Brian Flores’ first task: reshape Dolphins defense

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DAVIE – The intrigue around the Dolphins is all about the future. Rightfully so, for a franchise trying to break from a pattern of failure with a fresh assembly line.
So the immediate measuring stick will be about how quarterback Josh Rosen and other key components meld or melt under expectations.
But the element that will have the most to do with wins and losses in 2019 will be the question-riddled defense.
Last year’s Dolphins D was one of the most porous in the league. The offseason has been notable more for the subtractions than the additions.
Will they be able to stop anyone?
An ESPN analyst is betting no, forecasting that the Dolphins in phase 1 of a rebuild won’t win a single game this season.
Ludicrous. There certainly are holes, but the cupboard isn’t that bare. And much of the NFL is not all that formidable.
Not that the issue of outside expectations is on coach Brian Flores’ radar.
A test of coaching
“I’m not really worried about anything that’s going on outside our building,” Flores said Tuesday amid the second week of OTAs. “So my focus is on today, it’s on improving today, it’s on helping these players succeed and get better, and try to make some type of impact on these guys.
“I don’t really listen to the rest of it.”
What Flores is trying to answer is how much does coaching matter?
Can Flores, fresh off directing the Super Bowl-winning defense with New England, and some assistants he brought with him from the Patriots, squeeze some wins out of a roster that figures to be at a talent deficit against most opponents?
It won’t take much to improve on the horror show of a defense that then-defensive coordinator Matt Burke directed in 2018, which gave up the most yards in franchise history (6,257) and 433 points, only four fewer than the team record by the 1-15 debacle of 2007.
That was with Cameron Wake and Robert Quinn, two prominent names who have been discarded. But keep in mind, neither of those veterans had a sterling season.
Maximizing assets has sustained the Patriots dynasty (OK, that Brady guy has had something to do with it too).
So Flores is similarly looking to ascend with players like newly signed defensive end Nate Orchard, a second-round pick of the Browns in 2015 who is best known as a personality on “Hard Knocks.”
Orchard is on his fourth team since October. He has 13 career starts and five sacks. He had 18.5 sacks in his second college season at Utah.
“I can rush the passer,” he said Tuesday. “I just need an opportunity. I think it’s here with the Dolphins. I’m grateful for it.”
Counting on competition to elevate all
Flores is counting on that as a motivating factor throughout a largely unproven roster, saying, “I think there’s competition at every position, and if the guys don’t feel that way then we’re going to try to make them feel that way, one way or another.”
There is talent in the secondary, where Xavien Howard is newly anointed as the league’s highest-paid cornerback and Minkah Fitzpatrick, who excelled in a variety of roles, is entering his second year.
Unknown is the future of long-time safety Reshad Jones, who has elected to skip all of the voluntary offseason workouts so far.
There is no shortage of eager replacements with 18 defensive backs forming the largest area of specialization of any unit among the 91 players under contract – offensive line is next with 15.
The challenge for Flores is to make an appetizing chicken salad out of a couple of prime ingredients and an assortment of table scraps.
The coaching ego always believes it can accomplish that. Flores has able support in defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, a product of Yale who worked with Flores with the Patriots and most recently coached with the Packers.
Josh Boyer, the defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach, came from New England with Flores.
The OTA sessions this month are open to the media only one day a week. They are all being conducted with players in shorts and helmets. Flores acknowledges that limits what he can learn about players until they put on pads in training camp.
Mixing it up on D
But Tuesday’s 90-minute session was spirited and the emphasis on conditioning was evident. Players ran from one drill to the next and there were frequent instances of groups dropping for a set of pushups.
That is part of what Flores refers to as “no talent needed” – things that can be accomplished through effort alone.
It will take talent and skill, though, for this team to rise above expectations – and for Flores to succeed outside the shadow of Bill Belichick.
But there is evidence of the Patriot Way in the defense in early stages of construction. There is a mix of 4-3 and 3-4 schemes in the front seven. There are players being utilized in a variety of roles.
Holdover defensive lineman Davon Godchaux said the difference in philosophy is distinct. Whereas last year the mantra was attack the offense, this scheme is read and react. And there is a lot of mixing and matching to create confusion, hopefully confined to the opposition.
“They put guys in position here to be successful,” Orchard said. “The blitz is coming from every angle. You don’t know when it’s coming or what’s going on. Coach Graham is doing a great job to disguise that.”
The challenge of this season will to be disguise the shortcomings of this roster and rise above them.
That, to me, will be every bit as compelling as the quarterback situation.
Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for four decades. Follow him on Twitter @CraigDavisRuns. Photo by Tony Capobianco. 
More from Dolphin Maven

Chris Grier, Three-eyed GM

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By now, we have all seen the finale of HBO’s insanely popular television series, Game of Thrones. So we all know how it ends.  And whether you agree that a young (crippled) boy that suffered through some heinous stuff, later becomes the most important character in the show, or not, Bran Stark is more than qualified. After all, he can see everything, and the affect it has on the seven kingdoms is clear as day.

So after suffering by the wayside for so many years, Bran becomes the ruler of the six kingdoms. But where have we seen this before?  When has a guy sat back and watched as everything around him burns to the ground- only to reap the benefits?

Bran used his visions to foresee the future, which ultimately led to him sitting atop the Iron Throne.  Which, come to think of it, is exactly what Dolphins’ GM Chris Grier did before being handed the keys to the kingdom.

So is Grier the three-eyed raven?

Let’s take a look.

The Rightful Heir 

There are lots of important signs that may suggest Grier is a three-eyed General Manager, with the ability to see everything in the history of the world. Who stays with one team for twenty years, watching as each prolific name comes and goes. Putting the team further and further away from being competitive. Obviously, he knew his time would eventually come.  And although he watched as coaches tied their fate to Chad Henne and Ryan Tannehill, in addition to overspending on high-priced free agents.  He never lost sight of what was still to come.  Maybe he takes the “safe” route when it comes to his decision making, but he’s done well with his newly assigned power.

Somehow, someway, Grier knew he would eventually be calling the shots in South Florida.  And if this offseason is any indication,  it appears as though he’s the right man for the job.

Laremy Tunsil’s gas mask

Draft day 2016 was a bit surreal.  The consensus #1 pick had a video of him smoking out of a gas mask leaked online, which caused him to fall mercifully into the Dolphins’ lap at #11.  I’m not sure they ever found out who released the video, but my theory is that Grier had something to do with it.  What team benefited most from the announcement?  Certainly not the Tennessee Titans.  Miami now has an All-Pro left tackle because of this video, and it just seems like something a three-eyed GM may have done.  Perhaps he “warged” into Tunsil and consumed some of the Devil’s lettuce, knowing it would cause him to fall.

Nonetheless, the Dolphins and Grier are happy with the way things turned out.

Charles Harris, 3-4 pass rusher

In 2017, the Miami football Dolphins invested the 22nd-overall pick on pass rusher Charles Harris.  And like most of Grier’s moves, it wasn’t a flashy pick.  But it was a selection that raised some eyebrows, and rightfully so.  Harris is best suited for a 3-4 defense and at the time, Miami was running a traditional 4-3 with wide-9 concepts.  For those that don’t know, Matt Burke and his wide-9 failed miserably in Miami.  And although Harris has been non-existent early on throughout his career.  Maybe, just maybe, he can turn it around with better coaching and a scheme that fits his skill-set better.

For a team that let Cameron Wake walk and traded away Robert Quinn, Grier better know what he’s doing.  But again, he probably already knows the outcome of this saga.

Xavien Howard is a very rich man

When the Dolphins traded up to select Baylor’s Xavien Howard with the #38th-pick in the 2016 NFL draft, uncertainty loomed.  Ultimately, Howard was a handsy defensive back that excelled in a division not known for their defense.  And although it wasn’t the most popular decision at the time, Grier knew what type of player he could eventually become.  This offseason, the Dolphins finally rewarded one of their own, making Howard the highest paid defensive back in NFL history.  Miami was able to lock up one of the better press-corners in the game today.  And for a young team in desperate need of an identity, the move makes sense.  Flores had Stephone Gilmore in New England, and now Howard in Miami.

The contract isn’t so bad either.  In fact, when you dig deeper within the contract, it’s a great deal for both sides involved.  Howard’s 5 years, $76.5M may seem like a lot now.  But the way it is structured ($52-million guaranteed over the first three years) is genius.

Josh Rosen, franchise quarterback

I’m not sure whether or not he can see the past, present, and future.  But I do think Grier knew that when the dust settled, Joshua Ballinger Lippincott Rosen would be sitting on the the Iron Throne.  And unless Ryan Fitzpatrick has something to do with it,

And whether or not you liked the trade, he is the team’s best hope at finding a franchise quarterback.  A franchise quarterback that they have not had since Dan Marino himself.  So for seven years the Dolphins drafted Brandon Doughty, and gave Tannehill very little competition.  Sure, David Gerrard had a straight shot to the starting job.  But a swimming pool would prove to be the difference maker.  One by one, quarterbacks would come and go.  But none ever had a chance of becoming the next Right Arm of God.  Until now.

Grier didn’t have to do much to acquire Miami’s newest hope at relevance.  Instead, he waited patiently for the asking price to slowly diminish.  And certainly Grier knew that long-time friend Jeff Ireland would be more than willing to make a trade with his former team.  Grier acquired a 2020 second-round pick and then shipped No.68 to the Cardinals for Rosen.  A great trade for all involved.

It is anyone’s guess as to whether or not Rosen will ever becomes the guy Dolphins’ fans have long yearned for. But give credit to Grier for trying to find “the guy”, no matter the cost.

Conclusion

In the end, Bran Stark sits atop the Iron Throne as a man that can see EVERYTHING.  After reading the tea leaves, new Dolphins’ general manager Chris Grier might not be far off.  He’s made countless moves that would indicate he already knew the outcome.  Furthermore, he’s taken chances on players with troubled pasts and severe uncertainty.  The Dolphins are much better off now than they were a year ago.  And during a three-year rebuild, Grier already has things further along than we expected.  Perhaps, he’s been waiting for his opportunity.  Or maybe, just maybe, he has the ability to see the future.

Maybe, Chris Grier is the Dolphins three-eyed GM.

Josh Houtz (@Houtz) believes in wargs and three-eyed ravens. He also likes the Miami Dolphins.

The Case for LeBron Back in Miami

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I mean, wow.

The Lakers organization has been a horrific mess since the tail end of Kobe Bryant’s career, rightfully being knighted the ‘LOLakers’ for the majority of the past decade. That was overdone, perhaps, especially when the Lakers managed to land LeBron James on a four-year contract, seeming to set themselves up for a return to prominence.

How could they screw that up? Here’s the tutorial.

  • They signed Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, Javale McGee, Michael Beasley (the only #good signing, for obvious reasons) and re-signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to complete LeBron, while Lakers castoffs Julius Randle and Brook Lopez were better all season for other teams. Also missed out on signing cheap shooters around LeBron, like a Wayne Ellington.
  • Watched as LeBron suffered a month-long injury for the first time in forever, with it not being clear if he was in any rush to get back.
  • Suffered through some locker room melodrama after the ugly way the Anthony Davis trade discussions spilled into the public sphere. This appeared to affect young players Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart and others.
  • Missed the playoffs, which they always do lately, but which wasn’t supposed to happen this season.
  • Had their team president and all-time legend, Magic Johnson, quit without telling anyone, in part at least, because he wanted to tweet more.
  • Magic later gave some of the juicy details of what we’d all heard live on ESPN, that it was about Magic vs. Pelinka. And Pelinka won? Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised Kobe’s agent is somebody this ruthless. Pelinka has absolutely risen up the ranks as an all-time finesser.

 

  • Team was then taken over by the Rambii (“shadow presidents” Kurt and Linda Rambis, who have failed elsewhere) as well as owner Jeanie Buss and former agent/current GM Rob Pelinka (whom Magic Johnson apparently could not stand to be around any longer)

  • Fired their young head coach (Luke Walton).
  • Hired a replacement (Frank Vogel) who hasn’t had success since at least 2014.
  • Hired the notoriously power-hungry (and judging by the Bucks’ success without him, not so competent) Jason Kidd to be Vogel’s lead assistant and scared away Ty Lue, of all people, in the process
  • Are now the subject of rumors/leaks that a LeBron trade is not out of the question, despite the knowledge that Kidd was hired to appease LeBron.

 

 

So…..

What does it mean?

And could it mean something to South Florida?

In recent weeks, the  Miami Heat were named among betting favorites among potential landing spots for LeBron. Of course. He’s been here. He won two titles here. Pat Riley is desperate to change the course of the franchise back to something closer to what it was when LeBron was here.

Could this even be possible?

OK, probably not, but just listen for a second.

In a world where Kevin Durant re-signs with the Warriors, where Jimmy Butler was already on board (whether through some sort of sign & trade with Philly or via free agency), and one where the franchise sells Riley as being in position to move on from basketball, with Erik Spoelstra, Chris Bosh, Shane Battier and D-Wade moving up in the ranks of the organization and serving as the foundation of the front office.

Wouldn’t that be a pretty nice situation to re-join?

I’m Doctor Strange telling you there’s a million different paths this offseason could take.

But the one scenario where LeBron makes his way back to the-soon-to-be Dwyane Wade Boulevard is there.

This scenario would take both LeBron and Jimmy Butler making it clear they want to be in Miami. It would also be complicated to pull off but, with both of those assurances, Andy Elisburg could conceivably get it done. If Goran Dragic & Hassan Whiteside opt in, you can send their expiring contracts attached to some picks in a package for LeBron after pulling off a complicated sign & trade consisting of J-Rich + Olynyk for Jimmy Butler.

So, yeah, it’s a lot.

But considering the chaos in L.A., why wouldn’t LeBron at least consider pushing his way here, using his considerable influence. The organization that gave him everything he wanted (well, until those Mike Miller and Joel Anthony departures that were blamed for so much) with people he considers brothers in positions of power, in a beautiful city that *didn’t* bail on him immediately after he didn’t come through, with another star next to him to help him lead the other young players.

Crazier things have happened.

Remember the Big 3?

 

Smark Your Territory: WWE Money in the Bank Recap

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Let’s be honest, very few people watched WWE’s Money in the Bank Pay-per-view on Sunday night, because, of course, Game of Thrones.  And although the hit HBO series didn’t end the way many of us anticipated, it still had to be better than the wrestling, right?

I was about to find out.

So I woke up early in the morning, grabbed my coffee, and started to watch some sports entertainment for my viewing please.

Here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly from Money in the Bank.

This is a quick and gritty recap of WWE Money in the Bank and contains spoilers. enjoy

Women’s Money in the Bank match – Bayley vs Nikki Cross vs Natalya vs Naomi vs Carmella vs Dana Brooke vs Mandy Rose vs Ember Moon 

This match was filled with each superstar doing their own thing.  Which is exactly what we’ve come to expect in these type of matches. However, the coolest part aside from the ending, was watching Sonya Deville carry Mandy Rose’s lifeless body to the top of the ladder. A devastating one handed push from Bayley would inevitable send both superstars crashing to the mat. The only thing left was for Bayley to hoist the briefcase high above her head.  Momma, she made it!

Winner- Bayley (in the bank)

United States Championship – Rey Mysterio vs Samoa Joe (C)

This match lasted longer than Cersei’s reign on the iron throne. And after Mysterio appeared to break Samoa Joe’s nose with a devastating whoopee cushion off the top rope, the match was quickly accelerated. A very weak and controversial roll-up pin, would prove to be the difference maker.

Winner – Rey Mysterio

And then in typical Samoa Joe fashion, he attacks Mysterio from behind.  He then beats the living hell out of him in front of his son.  The rivalry continues.

Shane McMahon vs The Miz inside a Steel Cage

I’m not really sure where this feud is going, but it appears that there is no end in sight.  And despite Miz looking like the superior wrestler for most of the match, the ending was about as bad as it gets.  As Shane tried to escape over the top of the cage, Miz grabbed him. And after a good minute of teasing a superplex from the top of the cage, Shane slipped out of his shirt like Houdini and onto the floor below.  WAIT! HOW!?!?!WTF!?!?!

McMahon defeats Miz in one of the more “meh” matches of the night.

Winner – Shane McMahon

Raw Women’s Championship – Becky Lynch (C) vs Lacy Evans

For weeks, I was left wondering why they were pushing Lacy Evans so hard. I think after this match, we now know why.  Evans is a stud and for most of the match, looked like the better wrestler. (Don’t be mad) And after dominating Becky for a solid five minutes, momentum would shift in Lynch’s favor.  Much like the Samoa Joe match, there would be a controversial finish.  This time, Evans rolled up Lynch for what appeared to be a three-count.  However, the referee did not count, and Lynch would reverse the pin into her signature “disarmer”- for the submission victory.

Lynch would celebrate with the millions and millions of her fans.  And then, Charlotte Flair’s music would hit. WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Winner – Becky Lynch

Smackdown Women’s Championship – Becky Lynch (C) vs Charlotte Flair

Of course it’s not fair that Becky has to defend both titles consecutively, but she is “The Man”.  This match was quick and to the point.  And after a Lacy Evans right hand, Charlotte Flair would hit (completely miss) with a big boot that resulted in the 1,2,3 victory.  As if we all didn’t see this coming, Flair would once again become the Smackdown Women’s champion.  Evans and Flair would continue to assault Becky after the match and then…

BAH GAWD ALMIGHTY!  IT’S THE MOTHER HUGGER, BAYLEY!!!!!

Winner – Charlotte Flair

Bayley cashes in the Money in the Bank!

For as uneventful as the Charlotte/Becky match was.  Bayley finding a way to overcome all obstacles, cash in her Money in the Bank contract, and defeat Charlotte Flair was a great way to end things.  Very few are as deserving as Bayley and this almost certainly opens up a Bayley/Charlotte rivalry that should make Smackdown must-see television for the next few months.

Bayley would celebrate with all of her fans.

Winner – Bayley

CruserWeight Championship – Tony Nese (C) vs Ariya Daivari

Surprise, surprise.  205 live continues to be one of the better kept secrets of the wrestling world.  And this match did not disappoint.  Then again, it wasn’t overly great either.  Nese defeats Ariya (not Stark) to retain the title.  My guess is that Nese is the champion heading into Summer Slam but who really knows?  Vince could scrap the title tomorrow night in favor of the Hardcore title but again, idk.

Winner – Tony Nese

Roman Reigns vs Elias 

Elias continues to be a poor man’s Jeff Jarrett, this time attacking Reigns from behind with a guitar in the corridor.  After a quick ad, Elias is in the ring getting ready to play the guitar and talk bad about the fans in attendance.  As he’s getting ready to head to the back, ROMAN REIGNS appears from out of nowhere with a super man punch right to his face.  They then go in the ring and after Reigns hits the spear, it’s 1,2,3.  This further proves that Elias is just a glorified jobber with nice clothes and a guitar he likes to break over other human’s skulls.

Winner – Roman Reigns

Universal Championship – Seth Rollins (C) vs A.J Styles

This is a match that I could watch every night for the next 365 days and not get bored. (okay, maybe a little) But let’s be honest, heading into MITB this was probably the one match fans could get overly excited for.  After all, these two small-town prospects were fighting in a gymnasium 15 years ago.  Now, they’re two of the biggest superstars in the world.  And no matter how bad Vince McMahon is getting at his old age-it didn’t disappoint.

The match had everything.  A reverse superplex off the top-rope.  A styles clash.  Phenomenal forearm. And most importantly, a Seth Rollins curb stomp.  I’m not sure where the feud goes after Rollins and Styles shook hands in the center of the ring, but I hope they prolong the sequel until Summer Slam.  We need more matches like this in our life and kudos to WWE for allowing these two superstars to do what they do best.

Winner – Seth Rollins

Lars Sullivan vs Lucha House Party

*insert fart sound*

At least Lars got his head split open like a cantaloupe.

WWE Championship – Kofi Kingston (C) vs Kevin Owens

Both of these superstars deserve to be in the spotlight. But this match seemed a bit stale compared to some of the others on this night.  And although many would have loved to see Kevin Owens once again be at the top of the WWE totem pole, they will just have to wait.  Kingston defeats Owens after hitting him with that cool, spinning kick that he does.  Will this rivalry continue?  I think so, but I’m not entirely sure.

Winner – Kofi Kingston

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match –  Finn Balor vs Sami Zayn vs Baron Corbin vs Drew McIntyre vs Ricochet vs Randy Orton vs Andrade vs Ali

I was actually very surprised with how great this match was.  Finn Balor nearly died about fifteen times and the moves that were done onto/off/through ladders were breathtaking.  But for all the hard work that guys like Balor, Ricochet, Andrade, and Ali put into this match, they were rewarded with a kick in the nuts from Mr.McMahon.  And when Ali was at the very top of the ladder, with the briefcase in his hands.  What other superstar would you expect to come down the entrance ramp?

BRROROOOOOCCCCKKKK LEEESSSNNNAAARRRRR

And of course, Lesnar was not going to enter the match without walking out with the briefcase in hand.  It will now be interesting to see when and where he cashes in his briefcase.

The End.

How did you feel about last night’s Money in the Bank PPV? Let us know in the comments section below!

 

Griezmann y los falsos romances europeos

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Antoine Griezmann jugó con los sentimientos de los fanáticos del Atlético de Madrid por dos veranos consecutivos.

Hace menos de un año mantuvo en ascuas a sus seguidores rojiblancos, y hasta hizo un documental a lo LeBron James, para anunciar que se quedaba con el equipo porque “creía en el proyecto”.

¿Cuál era ese proyecto? El Atlético de Madrid venía de ser segundo en La Liga por detrás del FC Barcelona y sumó a varias piezas que lo colocaban muy cerca de los dos grandes de España para disputar este torneo.

En el ámbito europeo, el Atlético veía con ilusión el tener la final de la Champions League en su nuevo estadio, el Wanda Metropolitano.

Los dirigidos por Diego Simeone habían llegado dos veces a la final ante el Real Madrid, y estuvieron muy cerca de ser campeones de Europa.

Esta temporada, con la final en el Wanda, no tener a Griezmann en la plantilla parecía contranatura.

Fue el propio Griezmann, por cierto, quien falló un penal en la segunda de esas finales europeas ante el Madrid.

El Atlético de Madrid empató y logró llevar ese juego al alargue, pero nunca pudo terminar de superar a Cristiano, Ramos y compañía.

En parte, por la falta de precisión de Griezmann, quien ahora los deja con los crespos hechos.

El proyecto de Diego Simeone con Griezmann

El Atlético de Madrid logró incluirse entre los grandes de Europa gracias a Diego Simeone y su capacidad de potenciar a sus jugadores.

Antoine Griezmann fue uno de ellos. Cuando llegó desde la Real Sociedad, era un buen jugador.

Ahora que se va del Atlético, lo podemos considerar entre los 10 o 15 mejores del mundo.

¿Por qué decide irse ahora? ¿Era la final de la Liga de Campeones en el Wanda Metropolitano lo único que ataba al francés con el Atleti?

El propio Simeone, en una entrevista exclusiva con Fox Sports, dijo hace unos días que no imaginaba este proyecto sin su líder en este momento:

El Atlético de Madrid de Simeone logró títulos y consiguió convertirse en un equipo solvente, incluso hasta fichador, que logró pagarle a Griezmann un sueldo incluso mejor que el que le ofrecían en el FC Barcelona.

Antoine Griezmann se convirtió en un referente de este club gracias a su liderazgo en el campo, y su apego con el escudo.

Decirle que no a uno de los mejores equipos del mundo, por amor a la camiseta, no es poca cosa.

¿Por qué se va Griezmann de Madrid?

Suponiendo que no se va al rival blanco de la capital española, no podemos dejar de preguntarnos qué pasó que en unos meses que hizo que el francés cambiara de opinión.

En lo deportivo la situación es prácticamente la misma. El Atlético volverá a ser el segundo lugar en La Liga, en la Champions fueron eliminados por uno de los favoritos y en la Copa del Rey los eliminó el Girona.

El Atlético fue segundo en la 2017-18 en La Liga y en los otros dos torneos sufrió el mismo destino.

Con un año más de trabajo, ciertas piezas podrían encajar mejor, como es el caso del compatriota de Griezmann, Lemar.

Sin embargo, han sido varias las bajas de la plantilla anunciadas antes de la salida del delantero.

Eso probablemente influyó en la decisión del delantero francés, pero no me hace cambiar mi opinión de que Griezmann no fue justo y honesto con la afición del “equipo de sus amores”.

¿Adónde se irá Griezmann?

El FC Barcelona era el mayor pretendiente la temporada pasada, y apenas se dio la eliminación estrepitosa del Barça en Anfield Road, volvieron a sonar los rumores de una posible llegada de Griezmann a la entidad blaugrana.

En mi opinión, Griezmann no hace falta en el FC Barcelona. No lo veo jugando junto a Suárez y Messi en el ataque, a menos que el Barcelona salga de Coutinho y Dembelé, algo que parece poco probable.

En caso de que Griezmann llegue al Barça, les recomiendo este análisis del sistema que utilizaría Valverde.

Ya la dirigencia del club dijo que no quiere otra novela con Griezmann, refiriéndose a la idea que tiene su entorno de hacer otro documental para anunciar dónde jugará a partir del próximo verano.

El Real Madrid sería un equipo ideal por el momento de reconstrucción al que apuntan, aunque ya sabemos que este tipo de transferencias entre los dos equipos simplemente ya no existen.

Griezmann podría irse al PSG a tratar de terminar de impulsar ese proyecto en Europa, junto a Neymar y Mbappé, con quien ya ganó la Copa del Mundo Rusia 2018.

Con los conocidos problemas personales que existen entre Neymar y Cavani, no sería descabellada la salida del urugayo para abrirle paso al zurdo francés.

El propio Cavani podría ser el recambio de Griezmann en el Atleti.

El Bayern Munich es el último invitado a la fiesta que ha armado Griezmann, pues debe suplir a Robben y Ribery, quienes no seguirán con el equipo alemán.

El Manchester City de Agüero o la Juventus de Cristiano Ronaldo, que también se quedaron cortos en la Champions League, son unos posibles destinos menos probables, pero podrían dar la sorpresa.

Griezmann deja el Atleti y acaba con esa bonita historia de amor. Fue simplemente otro falso romance europeo…

 

Si te gustan los romances, o mejor dicho, las peleas y debates constantes, te invitamos a que escuches Cinco Razones Podcast haciendo clik aquí. Ahí trato de convencer a Leandro Soto y Ricardo Montes de Oca de que Cristiano no es mejor que Messi…

Now, Josh Rosen needs to earn it

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DAVIE – So it begins. The Josh Rosen era? At this point it’s the onset of the audition.

Coach Brian Flores prefers to view it as a competition.

Though few outsiders believe Rosen won’t be behind center when the Dolphins open the 2019 season, it is in the best interest of the franchise that the second-year quarterback acquired from the Arizona Cardinals must show he merits the job.

That is as it should be. If Rosen really has the makings of a franchise quarterback, it should be no sweat to earn the starting job.

If not, it will become apparent to the coaching staff through the course of offseason work, training camp and the exhibition season.

Flores made that point recently and the process began this week with the first week of offseason organized team activities for veterans and rookies.

Tuesday was the first full session open to the media and the largest turnout in years for OTAs – it’s offseason practice! – assembled to get a glimpse of Rosen in action.

For the record, when they began running plays in 7-on-7 drills, veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick was lined up with the starting receiving corps of Kenny Stills, DeVante Parker, Jakeem Grant and Mike Gesicki.

There certainly was a message in that, for Rosen as well as for the media to pass along to the fan base.

Remember, it’s a competition – even if it’s really a charade (wink, wink).

Notably, Fitzpatrick was the sharper quarterback through the course of the session.

When it was Rosen’s turn, he fired a strike over the middle on his first pass. His second was picked off by Sam Eguavoen, a former CFL linebackers and returned to the end zone.

Rosen also fumbled a couple of snaps at the beginning of practice.

None of which, of course, is of any consequence. As Flores said, “We’re not making cuts today.”

It’s May, and much of this rebuilding team is still putting names to faces and learning the way to their respective lockers.

“You kind of underestimate from the outside looking in all the logistical issues from having to have to move and uproot your place,” Rosen said after the workout. “I’m walking into the receivers room thinking it’s the bathroom. But when you step on the field you’ve just got let all that go and just play football.”

Rosen’s twitter account featured a photo from Monday’s session of its smiling namesake under center and the message, “Great to be back on the field and just play football.”

 

Rosen’s predecessor, Ryan Tannehill, waited until the beginning of his final season in Miami to try to project some personality via social media, but the effort kind of fizzled out – like his tenure.

It was refreshing that the absence of No. 17 in the quarterback corps isn’t due to injury. (Wide receiver Brice Butler now wears Tannehill’s old number).

It was more than time to try something different and it begins with competition (really, it is) between a 37-year-old journeyman and a top-10 draft pick who has already been discarded by the team that traded up to select him and acquired by the Dolphins for a No. 2 draft pick.

The intrigue of a rebuilding season will be in where that leads under the direction of a rookie head coach and staff, many of them with connections to the Patriots’ extended run of success.

“We’re looking for guys who can consistently move the ball down the field,” Flores said of the quarterback competition.

Flores has said that he welcomes players wanting to know the why of things, which has been portrayed as a criticism of Rosen in Arizona.

“I appreciate it. Our meeting room has been really productive, really good,” Rosen said, noting that he’s already picked up valuable guidance from quarterback coaches Jim Caldwell and Jerry Schuplinski. “It’s always about progress. I just want to keep taking steps forward and I think they’re helping me do that.”

During Tuesday’s 90-minute session, with players in shorts, Rosen showed some zip and the ability to connect with receivers in coverage.

He lobbed a deep ball on the mark that should have gone for a touchdown but it slipped through the hands of Parker. Some things don’t change.

“Obviously, he’s a talented player – big arm. But like everyone else he’s got a long way to go – [on] fundamentals, technique, playbook,” Flores said of Rosen, who did display some pocket presence in dancing away from a rusher and completing a short pass.

This week is about formulating early impressions. Drawing firm conclusions is still months away.

As Flores noted, this stage of the offseason program is still voluntary. Veteran safety Reshad Jones elected not to attend as he did during the first offseason minicamp last month.

But for most of the 91 players on the roster, the audition is underway.

“Everybody is getting evaluated in this building every day. Period,” Flores said. “That’s just what it is.”

When it comes to the quarterback sweepstakes, that’s a good thing, no matter who ends up winning it (wink, wink).

One way or another the Dolphins will find out if he is the player to lead them into the future or whether they’ll need to dip back into the talent pool and find someone else next year.

Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for four decades. Follow him on Twitter @CraigDavisRuns

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Josh Rosen needs a nickname

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In my many years as a fan of the Miami Dolphins, there have been moments that had nothing to do with the on-field product that brought about great excitement.

The Dolphins acquiring Keith Jackson, the signing of Jimmy Johnson as Head Coach, the trade for Ricky Williams, Nick Saban coming to town, and yes, the drafting of Ryan Tannehill.  (For a few minutes, at least.) The trade that brought Josh Rosen to Miami, might be right up there with all of them.

There is no denying that Dolphin fans are pinning a lot of their hopes for 2019 and beyond on Josh Rosen, and why not? There is nothing going on to properly evaluate him, even though we engage in this annual ritual of watching players run around in shorts in May every year.  Until he plays in camp, a pre-season game, a regular season game, we have to postpone our evaluation, but we don’t have to postpone our excitement.  With that excitement, has come the nickname the “Hebrew Hammer”, and with it, countless examples of many in our network casually referring to Rosen as such:

As well as some, that have sought to sell T-Shirts with the name emblazoned on it:

Now, this is fun. I am all for fun. But lets be a bit original. “Hebrew Hammer” belongs to others. Yes, Josh Rosen seems to have given himself the nickname. He needs a writer on staff. The nickname not only belongs to others, but is rather common:

The OTHER “Hebrew Hammers”:
Adam Edelman- Israeli Olympic team’s Menn’s Skeleton Racer
Ryan Braun- 6 time MLB All-Star.
Hank Greenberg- Hall of Fame MLB Player.
Gabe Kapler- MLB Player.
Al Rosen- 4 Time MLB All-Star.

and there are others!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_Hammer

So, let’s be a bit original. In fact, our network, has, uh, well, kinda started on this:

5 Reasons Jew Brees Tee

Subtle. Effective. No comment.

So, what nickname do I like? I like “Josh Chosen.” Does it suck? Probably, maybe, but it’s original. Have at it in Twitter threads, and in the comments to this item. Let’s name JOSH ROSEN.

Dolphins’ new regime believes in second chances

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Usually when a change is made at the top, it has a trickle effect throughout the entire organization.

So once Miami moved on from Mike Tannenbaum and Chris Grier was handed the keys, a shift in philosophy was sure to follow.

And whether it be trading a second-round pick for Josh Rosen or signing an undrafted free agent with plenty of ‘juicy’ history, what the Dolphins’ organization has done this offseason is “different.”

For years, the Dolphins were more concerned about their public image than giving a mulligan to talented players.  But Brian Flores, who has mentored under Bill Belichick, believes in second chances. And that has been evident more than ever this offseason.

Aside from giving players like Eric Rowe and Chris Reed, low risk, high-reward contracts, the Dolphins are taking fliers on players with “character concerns.” And no we’re not talking about the fabricated issues some South Florida media have with Rosen.

For example, Miami signed Preston Williams, the undrafted wide receiver who has had a troubled past.  Williams was arrested on a misdemeanor assault charge after reportedly pushing his girlfriend out of the way, as he tried to leave  their apartment.  Williams was forced to sit out the 2017 season after transferring from Tennessee, and was later suspended for part of the 2018 season.  His off the field troubles forced the talented wide receiver to go undrafted.

When Williams was asked what he’s learned from his off the field troubles, he said this.  “You have to be a professional on the field and off the field. I just try to stay clean and do what I’m supposed to do.”

Williams isn’t the only ‘bad boy’ the Dolphins took a flier on this offseason.   Yesterday, Miami signed former Hurricane’s running back Mark Walton.  Walton, 22,  has been arrested three times over the last several months.  Most recently, for carrying a concealed weapon and marijuana possession.  And we all saw the video of him ripping the taser off and breaking away from cops with his 4.4 speed.  That was his third arrest in as recent months.

Dolphins head coach Brian Flores said this regarding Walton and second chances.

“I’d say I think … I think people deserve a second chance. I believe that. I think that’s the case. I don’t want to judge people based on one incident (or) two incidents. I think it’s a case-by-case situation for a player and just for people in general. That’s kind of my stance.”

Whether you agree or disagree with what these players have done off the field, this regime believes the talent on the field is worth the black eye that could follow.

However, the reward is far greater than the risk, especially for the Dolphins, who need elite potential wherever they can find it as they rebuild. Williams has the potential to be a #1 wide receiver and Walton was highly regarded out of college.  Both players have the chance to make an impact in 2019 and beyond.  And although no one knows how this will play out, this change in philosophies is a breath of fresh air. And that’s all we can ask for, after so many years of mediocrity.

 

Josh Houtz (@Houtz) contributes to Smark Your Territory and is the co-host of Fantasy On Five. Photo by Tony Capobianco.

Don’t sleep on Dolphins’ Albert Wilson

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The Miami Dolphins 2018 season was a disappointment — to say the least.

But unlike what we’ve grown accustomed to in year’s past, it wasn’t all doom and gloom in 2018.  In fact, several players emerged as potential franchise-caliber players.  Laremy Tunsil took the next step, Xavien Howard did too. Raekwon McMillan and Jerome Baker — former Buckeyes teammates — both showed some potential to be key contributors on defense for many years to come.  

And then there’s the skill position players.

Kenyan Drake got out-touched by Frank Gore, and guys like DeVante Parker and Mike Gesicki struggled to make any type of impact.  However, one player emerged as legit playmaker, one who could have a significant role heading into the 2019 season.

His name is Albert Wilson.

Obviously, EVERYONE listened to the latest episode of Fantasy on 5 where I mentioned Wilson as a player I see having a significant impact in 2019.

Personally, I think a lot of people are going to overlook Albert Wilson.  That is a guy that just, he lit the world on fire when he got the opportunities.  And we know he didn’t get as many opportunities as he could have. But the guy can make plays as a running back, can make plays as a wide receiver.  He (Wilson) can make plays all over the field that we haven’t seen in Miami for- I mean maybe Jarvis Landry, but this is a supped up Jarvis Landry. For me, hands down as long as he comes back from injury, Albert Wilson is that guy.  I think he’s going to be one of those guys that creeps up as a top-15 fantasy wide receiver. If you’re going to make me throw a hot take out there, I’m going to say Albert Wilson is going to be a top-15 fantasy wide receiver this year.

Prior to his injury in Week 7 vs the Detroit Lions, Albert Wilson led the NFL in ‘fantasy points per route’.   

To some, this may be an insignificant statistic.

To others, it provides a pretty good outlier of what type of impact Wilson had in year one in South Florida.

Last offseason, Wilson signed a 3 year, $24-million contract and at the time, very few understood the type of impact he could have. He is good.  Very good.  And he will look to take the next step in 2019.

During the 2018 season, Wilson recorded 26 receptions on only 35 targets.  The end result? 394 yards and 5 touchdowns (1 passing).

Currently, Wilson is being drafted 195th-overall in standard leagues according to FantasyPros.com

Let’s take a look at what Wilson did in 2018 and what we can expect from him in Chad O’Shea’s New England Style offense.

FILM

There are a lot of things that Wilson brings to the table.  And anyone that is familiar with New England’s offense, understands just how deadly the quick slants and crossing routes can be.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, he is a special talent.

Here’s a prime example of that, as Wilson throw a perfect 52-yard touchdown strike to Jakeem Grant in week 3 vs Oakland.

Despite what the stat sheet may say, Ryan Tannehill had nothing to do with the success of this play.

In this play, you see just how explosive Wilson can be with the football in his hands.  He uses every bit of his 4.43 forty to outrun the defense.  *high five*

At 5’9, 201-pounds, you don’t expect Wilson to be able to shake would-be tackles.  And yet, here we are.

Osweiler does a good job of standing tall in the pocket and delivers a pass in stride to Wilson.

Again, Wilson is one of the most explosive playmakers in the NFL.

For years, the Dolphins would try to get the ball in their receivers hands using screens and other variables.

It has been a long time since Miami had a guy with this type of game-altering potential.

In conclusion, Wilson has all the skills to be a dominant wide receiver in the NFL.  Obviously, he must fully recover from the hip injury that he suffered last season.  And surely, he must build a repertoire with new Dolphins quarterback Josh Rosen, before he can have the type of impact we all expect.  But what many in South Florida will soon find out, is that Wilson has the potential to be one of the league’s top receivers in 2019.

#WilsonGangGang

Josh Houtz (@Houtz) cooks in his spare time, when he’s not working on 65 things for Five Reasons Sports Network and Dolphin Maven

Valverde y la era de las debacles

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Ernesto Valverde ha sido exitoso en su pasantía por Barcelona, pero será recordado por las debacles históricas en Champions.

El FC Barcelona volvió a ser eliminado de la Liga de Campeones de Europa tras ser goleado, humillado y superado por el Liverpool en el encuentro de vuelta en Anfield Road.

Ernesto Valverde va a cumplir su segunda temporada como entrenador del Barça.

En ambas ha ganado la liga española, muy por encima del eterno rival Real Madrid.

De hecho, el Atlético ha sido su principal rival desde que llegó a dirigir a los blaugrana.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9Yp1kofQmw

Sin embargo, su gestión hasta los momentos está marcada, y quedará marcada por las eliminaciones vergonzosas en la Liga de Campeones.

Las dos temporadas de Valverde en el Barcelona han tenido algo en común. Dominio total en España, y fracasos rotundos en Europa.

En la 2017-2018, Barcelona se ahogó en Roma y terminó goleado y eliminado ante un rival de bastante menor nivel.

En la ida, el Barcelona había ganado 4-1, y parecía imposible que una remontada se diera en suelo italiano.

Un Barcelona sin corazón se quedó fuera en cuartos de final y todos señalaron a Valverde. Esa fue la primera señal de advertencia.

Así se despedía Andrés Iniesta de la competición. Un Iniesta que luego guio al Barça en la final de Copa para un contundente 5-0.

Una temporada con dos títulos, pero amarga por cómo se dio la eliminación y porque además, el Real Madrid terminó levantando su tercera Champions consecutiva.

Las debacles en Europa marcan la era Valverde

Antes de comenzar la temporada el FC Barcelona enfiló sus cañones hacia la Liga de Campeones, y todo el camino hasta las semifinales fue perfecto.

El Barcelona de Valverde nunca ha encantado con su juego, pero si algo tuvo fue eficiencia.

Además, las derrotas o traspiés que había sufrido llegaron en momentos puntuales y no desviaron el rumbo al objetivo.

Levante y Sevilla hicieron dudar a la afición culé en la Copa del Rey, pero siempre encontraron la manera de superar estas alcabalas.

Eliminaron al Real Madrid en Copa y le ganaron dos veces en cuatro días en el Santiago Bernabéu.

Luego, los blancos quedaron fuera en la Champions tras ser totalmente superados por el Ajax.

Era el fin del reinado blanco y todo parecía sonreirle a Valverde esta temporada.

Olympique de Lyon y Manchester United fueron dos rivales accesibles, aunque apenas anotaron un gol de visitante entre ambas eliminatorias, y fue un autogol de Shaw.

El Camp Nou se convirtió en un fortín y el Barcelona llegaba invicto y afilado a la eliminatoria con el Liverpool, el favorito para ganar la competición.

Valverde rotó a la perfección a sus figuras. Eso no se le puede criticar.

El espejismo de la ida en Camp Nou

En un duelo emocionante entre dos gigantes de Europa, el Barcelona sacó un excelente resultado.

En las planillas de los jueves, el Liverpool ganó por puntos, pero fueron los blaugrana los eficaces y se fueron con una ventaja de tres goles (que debieron ser cuatro por el fallo increíble de Dembelé en la última jugada del partido) a Inglaterra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_wmpUIAUTU

El Barcelona B jugó el fin de semana mientras el Liverpool se batía con todo ante el Newcastle, ganando en los minutos finales con gol de Origi, y sufriendo la lesión de Salah, su máximo referente.

Sin Salah, y sin Firmino, que seguía tocado, los ingleses parecían tenerlo todo muy cuesta arriba para superar al Barça.

¿En qué falló Valverde?

El Txingurri repitió el once titular del juego de ida a pesar de que se había visto superado en varios fragmentos de ese encuentro.

Apostó nuevamente por Sergi Roberto en la banda en lugar de adelantarlo desde el comienzo.

Le había servido para tomar control en Camp Nou en la segunda mitad, pero no volvió a utilizarlo sino cuando ya estaba con el agua al cuello.

Los errores de Alba, Busquets y Piqué en el primer gol hicieron temblar a los aficionados.

El mismo guión de Roma. Un gol en contra en los primeros minutos y agobiados por la presión alta de los dirigidos por Kloop.

Allison volvió a ser el verdugo del Barcelona

Mucho mérito al planteamiento del alemán, pero Allison fue el que mantuvo con vida al Liverpool.

Alba no quiso patear en una clara ocasión.

La cedió a Messi, quien tampoco remató al arco, intentó un regate y no pudo superar a Virgil Van Dijk.

Era una clara señal de lo que venía.

Tapadas fenomenales a un remate de Lionel Messi, a otro de Coutinho, y luego a Suárez empezando la segunda mitad.

Cualquiera de esas jugadas terminaba en gol y ahí terminaba el sueño inglés.

¿Es el fin de la era Valverde?

A Valverde no se le puede criticar por las fallas de sus delanteros, pero sí por la falta de carácter.

Puso a Vidal de titular en ambos encuentros sabiendo que necesitaría el ida y vuelta del chileno en esta eliminatoria, pero lo sacó con el 3-0 en contra, aunque había sido uno de los mejores.

Sergi Busquets es intocable para el Txingurri, pero fue uno de los que peor estuvo en el mediocampo y no tuvo el temple para sacarlo.

El Barcelona se vio superado en la primera mitad, y el vasco decidió salir con los mismos once a la segunda parte.

Cuando trató de enmendar, ya tenía la eliminatoria empatada.

Ni él mismo vio el cuarto gol del Liverpool.

No es su característica, pero una semifinal a este nivel, se tiene que vivir con intensidad.

Los jugadores son los principales culpables de esta nueva debacle en Europa, pero Valverde podría ser el que pague los platos rotos.

Renovó por otro año hace unos meses, pero parece que esta eliminación podría ser la señal de que este ciclo ya terminó.

Queda la final de la Copa del Rey por disputar y podría volver a ganar un doblete.

Pero ha fallado en el objetivo principal. Creo que es hora de que Valverde diga adiós…

 

Alejandro Villegas es uno de los tres miembros de Cinco Razones Podcast. Escucha todos los episodios aquí.