weeks. It's not easy to hold a roster spot open for eight weeks, but if ever there was a time to do so, if ever there was a position that needed his presence, the cornerback spot might be it. But there's nothing my opinion or your opinion can change about that decision now. Allen is, in fact, on the IR. I can at least shed some other light on your other questions. As for any growing concern about "good players" not wanting to play for this regime, I'd say Brandon Marshall and Karlos Dansby are pretty good players. In fact, I'd say they were possibly the two best players available during free agency. Let's not have short memories here. Both of those signings addressed major, major needs with huge upgrades. As for the departures of Jason Taylor, David Martin, Charles Grant and Ted Ginn Jr., I'd say you have to treat all of those situations separately. I would have certainly advocated Taylor's return, but Martin wasn't the same player as he was in 2008, regardless of the fact that fans don't want to believe it. I agree: Many of these decisions have created easy reasons to question this regime. But no games have been played yet. No results are in. So before everyone writes off this season as a failure based on a flurry of signings and departures, let's step back -- and get ready to enjoy some real, meaningful football.

Submitted by Matt from Columbus, Ohio

Q: It can either be a good sign or a bad sign that no one is reporting on Jake Long's injury last night. What is his current status or latest information available?

Answered 09/03/10 11:43:18 by Jeff Darlington

A: He's fine. Last night in the locker room, he was walking without a brace or a limp. No question in my mind, he'll be good to go for the season opener.

Submitted by Mike I from Daytona Beach, FL

Q: I think any fans "on the ledge" at this point aren't really knowledgable about this sport. We will not only beat the Bills, we'll sweep them. New England and, yes, New York Jets each have exploitable flaws. Plus our biggest weapon this year, Mike Nolan hasn't even opened his playbook yet. Have faith Fins fans. My question is: do you think Henne is still out of sync with Marshall? I have to admit some of the passes seemed forced and not smoothly getting to No.19.

Answered 09/03/10 11:41:55 by Jeff Darlington

A: While I completely agree with your points about the need to implement Nolan's game plan, I think it's also important you don't get ahead of yourself by quickly suggesting the Dolphins will sweep the Bills. The Dolphins need to have a better sense of urgency and a better understanding of how difficult it's going to be to make their mark in the AFC East. True, the Dolphins should sweep the Bills. But we've seen very little to this point to guarantee such a result -- so for their sake, I hope the players don't have the same mentality that everything will be just fine once Nolan goes to work. I'm not hating on your suggestion, but instead noting that the Dolphins can't rely entirely on the game plan to save them. As for your question, I think Henne and Marshall are developing a chemistry; it's just happening a little slower than I expected. Henne throws a very hard football, and I'm getting the sense Marshall isn't so used to it yet. It's going to take some compromise between the two of them before they find their exact timing and chemistry.

Submitted by Brian from Providence RI

Q: Is Sean Smith going to lose his starting job? any word on why he didn't start the game before?

Answered 09/03/10 11:35:55 by Jeff Darlington

A: Remember my prediction at the start of training camp when I said Will Allen would eventually regain his starting job from Sean Smith? It would have happened, but Allen is hurt. But here's what's important to remember: I wasn't simply saying Smith would lose his starting job. I was saying he'd be replaced by Allen. I don't think there's anyone else on this roster more deserving than Smith at this point. Not Jason Allen. Not Nolan Carroll. So until Will Allen gets himself healthy enough to make a push for that job, I think you'll see Sean and Vontae in the secondary. Let me also say this: I think Sean Smith will be a very solid cornerback for this team for a very long time. But he's going through a phase right now when he needs to regain his level of comfort and his understanding of his capabilities. People seem to forget that he's still very young. Yes, he got a lot of experience last year, but he still has some growth to undergo. With time, I think the fan base will be satisfied with his abilities yet again.

Submitted by Jim from Dallas, TX

Q: Hey, Jeff. Welcome to Dallas. In watching the OLBs, it seems to me the best use of the top three guys would be to start Francis on the strong side and Misi on the weak side. On passing downs they should bring in Wake on the weak side and have Misi move over to strong. Has this coaching staff come to the same conclusion or were they just tinkering last night?

Answered 09/03/10 11:30:21 by Jeff Darlington

A: I can't say I entirely disagree with your suggestions, although you'd really need to make sure Misi is comfortable playing both positions if you're expecting him to jump back and forth from SAM to WILL. I like the concept -- it's just worrisome to place such a wide range of responsibilities on a rookie. The Dolphins have been tinkering with several options like this, and Misi has been getting work on both sides, but I'm not sure whether they'll be comfortable enough to have him making those switches on a play-by-play basis.

Submitted by John from LBTS

Q: Penny is obviously the best Field General and Henne is learning...still. Thigpen is a scrambling spread QB who seems a natural for the Wildcat. Why don't we have Penny continue just as last year and have Henne continue to learn, drop the White experiment and employ TT as the Wildcat QB. Imagine a mobile QB in the wildcat with two 1,000 yard rushers and Marshall. Now you're talking playoffs. even if Penny gets hurt, we are still in it, Response please, and thanks for good work.

Answered 09/03/10 11:27:51 by Jeff Darlington

A: There's no such thing as a "Wildcat QB." Let's remember that Pat White was brought to the Dolphins to run the spread offense. That experiment did not work. And while I understand most want to blame White's ability for those failures, it's also important to remember there's been very little proven success from a spread offense in the NFL to begin with. With that said, I can't envision the Dolphins trying to force the spread into their offense with Thigpen, either. I know that's not the point of your question, but I think it's important to remember that Thigpen is in Miami to serve as a legitimate backup QB -- not a niche option. Ronnie Brown is the only legitimate Wildcat option on this team, and the reason is that his skill set (which combines patience, explosiveness and speed) allows him to be such a threat out of the package. As for your point about Pennington and Henne, there's no way for Henne to learn without being on that field. The Dolphins need to find out if he's the real deal. The only way to do that is to give him the proper chance.

Submitted by KJ from Atlanta,GA

Q: Do you think Miami will keep 5WR & if so who are your final 2?

Answered 09/03/10 11:23:13 by Jeff Darlington

A: Yes, I do think the Dolphins will keep five wide receivers on the 53-man roster -- while adding another one to the practice squad. It's going to come down to Marlon Moore, Roberto Wallace and Patrick Turner. Both Moore and Wallace had a solid finale Thursday, and Turner has been improved through most of the preseason. The Dolphins will hope no teams come chasing the player they decided to put on the practice squad, so I'd expect either Wallace or Moore to be that guy. That means Turner would make the final roster -- although I've not been told yet by any team sources whether that will indeed be the case.

Submitted by Mike from Rye, New York

Q: What worries you the most about this team going into the regular season?

Answered 09/03/10 11:20:38 by Jeff Darlington

A: On offense, the running game. More specifically, the run blocking by the interior linemen. On defense, the pass coverage. I'll start with the offense: Aside from Ricky's 42-yard run untouched up the middle, Ronnie and Ricky carried just six times for 13 yards. Most of those carries were attempts up the middle. Coach Tony Sparano said he saw some better things from the running game Thursday, but I wasn't quite as convinced. Look, Ronnie and Ricky will be fine -- but that unit is going to be a critical aspect of the offensive success. And for those two backs to be as effective as possible, they need better blocking from the guards and the center. As for the coverage aspect on defense, I just hope Mike Nolan's game plan calls for less one-on-one coverage between the corners and opposing wide receivers. I really do believe the game plan should change a lot about the complexion of this unit. I know many others will be hoping so, too.

Submitted by Roberto Yanes from Miami, FL

Q: After roster cuts and waivers, What positions do you see Miami addressing?

Answered 09/03/10 11:15:23 by Jeff Darlington

A: I'm sure the Dolphins will scour the wire for interior linemen, inside linebackers, and potential special teams contributors. Otherwise, unless a few unexpected gems surface following the final round of cuts, I think you'll see the Dolphins stick with what they currently have. Teams usually go into this time of year with some real conviction about their rosters. And while I'll credit Jeff Ireland for always being willing to look under those metaphorical rocks, I do think you'll see mostly the same guys on the 53-man roster Sunday as you will one week from now.

Submitted by Jeremy Fisher from N. Bay Village

Q: What LB's are on the bubble?

Answered 09/03/10 11:12:01 by Jeff Darlington

A: As the Dolphins get ready to trim from 74 players to 53, the linebackers currently awaiting their fate with a little more anxiety than the rest are Erik Walden, Austin Spitler, J.D. Folsom, Chris McCoy and Micah Johnson. It's really a matter of which players have better special teams value. Of that group, Walden has been the most impressive within that unit. Folsom has had every opportunity to embrace a roster spot lately, but he's yet to do so with any matter of urgency. Really, though, I'd keep your eye on all five of those linebackers. Most of them are likely candidates for the practice squad.

Submitted by Glenn Robinson from Charleston, WV

Q: What are Pat White's prospects with the Dolphins this season? Is there a reason why he has been getting very little playing time in this pre-season? If so, what is it?

Answered 09/03/10 11:03:28 by Jeff Darlington

A: Unless the Dolphins have some strange, secretive plan to use Pat White in a way we've yet to see, this is likely Pat's last full day with the team. Pat did not get any extensive work Thursday, which coach Tony Sparano continues to peg on the fact that it's difficult to get a fourth-string quarterback any playing time. Here's the catch: It's also rare to keep four quarterbacks on a roster. And if Sparano is now treating White as just another "fourth-string quarterback" rather than a versatile weapon in the spread offense, that's not a good sign. I know Pat means a lot to the people of West Virginia, like you, so we'll be sure to keep you posted as soon as we hear anything regarding his future in South Florida.

Submitted by Chase from L.A.

Q: Will Brandon Marshall permanently wear number 19 or will he change it? What have you heard or know?

Answered 08/31/10 13:32:52 by Jeff Darlington

A: He'll keep No. 19. That's his number -- and it would be very difficult for him to change at this point. The NFL and Reebok is very strict about that sort of thing. They don't want to lose out on a boatload of inventory based on a player's desire to flip a different number onto his back for one reason or another. So yes, it's safe to purchase No. 19. Or just rip Ginn's name off your last jersey and get out your magic marker.

Submitted by BJ from Sal Lake, Utah

Q: Is history going to repeat itself for a third straight year under Tony Sparano with a 0-2 start? It was only a preseason game but the Dolphins don't look ready.

Answered 08/31/10 13:29:40 by Jeff Darlington

A: If the Dolphins get off to an 0-2 start, they will have a very rough road ahead of them. They need to win that opening game against the Bills, especially when considering the following four games are against the Vikings, the Patriots, the Jets and the Packers. Those are all top-tier teams. If Miami can't beat the Bills, defeating any of those squads will become a far more intimidating task. Therefore, I would say an 0-2 start is something that would have the potential to lead to something much worse, like an 0-5 start. For what it's worth, I do think the Dolphins will defeat the Bills -- which should make people feel much better about the possibility of opening the season with a decent record.

Submitted by chris from erie, pa

Q: Do you think the Dolphins will trade Thigpen to a team like the Giants that need a backup QB and give Pat White a chance to develop one more year?

Answered 08/31/10 13:26:05 by Jeff Darlington

A: No. I anticipate Miami will keep Thigpen as the backup for several months -- and possibly longer. In fact, if the Dolphins can sign him for another year beyond the current one (his contract expires after this season), it might also be a smart option. Considering Chad Pennington is currently eyeing a starting job in 2011, and considering his chances of locking up such a job are better than Thigpen's chances, it would make good sense for both the Dolphins and Tyler to seriously think about extending their relationship. I've spoken to Tyler recently, and he has indicated he really does love his current situation. While he also has aspirations of being a starter, he is still young enough to wait for the right opportunity. As far as your wonders about giving Pat White a chance to develop, the team does not believe he is currently ready to take charge of a team, and since Pennington's shoulder still isn't ready to handle a four-quarter work load, it would be a major gamble to go into a season with White as your second option in the case of a Henne injury.

Submitted by Jason from Boston

Q: Hey Jeff, where will charles grant play this year? he is a 4-3 DE and usually 4-3 DE move to OLB in a 3-4 defense. Grant is 285 lbs. according to espn.com so maybe he can fit as a DE in Miami. Whats your thoughts? Thanks, Jason

Answered 08/10/10 13:09:32 by Jeff Darlington

A: He'll play defensive end, and I anticipate he'll get a very hard look at the position. I've spoken to a few people who even think he could eventually prove more capable to handle the starting job by Week One over Jared Odrick. I tend to disagree with that line of thinking, but it's still interesting to know such lines of thinking even exist about Grant. He had a very solid scrimmage Saturday. I'll be keeping a close eye on him to see if he keeps it up -- but to answer your question, yes, he'll be playing defensive end in this system.

Submitted by jeffery tolen from manassas virginia

Q: I hear that Pat Turner is having a good camp. Do you think that he has a chance to make it into the five reciever rotation? And if so, could be a sleeper to have a good year playing opposite of Brandon Marshall, because of Turner size and speed?

Answered 08/10/10 13:06:28 by Jeff Darlington

A: He's having a good camp, yes. Not a great camp. Not a breakout camp. A good camp. He appears to be more explosive out of his routes, which was one of the biggest knocks against him last year. Whether that is enough to get him onto the roster is going to be a matter of two things: 1) Can he continue to show some consistency? 2) Will players like Roberto Wallace, Julius Pruitt, Ryan Grice-Mullen, Taurus Johnson or Marlon Moore prove worthy of a roster spot instead? At this point, if I had to guess, I'd say the team gives Turner a final chance to prove his worth. But that doesn't mean I'm predicting anything major from Turner this season. If you're the fifth man in a five-man rotation, you're likely not going to get many game repetitions -- if you dress at all. So from that end, he still has a lot to prove.

Submitted by TED from ATLANTA, GA

Q: What has been your impression of Koa Misi thus far? How about Odrick?

Answered 08/10/10 12:59:41 by Jeff Darlington

A: From everyone I've spoken to about these rookies, Koa Misi has all of the athletics and instincts to make an immediate impact. Odrick might take a little more time -- but he'll also get there very quickly. It's especially helpful that both players are being thrown into the fire. Unlike a position like quarterback or cornerback, you can be much less delicate about throwing a linebacker or a defensive end onto the field right away. They'll get valuable repetitions early in camp, and they should both have a very firm understanding of the defense by the opening game. So, basically, I'm just saying there's no real reason for concern about either player at this point.

Submitted by Andrew from Miami

Q: Jeff: Isn't this a good deal, the re-signing of David Martin? I thought he was a very good tight end, and better than Fasano. I didn't understand why the 'Fins were so quick to let him go. I knew he had an injury, but I thought he got over that some time ago, and that he could have played last year. What are your thoughts on the signing, and do you think he will eventually start over Fasano? Thanks

Answered 08/10/10 12:56:11 by Jeff Darlington

A: I see nothing wrong with the decision to re-sign Martin -- but it's still going to be important to see whether he is the same player he was in 2008. It's premature to expect Martin's arrival to cause the team to revert back to that same production. That said, I know the guy who has been training Martin, and he's the best in the business. Charles Petrone, the same person responsible for rehabilitating Chad Pennington twice before, has been working with the tight end for nearly three years now. So if anyone can get Martin back into shape, it's going to be Petrone. Expecting him to start over Fasano might be a bit much, but if they can get a similar rotation going as they did two years ago, that's certainly an improvement.

Submitted by DJ from Woodstock NY

Q: Jeff, I haven't heard Hillards name in a while, not even when Sheets went down. There was a lot of talk about him a few months ago, but nothing now. What is his status?

Answered 08/10/10 12:45:54 by Jeff Darlington

A: E-mail me at jdarlington@miamiherald.com. Thanks...