-by Joe Tex

Because Brian Griese has been the hottest topic in the Sunshine State, I've decided to drop my two cents in the old, rusty pickle jar, and do what I do best: provide a unique perspective. Or, the "asshole" perspective, as Brian Fein would label it as. Either way, I want to beat a dead horse some more, and cover the Miami Dolphins' newest roster member, quarterback Brian David Griese.

Long before graduating from Miami's Columbus High School, Brian Griese envisioned himself in a Miami Dolphins' uniform, and starting for the Fish. However, it doesn't look like that will be the case...yet.

Jay Fiedler has done everything possible to help his team throughout his NFL starting QB career, but his days as the Miami Dolphins starter are numbered. Unfortunately, the NFL is a business, and the Dolphins are no different. Any high-priced free agent eventually gets playing time somewhere down the line, especially a Quarterback. Remember how they said Michael Vick wouldn't play at all in his first year? I saw him on the field for the first time against...hey, guess who? The Miami Dolphins.

Yes, I understand Mike Vick > Brian Griese, but it's not about talent or physical prowess. It's about Hype. And right now, Brian Griese is generating a lot of it, and it's only within our very basic human intuition to want to "see what all the hype is about".

This is completely unfair for Jay Fiedler. The second, and I mean THE SECOND Jay Fielder throws his first NFL sanctioned interception in the 2003 season, the fans will start to moan, Greg Gumbel and Phil Simms will start to ultra-analyze Jay's mechanics and decision-making, and the Columbia Broadcast System will turn on camera #3 right in Brian Griese's grill, igniting the soon-to-be "Miami Dolphins Quarterback Controversy".

After a few more INT's, and some over-thrown passes, the impatient Joe Robbie crowd (that one's for you, Dynamite Kid) will start to boo and curse until the cows come home. The Dolphins' executives will hear it loudly from their press boxes, and will eventually have to make the call down to the field, demanding to coach Wandstet: "Hey Coach...let's put in Griese. Let's see what all the hype is about".

Even though players in the NFL are professionals, some of them may not like Brian Griese. They'll like him even less if he's packed his emotional baggage from Denver along with him. The second he straps his chin-guard in and jogs onto the field, up to the offensive huddle, the game-plan changes. A new page of plays is turned. The rythym of the offense will change. Players will become tense, and try too hard, making it incredibly easy for defensive lineman to bust through the cracks. Then it's 4th down, and the punting unit comes on...

...and then you have a classic NFL mess. The last time I checked, great post-season teams aren't built this way. Also, when I was checking last time, the Dolphins weren't even in the post-season. If Jay Fiedler wasn't doing his job, this would be different. If Brian Griese was originally drafted by the Dolphins in 1998, we most likely wouldn't be having this conversation, as the Fins would probably have not picked up Fielder from Jacksonvile.

So why, WHY, have the Miami Dolphins brought in Brian Griese? Is he eventually going to start for the Dolphins? Can he go 31-17 the next 3 years like Jay Fielder did the last 3? Is this to increase ticket sales, by bringing in a big-name free agent, like Junior Seau? TV Ratings needing a boost? The Dolphins' way of paying respect to one of their greats, Bob Griese? Or is this a Steve Mariucci / 49ers type of situation, where it came down to management just not liking someone, when they clearly performed up to and beyond expectations?

Whatever the reason, the Dolphins may find themselves already in their own no-win situation. For the most part, if the Dolphins don't win it all this year, someone is going to point the finger at someone. If Jay Fielder can't cut it anymore, they will blame the season on him. If Jay Fielder does well, but the team flops again, it's because Griese is a "locker-room cancer". And God forbid the un-enviable situation of both Jay Fielder and Brian Griese falling flat on their faces this season.

Unfortunately, the Miami Dolphins have already caused a stir with their newest acquisition. When will he play? Will he start this year? Is this the right move? What message does this send to Jay Fielder, and the Dolphins' offense? When does Fielder come out? After the first pick? The second? The twelveth?

...but can you pass up on Brian Griese? I mean, he's ONLY going to be the back-up. He can't possibly hurt, only help. Right? He's the solution to the vaunted December Demise, right? He's the Golden Child, the chosen one, has royalty in his family line, aqua and orange running through his veins since March 18, 1975. Finally, someone who can fill the shoes of the legendary Dan Marino. How can this NOT work?

...isn't this exactly what happened in Denver?

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