http://www.sportsnipe.com Miami Dolphins, Team News, Updates, and Stats from all sports sources, updated continually. http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2933437/miami-dolphins-claim-four-linemen-sunsentinel-blog.html MiamiHerald.comMiami Dolphins claim four linemenSun-Sentinel (blog)It appears the Miami Dolphins have opted to start rebuilding before the season even started. A day after formulating their 53-man roster the Dolphins cut ...Dolphins awarded Geathers, Parnell, Reitz, Rose, Will Allen to IRNational Football PostMiami Dolphins' Coach Tony Sparano's View on Roster Moves, Cornerbacks, and ...The Phinsider (blog)Yep, I Was SlackingPhinPhanatic (blog)Midwest Sports Fans -Knoxville News Sentinel -Kansas City Starall 147 news articles » Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2933436/miami-dolphins-season-opener-ready-or-here-comes-bleacher-report.html Bleacher ReportMiami Dolphins Season Opener: Ready Or Not, Here It ComesBleacher ReportThe culmination of the Miami Dolphins' 2010 preseason was nothing short of disconcerting. Ill-timed injuries and roster moves have turned one of the NFL's ...Bills' outside linebackers out to prove they can do the jobBuffalo NewsBills, Dolphins Last Met In Week 1 In 1991Buffalo Rumblings (blog)With the season opener only days away, the Miami Dolphins are making major changesThe Phinsider (blog)all 6 news articles » Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2933435/chemistry-test-awaits-miami-dolphins-in-opener-miamiheraldcom.html Bleacher ReportChemistry test awaits Miami Dolphins in openerMiamiHerald.comNew Miami Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall downplays the need to be in sync with starting QB Chad Henne. BY JEFF DARLINGTON It has been a hot topic since ...Miami Dolphins 2010 Season: Reasons Why to Get ExcitedBleacher ReportFibbing Marshall Channels His Inner Porky PigNBC Miamiall 23 news articles » Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2933434/business-as-usual-for-miami-dolphins-parcells-ireland-miamiheraldcom.html MiamiHerald.comBusiness as usual for Miami Dolphins' Parcells, IrelandMiamiHerald.comEverything looked the same as a Dolphins practice before the tumultuous last week, even down to linebacker Channing Crowder not practicing. ...Jeff Ireland Takes Over The Dolphins: Is He Ready For The Show?Bleacher ReportMiami Dolphins notes: Tony Sparano irked by constant questions about Bill ParcellsPalm Beach Post (blog)Sparano: 'Business as usual' for Dolphins with Bill Parcells stepping backThe Canadian PressSan Jose Mercury News -Sun-Sentinel -New York Timesall 474 news articles » Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2933433/line-scrimmage-week-1-conspicuous-absences.html When confronted with a media inquiry regarding a team member who is absent due to holdout, injury or suspension, NFL coaches are fond of saying they'd rather talk about the "players that are here." Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2933432/chemistry-test-awaits-miami-dolphins-in-opener.html New Miami Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall downplays the need to be in sync with starting QB Chad Henne. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2933431/business-as-usual-for-miami-dolphins-parcells-ireland.html Bill Parcells and general manager Jeff Ireland watched practice from garden chairs in similar blue sweatshirts-khaki shorts combinations. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932633/nfl-week-one-video-preview-dolphins-at-bills.html Sports Gab Network Editor Matt Loede previews the NFL Week one matchup between the Dolphins and Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932632/dolphins-vs-bills-official-injury-report.html It is Wednesday, and with that comes the official injury reports released by both teams. Very few players will be missing the game this week, as the injury report shows. Jake Long (knee) returned to practice but was listed as limited and inside linebacker Channing Crowder (groin) did not practice at all. Center Jake Grove (shoulder) [...] Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932631/miami-dolphins-sign-rbprkr-clifton-smith.html The Dolphins have signed 25-year old Clifton Smith.  Smith played in 11 games (0 starts) for the Buccaneers last year in which he carried the ball 4 times for 7 yards (1.8 ypc) and he also caught 2 passes for 4 yards (2.0 avg).  Smith also returned 23 punts for 232 yards (10.1 avg) and [...] Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932630/phins-find-special-free-agent.html The Miami Dolphins are not done tweaking their roster.  Today they let go Joe Reitz, the recent offensive lineman they signed, so they could add Special Teams ace Clifton Smith. Smith, a former Pro-Bowl kick-returner will give the Dolphins their best return man since Ted Ginn. Smith however, doesn’t come without some baggage.  He suffered two concussions in the span of a month while with the Tampa Bay Buc’s.  He was released last month from the team after having knee pain.  He worked out for the Green Bay Packers but joined the Dolphins this afternoon. Smith was a 2008 Pro-Bowler who averaged 28 yards a kick return and 12 yards a punt return.  Prior to Smith’s arrival, Patrick Cobbs and Nolan Carroll were handling the duties. In other news, Jake Long has returned to practice and will play barring any set-backs.  That is good news for a unit that is thin at depth. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932629/dolphins-open-online-photo-shop-1-free-through-phinphanaticcom.html The Miami Dolphins have opened the very first NFL team “OFFICIAL” photo store.  Here you can purchase game day photos for your “CAVE” or your office.  Cheerleaders, players, stadium, game day live, all photos are high-quality pictures taken by Dolphins staff members.  AND you can get one free picture from the store simply by following the link below.  Each week, within one hour of the games conclusion, new photos will be available. I can personally tell you that the photographers are some of the best in the NFL.  How do I know this?  Because I have met several of them and have had face to face conversations with them as well as seen their work first hand.  This is a great opportunity for you to get something for your home or office, FREE.  Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. The print size is 9 X 12 so it’s a very nice size photo. Head over to the Miami Dolphins Official Online Photo Store and get yours now.  But remember, you MUST go through the image link below.  OR by clicking here. Once you add your information, you will get a $29.95 voucher to purchase your photo. This offer will however end very soon…as in September 19th. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932628/lumbala-returns-to-lions-after-being-released-by-dolphins-tsn.html Sportsnet.caLumbala returns to Lions after being released by DolphinsTSNAfter being released by the Miami Dolphins last week, fullback Rolly Lumbala has returned to the BC Lions. Lumbala, who was the team's second-round ...BC Lions Welcome Rolly Lumbala Back To DenBoxscore NewsLubala returns to LionsGlobe and MailLumbala returns to the LionsNews1130Sportsnet.ca -The Province (blog) -Montreal Gazetteall 45 news articles » Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932627/miami-dolphins-hope-to-fill-leadership-void-four-new-captains-sunsentinel.html Miami Dolphins hope to fill leadership void with four new captainsSun-SentinelTo me that's fun," Pennington said, referring to his past experiences, serving as team captain for the Dolphins and Jets multiple times during his 10 year ...No surprises among Miami Dolphins team captainsOrlando SentinelNo Henne: Dolphins Vote Dansby, Long Team CaptainsNBC Miamiall 9 news articles » Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932626/colts-cut-former-starting-lt-ugoh-add-exdolphin-reitz-nfl-news.html 1070 The Fan - IndianapolisColts cut former starting LT Ugoh, add ex-Dolphin ReitzNFL NewsThe Colts filled Ugoh's roster spot with offensive lineman Joe Reitz, whom they claimed off waivers from the Miami Dolphins.Joe Reitz on the move again, this time home to Indianapolis, signed by Colts ...MLive.comColts Waive Ugoh, Sign HSE Grad Reitz1070 The Fan - IndianapolisColts cut former starting LT Ugoh, add ex-Dolphin ReitzNFL Newsall 45 news articles » Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932625/miami-dolphins-2010-season-reasons-to-get-excited-bleacher-report.html Bleacher ReportMiami Dolphins 2010 Season: Reasons Why to Get ExcitedBleacher ReportWhy are all the Miami Dolphin fans ready for the football season? Well, we have a lot to look forward to. Dolphin fans are getting excited about the signs ...Marshall gives young Henne inviting targetMiamiHerald.comFibbing Marshall Channels His Inner Porky PigNBC Miamiall 22 news articles » Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932624/jake-long-returns-to-practice-for-miami-dolphins-team-signs-kick-returner-palm-beach-post.html Sportsnet.caJake Long returns to practice for Miami Dolphins; team signs kick returnerPalm Beach PostDAVIE ? Left tackle Jake Long was back at practice, inside linebacker Channing Crowder was not, and the Dolphins might finally have found ...Dolphins' Jake Long, Three Others Named Captains; Two Signed to Practice SquadBleacher ReportTackle Jake Long returns to Miami Dolphins practice on limited basisThe Canadian PressLapeer native and Michigan grad Jake Long's injury another chance for people ...MLive.comAmerican Chronicle -CBSSports.com -Football News Nowall 76 news articles » Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932623/miami-dolphins-sign-kickoff-returner-clifton-smith-miamiheraldcom.html CBC.caMiami Dolphins sign kickoff returner Clifton SmithMiamiHerald.comThe Miami Dolphins signed Clifton Smith, the NFL's leading kickoff returner in 2009 while with Tampa Bay, Wednesday morning. ...Sign up for our Miami Dolphins newsletter:Bleacher ReportDolphins sign Clifton SmithSeattle Post IntelligencerFormer Pro Bowl kick return Clifton Smith signs with DolphinsThe Canadian PressAHN | All Headline News -National Football Post -Palm Beach Postall 111 news articles » Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932622/jeff-ireland-takes-over-dolphins-he-ready-for-show-bleacher-report.html MiamiHerald.comJeff Ireland Takes Over The Dolphins: Is He Ready For The Show?Bleacher ReportBill Parcells, "The Tuna," the man who has turned around many a franchise, most recently the newly in contention Miami Dolphins, is finally stepping down, ...Miami Dolphins notes: Tony Sparano irked by constant questions about Bill ParcellsPalm Beach Post (blog)Sparano: 'Business as usual' for Dolphins with Bill Parcells stepping backThe Canadian PressBill Parcells takes lesser role with Miami Dolphins organizationMiamiHerald.comSan Jose Mercury News -Sun-Sentinel -Boston Heraldall 471 news articles » Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932621/dolphinsbills-preview-cbssportscom.html Washington PostDolphins-Bills PreviewCBSSports.comWith a revamped defense and a new big-play wide receiver on board, the Miami Dolphins are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2009. ...Miami Dolphins Week 1 Preview: 10 Things To Watch For Vs The Buffalo BillsBleacher ReportMIAMI DOLPHINS AT BUFFALO BILLS: Sunday, 1 pm, CBSOrlando SentinelNFL Week 1 Preview, Prediction: Miami Dolphins Vs. Buffalo BillsSB NationFanHouse -USA Online Gambling News -BetFirmsall 312 news articles » Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932620/scouting-report-de-clifton-geathers.html Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932619/new-returner.html Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932618/some-news-from-dolphins-practice-this-morning-including-jake-longs-return.html The Dolphins are now in full practice mode as they prepare for the season opener in Buffalo on Sunday. And there's some good news coming out of the 30 minutes that practice was open to the media today. So let's get to some of it: LT Jake Long was back at practice today. He sat out of Monday's session, riding the bike instead. But today, Long was wearing full pads and participating. Though it was only likely a "limited" participation, the fact that the big man was practicing at all today seems to be a good sign. Look for Jake to go through a full practice by the end of the week and start on Sunday in Buffalo. The Dolphins have indeed signed running back Clifton Smith, formerly of the Tampa Bay Bucs. He's the sixth running back on the Dolphins' roster and will likely step right in as the team's primary return man. Here are some good highlights of the 5'9, 190 pound return man. To make room, the Dolphins dumped OL Joe Reitz from the team. Despite all of that nonsense yesterday, Bill Parcells was back sitting in his golf cart at practice today - just like he has been basically every day since camp started in July. Jeff Ireland was right next to him - as he has been basically every day. Nothing has changed. Can we forget about this now? Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932617/dolphins-at-bills-game-capsule.html MIAMI DOLPHINS AT BUFFALO BILLS SERIES   DOLPHINS BILLS SERIES LEADER 52-35-1 STREAKS 3 of past 4 8 of past 12 COACHES VS. OPP. Sparano: 3-1 Gailey: 1-0 LAST GAME 11/29/09: Dolphins 14 at Bills 31.  Trailing 14-7 heading into 4th quarter, Buffalo scores 24 unanswered points, including 2 rush TDs by RB Fred Jackson (3, 7), in comeback victory. LAST GAME AT SITE 11/29/09 BROADCAST CBS (1:00 PM ET): Gus Johnson, Steve Tasker.  SIRIUS: 91 (Mia.), 130 (Buf.).  XM: 108 (Buf.).  2009 STATS PASSING Henne: 274-451-2,878-12-14-75.2 Edwards: 110-183-1,169-6-7-73.8 RUSHING R. Williams: 241-1,121-4.7-11 Jackson: 237-1,062-4.5-2 RECEIVING Marshall (Den.): 101 (T3L)-1,120-11.1-10 (T2C) Jackson (RB): 46-371-8.1-2 OFFENSE 337.6 273.9 TAKE/GIVE -8 +3 DEFENSE 349.3 340.6 SACKS Starks: 7 Kelsay: 5 INTs V. Davis: 4 Byrd: 9 (T1L) PUNTING Fields: 46.3 (3C) Moorman: 46.6 (2C) KICKING Carpenter: 112 (37/38 PAT; 25/28 FG) Lindell: 108 (24/24 PAT; 28/33 FG) NOTES DOLPHINS:  Club has 12-6 (.667) all-time record vs. Bills in Sept...Head coach TONY SPARANO is 3-1 against Bills...Dolphins are 8-4 vs. AFC East under Sparano...QB CHAD HENNE is 4-2 as starter vs. division, completing 111 of 186 passes (59.7 pct.) for 1,197 passing yards w/7 TDs vs. 4 INTs & 82.2 passer rating...RB RONNIE BROWN had 115 rush yards on 20 att. (5.8 avg.) in last meeting vs. Bills (10/4/09).  RB RICKY WILLIAMS posted 5th season w/1,000+ rush yards in '09 (1,121).  Williams (8,892) needs 108 rush yards to reach 9,000 career...WR BRANDON MARSHALL will make Dolphins debut.  In '09, Marshall became 5th player in NFL history to reach 100 rec. in at least 3 consecutive seasons.  In last mtg. vs. Bills (12/21/08 w/Den.), Marshall totaled 10 catches for 129 yards (12.9 avg.)...TE ANTHONY FASANO had season-high 74 receiving yards in last meeting vs. Bills...LB KARLOS DANSBY will make Dolphins debut.  Dansby posted 25.5 sacks in 6 seasons w/Cardinals (2004-09)...DB VONTAE DAVIS posted 1st career INT-TD against Bills on 10/4/09...DT RANDY STARKS posted career-best 7 sacks in '09. BILLS:  Club has won 2 of past 3 at home vs. Miami on Kickoff Weekend...Head coach CHAN GAILEY will make Bills debut.  Gailey is 2-0 as head coach on Kickoff Weekend...In 1 start at home vs. Mia. (12/9/07), QB TRENT EDWARDS posted career-high 4 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 111.4 passer rating...RB FRED JACKSON recorded 1,062 rush yards & 1,014 KR yards in '09 & became 1st player in NFL history w/1,000 rush yards & 1,000 KR yards in same season.  Rookie RB C.J. SPILLER (1st round, No. 9) led ACC in all-purpose career yards w/7,588, finishing 2nd in NCAA Div. I history...WR LEE EVANS averages 20.3 yards per catch vs. Mia. (39 rec., 793 yards).  Evans was only Bill with rec. in every game in '09.  Ranks 3rd in team history with 5,356 rec. yards...S JAIRUS BYRD tied for league-high w/9 INTs last season...S DONTE WHITNER has INT in 2 of past 3 vs. Mia. at home...LB CHRIS KELSAY has 5 career sacks vs. Mia., tied for most vs. any opponent...LB PAUL POSLUSZNY led team w/115 tackles in '09 & recorded 3 INTs, tied for 2nd-most among NFL LBs last season. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932616/jake-long-amongst-dolphins-captains.html Jake Long Amongst Dolphins Captains Jake Long, Yeremiah Bell, Patrick Cobbs, and Karlos Dansby voted as team captains for the 2010 Dolphins. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932615/final-chance-to-join-our-eliminator-challenge-win-dolphins-tix.html Final chance to join our Eliminator Challenge and win Dolphins tix All the details are right here. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932614/kosier-colombo-held-out-wednesdays-practice.html The Dallas Cowboys could be without two key members of their offensive line for the season-opener, as left guard Kyle Kosier and right tackle Marc Colombo both missed practice Wednesday. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932613/dolphins-sign-clifton-smith.html The Miami Dolphins have signed former Pro Bowl return specialist Clifton Smith, who spent the previous two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932612/rams-wr-clayton-thinks-he-be-ready-sunday.html After one practice, new St. Louis Rams wide receiver Mark Clayton thought he'd be ready in time for Sunday's opener against Arizona. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932611/vince-young-has-no-comment-on-heisman-bush.html Vince Young refuses to be drawn into the conversation on whether Reggie Bush should keep his Heisman Trophy of if he would accept it if the trophy was taken from Bush. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932610/miami-dolphins-sign-kickoff-returner-clifton-smith.html The Miami Dolphins signed Clifton Smith, the NFL's leading kickoff returner in 2009 while with Tampa Bay, Wednesday morning.<p/> After trading erratic Ted Ginn Jr. to San Francisco during the offseason, the Dolphins were left looking for a returner who could put some explosiveness in the kickoff return game. Running back Kory Sheets, possibly the fastest player on the roster after Ginn's departure, suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during kickoff return drills. Rookie Nolan Carroll showed some potential in preseason games, but veteran running back/backup kickoff returner Patrick Cobbs lacks the big play potential to go with his dependability. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932609/kick-returner-smith-signs-dolphins-canadian-press.html DAVIE, Fla. - Former Pro Bowl kick returner Clifton Smith has signed with the Miami Dolphins. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932608/bills-rb-jackson-expected-to-play-in-opener-canadian-press.html ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson is expected to play in the team's opener against the Miami Dolphins this weekend, while free safety Jairus Byrd's status has not yet been determined. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932607/sparano-business-as-usual-for-dolphins-canadian-press.html DAVIE, Fla. - Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland sat side by side at practice Wednesday, as they often do, assessing the Miami Dolphins' roster. Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2927276/miami-dolphins-to-work-out-pro-bowl-return-specialist-clifton-smith-bleacher-report.html Bleacher ReportMiami Dolphins To Work Out Pro Bowl Return Specialist Clifton SmithBleacher ReportPossibly not content with their current kickoff and punt returners, the Miami Dolphins will work out Pro Bowl return specialist Clifton Smith Wednesday, ...Miami Dolphins will try out kick returner Clifton Smith, a former Pro Bowl playerPalm Beach PostDolphins | Trying out Clifton SmithKFFL (blog)Miami Dolphins reportedly are pursuing kick returner Clifton SmithSun-Sentinelall 22 news articles » Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2927275/buffalo-bills-vs-miami-dolphins-cj-spiller-primed-to-explode-for-fans-bleacher-report.html Globe and MailBuffalo Bills Vs. Miami Dolphins: CJ Spiller Primed To Explode For Bills FansBleacher Report... PM EST the Buffalo Bills kick off their first season under new head coach Chan Gailey as they take on their AFC East division foes, the Miami Dolphins. ...Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins PreviewPlayer PressMiami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills 2010 NFL Week 1 PredictionsSports-Odds.comSIMON: 2010 Buffalo Bills Predictionwgr550.com (blog)WGRZ-TVall 49 news articles » Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2927274/season-opener-only-days-away-miami-dolphins-are-making-major-changes.html More photos » David Duprey - AP Browse more photos » There is an old saying... "Just because you are paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't really out to get you."  The same might apply to Chicken Little Syndrome (CLS) and the Miami Dolphins.... Just because you might have CLS, doesn't mean the sky ISN'T really falling. Beginning with fiasco of the final preseason game last week, and continuing through today with the announcement that Bill Parcells will cede full operational control of the team, effective immediately, to Jeff Ireland, the Miami Dolphins have the look of a team in transition.  Unfortunately, it is NOT the look of a team transitioning from preseason to the games that count.  The Miami Dolphins look more like they are transitioning from a playoff team into a rebuilding team. In just a week, the Miami Dolphins have seemed to fall apart.  And with the first game only 5 days away, I am not sure they will have time to get it all put back together again. Those of you who know me, know that I tend to be optimistic.  If you look at a football team in the early part of the preseason, it is easy to look for the best case scenario of how the season will go, if the players and the plans work out pretty much as envisioned by the coaches.   But as the preseason wears on, the "possibilities" get whittled down into a "reality".  Players get injured, rookies don't perform, roster cut downs happen, and before you know it you are faced with a 53 man roster of fact.  The hope, of course, is that you end up with the best 53 players... not just the most talented, but the most consistent players who fit the plans for the offensive and defensive schemes the team will be running. Injuries can throw the biggest monkey wrench into a team's plans.  And the later an injury occurs in the preseason process, the bigger the monkey wrench thrown.  Philip Merling was injured early on, so the team was able to focus on his rookie replacement and sign some free agent depth.  Will Allen occurred a little later, but because he never actually made it back from the previous injury, the team had gone on without him, hoping he would return but not counting on it.  But what if Jake Long never gets back to 100% this season?  How would the team recover from losing their starting left tackle? The second biggest thing that can throw a curve ball to a team's plans is when a young player who is counted on to be a producer does not develop at the rate the coaches hoped for/planned on.  While Koa Misi and Jared Odrick seem to be doing okay in their roles so far, 2nd year starting cornerback Sean Smith has been benched.  With Will Allen now out for the season, this position has suddenly gotten thin enough in depth that the Dolphins traded away sure handed wide receiver Greg Camarillo for a reserve CB.  And second year man Chris Clemons, who is being counted on to fill the starting free safety spot is questionable.  While I believe he will be fine, he has not shown anything in preseason to put Dolphins fans minds to rest, and erase the nightmares memories of Gibril Wilson from last season. Change is sometimes good, but change for a football team is rarely good a week before the season starts.  Let's take a quick look at some of the significant change that have happened very recently. David Martin cut - and then signed by Buffalo!  You are kidding yourselves if you think the Bills aren't grilling him about Dolphins game plans/play books. Jake Long with an injured knee; Lyndon Murtha filling in.  Murtha?  Really?  If Long is out, Vernon Carey will probably move back over to LT. Vontae Davis sitting out the last game with an undisclosed injury was seen limping after Monday's practice.  Would anyone argue that he is NOT currently our best CB? Channing Crowder - undisclosed injury Sean Smith - starting CB - benched, in favor of (drum roll please...)  Jason Allen??? Joe Berger starring as "The Center" The D-line, a surprising strength of the team during preseason, lost Charles Grant and Marques Douglas to the final cut down.  Weren't these guys playing pretty well?  Is the team that confident in Jared Odrick as an every down DE? And just for the record, I'll weigh in on the Bill Parcells debate.  I have seen most of the arguments and it really boils down to two questions:  "Why now?" and "How will it effect the team?" Yes, making the announcement now makes about as much sense as any time, I suppose.  Personally, I think it would have been better right after the draft, since he would still be around to "advise" Ireland on the second round of free agency and it would be less disruptive.  But it WILL effect the team to some degree.  It will throw just one more uncertainty in the mix for them to think about.  Most of the free agents that ended up coming to Miami cited Bill Parcells as a part of the reason they had confidence in the building of the team, and from the looks of things at the moment, it certainly is not complete.  So I understand the arguments on both sides, but I think it is ridiculous to think that it will not have some kind of impact on the players, announced just 5 days before the first game. So why now?  Again, how can anyone think that Parcells doesn't see the disarray the team is currently in?  If he is as talented (and cunning) as people tend to give him credit for being, then don't you think he has thought this through 9 ways to Sunday?  It's not a conspiracy theory, it's just common sense.  We all know Parcells would be leaving - sooner rather than later - and if this season goes in the tank, he does not want to be obligated to hang around for another year (or two) to get it fixed.  So by distancing himself now, he can avoid the fallout if things go south.  But if things go well, he still gets the credit for the successful rebuilding.  But don't think for one second that Parcells is not seeing the problems that have come up in the last few weeks and factored that risk into his decision to disassociate himself for the team. Such a thing as "coincidence" may exist, but I suspect it is a much rarer happening than most people would assume. I'm an optimist, but realistically this team just might have more question marks now than they did to start training camp.  I would not be all too surprised to see the Fins drop this first game to Buffalo.  And Bill Parcells probably wouldn't either, don't you think? Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2927040/sources-haynesworth-might-be-traded-san-francisco-chronicle.html CBC.caSources: Haynesworth might be tradedSan Francisco ChronicleAP J. Pat Carter / AP ** FILE * In this June 6, 2008 file photo, Miami Dolphins executive vice president Bill Parcells walks around the practice field ...NFL: McNabb expects to startSt. Augustine RecordNFL news | Parcells hands over control of DolphinsKansas City StarNFL notebook: Haynesworth may be headed to TitansDaily CameraPhiladelphia Inquirer -Albany Times Unionall 835 news articles » Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2924858/pruitt-baker-folsum-all-cut-by-fins.html The Dolphins have made another flurry of roster cuts in the last hour, with rumors circulating that the team has released wide receiver Julius Pruitt, defensive tackle Ryan Baker, and linebacker J.D. Folsum. Folsum will not be back on the team, reports are saying because he does not fit in with defensive coordinator, Mike Nolan’s scheme. The [...] Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2924857/rumor-alert-david-martin-cut-from-fins-in-market-for-de.html According to the “Big O” from WQAM Radio, the Miami Dolphins have cut veteran tight end David Martin. This is a big blow to the tight end unit, because now we only have one tight end capable of playing at a high level. John Nalbone will now be the backup. Armando Salguero is also reporting that tackle [...] Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2924856/its-official-martin-cut.html It has been confirmed that veteran David Martin has been cut by the team. The only rational way that I can think of as to why the Fins would cut him is so that they do not have to pay him any guaranteed money. Or, perhaps they are looking to trade for another tight end, or [...] Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2924855/dolphins-release-final-roster.html The Miami Dolphins have released the final roster of 53. The rest of the players to get cut were safeties Nate Ness, and Jonathan Amaya, fullback Rolly Lumbala, cornerback Ross Weaver, lineman Ray Feinga, and linebacker Chris McCoy. The notable players of the group, Ness and Amaya could make it back onto the practice squad after all [...] Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2924854/dolphins-moving-forward-or-backward.html This Labor Day Weekend was a huge one for the Miami Dolphins. On Saturday the Fins were forced, like the rest of the NFL, to cut their roster down to the limit of 53. Some of the big names that were cut to get down to the limit were backup guard Donald Thomas, wide receiver Patrick [...] Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2924853/dolphins-add-carpenter-release-anderson.html The Miami Dolphins have made yet another series of roster moves today, involving their backup linebackers. The Fins have added backup inside linebacker Bobby Carpenter to serve as a coverage specialist and special teams ace. To make room for Carpenter, the team has released veteran outside linebacker Charlie Anderson, who came into camp looking to compete [...] Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2924852/bill-parcells-steps-downgives-control-to-ireland.html The Miami Dolphins released a grenade today in a press release announcing the promotion for general manager Jeff Ireland, and Bill Parcells stepping down from his post as executive vice-president of  player personnel, to a daily consultant. Effective immediately, Jeff Ireland will assume full control over all aspects and decisions in regard to the Miami Dolphins [...] Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2924851/dolphins-to-ink-pro-bowl-kick-returner-clifton-smith.html The Dolphins have a new kick returner, as the team is about to ink former Bucs Pro Bowl kicker returner Clifton Smith. Possibly not content with their current kickoff and punt returners, the Miami Dolphins will work out Pro Bowl return specialist Clifton Smith Wednesday, Sept. 8. Smith, who was waived by the Tampa Bay [...] Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2924850/miami-dolphins-release-pat-white.html The Dolphins have released 24-year old QB Pat White.  White played in 13 games (0 starts) for the Dolphins as a rookie last season and he was 0 for 5 passing the ball.  White also carried the ball 21 times for 81 yards (3.9 ypc) last season.  The Dolphins have three QBs on the roster [...] Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2924849/miami-dolphins-claim-two-olinemen-off-waivers.html The Dolphins have claimed OT Jermey Parnell off waivers from the Saints and 25-year old OT Joe Reitz from the Ravens.  Parnell played in 3 pre-season games for the Saints.  He is 6′6″, 290 pounds so they might need to put a few pounds on him.  Reitz is much bigger as he stands 6′7″, 320 [...] Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2924848/miami-dolphins-release-two-veteran-des.html The Dolphins have released 32-year old DE Charles Grant and 33-year old DE Marques Douglas.  Grant and Douglas each played in all 4 pre-season games for the Fins and they each had 4 tackles.  The Dolphins have decided to go with younger players at DE which led to these releases which could come back to haunt [...] Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2924847/miami-dolphins-claim-couple-des-off-waivers.html The Dolphins have claimed 22-year old DE Clifton Geathers off waivers from the Browns and 22-year old Robert Rose from the Seahawks.  Geathers was a sixth round pick out of South Carolina by the Browns last April.  He played in all 4 pre-season games for the Browns and he had 5 tackles.  Robert Rose is [...] Miami Dolphins - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates