Beware the Ides of March

As the start of free agency, the NFL combine and draft speculation intensify; teams will attempt to supplement or reshape their rosters in hopes of making the great leap to the to the Super Bowl. The Miami Dolphins find themselves caught in a quandary and facing tough decisions on the course of action necessary for success in 2010.

The Trifecta have holes on both offense and defense. The linebacking corps,inside and outside, need improvement and consistency. The free agent signing of Gibril Wilson proved to be as successful as the signing of Ernest Wilford. In all likelihood Wilson finds himself being released and looking for a new employer. The return of LB Jason Taylor remains a question mark. The hope is that promising LBs Charlie Anderson and Cameron Wake take their game to the next level. The receving corps is in need of a booster shot because the Dolphins lack a true threat at TE and WR. Moving on to the Defensive line, NT is a crucial need because Jason Ferguson is 35 and coming off a serious injury. Paul Soliai's play has been too inconsistent to be considered the future.

Exploring all possible options for the Dolphins lead to the assumption that hitting on the early round draft picks and finding some buried treasure on waivers or among the undrafted free agents would surely provide the needed depth. The Nose Tackle position is thin on the free agent market but options exist in former Green Bay tackle Ryan Pickett. Pickett is a proven starter and in his early thirties which makes him a viable option. The impending release of FS Antrel Rolle creates an interesting possibility for replacing Wilson. Wide receiver is the only other position with a few intriguing pass catchers. Antonio Bryant, Kevin Walter and Nate Burelson could provide a veteeran presence but none are a true threat that can keep defenses honest.

The draft brings several possibilities. Depending on how the draft pans out, the Dolphins would be wise to add Alabama ILB Rolando McClain. McClain brings a vocal,instinctive and sure tackling machine that can harass both running backs and quarterbacks alike. Taking the Alabama playmaker in the first round fills one need in the linebacking corps. In the second round the Dolphins could fill the need at receiver and draft Illinois' Aurrelius Benn or South Florida's Carlton Mitchell. Both receivers are the big, speedy receivers capable of opening the offense and giving Chad Henne a much needed weapon.

Moving into the third round, the Dolphins could add pass rushing depth with Murray State DE Austen Lane who has the potential to stand up as a 3-4 linebacker, in the mold of Jason Taylor. Troy's Brandon Lang and USF's George Selvie also provide the Dolphins more options.

In the mid to late rounds tf the Dolphins could find depth at Nose Tackle, linebacker, and tight end. In the fourth round the Dolphins will base their decision on the talent available. Hopefully, UNC mammoth DT Cam Thomas slides into the fourth round but is highly unlikely.
Trying to predict the Dolphins draft is a challenge in itself. Parcells probably will be tempted to draft linebackers in the first two rounds or mix it up with a nose tackle, which is vital to the 3-4 defense. Management will probably go and draft a receiver in the 3rd or 4th rounds but the selection of QB Pat White in 2009 suggests that leaps can be made based on the talent available the the ranking on the Trifecta's draft board.
The free agency period preceeding the draft will help determine the approach the Dolphins take in addressing their need in the draft. Regardless of the players selected the goal is to return to 2008 form, which saw the Dolphins rise to Division Championship and bring a much needed Super Bowl.

Gone Phishin'

On December 30th 2009, Jam band pioneers, Phish came to South Florida and brought large crowds of fans along for the ride. Phish ended their revival tour at American Airlines arena and filled the arena with more fans than the Miami Heat have seen this season.

After taking a hiatus to pursue individual projects and break from life on the road, Phish released the long awaited album, Joy in 2009 featuring many great tracks such as 'Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan,Sugar Shack, Kill Devil Falls' and many more. When the show began, Phish came out to roaring crowds of loyal Phish heads that had long awaited their return and many others that traveled across country to attend all three nights. As the music began, fans were given the perfect introduction to the evening as the band played "Soul Shakedown Party", the Bob Marley classic. Witnessing the ocean of fans sway from side to side and the entire arena packed with grooving concert goers, it was a great start to a perfect evening.

I have atteneded many concerts overs the years and can say I have seen incredible live performances, but the intensity of the light shows, great songs by first class musicians, and a lively, friendly atmosphere made for an unforgettable evening. Phish played a great set that included "Free, Stealing Time from the Faulty Plan, Jesus Left Chicago,Gone, David Bowie" and many other great songs that energized the crowds.

Never have I experienced a performance like that i did that evening. I can honestly say that I have seen great live sets for Red Hot Chili Peppers, 311, and Matisyahu, but never have i witnessed such a connection between fans and band in my lifetime. Even for the indiividual who isn't a Phish fan, just being in attendance was a life changing experience that could turn anyone into a listener. For any fan of music, being at the Phish show is an experience one could share with all their friends and have a grea story for their children. If you had the opportunity to go and missed out then you can only hope that Phish returns but as they get older one can only hope that they could be lucky enough to experience a Phish show.