Fan favorite Jayson Foster has been released off the practice squad for DT Anthony Toribio. Foster, who became a fan favorite after his college career and his speed on the field was witnessed by local media didn’t last on the PS for more than two days. Toribio was a local Floridian who impressed the
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Hot News Out Of Miami
This morning I woke up to a nervous twitch in my stomach. I knew that within two short hours I would be talking on the phone with 1972 Miami Dolphin RB, Jim Kiick. Jim Kiick was part of the Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid backfield consisting of himself and Larry Csonka, Jim was Cassidy. The [..
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PhinPhanatic Exclusive Interview: Jim Kiick
This is a quiz about the infamous Nick Saban era of the Miami Dolphins (2005-2006). How much do you remember?
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Miami Dolphins: Nick Saban Era (2005-2006)
Fantasy football seems easy. Buy a book, look at some cheat sheets, and draft according to the lists. Simple, right? Following the cheat sheets like that forgets one key about fantasy football: upside rules all in the late rounds. When the choice is between a run-of-the-mill veteran receiver and a young receiver getting good reviews in training camp, always go for the upside. After all, Fred Taylor isn’t winning your fantasy football league. Chris Perry might. But once those first few rounds are over, whom should you target? Who are the high-upside sleeper picks that will make your team able to withstand your early-round busts? Who can help you withstand injuries or provide trade bait to get the player to put your team over the top? Here are 14 players with the potential to provide huge returns on when they are chosen. Mid-late round sleepers (picks 75-125) WR Nate Burleson - Seattle Seahawks Burleson put up almost 700 yards and nine touchdowns last year. With Bobby Engram and Deion Branch both probably out for at least the first two weeks of the season, Burleson is Matt Hasselbeck’s No. 1 receiver, and he will have the first chance to take the role that Darrell Jackson had for so many years and that Engram had last year. He’s clearly the No. 1, and in an offense that is sure to pass the ball a lot, he could put up big numbers early against Buffalo, San Francisco, and St. Louis. RB Chester Taylor - Minnesota Vikings Taylor is a great player to have and not just if you’re an Adrian Peterson owner. Even with “AD” in town, Taylor put up 844 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. If Peterson gets hurt again, Taylor is immediately a top 10-15 running back behind that offensive line. Plus, he’s great trade bait. One last fact about Peterson: He wasn’t much of a goal-line back last season. Taylor could potentially siphon goal-line carries from him. But let’s get one thing straight; if you’re drafting Taylor, you’re drafting him hoping that Peterson misses some games. RB Ricky Williams - Miami Dolphins I know No. 34 is considered a joke by many football fans, but he very well might be the starting running back for the Fish. He’s healthier than Ronnie Brown, and he’s in much better football shape than he was last season. Prepare to hear some snickers when you draft him, but getting a possible starting running back who has had 1,300 and 1,800-yard seasons in his career is a steal at around the 100th pick in the draft. Don’t expect the world, but he has more upside and a clearer path to start than other backs you can take at this point in the draft. QB Jay Cutler - Denver Broncos Cutler enters his third year as Denver’s starter. Along with David Garrard, Matt Hasselbeck, Derek Anderson, and a few others, he’s in the next tier of quarterbacks that you wait until the middle of the draft to grab. He was a high first-round pick for a reason: He has all the talent of the elite quarterbacks. Throw in Brandon Marshall, Darrell Jackson, Brandon Stokley, and Tony Scheffler, and you have a decent situation here. Cutler may go a few rounds behind guys like Ben Roethlisberger, but at the end of the season, Cutler should be the smarter pick. He threw for 3,497 yards and 20 touchdowns last year in just his second season. RB Maurice Morris - Seattle Seahawks Julius Jones may be a bigger name on draft night, but Morris may have the inside track to replace Shaun Alexander in Seattle. He ran for 628 yards and caught another 213 en route to scoring five touchdowns in 2008. Jones lost his job in Dallas, and he never lived up to the hype after his electric first few games in 2004. People forget Morris was once a second-round draft pick, too. He has just as good a chance to claim the Seahawks’ starting job, and he’s likely available a little later because he isn’t from Notre Dame. WR Anthony Gonzalez - Indianapolis Colts Gonzalez may not fit the third-year breakout rule for receivers, but he inhabits the coveted third-receiver role in the Colts’ offense, and as their first round pick last year, the Colts clearly have faith in him. Third receivers have had value in fantasy football in recent years (see Brandon Stokley and Shaun McDonald) and with Marvin Harrison’s questionable status, the Ohio State product could be a pleasant surprise. Harrison seems healthy now, but you never know. Gonzalez had 576 yards and three touchdowns last season, including two 100-yard games late in the season. WR Vincent Jackson - San Diego Chargers Jackson was a disappointment last season. He failed to take the next step in becoming an impact receiver last season, but sometimes it takes a receiver even more time. Jackson was a bit of a project coming out of Northern Colorado and he played a lot better in the playoffs, with 300 yards and two touchdowns in three games. He and fellow receiver Chris Chambers are both options to have breakout years. Jackson is younger, and his postseason performance bodes well for having an improved season. Antonio Gates might still be banged up early into the season, leaving the 6?5? Jackson as a primary red-zone target. Late round to undrafted sleepers RB Chris Perry - Cincinnati Bengals Perry is gaining steam as a late sleeper. He was a first-round pick in 2004, but injuries have largely ruined his career so far. Perry had 51 receptions in 2005 and was poised to challenge Rudi Johnson for the starting job. Since then, he’s carried the ball just 10 times in two years, but he’s finally healthy again. Johnson, Kenny Watson, and Perry are supposedly going to be in a timeshare, but Perry has the most talent of the three. He’s at worst a third-down back and at best a starting running back in a good offense. In PPR leagues especially, he should be drafted. Since I originally wrote this on August 20, Marvin Lewis has since stated that Perry is likely the starting runningback. With the injury to Chad Johnson, Rudi Johnson is apparently being shopped for a wide receiver. If Johnson is traded, Perry could be as high as a 3rd round value, but he’ll likely drop further. Johnson’s injury also makes Bengals WR Chris Henry a sleeper. RB Pierre Thomas - New Orleans Saints Thomas is in a difficult situation in New Orleans, with Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister, and Aaron Stecker already in town, but Bush has done little, McAllister is a wild card after another major injury, and Stecker is 32-years old and not very exciting. Thomas has an outside chance at claiming this job, and a 226 total-yard performance in Week 17 with a receiving touchdown is a good impression to make. Late in the season, he could be a coveted commodity. QB Matt Schaub - Houston Texans He might not last this long, but if Andre Johnson stays healthy all season, his quarterback will reap the benefits. Johnson had 851 yards and eight touchdowns in just nine games. Schaub only threw for nine touchdowns last season, and backup Sage Rosenfels threw for 15. With Owen Daniels, Kevin Walter, Steve Slaton, and Johnson, there are weapons to throw to, and with a nondescript running game, Schaub will be throwing the ball, and he should be able to reach 20-plus touchdowns. If he does that, he should be well worth a late-round pick. QB Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay Packers Rodgers has been largely forgotten at quarterback, but Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and James Jones are still in Green Bay. He was a former first-round pick, and the Packers obviously have enough faith in him to risk their careers for him. There’s no NFL track record to speak of, except for a 201-yard performance with one touchdown against Dallas after Brett Favre left with an injury, but he’s far from a rookie. He’s ready for his opportunity, and there’s no reason he can’t put up good numbers in the Packers’ offense, especially for your backup quarterback. TE Zach Miller - Oakland Raiders Miller was the No. 1 rookie tight end last season. Dustin Keller could be a sleeper this season, but Miller has the clearer path to the starting job. He caught 44 passes for 444 yards and three touchdowns last season, including an 84-yard game in Week 17 with JaMarcus Russell at quarterback. As far as tight ends go, he is a guy that will probably be available in a late round that could be a surprise. After all, Oakland doesn’t have a whole lot else in their passing game. Miller is just as likely to have a big game as Ronald Curry. WR Justin Gage - Tennessee Titans The Titans’ passing game is ignored for the most part. While there are a lot of good reasons for this, as they are still a run-heavy offense, Vince Young needs to throw to someone. Justin McCareins struggled when given a chance for the Jets, so Gage is probably the best option there. Young is still growing as a passer, and Gage had a few nice games down the stretch. He’s draftable as a late sleeper, but in many leagues, he’s a guy to pay attention to and grab if a roster spot becomes available. He had 750 yards and two touchdowns last year, and he’s still only 27-years old, so he’s got the potential and the size (6?4?, 212) to be a nice sleeper. WR Derek Hagan - Miami Dolphins Hagan won’t be drafted except in deep leagues, but he’s the starter opposite Ted Ginn Jr. right now in Miami. He was a monster in college, as a possession receiver with the speed to go deep. His hands failed him at the combine, causing him to fall to round two in 2006, but in his third year, he could blossom opposite Ginn. Hagan has gone largely unnoticed, but he’s 6?2?, and if he keeps holding off Ernest Wilford, he could be a red-zone target. 29 catches for 372 yards and two touchdowns isn’t particularly impressive, but he’s another guy who improved as the season went on and could be a good player in PPR formats.
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14 Fantasy Football Sleepers to Target
The Miami Dolphins have added another player to the practice squad, this time around a former Dallas Cowboy LB. Tyson Smith was in the Cowboys training camp this off-season but was unable to make the final 53. He cleared waivers and was not picked up by the Cowboys for their own PS. The 6?2
The Miami Dolphins are so pleased with the transition to LB by Matt Roth that on Monday, head coach Tony Sparano said it was “permanent”. The Roth move, who earlier this off-season seemed more on the bubble of making the team, has excelled at the stand up running stopping left side of the defense. [.
Continue here: Roth’s Move To LB Frees Porter
Now that the dress rehearsals are over and the team is cut down, it’s time for me to gaze into my magic eight ball and see what the season holds for my hometown team. There are certainly a few variables that I can’t really use until they actually occur. The first being injuries. It seems that many Baltimore fans are torn this year either siding with the idea that the team will be better because it will be healthier or that last year’s record was really more a sign of things to come and a true picture of how much change this club needs. A second is what I would call the “X” factor. That certain, I don’t know what, that allows players to emerge and teams to catch fire and allows them to surprise the pundits on the way to playoff glory. For an example I give you our Northern rivals, the Browns. Did anyone forget that they got ripped Week one of 2007 and it looked like Romeo Crennel was on his way to unemployment line. We all know that turned out. So, I’m putting myself out there out in cyberspace and we can all click on it in January and see how I did. Will I prove to more of a pigskin Nostradamus or Carnac? Week 1- 9/7/08 vs. Cincinnati Bengals: I’ve got a great feeling about this game for several reasons. They look even more nicked up than we do, the former Chad Johnson has officially fallen off the deep end, and their defense can’t stop a runny nose. Marvin Lewis, the former defensive darling of Baltimore will be looking for employment by week nine. WIN Week 2- 9/14/08 @ Houston Texas: This isn’t your older brothers Texan squad. Their pass game is tough with Andre Johnson leading the way. It will be huge to get pressure on Schaub early. Their run game doesn’t scare me but the Ravens record on the road last season was less than stellar. I’d say it’s a toss-up. LOSS Week 3- 9/21/08 vs. Cleveland Browns: I’m still trying to shake the memories of the overtime field goal game and the fact that Derek Anderson has transformed himself into a very good pro quarterback. Didn’t we have a guy named Anderson? I feel like they really made an effort to upgrade themselves and they have a lot of weapons. LOSS Week 4 – 9/29/08 @ Pittsburgh Steelers: Hmm. A Monday night game against the Steelers. Last season it was the only game that I actually turned off and didn’t watch all the way through. I would have only missed Terry Bradshaw throwing a TD strike Lynn Swann and more of the comedy stylings of Mel Blount. I’ve got a bad feeling about this. LOSS Week 5 – 10/5/08 vs. Tennessee Titans: The Titans can run but stopping run is the one thing that the Ravens defense has always done well. This will force poster boy, Vince Young to win the game with his arm. As long as they don’t let him escape the pocket I really like our chances. WIN Week 6 – 10/12/08 @ Indianapolis Colts: This game is still a sore spot for the old timers. Many still haven’t recovered from the home playoff loss two years ago and the secondary still hasn’t recovered from the beatdown handed out in 07′. They have loads of speed. The only hope here is to control the clock and line. LOSS Week 7 – 10/19/08 @ Miami Dolphins: This should be a win, oh wait, I didn’t say that. But I see raggedy arm, Chad Pennington and the midnight toker, Ricky Williams on the offensive side of the ball. Jason Taylor danced over the Snyder’s gang and Zach Thomas is a Cowboy. I feel better now. WIN Week 8 – 10/26/08 vs. Oakland Raiders: The silver and black have slowly and very quietly improved. Will McFadden be the wild game breaker that Peterson was last year? Their pass defense is tough but they can he had up front on runs and we may need to call on some special teams magic for this one. WIN Week 9- 11/2/08 @ Cleveland Browns: It was this game last year in week three that these teams pulled the craziest swap since Freaky Friday. The Ravens were headed to the basement and the Browns were knocking on playoffs door. I don’t expect much different here. LOSS Week 10 – 11/9/08 – BYE – I have them at 4-6 heading into a much needed bye week. Not too bad all things considered but did you get a load of the back end of this schedule. I guess they really did get rid of that giving you a schedule based on past records ’cause it’s tough. Week 11 – 11/16/08 @ New York Giants: They had a great run to the title and they were the only New York team I openly cheered for, well ever to defeat Belicheck’s crew. The post championship exodus began. They are solid all the way around but not superior in any one area. But, again this is a road game and that isn’t favorable. LOSS Week 12 – 11/23/08 vs. Philadelphia Eagles: If this team remains healthy they could be tops in the NFC East. They have a game changer in Westbrook and they blitz-blitz and blitz again. Harbaugh should hope for mercy from his old employer. LOSS Week 13 – 11/30/08 @ Cincinnati Bengals: Marvin Lewis should be fired, Chris Henry should be arrested, (Again) and this looks like a winnable road game. I think this appears tailor made to stop their losing streak. WIN Week 14 – 12/7/08 vs. Washington Redskins: This is another rivalry game, at least in the minds of Baltimore fans. They seem to be following the Giants blueprint and while they will have trouble in their division (arguably the toughest in the NFL) they should give the Ravens fits on both ends. LOSS Week 15 – 12/14/08 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: One of the few bright spots for me last year was watching a home dismantling of our division rival and watching those yellow hankies disappear and they headed for the exits. No such luck here. LOSS Week 16 – 12/20/08 @ Dallas Cowboys: Mission: defeat America’s Team on the last game ever to played in Texas Stadium. And while they are at it the team will solve the gas crisis, strengthen the dollar, and end the Iraq war too. Where’s Tom Cruise for another sequel? LOSS Week 17 – 12/28/08 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jack Del Rio leads a well-rounded squad that tries to break into the first tier this season. They only hope her is that some starters are getting rest for the playoffs. LOSS Let’s check the scorecards. I have this campaign at 5-11. They have a very difficult schedule playing the ultra-competitive NFC East (who should field three playoff squads), and the AFC South (who almost could do the same) and of course the division schedule. That’s tough sledding to be sure. Baltimore appears to be built the same as in past years, great run defense, excellent special teams and the offense will still need to actually score. Many other subplots should develop over this season, will Joe Flacco continue to be thrust into the starting role, will the defense regain it’s luster, and how will everyone respond to a new coach on the sidelines. It’s always fun predicting the future but let’s see how it plays out.
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What Does This Season Hold in Store for the Ravens?
The Miami Dolphins released Justin Peelle in favor of TE Sean Ryan on Saturday. Today the veteran signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Peelle should take some comfort in his signing as thus far he is the only one of Miami’s cuts to have found work. Last years draft is not shaping up favorably for the
Continue here: Peelle Latches On With Falcons
Thoughts on all the roster moves recently made by the Miami Dolphins to finalize the 53-man squad
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Final Roster Set
DAVIE, Fla. - Ricky Williams is a role model. No, we’re not sharing the peace pipe together. I’m as serious as a DEA raid. Williams is writing his own version of Redemption Song, the reggae tune popularized by his late hemp-smoking idol Bob Marley. Should he continue on the straight and narrow, Williams can be championed as the biggest success to ever emerge from the NFL’s substance-abuse program. No player has missed so much time because of failed drug tests to later re-emerge as a superstar. Williams has shined like one during the preseason. He outclassed fellow running back Ronnie Brown to earn the start in next Sunday’s regular-season opener against the New York Jets. “He’s back to his old form,” Brown said of the former Heisman Trophy winner and 2002 NFL rushing leader. In other words, Williams is smoking. In a good way. There’s even more reason for the NFL to take pride in Williams. He is taking two classes (math and writing composition) at a South Florida college this fall. The credits will help Williams finish his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas. Williams wants to become an osteopath, a physician who treats patients through holistic methods. “I have a better idea now of what I want to do outside of football,” Williams told FOXSports.com after last Tuesday’s Dolphins practice. “I’m more well-rounded. I feel like I have more control over my life and what I spend my time doing” Having covered Williams as a Dolphins beat writer for five tumultuous seasons, I can tell you these aren’t the only positive changes. Williams doesn’t show any outer signs of the social-anxiety disorder that once caused him to wear a football helmet when speaking with the media. He is no longer shy, halting or combative when asked a question. Teammates also have more personal interaction with Williams than before. CLICK THE LINK FOR MORE ON RICKY BEING A “ROLE MODEL”
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