-by Brian Fein

Controversy - a word that is thrown around a lot these days. A controversial new drug, a legal controversy…hell, even presidential elections are controversial in the 21st century! Most importantly, though, is the good, old-fashioned quarterback controversy. You might remember this from such things as Johnson/Flutie, Buffalo, 2000; Sims/Hostetler, New York, 1990; or even Fiedler/Lucas, Miami, 2001. So what's the big deal anyway?

Recent free agent activity has already caused a spark to a new controversy - Fiedler/Griese, Miami, 2003. Brian Griese, son of Dolphins' legend Bob Griese, was signed to a two year deal on Friday with his father's former squad. Great, so now there are two good quarterbacks….right? Not so fast…

We've seen over the past few seasons that there is a lot of anti-Fiedler sentiment throughout Dolphins' fan base. Not sure why this is, since Fiedler has done nothing but play with great heart and enthusiasm every single snap as a Dolphin. That being the case, though, its not really rocket science to know that "superman's kid" would be welcomed with open arms. But, is Jay Fiedler really the problem in this system?

Comparing the two quarterbacks side-by-side is an arduous task, since their playing history is in fact quite different. However, the two are actually very similar in many ways. You could look back at the last 3 seasons of each hurler's career, and compare the numbers. Any other comparison would be flying by the seat of your pants, and that could only become a "pain in the ass."

So, let's have a look at the numbers:

Three-Year Totals
Player	Games Started	Yards	Yards/Game	TDs	INTs
Jay Fiedler	41	7716	188	48	42
Brian Griese	38	8729	229	57	36

Advantage Griese. However, you have to remember that Brian Griese played in a more potent offense, with more powerful receivers (Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey) and pretty much the best running game in the NFL. It makes sense that Griese's numbers would be higher.

But, what have you done for me lately? Let's zoom in a little bit on these stats for a closer look. In the last 2 seasons, the difference between the two shifts a bit.

Two-Year Totals
Player	Games Started	Yards	Yards/Game	TDs	INTs
Jay Fiedler	26	5314	204	34	28
Brian Griese	28	6041	215	38	34

The tides seem slightly different now, don't they?
Of course the quarterback doesn't do it alone, football is a team sport. The most important number for any football player is not how many yards he had or TD's in a season - its wins and losses. Over their careers, Fiedler has a 28-13 record as Miami's starter; Griese was 27-24 as a starter in Denver. Better receivers, better running game, more starts, yet less wins? Clearly, Jay has shown more overall success with a less talented team than Griese has.

In 2002, Jay Fiedler was injured in a week 6 debacle against Griese's Broncos (coincidentally). Fiedler was 5-1 over those 6 games, and his replacement proceeded to gracefully embarrass the team for 4 of the next 6 weeks. Fiedler is now given the mark of an "injury prone" quarterback. This is simply a fallacy. Prior to his week-6 broken thumb, Fiedler has only missed one start since joining the Fins. Remember that game in Indianapolis in 2000 when Damon Huard led the team to a miraculous comeback win? Good times…that's the last game Fiedler missed. How does he get the label of being injury prone, in comparison to a guy who has never once in his life played a 16-game season? Whether it be falling in Terrell Davis's driveway and breaking a tooth, or tripping over his dog in his living room, Brian Griese is the one who is injury prone, not Fiedler.

So what's with all the Griese hype? If Griese is being brought in here as a backup quarterback, then why do I hear so many "Dol-fans" calling for Jay Fiedler's name to be taken off his locker? Is it the allure of having a possibility of another glorious 17-0 season with the "other" Griese? Has Brian Griese been riding the coat-tails of his father's name for the past 5 years, even from his days in Michigan? There is no evidence to suggest that Brian Griese is any better than Jay Fiedler. We've seen Jay's leadership ability in past seasons; we've all seen his shortcomings too. But have any of us really had a chance to analyze the points of Brian Griese's game to deem him the savior?

Controversy isn't as exciting as it seems. Controversy can tear a team apart, and divide the fans. Ray Lucas may not have been the best backup, but he knew his role on this team, and never wanted to step into the spotlight. "Jay's the starter on this team," said Lucas during a post-game interview with Hank Goldberg, who was trying to start a controversy. Judging by the terms of his contract incentives, Brian Griese doesn't realize this. Griese is coming to town with the intention of un-seating Jay as "the man," and reasonable logic tells me that this is bad for business.

I will be at the June 16th quarterback school in Davie, FL. I suggest all readers of this web site make the journey if you can, because this will be the chance for us to see what "daddy's little boy" is really made of. I may even sign some autographs…

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