In essence, Dolphins start their playoffs in Oakland

[Phishfan]

I don't like that plan in the slightest. You play your best players (taking injuries into consideration) and give your best efforts to win football games. Anything else gets me on the fire Sparano wagon. As a fan I wouldn't watch the games you are describing. I want less preseason games, not adding more for next season onto the back end of this one.

Filling a roster full or practice squad players and benching everyone is not an acceptable answer from my perspective. What example does that set for your team? If you think the Vikings didn't support Childress what do you think players with incentive clauses are going to do if a coach tries pulling this?

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

This is ALL that I'm asking for.  Nothing more.  On 3rd and 19 if my QB throws a dump off to a RB, I'm yanking him and putting in someone who will throw a damn 20 yard pass even if the WR is double covered. 

As long as your WR can tackle this is not a bad plan.  Punts are usually about net 20.  So if the WR catches the ball you get a 1st down.  If the CB does same field position as a punt just one play sooner. 

[MikeO]

Miami Hearld is reporting Henne is taking 1st team reps with Thigpen this week. He may start vs Oakland.

Dumbest thing ever to rush Henne back. Sparano is going to KILL Long and Henne for the next head coach in an effort to save his job this year. Our two cornerstone and franchise players being rushed on the field to play at less than 100% is one of the most foolish things I have ever seen. I'm shocked Ross hasn't stepped in yet and put a stop to this. I think he might very soon though.

[fyo]

Dumbest thing ever to rush Henne back. Sparano is going to KILL Long and Henne for the next head coach in an effort to save his job this year.

So you're a doctor now, are you? With access to Henne and Long's medical records?

If the team doctor says they're putting themselves at increased, I'm confident they won't be playing. On the other hand, if it's just a question of reduced effectiveness or pain tolerance, then I'm perfectly fine with them playing.

IOW, they shouldn't be rested just because they aren't 100%. They should be rested if there's a long term risk to playing them.

[MikeO]

So you're a doctor now, are you? With access to Henne and Long's medical records?

If the team doctor says they're putting themselves at increased, I'm confident they won't be playing. On the other hand, if it's just a question of reduced effectiveness or pain tolerance, then I'm perfectly fine with them playing.

IOW, they shouldn't be rested just because they aren't 100%. They should be rested if there's a long term risk to playing them.

IMPORTANT players shouldn't play in meaningless games when injured. Miami is realisticly eliminted from the playoffs. It makes no sense to play IMPORTANT players like this and risk further injury which might effect them beyond this year

[fyo]

IMPORTANT players shouldn't play in meaningless games when injured. Miami is realisticly eliminted from the playoffs. It makes no sense to play IMPORTANT players like this and risk further injury which might effect them beyond this year

The "when injured" doesn't add anything unless there's a long-term risk associated with it. That was my criticism and since you clearly disagree with that, your argument boils down to:

"IMPORTANT players shouldn't play in meaningless games."

I agree with that... but what we DON'T agree on is what constitutes a meaningless game. Winning is a mentality. There's a big difference between Miami going 9-7 and 7-9, even though neither will get us to the playoffs. The more games we win, the better the team works. Winning begets winning. Young players improve more on a winning team, hell, everyone improves more on a winning team... if you're a sub-par player on a good team, you won't feel nearly as overwhelmed as you would on a team that's just getting its ass kicked every week.

Games aren't meaningless just because the playoffs are out of reach.

[MikeO]

9-7 or 7-9 and where both are not in the playoffs, there is no difference. Please.

[MikeO]

Games aren't meaningless just because the playoffs are out of reach.

Yes they are!

[fyo]

Yes they are!

Seriously, it's like talking with a 5-year-old.

I disagree. I said we would disagree. I explained WHY I disagree.

Your response is infantile and utterly meaningless, contributing absolutely nothing.

[MikeO]

Seriously, it's like talking with a 5-year-old.

I disagree. I said we would disagree. I explained WHY I disagree.

Your response is infantile and utterly meaningless, contributing absolutely nothing.

because you are wrong. Games with no playoff implications are meaningless. It's pretty obvious.

[MikeO]

Omar Kelly is reporting the word in the Fins lockeroom is Henne will start Sunday

[fyo]

because you are wrong. Games with no playoff implications are meaningless. It's pretty obvious.

Ahhh... the old "because" argument. I'm trying to teach my son not to use that, with considerably more success, I might add, that with you.

Good teams don't forfeit games (through pulling players or otherwise) on down years. They simply don't. Whether that's because a winning mentality is an important one, because pulling your best players would trash the locker room / team cohesion, or whatever... believe what you like, but teams don't do this -- at any level. Even when the coaches job is 100% secure. Why is that?

Perhaps a few words following "because" (other than "you are wrong") might help my feeble mind understand your brilliant logic.

[MikeO]

who said forefit? You brought that up into it. I just said the game is meaningless.

[MikeO]

ESPN reporting Thigpen is expected to start Sunday

[MikeO]

ESPN reporting Marshall not traveling with the team, he is staying in Miami. Dansby is questionable for Sunday