Miami Dolphins: Fans Speak out (And, Man, Are You Angry!)

I get so many questions/comments for Ask Mike! each week, especially after a loss, that some very good points fall between the cracks. It’s just not possible for me to go through and reply to every single one of your questions, even though just about every one of these is deserving of an answer.

So in addition to answering those 3-5 questions on Ask Mike! that I answer nearly every day — more like 7-10 on game days — I’m going to try something new this week. I’m going to bring the overflow submissions here to the blog.

Some I’ll answer here, others I won’t, especially if they are repetitive. But that doesn’t mean their sentiments shouldn’t be shared here in the limitless blogosphere.

Feel free to fire back yourselves. Or to challenge my answers and call me a fool. Or to ignore this post completely and click on another of our many blog entries.

Just know that if you send your questions in to Ask Mike! they will not fall on deaf ears. Or blind eyes. Or something like that.

Q: Can’t figure out why the Dolphins gave up on the run in the second half, particularly on the first two drives of the 4th quarter when the difference in the game was a field goal. Ronnie and Ricky both had ZERO carries in the 4th quarter. Even though they struggled get yards on the ground in the 3rd quarter (7 attempts for 12 yards 1 TD), it is mind-boggling to me that a team that has proved to itself and the entire league that they can run the ball put a close game solely in the hands of a young quarterback in his 3rd start and COMPLETELY ABANDONED THE RUN! It’s maddening. Can you provide any insight into the logic behind that play-calling?Mike, Boynton Beach

A: Not really.Perhaps it had something to do with the Saints’ strong showing against the Wildcat. After gaining 28 yards on nine carries (3.1-yard average) in the first half, the Dolphins ran just five more plays out of the set. Those plays gained 2, 1, minus-4 and 4 yards leading up to the only Wildcat attempt of the fourth quarter, that pass from Ronnie Brown that Anthony Fasano flat-out dropped 22 yards downfield.

Q: Do you honestly believe Ted Ginn will have any trade value, by the end of the season. The more he plays, the less he’s worth. He’s proves that himself. What a wasted first round pick! Bob Fultz, Naples.

A: Everyone is redeemable, even Ted Ginn Jr. Just not sure anymore if he can be redeemed here, with this team.

Q: Ted Ginn had this play where he ran out of bounds but he could have shouldered up a 1st down easily since he was right there. I think we got the first down anyway, but he’s afraid to get hit. A guy that’s afraid to get hit will always be the guy who looks to run before the catch. He is poison to our close game situations. A bed ridden dwarf bunny can catch a pass that falls in your hands overhead, but a real WR catches the ball with the expectation to get hit. If we can trade Ted Ginn for a bottle of gatorade and a ham sandwich, I think we’ll get our money’s worth. Charles Jocson. A: Bed-ridden dwarf bunny? Q: It’s hard to blame 2 players for a loss but if I were going to there are 2 guys who have performed porrly all season and particularly against the Saints: Ted Ginn, Jr. and Gibril Wilson. I think in Wilson’s case it clear that he cannot tackle or cover and Culver and eventually Clemons should be taking his playing time. Ginn is a little more complicated. His speed is a great weapon and when/if he catches the ball deep it should be a TD – but that bobble that caused the INT in the 3rd quarter and the 4th quarter drop is a little too much to take. How can Henne rely on him during the 2 minute drill? I can definitely see him in a limited role. What do you think the team will do about Ginn going forward? How bout Gibril Wilson? Jordi, New York City. A: Tony Sparano defended them both on Monday, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be some lineup changes (more likely with Ginn and Hartline) this week at the Jets. Then again, it was against the Jets that Ginn had his finest moment of the season, the 53-yard TD on Monday night.

Q: Let’s be fair, this team is improving as was evident by the first half display save Sparano’s mistake from which he will learn. No question Ted Ginn needs to sit, time to give the other receivers on the roster a chance to show if they can catch. Finally, Gibril Wilson needs to be benched. The rest of the secondary should be on notice as well, but Wilson is a lost cause. In the end, Henne looks very promising and Fasano will be fine, his blocking is key and he can catch, Ginn clearly cannot.

Again, I just rewatched the highlights. This is a decent team. Ricky and Ronnie look very good. Henne will be good. The first interception was Ginn’s fault, no question. He should have caught the ball and his inability caused the ball to be tipped up and intercepted. Hartline looks like he can contribute and he and Henne will get on the same page quickly. We need to let the other receivers on the roster show if they can run routes and catch. Finally, Wilson needs to sit. He is a liability that we cannot carry any futher. Of course the loss of Allen hurts bc now they will say that Wilson HAS to play. Lord, please send us some DBs …. Finally, you seem to imply that the pick 6s are all Henne’s fault? The Ginn bobble clearly was not …. Your thoughts? James, St. Augustine.

A: First pick-6 was not Henne’s fault. Tony Sparano called it a “very good throw,” and I agree. He went on to said this: “What I don?t know is whether or not a hand was in on the ball or not, and I can?t really tell that from my angle one way or the other whether the ball popped out. It looked like maybe on that play, I just can?t tell whether or not the ball got popped out.?Granted, I haven’t watched the replay as many times or from as many angles as Sparano, but I’d put that one down as a drop by Ginn. Second pick 6 was a wild throw by Henne, something that can’t be done in that situation.

Q: What is it with this team? It appears that we can play with anyone (or dominate in some cases) in the first half (Chargers, Colts, and now the Saints) but when it comes to the second half we are either being out-coached or out-hustled. Also, I also don’t understand why we almost completely abandoned the run in the 2nd half. We appeared to get really pass-happy, which really exposes a weakness with a young Henne at the helm. What are your thoughts? Mike, Tipp City, Ohio.

A: Actually thought the Dolphins got a little ‘Cat-happy (trademark pending) in the first half. And it’s one thing to call a lot of passes, but Henne was either sacked or hit five times in a span of nine passes, starting at the very end of the first half. Even the Cyborg needs protection.

Q: When we’re losing with 3 minutes to go, why is Henne attempting 4 yard passes when we need to go the length of the field??? All this talk about Henne’s big arm and he doesn’t hardly throw the ball down the field. Certainly not when we need him to. I don’t get it. Nate, Mechanicsburg, Pa.

A: This will certainly be a topic for OC Dan Henning on Thursday.

Q: Has there ever been a dumber timeout in dolphins history than the one with 5 seconds left in the half v the saints? R.E. Glennon, Washington, D.C.

A: Oh, I’m sure there has. Gotta think Cam Cameron did something along those lines. Wannstedt too. And I’ve heard George Wilson was an absolutely horrible timeout caller. I mean, horrible.

Q: why in the world would the Fins coach call time out with five seconds to go in the first half of the Saints game? What was his thought process? The time out only allowed the Saints to decide to go for six rather then take the safe three.Dave.

A: See above. And please don’t tell George Wilson’s family about my lame joke.

Q: Mike, What ever happened to Patrick Turner? I’ve never seen him i red zone or otherwise. And Ginn should be relegated to his supposed strength of punt returner. He’s not a WR and certainly should not be considered their primary WR. He stinks. Bill Pettinato, Gainesville.

Q: Aside from the obvious drops, I think Ginn’s inability to make a big catch is a bigger reason to bench him. There have been several times this year including the Saints game where Ginn had postion on a defender to make a BIG catch and missed it. At what point do you think Patrick Turner will get the opportunity to start for the Fins. He was drafted for a reason and needs to get some meaningful work with Henne before the offseason. We have NO big receivers! Scott Sweeney, Freehold, N.J.

A: Start? Turner hasn’t even been active yet. Maybe he gets his feet wet this week on special teams and a few plays on offense, but if he had savior qualities at this point in his career I’m pretty sure we would have seen him by now. BTW, Springsteen is playing Thursday at the Garden and next Monday in D.C. and I’m not going to make it to either show due to work/family responsibilities. Very disappointing.

Q: I have a 2-part question that I hope you can answer. Part 1: After this game, I think everyone in town is done with Ted Ginn. Is there a chance we will see Patrick Turner next week? Part 2: Down by only 3 points early in the 4th quarter, Henning dials up 3 pass plays, and the Dolphins go 3 and out. Then another series after the Saints FG, and another 3 and out. Why did they abandon the run game so quickly? Alex, Hollywood.

Q: Mike, it was four drops by Ginn. The one he batted into the cb’s hands for a TD, the one in that hit him sqare in the numbers, the one in the endzone in the final minutes and the one that he again had both hands on over the middle but didnt jump and got scared. Not 2. My question is, Wouldnt it be better to try Turner or anyone else? Why keep this guy on the field when he cant catch the ball on a regular basis? Roscoe, Hollywood.

Q: Will Ted Ginn ever learn how to catch the ball with his hands away from his body? When will Anthony Fasano live up to his billing, he is as inconsistent as Ted Ginn as far as catching the ball and turning the ballover for scores for the opposing team? Will we ever learn how to defend the tight end position? AJ, Lancaster, Calif.

A: Fasano has been asked to block primarily this year, but you’re right. His lack of production is maddening.

Q: Just a few points Mike, 1) Miami lost by 12 but gave up 14 points on returned Int’s. 2) Ginn and Wilson MUST be benched. This game is about accountability and so far the coaches have continually made the same mistakes with these two. 3) Now is the time to Rotate JT, JP and Wake. The Old OLB’s looked tired and created no pressure in the second half. Activate Roth and keep the boys fresh. Lastly,

Sharpers return was a touchback, the ref even said “this will be a TD or a touchback” before his review. BS call cost Miami 7 points. Bess was down and in possesion of the ball when his knee hit. The rule is does he have possession well, He did!!! Another TO that led to 7 points. Mike Tony needs to hold the players and coaches accountable. JP, New Jersey.

A: Was disappointed not to see the Tri-Rail defense a few more times. Taylor was outstanding, however, until banging his knee early in the fourth quarter. Q: Ted Ginn- I am aware that we are past the trade deadline (cant trade him) I realize it wouldnt make a ton of sense to just cut him without piotentially getting something for him, but……..couldnt we deactivate the guy like we did Wilford last year and finally see what Turner has to offer??? The Teddy Ginn experiment needs to be over. Gibril Wilson, we are overpaying for missed tackles and poor coverage….deactivate him too and give Clemons a shot, what is he gonna mess up worse than Gerbil. We got fleeced in Free Agency resigning Yeriamiah and giving Gerbil a big contract. We are officially on the clock. Picking between 10 to 15 if Wide Receiver is not addressed during this draft or Free Agency….I am gonna be sick. Tough Loss. TED GINN…….YOU HAVE NO HEART!!!!!!!!!! GERBIL….WE ARE OVERPAYING FOR MISSED TACKLES. Devidid Woods, Pittsburgh.

Q: I would like to know why did the defense in the first half move around alot to confuse Brees but in the second half they didnt do anything? thanks. G, Springs.

A: Pre-snap movement is overrated. It still comes down to making the tackles when you get your hands on the guy with the ball, and the Dolphins still don’t do that well enough.

Q: Ginn + Sparano = Receiver like Fiedler + Wannstedt = Starting Quarterback

Ginn drops all but the easiest catches, rarely burns anyone to get open, has no heart to go get the ball, has the shortest arms of any receiver I have ever seen (figuratively) and drops every critical catch (well all but one…ONE!). Sparano needs to figure this out and find someone who will at least have the courage to go get the tough balls. Someone like…Wes Welker. Boy, if only we could have ever had THAT guy on the team! Oh, wait….

Those who don’t learn from their mistakes are doomed to repeat it. B. Hutton, Davenport, Iowa.

A: Thank you, George Santayana.

Q: When the D-Line was huffing and puffing in the 2nd half, why didn’t we rotate to keep fresh legs and a pass rush? Why don’t we use Cameron Wake more? As far as Ginn, he’s somply playing scared. He’s wide-eyed and afraid to take a hit. Why didn’t they use Kory Sheets to return kick-offs? Ralph, Pembroke Pines. A: Agreed. Need to see Wake out there more.

Q: As far as Ted Ginn’s dropped passes against the Saints, you stated he only had two. I’d like to look at the film, because he had more than go through his hands. On the pass that Sharper ran back for a TD, Ginn should have caught it. It hit both his hands. Ginn acts like he is scared out there when he is trying to catch a pass. Not much was said when he dropped the pass in the end zone at the end of the Indy game that would have won it for Miami. Against the Saints Ginn wasn’t the only one who dropped passes, but he did drop 3 or 4 crucial passes among the 7 or 8 that should have been caught. The game might have turned out differently then. Playing, arguably, the best team in the league you would think you would be on the top of your game. John Davis, Pickerington, Ohio.

A: You would think. Or maybe he just blinked … again.

Q: Im not saying that Ginn doesnt need to go because he does, but Miami’s offense isnt the problem. The wildcat and Henne have both shown to be effective. The defense starting with the defensive coordinator needs to be looked at as much as Ginn does. Mark Klein, Orange, Calif.

A: Hard to judge Paul Pasqualoni’s work. Is it the schemes or the execution? But all these fourth-quarter points (2 TDs apiece by the Colts, Jets and Saints) against the Miami D are troubling.

Q: Please, please ask Sparano why they abandoned the run after halftime?! That is our bread and butter, and the only way to keep Brees off the field. We cannot beat a team like the Saints with 3 and outs. Andrew, Des Moines.

Q: Why why why did the Dolphins get rid of the run in the second half? That rushing attack is what got them the lead in the first place. With 8 minutes left they ran 3 straight passing plays – went 3 and out. I’m completely confused. Also, it’s clear the Phins need to spend the first three rounds next year on WRs. Absolutely terrible WR play this season. Brett, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Q: What will miami do about it’s receivers.i think they should keep hartline.and draft another rec.and a tight end.untill we do we will not win. Gary McClenny, Norfolk, Va.

Q: So Ginn is the most talented reciever in the history of the dolphins to continually drop important passes, Please lets see Hartline more, or any of the young guys! I know that Ginn is like 25 or something like that but he has given us the fans the same stench in our mouths that Sammy Smith gave us after fumbling ball on goal line. He might not be a bust somewhere else but he is here! Go fins. Next time the game is 60min not 29! James, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

A: Sammy Smith? Ouch.

Q: Ok I may sound like a broken record but can we please get rid of ginn now,,, 3 games you lost a game for miami and please do not make anymore excuses for him….He is simply scared of contact.. he is a b—-! and yes I would say that to his face. Anyway it is time to axe the ginn experiment, he is too scared!!!! Mike Robbins, Long Beach.

Q: Alright first of all Ginn and Wilson need to get out of miami!! we can trade them for a stud reciver. and pick up a saftey in the draft which it will be filled with. we constantly beat ourselves by missed tackles, dumb play calling and stupid penalties ( joey porter unsportsman for 15yd late in fourth!!!) it also looked like they solved the wildcat somewhat also by rushing with the CB. do you think that this is the way that teams can tame the wildcat? Eric Mix, Hilton Head, S.C.

A: Whatever the Saints wre doing against the ‘Cat will certainly be copied, perhaps as soon as this week by Rex Ryan, who is desperate to atone for a bad defensive showing on Monday night.

Q: Hey Mike, After such a horrific showing by Ted Ginn, what would it take to get him where he belongs, on the bench?!? I think he single handedly gave the other team at least 7 points and dropped passes that were in his hands to stall drives or completely end them. I’m a die hard Dolphin’s fan but enough is enough. He is worthless to this team and I want to know how bad must every other receiver on our bench/practice squad/free agency could possibly be worse than Ginn. Thanks a bunch and Go Phins (hopefully minus one player in the near future). Brian, Paris, France.

A: What would it take? Probably a bad first quarter against the Jets. Maybe even a bad week of practice. This is not the time for Teddy to slack off.

Q: Why no play action? 3rd & 4th Quarter I thought play action would be very effective for the Dolphins, but I never saw it. I’m seriously baffled!!!! Rob, Lynn Haven.

A: Yeah, I hear that’s going around.

Q: Yes Ginn cost us a chance of winning the Indy and Saints game.Yes Fasano is one of the worst tight ends in the league.Of course our corners and safety’s are not consistent. It seems like I read the same obvious complaints day in and day out but no one ever questions the all mighty Parcells.Why does he not get scrutinized? I respect the fact that he lets Sparano coach the team but c’mon already! When does he insist that a change be made? Be honest Mike,if Parcells was the coach of this enormousily talented under achieving team,how long do you think it would have taken him to sit Ginn down or to rip Fasano,or let some one else start in place of Crowder? It seems like Tony sometimes has the Wannstedt “nice guy” disease when it comes to his players. He continually makes excuses and down plays the break downs instead of getting in their faces on the side lines.When does Parcells step in and demand some changes? After all,he’s still buying the groceries isn’t he? Crushed Finfan, Seminole.

A: Sparano doesn’t throw players under the bus publicly, but you can bet he gets in their faces in private. The man is a stickler for detail and doing things right, and it has to be galling him to see his team botch so much basic stuff.

Q: I’m not going to bash Coach Tony, I think he is doing a good job with the team and the players respect him. I also admire what the Wild cat is able to do for the offense, but I think it is applied a bit too liberal. With Henne still learning the game, I think we should focus more on building his confidence and game awareness. To accomplish that, Henne needs consistent play. The Wildcat was implemented to kick start an offense without the ability to move the ball – it worked. But, why does the coaching staff kill momentum by pulling Henne to insert Pat White? He is not a credible threat, not yet, and it always makes me scared to see him enter. It was obvious to me that he is not at game speed when he keeps the ball on the option play with a wide open back to his right. What do you think? Thanks! Keith, Dade City.

A: I think you make a fair point. Can’t get too ‘Cat happy. Gotta mix it in there with the other stuff.

Q: WHY WOULD THE DOLPHINS DURING THE 3 AND BEGINNING OF THE FOURTH QUARTER CHANGE THEIR OFFENSIVE MINDSET FROM RUNNING THE BALL AND ALL FORMS OF WILDCAT FORMATIONS GO TO THE PASS. IT WAS CLEAR NEW ORLEANS DEFENSE HAD NO ANSWER FOR IT AND BY CONTINUING THE PLAN KEEP DREW “ICEMAN” BREEZE ON THE SIDELINE WHERE HE BELONGS. Alan, Miami.

A: ALAN, I HAVE NO IDEA! ACTUALLY, I THINK THE SAINTS HAD THE ‘CAT FIGURED OUT. SEE ABOVE.

Q: I agree with much of the criticism of Ted Ginn, the offensive play calling etc. but, with a 21 point lead, isnM-4t the job of the defense to keep the distance? The offense scored 34 points but the defense allowed 46, I mean, isnM-4t it clear where our real problem is? Against elite teams, we have not been able to put pressure on the QB, pass coverage has been faulty and it seems that the coaching staff gets paralyzed when the opposite offense adjusts at halftime! what are your thoughts about our D? Fernando, Mexico.

A: Gotta get bettter, but remember, you’ve got to subtract 13 points for the two pick-6’s, plus there was an 87-yd kickoff return that set up another FG. So now we’re down to 30 pts allowed, basically to a team that came in averaging 38.4. Still, you’re right. Defense must improve, across the board.

Q: No complaint about Ask Mike, I know that was a first time question. Now that I have calmed down from the Saints debacle and reading all the Ginn Hate mail, I was wondering if the coaching staff hears all the fans screaming about his play? While it is Painfully obvious that he plays only because of his speed, isn’t it better to play the reliable players that make positive plays in exchange for all the drops? Besides, what good is all that speed if the defense has no respect for it. The time has come to sit Ginn, start Hartline and Bess, plus mix in Turner to see what his potential is. The season is far from over as long as the Dolphins continue to beat their Divisional opponents…but they have little room for mistakes. Evin, Harker Heights, Texas.

Q: Hi Mike I am a 40 yr die hard dolphin fan you might say I am a fish out of water sort of speak being born and raised in Cal but lets just say I am a warriors,giants miami dolphins fan but lets just say my nickname was flipper growing up at least thats what some of my aunts and uncles used to call so I tell people I was destined. So lets say being not only a die hard fan but a gambler as well but that game if I was drinking I dont know what I would of done. I try not to blame the refs because I feel some questionable play calling well before the bess fumble slowly started the fall but that is another story so my question is what is the rule on the end of first half play when it was determined it was not a touchdown why in the world is it not the end of the half pretty much a continuation because that along with the refs period I may have been on the receiving end on some games of bad ref calls but it seems it happens way to many times in Miami games its ridicioulous. Philip Bruno, Santa Rosa, Calif.

A: Flipper, another reader raised the same point in Monday’s Ask Mike! about the clock staying stopped at end of first half. I agree. It doesn’t make sense considering it allowed Saints to benefit greatly from an official’s missed call.

Q: The ineptitude of Ted Ginn and the inexperience of Chad Henne aside, how do you explain the change in personality in New Orleans in the second half. Jeremy Shockey, for instance, was a non-factor until the bell rang for the third quarter. Could this be an indication that the coaching on the vistor’s side of the field does better at adjusting than our guys? Larry, Palm Coast.

A: Could be. Or maybe Shockey is just a first-rate weapon who was bound to get off eventually.

Q: Hi Mike, Ted Ginn Jr rout running has been highlighted often and he does not juke shake shimmy or in any way try to disguise his routs. Also the last Dolphin receiver I can remember attacking the ball was Orande Gadsden. Whose fault is that? Why can we not find a coach that teaches, THAT BALL IS MINE!!!! Alexis W.P.B.

A: Are the Portland Forest Dragons still playing arena ball? No? Too bad. Maybe the Dolphins should have scouted them before they folded. Seriously, though, desire is a huge part of sports at any level, no more so than in football with the ball in the air.