Colin Kaepernick is what’s best for the Dolphins.
With Ryan Tannehill gone for the foreseeable future, if not the season, Miami is in need of another quarterback. While Colin Kaepernick isn’t the ‘safest’ option, he is the best one available at this time.
Less than 24 hours ago, hardly anybody was linking Kaepernick to the Dolphins. In fact most people considered Miami the LAST place he would be welcome. Funny what a difference a day, and possibly losing your starting QB, makes.
National Anthem protest
Was what Kaepernick did so unforgivable? I realize just asking that question will open me up for criticism.
What did he do that was so bad? He didn’t BURN the flag! He didn’t SPIT on it! He knelt to protest racial injustice, particularly where police shootings are concerned.
Let’s not forget that the Dolphins organization, including Stephen Ross, supported four Dolphins players that knelt in solidarity for the same cause as Kaepernick. (LB Jelani Jenkins, RB Arian Foster, DB Michael Thomas, and WR Kenny Stills) There were no fan ‘boycotts’ against the Dolphins due to their actions. In fact, most fans cheered for the resigning of Kenny Stills this off-season. Is Kaepernick to be shunned just because he originated it?
As for those that were offended by his ‘protest’, citing ‘disrespect to the troops’, I guess it doesn’t matter to the average fan that Kaepernick consulted a former Green Beret (Nate Boyer) who supported his right to protest? http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000693173/article/nate-boyer-writes-open-letter-to-colin-kaepernick
"” I respect the decision that he’s making. It sounds like he’s sticking to it because he’s well within his rights. That’s something that we fight for and that is what this country is all about. That is what this flag represents to me and what the anthem means to me. He’s being an American. That’s what he’s doing.” — Nate Boyer"
The Castro/Malcolm X T-shirt
I can empathize with Cuban-Americans, whose families suffered under the ruthless dictator’s rule, however when allowed to clarify his comments, Kaepernick made it clear (via CNN.com)
"“I agree with the investment in education. I also agree with the investment in free universal health care as well as the involvement in helping end apartheid in South Africa…..And trying to push the false narrative that I was a supporter of the oppressive things that he did is just not true.”"
When taken in context, do these two offenses warrant the banishment of Colin Kaepernick? How do they compare to the player that abuses their girlfriend or wife? The player that assaults someone in a club? How about compared to a player that killed someone while intoxicated?
I will admit that I have thicker skin than the “PC police” that the majority of society is bowing down to these days but most fans are willing to put transgressions aside if a player can help their team win games.
Can Colin Kaepernick help the Dolphins?
If I told you that the Dolphins could sign a quarterback that has been to two Super Bowls had a 4-to-1 TD/INT ratio last year with a poor supporting cast, and is also a major rushing threat would you want that player?
In his career, Kaepernick has a better yards per attempt, TD/INT ratio and QBR than Tannehill; who Gase already thinks highly of.
Alternatives
(A) The “Safe Choice” — Hand the team over to Matt Moore. He knows the offense and did an adequate job filling in for Tannehill at the end of last year. Moore has the lowest ‘floor’ but he possesses little ‘upside’. “What you see is what you get.” In my opinion, if Moore is your starter for an entire season, you are preparing for 2018.
(B) The “Obvious Choice” — Pull Jay Cutler from the broadcast booth. He has experience in Gase’s offense; which has made Cutler look like a serviceable QB. Downside? He needs to develop chemistry with his teammates, is known in NFL circles for having questionable leadership skills and his win/loss record doesn’t inspire confidence. Bringing in Cutler means the Dolphins are making it LOOK like they are trying to win but they really aren’t.
(C) The “Hail Mary” Choice(s) — Tony Romo might be available in trade. Romo provides the highest upside of all the quarterbacks (including Kaepernick) but the odds of him making it through an entire season are long. Brock Osweiler has also been discussed but he’s the least likely to end up on the Dolphins and, unless Gase knows something, appears the weakest of the options.
This whole debate stems from the premise that Tannehill may be done for the season. If he isn’t, then bringing in Kaepernick (or any other veteran) is a moot point. But if Tannehill’s injury is season-ending, then Miami’s best chance for ‘greatness’ this season rests on the legs/arm of Colin Kaepernick; IF the fan base can put their personal politics aside.