New quarterbacks make first impressions

Daunte Culpepper did what everyone wanted to see.

The new Dolphins quarterback, in his first public workout since joining the Miami Dolphins, dropped back during a morning minicamp session Friday and saw no one open.

So he took off running, without a limp.

Culpepper, who had surgery in November to repair three torn ligaments in his right knee, sprinted down the field during a non-contact drill against players not wearing pads. He also ran back to the huddle and showed no signs of being limited at all despite wearing a knee brace.


Culpepper, who was acquired in a trade from the Minnesota Vikings, has been taking part in all practices during the team's off-season program, which began in May.

Dolphins coach Nick Saban said Culpepper is ahead of schedule, but won't say with any measure of certainty if the quarterback will be ready for the season opener Sept. 7 at Pittsburgh.


Culpepper appeared to be throwing the ball well, connecting on two passes downfield to receivers Marty Booker and Wes Welker. Dropping back and planting on his surgically rebuilt knee did not seem to be a problem.


The Dolphins' other new quarterback, Joey Harrington, also participated in the minicamp, giving fans their first look at the former Detroit Lions starter.


Saban said Harrington has "been a real asset" and defended the decision to trade a sixth-round pick in 2007 to Detroit even though the Lions were planning to release Harrington for salary-cap purposes.

A better second effort for Ricky

A little better performance from Ricky Williams didn't result in a victory for the Toronto Argonauts.

On Friday, June 9, Williams rushed for 46 yards on 11 carries but his fumble set up a touchdown as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeated Toronto 21-11 in the final CFL exhibition game for both clubs.

The win, before a crowd of 25,398, was Hamilton's second straight over Toronto, defeating the Argos 31-3 at Rogers Centre last weekend.
That game was Williams' first in the CFL, and it wasn't a noteworthy one. Coming off the bench, the former Miami Dolphins star had seven yards rushing on three carries with just five practices under his belt.

Williams started and played three quarters before giving way to John Avery. While he didn't bust one - Williams' longest run was for eight yards coming in the third quarter.

Williams’ fumble in the second quarter was a costly one. Hamilton's defense recovered the ball setting up a Jason Maas' 34-yard TD strike to D.J. Flick on the final play of the first, giving Hamilton a 10-0 lead.

The Argonauts open their regular season on June 17.

Dolphins sign offensive lineman

ESPN.com’s, Len Pasquarelli reports that Bennie Anderson has signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. The deal includes a $600,000 signing bonus and base salaries of $600,000 for 2006 and of $1.5 million for 2007. There is also a $300,000 roster bonus in early March 2007. The five-year veteran can earn an additional $1 million -- $750,000 this season and $250,000 next year, in incentives.


Anderson, 29, will be joining his third different franchise in three seasons, having played four seasons for the Baltimore Ravens before signing with Buffalo as an unrestricted free agent last summer. The recent streak of team changes, however, is not a true reflection of Anderson's value.

A physical in-line blocker, Anderson was no longer a good fit in Buffalo, where new coach Dick Jauron wanted to upgrade the athleticism of his interior linemen. The Bills' staff, which felt Anderson did not have a strong year in 2005, also worried about his weight, believed to be in the 345-pound range.

Dolphins sign two NFL Europeans

NFL.com reported that on Monday June 5, the Miami Dolphins signed guard Emanuel Akah and linebacker Travis Harris, both of whom played with the NFL Europe League champion Frankfurt Galaxy this spring.


Akah split the 2006 NFL Europe League season, having started with Rhein before joining Frankfurt. Overall, he played in seven games, including starts in the final three regular season games and the Galaxy’s World Bowl win over Amsterdam.


The 24-year-old Harris was Frankfurt’s leading tackler, as he amassed 61 total stops. Harris originally went to training camp with Tennessee last year as an undrafted college free agent before being waived prior to the regular season. He was a four-year letterman at the University of Florida (2001-04), who played in 44 games, including 17 starts during his collegiate career. As a linebacker and defensive end, he collected 93 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles in his career.

Sunshine State "big three" in top 15

Although it’s early, a preseason college football poll by Fox Sports has the big three schools in Florida in the top 15 in the nation. The Florida Gators top all coming in at #2, the Seminoles of Florida State are ranked at #8 followed by Miami at #14. Looks like another good year for Florida’s college teams! To see the full poll click here.

Dolphins get defensive with first pick

The Dolphins took safety Jason Allen from Tennessee with the 16th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. At 6'1" and 209 pounds, Allen has the size that Nick Saban reportedly likes in his defensive backs. Allen was recruited by Saban to play at LSU coming out of high school and played in the SEC, which means Saban is very familiar with him. But Allen has a history of injuries that will be a concern. He is likely to compete for a starting job at safety.

A new look Dolphins stadium

We have all heard that April showers bring May flowers. Well April brought something a bit different to Dolphins Stadium. In April the stadium received a new name, a new logo and the largest hi-definition video boards in the world.

The stadium’s new name was an easy change, as the decision was made to drop the “s” at the end of Dolphins making it just Dolphin Stadium. Oh those crafty decision makers!

The new logo(below) is a dolphin in teal, orange, blue and platinum colors with Dolphin Stadium in it.

The stadium’s two new video boards are located in the east and west end zones. The east board is the largest of its kind in the world. And take it from me the pictures on these boards are unbelievably clear.

These changes are just the beginning of a three phase $425 million renovation project for the stadium. Future changes will include renovated club areas, exhibition space in the first floor of a parking garage, creating a main street with retail shops and entertainment, and possibly the biggest planned upgrade, a $100 million retractable roof over the stadium.

Ricky's Canadian debut

The former NFL rushing champion was held to just 7 yards on four carries in his first CFL exhibition game last week, and his Toronto Argonauts were crushed 31-3 by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.


The game capped a whirlwind week for Williams, who signed a one-year deal with Toronto back in May.


Argonaut fans had to wait, as veteran John Avery started at tailback. A loud ovation erupted midway through the first when Williams, who is wearing No. 27 with Toronto, was shown on the Jumbotron patiently waiting his turn.


Williams quietly slipped into the game with five seconds left in the first and the Argos at their 35-yard line trailing 14-0. Predictably, Williams got the ball on his first play from scrimmage, resulting in a 2-yard gain, but it wasn't until the PA announcer called Williams as the ball carrier that the Heisman Trophy winner received a rousing ovation.


Argos head coach Mike (Pinball) Clemons wasn't surprised with Williams' rushing numbers in his first CFL game.

First appearance of 2006 Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are in action for the first time this year, as mini camp will be held on Friday, June 9 – Sunday, June 11 at the Nova Southeastern University Training Facility in Davie. Admission and parking are free.

In addition to familiar returning stars, veteran additions like Daunte Culpepper, Joey Harrington, Will Allen, Fred Beasley and L.J. Shelton also will be in action, as well as rookies Jason Allen, Derek Hagan and the rest of the team’s newcomers. Fans are welcome to attend all five practices directed by Head Coach Nick Saban and his staff.

The three-day session commences on Friday, June 9, with the first practice at 9:20 a.m. Fans may enter the gates at 8:30 a.m. A second practice will follow at 3:20 p.m. with gates opening at 2:30 p.m. The same schedule applies for Saturday, June 10. On Sunday, June 11, fans are permitted to enter at 9:00 a.m. for a 9:50 a.m. practice. There is no afternoon practice on the final day. Parking is available at the Nova Southeastern University Medical School parking garage located near the intersection of University Drive and SW 30th Street. This entrance is accessible only from University Drive.

Streaming video of practice, Coach Saban press conferences and player interviews are available on www.miamidolphins.com.

For possible schedule changes or other questions fans should call the practice hotline at 954-452-7004.

Thomas thinks he will be ready for 2006

The Palm Beach Post reported linebacker Zach Thomas, still rehabilitating a torn labrum and rotator cuff, doesn't expect the injuries to be a problem once the season begins.

"They're holding me out of contact drills right now, but it's not even September," Thomas said. "We've got a lot of time. I'm going to take my time with it and be smart.''

Everyone needs a second chance.

Marcus Vick, who was passed over in the National Football League draft after getting kicked out of Virginia Tech, signed with the Miami Dolphins following a tryout at the team's rookie camp.


Vick, who played quarterback at Virginia Tech, was listed as a wide
receiver/quarterback/specialist in a Dolphins' news release. Terms of his contract weren't disclosed.


The 22-year-old Vick, the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, was dismissed from Virginia Tech in January after stomping the leg of an opposing player in the team's bowl game. Vick was arrested three days later for brandishing a gun at three people in a restaurant parking lot, his third arrest since 2004.


Dolphin’s coach Nick Saban said the signing was a “risk worth taking” after team officials researched Vick's history and talked with people close to him.
“I want to make it very clear that we will not condone any behavior issues in the future relative to Marcus Vick,” Saban said in a statement. “He will need to make much better choices and decisions in the future.”


In 24 games at Virginia Tech, Vick passed for 2,868 yards, with 19 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, and also ran for 492 yards and six scores.

Dolphin Schedule is out!!!

2006 Preseason
Date Opponent Time/Result
Week 1 (Aug. 10-14) Jacksonville
Week 2 (Aug. 17-21) at Tampa Bay
Aug. 24 at Carolina 8:00 p.m. (FOX)
Week 4 (Aug. 31-Sept. 2) St. Louis



2006 Schedule
Date Opponent Time/Result
Sep 7 @Pittsburgh 8:30pm
Sep 17 Buffalo 1:00pm
Sep 24 Tennessee 1:00pm
Oct 1 @Houston 1:00pm
Oct 8 @New England 1:00pm
Oct 15 @N.Y. Jets 4:15pm
Oct 22 Green Bay 1:00pm
Week 8 BYE
Nov 5 @Chicago 1:00pm
Nov 12 Kansas City 1:00pm
Nov 19 Minnesota 1:00pm
Nov 23 @Detroit 12:30pm
Dec 3 Jacksonville 1:00pm
Dec 10 New England 1:00pm
Dec 17 @Buffalo 1:00pm
Dec 25 N.Y. Jets 8:30pm
Dec 31 @Indianapolis 1:00pm
All times
Let's go Dolphins!!

So Ricky will stay clean up north, ay?

Ricky Williams has a new home in the Canadian Football League.

Suspended for the 2006 season by the NFL after a fourth positive drug test, Williams signed a $240,000, one-year contract last week with the Toronto Argonauts -- a deal making him the highest-paid running back in the Canadian league.

Williams, who's still under contract with the Miami Dolphins, began practicing with his new team; the Argonauts open preseason play this weekend and start their regular season at home against Hamilton on June 17. The 18-game regular season runs through late October.

Williams missed Miami's first four games last year following his third positive test, and lost an appeal over the fourth -- which carries a mandatory one-year ban.

Just leave the weed alone for goodness sake!

New #1 man in town

In March, the Dolphins accquired Pro Bowl Quarterback and Florida native, Daunte Culpepper, from the Minnesota Vikings for the 51st pick in last month's NFL draft. That player turned out to be a center out of New Mexico.

A good trade?

Well let's take into account some numbers from last year. Miami Quarterbacks Gus Frerotte and Sage Rosenfels went combined 291 for 555 with 3458 yards, 22 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Culpepper had his worse year as a pro going 139 for 216 with 6 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, not even close to Pro Bowl caliber.

However, let's not forget Culpepper had an injury he tried to play through, one that would eventually end his season, mixed in with the loss of some guy named Randy Moss and the gambling boat incident hanging around.

If we only look at last year's numbers we would have to say this is a bad trade, but here's another number 3, Culpepper is a 3 time Pro Bowler. With that on his stat sheet, I would have to say this is a good trade and have to agree with the thought that Culpepper is one of the pieces to get the Dolphins to the next level.

Introduction

Alright people, this is what is going to be going on here. I am going to write about the upcoming football season concentrating on South Florida and other Sunshine State teams. We can discuss everything from pros, to college football, all the way down to high-school football. I will be concentrating on Florida, but will also incorporate some national football news if it is interesting enough. So let me ask you, ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? I know I am!