Madness is Miami…is the end near?

Longtime friends and family members that have known me my entire life, know that I am arguably the most faithful Miami Dolphins fan in the country. My Dolphin-loving days go waaaaay back, to the pre-Dan Marino days when Miami was still fielding dominant championship-calber teams led by Bob Griese, Larry Csonka and the team’s voracious –no-name’ defense.

Well, as you’re all aware, those days are now a distant memory for the Fins and their fans. Most recently, Miami has been in the news by becoming the first NFL franchise in league history to have to deal with ‘bullying’ allegations.

Having said that, I also want to go on record to say that Fins head coach Joe Philbin should really be given consideration for the NFL Coach of the Year award for masterfully guiding his young team through one of the largest scandals to rock any franchise in recent memory and putting them in position to potentially make one of the most surprising postseason appearances in league history.

Unfortunately, the Dolphins’ postseason hopes took a bit if a hit in their Week 16 road loss to Buffalo, putting this dysfunctional franchise one step closer to a conclusion that can’t come soon enough if you ask me.

Ireland In Need of a Beat-down!

Personally, I'd like to pop Miami Dolphins GM 

Jeff Ireland right in the mouth. 

With the Miami Dolphins in the national spotlight for the better part of the last two weeks, I figured now was a good time to go back and refresh everyone’s memory and inform those that don’t know, that Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland is a real scum bag kind of guy. Thankfully, it’s nice to know that Ireland is going to get exactly what he deserves once the league’s investigation of the team’s Richie Incognito-Jonathan Martin debacle.

Ireland, who has been implicated as something of a conduit for all of the terrible nonsense in Miami taking place, has long been a guy I never thought much of to be honest…particularly after what he asked now, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant prior to the 2010 NFL Draft as the polarizing collegian was making his rounds of interviews for teams that would have potentially drafted the gifted, but often enigmatic Bryant.

The Question…Remember When?

Miami Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland is a scumbag 

kind of guy!

Remember when, prior to the 2010 NFL Draft, Miami Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland asked now, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant if his mother was ever a prostitute or not.

"They asked me if my mom's a prostitute," Bryant says, an account that was confirmed by Wells, who attended the meeting. "No, my mom is not a prostitute. I got mad - really mad - but I didn't show it. I got a lot of questions like that: Does she still do drugs? I sat and answered all of them."

Now, maybe it’s me, but I can only imagine the will-power that Bryant had to muster up in order to not jump over the table and pound Ireland in the face for asking such a nonsensical and disrespectful question.

Not Feelin’ Philbin

Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin has no 

control over his locker room. 

When the Miami Dolphins hired former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin as the team’s new head coach prior too the 2012 season, I though the Fins made a good hire. During his short tenure, Philbin has shown himself to be very capable in his new position – until now that is.

My one and only knock on Miami’s head coach is how he let his locker room become an out-of-control, asylum that is about as bad as any locker room I've ever seen. For Philbin to never make his presence known in the locker room – while simultaneously allowing a well-known head case like Richie Incognito become one of the team’s leadership council members. Philbin’s inability to control his own locker room could very well result in his dismissal after just two seasons and I for one, would love to see him go right about now.

An Immediate Fix for Floundering Fins Franchise!

Bill Cowher

If the Miami Dolphins want to immediately fix the mess that Jeff Ireland and Joe Philbin allowed to take place in the team’s clearly dysfunctional locker room, they should hire fomer NFL GM Charlie Casserly, (even in something of a consultant role if he doesn't want to work full-time).

Jon Gruden

Next, the Fins should actively pursue either Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden to bring the respective brands of no-nonsense football to South Beach. I can see either head coach almost immediately turning things around for what was once one of the most respected franchises in league history. 

Good for you Tampa Bay!

You know things are bad when a lifelong Dolphins fan like me is actually rooting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their ‘scummy’ head coach Greg Schiano. Having said that, I also want to say that it sure was nice to see the lowly Buccaneers get their first win of the season over the dysfunctional Dolphins on Monday night. Either way, Schiano and Miami head coach Joe Philbin could both be coaching elsewhere come next season.

R.I.P Junior Seau

          Former NFL linebacker junior Seau was a one-of-a-kind 

          player - and person - according to those that knew him best.

I don’t know whether or not Junior Seau’s suicide has anything to do with all of the years he played football or not, but what I do know is that he will be severely missed by millions of folks across the country, including the Eye On Sports staff of one.

Seau was truly an elite, Hall of Fame linebacker on the field and a gentle giant off of it, despite the alleged demons he faced in his personal life.

It is not my place – or anyone else’s for that matter – to judge how another person did or did not live their personal life and I have nothing but sympathy and compassion in my heart for Seau and both, his immediate and extended family members.

In closing, let me just say that should it turn out that Seau’s suicide was fueled by degenerative brain issues caused from playing in the NFL, the league had better start installing even more protective player rule changes, whether hard core fans like myself like them or not. 

Last but not least, I’ve got to share one of my favorite sports memories of all-time. One of the best signs I ever saw at any professional sporting event came one day when the San Diego Chargers were playing some opponent that I can’t remember any longer when I saw a sign that read, ‘Junior Makes You Say Ow!’.

Needless to say, not only was it a clever play on his last name, but more importantly, it was absolutely true…Junior did make opponents say ow!

Madness in Miami … Flynn should be in, not Smith!

The Miami Dolphins foolishly let free agent
quarterback Matt Flynn sign with the Seattle Seahawks. 

Sure, I’m the biggest Miami Dolphins fan alive (yeah, I know they’re only two of us in the whole country) but I’ve to call things like I see it – and from where I’m sitting – I’ve got to say the Miami Dolphins dropped the ball in a big way in failing to sign quarterback Matt Flynn – all while wasting their time with mediocre veteran signal-caller Alex Smith.

The Miami Dolphins are foolishly
in talks with mediocre starter Alex Smith.

Instead of going after Flynn – the top free agent quarterback with the most potential (outside of Peyton Manning people) – the Fins foolishly spent a whopping five hours talking with Smith who has proven to be mediocre at best, despite posting the best season of his career this past season.

Well, Flynn met with the Dolphins on Saturday before leaving without an offer – and then signing a $26 million dollar deal with the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

The Dolphins dropped the ball in such a big way here NFL fanatics that I believe it could now set the franchise back at least another couple of seasons at the very least.

Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire Irsay!

Owner Jim Irsay (C) has already jettisoned former Chairman

Bill Polian (L). Franchise quarterback Peyton Manning (R) is next

despite Irsay's claims of ignorance.

You know Eye On Sports followers, its one thing to be naïve or to lack good ‘ol common sense, but it’s another thing altogether to be a self-serving, scum-of-the-earth, liar like Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay!

I’m sorry if that sounded a bit harsh, but hey, everyone’s entitled to their opinions. Anyway, if you know a thing about pro football then you know Irsay is lying through his teeth when he says that he hasn’t decided whether or not to release veteran quarterback Peyton Manning.

Irsay, has about five weeks to decide whether or not to pay Manning a whopping $28 million bonus, but Indy is sitting on the No. 1 overall draft pick and 

the right to draft NFL-ready quarterback Andrew Luck 

and everyone knows that Irsay is just biding his time.

I expect Irsay to announce in the week or so leading up to the deadline that he will not retain Manning’s services, mostly because he fears for the four-time league MVP’s health.

After the recent public rift between the pair, it’s now a foregone conclusion that Irsay will part ways with the man that out his once sad-sack franchise back on the map.

Why Irsay doesn’t just move on from Manning now is beyond me, but still, dude’s lying like a rug when he says he hasn’t made up his mind on Manning!

Fins Feeling Philbin!

When the Miami Dolphins hired now former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, I wasn’t a very happy camper, being a lifelong Dolphins fan, but the more each day passes, I’m uplifted by Miami’s hire and now believe that he could very well succeed in the near future. Philbin is universally respected by both, players and coaches throughout the league and I’m thinking Miami actually won by not hiring the overrated Jeff Fisher!

Reggie Bush Now Elite!

‘Little guys’ unite!

 

After five seasons with the New Orleans Saints, veteran running back Reggie Bush has finally turned into the player many thought he would be when he came into the league as one of the highest profile running backs in NFL history, just over a half-decade ago.

After seeing him struggle and be used mostly as a third-down ‘situational back’ most football pundits thought Bush would always be too small – and too fragile – to ever become an every down back in the league. However, thanks to the Miami Dolphins and former head coach Tony Sparano, Bush got his chance to shine – and shine he did!

Bush has the best yards-per-carry average of any running back in the league with at least 200 rushing attempts and has shown an ability to make plays both, rushing the ball and receiving it.

Now, let me just say that the Dolphins had better make it their business to extend the two-year deal he’s currently on before he thinks about taking is talents to South Beach.

Oh damn, he’s already in Miami … sorry LeBron!

Brady, Pats in Driver's Seat in AFC East

AFC East
After seeing Tom Brady and the New England Patriots dismantle the Philadelphia Eagles this past weekend, I’m back to believing they could potentially represent the AFC in this season’s Super Bowl. Then again, the Eagles are a pitiful team with no direction, so maybe this last game isn’t a very good measuring stick.

The New York Jets got a huge win by squeaking past the reeling Buffalo Bills this past weekend, but I’m going on record right now to say the J-E-T-S will not reach the AFC title game for the third straight season the way this teams offense – and quarterback Mark Sanchez – have looked this season.

The Miami Dolphins have played hard all season long for head coach Tony Sparano after getting off to an ugly start this season, but hey let’s keep it real and admit that there is no way in hell that Sparano is invited back for another season.

Talk about coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb! The Buffalo Bills had the look of a legitimate AFC playoff team through a half-dozen games this season. Unfortunately for Bills fans everywhere, Buffalo has reverted back to its formerly consistent losing ways ever since then.

Dolphins, Cowboys, Thanksgiving Day Free NFL Pick

The Miami Dolphins (3-7 SU, 4-5-1 ATS, 1-8-1 O/U) and Dallas Cowboys (6-4 SU, 4-5-1 ATS, 5-5 O/U) will hook up in a Thanksgiving Day matchup between two streaking teams that have each won three straight games.

Very quickly, the Dolphins have gone 13-5-1 ATS in their last 19 road games while the Cowboys have gone 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games as a home favorite and 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games as a favorite between 3.5 and 10.0 points.

Miami quarterback Matt Moore has thrown six TD passes  and just one interception over the last three games and Miami's overpowering defense has held its last trio of opponents to aingle digit scoring while allowing just 20 total points over the three-game span.

I like the Dolphins to cover the ATS spread with room to spare NFL pro football gamblers!