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One day after losing a Wild Card playoff game to the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith was named the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year. Coach Smith edged Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano by a mere one vote. He explained his team’s process to success:

“I’m honored individually, but more so for our coaching staff and our players. I think we have tried to establish that we’d be very systematic in how we did things, that we were going to have a plan. We laid that plan out from the very beginning how we were going to practice, how we were going to travel, how we were going to meet, how we were going to communicate, and I think the guys really appreciated definitely how we presented the plan in the framework for us to start the season.”

I believe the award could’ve gone to both men but I would’ve given the edge to coach Sparano. Nevertheless, it was nearly impossible to separate the incredible job these two coaches did this season — coach Sparano taking the NFL’s worst team last year, a 1-15 team, all the way to an 11-5 record and the AFC East title. And coach Smith improving the Falcons from 4-12 to 11-5 and a Wild Card playoff berth. Neither the Falcons nor Dolphins were able to advance beyond the Wild Card round, but both of these coaches set foundations for what should be promising football futures in Atlanta and Miami.

Source: Yahoo! Sports, Photo: Newscom

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Mike Smith NFL Coach of the Year

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

After suffering through a miserable 1-15 rookie season, Miami Dolphins center Samson Satele and his teammates are enjoying the fruits of their labor as the Dolphins accomplished the biggest single season turnaround in National Football League history. Personally, Samson continued to a current 32-game start streak, the longest in team history for an offensive lineman starting a career. The simple recap — the Dolphins went from being the worst team in the NFL to AFC East champs with a home field Wild Card game this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens. I talked with Samson from his home in South Beach after another day at the office. Guest appearance by Samson’s son — Samson LotoToa (meaning “brave heart”) Satele.

• 0:11 – Three games in one week at Dolphin Stadium
• 0:34 – Bill Parcells and head coach Tony Sparano lead new Dolphins
• 1:27 – Almost 40 new players have ignited a rebirth in South Beach
• 1:50 – Learning how to win and developing a winning attitude
• 2:20 – Quarterback Chad Pennington NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year
• 2:49 – Creating the Wild Cat offense and watching the “copy cats”
• 3:22 – Working with trainers and taking care of a 32-game start streak
• 4:02 – The Dolphins have been in playoff mode for the past five games
• 4:52 – Blevins29, Huntington, WV: toughest player and team to block
• 5:41 – Sean, Pensacola, FL: difficulty of adjusting to life on the mainland
• 6:25 – Samson hasn’t cut his hair since he was a freshman in college
• 6:58 – New Year’s resolutions: being a good husband and father

Links: MiamiDolphins.com, NFLPlayers.com, NFL.com

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Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

EMQB Interview: Samson Satele

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

With two sacks in this afternoon’s 25-16 win over the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter now has 10.5 on the season and is on a pace to break Michael Strahan’s all-time record of 22.5 sacks (back in 2001). After the game, Joey expressed his enthusiasm as only he can:

“I’ve never really been in a system to where a lot of the defense I’m featured in is so I can go out there and make plays. They put me in a position to make plays a lot and I’ll put that on myself to go out and make the plays. It’s a player-friendly defense that puts me in a lot of opportunities to have one-on-one with the back, one-on-one with the tackle. I’m isolated and in a lot of situations to take advantage. The sombrero’s on me when I have to win those matchups and I’ve been pretty good winning those matchups.”

This is what the Dolphins envisioned when they signed Joey to a five-year, $32 million deal before last season. But we all know what 2007 was about. Amidst a miserable 1-15 season, Joey only contributed 5.5 sacks. But his three sacks in the final three games gave new Dolphins Executive VP of Football Ops Bill Parcells and new head coach Tony Sparano enough reason to figure out that he wasn’t washed up yet. And he probably has Michael Strahan thinking about coming out of retirement.

Source: MiamiDolphins.com, Photo: Newscom

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Joey Porter Might Break Sack Record

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

What a difference a year makes. Last season was all about the New England Patriots. And if there was one team last season was certainly NOT about, it was the Miami Dolphins. Today, not only did the Dolphins exact revenge on two lopsided losses to the Patriots from last season, they did so in convincing fashion — on the road, no less — and ended the Pats NFL record 21-game regular season winning streak by pummeling New England 38-13.

To understand Miami’s total dominance in this game, just look at the total net yards — 461 to 216 in favor of the Dolphins. It came as a shock to me, but earlier this week, Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter waxed prophetic:

“If it’s not Tom Brady, it shouldn’t be that hard. It’s not the MVP we’re going against. They won last week, but it’s not like they were putting up the crazy 40 points like they were when they had Tom. It’s a different offense, a different team without Tom in there. I don’t care what anybody says. It’s not the same team. You treat him like a backup. How do you prepare for a backup? He doesn’t get that many snaps, right? So you throw the kitchen sink at him. That’s what we’re going to do.”

I’m sure Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano (who got his first win today) wishes Joey would just shut up and play, but if he can back up his words, more power to him. And he did. Joey had six tackles (five solo), three sacks and a forced fumble. And he won’t even get headlines because offensive teammate Ronnie Brown managed five touchdowns — four rushing and one throwing (he was even taking direct snaps and running the option). Which makes me happy because I’ve interviewed Ronnie more times than I have any other player in the NFL. He’s one of my favorite players. And a heck of a nice guy. That’s why I keep interviewing him. When I last spoke with Ronnie back in March, the discussion was about his recovery from a serious knee injury and after a performance like this, it’s safe to say he’s all the way back.

Does this game represent a power shift in the AFC East or is it merely an aberration? With the Buffalo Bills improving to 3-0 this afternoon and the Dolphins handling the Patriots like this, I’m leaning towards the former. There’s a lot of football left to play, but this game makes you wonder.

Sources: MiamiDolphins.com, PatriotsInsider.com, Photo: Newscom

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Dolphins End Patriots Record Win Streak

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Jason Taylor cleared the air about his status with the Miami Dolphins yesterday during an informal Q&A session from Hollywood, FL. No, he did not demand a trade from the team. Yes, he wants to play one more season before moving on to an acting career. No, he still hasn’t spoken with new Dolphins boss Bill Parcells. Yes, he believes Tony Sparano will be a good coach in Miami. No, he doesn’t regret missing workouts to appear on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Yes, he desperately wants to leave football a winner:

“Do I want to be here? Yeah, I’d love to be here. I would love to be a Dolphin and win games and have it work out for everybody. But that may not be the case. I want to win in ‘08. That’s what I want to do. And I’ve told the Dolphins from day one that was my intention. My intentions right now are to play one more year. I’ve tried to give the Dolphins the opportunity, if they wanted to do something and move me, I was OK with that. If they can get value for me, then do that. That was the conversation we had behind closed doors a long time ago.”

That’s a nice way of saying “I’d like to be traded” without saying “I’d like to be traded.” Let’s be honest here. The Miami Dolphins weren’t happy that one of — if not their best — player was not with the team during what they felt was an important stage of redevelopment. Nevertheless, they would be a better team with Jason Taylor than without him. But, I think Jason can see the handwriting on the wall here. While the Miami Dolphins have upgraded their talent and are definitely headed in the right direction, there’s a pretty good chance they aren’t going to make the playoffs in ‘08 let alone win a championship. If Jason is going to play one more year and go out a winner, it will most likely have to take place in a city other than Miami.

Source: Associated Press, Photo: Newscom

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Jason Taylor Wants to Play Another Season

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Only one player was missing from the Miami Dolphins’ voluntary OTA yesterday. And that was arguably the team’s best player, defensive end Jason Taylor. Less than 24 hours after finishing second to Kristi Yamaguchi on Dancing With the Stars, it appears Jason’s days in Miami are over. Head coach Tony Sparano said:

“I know that Jason is not going to be in any minicamps, and I know that right now Jason is not going to be at training camp. So that’s what we know. Jason’s a player under contract with the Miami Dolphins. He knows that. Both parties are well aware of the information. That’s all I’m going to say about it. We need to discuss the current players on our team right now that have been busting their butt for nine weeks here.”

Jason Taylor’s been busting his butt — just not with his teammates in Miami. For whatever reason, there has been a rift between Jason and the Dolphins since March. It’s obvious he’s more interested in other pursuits right now and that’s fine. But he’s also under contract with the Dolphins and needs to fulfill that commitment to them or find a way to get traded to another team. He wants to be traded. And the Dolphins are actively trying to deal him to another team, but nothing has developed so far. As we get closer to training camp, I believe the Dolphins will lower their asking price and find a suitable suitor. Or Jason will consider retiring if he doesn’t get the deal he wants. I know he can still play, but does he have the desire to do so? His motivation to play in the National Football League will return if he gets the amount of money he wants — from a team other than the Miami Dolphins.

Source: Miami Herald, Photo: Newscom

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Jason Taylor Finished in Miami?

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By the time Miami Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown walks into training camp this summer, he might think he’s in the wrong place. So much has changed in South Florida, it’s hard to recognize the 1-15 Dolphins. And that’s a good thing. There’s nothing like a nearly winless season to inspire change.

One of the few bright spots for the Dolphins in 2007 was the development of Ronnie Brown. Though his season ended after seven games with a torn ACL (trying to make a tackle after an interception, no less), Ronnie’s string of four consecutive 100-yard games had proven what Miami Dolphins brass strongly suspected when they selected him with the second overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft — that he was the real deal. At six feet and 232 pounds, Ronnie’s built like a brick wall. And his ridiculous 40-time at the ‘05 NFL Scouting Combine wasn’t a fluke. The guy can move with the football in his hands. Factor in his pass catching ability and you’ve got all the makings of a workhorse, every-down back that 29 other teams wish they would’ve traded-up to get.

How good was Ronnie’s 2007 season before he messed up his knee trying to run down New England Patriots CB Randall Gay after an interception? He was leading the entire NFL in yards from scrimmage. But at the time of the injury, he wasn’t sure how serious it was or if or how long it would sideline him. His questions would soon be answered with bad news, though. “It felt a little weird and then once I actually went off the field, the doc told me he thought it was my ACL,” Ronnie explained. “Later on when I was in the shower and then also when I was trying to ice it, it felt weak and unstable. At that point, I kinda thought maybe it was a little more serious than I originally imagined.”

And that’s the worst feeling for an NFL player — the reality of an injury that prevents you from doing your job. Which, for some players, could lead to not having one. But Ronnie had surgery right away and after a period of rest, he’s been improving rapidly. “I’m four months out of surgery and everything seems to be going really well,” Ronnie said. “I’m actually running and doing some things on the field that I’m excited about after being cooped-up for so long. But I’m just excited about the upcoming season and I’m trying to get back and hopefully pick up where I left off last season.”

Where he left off was among the best in the NFL at his position. In six and a half games, Ronnie had piled up 602 yards on 119 carries. Yeah, that’s 5.1 yards per carry. It was sickening to see his promising season end so early, but always the consummate professional, he kept a positive attitude and was ready to deal with the challenge. “At that point, I felt pretty good about my conditioning and health,” Ronnie admitted. “I think EAS supplements have been a big advantage for me. I have a great opportunity working with EAS to hopefully help myself come back faster than I might normally if I wasn’t using the products.”

Ronnie’s regimen includes his favorite Phosphagen Elite™ (a flavored creatine powder that acts as a buffer against the lactic acid that limits exercise power); Athlete’s Defense™ multi-vitamins (designed to support an athlete’s immune system by increasing antioxidant defenses); and Myoplex® shakes for workout recovery. “I think they all play a big part in my being able to come back,” he said.

When he does come back, he’ll see what appears to be a brand new team. The Dolphins have been extremely active so far in free agency, adding OL Justin Smiley (49ers), DT Randy Starks (Titans), LB Reggie Torbor (Giants), WR Ernest Wilford (Jags), TE Sean Ryan (Jets) and former Cowboys DT Jason Ferguson via a trade. Plus they’ve hired a new head coach in Tony Sparano. And NFL living legend Bill Parcells was hired as the Director of Football Ops. “I was excited about Bill Parcells for the simple fact that everyone knows the things he’s done with other programs,” Ronnie said. “As far as him coming into Miami, I think it’s something we needed as an organization and I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to a change and looking forward to us turning things around.”

As far as seeing so many new faces in the locker room, Ronnie admitted to feeling a little uncertain. “It’s a little weird,” he said. “In college, everything pretty much stays the same. I’m working on my fourth year in the NFL now and it’s a little different here, but everyone knows it’s part of the game and changes do happen. It’s one of the things you just have to work with and overcome and hopefully we can add some key guys and everything can come together as an organization and get this headed in the direction it’s supposed to go.”

In this current NFL, a team can completely turn their misfortunes into fortunes. Sometimes in just one season. And Ronnie feels the Dolphins are a prime candidate to do just that despite their previous one-win season. “We have a great opportunity here with the pieces we already have and the people that have been brought into the organization,” he said. “If we can continue to do the things we’ve done to improve over the past few months, I think we’ve got a good chance to be a pretty good team this year.”

This was the second consecutive year I interviewed Ronnie from the “EAS Experience” at the Arnold Sports Festival Expo and the fourth time overall. Visit Ronnie online at RonnieBrown23.com or his Team EAS page.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

EMQB Interview: Ronnie Brown

Tony Sparano should just go ahead and change his name to Tony Soprano. He’s going to get that a lot. But whatever you want to call him, he’s the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins. While you’re at it, you might as well start calling the Miami Dolphins the Miami Cowboys as another Dallas transplant (Coach Soprano … I mean Sparano was the assistant head coach in Dallas) has landed in South Beach (Bill Parcells and GM Jeff Ireland preceded).

This Miami gig has been somewhat of a revolving door since ‘04 (Dave Wannstedt, Jim Bates, Nick Saban and Cam Cameron), but Bill Parcells’ endorsement suggests Coach Sparano might last awhile. The list of “Parcells Proteges” who have become NFL coaches includes Bill Belichick, Tom Coughlin, Sean Payton, Romeo Crennel and Eric Mangini. Coach Sparano wouldn’t mind having his name in that group. And I believe he will. If Bill Parcells gives this guy his recommendation, that’s good enough for me. Coach Sparano is a high-character guy, he understands how to develop young players, and he will instill a much-needed culture of winning in Miami.

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Tony Sparano Named to Coach Dolphins