One of the biggest questions this year is, "Where is JASON ALLEN?" We all know him as he was our first round draft pick in Saban's 2nd and last year. We saw him bounce back and forth between safety and cornerback under Saban, Cameron, and now Sparano's head coaching jobs. The most frustrating thing is that Jason Allen actually played well at safety the second half of the season last year when he finally got the opportunity because of an injury. Most of us were expecting him to take the next step forward at the safety position this year, but Sparano surprised us by saying that Jason Allen will learn the cornerback position and play when he shows that he is ready.
Well, I have some good news and some bad news about all of that. The good news is that Jason Allen will finally get more playing time tomorrow, but it comes because of an injury in our secondary. The Dolphins played MICHAEL LEHAN on IR which means he is lost for the season. Lehan actually had a decent season last year for which prompted Parcells to sign him to a 3 year, $4.95 million contract. He sprained his ankle in June, but pulled his hamstring this week in practice.
With that said, The Sun Sentinel is reporting that Allen "is expected to play regularly in the secondary for the first time this season." Jason Allen is in his 3rd season, so, the only way we will know if he was a bust or just a slow learner is to just put him in the defense more and see what he has. I do know that the more that he plays the more experience he will have. Just get him in the game and give him a chance to succeed.
Need a "2" in the 3-4
While it appears that the Dolphins need another offensive lineman and a cornerback, do not be surprised to see Parcells target a large defensive tackle in next year's draft and free agency. DT JASON FERGUSON does a great job for us, but he is 35 years old. When he went down in the first quarter last week with an injury, the Dolphins had to slide the undersized RANDY STARKS over to clog up the middle and the results were not the same. 2nd year DT PAUL SOLIA was suspended last week for breaking a team rule, but he is most likely not going to be a starter for us. In fact, Solia seems to be trouble and needs some growing up.
Bryan Cox Time
A lot of us groaned when BRYAN COX joined the NY Jets years ago when Parcells was their head coach, but at least he did not join the Buffalo Bills. In fact, I do not think that was ever a thought for either Cox or the Buffalo Bills after he flipped off the fans in Buffalo. He played with a chip on his shoulder and he treated the Buffalo Bills with the respect they deserved ... and we loved him.
So, with Sunday's game with the Bills on our minds, it is our hope that we ride those Bills all the way back to Buffalo. I have a bet with one of the ladies I work with in my office. If the Dolphins win, she has to wear one of my Dolphins jerseys (a Marino one) all day Monday and at home Monday night around her Buffalo Bills loving finace. Unfortunately, I will have to wear a Bills jersey if the Bills to win, but I felt it was worth the chance.
So, go Fins!!!
Pictures
I found this image on the web years ago. I do not know who created it.
I am looking for a video clip to post here of Louis Oliver after his 3rd interception of Jim Kelly. Louis Oliver is one of my favorite former Dolphins. He played all-out on every play and hit like a mutha. I was hoping that Jason Allen could be our next hard-hitting safety. I will look for that clip to post here, so, come back later.
Jason Allen In, Michael Lehan Out
