OC Dolphin's blog

Will the Dolphins finally field an elite team?

THEIR 2023/24 SCHEDULE MAY PROVIDE ANSWERS: Why? Well, unlike 2016 and after Adam Gase sent his Dolphins into the playoffs by basically going through a powder-puff regular season schedule, this year's Dolphins' opponents combine their records to produce the second-most difficult regular season schedule in the league. Simply put; If the Dolphins earn a playoff spot, they will be battle tested. They would be one of the favorites.

 

2023/2024 Regular Season Schedule:

1. Sun. 9/10 at Los Angeles Chargers
2. Sun. 9/17 at New England Patriots
3. Sun. 9/24 vs. Denver Broncos
4. Sun. 10/1 at Buffalo Bills
5. Sun. 10/8 vs. New York Giants
6. Sun. 10-15 vs. Carolina Panthers
7. Sun. 10/22 at Philadelphia Eagles
8. Sun. 10/29 vs. New England Patriots
9. Wed. 11/5 at Kansas City Chiefs (Germany)
10. Bye Week
11. Sun. 11/19 vs. Las Vegas Raiders
12. Fri. 11/24 at New York Jets
13. Sun. 12/3 at Washington Commanders
14. Mon. 12/11 vs. Tennessee Titans
15. Sun. 12/17 vs. New York Jets
16. Sun. 12/24 vs. Dallas Cowboys
17. Sun. 12/31 at Baltimore Ravens
18. TBD vs. Buffalo Bills 

 

THEY APPEAR TO HAVE ALL THE HORSES: Returning speedy receivers and running backs, and adding a new blur in Texas A&M De'Von Achane, plus spot play from a converted big receiver turning tight end, well...safe to say that this team will be one of the fastest, it not THE fastest in the league.

Combine these offensive skill players with a handful of new O-Line veterans. Guys like Isaiah Wynn and Cedric Ogbuehi, both past first rounders and other members each competing to earn a spot over last year's starters and/or providing depth. The approach suggests that Grier is implementing a "strength by numbers" to the O-Line. 

Turning to the defense, much heralded Vic Fangio will try to duplicate what he's done at other stops. Namely, to improve an already good defense. A young talented core of players and star veteran in Xavien Howard will be joined by all-pro corner back Jalen Ramsey and Linebacker David Long Jr.

Goes without saying that Tuanigamanuolepola Donny Tagovailoa has to last longer than the pronouncement of his name. The guy is the perfect "West Coast Offense" QB. He's accurate, quick to decide, has proven league-leading ratings and numbers while playing. Clearly he brings in "the big IF," but Dolfans should enter this year very optimistic. 

Taken as a whole, this team has the composition to be very good. 11-6 or even 12-5 good.

Let the fun begin!

A new coach, and new talent - 2022 season

LET'S GO DOLPHINS! No question about it. Every Dolfan has seen this script many, many times before. Ever since the mythical Don Shula retired from the game we've held hope that each regime change would bring about success. So many years decades have passed that it would be depressing to list them all. Yet, this one feels a bit different, does it not? I know, I know, "hope springs eternal," and all that stuff. 

A word comes to mind - jaded. Yes, dear friends. So much so that to expect a turnaround of any significance this new year would seem delusional. Consider that the average anticipated wins you guys are predicting is 10. One more victory than was obtained last year. A year that started with a squeak win, that shouldn't have been a win, followed by seven straight loses. Game, set, match. Bring in the new guy.

Not trying to get on anyone's case here. Simply stating that at some point this franchise is going to shock some very intelligent folks. Will this be the year? Hope springs eternal.

 

2022/23 Regular Season Schedule:

1. Sun, Sep 11 vs New England

2. Sun, Sep 18 at Baltimore

3. Sun, Sep 25 vs Buffalo

4. Thur, Sep 29 at Cincinnati

5. Sun, Oct 9 at NY Jets

6. Sun, Oct 16 vs Minnesota

7. Sun, Oct 23 vs Pittsburgh

8. Sun, Oct 30 at Detroit

9. Sun, Nov 6 at Chicago

10. Sun, Nov 13 vs Cleveland

11. Sun, Nov 20 - BYE

12. Sun, Nov 27 vs Houston

13. Sun, Dec 4 at San Francisco 

14. Sun, Dec 11 at LA Chargers

15. Sat, Dec 17 or 18 at Buffalo

16. Sun, Dec 25 vs Green Bay

17. Sun, Jan 1 at New England

18. Mon, Jan 7 or 8 vs NY Jets 

 

Dolphins season - 2021/22

HERE WE GO: Football season has finally arrived, and I for one say - not a moment too soon! Given all that collectively we've gone through, how would our 'the shadow knows' best say it? Yes, that's right - Oy vey!

Well, no need to itemize, let's just jump right into the good stuff.

Everyone is expecting better results from the Dolphins this year and for good reason. The team has thrown their full support around their second-year high draft QB selection, Tua Tagovailoa, and the young QB appears poised, ready to redeem himself after what some may have viewed was an underwhelming first year. 

Preseason showed that Tua looked stronger; more fit. Understandable, given a year's recovery and added confidence that comes from months owning the position. Tua is undoubtedly further energized by having additional talent around him. From a more protective OL to exciting new speed at the receiving end. The tip of the spear being a very talented TE, who looks every bit as capable as that fellow had back in NE.

Overall, defensively they look just as good as last year, if not more so. Yes, they have shown a weakness at stopping the run, but hopefully they've addressed this. Not withstanding, their pressure on the QB looks even better than last year. We all know it was just preseason, but LB Sam Eguavoen was a flat out monster.

Goes without saying that the team's secondary was and should continue to be second to none. Not to overlook improvements, player's HC Flores also should show more maturity. Bookend all that with a kicker that appears as automatic as a one-foot putt and boys - we may finally have something to get excited about. 

 

Regular Season Schedule:

1. Sun, Sep 12 at Patriots

2. Sun, Sep 19 vs Bills

3. Sun, Sep 26 at Raiders

4. Sun, Oct 3 vs Colts

5. Sun, Oct 10 at Buccaneers

6. Sun, Oct 17 at Jaguars

7. Sun, Oct 24 vs Falcons

8. Sun, Oct 31 at Bills

9. Sun, Nov 7 vs Texans

10. Thu, Nov 11 vs Ravens

11. Sun, Nov 21 at Jets

12. Sun, Nov 28 vs Panthers 

13. Sun, Dec 5 vs Giants

14. Sun, Dec 19 BYE WEEK

15. (date, time, place TBD) vs Jets

16. Sun, Dec 27 at Saints

17. Mon, Jan 2 at Titans 

18. Sun, Jan 9 vs Patriots

 

Playing General Manager for the day

APRIL 29 - MAY 1: The NFL Draft, and a chance to see how our beloved Dolphins improve their collection of players. Currently, the Dolphins have five picks within the first 81 selections. General Manager Chris Grier and staff have been very busy moving up and down the board negotiating with other teams in hopes of improving the team's original picks; it should not surprise any of us should trading continue.

Soon it will be time to open a bag of chips or pretzels, pop a pizza into the oven and sit back to enjoy the draft. Two reference lists provided below, to help you follow the drama.

Dolphins current selections:

Day 1, Round 1: #6, 18,

Day 2, Round 2: #36, 50, Round 3: #81

Day 3, Round 4: N/A, Round 5: #156, Round 6: N/A, Round 7: #231, 258

The 32 top-rated prospects [(per ESPN), first three Dolphins picks likely from this list]:

Ranking, Name, Position, School, Grade

1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson, 97
2. Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida, 94
3. Ja"Marr Chase, WR, LSU, 94
4. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU, 93
5. DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama, 93
6. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama, 93
7. Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon, 93
8. Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern, 93
9. Micah Parsons, ILB, Penn State, 93
10. Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State, 92
11. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama, 92
12. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, ILB, Notre Dame, 92
13. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State, 91
14. Jaycee Horn, CB, Southern Carolina, 91
15. Alijah Vera-Tuker, OG, USC, 91
16. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech, 91
17. Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU, 91
18. Kwity Page, DE, Michigan, 91
19. Mac Jones, QB, Alabama, 90
20. Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida, 90
21. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama, 90
22. Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson, 90
23. Zaven Collins, OLB, Tulsa, 90
24. Azeez Ojulari, OLB, Georgia, 90
25. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech, 90
26. Jamin Davis, ILB, Kentucky, 90
27. Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern, 90
28. Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami, 90
29. Terrace Marshall Jr. WR, LSU, 90
30. Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State, 89
31. Nick Bolton, ILB, Missouri, 89
32. Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama, 89 

The Pick is in

2021 WILL REVEAL TUA: Much has been said, written and speculated about Tua Tagovailoa. Did he impress enough during his rookie season? Was it enough to cast away any doubts as to whether or not the young man possesses the capability of delivering a consistently winning offense? That's just it. We don't know. He had glimpses, yes. Then again, coach Flores did pull him out on more than one occasion after clearly not being up to task. One would argue (as I've argued on here frequently), that both challenges brought about by COVID-19 and Tua's own journey back from a devastating injury played a factor. So was the lack of offensive talent around him. That didn't help either.

One may argue in favor of installing an immediate "back up plan." Well, in a way, Chris Grier has. I'll explain in a second. First though, let's not so quickly forget all that trade noise made not so long ago. The one that had a questionable Tua, along with a king's bounty off to Houston, for Deshaun Watson. Not immediately jumping on it, Grier's patience, luck or smarts paid off, as Watson himself took the equation off the table.

Getting back to Grier's back up plan, Grier and the Dolphins just about cannot lose! Forget
about the "right thing to do" argument. The impatient one that disposes anything questionable in a nanosecond of attention span. No, let's not even consider Tua's background, moral upbringing, work ethics, and whispered vouch made by Nick Saban. Instead, let's look at what's on Grier's table. First, he sits owning 13 picks - 1st, 2nd and 3rd rounders all during the next three years. Let that one sink in a bit. That's: #6, 18, 36, 50, 81 in this year's draft; SF's #1, a second and two third rounders in 2022; and TWO firsts, a second and third rounders in 2023.

That much draft capital will allow him to maneuver 10 ways from Sunday. This year's focus will undoubtedly go towards providing Tua with offensive weapons to maximize every chance of success. We all know things do not always go according to plan. If so, Grier will still have enough draft capital to move and nab a different QB upon realization of a failed approach. Not so much capital, mind you. Under that scenario, the one that has the Dolphins failing with Tua, such failed performance would render a top pick. A win-win no matter how you slice it.

Will we ever return to normal?

WOKEIEST YEAR EVER:  Surely, there are some of you out there who will contend that this IS the new normal -- get used to it! Easier said than done, given the 2020 trifecta of a worldwide pandemic, nationwide social unrest and ardent political war between parties during an election year. What's next, an extraterrestrial visitation?

ET showing up might just be the trick that's needed. History shows us that only when faced with a stronger, more powerful outside threat do people drop smaller concerns and unite to defeat the bigger threat. Tough one to dial up.

Sticking with "reality," suffice it to say that the year 2020 will long be remembered for obvious reasons. More topical to this blog, every sporting event during this time will undoubtedly display the mother of all asterisks! Absence of fans, event cancelations and protests being chief among the reasons. Take the NBA as an example. Playing all playoff games within Orlando Florida's "bubble," what good did it serve Milwaukee earning the best win/loss record and thus holding "home court" advantage? Nada. Zilch. Never mind the energy players get and use from their boisterous fans. To say that COVID-19 significantly affected this and every other sport would be an understatement, but the pandemic alone addresses only part of it. 

The pandemic only addresses the physical, health and logistical aspects to playing games. Equally important must be the fanbase demand and support for such games. Once, a fan could support their team unconditionally, no matter how good or bad the team was. Each fan owned a personal bond of trust with their team. Unapologetically wearing the team's gear, colors and such. Fans could be "kid-like" in their support. No longer. Much like learning that there is no "Santa," now fans must consider the socio-political-justice element and cost in supporting a team. Anyone who takes exception, kneeling during alternate anthems, or to a red, black and green version of our American flag before games has to process their level of support to a team that challenges the very nature of their closely held values.

United we stand. The opposite holds equally true.     

Dolphins draft talk, 2020

THE COMBINES, FREE AGENCY, THEN THE DRAFT: The Miami Dolphins enter this year's draft with one of the richest bounties in years, if not ever. They currently have 14 draft picks plus those compensatory picks the NFL will award. The league should award the Dolphins one pick each in Round 3 and 5 (for the loss of Ja'Wuan James and Cameron Wake,). That's 16!

Here are the current selections:

Round 1: 5, 18, 26

Round 2: 39, 56

Round 3: 70, Compensatory pick

Round 4: 142

Round 5: 162, 173, Compensatory pick

Round 6: 185, 197, 202 

Round 7: 245, 251

So it is safe to say that the Dolphins are in the strongest position to wheel-and-deal up and down the draft all they want. Conceivably, they could package and offer their three first rounders, plus a second in exchange for Cincinnati's #1. Not that the Bengals' fan base would ever forgive their management for committing to such a trade, but you get the point. 

Goes without saying that the only reason the Dolphins might wish to trade away assets is on the chance in obtaining the next Marino. Right now, only two such prospects look promising; Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, their first pick is #5, not #2. So mathematically they could lose out on both QB prospects. The "suck for Luck" crowd remains frustrated, as they understand that by simply losing two more games they would have secured who most likely will be the #2 overall selection in Tua Tagovailoa. In the final analysis, one must balance any positive attitudes coach Brian Flores instilled in the team against what would have been - strategically tanking two more games. The choice was made, so if the Dolphins wish to enhance their chances they're going to have to surrender assets. Here's why.

Joe Burrow appears to be the best quarterback in this year's draft. As much a "sure thing" as it ever gets. Tua Tagovailoa, were not for his untimely injury last November, would also be included in that rare group. Yes, there will no doubt be other QB's that ultimately arise to captain their teams. Perhaps even prove better than the aforementioned, but those names never surface during the draft. They are unknowns. Meaning, a luck of the draw. Desperate teams (Dolphins) cannot afford to gamble. They need the "sure thing," and that is why they will be forced to move to the #2 position. Why? well, aside from the gamble point above, many other teams also want "the sure thing." Teams like the Panthers (#7), Chargers (#6), even Lions (#3) would love to draft Tua under the right conditions. Miami simply has to get to the #2 spot, or they will not be in control of their goal. They would be forced to live with the chance that someone like a Justin Herbert, or Jordan Love develops into something.

So, why is moving into the #2 overall spot critical and not #3? The Lions have that pick and Matthew Stafford, do they not? Why would they need to draft Tua? Quick answer: For the same reason the Dolphins would be willing to sit Tua down during the better part of next year while he fully recuperates. Like the Dolphins under Fitzpatrick, Stafford could provide tutelage. Stafford's contract would be hugely expensive to trade, and cutting him would be out of the question due dead-cap hit, so they are pretty much stuck with him for the remaining year of his contract...but then what?

Simply put, any team other than Detroit aiming to draft Tua is going to have to go to #2, and here is why the Washington Redskins would be listening. There is no ambiguity as who the Redskins are going to go with at quarterback. They drafted Dwayne Haskins just last year, and every indication shows that they will be building their team around him. They are set at that position, but just as important, the next selection after #1 Joe Burrow is Edge-rusher, Chase Young. A position Washington is deep with. What the Redskins really need are linebackers, pass protectors and a number two receiver. All these positions could be addressed to a team drafting say - fifth.

The key to all this strategizing of course is based on the health of Tua Tagovailoa. The growing assumption here being that he will be in high demand. This being the case, Dan Snyder and Ron Rivera will enter the draft fully aware the worth of their #2 pick. They will no doubt listen to some very attractive offers. Trading with the Dolphins would make sense for them, as they would only need to move three spots. Since the Dolphins would be doing so to select Tua, they should rightfully speculate that Edge rusher Chase Young would go #3 to Detroit. After the Giants select their prospect at #4 (Jeffrey Okudah?), they would be in position to draft the best rated LB's, OL or any other position they need. Not to mention the use of those additional assets the Dolphins would include in the trade.

Draft Value Board (key values): 1. 3000, #2. 2600, #3. 2200, #4. 1800. Miami has: #5. 1700, #18. 900, #26. 700, #39. 510, #56. 340, and others.

The value difference between Washington's #2. at 2600 and the Dolphins' #5. at 1700 is 900. The Dolphins could offer their #5, #26, #56 and six-rounder in for sweetener and possibly be in position to pull this off.

Come April 23, we will know. 

New season brings new QB

HERE WE GO - ANEW. New season, new coach, new players...lots of them. In fact, the Dolphins begin their 53rd season with 22 new players out of their 53-man roster. That's 41% of the team being new to a new coach and a new system. Add to that a purge of experienced players - many of whom were their most talented - who could remain optimistic?

Perhaps we should seek comfort given the world of the obscure and obtuse. Here we find similar numbers. This time 23/53. That percentage of 43% represents the times (23) that the Dolphins have made it into the playoffs throughout their long history (53 years). Does the team need just one more new player to karmically trigger the tipping point whereby they start winning again? Reaching into the absurd not withstanding, that's what it comes down to, given all things Dolphins. Meaning, delivering performances worthy of qualifying into the playoffs but twice within the last 17 years (18 soon to come). 

So, here's a twist to our old predictions. How many wins do you see the Dolphins winning this year?

1. 0-3. Tanking, whether on purpose or actually trying their best to win.
2. 4-7. Losing out on both the playoffs AND next year's premiere QB draft class.
3. 8. Trapped in perpetual mediocrity until the stadium is lifted from sacred indian burial grounds.
4. 9-16. Playoffs, here we come!  

Oh, yes. Note of interest. The last time the Dolphins won a playoff game was back in the 2000 season. Dave Wannsteadt was the coach, Jay Fiedler (pictured above) was the QB, Olindo Mare kicked five points against the Baltimore (sorry, it just feels that way) Indianapolis Colts in overtime to win the game, 23-17, before losing the following week in the Divisional contest and against the Oakland Raiders.

If you can't beat them...

ANOTHER REGIME CHANGE - ARE YOU ENCOURAGED? Let's face it, after so many disappointing years, it's not as if this instantly corrects the mess and reaching the playoffs are but a formality.

The previous blog entry outlined decades of disappointment going back to the end of the Don Shula administration. Our collective Dolphins' history is well known, so it should come as no surprise that we all carry a very healthy dose of skepticism. Yet folks, there - IS - an undeniable new angle to this re-boot. Well, maybe not so new.

A brief of history to make the point:

Those of us who were kids in Miami, in the sixties would have experienced this; sports junkies in other parts as well, though not first hand. The franchise was founded back in 1966, and for four years George Wilson coached the team to a combined 15-39-2 record. Fans of the Dolphins were so excited to have a professional football team in Miami that collectively, expectations were not high. The fact that coach Wilson had a son who was also the team's starting quarterback somewhat appealed to our street-pick-up game sensibilities. It was around that time that fans and owner wanted a proven winner so Don Shula was brought in. 

A brief glimpse into Shula reveals the following: a) Sprouted from the Paul Brown coaching tree and started his NFL coaching career in Detroit when HC George Wilson hired him to coach the back field. b) Became the youngest head coach in the NFL (at 33) when hired to run the Baltimore Colts. c) Compiled a winning record of 71-23-4 while at Baltimore, with three NFL Coach of the Year awards, making the playoffs three times within six years, including one Super Bowl appearance in 1968. 

Mark the following under the "Reason for Optimism" column: 

* Brian Flores comes from an organization and coaching personnel with a winning pedigree. Unlike recent explorations by Dolphins ownership to find the next HC prodigy, Brian Flores, like Don Shula so many years before him, comes to the Dolphins seeped and immersed under the most successful of all environments. With the noted exception of Don Shula, the same cannot be said for every other head coach the Dolphins have ever tried to win with. Jimmy Johnson comes close, but one could argue that Johnson's success in Dallas was in large part due the coup he profited from when he traded away Herschel Walker for six high draft picks. A treasure trove he could not replicate in Miami.

* Along with Flores, the Dolphins' yearly 'thorn-on-the-side,' the Patriots, lose four key coaching personnel. Coming along to join Flores will be Chad O'Shea, as Offensive Coordinator. This is the guy Belichick trusted to run all of the Patriots' Red Zone offense. He is also the guy who worked wonders with Welker, Edelman and Amendola. Patrick Graham comes in from N.E. and becomes Defensive Coordinator for the Dolphins. The job he did during the first half of last year's Patriot's season was nothing outstanding, but one has to take into account that he was Matt Patricia's replacement from the previous season and some player/coaching massaging is always needed. By the second half of the season however, Graham's defense was holding down opposition offenses significantly.

The numbers suggest that the Dolphins will see much improvements. Easy to predict based on the fact that Matt Burke's defense allowed the most offensive yards registered in history (6257). They were 31st. against the run, and 29th. overall. By contrast, Patrick Graham's defense at New England held opposition offenses to just 15.6 points during the last six games played. His definition of toughness is as follows: "Can we stop the run and can we stop the run when we know they're going to run the ball?"

* Not a band-aid, but a meaningful rebuild. Unlike previous Dolphins' coaching contracts that were agreed to in the "standard" three/four year, plus team option variety, Brian Flores signed a five year contract. This will allow Flores to take the long view, as opposed to being forced in taking player personnel positions based on having to win quickly. How many times have we seen the Dolphins make seemingly stupid player personnel decisions simply in quest of making the playoffs by the following season?

Stealing upper crust talent away from your chief competitor, all-the-while strengthening your camp and weakening his may finally prove to be the winning formula.

2018-19 Dolphins Season - Start

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL: A fitting title, and one borrowed from a poem by Alexander Pope, which essentially suggests that people will continue to hope even though they have evidence that things cannot possibly turn out the way they want. 

Gentlemen, our beloved Dolphins' franchise now enters its 52nd season. Pondering an appropriate subject for this post it seemed only natural to me to do a bit of research to see if any kind of pattern jumped out. No doubt some of what follows has long been obvious. Still, perhaps a new slant or two may prove somewhat enlightening. Here goes.

Old "Truism" - If not for Don Shula there would not be a single winning memory.

Modified Truism - Yes. While it is true that for 26 years and 423 games, Don Shula graced fans with the winning record of 274-147-2 or 65%. There, too, were winning seasons (nine of them) under Jimmy Johnson and Dave Wannestedt. A 73-64, 56% record, but aside from that 2-1 record relief stay by Todd Bowles, NO OTHER DOLPHINS COACH attains a winning record. Zero, nada! Not for trying, either. There's been eight attempts at it. From Bates to Gase and all those in-between, 11-5 paper Wildcat to 1-15 fail-forward-faster than lickety-split.

So, when did Dolfan turn to Dullfan?  Did any single error doom the franchise to only having smiles going back to a pre cellphone era? Yes, I think one stands out. 

Enter Nick Saban and the title of this post. I was watching the ole cable and happened to catch the movie "The Blind Side" depicting the story of Michael Oher. In it, Oher's adopted mother, Sandra Bullock, counsels a would-be college prospect Oher not to choose LSU for fear that "everybody knows that Saban is going to the pros." Well, true-dat! He was heading to Miami and every Miami fan - at the time - was giddy with excitement. Who wouldn't be? Finally a proven winning coach. Well, perhaps the kind of discipline commonly practiced in the college game does not transfer well to the NFL. Either that or something else didn't work for coach Saban and his Dolphins team. Two seasons later, Saban headed back to college to prove, again, his greatness. Unfortunately, not before committing an error that still reverberates to this day.

During Saban's second Dolphins season, the team was expected to contend for a playoff spot. During the offseason, Saban showed interest in acquiring a quarterback to lead the team in the upcoming season. Two talented, though injured/ recovering, quarterbacks were being considered: Drew Brees and Daunte Culpepper. Shoulder vs knee, who would it be?

Results: Culpepper - Never physically recovered. The team started 1-6 that year and failed to make the playoffs. Nick Saban fled back to college. The Dolphins have had six different coaches since then, accruing a record of 77 wins and 99 loses. A 7-9 average record for 11 years!

Meanwhile, Brees - Physically did recover. He has since lead his team six different years into the playoffs, winning one Super Bowl (2009). A 112-80 record since Saban failed to make the correct choice. That's 58,097 passing yards, 408 touchdowns, and countless other records. Brees has started 190 regular season games out of 192 and continues to be the starting quarterback for New Orleans.

My friends, that quarterback decision may have been the most costly misstep in all post-Shula years. Hopefully, the misery will end soon.

Good luck to all of us!