Bleacher Report - Articles by Joi LaPointe

Brett Favre: Just a Regular Guy with a Passion

Joi LaPointe — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:00:55 -0400

Last night I was flipping through the channels and was fooled again by my cable service. Real Time with Bill Maher was supposed to be on HBO.

Joe Buck LIVE? Are you kidding me?

I must have been sleeping under a rock because I would never put Joe Buck and comedy in the same sentence.

My thoughts of Joe Buck—the monotonous play-caller who plays wingman to Troy Aikman. This Joe Buck on HBO last night was not so comforting.

Joe’s first guest tonight was the great Brett Favre—an ironic first guest for Joe Buck’s self-proclaimed celebrity/athlete/drama show. However, this deal was sealed back in April, before the second round of the ongoing Favre retirement drama.

As the interview starts, Brett diligently recounts the pre-interview conversation had in private, as to water down any impending public verbal drama.

He seems slightly ruffled by the tone of the show and the preceding vignette that somewhat resembled an Entertainment Tonight segment. He’s a nice guy, after all, and this Joe Buck show looks to devour nice guys.

The big question was asked first: “Are you returning to the NFL next year?”

To which the very likable Brett Favre answers, “Maybe.” Cue audience laughter. A bit scripted, maybe?

“How will it feel to go into Green Bay with a purple 4 on your chest?”

To this, he pulls out a quick reference to Vince Lombardi and his departure to the Redskins. Granted, Vince’s change was in coaching and not playing, but we get the point.

Maybe his body knows something he doesn’t.

Brett Favre is addicted to the NFL and needs to get help. Possibly a slow detox would work for his dependence, but he’s not aware at this point that he has a problem.

Think about it for a minute, though. If you were doing the single thing that you were most passionate about, wouldn’t you find it very challenging to give it up as well?

Favre turns 40 in October and talked about how “Coach” Madden warned him that once he left, there was no going back.

He proudly mentions his family, especially his kids. As a parent, I can understand the desire to want to do something to make my offspring admire me and prove that I can overcome the greatest adversity.

Impressing my children is a greater reward than anything I can think of.

I implore my readers to take a time trip to a place where you loved something intensely (a woman, a boat, a man, a car, drugs), and it was time to sell or break up.

Okay, so you’re standing there, knowing that this (woman) is no good for you but you love (her) so much it hurts.

How many times did you go back before it became shameful?

To Favre’s credit, his records and numbers speak loudly. For those of us who are in our mid-30s and up, this is a guy we’ve spent half our lives watching evolve into one of the greatest quarterbacks ever.

Maybe in a decade or so, time will heal our wounds, and we can reflect on the greatness of Brett Favre and not criticize a man for merely not knowing when to quit doing what he loves so much.

A Love/Hate Relationship: Why I'll Miss T.O.

Joi LaPointe — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:16:51 -0400

I’m not a fan of reality shows.

However, anything Cowboys related since the acquisition of Terrell Owens and subsequent release has seemed like one.

Heck, I didn’t need Melrose Place anymore. Forget Big Brother or Rock of Love. I had the Dallas Cowboys and T.O. to quench my thirst for the drama of reality TV.

Let me take you back a few years so I can fully explain the emotional highs and lows I’ve experienced with T.O. in my life. As a woman, this relationship I’ve had with T.O. has been a lot like the guy my mom warned me about.

In the end, he didn’t mean to break my heart, but he had to move on.

On September 24, 2000, T.O. became my least favorite player EVER. I’ve disliked players over the years for being egotistical and showboating, but this incident that occurred in Dallas that day would be the first time I would say I hated a player.

This game would also become one of the most memorable moments of Texas Stadium on ESPN in 2008.

I celebrated nearly every game with an impromptu Cowboys fan club at a local sports restaurant. I was fortunate to be the first woman allowed into the boys' club because of my passion and knowledge of the ‘Boys.

For anyone who’s been living under a rock, T.O. had two touchdowns that game and thought it would be “cute” to celebrate on our star. OUR STAR! For God’s sake, what was this guy thinking?

I remember exactly where I was that day and it was a dark day for Dallas fans, and any respect we had for T.O. would be lost in a few plays. This was the year my most cynical comrades penned Troy Aikman “The Mannequin” because of his inability to move in the pocket. That game, he suffered two more concussions and would later be forced to retire from the NFL due to his injuries.

The 49ers were ahead by seven when T.O. had his first score and first celebration on the mid-field star.

Emmitt Smith attempted to take back our honor by scoring and marking his spot on the mid-field star, erasing the defamation by T.O.

The bad boy wasn’t giving up, though.

To add insult to injury, T.O. repeated the same offense later in the game after scoring another touchdown and putting the game out of reach for the Cowboys. Grinning as wide as his mouth would go, he took long, easy strides down the field and I watched in horror as the scene unfolded in slow motion.

Just as he spiked the ball to the ground, a blur of blue tackled him from behind. That was the day George Teague became my personal hero, and T.O. was the Antichrist of football.

And so it was. After several seasons with the 49ers, he moved on to the rival Eagles in 2004.

He loved to mock me twice a year, grinning at my Cowboys as he gained more popularity as a star wide receiver with the Eagles.

I found myself amused at the rift that began between T.O. and Donovan McNabb, because I was happy that things were unpleasant for T.O. Heck, I was happy that things were unpleasant for the Eagles. I reveled in the drama that riddled the Eagles and was glad that repeat offender Terrell Owens was guilty of causing trouble on yet another team.

Then tragedy struck.

On March 14, 2006, the Philadelphia Eagles released Owens. Four days later, Jerry Jones announced that the Dallas Cowboys had signed Owens to a three year, $25 million deal, including a $5 million signing bonus, with a $5 million first-year salary.

What?!

All the Eagles frenemies that I had blew up my phone with texts that day. I’ll never forget it. At first, I could not speak. My husband watched me with curious amusement as I paced the house (a tradition I had, usually only occurred during stressful games) and talked to myself.

Why?

I yelled at Jerry Jones. I cursed him. HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?

I felt that this was the biggest betrayal since Tom Landry was let go when Jones took over the team as owner.

But then again, that crazy decision led our team to the most important years in Cowboys history.

The first season for me was bittersweet.

I watched Owens in our colors and the flashbacks of that troublemaker who had desecrated our sacred star were constantly in my head to remind me of the pain he had brought to me in the past. However, it was a bit impressive that he led the league in the regular season with touchdown receptions.

Whether you’re a man or a woman, football emotions will get you every time.

The 2007 season changed me. Just like the first year after the firing of Tom Landry that shook up our lives forever, I began to do something I had never thought was possible…I began to admire this player who was the guy my mother warned me about.

I scrutinized him closely, but it was his attention grabbing personality that was permeating my walls of hatred. T.O. personally addressed my concerns by exceeding my expectations and helping to give our team one aspect of the playoff reward it received two years in a row.

HBO’s Hard Knocks sealed the deal for me last year.

I was falling in love.

T.O. caught crying on camera during a press conference that October was the nail in my coffin. Drama, drama, drama.

It wasn’t just his dramatic side—it was his passion for the game that hooked me.

Terrell Owens is a player who completely immerses himself into the wide receiver persona—all the while breaking records and still being the best in the game. Statistically, he is second only to Jerry Rice and staying in stride with the magnificent Randy Moss.

Of course I am only referring to players of this decade.

I really didn’t buy 100 percent into the whole overrated media coverage of T.O.’s alleged disruption of the Cowboys locker room. I’ll play devil’s advocate here (as a devout Cowboys fan) and say that a lot of it has to do with his passion for the game and intolerance of a lazier organization.

Being a passionate person myself, I have often become irritated by others on my [work] team who do not display the sort of work ethic that I do. People with extreme determination and passion in a team environment sometimes expect too much of their teammates—and are constantly let down by those expectations of others when not met.

Just as I was settling into the 2009 season with T.O. on board, and believed Mr. Jones that T.O. was here to stay, he was released in March by the Cowboys and picked up by the Bills.

I couldn’t believe it—Jerry Jones had ignited my football emotions again.

How in the world can I make popcorn now?

What will happen to my arms-out, arms-overhead salute?

I sure will miss T.O.

The Genius Behind the Scenes in Miami: Dolphins' Playbook Review 101

Joi LaPointe — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:05:26 -0400

The most exciting story in the NFL last year was the surprising manner in which the Dolphins unleashed their biggest weapon in key games. With a well—timed execution of variations of the single—wing formation, this team brought life back into the league. The biggest shift in the Miami Dolphins playbook will be to create plays that will continue to surprise the defenses of their opponents.Most importantly, the Wildcat Formation is going to undergo some major changes. This coaching staff is bringing back the old school-in more than one way. The clues are there. Tony Sparano is obviously creating a literal team and not sponsoring individuals. Tony Sparano and company have been given the green light to build their dynasty with a team of young, motivated players. When players are hungry and eager to make an impression there are bound to be fireworks. The Dolphins made some interesting additions to the roster in this offseason. After studying these “new kids” in town, I really started to get a handle on what is going on in Miami for 2009. What’s going on here is pretty darn smart.

Begin Slideshow

A Mock-Personal Interview With Dolphins' Quarterback Chad Pennington

Joi LaPointe — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:32:36 -0400

Chad Pennington was a huge inspiration to all of us in South Florida last year, which is why I have picked him as my interview subject. In addition, he grew up in the “South” and is close to my age, which would be my lead into the interview.

Here are a few questions I would ask Chad Pennington if I had the chance:

I grew up in NC, your next door neighbor. Growing up in Tennessee in the '70s and '80s, you did not have a local NFL team to root for. What team were you a fan of, and who was your favorite quarterback growing up?

—I would like to open him up with this introduction question, and get him talking about his inspiration as a football player.

What a thrill it must have been to lead a losing team to the playoffs in one short season. You have clearly earned your title as Comeback Player of the Year. You also nearly nabbed the title of MVP. Aside from that esteemed title, what other coveted honor in your future as an NFL quarterback would you find most rewarding?

You are the currently the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, and you put on an impressive show last year. With an unsecured future with the Dolphins, do you feel more motivated as a result to perform at a level that exceeds everyone’s expectations?

—Depending upon his previous answer regarding his own heroes, I could tie in a relevant statement here.

Based on the tougher schedule this year, what physical and mental preparations have you personally made to get ready for this season?

—This question helps to make the interview personal.

As a leader on your team, which game this season would be the most rewarding to win?

If you continue to remain injury free this season and preserve your consistency as an extremely accurate quarterback, do you think it will cost the Dolphins some “nice change” to keep you around?

—I could use this as just a bit of humorous banter, to lead into the next tough question.

Are you interested in continuing your career in Miami as a backup, if that were to be the case, or would you continue your career elsewhere if it suited you?

You’ve worked with some of the best coaches in the NFL. Name one important thing that you learned from a coach that has enhanced your game.

—This helps me warm him up for the next questions about his future.

Your easy-going nature seems to reflect your Southern roots, growing up in Tennessee. The rookie quarterbacks on the Dolphins’ roster will look to you as a teacher. Do you think your parents being teachers naturally aides you in that role?

—Bringing the focus to his natural given talent, while at the same time making a difficult situation easy to talk about.

I’ve seen you do interviews on TV and you are extremely well spoken. Considering your background in journalism and broadcasting in college, is it in your future to become a broadcaster once you’ve retired from the NFL, or would we more likely see you in a coaching position?

—Wrapping up the interview with a question of his future.

Although it may seem premature to talk about his future in broadcasting, I think it would give my interview a different edge exploring the more personal side of Chad Pennington.

Eight Key Matchups That Will Determine the Dolphins' Playoff Chances

Joi LaPointe — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:51:59 -0400

It’s 3:50 pm on Sunday afternoon. I realize that this quiet time in front of the computer analyzing stats and taking notes will soon be interrupted with the echoing whistles and crashes from the TV and the groans and cheers of my loved ones. That’s right; it will be football season again. The quiet happiness I am languishing in now is nothing compared to the boisterous excitement that surrounds me beginning the second week of August. Both times make me happy—but in drastically different ways. It’s time to store up for the season, get all the finalized stats into my head before the unpredictability of the new football season begins. Last year absolutely put my head into a spin, all around the NFL. As I sit and peruse the 2009 Miami Dolphins schedule, I am thrown back a year into the past where I find myself reliving the moments of that fanatical season. There are always specific details I can remember; since in our home football rules our lives. It even interrupts our plans to engage in the sport. Aside from actually attending games at the stadium formally known as Joe Robbie Stadium, we always try to get outside and throw the pigskin around. In this case, it’s a junior-sized football, since it’s easier for me to throw. I can distinctly remember last year there being a few Dolphins games that really interrupted our between-games activities. My husband is not a Dolphins fan, but who can resist rooting for a local station team to win in the last fragile moments of a tight game? As I was reviewing the schedule this Sunday afternoon, these memories got my wheels turning. Game five against the Chargers following a huge win at in New England got this team motivated, but it was the nail biters at Houston, Seattle, Oakland, and San Francisco that kept me glued to the TV when I wanted to be outside throwing around the 'ol pigskin. A lighter schedule last year brought this team to the playoffs; but the four wins that were determined by 5 points or less last year were against teams that did not make the playoffs. A heavier schedule this year against rejuvenated AFC East rivals should be the biggest obstacle for the Dolphins. The battle here is not necessarily between Miami and its own schedule. Other teams in its division have easier schedules and may be able to capitalize to push Miami out of contention. The AFC had six teams in 2009 with 11 or more wins, while the NFC only had three teams with 11 or more wins. There is definitely more of an even playing field in the NFC, and I would bet the Dolphins would fare well against this division. However, this is the AFC where you have to bring your A-game. Here's my take on the key games Miami MUST win to get back to playoff glory.

Begin Slideshow

How a Redskins Fan Spawned a Cowboys Die-Hard

Joi LaPointe — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:29:12 -0400

Last night, my husband watched his Boston Celtics take on the Orlando Magic in game seven of the series. He proudly wore his New England Patriots t-shirt.

I marvel at how lucky he is to have grown up with strong ties to teams who clearly represented the area where he was from. The New England Patriots, formally known as the Boston Patriots, are currently the only team in the league to not have a specific state in their team name.

All of the 31 other teams do.

My husband grew up in Rhode Island, so I guess that he is an exception to being born into a state-specific NFL team family. I’ve been told the default loyalty is either to go with your state’s team or you inherit it from a family member.

Or you choose the family rival.

From the earliest I can recall my dad loved the Redskins. When I was old enough to think to ask him why, he responded, “Well, ‘cause we’re Indian and they’re the closest team to us!”

He was a great sport about the rivalry and liked to purchase fan apparel for each of us to wear. His favorite Redskins trucker hat read: My two favorite teams are the Washington Redskins and whoever is playing the Dallas Cowboys.

I’d sit on his lap on Sundays at the age of five and was fascinated by his passionate love—hate relationship with the Redskins and their battles with the Cowboys. He loved what his team accomplished in the '80s and hated how the Cowboys were always there to foul—up their playoff hopes.

After doing some research of the rivalry between the Redskins and Cowboys, it is easy now as an adult to see what fueled his hatred for the Cowboys.

In the years between 1970 and 1979, Dallas visited the Super Bowl five times, winning only twice, and the Redskins went to the Super Bowl only once to lose to the undefeated 1973 Super Bowl champion Miami Dolphins.

No wonder he was so bitter about this team I was born to love.

Much to the chagrin of my dear father, it was his taunts against this rival team of the Washington Redskins that made me even more curious about them.

From the age of five and on, I began absorb more of what my dad was watching and that’s when the tables turned for the Redskins.

Visiting the Super Bowl three times between 1980 and 1989, and losing only once, it was clear that they had tipped the scales in their favor for this decade that preceded my most impressionable years as a young fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

These early years for me started with my interest in the Cowboys’ coach, Tom Landry—the serious brooding gentleman in his trademark fedora. I was captivated by this intriguing figure that paced along the sidelines of the field, barely cracking a smile. I loved his seriousness and admired his religious—like dedication to the game.

I am sure it was the notable battles between these two teams that infuriated my father more.

The 1983 season opener for the Cowboys in a Monday Night game against the defending Super Bowl champion Redskins enraged many a Redskins fan when after a lead of 24-3, the Cowboys took the wind out of their sails with an impossible victory at the hands of a previously disregarded Danny White.

The Cowboys threw down the gauntlet that year by coming back to defeat the Redskins 31-30, an ego crushing game for the defending champions. The Redskins went to the Super Bowl that year, only to lose to the Raiders.

The Cowboys again kept the Redskins out of the playoffs in 1988 with the help of rookie wide receiver Michael Irvin.

In 1989, I was a freshman honors student in high school. It was during this time I was drawn deeper into the enticing fandom of the elaborate and unyielding excitement of the NFL.

However, my world became completely shattered when the longtime coach and icon of the Cowboys was given his walking papers by the new owner Jerry Jones.

I was confused and hurt. I was now starting to understand the emotional distress my dad had with his own team.

The magnitude of Tom Landry’s tenure with the Cowboys seemed irrelevant to this oil tycoon who felt that this team needed a rebuilding. Jerry Jones made his smartest yet most controversial move and hired Jimmy Johnson to replace Tom Landry, and boy did things change in Big D.

It took me a year to recover, but I was soon convinced that change was a good thing. What can I say? I was young and impressionable.

With the signing of Troy Aikman in 1989, it only took two seasons to get this team back into the swing of things. A Johnson led team with the rookie Aikman at the helm took the first year in stride, a 1-15 disappointment. The solitary win the Cowboys got in 1989 was against Washington.

This solitary win marked the second time in two years the Cowboys had prevented the Redskins from going to the playoffs.

Cue the screams and curses from my dad sitting in his recliner.

In 1990 it appeared the football gods were rewarding Jones for his tricks and this team turned a one-win-season into an 11-win season, only slightly shadowed by the Redskins' Super Bowl victory that year.

Thank goodness this is when I started to really pay attention to my team, because this would be the last exciting decade where my Cowboys have shined in the postseason.

Troy Aikman quickly grew to become my favorite QB and my childhood memories of Roger Staubach and Danny White were upgraded with new memories created by this new, flashier team.

With the extreme polar opposite of Landry in the perfectly coiffed Johnson, this team was led to victory three more times in the '90s-during my most impressionable teenage years.

Not only did this improved team provide the foundation for my renewed interest in the Cowboys, it also gave me a lot more fuel in the fire between the father and daughter rivalry.

I fell in love quickly with the players who would become known as the triplets, Aikman, Irvin and Smith. The let-downs were less and the wins were filled with incredible comebacks that will live forever in my heart.

By 1993, I had relocated to South Florida and the contest between my dad and I did not diminish due to the separation in miles.

He had to swallow his pride many times in the years between 1993-1996 and call me with a weak “congratulations” each time we beat the Redskins, and soon reverted to not answering the phone for days following ensuing record-breaking Super Bowl victories.

By this time I was well versed in NFL statistics and easily relayed to him the number wins between the Cowboys and Redskins with each new contest. Between the two clubs in the 90s, Redskins had visited the Super Bowl once and the Cowboys had smashed the Super Bowl record of most wins in four years by winning it three times.

The glory now belongs to me, and all the bad seasons I had suffered are worth it.

Unfortunately, the last 13 years have been a bit of a let-down for me, which I would bet is my father's greatest victory. Once Jerry Jones fired Jimmy Johnson and has since made other unimpressive decisions that have affected this team, each new season brings new emotions.

All these facts have also brought to light the fact that my daughter could possibly become a fan of a rival team. If so, she may end up a fan of the Eagles or Giants.

Of course our parents always warn us that our kids will turn out just like we did.

On a sad note—my father nearly died last week following what was expected to be a normal surgery.

This man who was not only my best friend but also my sports mentor almost slipped away too early. He is currently in ICU in Duke Medical Center and I can only hope that I will not only be able to see him pull through this, but also to tell him what his passion has instilled in me, and helped me to strive to become.

It will be great to see him laugh again and say, “Well, I never wanted you to become a COWGIRLS fan!”

How the Miami Dolphins Turned Me Into a Fan

Joi LaPointe — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:08:22 -0400

This week brought me many surprises, some good, some bad. Aside from dealing with a family emergency involving my sports mentor, it's been a pretty good week.

That's because I discovered The Bleacher Report and found my heart pounding like never before.

Wow, I thought, I can finally express my exploding sports thoughts on line to bunches of strangers and some friends? Wow! Super!

I came across a neat little ad on Facebook—the one social site I am really trying to only visit once a week, and immediately I put all other tasks on hold to dive in.

I'm diving in to swim with the Miami Dolphins!

Putting my love for the Dallas Cowboys first as always, it was clear in the contest rules for the CBS Correspondent contest that the fan wanting to achieve this ultimate position must live in proximity of the team they want to cover.

Oooh. I felt happy/sad upon reading that. How I would love to cover the Dallas Cowboys while at the same time maintaining a positive outlook on their upcoming season!

However, my relationship with Jerry Jones has almost turned into divorce.

That could be reason number one why I chose the Dolphins as the team to cover this year. To clearly emphasize my involvement with the Dolphins, I made a comprehensive list of the reasons why I love this team and would love to be chosen as a correspondent for this team:

Proximity: The Florida Turnpike is only 4 miles from my house, and Landshark (ugh) Stadium a short 45 minutes south.
My Dolphins History: 10 years ago, I actually tried out for the Dolphins cheerleader team. I figured I loved the game so much that I was willing to do ANYTHING to get closer to the action. I gave up after the first two days.
Jason Taylor: Please forgive me guys for this one, but Jason Taylor is very easy on the eyes. Besides, he leads the league in all time sacks for this decade. I am excited to see what he will add to the team this year.
Respect for Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano: This dynamic team did not get enough time in Dallas to do the magic that they do. Even though Parcells is VP and not on the field, his genius is obvious in every team he works with.
Empty Seats: Every game I've been to at Joe Robbie or Pro Player or Dolphin Stadium has had a disturbing amount of empty seats. The weather is great, wish you were here!
The JumboTron: Oct. 5, 2008 I wore my Zach Thomas jersey and got excited enough during the game against the Chargers to get myself on the big screen. That's got to be one to seal the deal for me. The Cowboys fan club almost dropped me after hearing this.
The Local Market: Dolphins games get priority on the local stations (for the most part). It was exciting and unavoidable to see some games last year that came down to absolute nail-biters.

And an honorable mention: Rubbing elbows with Bernie Kosar.

I was friends with his niece through an old boyfriend and we got to hang out at his house where she lived with him at the time. I played pool in the very room adorned by his Super Bowl trophy, the one earned as a backup to my favorite QB Troy Aikman.

I'm also a huge fan of my home away from home, Bru's Room. This is my "Cheers", my Sundays away from the hubby and my darling-soon-to-be-sports-fanatic two year old.

Bru's Room is owned by Bob Brudzinski, a former Dolphins linebacker who played with the Dolphins from 1981-1989. That place is a sports lovers heaven.

I still get tickled when I walk in and everyone knows my name, my passion, and my drink of choice. I'd almost rather watch games there because of the sheer excitement of the patrons and the fact that I can unabashedly scream at the TV.

I'm fully immersed in the South Florida culture and lifestyle so it seems to be a perfect fit for me to take on the challenge of covering this team.

In addition, I eat, drink, and live football. Nothing makes me more excited than NFL games, especially live.

I'm looking forward to a season of surprises, some ups and downs, and navigating through the Construction Zone.

My Top 10 Bittersweet Moments of the 2008-2009 NFL Season

Joi LaPointe — Fri, 15 May 2009 09:50:45 -0400

This article was written in January at the end of the regular season, and I just had to add it here!

I am an extreme female football junkie, groupie, etc. My favorite tag line is: I love football so much; I am going to marry it!

It was my first year in a Fantasy League and despite my love for the game and knowledge of it, I failed miserably.

(See NFL Fantasy commercial with "Bad Day" playing in background... girl in car with #9 Cowboys jersey, mascara streaming down face: ROMOLICIOUS)

This year (2008) was a bittersweet one to say the least.

So, here are my Top 10 bittersweet Moments of the 2008-2009 Football Season. (Cue "Bittersweet Symphony" by the Verve playing in background....)

1. T.O. and I finally resolved our issues (tough issues, think TO-SF and the Dallas Star) and I learned to love him, just in time for there to be more drama, within the Cowboys organization surrounding his presence there. Even more bittersweet is that he's now gone.

2. Inside the NFL went to SHO. Added Phil Simms and Warren Sapp. I have been watching this show for over a decade. Not any longer! I miss Dan Marino! My addiction to this show was abruptly curbed.

And what the hell happened to "Beat the Hosts"?

3. Never thought that the words, "I miss Dan Marino" would come out of my mouth.

4. Supported the Dolphins in a season where I was caught wearing a Fins jersey on the JumboTron. Feared that other people who knew me would call "foul".

5. Posted said picture of me on briefly on MySpace and now have a friend saying I may be a closet Dolphin fan.

6. Won almost every week in football pool for first half of season, felt like a genius, then lost almost every week with tiebreakers.

7. Still unable to wear the Romo jersey my cousin Ashley and her significant other bought me two years ago. Currently, it's still hanging in the closet with tags.

8. Spent less time at Bru's Room (sports bar in Delray Beach) because of network showing of the Cowboys' games more often on TV.

8b. Did "Coach Mora Playoffs" skit LIVE at Bru's Room with friend, only to discover no one really paid attention.

9. Finally understood the reason other friends have been furious with Jerry Jones.
Two words: Jimmy Johnson.

And most importantly:

10. Had to watch the 2009 Super Bowl, supporting several friends of Steeler Nation, a game in which the Steelers became the ONLY TEAM to have won six Super Bowls in their franchise history, surpassing only the DALLAS COWBOYS and San Francisco 49ers.

Say it ain't so! The year, I decided to become engaged to football and it has been so bittersweet.

Construction Central: Are the Miami Dolphins Safe in the Hard-Hat Zone?

Joi LaPointe — Thu, 14 May 2009 11:14:14 -0400

As a resident of South Florida for over 18 years and an avid fan of the NFL, it is quite unavoidable to become intrigued by the single-season-no-losses-record-holding team otherwise known as the Miami Dolphins. This sultry paradise South Floridians enjoy is no stranger to the effects of “rebuilding.”

Exhibit 1: I95 throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties—the never-ending construction that blemishes the lush tropical landscape residents live here and move here to enjoy.

A rebuilding process initially intended to provide a future improvement of our roadways sometimes looks like deconstruction rather than an improvement. While driving through Palm Beach County recently, I experienced the frustration of how this construction affects our commute and angers many of the drivers.

It was very clear these changes are akin to the changes within this Miami Dolphins team. During this period of remodeling, many of the Dolfans and fair-weather Dolfans may not be able to see the light at the end of the stadium tunnel, and may instead curse at the orange cones that line the pathway back to Superbowl glory.

Sadly, the few times I have visited Dolphin Joe Robbie Pro Player Dolphin Landshark Stadium, it has been glaringly obvious that the term “fair weather fan” is an understatement.

My last game at Dolphin Stadium (as it was named then) was against the San Diego Chargers; early in the season when no one in the fandom of the NFL or beyond would even fathom that the Dolphins would perform as well as they did in 2008.

It was a gorgeous October day, nice and hot still in this continental U.S.state closest to the equator.

I donned my Zach Thomas jersey, a practice jersey that was short, high, and slightly see through—one that garnered enough attention to get me on the Jumbotron, not to mention showed my undying support for one of the beloved ex-players of this team.

As expected in South Florida during the unrelenting months of hurricane season, the sunny day soon began to be streaked by large slow drops of afternoon rain.

At first the gaps in attendance in the stadium seemed to be due to the impending rain predicted earlier that day, but once the rain cleared, as it does quickly here, it was convincingly obvious that this team lacks the support of its fans in entirety.

Maybe the empty seats are an indicator that we live in an area where the activities for life enjoyment are abundant, and therefore many people can find themselves busy doing activities other than football on a Sunday. Or are they an indicator of the true nature of this historically losing team’s dying fan-ship?

Commencing this 2009 season with a new owner, management in their sophomore year at Miami, the acquisition of young new talent, and a schedule that would dishearten the mightiest of teams, there are very few indicators that we will see a repeat of last year’s “Miami Miracle.”

South Floridians are no exception to the rule of “instant gratification” and it makes me wonder if we will continue to see the gaps of orange seats through the Rebuilding Years.

The big question is: Is this rebuilding process any indicator that this organization doesn’t think it’s quite time for them to jump in the pool yet? Is it too early in the proverbial summer to believe that they can make some risky moves and totally immerse themselves in a possibly cold but productive season?

The offseason transactions seem to indicate some hesitation from this club—dipping the toe to check the temperature of the water. Recent markers of this hesitation on the team include passing on the opportunities to pick up available (and much needed) receivers like Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards.

I see huge red flags (or should I say white flags) surrendering this team to the state of limbo, where things are messy and a stronger future is just barely in sight.

This 2009 season—though not yet kicked off—has already started to baffle me, much like the Wildcat Offense that stunned a few defenses through the first few games of the season.

Prior to yesterday’s news that Jason Taylor will be returning to the team, I had little doubt in my head that it was the Big Tuna was wearing the hard hat here, Big Tuna who was reconstructing this team, the Big Tuna who turned up his nose at a veteran player who found more excitement off Dancing With the Stars, and the Big Tuna who wasn’t going to let this star return to his home team.

Surprise! I just got fooled by that same Wildcat formation, yet this time it was a management formation, not an offensive one. A smart move—solidifying the defense, and most importantly, making sure he’s not on the opposite side of the ball.

Who knows? There could be more surprises in store—mimicking the Dolphins 2008 season—as Boldin is rumored to want to be a part of this organization.

I’ve learned a lot about the coaching style of Bill Parcells from his time with the Giants and the Cowboys, and one thing is clear—he does not condone showboats.

Given that information, it’s no wonder he left Jerry Jones and the cast of limelight players back in Dallas to work with a team of players who could be molded into the intense, workhorse-like players that he believes it takes to get this team to win—not now, but in a few years.

The exceptional coaching style of Tony Sparano, supported by the great and mighty Bill Parcells and his tightly knit staff may be the key to exceeding my expectations for this team.

Bringing back the Wildcat Offense and using it when most unexpected was a key to a few wins last year for the Dolphins. Other keys were the lighter schedule, and a Brady-less AFC.

I strongly sense a need for more ingenuity in the offensive package as other teams have not only copied this resurrected formation, but will also be diligently studying the Dolphin’s game tapes from last year to be well prepared against any surprises.

Here are my top three key offseason moves made by the Dolphins that will predict their upcoming year:

Adding a big strong center in Jack Grove that can potentially open up the lanes for the offensive and improve upon the running game. “Run Ricky, Run!” and lend more excitement to the other option at RB, an up and coming star in Ronnie Brown.
Key additions on the offense include the big and tough Gibril Wilson who should be able to force some openings in the secondary, and the new QBs should prove to offer them some much needed offensive enhancements. With the acquisition of Chad Henne—crowned as the almost definite 2010 starter and a not-so-shabby third string Pat White, it is sure to scare life into current starting QB Chad Pennington, and is definite to make some interesting game days as we can expect to see some teetering between all three behind the gun.
Not signing a top-end wide receiver may cause some holes in the aforementioned building of the offense. Looks like the Dolphins plan to work with their existing core of receivers who produced mediocre numbers last year as individuals but did collaboratively produce enough activity as a core to put points on the board. The issue that may arise here is that we’ve got a bunch of younger, less experienced guys who are looking to each other for leadership. It could be a huge success, but with all the other factors, this may be a key weakness. Boldin could be a huge factor here, if the rumors are true.

With tough games against the usual suspects, such as the defending Super Bowl Champion Steelers, the Patriots with Brady at the wheel, and lined up against strong clubs like the Colts, Panthers, and Titans, I can foresee the future of the 2008 Dolphins NFL season—and it holds a huge test—young talent gaining their battle scars against the very best in the NFL.

After a season of silencing naysayers and winning their well deserved spot in the playoffs, it seems unlikely that this team will have the chance to climb high enough in its division to repeat what they did in 2008.

This may be exactly what the Big Tuna wants—divert attention away from this team and when others are least expecting, he will have formed an army strong enough to make it all the way to the glory in 2011.