Miami Dolphins: An Apology for Wide Receiver Davone Bess

Before the 2012-13 NFL season kicked off, I wrote an article about Davone Bess being on the bubble, as a member of the Miami Dolphins. The post received a lot of attention and I was bombarded with venom from Miami fans.

I argued that Miami had to move beyond the small, slow, steady receivers.  Bess was just that—the smallest and slowest receiver on the team.  I argued that Bess was coming off an injury and if Miami was able to acquire four solid receivers, through free agency or the draft, Bess would be on the bubble. 

Of course, those four receivers would compliment Brian Hartline, who I lauded in a follow up article.  At least I got that right.

Well, Davone Bess, I apologize.  Your quickness is exceptional.  Your hands are dependable.  Most of all, your "heart" is undying.  You are a football player.

I cannot believe I fell for the trap called Legedu Naanee.  Here's a receiver that looks the part but does not deliver.  He is big, strong and fast, but when you need a first down, it's Bess you'll be looking for. 

Naanee is the anti-Bess.

On October 2, 2012, our very own Alessandro Miglio wrote about Miami's need to cut Naanee.  Coincidentally, he was released the same day after four games and a single reception.  Before last week's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Sun Sentinel's Omar Kelly wrote about how the injured Bess would be missed.

Bess, who currently has 778 receiving yards, would have likely eclipsed 1,000 this year, if not for injury.  He has proven to be one of the top slot receivers in the league.  Hartline, who has amassed 1002 yards, has proven he can be an elite No. 2.  Ryan Tannehill will be in a great position once the Dolphins add an alpha receiver.

Yes, Miami had Brandon Marshall, but it also had Tony Sparano.