Ireland debunks veteran free-agent pipe dreams in one fell swoop

By Hugo Guzman  |   Monday, April 06, 2009  |  Comments( 3 )

Miami Dolphins
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Last Friday, Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland faced the media for his annual “let’s see if we can get some meaningful insights from the Bill Parcells regime” press conference. It lasted 30 minutes, but the most impactful part of the proceedings only took a few moments to utter: "We have to look at whether veterans are progress-stoppers for younger players,” said Ireland.

Ireland made the comment in the context of a question regarding the possible acquisition of former Dolphin Jason Taylor, but it would appear to have much more profound ramifications. Basically, it means that all of those far-fetched flights of fancy that fans and media pundits have engaged in are likely not going to come to fruition.

This is why the Dolphins didn’t sign players like Laveranues Coles and Torry Holt. It is also likely the reason for the quick jettisoning of veteran defensive end Vonnie Holiday. And perhaps most importantly, it’s why the Dolphins will likely make few veteran free-agent acquisitions in the coming months.

Some will say that this push to develop young talent would suggest that Parcells and company have resigned themselves to the idea that Miami is a few seasons away from contending for a Super Bowl title. However, coming off an 11-5 season and an AFC East title, it can be argued that Miami’s relatively young squad is poised to make a quantum leap.

Why? Well, for starters, these youngsters now have an extra year of experience under their belt, including a postseason appearance. Secondly, Ronnie Brown -- whom many would consider to be the most dynamic offensive weapon on the team -- will be two years removed from knee surgery and will likely return to the explosive form he flashed early in 2007. Lastly, Chad Pennington will benefit from a full offseason of preparation, as opposed to having to insert himself into the mix just a few weeks prior to the start of the regular season.

Thus, while many would-be prognosticators wax poetic about the veteran moves that would put this team over the top or about the long-term plan that the Dolphins have put in place, this writer has a sneaking suspicion that the front office is poised to make another run at the postseason. This time around, though, the powers-that-be are looking to get far deeper, and they’re looking to do so with a young nucleus.
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About Hugo Guzman

Co-founder of RealFootball365.com. Born in Argentina, of Dominican descent, living in Hoboken, but from Miami through and ...
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