Let the Offseason Begin
By Brian Miller
Update: PFT is reporting that Randy Mueller has been fired, if that is true, expect an announcement on Monday in light of Tuesday being New Years day. PFT is also reporting that Cam Cameron informed the team that he WILL be retained and back next year.
The Miami Dolphins finished today what has been the worst record in franchise history. The off-season officially has begun and with it the reality sets in that both Randy Mueller and Cam Cameron will be unemployed by Wednesday.
Cam Camerons’ one year tenure should come no later than Wednesday after he conducts the season exit physicals and, well, packs up his office. The latest turmoil surrounding the coach is the recent developments around DT Keith Traylor.
Traylor was sent home earlier in the week when Cameron informed the DT that he no longer wanted him on the team. The action was the result of an in flight fight/argument between Traylor and an unnamed player during the flight home after last weekends game against the Patriots. The argument carried over behind closed doors at team headquarters.
Traylor however was not the only player to have words with Cameron. Joey Porter came to Traylors’ defense and verbally sparred with the coach during a team meeting. Vonnie Holiday spoke out against the treatment of Traylor saying that Traylor “deserved better”. Traylor, at the urging of his teammates to Cameron, was invited back to the team for the Bengals game. He declined and stayed in Oklahoma.
This will likely be the final straw as Parcells is expected to start over early this week. The Dolphins will be one of the teams coaching at this years college Senior Bowl. A new regime needs to be in place soon.
Randy Mueller is reportedly being fired as early as Today. Dallas personell guru Jeff Ireland is the expected replacement. Ireland is a close associate of Parcells.
If the bad news or good news depending on what side of the fence you are on, has been the talk, the real good news came in the 3rd series of John Becks’ play on Sunday. Beck who finished the game throwing his first TD pass and running for another, showed the first true signs that he may in fact be able to develop into a dependable QB. Of course, Beck had to shake off his first snap that was fumbled out of the shotgun and returned for a Bengal touchdown, and then overcome a 2nd series that showed exceptionally inaccurate passes and poor decisions. He then settled down and looked much better. Even if the Bengals were in sleep mode by that time.
The opponents for the Dolphins in 2008 have been set. The Phins get probably the biggest reprieve by facing 4 west coast teams in south Florida. The Seahawks, Raiders, Chargers, and 49ers all travel to Miami next season. Miami will travel to KC, Denver, St. Louis, and Arizona. Arizona is the furtherst west the team will travel.
HOME: NY Jets, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Oakland, and Baltimore.
AWAY: NY Jets, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Arizona, St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, and Houston.
And of course let us not forget….the number 1 pick in the draft.