Before this season begins, there are currently 8 TE’s that have more career receiving yards than Mike Gesicki. Of those TE’s, only 5 of them were drafted by the Dolphins. I’m sure you guys know who the leader is, he was the first TE to come to mind when I woke up and decided to write this article. Randy McMichael is the all time leading TE and he was drafted and played 5 seasons for the Dolphins. McMichael totaled 3096 receiving yards on 283 receptions and 18 TD’s. To me, those are very reachable numbers for Gesicki, but only if he gets a new contract. He’s on the last year of his 4 year rookie contract after being drafted #42 in RD 2 in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The other TE’s, if you’re wondering who are at the moment ahead of Mike Gesicki are Bruce Hardy (Drafted by Miami), Anthony Fasano, Keith jackson, Charles Clay (Drafted by Miami), Ferrell Edmunds (Drafted by Miami), Troy Drayton and Joe Rose (Drafted by Miami). Each season, Gesicki has increased his receiving yards and there’s no reason to expect that trend to stop this season. Throw out the rookie season where he was scarcely used, in his 2nd season he was targeted 89 times and had 51 receptions for 570 yards. In his 3rd season Gesicki’s targets went slightly down from 89 to 85 but he had 2 more receptions and 133 more receiving yards. I think a fair expectation for Gesicki this season would be 100 targets, 60 receptions and 800 yards. That would Mike as #3 All Time for the Dolphins. To me, the most important issue is re-signing Gesicki. Dolphins fans talk about how great our depth is at TE with Gesicki, newly drafted Hunter Long, Durham Smythe, Adam Shaheen, Chris Myarick etc., but no other TE is in the class of Gesicki here, not even close. He’s the guy we have waited for, the guy that has the size, speed, leaping ability and catch radius to beat any player trying to cover him.
If you think I’m blowing smoke, let me compare Gesicki to the best of the best. Travis Kelce was targeted 145 times last season, nearly 2 times more than Gesicki (89). Darren Waller was also targeted 145 times. If Gesicki was targeted that many times this season he would easily surpass all the other TE’s on the Dolphins All Time receiving list and would also make it impossible not to re-sign him. I’m not advocating for Gesicki to be targeted as much as those guys but I do think 100 targets wouldn’t be crazy. I would absolutely hate to see Gesicki move on from the Dolphins. I’m hoping we try and get him a new contract early on, because if he plays to his potential and we feed him enough targets, his next contract is going to be a huge one. Even if that’s the case, keep the best players on your team, especially when you draft them.
He’s worked on his blocking, and while he’s not the best in line blocking TE, the best never are. Travis Kelce doesn’t spend much time blocking and either does Darren Waller. The biggest exception to this would San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle who may be the best all around TE in the NFL. That guy is a tenacious blocker and also has the receiving talent to break a game open. Kittle regularly gets more than 100 targets in a season, and that’s where I feel Gesicki should be as well. I think Gesicki brings the same qualities to the table that Kelce, Waller, Kittle, Pitts, Goedert and Andrews bring. Kyle Pitts was drafted #4, Gesicki #42. Pitts is faster but Gesicki trumps Pitts with his superior vertical ability. I’m looking forward to seeing Gesicki join the ranks of the best this season with more targets and more production. Pay that man his money!
GO DOLPHINS !!
Finsmob Unleashed 
First!
Yeah, would definitely like to see him get that extension this season.
Great topic/article Mike.
Thanks Mike
………… Did someone mention Goedert?
Man we should have drafted that guy.
The problem with gesicki is he telegraphs our intentions to the opposing D due to his inability to block, when he’s in there it’s a passing down, the D plays pass
it’s not a coincidence that miami drafted a TE this year.
if he doesn’t get traded before the start of the season this will be his last year in miami.
Do you watch the games? To say every time Gesicki is on the field we’re throwing is ridiculous. You can do better than that
I forgot the number but it’s like 85% pass to run when he’s in the game.
he gives away our position, it’s no secret, i’m not making this shit up.
That stat reflects poorly on him, but maybe we’ll see a bit more 12 personnel at times, when they want to confuse or keep the D guessing.
Think Gesicki is mostly a luxury player, that we may trade at the trade deadline.
See Long as a cross between Kelce and Kittle style player, if he can progress before the trade deadline, it could make Gesicki expendable.
Flores didn’t draft Gesicki, so…
Gesicki’s biggest assets are big play capability and goal line, in other words money player, so don’t want to say good bye, not sure how Flores feels.
Deep in the playoffs you need some guys, that can get it done, when the going gets tough.
We know Parker, Williams, Gesicki, and Fuller can do that, I’d expect Waddle can to, how many do we need?
His floor is 10m, which we can afford right now, if they choose to sign him early.
Expect it to get done right before the season starts after the cuts.
Don’t expect his targets to go up, too many other receivers to throw to.
Don’t think any receiver will get 100 targets, unless Tua has that security blanket, which could be (rookie of the year) Waddle.
No reason to target 1 guy too often, when you have so many good options
100 targets is not a crazy amount for a season, that’s less than 6 per game in a 17 game season.
With as many targets as we have, think it depends on how many plays our O gets, and it should be more than last year.
Also injuries may play a part
Kittle 15m APY
Kelce 14.3m APY
Gesicki should be around the 13m APY range
Watch Gaskin’s highlight reel. Gesicki is in on the large majority of runs, probably 70% or higher.
Interesting, maybe Flores likes it that way.
Use Gesicki as a fake tell, so the D plays the pass
Lol
LOL Rob, Fantasy Football? If he gets more targets like he should this season, that guy won’t be discussing Gesicki anymore. lol
We know Parker, Williams, Gesicki, and Fuller can do that, Iād expect Waddle can to, how many do we need? We also know Parker, Williams and Fuller can’t stay on the field, but yeah sure, let Gesicki go because he’s a luxury.
Not saying let him go, there’s an argument both ways.
Don’t know how Flores feels, personally don’t want any of our very good players to leave.
Cheats 2019 game 16 were stunned when Gesicki beat them
Forming a coalition of Dolfans who believe Gesicki will get 8+ TDs this season
Whoās in?
If he does we better have signed him early
I think 8 is a reasonable expectation for this season
Would be great with all the weapons on O we have now.
out / under
Itās just TC but
Tannehill used to drive me nuts, with his fastball on every throw, Tua shows better touch on all of his passes.
The deep ball that drops in the bucket wasn’t something he had last year, that trajectory alone will improve his deep ball, let alone actually having a deep receivers not called butter fingers Grant
Steve – Is there really an argument both ways on Gesicki? The only argument is how much you pay him, but who (besides Rob) wouldn’t want Gesicki on the team?
The argument against is cost vs production. As a negative he seems to only excel from the slot, when Preston is out, not much of a blocker, and we pass when he’s in a ridiculous % of the time.
Is that enough to let him go? Flores will have to decide, but don’t act like he doesn’t have some issues
Production is there, but once again, it’s targets that are limiting his production. Does anyone on the Chiefs or Raiders worry about if Kelce or Waller are blocking? If Kelce is getting 145 targets every season, he’s not out there blocking. I don’t consider that a shortcoming for Gesicki, any more than I would for Kelce or Waller. He’s a receiving TE, that’s his game. He’s a mismatch nightmare. Throw him the ball more often and his production will be right there with the best.
Doesn’t matter what you consider it, you said is there really an argument both ways, just putting out there the other side.
More targets Doesn’t always equate to the same production multiplied, so the more targets argument doesn’t work, lots of other factors involved
Funny thing on the video Rob posted is the guy was comparing his actual production vs what HE expected for his 6’6″ fast frame, then when it came to YAC he didn’t use the same logic of the expected YAC for a skinny receiver, that isn’t quick or powerful
Good article Mike and agree. My hope is that the new regime at OC will recognize what we need to do to increase the output of this offense and take advantage of the mismatches that Gesicki creates. Our team was middle of the pack in pass attempts last year with an average of about 35. Even if we stay at that we can still be a successful offense and generate wins. If you’re throwing a lot more than that, it’s more likely because you’re in shootouts or playing from behind.
Gesicki is arguably the best weapon we have on the field. He received the second most targets on the team last year with Jakeem Grant being the 3rd guy (54). I don’t see any reason we can up his targets of 1 more per game (which would put him at 102), even if Preston plays a full season or Waddle balls out.
Thanks SB
When Waddle balls out, it’s going to open up things for everyone else
Think we’ll have feature receivers this year setup in the gameplan, so changing week to week based on the matchup.
Against a small non physical set of DBs we may see more Gesicki, Parker, Williams targets, against slower DBs we may see more Fuller, Waddle, Wilson targets.
Teams with less DB depth we may see more targets to theb3rd and 4th WRs.
We have at least 2 of each kind of receiver, so we should be able to matchup with anyone
I think he has gotten better at blocking but is still like 50/50 hit or miss.
I’ll also just add, that I’d be more than happy for any of the other guys to actually stay on the field and show up while they are there. It still wouldn’t keep Gesicki from getting 100 targets in a season.
Nice write Mike E !! Mike Gesicki is an effin stud and will be Tuaās go to. I shared a photo of a Christmas present I got from my son with someone here. I wonder who that was ? Heās gonna have a great season. š
š
https://www.nfl.com/videos/brian-flores-sets-expectations-for-tua-tagovailoa-dolphins-in-21
Wingding better watch out…doesn’t he know he’s not allowed to post positive Fins info?
Especially about Tua
Wilson is starting to get me excited. He is connecting with Tua already and you hear someone in the background yelling, they can’t keep up with him. Speed and more speed!
Looks like the DB isn’t trying to make a play on the ball as if they told him we need to get Tua’s confidence up, just go thru the motions
don’t see that at all. They are only in shells today and they won’t tackle to the ground in shells, but I didn’t see either DB letting up. In your head.
The DB showed no urgency to move toward the receiver, you’ll never see that in a live game
look how high that release point is…..
It’s a deep high arcing ball, really no other way to throw it
LOL @ Baker! Hahahaha
Not sure if these are from this morning or yesterday, but nice to hear.
– Tua completed a deep pass down the field to Jakeem Grant then ran down the field and jumped up to chest bump him in celebration
– Now Jakeem Grant pulls in a 9 route from Tua. Igbinoghene was right there but the ball descends over Jakeem’s shoulder who makes the grab with the traffic and going to the ground. Dolphins QBs are throwing a high percentage on balls traveling 50 yards in the air.
– Justin Coleman is aggressive. He’s got a veteran savvy with regards to getting hands on guys in the five-yard window.
– Robert Foster with two deep catches – one each from Tua and Brissett. Taking advantage again of his chances and other receivers out.
– And now it’s an absolute dime from Tua on a 9 route to Robert Foster — never broke stride, nice move to get behind the defense from the man who caught Tua’s first collegiate completion.
-5-on-7 — Tua throws deep to a wide open Waddle on a corner route — Waddle would’ve been one on one with the safety with a LOT of green grass around him to force a missed tackle and get to pay dirt.
“high percentage on balls traveling 50 yards in the air”
—————
Weak arm???
Last time I checked was throwing it 45 in 8th grade, so 50 isn’t saying much, but how many NFL deep balls actually go 60+?
Think Russell Wilson has a weak arm, but it doesn’t bother him, think Tua’s is very comparable
Know some people that had cannons….Jeff George, Ryan Leaf, David Carr, Jamarcus Russell apparently could throw it 60+ sitting on his knees. Just gonna say, there is a different thing from good arm and cannon, …to me Tua has a good to great arm buit maybe not a cannon. He can make nice deep throws, drops them in perfectly, there is nothing wrong with his arm and its not weak, but yes compared to some of those listed, definitely weaker,,, but remind me some of the labels on some of those cannon armed guys….biggest bust ever, wash out, bad career, and my favorite….who?
I like Travis Wingfield’s “reporting” it is generally team friendly in tone.
Heās a positive guy
And beat reporters like Omar and Mando might not like that
But why be anything but positive during training camp
I also think he has much better football takes than the local reporters
He actually breaks down the film and shows it to people
Yeah itās a lot of positive things – but itās still a lot better detailed breakdown of what goes on the field then some of the drama the beat reporters try to create
You can do honest reporting without seeming like your an enemy of the team and there are times i wonder if Omar doesn’t hate the fucking team. He definitely likes to emphasize the negatives. Mando is a narcissist and while even as one he tends to be a bit more team friendly, he still rails on them when they don’t go in what he feels is the right direction. Its not a bad thing but he leaves no room for their professional decision to trump his outlook. Wingfield is more like the beat reporters from other areas, mostly pro-team, but also reports things that aren’t in the best light of the team.
I think the best reporters are a;ways trying to create drama
And it makes you wonder
Why?
People that follow the Dolphins are following for football. Just give us football. I will never forget that Dawn Aponte tirade Mando unleashed years ago and I still hold thing like hat against him. I know these things arenāt important here, but suggesting just a female exec is cozing up the owner to get ahead in the organization really rubs me the wrong way. Sheās now a high ranking nfl official
Ya mean beat lol, or at least i think it didnt really meld with the rest of your reply. I mean i think its a Miami beat reporter thing. The NO beat reporters are heavily pro team, as are the fans around here, and they are nutty as fuck so maybe its self preservation but they don’t bag on the team like the Miami ones do.
Too early on Friday, I know.
This goes out to a “special” someone.
Was one of my fav bands for a while.Sad she had so many issues, it might have made her music better, who knows, but it cut her life short. I also had a SERIOUS crush on her.
Howard practiced full participation today according to Rap
So no more sprained ankle I guess
Armondo says Howard didn’t participate in practice at all. So who is lying?
Check the date of the tweet
I didnāt realize that was a tweet from Yesterday
If I had to pick one who was wrong I would go with Mando
The tweet is from Wed Mondos wasnfrom Thurs
Ahh, I didn’t notice the tweet was from Wed. It was in the tweet time line from practice today on the Phins.com site (they gather tweets from a bunch of sources and re-post them in a side bar) Mondo’s comments were from his article on today’s practice.
Flores also mention Howard was out in the interview above
If he wants to be traded that’s actually the best move for him. It facilitates that better than doing the opposite.
Again, i think if there is a team that wants to trade for him its going to be a win now team, which means that first round pick that people keep talking we should get for him is going to be a late round one and im sure that’s not enough in my opinion. If we dont also get a 2nd that same year or an additional first in a future draft we are seriously selling ourselves short. Id take a first and a trade for a top tier player as well. As i have mentioned, Chandler Jones or Danielle Hunter both sound like appealing options, Trade to the Boys for Leighton Vander Esch and a first, let him get back on track with us. With the Eagles for either Derrick Barnett and a first of Brandon Graham and a pick. Plenty of interesting scenarios.
From Mondo
Gesicki has had a good opening to camp. Heās averaged between about three catches per practice in team periods and has become Tagovailoaās apparent go-to target (aside from running backs on checkdowns).
That’s the news I’ve been waiting for on Gesicki, since we drafted him
The Dolphins will go into pads for the first time on Tuesday so it will be intersting to see if Gesicki, who has been a willing but inconsistent blocker in the past, has improved that area of his game.
Foster makes case for roster spot
Mondo Misspells Interesting and they publish it anyway…..
Watching Gaskin from 2019 saw nothing to make me think he’s an NFL RB, he sure had that jump in 2020 like we hope Tua has this season
LOL Baker is funny
Tua threw a burner to Gesicki, that pass was too hot for him
Lol on the Baker comment, but he didn’t do shit
Is it just me or does Jaelan Phillips look exactly like Sideshow Bob from the Simpsons?
The hair like sideshow Bob and the face of kid n play
That was mentioned before on here, I said Kid n Play
wrong place to reply part trois
Grant is going to try to push to be on this roster
We have a bunch of receivers
I forgot we acquired Duke Riley in March
I still think Riley has some good football left in him
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article253138753.html#storylink=rss
wrong place to reply
Yeah, i even mentioned you when i commented about him coming to the team. I liked him but wasn’t as about him as i was Deion Jones the year before. I think Riley can play the hybrid S/LB role well so probably better in our defense than he was in ATL where he was buried by depth and likewise in Philly, whose defense just didn’t seem like a great fit for him anyways.
Looking at our depth chart at LB
I like having Baker, McKinney, Phillips and AVG as starters (Iām 3-4 base)
With depth like Riley, Beigel, Eguavoen and Elandon Roberts as depth
Thatās pretty deep IMO
Itās important for guys like Grant to show up in TC
Wrong place to reply part deux
Does your child suffer from shit-team-itis?
Is being a milf not enough to get him through school?
Letās the professionals at TutorMy12YearOld help
Yes Mike Gesicki is a real good player and one who we want to keep on the team.
Some think he is not worth the money he will get after this last year of his contract.
Others do.
Either way we can franchise him…. and that plays into whether to sign long term.
Franchise number will be $11-some million.
You think he’s worth more than that….. then it’s a deal.
You think too expensive… then didn’t want to sign him anyway.
“MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard, who has requested a trade via Instagram, did not practice Friday because of an undisclosed injury.”
(ESPN)
I posted yesterday Omar reported it as an ankle sprain.
Think Howard is following Jalen Ramseyās playbook.
Thanks for the write on Gesicki, Mike E.
When we double-downed on TE in that draft, I thought we were finally going to utilize that position as a potent weapon in our offense.
It hasn’t been nearly that. I hope H Long adds to that weaponry and we figure out how to make it a strength vs an afterthought (or checkdown).
I was never impressed with Shaheen and whoever else we have….lol.
TE should be a position of strength, especially, in an attacking, aggressive offense.
Imo…..lol
Good write, Mike! Gesicki is a playmaking TE. The end. š
Agreed! Let’s USE that playmaker….the end!
āI understand what heās trying to do. Obviously weād love to have him here, but thereās no hard feelings. Iām not scared of facts. The dude is the best, no question about that. Last year we gave him all the hard covers and he showed up. He not only showed up, he excelled at those too. He didnāt get cupcake interceptions. He went and got those, one hand, high-pointing the ball. He made his money. He earned it definitely.ā
— Byron Jones, who doesn’t seem to mind the shade thrown his way, on X. He’s one cool cat.
Byron Jones is a very cool dude. He’s really smart too.
I could easily see him on a game broadcast team down the road.
Yeah unless he has bigger plans.
Funny, I don’t see it as “shade.” You give props to those that deserve props no matter your position, your pay grade or status. That’s classy and professional.
Why wouldn’t you?
The shade is what X has been throwing Jones’ way. He could have said he should be the highest paid CB in the NFL but instead over and over went to being paid less than Jones. Jones could have gone “hey I earned my money”….. instead he said X did.
Got it, sorry. Yeah, X has been a little bitch, imo.
Phish
If it makes you feel better Ramsey actually wasnāt on a contract dispute with the jags
They picked up the 5th year of his contract and then he had issues in the offseason
He actually played under the contract with the Rams after he was traded
And then that contract expired
And he was a free agent
And then the Rams made him the highest paid CB in the league
He knew he’d get a new deal when the Rams gave up two 1st round picks and a 4th for him. LOL
He actually did know he would get a new deal whether he stayed with jags or Rams
He was in the 5th year of his rookie deal
So he was going to be an UFA
Not sure if the Rams signed him before he hit the market
But he was on his way to being the hugest paid CB one way or another
And the Rams paid for t he privilege to make him the highest paid CB in the league. Not like they gave up two firsts to make him a one year rental. Have to believe that was understood.
X is just doing business like NFL teams do when they throw players to the curb after they use them all up.
When did the Dolphins throw X to the curb? That’s just bullshit, imo, but maybe you know more.
They didn’t to him, but teams do that to players every year. It’s a business. I’m not sure why any of us care what he wants to be paid. He’s an elite player but he’s not going anywhere unless a team makes an offer we can’t refuse.
Why do any of us care? Cause there is a salary cap. Every dollar he gets above the contract he signed does not go to another player.
Stanger, who are we signing at this point? We’re going to be in really good shape cap wise next year. I’m not worried about the cap. Right now X is our best player. We’re trying to win now, we don’t need more picks. X helps us win games.
Whether this year or in future ones (you think he doesn’t want more more after this one) the extra we pay him will not go to other players. We roll over the cap every year cause Ross won’t pocket the unused.
And yes he’s a great player, but that is the trade off.
I’d give him what he wants, this is his last big payday. Like you said the other day, he’s 28 and once in their 30’s that’s getting long in the tooth for most corners. Ross wants to win sooner than later and we’re setup to start challenging for a title. Don’t fuck with it!
So you want the front office to give Howard what he wants. Was just pointing out what that means. And yeah I worry about the cap. My take is different , but may mainly be because think we shouldn’t be in “win now” mode. Think when that time is really here Howard may not be.
Stanger,
Did you not tell me that you aren’t worried about our salary cap in a discussion we had a couple of weeks ago? Not understanding your change of tune all of the sudden.
I’m not trying to nitpick you at all, but it warrants a ‘HELLO?’.
Have no idea what you are talking about. I always worry about the cap. What did I say?
Just popped to me what you were talking about. Was saying don’t worry about the current cap number as far as signing a player, doing a restructure etc. Can always push cap hits forward. But play that card often enough and you end up in cap hell, which was what was talking about even if to a lesser extent.
Stanger, what are we waiting for? So we added all these draft picks, made some trades for players and acquired FAs the last few years to rebuild this team so we can compete in 2024? That’s not how it works. Lots of players won’t be here by then.
Let me ask you, why can’t we compete this year? What are we lacking? I understand we’re very young throughout the roster, but that’s the idea. It’s time for those players to live up to expectations. Unless we want to continue to keep doing this for a decade. September through January is what we should be focused on, not March and April.
I will interject…lol.
I don’t see us waiting around. Contrary to popular belief, we are in the 3rd year of a rebuild and haven’t finished the 3rd yr.
We started with a pile of shit and a nrw coach.
Should have reached the SB last year, especially this year! Ridiculous expectations, imo.
Just don’t think we are ready to compete for the ring. Simple as that. Might make the playoffs and win a game though. And we didn’t even make the playoffs last year. Beat one team with a winning record. Putting the future at risk to max out on winning this year just seems foolish to me with a young team.
Agreed.
We’re not ready to win now….it’s all paper bullshit.
Let it play out on the field this year, then reassess.
I’m in a show me moment this year. We played or won beyond our talent last year. I think last year was more about coaching and culture.
This year is to me is mostly about filling holes, talent acquisition, and performance. Bring your game and let’s reassess after this year.
We’re not ready to win now, why? Are we waiting to find 5 more all pro players? It’s go time! That doesn’t mean we have to make it to the Super Bowl this year, but what are our expectations, to keep falling short of the playoffs? Get into the tournament and go for it. That’s where we are. If we don’t make the playoffs this year it’s not time to blow it all up again, but it will be a disappointment.
We have a young team, I guess contextually when I say win I mean to have a shot at winning the SB. I don’t think we have a shot at that, this year.
This year will give me a clue about next.
I’m not trashing the team, just trying to be realistic.
We are ready to win
we have as much reason to be.wove that as most nfl teams with the exception of KC, Buffalo and TB who have more reason to believe it than anyone else
See above…we are not ready to win a SB.
stangerx says:
July 30, 2021 at 8:17 pm
Just popped to me what you were talking about. Was saying donāt worry about the current cap number as far as signing a player, doing a restructure etc. Can always push cap hits forward. But play that card often enough and you end up in cap hell, which was what was talking about even if to a lesser extent.
———-
Exactly, and we’ve not played that card for quite some time… you’ve made my point.
As far as I’M concerned, X was the NFL DPOY last year. We can make allowances to retain him.
I understand precedence… BELIEVE ME. It’s not like we’re trying to set precedence to retain a marginal player. X is eXcellent, and worthy of retaining. We’ll see what happens…
Wasn’t even arguing against paying X every dollar he wants. Was just putting in perspective what else those dollars could go to.
Unsure how that makes your point though.
*sigh*
Why do you put that out? Almost seems demeaning. If didn’t get your point your chance to explain. No ill will was intended.
We need to establish winning as a culture. One year in football is not an established culture of winning. It’s just not.
Agreed. Look no further than Tony Sparano (RIP) and Adam Gase as our HCs.
No one player makes or breaks a team, except when a Brady leaves your team.
X is not Brady. He’s talented and I would love to keep him. If he’s not part of the team though, then you’re off the team. KISS!
X is the best player on a good defense. And one whose shelf life is short. Whatever the decision on him has to keep that in mind.
I do and then I think about the team and the culture and the future. Shula-esk maybe?
X is definitely clashing with the culture. But then even Shula admitted would cut a player for this or that when would not for a far better one.
You win with good and/or great players, not future draft picks over and over. It’s time to start playing and be a good team. Don’t fuck it up!
Vegas has the Dolphins as a 30-1 shot to win the Bowl.
32 teams in the league.
Wouldn’t know it on this board. š
It’s in the bag, stangerx! Didn’t you get the memo?
I am confused by some of the discussion about X.
Nobody wants him off the team, and everyone will concede the Dolphins are better with him.
Is he a FA? No
Is he under contract? Yes
Is it a newer contract? Yes
Was he paid accordingly to his performance at the time 2 years ago? Yes
Is he still on the team? Yes
To me, this is not about retaining All pro talent during a FA negotiation, he is under contract and will be playing, what is the issue? He has no leverage.
He has the have requested a trade combined with the chance of being one disgruntled MOFO who creates a toxic locker room. When you are the best player on the team…. that is leverage.
We payed him 2 years ago when we didnāt have to, based on his injury history. We paid him high at the time in good faith because of his talent. He can play or sit and get finedā¦.no leverage because this team is different now. He is the anomaly, not the norm
You act like leverage knows right and wrong. Dude pulls a gun on me in the street and he has leverage. I’d prefer he gets traded away like Minkah if that helps.
I actually have no clue on your stance on this. To me, leverage is that he is under contract and is acting like a spoiled baby in front of his own teammates. When is enough, enough? He plays or doesnāt get paid, or fakes an injury, either way he is the ultimate loser.
My stance is don’t like him one bit now. Why want him traded away for all the reasons you mention and more unless he just folds and becomes a member of the team again.
Ok, sorry, I think we are more on the same page than not. I prefer wait it out and he folds, but I get, the leverage you speak of is him being a ācancerā
For sure seemed we are on the same page. Was just pointing out that yeah he has that “cancer” leverage. Least I think it is real.
NFLN camped out at our practice field today, getting lots of coverage
Toronto Blue Jays playing first home game in 670 days today?
Government finally granted athletes the okay to come and go if they ābubbleā while in country
That time frame is some crazy shit, regardless of the political or social decisions surrounding it. Just thought that was fascinating
Crazy indeed
Played last season in Buffalo, and this season somewhere in KS ?? Not sure on this years
Good write again Mike E ā¦ really hoping we sign Gesiki long term , I consider him top 7-8 TE in the league .. need to keep these guys .. hopefully X as well
No one ever knows who will be the Super Bowl champ. The Giants were 8-8 the year before they beat the 17-0 Patriots and started the year 0-2 in blowout losses. In fact, they were blown out 5 times that year. The 2011 Giants were 9-7 before they rolled on to beat the Pats again. The 2008 Cards almost won it all after having a 9-7 record. There are more examples.
We probably won’t win but no one does a good Nostradamus impression every year. There’s just too many unknowns.
There is always an āXā factor.
Sorry
Sorry for late reply but I was busy walking off a sore ankle.
True, but how many boards of other NFL teams could you put that exact same post on? I’ll take Vegas’ top 6 right now and give you 5-1 odds one of them wins it.
How about 10-1 odds 2 of the 6 meet in the SB?
If 5-1 was right on the winner 10-1 wouldn’t be right on both teams (two outcomes). There’s no doubt a team could sneak in there. And we are only talking the top 6 now. And not like #8 would be sneaking in. That one might be 5-1 as well.
Stanger, I am just not sure the ācancerā leverage works anymore on this team, maybe 2 years ago, but not now? Culture is embedded, imho.
I donāt think thereās a threat that a thing one player does affects the lockeroom
A couple of years again I think we were on the edge of collapse for every little thing
But honestly it was a fairly uneventful offseason
Agreed. A guy like X playing at the highest level and wanting to be compensated as such is not a cancer. Isn’t that what we want as fans, really good players?
If Waddle blows up the league like a Tyreek Hill, you think he might want to be paid in a few years? That’s the NFL business.
X is already on the team and under contract. We already have him.
bookman — he’s got four years left on his contract and you, me, Flores and the national media are talking about him right now while he has 4 years left on his contract. He leveraged that somehow. Guess we’ll see what the team does.
We will see
Nobody said win the Super Bowl or it’s a failure. It’s time to start competing and stop thinking about future years over and over. You win with good and great players. It’s go time! That should be the goal.
Speak for yourself Tim!
Iām going to stomp my feet and be generally irritable if we donāt win a super bowl
There I said itā¦
X WAS paid! He was paid a lot of money when his health was in question. Do we just ignore that good faith by the team at that time?
Guess depends on who you ask.
“I don’t feel the organization has dealt with me in good faith. I don’t feel valued, or respected by the Dolphins…..That’s why I want to make it clear I’m not happy, and have requested a trade.”
And that is why I donāt really like him right now
Business! That’s all it is.
Itās not just ā businessā he was paid as the best BEFORE he earned it. He was paid on potential, and had injuries and the Fins paid him anyway.
It’s more than that . Name me another player who threatened to hold out with 4 years left on his contract. If it is business he’s taking it to a whole new level.
Yep
Go Phins!!!! It could be worse. š
Of course weāre going to win the Super Bowl, that is not in dispute, what we need to figure out is if X gets a ring and rides in the parade or not š¤Ŗ
It really does sound like itās all about the guarantees bc of the contract he signed coming off an injury
But I donāt hate the man for trying to get those guarantees now
As long as he doesnāt hurt the teams performance while he makes that play – Iām okay with it
I can agree with this . It is why I say he has no leverage
He really doesnāt have any leverage
I think he put it out there to make it real. I also think he’ll play through it. He’s not poor. LOL
And real he did make it. If I put out the same publicly at my old job the answer would have been swift — the door. But get wasn’t a Pro Bowl corner. He is bashing his employer though. Got think Ross knows that….. and he don’t take shiot.
It’s not on Ross, it’s on Grier. Right or wrong.
Sounds like you know more about how and when Ross steps in than I do. Thought he was consulted on big issues like this. But guess was wrong.
Stanger, I know no more than anyone. LOL
With all of todays X talk and the unfortunate passing of Dusty Hill, I can’t believe nobody posted this one…
Good one! RIP Dusty.
RIP DUSTY
it’s going to be interesting to see the surprise cuts at WR, we are deep there and most certainly have to let a good one walk.
Do you think the big 6’6 250 WR who is in the slot a lot gets cut? š
are you talking about the slow lethargic rec who disguises himself as a T.E. ?
you know, the pussified one who ducks blocking assignments?
when part time wilson gets cut, he will limp away
but yes, the receiving corps has went through a major upgrade , should be fun
when buying a cordless drill do you really want to go to harbor freight and buy a chicago brand?
they just cant hold up, especially to the rigors of new construction.
you may want to pay more for a dewalt.
same said with NFL players, these often injured guys through no fault of their own cannot hold up to the rigors of the NFL. you see it all the time, players who are consistently out due to injury.
Preston Williams, Devante Parker, look at Carson Wentz, he needs surgery and i can’t remember the last time he played a game.
their bodies can’t hold up to the constant wear and tear, then you have other guys who are never injured.
injury history should play a huge role in deciding the players on your roster.
I saw that about Wentz. We might see some Sam Ehlinger at Indy unless they sign or trade for a vet who is a backup. Maybe they go see if Rivers will come out of retirement.
agree, and part time wilson should have been cut years ago
Twice! Good job on ZZ Top! RIP Dusty!
Dusty was a sharp dressed Man, lol
rip Dusty, and go ZZtop!
Albert Part time Wilson has started 33 games in a 7 year career, thats less than 5 starts per season.
our postseason chances are suffering, from poor decision making demons of the past
IMO we wont be winning playoff games, unless this improves
Rob – Yeah, him
well at least we agree on the description
Jason Taylor’s son will be a linebacker at LSU, his name is Mason Taylor
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/highschool/recruiting/fl-sp-hs-taylor-commits-20210729-cyww4bm7mzch3dq4qfxqvfji7y-story.html
reports from day two of camp, Tua to Waddle connection looked real good, and Flores says he is also happy with Jacoby Brissett
Brissett gives the Dolphins one of the top backup QBs in the league, and can step in without a big drop off in production, if the starter goes down
if the Dolphins lose Howard, here are the teams remaining cornerbacks,
Jason Mcourty
Byron Jones
Nik Needham
Noah Iggy
Jamal Perry
Tril Williams
Creveon Leblanc
Tino Ellis
Terrel Bonds
Justin Coleman
Javaris Davis
Jaytlin Askew
obviously they all wont make the final 53, just listing the CB that are currently on the Dolphins roster, that are not named Howard
SEEMS LIKE most of you folks are assuming the 2021 season “is on” and is definitely going to happen.
I MAKE NO SUCH ASSUMPTIONS.
The Delta variant, combined with the totally insufficient responses to it, tells me that going back into lockdown, full facemasking, and empty seats at sporting events, is a real possibility, if not A PROBABILITY, come October when the full force of this variant will be upon us.
We WON’T be debating masks or no masks in the public schools. We’ll be debating whether the schools will even be open for business come October, IF THE WORST SCENARIO COMES TRUE.
NOW I AM NOT saying this will come true. But that possibility certainly exists.
ONE FINAL NOTE. A U. of ALABAMA alum told me the BEST way to get Alabamans to take the vaccine is to tell them there will be NO FOOTBALL THIS FALL unless that state’s vaccination rate is at least 60% (currently 39%).
WILL NICK SABAN be on Alabama TV urging citizens to “Get the point??”
ONE FINAL POINT. There’s no guarantee that fans will be allowed in the stands come this October. Do we need to concoct alternate plans for our get together, just in case??
I WONDER IF the Colts’ franchise is secretly hoping the season is delayed so that starting QB Carson Wentz will have more time to get over his possible foot injury??
OD, was wondering earlier if they would reach out to Rivers to see if he will come out of retirement.
I hate this shit. There are so many games I could get to this season but have not bought any tickets because of this very question. There will be football, no doubt in my mind but not sure about changes in attendance. I have not gotten vax and not going to. Just talked to my doc this week and he told me I would not need to get it for at least another 6 months at a minimum due to the amount of antibodies that were already in my system. So if the NFL requires a vax, I am screwed.
BTW, one of our friends got both shots this past May and has been sick as hell with COVID for 5 days now. Says she is starting to feel a little better.
Why I still wear a mask even though not required almost anywhere anymore.
OD — guess an advantage that the Fest is in Florida. Gov Desantis will make sure that Plan B Bokampers or D&B is there. Even if see the chances of not being at Hard Rock remote. Two-thirds of adults are vaccinated.
Ok, be there in a few minutes! lol
The top-5 ranked Miami Dolphins in āMadden 22ā:
No. 1: Cornerback Xavien Howard — 91 overall score.
No. 2: Cornerback Byron Jones — 88
No. 3 (tie): Kicker Jason Sanders — 85
No. 3 (tie) : Tight End Mike Gesicki – 85
No. 3 (tie): Wide Receiver Will Fuller – 85
https://www.thephinsider.com/2021/7/31/22603381/miami-dolphins-xavien-howard-trade-rumors-contract-byron-jones-reaction
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article252537368.html
Article title: “Dolphinsā Brian Flores addresses injuries with Fuller, Phillips, Howard and other issues”
Sorry to see Fuller has something going on, but guess whatever it is will have an extra week to heal.
YOUNG STANGER; Agree with you that living in Florida raises the chances that fans will be allowed in the stands for NFL football this season. However, I DOUBT Louisiana, home to the Saints , will come anywhere NEAR 50% coverage by the first week of September. And the Titans, Falcons and Charlotte Panthers may all be in the same boat.
————————–
I ALSO BELIEVE that DeSantis’ ban on masking will be tossed out if it is challenged in the Supreme Court. The current court sided with a hospital’s right to DEMAND that its employees get vaccinated or face firing. Doubt that the current court would rule differently on a similar case.
I just don’t get why DeSantis thinks being against all protective measures against Covid is a huge political sell. Big difference btwn wearing masks and getting vaccinated and closing businesses. But yet his campaign sells “āDonāt Fauci My Florida” T-shirts.
And the the legal question on this is not whether requiring masks is legal. It’s whether a Gov can put a ban on that. Big difference. Courts don’t like to tell Governors what they have to do.
I haven’t kept up with the news in over a week. Did I miss something on a mask ban? Only thing I have heard was him putting in place a policy that would allow parents make the decision on whether they want to make their kids wear a mask at school or not. I had not heard about him banning masks???
Anyway, where can I get one of those T-shirts?
He passed a law or did an executive order stopping counties from putting in mask mandates like they did before.
Here’s where to get the t shirt
https://secure.winred.com/ron-desantis/storefront/don-t-fauci-my-florida-black-fine-jersey-t-shirt/details
Governor can certainly ban publicly funded institutions from requiring masks. Canāt stop private entities from requiring. Probably can stop federal mandates simply by refusing to enforce.
I can understand OD and Ken being afraid of COVID given their age and underlying Heath problems. The rest of you guys need to get off the fear porn. COVID is just the new flu.
We aren’t deep at receiver. We are wide.
Lol
I probably should look this up and but it was an interview with Fauci about the statistics or chances of dying from COVID.
Getting hit by lightning, dying in a plane crash, etc. were far more likely to happen to someone. It was a little shocking to me.
Fauci did not deny the statistics, just stressed the reason to get vaccinated so the virus has no place to go. Worried about delta mutating to next variant, possibly more contagious and lethal.
Makes sense as we all know viruses mutate.
600k+ Americans have died from Covid. How many people die from lightening or in plane crashes? Have to think something missing from that comparison. Young people?
In a population of 350 million and mostly elderly and health compromised. I’m definitely in a higher risk category based on age alone.
I trust my body.
Not going to argue you with about whether one should or should not get the vaccine. To me it’s a personal choice.
And, my point was addressing and supporting pp’s comment about “fear porn.”
I get it.
This whole fucking pandemic has been mismanaged imo.
It is a personal choice. Just pains me that 99% of the people losing their lives now haven’t gotten their shots. Was their choice for sure, but still find it said. The vaccination is no big deal and free.
I get your take stangerx, I really do.
People die and some make choices that hasten that process.
If it’s any consolation, I have wondered what the difference between the 2 shot v 1 shot. I could probably only do this once and that would be to get to the fest or travel, if required.
This was addressing pp’s comment about fear porn. The messaging is awful! It’s pretty typical of the medical profession and has been for years.
For example, my business partner got the shingles vaccine 2 weeks ago. Said he felt like shit for a week, awful the first couple of days. I asked him what was wrong and why he got the vaccine. Because have you seen how bad it could be. I said yeah, so.
Just don’t believe you walk through life trying to immunize yourself against what might or might not happen. Maybe, COVID is an exception.
” For the fourth day in a row, Michael Deiter is the starting center. To this point, heās clearly ahead of Matt Skura and Cameron Tom in the battle for a starting job. Good for Deiter, whose attitude, intelligence and work ethic impress the staff.”
“The rest of the first-team offensive line Saturday: Austin Jackson at left tackle, Liam Eichenberg at left guard, Robert Hunt at right guard and Jesse Davis at right tackle.”
And more from Barry Jackson (no paywall)
https://www.yahoo.com/news/lined-first-team-miami-dolphins-202610317.html
Let’s talk about the X game….lol.
My fear, too, about X being leveraging with cancer. Hopefully, he’s not a little bitch.
The article or interview with Byron Jones I posted, indicated X was engaged and studying film as teammates to get better. So there”s that.
Or centers……lol.
600+ people died who had COVID. Not all of them died from COVID. And when you say 99% of the people dying now are unvaccinated, how many people are we talking? 99% of a million is different than 99% of 100. Throwing out percentages like they mean something is exactly the kind of fear porn I am talking about.
It’s a true stat. And it is 200-300 hundred of deaths that didn’t have to happen yesterday. And happens every day. And if 600k haven’t died from Covid how many have? If it is 400K and the same as how many died in WW2 is the difference significant?
Just don’t get the backklash from real smart people like you. Country is free and open with a few exceptions. How does people getting vaccinated for Covid (or people encouraging it) impact your life? You clearly feel strongly about it.
X spoke to the media today, Answers were pretty darn short except about Jone.
——————————————-
— Asked during a brief interview session if heās more optimistic or pessimistic that a deal will get done.
āThatās up to the Dolphins. Iām just here with my teammates.ā
— How can the Dolphins fix it?
āThatās up to them,ā
Asked if he hopes things get worked out here,.
“Yeah, I hope so it gets better.ā
— If he doesnāt get traded and donāt get a reworked contract, is he OK with that?
āIām here,ā
— Asked if he has spoken with Brian Flores.
āWe talked but didnāt do nowhere.ā
— Howard was asked if he regrets referencing Byron Jones in his Instagram statement asking for a trade.
āMe and Byron have got a great relationship. I donāt like the media saying what theyāre saying about me and Byron. We have a great relationship. … Itās a business. The NFLās a business. … Heās going to support me. Iām going to support him no matter what.ā
— Asked if he expects to play in preseason.
āWeāll see when it gets here.ā
Full from Jackson (no paywall)
https://www.yahoo.com/news/xavien-howard-said-first-interview-222120846.html
Would love to see Deiter earn the center position this year and stay for a while…..not sure why, but feels good. Lol!
I am not impartial on this: he is a lineman from Wisconsin, normally you canāt go wrong with that.
It’s early but like what I am hearing about LB Brennan Scarlett. Wasn’t excited about his signing but maybe this defense is a better fit for the big dude.
I saw a movie today in a theatre for the first time in over a year. Popcorn and a cherry coke. Nothing better. I was tempted to bring my leftover popcorn home with me.
Almost went to movies yesterday but went to beach for a walk and dinner instead.
What did you go see?
I couldn’t care less about the virus when it comes to going to the movies. It’s the people who can’t stay off their phones that kill me. I wish there was a vaccine for that. I’d even support a federal mandate…
Fuck man , I got both vaccines and still chase parked cars and leave yard cigars in my neighborhood. Nothing has changed butt the drama mamaās pushing an agenda!!š
Hearing a lot of positive things about Albert Wilson in training camp
Yep!
Oy Ve!
From the Herald:
TAGOVAILOA SHINES
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa delivered his best practice in the first week of training camp, perhaps his best ever in his two-year NFL career.
Among the highights: a 63-yard TD pass to Albert Wilson, a deep pass to Adam Shaheen, another deep ball completion to Robert Foster and several strikes over the middle, to Jaylen Waddle (who made a diving catch) and Wilson.
āŖ Here was the first team defense: Raekwon Davis, Zach Sieler and Emmanuel Ogbah at defensive end; Jerome Baker and Benadrick McKinney at inside linebacker; Andrew Van Ginkel in an edge/outside linebacker role; Byron Jones and Nik Needham on the boundary at cornerback; Justin Coleman in the slot.
Eric Rowe and Jason McCourty were the starting safeties.
It was interesting that Sieler worked ahead of Christian Wilkins on Saturday. And Needham worked ahead of Noah Igbinoghene in the boundary corner role normally filled by Howard. McCourty started ahead of rookie Jevon Holland.
āŖ Tight end Mike Gesicki did not practice Saturday because of undisclosed medical reasons.
Receiver Will Fuller and linebacker Jaelan Phillips also were out Saturday, but Brian Flores said their injuries are day to day, not week to week. Phillips was wearing a compression sleeve on his left leg.
āŖ Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for Ogbah, has said he would like a contract extension for the defensive end. Ogbah will make $7.5 million this season in the second year of a two-year deal.
āMy agent is handling his job and Iām handling mine,ā Ogbah said. āI always viewed myself staying here longterm, which is always a goal of mine, but whatever happens Iām going out here and ballling.ā
He said he skipped the voluntary part of the offseason program because āat the end of the day, itās voluntary, so I didnāt really have to.ā
āŖ Robert Hunt said his move from right tackle to right guard is going well.
āMy reaction [to the switch] is I want to play. Whatever I can do to help this team and play, [Iāll do]. I havenāt played it in a while, but Iām trying to get used to it.ā
āI always viewed myself staying here longterm, which is always a goal of mine, but whatever happens Iām going out here and ballling.ā
Thank you Ogbah for showing how a guy wanting a new contract should behave.
bailbondmike says:
July 31, 2021 at 7:53 pm
What did you go see?
Stillwater. Matt Damon in it. I guess itās supposed to be loosely based on the Amanda Knox saga in Italy although this is set in Marseille. I have no idea how close it is, just that she has spoken out against it.
A couple of what Iād call political things in it. First of all, the locals amazed that Matt Damonās character owned guns. The other was them asking if he had voted for Trump. š
Oh geez! lol
The better chance of being hit by lightning than dying from COVID comment was stated as vaccinated people, not as a whole ā¦
And that is the missing piece, even if still sounds a bit overstated.