Tomorrow is a monumental day for us here at Phins Phocus. Yes, we had the privilege of interviewing Charles Clay and Kory Sheets a couple weeks ago, and we are very appreciative of those two for sitting down with us. But Davone Bess is one of the league’s best slot receivers, a huge contributor on the Dolphins’ offense, and has a remarkable story to boot, going from a troubled childhood in California, to one of the nation’s most productive receivers in Hawaii’s run and shoot offense, to undrafted, to stardom in Miami. 

Bess proved to be a real class act in his interview with Daniel today. I knew Davone was one of the league’s good guys, as he’s very active in the community with his charity organization, but my respect for him has grown tremendously with this interview. So it’s easy to see why we’re excited.

Make sure you check back with us tomorrow morning for the interview, but for now, I thought I would put together a few video clips in Davone’s honor to hold us over. If you haven’t seen the first clip yet, “Davone Bess Out of the Fog,” it’s a must see for any Dolphin fan. Truly an amazing story.

Former New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress was just released from prison today and speculation is already brewing that the Dolphins could be a possible suitor. Burress has family in South Florida and is rumored to have a strong interest in signing with the Dolphins. That’s where the connections between Plax and the Dolphins should stop and end abruptly in my opinion.

Besides the fact that he’s now 33 and has been out of football for two years, meaning who knows what you’re getting with this guy now, he’s nowhere near an ideal fit on this offense.

I’ve made this argument before in regards to the possibility of Mike Sims-Walker coming to Miami, so excuse me if I’m coming off as redundant, but there is nothing void with this Dolphins’ receiving core now that they have their speedster in Edmond Gates.

Brandon Marshall is a top five talent and I believe he proves that in 2011 if he can get a little consistency at quarterback. Davone Bess is one of the top slot receivers in the game. Brian Hartline may be the most underrated member of the Miami offense, as he was on pace for over 800 yards receiving before he missed the final five games of the season with a broken finger.

If the Dolphins’ passing attack isn’t up to par in 2011, it’s going to be because Chad Henne, or whoever else starts at quarterback, struggles. The Dolphins’ weapons at receiver are more than adequate enough to get the job done, and I firmly believe a franchise quarterback would elevate the entire core to elite status.

With all that said, there is one scenario where signing Burress would be rationalized. It’s become somewhat of an afterthought in Miami, but some continue to speculate that there is still a remote possibility that the league could discipline Brandon Marshall for being stabbed by his wife. To me, that is as ludicrous as it sounds, unless of course Roger Goodell knows something we don’t.

Marshall’s wife claims she did so out of self-defense, but to my knowledge she had no injuries or bruises. And reports have it that the case could be dropped all together, as Marshall won’t cooperate with law enforcement because he misses his wife and probably doesn’t want her to face jail time.

So, assuming there is no new revelations in the Marshall case, I just don’t see why anyone would speculate about Burress signing with the Dolphins. A possible red-zone target? That’s what Marshall is for when he’s used properly. An upgrade at the 5th receiver spot over Roberto Wallace and Marlon Moore? Come on now. Do you really think Burress wants to sign with a team he won’t even suit up every game day for?

I’m one of the skeptics that felt Burress was punished far too severely for accidently shooting himself, so by all means I’m rooting for the guy to resurrect his career. I just don’t see it happening in Miami. 

It’s time to get down in the trenches as we continue our All-Time Miami Dolphins series by unveiling the top offensive tackles in team history. Offensive lineman certainly lack the star power of some of the all-time great Dolphins we have discussed so far, but make no mistake about it, this franchise wouldn’t boast the proud tradition it does without the big guys up front.

Some of the best offensive lineman in league history have played for the Dolphins, but the greatest in Dolphins history and league history alike like Dwight Stephenson, Larry Little, Jim Langer, and Bob Kuechenberg made a name for themselves along the interior offensive line. The Dolphins haven’t produced the same caliber of talent at offensive tackle, but possibly two future Hall of Famers and two Pro Bowlers make our list.

1. Richmond Webb (1990-2000): The Dolphins invested their 9th overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft in an insurance policy for Dan Marino, and Richmond Webb didn’t disappoint. Webb made an immediate impact for Shula’s Dolphins protecting Marino’s blindside, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Webb went on to set franchise records with seven consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and 118 consecutive starts on his way to five First-Team All-Pro selections and being named to the 1990’s All Decade Team.

Webb was enshrined into the Dolphins’ Ring of Honor in 2006, but I’m sure the recognition he’s really waiting on is induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He’s probably on the outside looking in as far as the Hall of Fame goes, but looking at his complete body of work, it’s easy to see why he’s worthy of serious consideration.

The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson surprisingly had a couple very interesting Dolphins-related nuggets in the chatter portion of his column yesterday. The first being some noteworthy Vince Young to the Dolphins speculation.

Jackson supposedly spoke with an associate that suggested Miami would be an appealing destination to Young if, or should I say when, the Titans cut him. Jackson also writes that “he’s not out of the question for Miami.”

Neither party’s interest should come as a surprise. Young is capable of starting for the Dolphins in 2011 if he can beat out Chad Henne and he’s really the most realistic solution for Miami because he’s the most capable option that wouldn’t require a high draft pick as compensation.

There’s plenty for Jeff Ireland to be intrigued about. Vince Young still has plenty of time to resurrect his career at only 28, he’s a proven winner, and he was actually in the midst of his best statistical season in 2010 by throwing for 10 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions.

But it’s far from a match made in heaven. Jackson goes on to say he also spoke with an official close to the team that cautioned the Dolphins are concerned with how Young would handle being beat out by Henne. Young was certainly a distraction in Tennessee when he lost his starting job, so when Jeff Ireland says “you can’t guess about accountability and dependability,” it’s easy to see why the Dolphins may feel he isn’t worth the risk.

Put me in the boat with those who wouldn’t mind seeing Ireland roll the dice with Young. In a perfect world I would prefer Carson Palmer or Kyle Orton in aqua and orange, but the Bengals seem pretty adamant that they aren’t interested in trading Palmer and the Broncos’ asking price for Orton may be a little too steep for the Dolphins’ liking.

The second interesting nugget from Jackson’s column is that the Dolphins reportedly consider adding a pass rusher their third-biggest need once the lockout is over, behind only quarterback and running back and ahead of offensive guard.

That is significant because we were being left to wonder whether or not the Dolphins would pursue a starting caliber outside linebacker or situational pass rusher or simply forgo addressing the need by hoping Koa Misi takes huge strides getting after the quarterback in his second season.

A legitimate pass rusher on the other side of Cameron Wake may be the final piece of the puzzle to an elite defense, but don’t expect to be blown away by this year’s free agency market. Jackson throws out names like Manny Lawson, Mathias Kiwanuka, and Antwan Barnes. Capable options, yes, but all three were held to under 5 sacks in 2010.

In a programming note, this will be an exciting week here at Phins Phocus. My co-blogger Daniel will interview none other than Davone Bess tomorrow. 

Throughout the 45 years since the Miami Dolphins were established in 1966, many talented players have come and gone. Pro Bowlers, All Pro Players and Hall of Farmers have had no problem finding their success in South Florida. Players at a variety of positions have excelled in the Miami Dolphins jersey.  One position however that has lacked elite star power has been the Tight End position.  

Tight End is one of the more difficult positions to evaluate in the NFL due to its responsibilities on the field.  Some people value a Tight End who can stretch the field and is a head ache to cover due to their pass catching abilities. While others prefer a Tight End that can effectively block and open up lanes for running backs.  Personally for me, I prefer watching a Tight End that makes a difference in the passing game, someone like Antonio Gates or Dallas Clark or Kellen Winslow.  Those type of players are blessed with remarkable size and skill, and when mashed together create one heck of a football player.

Miami has never really had a top tier elite tight end in its history, so this wasn’t as easy as some would think to come up with.  Miami is still currently searching for that special player at Tight End to help stretch the field. While Anthony Fasano is a nice player who does a great job in the blocking game, he hasn’t really done a great job at stretching the field for the Miami offence.   Miami needs that Tight End that can be Henne’s BFF.

All that being said lets look at the latest instalment of The All Time Miami Dolphins: Tight Ends

1. 1)    James Michael ("Mad Dog") Mandich – (1970–1977)

If you live in Miami or if your a Dolphins fan this choice was a no brainer.  There is a famous quote “respect should be given when respect is deserved”, and this certainly is a good time to pay some respect to the recently passed away Mad Dog. A side from the fact that he is a two time super bowl winner, a claim which no other Dolphins tight end can make, Mad Dog has meant more to this franchise then perhaps any other player excluding Marino.  Mad Dog was not only the starting tight end for many seasons but was also the voice of the people.  Mad Dog was loved by all fans and kept the Miami fan based entertained whether on the field or on the air.

"When you think about Jim Mandich," said teammate Kim Bokamper, "you think Miami Dolphins."

His stats were 121 catches for 1,406 yards and 23 touchdowns at a time when tight ends weren't prolific receiving threats. In 1974, he finished with more receptions and three times as many touchdowns as Warfield, who went to the Pro Bowl that year. Mad Dog will always be remembered as a heroic member of the Miami Dolphins community. My only hope is that he is honoured on the ring of Honour in Sun Life Stadium some time soon.

All Right Miami!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2)    TE Keith Jackson (1992-1994)
 

This was tough!  After Mad Dog there is a huge drop off at the Tight End position for this franchise. Keith Jackson was a 6 time pro bowler at the tight end position, and one best of in his era. The problem with putting Jackson this high on the list is not his skill, or his stats, or repertoire but the fact he only sported the Aqua and Orange for two seasons. That being said both of Jackson’s years in Miami were pro bowl seasons. Jackson might be remembered in his NFL career as an Eagle but his two seasons in Miami were a huge success including a 2^nd team All Pro team selection in 92.  Jackson might be only known as Boomer Sooner the player that helped lead Oklahoma to a national championship but his play in Miami was certainly top notch.

3)    Ferrell Edmunds (1989-1992)

While this name might not mean much to younger Dolphfans, Edmunds spent 5 years as the primary tight end for the phins.  Edmunds had the pleasure of having his passes come from one of the greatest QB’s of all time Dan Marino, which certainly made his job easier. Edmunds career highlights include 2 Pro Bowl appearances and 117 receptions, 1612 yards and 12 touchdowns in the Aqua and Orange.  Edmunds had the size (6-7) to really be a match up nightmare for most defenders.

Other memorable Dolphins Tight Ends’: Randy McMichael, Anthony Fasano

On a side note: While McMichael did not make this list, he did have probably nicest catch and score by a tight end in Dolphins history.

Stayed tuned for the next instalment of The All Time Miami Dolphins, we get down and dirty into the trenches next and start breaking down the O-Line!