While some of the players cut this weekend may have been fan favorites like TE David Martin or QB Pat White, one conclusion which is certain is that Miami Head Coach Tony Sparano is looking to win big this season, no matter what; and that should encourage Dolphins fans on every level. "No question about it," Sparano said. "We want to be in the playoffs."
Sparano scratched three more players while adding some youth to the team. Sixth year guard Cory Procter's contract was terminated and defensive ends Marques Douglas and Charles Grant also failed to show coaches they could contribute this season.
All three players whose contracts were terminated signed with Miami this year. Procter, who spent four years in Dallas, was brought in for his great foot work and leadership skills. The contract termination of DE Charles Grant comes as a bit of a surprise, considering he just signed a two-year agreement with Miami in late July. The axing of Douglas was also a shock, considering he's been healthy the majority of his career; and while with the Jets last season, racked up 64 tackles and one and a half sacks.
But as they say, "out with the old and in with the new." The three players cut spent four or more years in the league, while the players they signed off waivers are all either in their first or second seasons. "There are 18 first or second year players," said Tony Sparano. "But there are 23 guys on the roster that are five years or better. So there's a good mix."
In addition to their youth, offensive lineman Jermey Parnell and Joe Reitz were tapped to be immediate contributors, because of their powerful blocking skills; and defensive ends Robert Rose and Clifton Geathers got the call, because they both showed Miami defensive coordinator Mike Nolan that they value the prospect of taking down the quarterback. All four players were either released by other teams, late picks in the draft, or undrafted all together. "Because they were out there in that situation we had the ability to get them," said Sparano. "They're guys we thought highly of."
Ninth year cornerback Will Allen was placed on injured reserve which is a move that ends the possibility of him playing this season. Last year, Allen was put on injured reserve after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), in the match-up against the Saints. Despite only playing in six games last season, Allen racked up 21 tackles and two interceptions which is probably why he wasn't cut altogether.
Placing Will Allen on injured reserve wasn't that difficult for Coach Sparano, considering his satisfaction with the other corners on the squad. "I mean we got five corners that I feel like can go in the game and compete," said Sparano. "I mean I know they're young; I got it, but they were young last year too."
The Miami Dolphins kick-off their season this Sunday against Chan Gailey and the Buffalo Bills.
Comments
If the Dolphins win 6 I will be surprised!
Sparano is an idiot who wouldn't know talent if Joe Montana was carrying it.
He can make all the cuts he wants but the Dolphins will never have a chance until the Tuna cuts Tony from the team.
Henne has no heart (or brain). Pennington has no arm. Thigpen has no skill. White has no team
Maybe next year we can draft Denard Robinson of Michigan - keep him one year - then cut him instead of finding a quarterback who can lead this team to the playoffs.
Aging running backs. worthless quarterbacks and delusional fans.
Great blue print for a winning team.
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