Posted on Wed, Sep. 08, 2004

 

 

 

 

FLORIDA SPORTS BUZZ

 

 

Analysts leery of Dolphins

 

BARRY JACKSON

 

[email protected]

 

 

Apparently, television analysts don't think much more of the Dolphins than the team's pessimistic fans. Among eight commentators contacted, only ex-Dolphins linebacker Bryan Cox said he considers Miami a playoff-caliber team.

 

Here's what they're saying:

 

? ESPN's Tom Jackson: ``They are a sub-.500 team. When you build as much of your offense around Ricky Williams, it's very difficult to make the adjustment [this] late. The realistic perspective is they've suffered as big a loss as anyone in this league and will pay the price for it. . . . Do you think either [quarterback] can lead a pass-driven offense?''

 

? ESPN's Joe Theismann: ``They have been the biggest disappointment the past couple of years. I think 9-7 is not out of reach. Chris Chambers is in the top three in the NFL in receivers. With that defense at its . . age, their window of opportunity is closing. I think they have one more run in them.''

 

? Fox/HBO's Cris Collinsworth: ``I never underestimate a defensive team. They're competitive more than offensive-minded teams. I have Miami penciled in as a .500-type team and probably a tad below.''

 

? Fox Sports Net's Cox: ``The defense will be ranked in the top five. Randy McMichael is an awesome athlete. Chambers is special. And running back by committee may work.''

 

? HBO's Cris Carter: ``They're not a playoff contender because of the lack of offense and the atmosphere. They didn't make the playoffs with Ricky Williams. What have they done to make me believe they would make the playoffs now? It's a .500 team.''

 

? ESPN's Merril Hoge: ``That defense is not built to be on the field long, and that's one of their biggest problems. If those snap numbers on defense keep increasing, they will fade hard at the end. You don't have a guy who can impact the game as a quarterback. I see them as a .500 team.''

 

? CBS' Boomer Esiason: `` Dave Wannstedt has to do the best sales job of his life. There is so much negativity surrounding that team. They've got two QBs who look alike.''

 

? ESPN's Sean Salisbury: ``This is a .500 team, and if the quarterback doesn't play his rear end off or if they suffer another injury, it could be worse. In that division, New England is first, Buffalo second, and the Jets and Dolphins competing for third.''

 

CHATTER

 

Several offensive players are hoping the Dolphins don't stick stubbornly to the running game if it's not working. ''We know coach wants to be balanced,'' Chambers said. ``[but] if you can't run, you have to spread it out and pass, and then maybe go back to the run.''

 

? Dan Marino, on Wann-stedt picking Jay Fiedler: ''If he struggles, I think you'll see a change pretty quickly.'' Said CBS colleague Phil Simms: ``Wannstedt went with the safe pick.''

 

? If you listen to teammates, 6-4 receiver Lance Leggett might end up being among UM's most dynamic freshmen in years. ''He's developed so much, it's amazing,'' cornerback Antrel Rolle said. Receiver Ryan Moore said Leggett has learned the offense ``faster than anyone I've ever seen.''

 

? We hear some folks in Tallahassee who could have come to South Florida on Labor Day but not Friday are upset UM isn't offering refunds for the rescheduled UM-FSU game. FSU was given 10,000 tickets.

 

? With the Marlins' minor-league teams done playing, a couple of notes: Lefty Taylor Tankersley, Florida's No. 1 pick in the June draft, impressed at Class A Jamestown (1-1 record, 3.30 ERA in six starts). Outfielder Jeremy Hermida, Florida's No. 1 pick in 2002, remains a top prospect after a good year at Class A Jupiter (.297, 10 HR, 50 RBI in 91 games). Triple A OF/IF Joe Dillon led the system in homers (36) and RBI (108).

 

? Word is Carly Patterson, but not Paul Hamm, will be among those performing at a gymnastics exhibition Sept. 16 at AmericanAirlines Arena. Tickets are $21 to $51.

 

? With the Heat looking to add another forward, Christian Laettner could emerge as a top option if he agrees to a buyout with Golden State. The Bulls and Scottie Pippen also might part ways.

 

? Eleven-time all-star defenseman Chris Chelios, expected to re-sign with Detroit, told a friend he would have liked to sign with the Panthers and was disappointed they didn't pursue him. GM Mike Keenan signed four defensemen this summer, with Sean Hill the best of the lot.

 

? Orlando Magic guard Steve Francis rented all six available rooms at the Browns Hotel on Miami Beach last weekend, but canceled because of the other Frances.

? ESPN's Joe Theismann: ``They have been the biggest disappointment the past couple of years. I think 9-7 is not out of reach. Chris Chambers is in the top three in the NFL in receivers.

 

Wow, that's all I can say. Chambers is good, very good (and he'd be better if he had more than a glorified backup throwing to him), but top 3?

Harrison

Moss

Ward

C. Johnson

 

There's 4 better than him. Theismann's an idiot.