Miami Sports Generation

Split Opinions on Tannehill Still Remain

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 12:51:00 +0000

As he prepares for his third season in the NFL, Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill remains one of the most polarizing topics for Dol-Fans. While some view the 25-year old as being a future superstar, there are an equal number of critics who view Tannehill as being nothing more than a less-than-stellar QB with lackluster talent.

After a fairly mediocre 15-17 record over his first two seasons in the league, Tannehill is one of a number of Dolphins players who are heading into the new season with more than a point to prove, with Betfair punters still undecided over Miami's chances.

Tannehill's doubters will point to his lack of a deep ball and a tendency to hold the ball too long as reasons why he could struggle to ever really become a real threat in the league. But while Tannehill still has plenty left to learn, it's not as though he's had the best arsenal of weapons available to him. Without any real offensive stars, Tannehill has perhaps done as much as any quarterback could do to succeed on a team with low expectations, according to Betfair fans.

During his rookie campaign, his receiving unit consisted of Brian Hartline, Davone Bess, Rishard Matthews and Marlon Moore. With all due respect to that quartet, the fact Tannehill finished that season with a quarterback rating of 50.4 says more about the QB than it does about the receivers.

After bolstering their receiving options, last season gave Tannehill another thing to worry about playing behind a fairly dismal offensive line. Despite being sacked a league-high 58 times during the year, the quarterback performed admirably throughout the regular season. He lead the Dolphins to an 8-8 record, even though a large number of Betfair punters expected a much worse season.

However, that offensive line has been significantly strengthened since the end of last season. Now Tannehill should have more adequate tools to prove he can lead the Dolphins for many seasons to come.

Is 2014 The Year Miami Dethrones New England?

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 14:29:00 +0000

Guest post by Phillip Fullam

Anyone who follows the AFC East knows that the New England Patriots have been downright dominant for the last several years. That trend looks like it will continue in 2014, but that won't stop the Miami Dolphins from challenging the favorites. With some offseason moves and a year of experience under their belt, they just might be able to pull it off.

The 2013 season started nicely for Miami, as they picked up some key wins early. However, the season took a turn for the worse as Miami began dropping games and encountered the Jonathan Martin dilemma.

Ryan Tannehill is no Tom Brady (at least not yet), but he's still an above average fantasy football quarterback with room to grow. He is hoping to connect with Mike Wallace more often and create the kind of synergy that makes immense impact on the team's offense. Wallace and Brian Hartline are still Miami's 1-2 options at receiver, with Charles Clay as a flex option.

Newcomer Knowshon Moreno was a fantasy football star last season, but he had the luxury of working with the AFC Champions Denver Broncos. His numbers will most likely take a hit in Miami, but he is still an upgrade at the running back position for Miami.

As New England ages, many think they become more and more vulnerable. However, they did make some interesting moves in the offseason to improve their roster and inject some youth. Their defense is primed to become better and they could have a more consistent offense if Rob Gronkowski can stay healthy.

It should be a battle between Miami and New England at the top of the division this season. Many predict that battle will end with the Patriots winning the division crown while the Dolphins secure a Wild Card spot. But the NFL is unpredictable and every season will bring its set of surprises. Miami hopes that they can be the ones to open eyes in 2014.

5 Things to Watch in Super Bowl XLVIII

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 02:52:00 +0000

The penultimate stage for American sports is here once again. The Super Bowl XLVIII match-up is finally set as sports fans will take sides between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. Two polarizing styles of football, one epic battle. Who are you taking?

Even Las Vegas has had some trouble picking sides in this gridiron showdown. Sports betting sites, like SportsBettingOnline.ag, have given the slight edge to Denver but not by much. Some odds lines have the Broncos favored by up to three points while others say the Seahawks are two-point favorites.

Regardless of the odds, there will be plenty of storylines to follow during the game. Here are the top 5 things to watch:

1. Old School vs New School (Peyton vs Russell)

In today's pass-heavy game, the focus on quarterback play has only intensified. The championship game will shine its bright light on two contrasting quarterbacks: one with an old school, inside-the-pocket approach, the other with a new school, mobile approach that relies on improvisation. Peyton Manning is a first ballot Hall of Famer with a Super Bowl ring to backup his credentials. Russell Wilson is a young, exciting QB with plenty of potential. The clear edge goes to Manning but Wilson isn't a push over and will pose a worthy competition.

2. High Octane Offense vs Lockdown Defense

Besides contrasting QBs, these two teams have completely different identities. The Broncos boast an impressive offense that can score in bunches, while the Seahawks pride themselves on having a staunch defense. We will literally be watching the league's #1 offense play against the #1 defense. It doesn't get any better than that.

3. Richard Sherman’s Mouth

After the Seahawks defeated the 49ers, Richard Sherman made headlines with a controversial post-game interview aimed at Sand Francisco and WR Michael Crabtree. Sherman's rant made it easy for fans to paint him as a villain and jump on board the Broncos bandwagon. Meanwhile, the media will be swarming the Seahawks' outspoken cornerback before and after the game. Should be interesting to hear what Sherman will have to say.

4. Running Back Battle

Marshawn Lynch is called Beast Mode for a reason. His earth-shaking, breakout runs have built that title and earned him a spot as the #6 rusher this season. Denver also presents a surprisingly strong ground game spearheaded by Knowshon Moreno (#12 on the list). While passing will be the main course, running will be a strong side dish that will determine who takes the prize.

5. Battle of the Elements

Last but not least, we should not ignore the weather in this year's Super Bowl. Forecast predictions have the temperature around 19 degrees with wind gusts nearing 20 mph. Little to no chance of rain or snow but this is the first cold weather Super Bowl in recent history. Both teams will be battling more than each other, which will make for a more entertaining game.

Dolphins Throw it Away Once More

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 22:11:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Associated Press

Despite controlling their playoff fate, the Miami Dolphins failed to secure a shot at the NFL postseason once again - leaving them sitting at home for the fifth straight year.

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has clearly stated that he isn’t ruling anything out during this offseason, which could include parting ways with GM Jeff Ireland, Head Coach Joe Philbin and/or other members of the team staff. While the Dolphins issues do not solely lie on the coaching staff, Betfair.com odds suggest that Philbin could be on his way.

"I'm making no comment on that,” said Philbin after seeing his team throw away their best chance of reaching the playoffs in recent history. But building a winning franchise takes more than just replacing a head coach every few years.

Teams wouldn't suffer droughts of five straight seasons at or below .500 if that were the case.

An offensive line wouldn't allow just short of 60 sacks in a season if that were the case (the most in franchise history by a wide margin).

An offense as a whole wouldn't combine for just seven points in the final two games of the season if that were the case.

The Dolphins seemed to survive the Richie Incognito-Jonathan Martin scandal by going 5-2 after the controversy reached national headlines. But losing two straight to finish the season sealed their fate.

There's at least one major positive to take away from the season: the development of quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The question will now be whether the youngster can lead the team into next season’s playoffs, something the oddsmakers predict could happen.

The Best Loss in Heat History

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:28:00 +0000

Source: Nick Laham/Getty Images

What are the odds? The odds that something that seemed like a misfortune actually was a blessing in disguise. The odds that an unlikely bounce of a lottery ball changed Miami Heat (and NBA) history.

The odds are 1.7%.

That was the probability of the Chicago Bulls securing the #1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat held a 25% chance at winning the top pick. But that day the Bulls were just a bit more lucky.

Or were they?

At the time, the definitive #1 pick was the University of Memphis’ superstar guard, Derrick Rose. Leaving Kansas State forward Michael Beasley as the consensus #2 selection. Miami had their eyes on Rose all along, but fate would not make their vision a reality.

Living Up to the Hype

In the ensuing seasons, Rose lived up to his expectations; showcasing his explosiveness and leadership qualities at the pro level. Rose even became the youngest MVP in NBA history in 2011. His future seemed very bright.

Beasley, on the other hand, wasn’t on the same track; lacking maturity and falling short of top-pick-level production. Averaging just over 14 points in two seasons with the Heat, things didn’t look as promising for him. Eventually Miami shipped Beasley off to Minnesota for a second-round pick.

The Unexpected

Well, remember that 2008 lottery ball? Nobody expected that improbable bounce to have such profound impact five years later. Enter 2013, where we see a much different picture.

A picture that has Rose missing two consecutive seasons to devastating knee injuries. A picture that has Beasley back in a Heat uniform playing at a highly efficient level. A picture that illustrates a completely unexpected plot twist.

Imagine what would have happened if the odds were in Miami’s favor on the evening of June 28th, 2008; selecting Rose with the #1 pick. Would Miami have gone after both LeBron James and Chris Bosh with Rose on their roster? Would they have reached the NBA Finals in three consecutive seasons? Would they be back-to-back NBA champions?

On that draft day, losing was the best thing to ever happen to the Miami Heat.

Miami New Times Web Awards 2013 "Best Sports Blog" Finalists

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 14:51:00 +0000

Tonight the winners of the Miami New Times Web Awards will be announced at Shots Miami in Wynwood. Miami Sports Generation is honored to be nominated as a finalist for Best Sports Blog in Miami! We were selected amongst a group of fantastic sports blog in South Florida, including:

For those of you interested in attending, RSVP here. The event will start at 7:30pm and run through 10pm. Feel free to connect with us on Twitter or Facebook. We'd love to meet you and talk Miami sports.

The Jonathan Martin Aftermath

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 15:30:00 +0000

UPDATE (11/14/13): Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is scheduled to meet with Jonathan Martin after NFL investigator Ted Wells meets with him in the coming days. Ross wants to "know what the real facts are" before making a final decision on Martin and Richie Incognito. Much to the chagrin on many Dol-Fans, this story is far from over.

The repercussions of this will include an impending lawsuit against the Dolphins on behalf of the Martin family as well as one from the Incognito camp. Plus, this will undoubtedly result in a league-wide culture change in NFL locker rooms.

UPDATE (11/6/13): New developments have raised questions about Jonathan Martin's claims of harassment. A new report claims that Martin considered quitting football before the lunchroom prank was made on October 28th. Another report indicates that coaches urged Richie Incognito to "toughen up" Martin after missing two OTAs this offseason.

UPDATE (11/5/13): Hear our on-air interview discussing the Martin-Incognito dilemma.

Miami Dolphins Offensive Lineman Jonathan Martin left the team last week following an incident with teammates. What we didn't know was the aftermath that Martin's departure would bring.

The latest casualty being Dolphins Guard Richie Incognito, who was suspended late Sunday evening for "conduct detrimental to the team." Coach Joe Philbin informed Incognito that he was suspended indefinitely until the NFL conducts an investigation on this matter.

As a result, Miami is now down two starting offensive linemen; a unit that was already ranked at the bottom of the league in sacks allowed.

Two schools of thought have emerged from this situation. One siding with Martin's claims of bullying and intimidation going on in the Dolphins locker room. The other siding against Martin with the idea that he is not emotionally equipped to handle an NFL locker room setting.

The NFL will be investigating for accounts of alleged hazing and player misconduct over the course of the next few days and weeks. No timetable has been set on when the investigation will be completed.

Meanwhile, it is highly unlikely that Martin returns to the team ever again after this incident. Expect Miami to release in the near future or trade Martin in the offseason. Incognito's future is also uncertain and will likely be based on the NFL's findings.

The Second Round Curse

Miami's 2nd round curse continues with the Martin saga unravelling. The last notable 2nd round draft pick that panned out for Miami traces back to 2001, when they selected Wide Receiver Chris Chambers with the 52nd overall pick.

Since then, Miami's 2nd rounders have included LB Eddie Moore ('03), DE Matt Roth ('04), John Beck ('07), Samson Satele ('07), Phillip Merling ('08), Chad Henne ('08), Pat White ('09), Sean Smith ('09), Koa Misi ('10) and Daniel Thomas ('11).

4 Reasons Why the Canes Can Win the ACC

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 14:56:00 +0000

Unranked. That's what Miami was before the season started. Four weeks in and that's no longer the case with the Canes storming through opponents in impressive fashion. As they shift their attention to conference play, their sights are set on that ACC title.

If you take a look at the college football betting lines today, you'll find that the Canes even jumped up in the BCS odds to 25-to-1, tied with LSU. A BCS Championship bid is not up for discussion this season but Miami looks like more than just a flash in the pan. They have a legit shot at taking not only the ACC Coastal division but the ACC Championship altogether. Here's why:

1) Canes acting like grown men, not children

This is not the Canes team from a season ago. The game against Florida proved that. We are witnessing the maturation of a team that believes in itself and is buying into coach Al Golden's philosophy.

It's always been "All About the U" but this season it's really all about W.

A year ago, Miami would've likely been trampled by the Gators. Just look back to the embarrassing dismantlement they suffered at the hands of Kansas State in 2012. The Canes were blasted to the tune of 52-13; a gut check moment that brought a swarm of criticism to this program and its direction.

Fast forward to today and we've got different story lines in the papers. Miami's players have grown since then and are boasting a poise and confidence that was nonexistent just a year ago.

2) Weakness in the ACC

The reality is that the ACC isn't as strong as many expected. Outside of Clemson and Florida State, there seems to be a clear notch down in the remaining ACC pool. Teams like Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech haven't performed up to expectations thus far, raising Miami's hopes for the ACC Coastal title.

If The U can secure the Coastal division, they'll only have to worry about Clemson or FSU in the ACC title game. Both of those teams are ranked above Miami but so were the Gators before they strolled into Sun Life Stadium.

Courtesy HurricaneSports.com

3) Favorable schedule ahead for Miami

The only remaining ranked opponent for Miami at this point will be FSU on November 2nd. They start their conference match-ups this weekend, beginning with Georgia Tech on Saturday.

Realistically, Miami should stay undefeated through October. It will be the Seminoles that pose the largest threat to Miami this season - a rivalry game that is truly unpredictable every single time.

If the Canes can emerge victorious, they have an opportunity to go undefeated in the ACC as well as in overall record. That's a lofty goal that seems unlikely at this point but isn't out of the question.

4) Canes have depth at key positions

Start at the top with the quarterback position. Stephen Morris is the clear-cut starter for this team and has done a solid job at the helm. At the same time, he's suffered a few injuries that have sidelined him for portions of a couple games.

That's where Ryan Williams comes in, whose filled in and completed 22-of-31 passes for 369 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT. Add to that his 71% completion rate and he's done a great job backing up Morris thus far.

As for running back, you've got Duke Johnson as the bonafide back for the Canes - posting 388 yards, 4 TDs and 6.3 yards per carry. But right behind him is Gus Edwards, who has 185 yards, 3 TDs and 6.6 yards per carry (on half as many carries as Duke). Even Dallas Crawford has pitched in on short yardage situations with 5 TDs on 20 carries.

The receiving core also has a wealth of talent, boasting seven different WRs with at least one TD this season. Allen Hurns leads the way with 16 catches for 275 yards, followed by Herb Waters, Phillip Dorsett and Stacy Coley. Those four alone have combined for seven TDs.

On defense, The U has recorded seven interceptions by six different defenders. Plus, they've forced seven fumbles by seven different players as well. That's what you call team defense, making plays across the board. That ranks Miami 10th in total defense and 8th in points allowed (12.5 per game).

The Canes have convinced themselves that this is their year. Are you convinced?

Dolphins Face Toughest Test on Monday Night Football

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 16:19:00 +0000

Credit: Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports

Submitted by Parker Jones

The Miami Dolphins are the surprise of the NFL three weeks in, going 3-0 and beating two playoff teams in the process. The first impressive victory came against the Indianapolis Colts, which hadn’t lost at home in about a year. For an encore, the Dolphins orchestrated a comeback to beat the Atlanta Falcons, which many consider Super Bowl contenders.

With those two quality wins, the Dolphins are no longer a secret. But is it all just a fluke? Can it possibly continue? Well, Week 4’s game against the New Orleans Saints – and the next one after that against the Baltimore Ravens — will determine whether the Fins ultimately sink or swim in 2013.

How have the Dolphins done it?

Simply put, they've combined sound defense with effective offense and have avoided self-inflicted wounds. Miami’s defense forced three turnovers and held the Browns to 10 points in the season opener. Then in Week 2, Ryan Tannehill aired out 319 passing yards, while the running game topped 100 yards; Mike Wallace and Charles Clay each surpassed 100 receiving yards against the Colts.

Finally, the victory over the Falcons went down to making crucial defensive stops and executing scoring drives down the stretch. A year ago, Miami doesn’t win this game. This year? Put it in the win column. In all Miami has a +2 turnover ratio, they're converting on 50% of third downs and have scored 8 TDs while holding opponents to 5 TDs. That's a recipe for a 3-0 football team.

Is Tannehill finally the answer at QB?

We want to say yes. However, the real answer is we don’t know for sure yet, but it’s looking good. He faired well against the Colts but had a more pedestrian afternoon against the Browns in Week 1 (272 yards, one touchdown, one interception, four sacks). However, he came back strong against Atlanta. Overall, the game’s greatest quarterbacks thrive with all the weight on their shoulders. While Tannehill has managed some wins, he needs to consistently string together effective outings and continue to prove himself in marquee games.

Can Miami really go 4-0?

After their Week 3 victory, it seems very possible. Prior to the Falcons game, many didn't think Miami's defense could hold off Atlanta's strong offense nor did they believe the Dolphins offense would keep up. But guess what? Miami – which would have probably struggled against the Purdue Boilermakers football team last year – found a way to win. And the Dolphins will try to do just that under the bright light's of Monday Night Football versus the Saints. Don’t look now, but Miami is slowly (let’s not book Super Bowl reservations yet) turning into a very good NFL team.

Dolphins vs Browns: 5 Players to Watch

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 22:29:00 +0000

Do you smell that? The freshly trimmed gridiron grass. The smokey scent of tailgate grills. Oh yeah, football is here! And it's about damn time.

Now that we got that out of our systems, let's talk Miami Dolphins football. Sunday, 1PM Eastern, the Fins take on the Cleveland Browns. We finally have a chance to see what this team is all about.

Can they match the offseason hype they generated? New pieces, new uniforms, new beginning; now they need to make it work. When that whistle blows and that crowd roars for the opening kickoff, it will be proving time.

Especially for a few key Dolphins. Here are five players to watch on Sunday afternoon:

#1 Ryan Tannehill

It starts at the top. No longer a rookie, Tannehill is expected to improve his performance significantly this season. That means he needs to post better numbers than last year's 58% completion percentage, 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

The Browns were ranked 25th in pass defense last season and did not significantly upgrade their secondary. Joe Haden is the only legitimate DB threat for Cleveland. With that said, Tannehill should have a solid chance at executing his air attack Sunday afternoon. With Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson added to his arsenal, there's only room for growth.

#2 Dannell Elbe

Listed at 6'1, 240 lbs, Ellerbe is a massive linebacker trained under the Baltimore Ravens defense. He's young, he's big and he can make plays. At least that is what he's known for. So, we'll have our first real look at the beast in action.

Cleveland has a solid offensive line highlighted by Left Tackle Joe Thomas. One analyst listed them as 6th best in the NFL, which should make for a nice challenge for Ellerbe. Makes it a little easier knowing that Cameron Wake, Randy Starks, Paul Soliai and Dion Jordan are on your side.

#3 Brent Grimes

Some people are calling this the steal of the offseason. Grimes was dropped by the Atlanta Falcons, mainly based on injury issues, but he was an exceptional corner when healthy. Miami will be adjusting to a new look secondary, but Grimes' brings veteran presence and some stability.

The Browns will be without their lead receiver last season, Josh Gordon. But Greg Little and Davone Bess are not brush offs and will test Miami's pass defense. Regardless, Grimes is poised to build upon his preseason success, which was highlighted by an interception against the Houston Texans.

#4 John Jerry

Right Guard has been a cause for concern in Miami some time now. And John Jerry hasn't been a reliable answer over the years either. But Offensive Coordinator Mike Sherman has been impressed with Jerry's progress as of late.

The Browns are shifting from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense this season, which means one less defensive player on the line. However, Cleveland's D-Line is considered to be one of their strong suits. Jerry will need to hold the fort against quick, versatile lineman. If he can't do his job, recently signed Danny Watkins will be waiting to replace him.

#5 Caleb Sturgis

Yes, the kicker. Who cares about kickers anyway? Wait 'til they miss a field goal and then you'll care. Sturgis is known for his booming kicks and prolific college career at the University of Florida. Plus, his ridiculous 72 yard field goal is pretty popular on YouTube.

But that's not why you should watch him this Sunday. Watch him for the simple fact that he is a rookie kicker that's replacing Dan Carpenter. Sure, Carpenter was on the decline but it's still impressive to for a first year player to beat out a veteran. Dol-Fans hope to see Sturgis only in extra point conversions, but should feel confident in him nailing a few 40+ yarders if need be.

Miami Dolphins Running Back Situation

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 11:30:00 +0000

With Reggie Bush flying north to Detroit, the void at running back is left up to a three-way competition in Miami. Prior to any preseason snaps, analysts labeled Lamar Miller as Bush's successor at starting RB. However, the preseason has not ensured Miller's top spot on the depth chart beyond Week 1.

In fact, no Dolphins RB has consistently performed enough to claim starting dibs. What we're left with is a temporary running-back-by-committee situation in South Florida. Here's a breakdown of what each back has to offer for Miami's offense:

Lamar Miller

Miller clearly is the back with the most potential in Miami. His breakaway speed and explosiveness make him a dangerous weapon to have in the backfield.

However, his lackluster preseason performances haven't solidified him as the feature back. Miller has 17 carries for 72 yards (4.2 yards per carry) this preseason. And his shaky catching skills have been exposed with a spell of dropped pass - most of which were short and on target.

Then again, it is the preseason and teams don't reveal their complete offensive playbook during this stretch. Perhaps being placed in better formations will allow Miller to breakout and produce.

Daniel Thomas

Miller is more of a bruiser back that's able to take contact and shed tackles. He definitely has a nice skill set to add to the Dolphins arsenal. But his lack of consistency and occasional fumbles make it difficult for Miami to label him their top RB.

In the preseason, Thomas produced 52 yards on 19 carries (2.7 yards per carry). That's much worse than Miller's stats, but Thomas did have a nice showing against the Houston Texans (4 carries, 25 yards).

He will have an opportunity to redeem himself this season while splitting some carries with Miller. But right now it's Miller's job to lose; Thomas hasn't proved enough in the past two seasons to earn that right.

Mike Gillislee

Gillislee is more of a well rounded back with the best hands in the RB unit. He took the brunt of the carries this preseason since he's third on the depth chart. He racked up 125 yards on 42 carries, which averages out to 3.0 yards per carry.

The only way he gets a shot at significant reps is if Miller gets injured and Thomas fails to produce. While possible, this scenario is unlikely. But Gillislee does have a shot at playing in a few dual RB sets where he becomes a running and passing threat.

Gillislee's playing time will be very limited but he definitely has to shot to contribute in dual RB sets and perhaps as a wide receiver. He can be a running and passing threat in certain situations.

Final Note

Miller's name is penciled in next to No. 1 running back on Miami's depth chart. That's for sure. But expect him to split carries until he can prove to shoulder the load as a feature back. Thomas still offers a change of pace to Miami's offense and will be taking some snaps. Gillislee brings some dynamic skills as well.

It will be up to Miller to bolster his value by consistently providing a reliable ground attack and gaining chunk yardage. Otherwise Thomas and Gillislee will be waiting on the sidelines to have their shot at number one.

5 Reasons to be Cheerful About the 2013 Dolphins

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 17:13:00 +0000

The Dolphins start the 2013 season with Head Coach Joe Philbin embarking on his second season at the helm. Miami will kickoff the year after General Manager Jeff Ireland executed aggressive offseason moves in hopes to improve the roster and preserve his job.

The Dolphins have reasons to be confident though, believing that they can outshine last season’s 7-9 record; NFL betting pundits suggest that they have five definite reasons to be cheerful this year.

1. The Defensive Frontline

Miami's defensive front seven has impressed this preseason, highlighted by defensive end Cameron Wake. Wake is playing like a guy who is younger than his 31 years would suggest. And there it doesn't look like his recent dominance from the DE position will diminish anytime soon.

In fact, the new 4-3 defense scheme has benefitted Wake as he transitioned from outside linebacker to defensive end. Add to that Dion Jordan, Dannell Ellerbe, Phillip Wheeler plus a few others, and you have to like Miami's re-tooled defensive front. Opposing quarterbacks and O-Linemen will definitely be studying extra game tape before facing Miami.

2. The Quarterback Position

Having had 16 starting QBs in the last 12 years (since the retirement of Dan Marino), it looks like QB Ryan Tannehill has brought stability to the position. Some other notable rookie QBs may have overshadowed Tannehill but he managed well with less talent and demonstrated sound poise; particularly for someone who only started 18 games at the college level.

Given some more targets this year, we should expect continued growth in 2013. Deep threat Mike Wallace will be the most helpful weapon in Tannehill's arsenal, which should in turn open up receivers like Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson.

3. Running Back Options

Tannehill could benefit from having a solid running game and Miami has the potential to do just that. The team went to a zone-blocking scheme last year and, although it saw mixed results, there are expectations that the Fins will execute it better with a year of experience under their belt.

It should also suit second-year running back Lamar Miller, who faired well on a limited number of carries last season. And if Miami can get him going, that will also help to take the pressure off Tannehill and keep the chains moving. If not, Daniel Thomas and Mike Gillislee have an opportunity to take control of the position, both of which are capable backs.

4. Dynamic Tight Ends

Although the season-ending injury to tight end Dustin Keller diminished Miami's talent at the position, their remaining TE unit has great potential. Rookie prospect Dion Sims is tall, big-bodied and could really contribute in red zone situations. Charles Clay is also back in the fold after proving to have good hands and some playmaking ability last season.

And dont count out Michael Egnew just yet. He still has a shot at contributing to this team if he continues improving like some of his coaches and teammates have suggested he has. We can expect Miami throw out multiple TE sets early on this season to see if it brings offensive production.

5. Underrated Secondary Unit

Although the secondary still has some question marks, Miami has made worthy additions to the unit. The acquisition of cornerback Brent Grimes alone could be one of the biggest steals of the offseason, barring any injury setbacks. Throw in Reshad Jones and Chris Clemons at the safety positions and the Dolphins have some decent pieces in place.

The recent release of CB Richard Marshall came as a surprise to some, but it only says that the Dolphins are confident with their secondary unit as a whole. The real question lies in rookies Jamar Taylor and Will Davis and whether they can live up to their billing or not.

Final Note:

So after many years of mediocrity, the Dolphins look to legitimately change course and return to their winning ways. With the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills serving as only minor threats, it's a two-way race in the AFC East.

Beyond that, the New England Patriots are not the bonafide team they've been in recent years. Let's just say that contending for a division title is no longer an unthinkable concept. You can now welcome Miami back into the conversation for division dibs.

Greg Oden's Impact on the Miami Heat

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 11:30:00 +0000

After over a year of speculation, the rumors turned into reality; Greg Oden is now a member of the Miami Heat. The signing puts Miami in a unique position of having five players that were drafted Top 5 into The Association.

But Oden's career thus far has not matched the value of being selected #1 overall in 2007. Playing just 82 games in the last six years basically categorizes him as a "Bust" with a capital B.

However, Oden has a legitimate opportunity to revive his career and salvage a portion of his legacy in the NBA. Taking the past two years to rehab and recover from his injury plagued past, the big man faces his best chance to contribute in a consistent and impactful way with Miami.

Take a step back to 2012, when Miami won its first title in the Big 3 era. Sitting at the end of that bench was another big body who's career hadn't quite amounted to expectations. His name: Eddy Curry. With virtually no contribution from Curry, Miami still became champions.

Fast forward back to today and you'll see a similar situation with Oden. His pressure will be slim to none on a roster that was still championship-caliber before he signed on the dotted line. The Heat already have their superstar in LeBron James - Oden does not have to be that guy. In essence, Oden is a project player that is low-risk, high-reward for Miami.

His services will only truly be needed in the playoffs, in the case that Miami faces teams with large, physical front courts (e.g., Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, etc). With or without him, Miami can still contend.

But with just a fraction of the production he's capable of, the Heat could become an unstoppable force en route to a legendary Three-Peat.

Side Note: The term "Three-Peat" is trademarked by none other than the Godfather himself, Pat Riley.

Forget 2013, What is Outlook Like for Marlins in 2014?

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 11:30:00 +0000

Submitted by Rob Yarborough

Unlike the diamond in Ray Kinsella's timeless novel Field of Dreams, the Miami Marlins built it -- but the fans have not come.

In the midst of a rough season, the Marlins (43-65) have seen their attendance drop from more than 28,000 in year one of their new ballpark to just under 18,000 this season. It represents one of the worst drops that a new Major League Baseball facility has ever seen.

More than 20 games below the .500 mark, it's clear that making the 2013 playoffs is unrealistic. But what about next year?

Well, if fans who buy Marlins Marlins tickets would think twice about this team they might find that Miami has quietly assembled some of the top young talent in the league.

It's talent that will further develop itself next season.

"Guys are getting experience," Marlins President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest told MLB.com on August 1st.

Nothing much happened at the trade deadline this season for the team, save the trade of pitcher Ricky Nolasco, who went to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Outfield slugger Giancarlo Stanton, in particular, was inquired about from many teams in contention -- but Beinfest simply smiled and said no thanks.

In Beinfest's mind, despite the lack of crowd support, the team has finally played to its potential the last two months and is beginning to show some excitement that could lure fans back into the seats. Believe it or not, this Miami team went 27-24 in June and July -- with the pitchers leading the way with an impressive 3.38 earned run average.

"We (have) started to look the way we were hopeful we would look right from the start. But it didn't work out that way. The way we've played the last two months (has) definitely mattered," Beinfest added.

Looking past this lost season, Stanton still is the man who owner Jeffrey Loria wants to build his squad around. But, it is pitcher Jose Fernandez (8-5, 2.54 ERA) who has gained buzz this season and is setting up to be a Cy Young candidate next season -- provided he is given run support. His rise from top prospect to leading man at the age of 21 has been one of the top stories of 2013, but more exciting is the help he is getting behind him in the rotation.

Though poor run support has made wins elusive, young rotation starters Nathan Eovaldi (3.47), Jacob Turner (2.65) and Henderson Alvarez (2.61) have been incredible. What's most impressive -- all are under 23 years old. Alvarez's return has been important, considering he came off the 60-day disabled list and was one of the centerpieces in the Jose Reyes trade last fall. With such young talent, and their combined stinginess in giving up runs, these Marlin starters have the potential to be dominant in the second half of this season.

Next year, they may be unbeatable.

Of course, injuries slowed down the full potential of the offense this season. Stanton, Justin Ruggiano and Logan Morrison have all been slowed and missed games this season. On the positive side, top organization prospects -- outfielders Christian Yelich and Jake Marisnick -- have had flashes of brilliance that will fully bloom next year, according to team officials. With a nice core, aging veterans such as outfielder Juan Pierre and third baseman Placido Polanco simply do not fit with the rest of this group and are expendable for next year.

Leadership only goes so far.

In hindsight, as the Marlins players look at empty seats this season -- maybe it is for the better. With such a large group of young players, experience can be gained under the radar in 2013, before exploding onto the scene in 2014. Already, these youngsters are becoming hard to take your eyes off of.

Marlins Should Start Looking to 2014

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 15:45:00 +0000

Submitted by Joe Short

Anyone thinking of betting on the Miami Marlins to win a series this late summer should definitely reconsider. After a recent stretch of disappointing outings, the Marlins continue slipping further away from any distant chance they had at a Wildcard berth.

Marlins fans hoping to see signs of progress in the second half of the MLB season were disappointed last weekend. Mike Redmond’s men failed to score a single run over their three-game series defeat at the hands of Milwaukee.

Despite plans for a rejuvenated run after the All-Star Break last week, the Marlins roster did little to suggest the remainder of this season will be any different from the first half.

Averaging just five hits a game, Miami’s offense was outwitted by three consecutive Brewers pitchers, who sense a very late push for the playoffs after recording their fourth straight win on Sunday. Milwaukee, like Miami, may be at the bottom of their division (and the latest MLB betting odds) but the difference is their offense that can at least hold their own.

At this point, the same cannot be said about the Marlins. There were 67 batters with a .300 average or better as of Monday and Miami cannot boast a single player in that group. Top hitter, Chris Coghlan, is a long way off that target, and with just 51 games and 130 at bats left he's not going to make much of an impact on this team. Regular shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria (.251) is a solid hitter, as is RF Marcel Ozuna, but their RBI production has lacked and the Marlins have suffered because of it.

Miami are at the bottom of the hitting ranks (a team total of .230) and are five homers below Kansas City, the second-worst power hitters in the Majors. Any fans betting MLB World Series should expect either narrow wins for Miami (if you think the starting rotation can pull off a great game), or lopsided defeats for an offense that simply can't produce runs.

It’s time to start looking at 2014 and what next season might bring, for the fate of this season has been sealed. At least Miami has a youthful core with bright potential in the near future.

Miami Heat D-League Affiliate Ready for New Partnership

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Entering it's first season as the Miami Heat's sole D-League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce are ready for a new era of basketball. Prior to this season, the Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic all shared affiliation with the Skyforce. Now, Miami has full control over the Skyforce's basketball operations. This will allow the Heat to closely monitor the development of their young prospects as they gain experience in the NBA-DL.

To sum up the new partnership, sheck out this awesome infographic put together by the Skyforce (click to enlarge):

Brief Preview: The AFC East in 2013

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 11:30:00 +0000

There's no denying that the AFC East has been dominated by the New England Patriots for quite a few decades now. With injuries, trades and off-the-field issues shaking up the Pats, could the division finally be up for grabs again? Here’s a quick look at each team, listed in order of predicted finish.

Miami Dolphins

QB Ryan Tannehill

Biased? Perhaps slightly. But the Dolphins appear to be poised for a breakthrough season that could end in their third division crown in 20 years. The Fins showed signs of future contention in 2012 with an injection of talented, youthful players. Top that by bolstering their lineup with some key pickups in free agency and via the draft.

Most notably, WR Mike Wallace was the marquee free agent pickup that was coupled with acquisitions like LB Danell Ellerbe, LB Phillip Wheeler and WR Brandon Gibson. Offensively, Miami seems ready to take the next step behind QB Ryan Tannehill. Defensively, they'll look to apply pressure to opposing QBs and force more turnovers. They still need to prove themselves on the field but the Fins are in a good position to contend for that division title.

New England Patriots

TE Rob Gronkowski

We can expect the division race to go down to the wire with the Patriots clear playoff contenders. Tom Brady might be aging, but he's still Tom Brady. The team also has a formidable running game with Stevan Ridley coming off a breakout year. And let's not forget about fantasy football stud TE Rob Gronkowski and his likely return in the second half of the season.

Add to that an underrated defense that ranked 8th overall last season. Simply put, you cant count out the Patriots as long as Bill Belichick is calling the shots and Brady is running the plays. Nevertheless, this could be the most vulnerable New England's grasp of the division has been in some time.

Buffalo Bills

QB EJ Manuel

Buffalo has been in a state of instability and lacking direction for the past decade or so. No one is predicting that EJ Manuel will step in right away and turn around this team. In fact, many are predicting that he won’t even start on Week 1 as Kevin Kolb appears to be the front-runner. Not to mention, Mario Williams still has to play up to his hefty contract with the Bills.

The team will be improved, and they do have a solid running game, but they won’t have enough to compete with Miami and New England. Essentially, there are more questions than answers for this team to succeed.

New York Jets

QB Mark Sanchez

With a quarterback controversy, a depleted receiving corps and a lack of star power on defense, the Jets are brewing a recipe for disaster. Darrelle Revis, New York's undisputed defensive superstar, is now a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. Their only certainty on defense is now a void that will take time to fill.

All signs point to the Jets entering a rebuilding phase with their franchise. They have some nice pieces, and possibly a future QB in Geno Smith, but that won’t mean much in 2013. With a lackluster season looming, Head Coach Rex Ryan could be seeing his final days with Gang Green.

FIU Joins Conference USA

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 11:30:00 +0000

FIU is unbuckling its ties with the Sun Belt Conference and joining forces with Conference USA in 2013. The decision comes with hopes of new opportunities, greater exposure and larger revenues. The Panthers become part of a six-school expansion for the conference, including FAU, Louisiana Tech, North Texas, Charlotte and UT-San Antonio. That makes the conference's school map look like this.

This was a no-brainer for the university as its young athletics program continues to grow. As Pete Garcia, Executive Director of Sports and Entertainment, simply put it, "For us, there really wasn’t any downside to the move." And rightfully so the school can only gain from joining the C-USA; gain money, gain media coverage and gain reputation.

FIU Football

Colts Draftee T.Y. Hilton

With football being FIU's largest sport, they now have a chance to build on their recent success and open doors to more lucrative bowl opportunities. The school earned its first ever bowl berth in 2010 to the Little Ceasar's Pizza Bowl, where it defeated Toledo. FIU followed up by returning to another bowl the following season at the Beef O'Brady's Bowl.

While Mario Cristobal's departure in 2012 shook things up, the program is pushing forward with Ron Turner at the helm. Turner should experience better recruitment opportunities as a result of the C-USA realignment - more exposure lures more talent.

Add recent NFL draftees T.Y. Hilton and Jonathan Cyprien as recruitment selling points and you can bet that FIU will be able to build a stronger roster.

FIU Basketball

Coach Anthony Evans

As for the men's basketball team, they were just one win away from claiming an NCAA Tournament spot last season. Unfortunately, they lost in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament Finals to WKU (63-65).

New head coach Anthony Evans looks to prove his worth and improve upon his coaching success at Norfolk State University. Evans took Norfolk to two consecutive post-season appearances, most notably orchestrating a huge NCAA Tourney upset versus the #2 seeded Missouri Tigers in 2012.

The head coaching position has been a revolving door for FIU's basketball program, hiring its third new coach in three seasons. The program hopes to establish longevity under Evans with its new conference allegiance. That should also expand its recruiting efforts and draw more attention to potential talent.

FIU Baseball

Since becoming the 2010 Sun Belt Conference Champs, FIU's baseball squad has experienced a couple of consecutively average seasons. With another conference title in sight, the team must now step up to match the stronger competition level in the C-USA.

Baseball coach "Turtle" Thomas believes that move is a huge benefit for the team and will bring better days to the program. Thomas cited that C-USA featured four teams in the NCAA Regionals just last season, making it "a pretty darn good" conference in his opinion.

Final Word

In essence, all of FIU's athletic teams should experience more positives than negatives from this move. The conference realignment trend across all the NCAA may seem troubling but it's an unavoidable reality in today's competitive environment. More schools are competing to make more money, even if it means breaking long-standing relationships with their current conferences.

FIU still has plenty to prove before it can be included in the conversation with the Gators, Seminoles and Canes. But they clearly are taking the right steps toward entering that discussion.

Interview on WXTG (102.1FM The Game)

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:08:00 +0000

David Verjano's on-air sports talk interview with "The Coach Merrill Radio Program" on 102.1FM The Game (WXTG) in Virginia Beach, VA. Live broadcast on 6/3/13.

Norris Cole: The Reason Why Mario Chalmers Should Be Worried

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:58:00 +0000

As sharp as his flat top, Norris Cole has played extremely efficient during the early stages of the 2013 NBA Playoffs. Coming off the bench, Cole has provided a solid defensive presence as well as a reliable scoring option for Miami. Meanwhile, Mario Chalmers has faded into the background with mediocre production this postseason. What this spells is a cause for concern for Rio and his future with the Miami Heat.

Cole Versus Chalmers

With Cole garnishing attention from analysts, fans and the Heat staff, he is bolstering his value as a viable point guard in this league. The high-energy, quick-footed guard is stepping it up when it counts: in the playoffs. He's averaging 9.3 points per game (ppg) compared to his 1.8 ppg in the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

And Cole has performed even better during the Eastern Conference Semi Finals this season, averaging 12.5 ppg while shooting 75% from the field (18 of 22) and 90% from three-point land (9 of 10). That's what you call undeniable efficiency.

On the other hand, Chalmers is averaging 7.1 ppg while posting a 41% FG percentage and shooting 30% from behind the arc this series. Don't forget, Chalmers is also getting more minutes than Cole. In other words, he's being nowhere near as effective as his backup.

Miami's Point Guard Situation

The Miami Heat's "Position-Less Basketball" system does not require the role of a traditional point guard. With LeBron James and Dwyane Wade doing most of the ball-handling, the Heat's point guard primarily needs to worry about consistently hitting open shots and playing sound defense. That's exactly what Cole is providing right now.

Keep in mind that Chalmers is entering the final year of his contract next season. If Cole keeps improving and Chalmers continues to be stagnant, Rio will essentially become expendable next season.

Think about it, if Miami believes that Cole is the answer now, then trading away Chalmers will make complete sense for them. That's $4 million they can take off their salary cap while receiving a future draft pick or an affordable player in return. Plus, team's in need of a point guard could test out Chalmers with the benefit of having his expiring contract (i.e. if things don't work out they don't re-sign him, if they do they can negotiate on their own terms).

Knowing Pat Riley, he will field all calls inquiring about Chalmers starting this offseason. We all know that Godfather Riley can lure a veteran point guard to replace Chalmers with a minimum contract offer.

So, either Rio responds in the coming games with exceptional play or he'll be driven out of town by the Cole Train. It's as simple as that.

Miami Dolphins 2013 Draft Class Recap

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:45:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of ESPN.com

Every year football fans ponder the possibility of drafting the next game-changer, star athlete to their team's respective roster. This season Dolphins fans were extra eager to see the direction their team took after an aggressive offseason, highlighted by acquisitions like WR Mike Wallace and LB Dannell Ellerbe. So the Fins took to the clock with a new sense of hope as well as a new look (check out the new uniforms here), ready to build a contending team with solid draft choices.

Here's the rundown on the Dolphins 2013 draft picks:

1. Dion Jordan (DE, Oregon)

First Round, 3rd Overall Pick
Height: 6'6
Weight: 248 lbs

Continuing the theme of an aggressive offseason, the Dolphins made a splash early in the draft by unexpectedly trading up to the 3rd overall pick with the Oakland Raiders. At the point, many analysts were claiming Miami would take one of draft class' highly touted offensive tackles.

Nope. They went pass rusher. And they took the freak athlete known as Dion Jordan. If you haven't watched the Sport Science feature on Jordan, then stop reading this post and go now.

Talent wise, this guy has all the tools to compete in the NFL and become a premiere pass rusher in the league. While Oregon wasn't known for it's defense, Jordan was a standout in both pass rushing and coverage situations. Miami will be thrilled to line up Jordan on one end and have Cameron Wake on the other.

2. Jamar Taylor (CB, Boise State)

Second Round, 54th Overall Pick
Height: 5'11
Weight: 192 lbs

Last season Miami allowed the 6th most passing yards in the league. With that said, the secondary was clearly an area in need of improvement entering the draft - especially after losing Vontae Davis and Sean Smith. Jamar Taylor was their first attempt at addressing that need.

Taylor is a strong, physical defensive back (22 reps on bench press) that is unafraid of challenging receivers off the line. He's also athletic enough to keep up with speedy receivers (ran a 4.39 40-yard dash) and make plays on the ball. He may need to sure up his run tackling technique and gain more discipline on reading routes but Taylor has plenty of upside.

3. Dallas Thomas (OT, Tennessee)

Third Round, 77th Overall Pick
Height: 6'5
Weight: 300 lbs

Since trade talks with the Kansas City Chiefs over Branden Albert went awry, Miami decided to draft Dallas Thomas and add depth to the offensive line. Thomas is a versatile lineman that played both tackle and guard in college against SEC opponents. Analysts believe he would excel more in the NFL as a guard but could be a viable tackle option as well.

Thomas provides both solid pass blocking and run blocking skills. Scouting reports state that he can defend against pass rushers with his agile footwork and fast recovery. In the run game, Thomas can pull block and reach the second level of defense quickly. He'll just have to adapt to stronger defensive linemen in the pro game and improve on areas like strength, quickness and consistent handwork.

Looks like Thomas will become a plug-and-play lineman for the Dolphins in case of injury or when starting linemen need rest.

4. Will Davis (CB, Utah State)

Third Round, 93rd Overall Pick
Height: 5'11
Weight: 186 lbs

As we mentioned earlier, the Fins needed to addressed their DB situation with secondary picks. So, they selected Will Davis in the third round; an athletic, fluid corner that is instinctive and has ball hawk tendencies.

Many describe Davis as a raw talent with his limited football experience (only played one year in high school before entering college). But the kid has shown an impressive skill set on the field, deflecting and intercepting passes throughout his college career. Davis is known to be overaggressive at times and is susceptible to double moves by receivers as a result. However, his instincts get it right more times than not.

5. Jelani Jenkins (LB, Florida)

Fourth Round, 104th Overall Pick
Height: 6'0
Weight: 243 lbs

The Dolphins didn't really need another linebacker; they already had seven on the roster entering the draft. Regardless, they felt that Jenkins could provide help on special teams and compete for a spot in their defensive sub-packages. Jenkins is known for his cover skills against running backs and tight ends.

The main concern with Jenkins is his medical history, suffering from injuries to his hamstring, hand and foot during college. If he manages to stay healthy and earn a spot on the depth chart, Jenkins can provide solid tracking and tackling skills whenever he's on the field.

6. Dion Sims (TE, Michigan State)

Fourth Round, 106th Overall Pick
Height: 6'5
Weight: 262 lbs

Miami's main two tight ends are Charles Clay and Dustin Keller, with Michael Egnew struggling to earn playing time. Enter Dion Sims; a big-bodied target that has the potential to become Miami's red zone threat. Despite his large stature, Sims actually has an impressive vertical jump (35 inches) and surprisingly soft hands.

Beyond that, many scouts were impressed with his pass blocking skills - something Anthony Fasano provided before he left to the Chiefs. Sims could use some work on run blocking situations and is limited when it comes to agility and quickness in the passing game. His frame alone is intriguing but he'll have to prove his worth before lining up in a game for the Fins.

7. Mike Gillislee (RB, Florida)

Fifth Round, 164th Overall Pick
Height: 5'11
Weight: 208 lbs

With three backs on the roster already, Miami decided to add more competition to the running back unit with this pick. Mike Gillislee is known as a strong back that prefers going inside and taking on defenders rather than being elusive. He is an well-rounded rusher that can also catch out of the backfield.

Gillislee needs to work on his decisiveness in the ground attack in order to succeed in the pro game. He'll have staunch competition in Miami with Lamar Miller, Daniel Thomas and Marcus Thigpen ahead of him on the depth chart. His first shot at playing time may come in the special teams unit.

8. Caleb Sturgis (K, Florida)

Fifth Round, 166th Overall Pick
Height: 5'10
Weight: 188 lbs

The Dolphins continued their University of Florida recruitment tour with the addition of Caleb Sturgis. That marked the third Gator drafted in two consecutive rounds. Dolphins Special Teams Coach, Darren Rizzi was very high on Sturgis and clearly approved of the pick. With that said, Dan Carpenter's seat has officially begun to heat up.

Look for Sturgis to compete for Carpenter's job from day one. It might get interesting if Sturgis starts nailing 72-yard field goals in practice, like this:

9. Don Jones (SS, Arkansas State)

Seventh Round, 250th Overall Pick
Height: 5'11
Weight: 191 lbs

Just four spots away from being Mr. Irrelevant, Don Jones joined the Fins as their final pick of the 2013 draft. Jones was drafted as a strong safety but many believe he'll be competing for a spot as cornerback. He was a track star back in high school, so you know the speed is there. Jones actually logged 4.42 and 4.40 times in his 40-yard dash during the Arkansas State pro day.

There isn't much to say on his production in college other than he was sound special teams player and did a decent job playing the nickel position at Arkansas State. Looks like Miami just wanted to bring in his athletic skills to see if they can translate that into special teams production and perhaps secondary help.

How LeBron Surpassed His 2012 MVP Season

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:32:00 +0000

In an astonishing 2012 accolade-filled season, LeBron James racked up some impressive awards and recognitions: NBA All-Star, All-NBA First Team, All-Desfensive First Team, League MVP, NBA Champion & Finals MVP. Let's not forget about that gold medal from the Summer Olympics.

Come 2013 and fans could only hope that LeBron matches such a spectacular year. Well, he didn't match it. He surpassed it.

The numbers tell the story. Check out his 2012 stats versus his 2013 stats:

2012 Regular Season

PPG: 27.1
AST: 6.2
REB: 7.9
FG%: 53.1%
3-PT FG%: 36.2%

2013 Regular Season

PPG: 26.8
AST: 7.3
REB: 8.0
FG%: 56.5%
3-PT FG%: 40.6%

From one season to another, LeBron elevated his game to become more efficient and more complete. That is perhaps the most fitting word to describe LeBron James at this point of his career: complete. He may have taken a 0.3 dip in points per game but he also averaged one less shot attempt per game than last season.

There's little doubt that James will be named the 2013 NBA MVP. That would bump his career MVP titles up to four and give him the distinct recognition of winning the award four out of the last five years. No other player in NBA history has won that many in a five-year span.

LeBron's transcendent 2013 performance has poised Miami for another championship run. He's also helped the Heat make history by spearheading their 27-game win streak and helping the team secure a franchise-best 66 wins.

Miami was favored to win the title before the 2013 NBA season even started. Now they're even greater favorites with online sportsbooks placing them at 2-3 odds to win it all. With LeBron leading a relentless, effective and seemingly unstoppable attack on opposing teams, there's no surprise that oddsmakers are picking the Heat.

While it has been beyond entertaining to watch LeBron in the regular season, we all know that the playoffs bring another level of competition. So, although it may be difficult to imagine, we can expect LeBron to provide even more legendary performances to the NBA stage.

Folks, get comfortable because we are about to witness the epitome of playoff basketball in Miami.

Top 3 Value Players for the Miami Heat

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

We all know about the Big 3 and what they mean to this Miami Heat team. LeBron James is playing at an extraterrestrial level that's overshadowing his stellar 2012 season. Dwyane Wade has resurged in the second half of the season and Chris Bosh has consistently produced solid numbers.

But what about the rest of the supporting cast? Which players have given this team the most bang for their buck?

After all, the Heat do pay a premium for their three superstar studs - dishing out in excess of $17 million per player. But there's nothing better than getting valuable production at a bargain price. That's why we've looked at the Miami Heat's top 3 value players this season.

3. Ray Allen

It's still incredible to think that Miami landed this future Hall of Famer that has made a legendary reputation off of dissecting defenses with his lethal perimeter shooting. Allen has provided the Heat with a consistent scoring option at the reasonable price of $3.09 million this season. Rumors claimed that the Celtics were offering Allen double that amount to stay in Boston. Clearly, he chose title contention over cash. The concept of having Allen come off the bench for Miami is still insane. No other team can say they have the top three point shooter in NBA history coming off their bench.

2. Shane Battier

Coming in at an affordable $3.135 million contract, Shane Battier has filled the essential role of "Glue Guy" on the Heat roster. Comparable to what James Posey was for the '06 Heat team, Battier's contribution goes beyond the stat book and box score. Drawing charges, defending elite scorers, boxing out defenders and forcing turnovers are just some of the intangibles that Shane brings to Miami. Not to mention, his three-point shooting has been a valuable asset for the Heat - nearly 90% of all the shots he's taken this season are from beyond the arc! In essence, Shane does the dirty work that not many people notice but his team absolutely appreciates.

1. Chris "Birdman" Andersen

Take a guess at how much Chris Andersen is earning as a member of the Miami Heat? Whatever you came up with, think less. Birdman is donning a Heat jersey for the bargain price of roughly $700,000 this season. That's based on a veteran minimum contract and the fact that he joined the team mid-season. Regardless of the limited time he's been with the team, Andersen has added an athletic, big man presence in the paint for the Heat, who were criticized for lacking that element. With Andersen, Miami is getting a shot blocker, strong rebounder and emphatic dunker at an extremely low cost. He is the epitome of a value player for any team, especially one that is a title contender. It's safe to say that acquiring Birdman was a steal for the Heat - a move that makes Miami's roster that much more complete.

Betting on the Next Miami Dolphins Game

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:30:00 +0000

Fans of the Miami Dolphins are brimming with anticipation as the new NFL season is set to commence next month. Although the first few weeks of the season consist of pre-season play which doesn’t count towards their record, it provides a perfect opportunity for fans to see what their team looks like on the field. Even though pre-season play isn’t counted for the regular season record, it is still the focus of numerous sports events.

Betting on pre-season games can be rather interesting as it really isn’t the type of competition expected during the regular season. Typically, teams will play their second, third and fourth string players, reserving their starters for the regular season which actually counts. Therefore, it makes it hard to know exactly which team to bet on. Even though Miami Dolphins fans may typically place their wager for their team, this isn’t always the best move in the world of sports betting. Certain factors that go in to determining who may win the game aren’t as important in the pre-season. For instance, during the regular season, home field advantage is often key but in these early games it doesn’t have as much influence.

While preparing for the new NFL season to begin, Miami Dolphins fans can also find some thrilling casino games at online casinos like Jackpot City. Many of the slot machines have been designed around sports themes, including football. One of the more popular games is 5 Million Dollar Touchdown. As the name implies there is in fact a jackpot worth $5 million. However, in order to qualify for this, players must bet the maximum bet on each spin. With a total of 20 paylines and a maximum coin denomination of $10, this means the maximum wager is $200. Even though some players simply cannot risk this much, it doesn’t mean money cannot be won by playing less paylines and a smaller bet.

Marlins Organization Faces Turning Point Season

noreply@blogger.com (David Verjano) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:31:00 +0000

Travesty is perhaps the proper word to describe it. The Miami Marlins enter yet another season with a cast of mostly fresh faces, unknown names and a dejected fan base. Owner Jeffrey Loria did his best to frame yet another fire sale as a "business decision" that would benefit the team in the long run. Loria even hired a new PR firm to spearhead his campaign to revamp the organization's image, as well as his own.

Guess that effort hasn't entirely worked with the team taking to Groupon to sell Opening Day tickets. The general sentiment in Miami is one of anger, frustration and utter disappointment toward South Florida's pro baseball organization (which some don't even consider at the professional tier anymore).

Despite all this negativity surrounding the Marlins, this season will be a turning point for the team and the league. The result of this season will have league-wide implications that extend way beyond the Miami city limits.

A miserable, losing season will drive Loria's reputation deeper into the ground than he can even fathom. It would make his proclamation of not selling the team much more difficult to stand by. Simply put, it'll be one nail short of firmly sealing his coffin shut.

However, what if the Marlins manage to muster a miraculous winning season? A seemingly insane and highly unlikely scenario but in the wild world of sports nothing is impossible. Perhaps, newly hired skipper Mike Redmond proves to be a masterful manager; motivating his young troops to compete above and beyond expectations.

Wishful thinking? That's an understatement. Impossible? Not really.

The point here is that if, for whatever reason, the Fish have a winning season and actually compete for a playoff spot, Miami will set a new league standard for building winning teams. Let's not forget about the way the Marlins' 2003 World Series team was built: with a young, talented core that nobody expected to win a title.

The youthful faces of Miguel Cabrera, Josh Beckett and Dontrelle Willis come to mind. Sure, you had the veteran presence of players like Jeff Conine and Luis Castillo but the team makeup was overwhelmingly unseasoned.

So, while many anticipate a failing year filled with poor performances and growing pains, there's still a grander implication underneath it all. Needless to say, it'll be entertaining to see what direction this team's fate heads in. Whether that be racing straight to an eventual crash and burn or soaring out the ashes like a newborn phoenix.