Joey Porter's New Guarantee

Joey Porter was as disappointed with his play last year as the fans were, and Porter has gone to great lengths to change things in Miami.

Porter often goes by the less-than-fearsome nickname of "J-Peezy." He calls his shoulder pads “big-boy pads”, and entertains much conversation, but no proof, unless they’re delivered while wearing them.

He is known for two facets of his game.

One, that he’s an All-Pro linebacker that plays fast and can break games wide open with the big play. He is a sure tackler that can sack the quarterback, stop the rush, and run with most tight ends.

Two, he’s one of the loudest mouths in the history of the league. For better or worse.

During his pre-Super Bowl feud with Seahawks' tight end Jeremy Stevens, Porter asked a reporter which player he would rather have on his side in a dark alley, Porter or Stevens.

When the reporter didn’t respond fast enough for Porter’s liking he answered for him, “You're lying.” Porter said, “You're taking too long. You don't want to tell the truth.... Y'all both will get mugged."

Porter probably wasn't aware that the reporter was likely scared of him. Neither wanting him as an assailant or companion in a dark alley. He just didn't want to be in a dark alley with Joey Porter under any circumstances. I can't find fault there. After all, Porter is the type of guy who gets shot on the way to his wedding (true story).

Stevens scored a touchdown on one of his three catches that Super Bowl, and he accounted for the only touchdown the Seahawks scored. Stevens' catches only amounted to 25 yards.

That’s the thing about barking: Their needs to be a bite to follow. Otherwise, who fears the dog? A Pomeranian may bark up a storm, but are you going to take heed of its warnings? I think not. 

In Joey’s defense, Stevens was a non-factor for the majority of the game, and playing on a Steelers' defense that allowed only 10 points certainly puts Porter on top of the feud. Joey's bite was backed up with solid play. Pitbull play. His reward was a Super Bowl victory and a place on ESPN magazine's cover as "The Most Feared Man In the NFL."

For the majority of his career, Joey has been on the winning side. “Often” ended for him last year.

Porter was the marquee addition for Miami in the 2007 offseason. The 2006 Dolphins fielded the fourth-ranked defense and boasted two Pro Bowlers in Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor. Taylor went on to win Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Fans were naturally excited to have the fiery Porter. Images of the bookend pass-rush combo of Porter and Taylor led to speculations of a return to playoff form. Add in new head coach Cam Cameron’s offensive pedigree, and many believed the team to be again on the cusp of a championship run.

Problem: then GM Randy Mueller slashed the budget. Stalwart defensive linemen like Kevin Carter, David Bowens, and Jeff Zgonina were all left unsigned. Randy looked to bolster the offense in the draft, drafting offensive players with his first four picks.

Once the season was upon the team, injuries began to slowly whittle away the remainders.

Starting strong-safety Yeremiah Bell was lost for the season in game one. Vonnie Holliday fought foot and knee injuries for the entire season and missed several games.

Then the post-Zach Thomas era began. Thomas was plagued with concussions and freak accidents (a car accident after the home game against the Patriots aggravated his injuries).

The list is too long to name. Warm bodies became a must. Guys out of the league for the last couple years were starting in the Dolphins secondary.

Even Jason Taylor seemed to come up short. Overmatched and double-teamed, the normally indomitable Taylor had to scrounge all year to get to double-digit sacks.

Porter, though...he was the sore thumb. His five-year, $32 million signing with ample bonuses and guaranteed money made him a very easy target to point at. When he had to get his knee scoped before the season started, things began to rankle.

Porter had to be worked in slowly after the surgery. He couldn’t run very quickly, and due to injuries, the team moved him to play end in a 4-3, effectively taking Porter’s greatest asset away from him: the ability to play in space.

Porter was rarely seen making tackles. He certainly wasn’t getting sacks and no game-changing interceptions were witnessed. As the losses piled up, and fingers began to get pointed, Porter and his contract were riding high on the list of the blamed.

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