-by Dave Gray

Let's get this out there, before I start: I'm the biggest Jay Fiedler supporter you'll find. The guy plays tough, he plays hard, he's got heart, and he's been a winner, for the most part. However this isn't to say that the guy is flawless, and that he shouldn't have to continue producing to keep his job.

The Fins have signed Brian Griese to a two year deal, and it's bound to part the sea of aqua and orange. There's a civil war brewing and it's time to choose your side. And here is mine: While Griese isn't perfect, he's the perfect fit for this team. The Dolphins are just what Griese needs and he's just what we need. I don't want to turn this into Fiedler vs. Griese argument, because that's not what this is all about. Fiedler's value is irrelevant. Instead, I'd like to focus on how Griese can help this team, regardless of what role that is.

Why Miami is the perfect fit for Griese:
Brian Griese needs a fresh start. The guy started great in Denver, but never completely won over his teammates or his coaching staff. Remember the picture of Griese sitting on the bench by himself, while the rest of his team was huddled together? That says a lot. Once you're labeled a cancer, it's hard to bounce back from it. He received a little too much blame for the Broncos troubles. Miami will be the completely opposite vibe. The Griese name is like royalty down here. While this may haunt him down the line, at least he'll be welcomed with open arms from the media. While he might've been looking for a starting job, a backup position here will be much better. He'll be able to start slow, learn the system, and not have the responsibility of carrying the team on his shoulders. Hand-off to Ricky right, hand to Ricky left, dump-off to McMichael...it's a good system to get comfortable in.

Why Griese is the perfect fit for Miami:
I think it's safe to say that we need a backup quarterback. Jay Fiedler has gone down every year, and it's only responsible to prepare for it again this year. Last I checked, Ray Lucas didn't quite cut the mustard. Next in line is Sage Rosenfels, and I don't think Sage is going to instill fear in the hearts of many NFL defenses, at least not at this point in his career. So, given that the position is open, why not fill it with the best talent available, if the price is right? I feel that Griese is a competent NFL starter, and we're lucky enough to have him as our backup. Plus, take a look at the contract. It sounds like a one year trial to me. Griese costs very little against the cap in the first year, and then we take the hit the second year, if we decide to keep him around. Why not at least try him out?

And lets not forget about Fiedler. There was a reason that people were screaming we draft Drew Brees. (Although how can you pass up Jamar Fletcher?...what a steal!) There was a reason that fans were screaming for Ray Lucas to start. I supported Fiedler then, and I support him now, but he has to continue to earn that support. If Griese wins the starting job, that meant that Fiedler had to lose it. If Griese lights a fire under Jay's ass and Fiedler outplays him, even better. Again, though, this isn't about Fiedler vs. Griese. It's about Fiedler AND Griese vs. nineteen or so NFL teams on the way to the Super Bowl. What about when Fiedler goes down for a couple of games?...say a six game stretch when the team is on a roll. (Completely hypothetical, of course.) Who do you want in there? How about a quarterback who's had success before? How about a guy that's seen some NFL playing time in a competent offense? How about a guy who just might get a little respect from opposing defenses?

Negatives:
It's not like we're bringing in a guaranteed superstar; I realize that. There's a reason that he was released from Denver. There's a reason that a lot of the other NFL teams don't want him.

Positives:
Brian Griese has an upside...a tremendous upside, in fact. There is potential there and whether or not good ole' Norv can tap into that, who's to say? Remember, we're picking up a guy off of free agency; we didn't have to trade away anything to get him, or pay an exorbitant amount to lure him here. If he doesn't pan out, no big loss. But if he does...

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