Bleacher Report - Miami

Horrendous Play-Calling Hurts Dolphins in Loss To the Bills

T.J. Morrill — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:29:41 -0500

While the final score was 31-14, I will assure you this was not as lopsided a game as the score would lead you to believe. This game was tied in the 4th quarter but the Dolphins let it get out of hand.

In fact, the Dolphins should have blown the game open in the first half.

However, Dolphin offensive coordinator Dan Henning's play calling was atrocious.

On their first drive of the game, the Dolphins were having success with the running game. However, with the ball on the one yard line, the Dolphins tried to throw the ball into the end zone. That was already an odd decision, but even stranger is the fact that it was Ricky Williams on the pass attempt. The pass was intercepted and no points came out of the drive.

The Dolphins had no business throwing the ball, let alone with their running back who hasn't thrown a pass in years. It just doesn't make sense.

Over the course of the game, I noticed Henning decided to go with the pass when it just wasn't necessary. There was never an issue running the ball. Sure you want to mix it up and give the defense some different looks, but in all seriousness why not run the ball until they prove they can consistently stop it?

This Bills team came into the game dead last in the league in run defense and we just abandoned it when it was working.

Another needless play call occurred when Henning decided to call a Ted Ginn reverse during a sustained Dolphins' drive. What's the logic in that? It pulled the team out of field goal range and prevented even more scoring opportunities.

Another questionable called occurred when the Dolphins needed desperately to get the ball away from their own endzone. What was with throwing twice? After the first failed pass to Ginn, the Dolphins should have tried to run the ball and get it out of there. Even if they didn't get the first down, a couple of Ricky Williams carries would have given Brandon Fields some room to kick and get out of a possible safety situation.

All year, Henning has gone away from the running game and the wildcat at critical times in the game.

Some of the blame for the Dolphins' woes this year has to go to the coordinating. If the Dolphins would have taken advantage of their opportunities to enhance their lead and put point up early, the game would've been much different and possibly would have ended in a Miami Dolphin victory.

Unfortunately as it has been all year, the Dolphins play calling was very suspect and the Dolphins missed an opportunity to gain ground in the wild card race, and possibly the division.

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Miami Dolphins Promoted DE Ryan Baker from Practice Squad

Chris J. Nelson — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:13:46 -0500

The Miami Dolphins have made a minor transaction in preparation for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills, waiving cornerback Evan Oglesby and promoting defensive end Ryan Baker from the practice squad.

An undrafted rookie out of Purdue, Baker signed with the Dolphins following the 2009 NFL Draft. He failed to make the active roster following the preseason and has been on the team's practice squad since the beginning of the regular season.

Oglesby's release comes just four days after he was signed by the Dolphins as a free agent.

A four-year veteran with the Bills, Cowboys and Ravens, Oglesby remained unsigned after being waived by Baltimore during final cuts on Sept. 6.

Analysis

This transaction was made purely for this weekend's game and could very well be reversed early next week.

Reserve defensive end Lionel Dotson is likely out against Buffalo (he's officially listed as doubtful with an ankle injury) and the team obviously felt Baker's experience in the system since April was more valuable tomorrow than new arrival Ikaika Alama-Francis could be.

Baker will likely serve as the No. 4 defensive end behind starters Kendall Langford and Randy Starks and top backups Phillip Merling and Tony McDaniel, who is now also serving as the top backup to nose tackle Paul Soliai.

Meanwhile, Oglesby was the logical choice to make room for Baker. He is not in demand and should clear waivers easily. He was also signed just this week and wasn't going to play or contribute against the Bills anyway.

In all likelihood, Baker will be waived when Dotson is healthy and then re-signed to the practice squad, at which point I expect Oglesby to be re-signed.

Chris J. Nelson is a journalism major at Georgia State University. He operates his own Miami Dolphins web site, The Miami Dolphins Spotlight , and can be followed on Twitter here .

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Dolphins-Bills: Head-to-Head Comparison

Jason Clary — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 01:03:46 -0500

As the Dolphins (5-5) and the Bills (3-7) await their Sunday match-up, the importance of this game continues to become more more and more relevant. The Dolphins are sitting in the middle of the wild card race and they control their own destiny, so every single game remaining on their schedule shows pivotal importance. A lot has changed for both teams from the first meeting, and here is how these teams stack up against each other.

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Miami Dolphins-Buffalo Bills Friday Injury Report

Chris J. Nelson — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:06:39 -0500

The Miami Dolphins face the Buffalo Bills in two days, and the Dolphins look to be without one of their starting offensive linemen. Here is each team's full injury report as of Friday, Nov. 27:

Miami Dolphins

Probable: C Joe Berger (knee); RB Ricky Williams (chest)
Questionable: none
Doubtful: DE Lionel Dotson (ankle); C Jake Grove (ankle)

With starting center Jake Grove likely out against Buffalo, Joe Berger will get his first career start.

If Berger, who is probable himself with a knee injury, gets re-injured against the Bills, the Dolphins would likely use guard/tackle Nate Garner as his replacement.

The Dolphins usually activate six defensive linemen for games, and they only have six healthy right now.

Given that Dotson probably will not play and Tony McDaniel will also be serving as the backup nose tackle in Jason Ferguson's absence, newly-signed Ikaika Alama-Francis could be active less than a week after joining the team.

Buffalo Bills

Probable: LB Nic Harris (non-injury); DE Chris Kelsay (shoulder)
Questionable: FS Jairus Byrd (groin); CB Terrence McGee (knee); DT Marcus Stroud (knee)
Doubtful: none
Out: OT Demetrius Bell (knee); DT John McCargo (calf); CB Ashton Youboty (ankle)

Already favored against the dismal Bills, the Dolphins could greatly benefit from Buffalo's current injury situation.

The Bills' top two players in the secondary—cornerback Terrence McGee and NFL interception leader and rookie safety Jairus Byrd—are both questionable.

Meanwhile, the Bills' offensive line has been hit hard with injuries. Starting guards Eric Wood and Seth McKinney are out for the season, while offensive tackle Demetrius Bell is out against Miami with a knee injury.

In fact, the Bills have just seven healthy linemen, and only five of them were on the active roster last week.

They've added former Steelers guard Kendall Simmons as a free agent and promoted interior lineman Christian Gaddis from the practice squad, though neither is really ready to contribute.

Chris J. Nelson is a journalism major at Georgia State University. He operates his own Miami Dolphins web site, The Miami Dolphins Spotlight , and can be followed on Twitter here .

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The Ten Best (And Worst) Moments In The History of Florida—Florida State

Jeff Kessock — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:59:04 -0500

TAMPA—The history, the prestige, the implications, and the dynamism of two polar opposites, who happen to be less than 200 miles apart. On one end—the Florida Gators, the other—the Florida State Seminoles. This is college football. The journey to this apex, while perhaps a bit hazy in the minds of those who aren't the most intimate of die-hard fans, may tell the tale of how Florida State and Florida will forever be a rivalry worth tuning in for. Luster or not—these two teams have always been an instant sensation, and in the minds of most, perhaps one of the most storied programs of the last quarter century. The next few pages will attempt to recap some of the more monumental and memorable times of the rivalry that is: Florida/Florida State.

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Panthers' Ville Koistinen Clears Waivers; Is Trade With Toronto on the Horizon?

Robert Young — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:09:16 -0500

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and especially to Ville Koistinen that just cleared waivers...

Despite being waived, he’s going to be spending Thanksgiving here in South Florida rather than in Rochester of the AHL, for the time being anyway.

However, the question is if the Panthers won’t be putting him on re-entry waivers soon—so that another NHL team can pick him up on a Black Friday sale perhaps.

Poor Ville...

You have to feel sorry for the guy. Despite signing a two-year $2 million deal with the Cats in July, he was never really given a fair chance. After all, we must keep in mind that he played all of his 17 games for the Cats out of position. And playing as a forward is not easy for a defenseman, with a few rare exceptions.

However, life is tough sometimes and coach Peter DeBoer was not happy with Ville and his contributions to the team. And if you don’t have the confidence of the head coach, for whatever reason, then it’s probably better to move on anyway.

We’ll see what the fate of Koistinen will be. One can’t help but wonder if this move was not only made to make room for the big enforcer Steve MacIntyre to be recalled, but perhaps also to accommodate some valuable cap space for a trade?

I know the Panthers have been mentioned in connection with our next opponents on Friday: The Toronto Maple Leafs.

We have previously seen teams come to town and make trades just prior to or after the game. The Leafs are, according to several reports, looking for a trading partner and perhaps Florida holds the bait for a deal to be hashed out?

I don’t want to fume the trade talk more than necessary, but if I were GM—and we are all no doubt blessing the fact that I’m not—I’d be one of the five teams or so reportedly looking at LW Niklas Hagman right now.

We know the former Panthers draft pick from 1999 well, he knows South Florida, and seeing as our regular top three left wingers—Booth, Stillman, and Campbell—are all out with injuries, it might make some sense in acquiring another left winger that could play on the top lines.

Hagman has already 15 points on the season for the struggling Maple Leafs. That would make him tied for third in scoring with the Cats, who could certainly use that kind of help in the scoring department.

The Leafs would be loathed to lose one of the few players they have that is playing well, but throw in a draft pick or two, perhaps a medium-range prospect to sweeten the deal, and Toronto’s GM Brian Burke might be willing to consider the offer.

I might add there is no current rumor out there suggesting this or any other trade is possibly in the offing, however, I do find this idea intriguing and would be interested in hearing what people have to say about it.

I know Hagman wasn’t a big hit when he was here in South Florida a few years ago, but, like many other players, he has developed into a solid NHL player after leaving the club.

With Toronto being in a problematic situation, perhaps this is the perfect opportunity to get Niklas back here to show what he can do for us now that he’s matured.

What do you think, deal or no deal, what would you do?

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Jason Ferguson, Matt Roth Headline Flurry of Miami Dolphins Roster Moves

Chris J. Nelson — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:35:47 -0500

The Miami Dolphins have had a busy week, making a myriad of transactions involving a total of a total of seven players.

In the interest of avoiding a handful paragraphs in the introduction to list each transaction, I will instead just list them in bullets below. Then I will address each transaction with it's own section in the body of the article? Sound good? Fantastic.

Placed on injured reserve: NT Jason Ferguson
Waived: OLB Matt Roth; FS Nate Ness
Signed to active roster: DE Ikaika Alama-Francis (free agent); CB Evan Oglesby (free agent); OG Andrew Hartline (from practice squad)
Signed to practice squad: G/C Mark Lewis; FS Nate Ness

The Dolphins now have a full 53-man active roster as well as an eight-man practice squad. Ferguson becomes the team's second defensive starter, fourth starter overall and seventh player this season to land on injured reserve.

Jason Ferguson

A long-time Bill Parcells veteran with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets, Ferguson arrived in Miami prior to the 2008 season for a swap of sixth-round picks with the Cowboys.

Ferguson has anchored the Dolphins' defensive line in the 3-4 alignment brought by Parcells, leading one of the league's best run defenses over the past season in a half.

Prior to his season-ending quad injury, Ferguson had appeared in all 25 games for the Dolphins. Playing the no-glory position of 3-4 nose tackle, he recorded 45 tackles and a pass deflection but was a massive space-eater in the interior defensive line.

Despite his consistently high level of play, Ferguson will be 35 later this month and has suffered season-ending injuries in two of the past three seasons. He is in the last year of his contract and will likely retire if he isn't re-signed as a backup by the Dolphins in the offseason.

Meanwhile, 2007 fourth-round pick Paul Soliai will move into the starting nose tackle position in Ferguson's absence.

A regular in the staff's doghouse the past few years due to immaturity issues, Soliai has emerged as a quality nose tackle with 11 tackles and a forced fumble this season.

Despite missing the past two games with an ankle injury, Soliai recently resumed practicing and should be ready to assume the starting job against Buffalo this weekend.

Beyond Soliai, reserve defensive end Tony McDaniel will become the top backup at nose tackle. Fellow end Randy Starks is also a candidate to play some nose, but it may be unlikely given how well he's playing this season on the outside.

Matt Roth

The enigmatic Matt Roth Era has finally come to an end in Miami.

After getting in the staff's doghouse with a phantom illness/groin injury in training camp, spending the first six weeks of the season on the PUP list, and being activated to play in the team's last four games, the Dolphins have finally their 2005 second-round pick.

The Dolphins' best run-stopping linebacker in 2008, Roth clearly wasn't in the team's long-term plans. His contract is up in the offseason (though he will only be a restricted free agent if there is no new Collective Bargaining Agreement) and the Dolphins are loaded with talent at outside linebacker.

Roth's released means more continued playing time for Charlie Anderson and Cameron Wake, both of whom have shined at times this season. It also should allow either Erik Walden or Quentin Moses to once again be active on game days.

With Roth's release, running back Ronnie Brown (second overall) and linebacker Channing Crowder (third round) are the only players remaining from Nick Saban's 2005 draft class. Brown is currently on injured reserve, making Crowder the Dolphins' only currently active draft pick from 2005.

UPDATE: Word came today from agent Drew Rosenhaus that Roth has been claimed by the Cleveland Browns, where he will continue to play outside linebacker as they run a 3-4 scheme similar to Miami's.

A solid player when healthy, Roth could immediately threaten current starters Kamerion Wimbley Jason Trusnik for playing time on a struggling Browns team.

Andrew Hartline

An undrafted rookie out of Central Michigan, Andrew Hartline (no relation to Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline) started 52 games consecutive games for the Chippewas and earned All-MAC selections each of the last three seasons.

Despite his very productive collegiate career, Hartline was not selected in the 2009 NFL Draft and signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent. He failed to make the Packers' active roster out of training camp, however, and was waived during final cuts on Sept. 5.

Hartline was signed to the Dolphins' practice squad ten days later on Sept. 15, replacing fellow undrafted rookie Mark Lewis.

Although he was an offensive tackle in college, Hartline (6-5, 300) projects as more of an interior lineman at the NFL level due to lack of top-notch athleticism. He will likely work at offensive guard and could see practice reps at center with Jake Grove and Joe Berger both nursing injuries.

Sporting No. 60, Hartline would likely see himself activated as a reserve lineman this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills if Grove does not play.

Ikaika Alama-Francis

On the same day the team waived a former second-round pick, the Dolphins' added someone else's, signing former Detroit Lions defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis.

A two-time All-WAC selection at Hawaii, Alama-Francis was chosen 58th overall by the Lions in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Francis battled injuries throughout his rookie season, including a torn pectoral muscle suffered during his senior season at Hawaii. He finished the year with 12 tackles in six games.

A top reserve defensive lineman the following year, Alama-Francis started two of the 13 games in which he played for the 0-16 Lions during the 2008 season. He finished the year with 23 tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection.

Alama-Francis played in all four preseason games for the Lions in 2009 but failed to make the team as the fourth defensive end when Copeland Bryan was claimed off waivers from the Bills on Sept. 6.

A free agent since his release, Alama-Francis has had a bit of difficulty finding a new job due to the fact that he is no longer eligible for the practice squad after appearing in too many regular season games for the Lions in 2008.

With Tony McDaniel likely to see more time at defensive end in Jason Ferguson's absence, Alama-Francis (6-5, 290) will attempt to work himself into the rotation at defensive end. He has a good blend of strength and athleticism and offers some upside as a prospect.

In fact, Alama-Francis is probably a better prospect than current fifth defensive end Lionel Dotson, so he should see some game action before the end of the season. Also count on him being in training camp in 2010 where he could push to become part of the regular rotation.

Alama-Francis will wear No. 79 with the Dolphins, most recently worn by practice squad defensive end Ryan Baker (now wearing No. 90).

Evan Oglesby

A former undrafted free agent out of North Alabama, Oglesby signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2005 and spent time on the team's practice squad before his release in October.

Oglesby signed with the Baltimore Ravens the following December, playing in three games and recording one tackle as a rookie.

After appearing in all 16 games and recording 14 tackles and two pass deflections with the Ravens in 2006, Oglesby was waived by the team during final cuts on September 2, 2007.

The Dallas Cowboys claimed Oglesby off waivers the following day, and he went on to appear in eight games for the team in 2007, recording four tackles. He was waived following the 2008 preseason on Sept. 2.

Oglesby's second stint with the Ravens came in 2008 when he appeared in nine regular season games and recorded 14 tackles. He was once again waived by the team on September 5, 2009.

Like Alama-Francis, Oglesby is another one of those players who has been hurt by the rules of practice squad eligibility. He most certainly would have been on a developmental squad between his release and signing with the Dolphins if he were eligible, but he has already played too many games in the NFL.

An experienced four-year veteran, Oglesby brings with him familiarity with the Dolphins' scheme as well as the coaching staff from his time in Dallas—particularly defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni and secondary coach Todd Bowles.

Though he'll probably never be anything more than what he is now, Oglesby (5-11, 182) is a capable dime cornerback in the NFL. He should be able to work his way into rotation in the secondary, quite possibly at the expense of strong special-teamer but first-round cornerback bust Jason Allen.

Oglesby will don No. 41 in Miami, which was most recently worn by cornerback Joey Thomas (currently a free agent) last season.

Mark Lewis

Originally with the Dolphin as an undrafted rookie out of Oregon during the 2009 preseason, Lewis failed to make the team and subsequently spent time on the practice squad of the Seattle Seahawks.

Lewis (6-4, 300) is a very borderline pro prospect and unlikely to ever see NFL action. Per reports, he was working cutting down and hauling Christmas trees in California before he received a call from the Dolphins.

Lewis will resume wearing No. 61 with the Dolphins and will make $5,200 per week on the team's practice squad. He will work at both guard and center in hopes of earning a training camp invite in 2010.

Nate Ness

Ness' tenure on the active roster was short-lived as the team waived the undrafted rookie defensive back just one week after promoting him from the practice squad.

Despite earning the call-up when Ronnie Brown was placed on injured reserve, Ness did not play or dress against the Carolina Panthers in Week 11.

The Dolphins have re-signed Ness to the practice squad, where he will continue to work at free safety and possibly cornerback. He could see another promotion at some point this season and is a solid candidate to be re-signed in the offseason.

Chris J. Nelson is a journalism major at Georgia State University. He operates his own Miami Dolphins web site, The Miami Dolphins Spotlight, and can be followed on Twitter here.

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A Look at the Dolphins Defense without Jason Ferguson

T.J. Morrill — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:49:39 -0500

As many of you are aware, the Miami Dolphins have lost Jason Ferguson for the rest of the season.

This hurts almost as bad as losing Ronnie Brown two weeks ago, as now the Dolphins have lost key players on both sides of the ball.

Ferguson was an important part of stopping the run at the nose tackle position and was a key for getting pressure on the quarterback (even though Paul P. doesn't seem to care about that).

This means that third year defensive lineman from Utah, Paul Soliai, will be playing nose tackle for the remainder of the year.

I haven't seen much from the young Soliai, but the Dolphins better hope he steps up big because they need him more than anyone right now to fill the A-gaps successfully.

This is also going to put pressure on the line-backing corps to make first hit tackles, something the Dolphins' defense has struggled with all season long. To become more than just a good team, the defense needs to learn how to stop big plays by executing tackles properly and not giving up yards after contact.

More pressure is also put on the secondary to lock down receivers and tight ends. The play of the secondary has been another struggle for the Miami defense throughout the year, as long passes have plagued Miami from the start of the season.

We all remember the defensive failures against Indy and New Orleans right?

To keep the Dolphins in the playoff hunt, the defense must execute. It is plain and simple. They must wrap up ball carriers and cover receivers down field. Paul P. has also got to be more aggressive and attack the line of scrimmage. When the defense lays back and is less aggressive, they seem to get lackadaisical, giving up big plays and failing to execute.

Let's also not forget that the key to stopping any passing attack is to limit the time the quarterback has to throw the ball. Pasqualoni seems to have forgotten that over the course of the season. Against the Saints, when Brees was pressured in the first half, the Dolphins only allowed 10 points, but when the Dolphins laid back in the second half the Saints scored over 30.

The Dolphins need to be aggressive and attack the line of scrimmage while also maintaining their assignments and not allowing anyone to break free.

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Miguel Cabrera to the Mets? Get Over the Pipe Dream New York

Michael Ganci — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:58:28 -0500

By Michael Ganci
Editor

Just a couple of weeks after the Mets’ season ended, my father came home from work one day with a complete list of MLB’s free agents, and then we had our annual talk about who could be available on the trade market.

The usual names came up: Jason Bay and Matt Holliday would be the top outfield targets, and John Lackey would be the top pitcher.

The Mets have needs that have to be addressed, and there was one guy who was brought up in the conversation that is quite enticing: Miguel Cabrera.

The guy would certainly fill the power void in the Mets’ lineup, but would management be willing to pony up the dough that Cabrera is owed? Also, would Omar Minaya deplete the Mets farm system to make such a trade happen?

I think the answer is no on both accounts. Way too much would need to happen to make this deal go down.

First, let’s start with the money.

Cabrera still has six years and $126 million left on his current deal. Everyone knows that the Wilpons were hit pretty hard when Bernard Madoff pulled off his ponzi scheme. Where is this money going to come from? Oh, I know the answer. It’s coming out of our pockets.

I think the bit about the Wilpons being out of money is bologna, and the fact is that they are just plain cheap and not willing to take that giant leap to make their team a contender.

Then you have the cost in players. Take what I am about to offer with a grain of salt, but I think Cabrera would cost a package such as Jenrry Mejia, Brad Holt, Fernando Martinez, and Ike Davis.

On top of that, we might have to add a major league player or two. Would you be willing to make such a deal? I am not sure our farm system would be able to handle it.

Then you have the attitude of Miguel Cabrera. We all know that when he was a member of the Florida Marlins, his laziness and attitude came into question on more than one occasion.

Would this guy really be willing to make a position change and come play in the limelight of New York City? I am not so sure.

He has always seemed to be a “me first” player, and that isn't the kind of guy that would fit into the ultimate scheme of things.

Another option could be to have David Wright make the switch to first base, but that is a whole other ballgame.

This guy has the goods. There’s no denying that. He is just 26 years old, and already he has amassed over 200 homers and 750 RBI.

He has also gotten MVP votes every year since he has entered the league, and he might be a top-five hitter in baseball. There’s no arguing that he would be fun to watch.

Why exactly would Detroit just have him on the block? I love to dream just like the next guy, but moving Cabrera doesn’t seem necessary. If anything, the Tigers seem to be jockeying to build around the power-hitting third baseman.

With Magglio Ordonez, Jeremy Bonderman, Dontrelle Willis, and Nate Robertson coming off of the books after next season, it seems like they would have money to spend.

Also, there’s talk already of them moving Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson. That would open up a nice chunk of change as well.

To me, it seems like a pipe dream. We love to speculate, but I just don’t see why Detroit would move a guy who has a talent that is impossible to replicate.

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Highway Robbery at Sunrise: Florida Panthers Mugged by Penguin Ref

Robert Young — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:54:30 -0500

You would think the defending Stanley Cup Champions would not need any breaks and dodgy calls to beat the upstart Florida Panthers.

However, apparently the refs thought otherwise and handed the victory to the Penguins on a silver platter. Words do not suffice to express the outrage and utter disbelief—of the highway robbery on ice—that Panthers’ fans are feeling.

In a shocking turn of events, the Florida Panthers lost another two-goal lead in the third period, to then be punished by a controversial double-minor penalty in the ensuing overtime by the Penguins.

Referee’s Greg Kimmerly and Kevin Bollocks, sorry; Pollock, with much help from intervening linesmen Tony Sericolo, and Mark Shewchyk, conspired together to hand the victory to their Penguin brethren in black and white at the game in Sunrise.

The visitors from Pittsburgh didn’t need another invitation, or the entire four minute man-advantage, to cash in on the dodgy call.

Sidney Crosby collected a loose puck in front of the net and tucked it away behind the brave Tomas Vokoun in goal; who to that point had almost single-handedly kept the Cats in the game after a late surge from the visitors.

The play that would be foremost on everyone’s mind was the appalling actions by one of the linesmen.

A minute in to the overtime, the Pittsburgh defender Brooks Orpik checked Nathan Horton in the back well after Horty had released the puck. That would qualify as an interference one would think, right?

But no: The linesman, in all his wisdom, decided to but in and call the penalty—on Nathan Horton.

The Florida Panthers’ forward, the by far dominating offensive player of the game to that point, was sent to the box for four minutes.

Apparently it is now illegal in the NHL to be checked in the back by an opposing player and subsequently fall to the ice.

Let’s call it a high sticking and pretend that the fouled player, checked in the back and falling to the ice, actually has the semblance of means to control his stick in this instance.

In these new directives, apparently sent to the linesmen just prior to this game, they are to be vigilant of any players falling to the ice as the result of a blindsided check.

Obviously that kind of behavior cannot be tolerated by the NHL and shall henceforth warrant four minutes in the penalty box—to the player fouled that is—not the one delivering the foul naturally.

So well done linesman! I’m sure Gary Bettman will reward you handsomely for that brilliant call, and of course; for giving Sidney Crosby the chance to star in another game.

After all, if we are to sell this game to those who have no interest in the sport—we must have our fix stars in hockey. And we all feel Sidney, poor fellow, deserves a few extra breaks in life don’t we…

Seriously though, I have nothing against Sidney or the Penguins, but I see no reason for the referee’s to give them any extra favors either. They are good enough to stand on their own two feet.

Panthers fans are rightfully p*ssed and feel robbed of a sporting chance to win this game.

This latest referee meltdown is likely to reignite not only the discussions of poor overall refereeing, but also the long-held belief that the refs favor the teams from the north.

I’m not one to believe in conspiracies, but fact is that Florida is the subject of one dodgy call after another. If there is any resemblance of a penalty to be taken, no matter how iffy the call is, you can be assured it will be made.

And if you don’t believe me and think this is just a crazy idea emanating from Southern Florida; then take the time to ask the Tampa Bay Lightning what they think of the referee’s calls in their games.

Conspiracy or not, it does seem clear that the Florida teams, Panthers and Lightning, have no “luck” with the referee’s.

And considering this, it is sometimes hard not to think that the refs do in fact favor the northern teams.

After all; the refs come from these regions, the traditional hockey markets, and if they feel what most people do in those areas—well then they do not like the idea of hockey teams playing in the Sunshine State.

If that is the case, then there is a built in bias from the get-go and it is hard to imagine that this would not, even if on a subconscious level, have an effect on the calls that the refs make.

Anyway…

The game is over and there is not much point in keeping on harping about the refs and the bad calls. Despite this dark cloud on the NHL horizon there are still some positives to take out of the game for the home side.

Florida played some good hockey and should have expanded the lead in the third at the score of 2-1. Two shots hit the post behind Fleury and had either gone in; then no amount of dodgy calls from the refs could help the Penguins salvage anything from this game, surely.

And even in defeat, it must be admitted that one point isn’t all that bad.

Pittsburgh is the defending Stanley Cup champions for a reason, and yet, once again the Cats showed themselves able to go toe-to-toe with the champs.

That in itself bodes well for this season.

The Panthers have certainly turned things around and look poised to make a push for the playoffs.

All players are finding their stride—although none more than the trio of Stephen Weiss, Nathan Horton, and Tomas Vokoun—and they have now gelled and look more and more solid as a team overall.

There is communication on and off the ice, the tails are up and the confidence growing on an individual level with all players on the roster.

And now that everyone has bought in to head coach Peter DeBoer’s system—they are starting to develop an identity as a hardnosed team that will give anyone a run for the money; including the champions.

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The Ultimate Retirement Party For Bobby Bowden Can Be This Weekend

Jonny Solovy — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:22:30 -0500

Bobby Bowden has been the ultimate coach for the past several decades.

His win/loss record is incredible and the impact he has made on the game, especially in Florida, is beyond astonishing.

He built a nothing football school into the ultimate powerhouse for over a decade. No team was feared like the Seminoles of the 90's, and no coach as respected as Coach Bowden.

His southern charm and class will never be seen again in the game. Even when critics are everywhere and the love is turning into angry love, Bowden has taken it all in and done his best at all times.

FSU is still rebuilding, and has had yet another season that has Seminole supporters everywhere shaking their head in sadness. Bowden has been asked several times this season what the problem is, why have they not been able to win more games? His response has mostly been the same all year, "... we're really close."

Fact is, he is right. The Noles are really close, but how close?

Not once this entire 2009 season was FSU blown out. Sure the Clemson score looks bad now, but if you watched the game FSU lead most of the game and blew it up in the fourth quarter.

The game against USF, same thing. FSU could have won the game but instead blew the game in the fourth quarter. Georgia Tech game, same thing. Miami game, same thing. Are you seeing the same thing I am seeing? Bowden is right, they are really close.

A loss is a loss and a win is a win, we all get that, but anyone telling me FSU hasn't competed this year and is not a good team at all hasn't watched them play.

They have some incredible talent on both sides of the ball as well as some of the fastest kids on one team I have seen. This young team just doesn't know how to consistently win, something FSU has known how to do for decades.

So this brings me to this week's game against the No. 1 team in the nation, the Florida Gators.

Do the Noles really have a realistic shot of beating UF in "The Swamp?" Absolutely not.

But they do have a chance. Even if it is slim, they have a chance.

Imagine it now: Five seconds remain on the clock as UF's solid kicker takes the field to attempt a game-winner. Bowden calls a timeout and tries to "ice" the kicker. He and best friend Mickey Andrews tell the Noles to do everything they can to get a piece of that ball.

A few moments later the snap is made, the kicker lunges forward and the ball is kicked. The ball appears to have been tipped just enough as the 51 yard kick falls short and left. People are stunned, the UF players can't move or breathe, and the FSU players jump and yell like they haven't done in years.

The camera zooms in on a close-up shot of Bowden and Andrews hugging in tears of joy—tears that have built up for over thirty years. Happiness that the entire FSU community hasn't felt in many years is suddenly floating in the air. UF's coach, Urban Meyer, walks across the field and graciously hugs and congratulates Bowden on an incredible upset win. Bowden, classy as always, tells him how incredible the Gators are.

With cameras and commotion surrounding Bowden, the players pour the Gatorade coolers all over their coach, and the seniors then pick up their old coach and carry him off the field. The Gator fans are on their feet applauding not just a man who has been the coaching name of college football for decades, but a man who has made football in Florida what it is today.

As Bowden, in tears, is carried of the field, the CBS reporter asks him what he is feeling at this very moment, and Bowden responds, "Not sure I was ever going to feel this happy again on a football field. I told these guys before the game in the locker room that this was going to be my last game as the FSU football coach, and they gave me the best retirement party ever!"

Well, we can dream, right?

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The Ultimate Retirement Party For Bobby Bowden Can Be This Weekend

Jonny Solovy — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:22:07 -0500

Bobby Bowden has been the ultimate coach for the past several decades. His win/loss record is incredible and the impact he has made on the game, especially in Florida, is beyond astonishing. He built a school not known for football into a powerhouse. No team was feared like the Seminoles of the 90's, and no coach is as respected as Coach Bowden.

His southern charm and class will never be seen again in the game. Even when critics are everywhere and the love is turning into angry love, Bowden has taken it all in and done his best at all times.

FSU is still rebuilding and have had yet another season that has Seminole supporters everywhere shaking their heads. Bowden has been asked several times this season what the problem is, and why have they not been able to win more games. His response has mostly been the same all year, "... we're really close."

Fact is, he is right, the Noles are really close, but how close?

Not one game this entire 2009 season was FSU blown out. Sure the Clemson score looks bad now but if you watched the game FSU lead most of the game and blew it up in the fourth quarter. The game against USF, same thing, FSU could have won the game but instead blew the game in the fourth quarter. Georgia Tech game, same thing. Miami game, same thing. Are you seeing the same thing I am seeing? Bowden is right, they are really close.

A loss is a loss and a win is a win, we all get that, but anyone telling me FSU hasn't competed this year and is not a good team at all, hasn't watched them play. They have some incredible talent on both sides of the ball as well as some of the fastest kids on one team i have seen. This young team just doesn't know how to consistently win, something FSU has known how to do for decades.

So this brings me to this weeks game against the No. 1 team in the nation, the Florida Gators.

Do the Noles really have a realistic shot of beating UF in "The Swamp?" Absolutely not. But they do have a chance, even if it is slim, they have a chance.

Imagine it now, 5 seconds remain on the clock as UF's solid kicker takes the field to attempt a game winner. Bowden calls a timeout and tries to "ice" the kicker. He and best friend Mickey Andrews tell the Noles to do everything they can to get a piece of that ball.

The camera zooms in on a close-up shot on Bowden and Andrews are hugging in tears of joy. Tears that have built up for over thirty years. Happiness that the entire FSU community hasn't felt in many years is suddenly floating in the air. UF's coach, Urban Meyer, walks across the field and graciously hugs and congratulates Bowden on an incredible upset win. Bowden, classy as always, tells him how incredible the Gators are.

With cameras and commotion surrounding Bowden, the players pour the Gatorade coolers all over their coach' the seniors then pick up their old coach and carry him off the field. The Gator fans are on their feet applauding not just a man who has been the coaching name of college football for decades but a man who has made football in Florida what it is today.

Well, we can dream, right?

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New York Mets To Possibly Play In Puerto Rico

Adam Bernacchio — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:41:17 -0500

Well, if the New York Mets couldn’t win in Citi Field, the three American League ballparks, and the other 15 National League ballparks in 2010, why not try somewhere new in 2011?

According to Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News , the Mets are working on playing some regular-season games in Puerto Rico. The games would be considered road games for the Mets and would be played in Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.

The most likely opponent would be the Florida Marlins.

This is the equivalent of the NFL playing games in London, but people in Puerto Rico care about baseball and this actually makes sense.

Thanks to the signings of Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado, the Mets have a large Puerto Rican following. Beltran, who is opening up a baseball academy in Puerto Rico, would sell out the game by himself.

The Mets also have Pedro Feliciano, Angel Pagan, and Omir Santos on the roster who were born in Puerto Rico.

The Marlins being the opponent for the Mets makes a ton of sense as well. Since the Marlins draw like 5,000 fans for a home game, they would probably generate more revenue from playing three games in San Juan than they would playing three games in Florida.

Hiram Bithorn Stadium was home to the Montreal Expos for some games during the 2003 and 2004 season.

You can follow The Ghost of Moonlight Graham on Twitter @ theghostofmlg

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