Submitted by Coach D from Lumberton, TX

Q: Jeff, Let me begin by saying Sparano is doing a GREAT job in Miami and although I question the logic behind 2 back-to-back 3-and-out series where Henne threw the ball while we were ahead in the 4th of the Saints game (we do still have a potent RUNNING attack, yes?), I think Henning is coming up with great game plans for the offense. Now, that being said...I understand the desire for youth when building a team "of the future" but it seems like Miami doesn't consider the benefit of older players as stop-gaps for a year or two who can solidify a roster and train the young guys. We have too many "projects" it seems to me. I just keep thinking of the Patriots and how they seemed to accumulate everyone's "throw-aways" (can we have Wes Welker back please) and managed to keep motoring to Super Bowls. Now I'm not saying we should be a "rest home" for aging Pro Bowlers, but outside of Pennington (and recently JT who has history with the club), has anyone given ANY serious consideration to the "30 and over" group to carry us through between drafts? Thanks for doing a great job! Go Fins!

Answered 11/06/09 01:01:34 by Jeff Darlington

A: Well, make no mistake, Coach. This regime certainly has a lot of respect for high-level veterans. But they just believe you first need to stockpile young talent if you're going to make the most of those older players. If you look at the 30-somethings on this team, they all play vital roles: Will Allen (before he got hurt), Jason Taylor, Joey Porter, Jason Ferguson, Ricky Williams and Chad Pennington (before he got hurt). Those aren't exactly stop gaps -- those are studs. But when you bring up the Patriots, remember that it wasn't until that team had put together a roster full of homegrown talent that they had the luxury of filling different areas with veteran players. I will say that I definitely advocated the pursuit of wide reciever Anquan Boldin this offseason, so I'm not entirely opposed to some occasional big spending for a proven veteran. In general, I think Miami's approach is simple: Be patient. And eventually, you won't be looking for them to find veteran stars elsewhere. Instead, they'll already be on Miami's roster.

Submitted by james rice from port st.lucie fla.

Q: Did we lose tight end John Nalbone or not? I have not read anything.

Answered 11/06/09 00:55:03 by Jeff Darlington

A: The Dolphins waived him, but he cleared waivers, so they were able to sign him to the practice squad. That's probably where he belongs at this stage of the game anyway.

Submitted by gilbert martinez from bethlehem,Pa

Q: would Edgarrin james be a could pick up?

Answered 11/06/09 00:52:06 by Jeff Darlington

A: Not a chance, Gilbert. If James takes a flight back to Miami, it won't be to play for the Dolphins. It will be to retire.

Submitted by Goose from ATL

Q: I noticed you said Chambers had off the feil issues. What did I miss? Never heard anything bad about this guy.

Answered 11/06/09 00:51:32 by Jeff Darlington

A: Well, probably a bit too deep for this forum. But Chambers dealt with some marital problems that led to a divorce. That's about all I'm comfortable discussing on this forum. You can read this story if you really want to get caught up: http://bit.ly/1OwAPA

Submitted by David in Orlando from Orlando, FL

Q: Jeff - Why is the Dolphin coaching staff resistant to using Ted Ginn for punt returns? You can't make the case that Davone Bess is doing a stellar job...fumbles aside, he is, at best, an average punt returner at 8.1 yards per return.

Answered 11/06/09 00:49:24 by Jeff Darlington

A: I'm not sure, David. Really, I don't have the answer for that one. I know Sparano says Bess has the better ability to make a nearby defender miss right away, while Ginn is better once he gets some open-field speed. But I also know Sparano thought Patrick Cobbs seemed better suited as a kickoff returner -- and it wasn't until Cobbs got hurt that Ginn took over those duties. Believe me, I'm a big believer that Sparano's philosophies deserve the benefit of the doubt. But I do also wonder, given the limited role Ginn is now playing as a wide receiver, how he might also handle punt-return duties if given that chance. So, sure, count me as one of the people who think he should indeed be handling punts.

Submitted by dan from miami

Q: what are the chance of teddy ginn take a snap or two from the wildcat? i would like to see it once or twice a game would you?

Answered 11/06/09 00:39:44 by Jeff Darlington

A: Teddy isn't exactly fond of contact, Dan. Don't expect to see him back there much. Now, if they can get Pat White's accuracy on some of his passes a little better, that's the much more viable option when it comes to some diversity back there in that package.

Submitted by Merry Williams from Hampton, Georgia

Q: Why aren't we seeing more of Cameron Wake, Paul Soliali and Phillip Merling? Joey Porter is good but hurt; a job needs to be done up front and Joey can't do it.

Answered 11/06/09 00:38:28 by Jeff Darlington

A: You're not seeing more of Wake because he's not sturdy enough during the first two downs (run stopping). You're not seeing more of Paul Soliai because Jason Ferguson is still better. And you're not seeing more of Phillip Merling because he's being outplayed by Randy Starks and Kendall Langford. But that doesn't mean those players aren't both valuable and rising. I like what we've seen from each of them. And soon enough, I think you'll find yourself seeing even more.

Submitted by DRoman from Hialeah

Q: I've been a fan since '89 and almost everytime we play the Jets, I always think about how even though they were not so good, they would find a way to defeat us. Two moments come to mind; the 1991 season finale and both road losses in 92 and 93 (Nagle/Esiason). Do you have a team that gives you that constant uneasy feeling no matter how good the Fins are?

Answered 11/02/09 11:52:12 by Jeff Darlington

A: Strange enough, I'd say the Houston Texans. For whatever reason, the Dolphins have lost each of the last four games they've played against Houston -- three of which I've covered. So yeah, for whatever reason, the Texans always turns into a trap game in my mind.

Submitted by Paul from Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl

Q: It is not a question just an observation, the NFL is becoming the World Wrestling Federation, all for the TV Market where they make the most money. Miami is not a large TV Market. New York, New England, Dallas, San Diego, Indianapolis(because they have a super star:ie Peyton). Pittsburgh because of Old NFL history and folklore. These are the teams they want to succeed. The NFL can schedule you out of the playoffs and officiate against you. Miami doesn't stand a chance.

Answered 11/02/09 11:49:34 by Jeff Darlington

A: I think you might be digging too deep into some potential conspiracy theory on this one, Paul. First, opponents are dictated not by the television markets -- but instead by the objective success and failures of the previous season. True, time slots are dictated by the NFL's desire to make the most money. But not actual opponents. In my opinion, that's just good business. While there might be a desire at times to protect star quarterbacks like Tom Brady, that doesn't mean anything in terms of market size. Pittsburgh has won their Super Bowls based on impressive defense as much as anything else -- including their own star quarterback. I think, no matter the corporate favoritism to big-market teams, it is ultimately going to be up to the players to dictate who goes to the Super Bowl. And who doesn't. Heck, the Arizona Cardinals are the perfect example.

Submitted by Gerald Ortiz from Millville, NJ

Q: How has the loss of Patrick Cobbs hurt the success of the "Wildcat"? Not being able to run the version with the 4 rb's and 1 te seems to really render this package ineffective. I don't think it is coincidence that we have been shut down the last two weeks since his injury.

Answered 11/02/09 11:44:03 by Jeff Darlington

A: Not a bad point, Gerald. I hadn't really explored that possibility, but it was certainly an area in which Cobbs really helped the schematics of the offense. I'll look into it.

Submitted by Daniel Ryan from Jax, Fl

Q: Jeff; I dont think the Jets game changes things really for Ginn cause the issue was never could the kid run, he obviously can, it was why he's not able to catch on at the WR spot. Could he be better suited to follow maybe in the footsteps of former great WR's from college who didn't pan out as WR's in the NFL but found a new career as KR/PR? This is where I've felt for a year now he'll be better suited, cause you just can't teach speed.

Answered 11/02/09 11:40:20 by Jeff Darlington

A: While I understand your point, I'll still slightly disagree for a couple of reasons. First, I believe this game will bolster Ginn's confidence in a manner that's incredibly important for any athlete. But more importantly, I think this game might also provide some basis for Ginn to realize what can happen when you play with some fearlessness. Perhaps because of the level of urgency and adversity facing him, I sensed a more aggressive player who wasn't thinking about getting hit on those kickoff returns. He looked like a player who wasn't running away from defenders -- but chasing after the endzone. And, in the wake of Ginn realizing this, I think it's the type of day that can teach him that his fears of taking tough hits are often unwarranted. This quality has long been holding Ginn back. If he can benefit in any way from this game, I'd say that might be it. As far as whether he becomes known as a return specialist, at this point, I'd say most Dolphins fans would be willing to accept that. Because one week ago, he wasn't even that.

Submitted by Big Al from Wynantskill NY

Q: What does it take from a coach to keep a team together through so much adversity.I have not heard any moans and grones the last 2 years. Lord knows they have had ther chances: Indianapolis and New Orleans this year. Also a monster win against the Jets.

Answered 11/02/09 11:35:38 by Jeff Darlington

A: It's one of Sparano's best attributes, Big Al. Before he'd coached a single game in Miami, Sparano might have been given the benefit of the doubt strictly because Bill Parcells said so. But it didn't take long for players in Miami to realize Sparano is more often than not putting this team in the best position to win football games. I've long believed Sparano does the finest job I've witnessed when it comes to balancing being a disciplinarian and a players' coach all at the same time. Players love him. But they also are intimidated by him. When you've got that type of balance, you're going to be able to keep your team together through the tough times. That's something I think you'll continue to see from Sparano. I'd have a tough time believing he'll ever truly lose a locker room.

Submitted by NY Fish Fan from NYC, NY

Q: Great win, as are any against the J-E-T-S. Why is nobody talking, or are they, about the fact that Joey Porter is doing next to nothing, no more then a few tackles per game, no pressure on the QB's, and very few sacks. Dare I say he on the back nine of his career, the end happens fast with speed rushers. Cameron Wade has more sacks in the one game he subbed for Porter then Porter has the whole season. Why don't they just play Wade, he showed big promise. It's seems the same confused thinking that didn't have Ginn returning kicks. I'd look to trade Porter for a 2nd or 3rd if possible. What are you hearing or does Porter just get a pass?

Answered 11/02/09 11:27:47 by Jeff Darlington

A: You want to be the one to tell Porter he's not playing well? Nah, just kidding. I think it's pretty clear Porter isn't coming up with enough sacks, but he's still providing some necessary pressure on a consistent basis. He was dealing with a hamstring injury for the past several weeks, which could be the reason he hasn't been able to finish those plays. A hamstring can be a pretty limiting injury -- and it also can take some considerable time to heal. He doesn't get a pass because of what he's accomplished in the past, but he does get a pass based on the burdon the hamstring has caused him.

Submitted by Tony Lilly from Miami, FL

Q: Jeff, do you know if Pasquoloni has considered (During passing downs) using J. Taylor as a DT in replace of Merling and set linebackers Wake, Crowder, Ayodlele, and Porter. JT I believe is best when in a 3 or 4 point stance.

Answered 10/28/09 16:46:20 by Jeff Darlington

A: Not going to happen, Tony. When Jason Taylor was used as a defensive end in a 3-4 system last year in Washington, it was a disaster. While I agree Taylor is still getting adjusted to playing the strongside, he has proven to be able to thrive standing up as opposed to getting down in a three-point stance. Even during his best season ever (when he was defensive player of the year), Taylor was utilized as a hybrid player in and out of a three-point stance. Now, in a strict 3-4 system, Taylor will need to make the most of his role at linebacker. His size and talent simply doesn't fit into a defensive linemen's role in this scheme.

Submitted by Evin from H.H. Texas

Q: You won't post this or answer any question so I guess this is a rant. If Parcell's and Co. are so d--n smart, how come they are the only ones to not recognize that they have NO Quality receivers? Oh, Bess and Hartline have heart not doubt as does Camarillo, but Ginn is WORTHLESS!!!! They had New Orleans beat and several passes Ginn either dropped or made a half hearted attempt to catch it, hoping for interference! And Ronnie Brown is good, but Ricky is a BEAST and when we need to really run the ball, he is on the sideline! I know you'll point to Ronnie having more yards, but he carries FAR more. Why is he even the starter? Only answer I have is Ronnie's draft position and paycheck! Love the Dolphins and they came a long way, but they still suck!!!

Answered 10/28/09 16:43:41 by Jeff Darlington

A: Why would I not post this, Evin? You're one angry dude!