Dolphins News for the week of 6/23/03

[The_Philster]

Please post Dolphins news here

[The_Philster]

The event was an appreciation of Dan Marino, a celebration of his 17 years of setting records and hearts aflame, as if The Man could be any more appreciated.

But you might have left his Las Olas Riverfront restaurant Thursday night also feeling renewed appreciation for what Jay Fiedler and Brian Griese have been up against in recent years, and feeling that, in such a context, some fears about the possible controversy between Fiedler and Griese seem a little silly.

Rather they should welcome competition with each other. Comparatively it is cake. At least, in this dynamic, the adversary is an active player. Each can control the outcome. Each has a say. Each has a chance...more (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-skolnickx23jun23,0,666130.column?coll=sfla-dolphins-front)

[The_Philster]

The Dolphins signed free agent defensive tackle Damonte McKenzie to a two-year contract Monday.

McKenzie, 27, played with the Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europe last season, during whcih he had nine tackles in nine games. He played 10 games with the Rhein Fire in 2002....more (http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/football/6156488.htm)

[Gunzlingr]

DAVIE · So far, Jay Fiedler has nothing to worry about.

After last week's three-day minicamp, it was clear that Brian Griese is waaay behind Fiedler when it comes to competition for quarterback. Because he signed late, Griese may need the entire preseason to become comfortable in Norv Turner's offensive scheme.

The Dolphins are prepared to give Griese plenty of snaps in exhibition games, which could cut into the playing time of third-stringer Sage Rosenfels. Those games should provide a better indication of whether the interceptions Griese threw in each of his first three practices were the result of inexperience in a new system or the disturbing penchant for turnovers he had the past two seasons in Denver.

With the Dolphins having completed their final minicamp, here is a unit-by-unit look at news and tidbits from other positions:

Wide receiver: Although the free-agent status of Oronde Gadsden remained one of the top stories, the player the Dolphins signed as his potential replacement quietly enjoyed an excellent offseason. Derrius Thompson should make a strong push for James McKnight's starting spot opposite Chris Chambers. Also, don't be surprised if fifth-round pick J.R. Tolver makes a bigger impact than a slew of receivers selected ahead of him in April's draft.

more (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-marvez24jun24,0,3381452.column?coll=sfla-sports-front)

[The_Philster]

Brian Griese's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, recently used his weekly spot on a Miami TV show to predict that his client would beat out Dolphin starter Jay Fiedler by midseason.

"That's not sports reporting," Miami Coach Dave Wannstedt told the Boston Globe. "Let's be honest. That's 'Entertainment Tonight.' I hope our players and fans consider the source whenever anything is said by him on that station. It's comical."

Rosenhaus and Griese — a Pro Bowl selection three years ago who has struggled the last two seasons, throwing 38 touchdown passes and 34 interceptions — probably weren't laughing when they read Bill Parcells' comments in New York Newsday...more (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/la-sp-briefing24jun24,0,4034847.story?coll=sfla-dolphins-front)

[The_Philster]

The Dolphins have called a news conference for Saturday, during which this year's inductees to the team's Honor Roll will be introduced.

As is widely expected, the inductees will be former receivers Mark Clayton and Mark Duper, who will be honored during one of Miami's home games this season.

The receivers will become the first players inducted since Sept. 17, 2000, when quarterback Dan Marino was honored during a game at Pro Player Stadium...
more (http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/football/6181510.htm)

[The_Philster]

Mark Clayton and Mark Duper, known as the Marks Brothers and two of quarterback Dan Marino's favorite targets, will be introduced at a news conference today as the 2003 inductees into the Dolphins' Honor Roll.

Clayton and Duper, who were selected by a team-appointed panel, will be honored in a ceremony during a regular-season home game, possibly Sept. 21 against Buffalo or Nov. 23 against Washington, both night games.

Clayton posted franchise records in receptions (550) and touchdowns (81) with the Dolphins from 1983-1992 and is second in team history with 8,643 receiving yards....

more (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/auto/epaper/editions/saturday/sports_e3df91b086dd60c4004f.html)

[The_Philster]

Forever linked, Duper and Clayton named to Honor Roll
Former Dolphins receivers Mark Clayton and Mark Duper were together again Saturday afternoon.

The duo, known as the Marks Brothers during their playing days, met up at the team's training facility in Davie for the official announcement of their joining the Dolphin Honor Roll....
more (http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/football/6195718.htm)

[The_Philster]

Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt has interviewed Joe Brodsky for a part-time coaching position, a source said Friday. The Dolphins are seeking an offensive coach to focus on the team's running game.

Brodsky, 69, spent 10 NFL seasons as a running backs coach and worked with Wannstedt and assistants Norv Turner, Tony Wise and Robert Ford with the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s. Jimmy Johnson brought Brodsky with him from the University of Miami to Dallas in 1989...more (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-briefs28jun28,0,3518631.story?coll=sfla-dolphins-front)