-by Erick Coleman

In October I wrote a little ditty about how world hunger, the conflict in Iraq, Middle East Peace, and the Dolphins Super Bowl chances would all improve if Brian Griese were given a chance to start at QB. I went on to talk about the deep passing game, how the lack of said passing game was hurting the running game, and how Fielder wasn't managing the game as well as he should.

Out of those three comments, I would like to take back...well...

All of them.

I would like to say that Brian Griese truly is a decent QB, and does have a nice touch on just about all range throws. That said, Jay has not be the evil that needs to be cast from this team.

No quarterback, be it Brett Favre or Tony Banks, could survive and flourish under the conditions the offensive line is providing. Brian's fumble, sack, and interception problems are showcasing that Jay's own problems were not his own to shoulder. I went back and watched some film of previous games, especially that Houston loss.

Jay was chased around quite a lot - but he was able to make some plays with his feet and avoid huge mistakes due to being able to avoid the rush. Brian can't do that, it's not part of his make up as an athlete.

Jay was managing the game as well as he could under the conditions. Ricky was performing better with Jay under center, because defenses had to (in the least) worry about his taking off for a nice gain. Or throwing on the run.

Defenses now can totally sit back and wait for Ricky. Or simply send one defensive end in to clobber Brian's blindside.

While Jay is not perfect, he's not an awful professional football player as well. I'd forgotten about the 11-5 season after Dan stepped down. I'd forgotten his best wide receiver was Oronde Gadsden and that his running attack featured Lamar Smith. I'd forgotten that last year he operated the end of the year minus Gadsden and Chambers - and was playing hurt.

I'd been blinded. Blinded by Bob's son, blinded by the possible return to glory. The super star QB.

Not one that "just gets it done."

This team, more than ever, needs Jay's smarts, athletic ability, passion, and knowledge on how to win.

The offensive line needs it, the wide outs need it, Lord knows Ricky needs it.

Maybe with a solid O line, Brian would have flourished. But that doesn't dismiss the fact that I, along with many others, got caught up in the hype of Griese - and forgot what Jay means to this team.

It's Jay's team. Time to get him back under center.

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