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General Discussion / Dolphins GM: Chad Henne Our Quarterback 'Right Now'
« on: February 24, 2011, 07:15:33 pm »
Dolphins GM: Chad Henne Our Quarterback 'Right Now'
By Andy Kent AOL/NFL Writer
<b>INDIANAPOLIS</b> -- Chad Henne is still the Dolphins quarterback, Miami GM Jeff Ireland said at the NFL Combine Thursday. That is, at least, until a better option comes along.
"Right now, our starter is Chad Henne," Ireland told the media during a press conference, then cited the lack of depth behind Henne on the roster.
Ireland also reiterated he will approach the quarterback position the same way he approaches every position -- namely, that he is always looking to upgrade his roster.
He later revealed that no talks have taken place between the Dolphins and recently released ex-Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey, who has expressed interest in coming to Miami, though Ireland repeated his mantra of "turning over every acorn." According to a report in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Shockey worked out for the Dolphins and passed a physical, but the Dolphins did not confirm that
As always, Ireland kept it close to the vest when he was asked about specific players like Cam Newton, because Ireland has proven to own the ultimate poker face in the past. The one thing Miami's general manager had no qualms about discussing was the priority he is placing on speed.
"Speed, in general on both sides of the football, is very important to me," Ireland said. "I think we have to get better at team speed overall, so that's something we're going to be looking for."
He pointed out that speed is a needed asset at tight end to compliment pass-catcher Anthony Fasano -- Ireland also expressed a desire to upgrade in that area at wide receiver and running back.
Overall, Ireland is impressed with the 2011 draft class, specifically the defensive line group. He believes there are plenty of starting caliber players available.
Once he left the podium, Ireland stepped out into the lobby and discussed where the team stands with defensive tackle Paul Soliai. Ireland said both sides are still talking – then a few hours later, there were multiple reports from ESPN and the NFL Network that Miami had placed the franchise tag on Soliai. If true, Soliai will be paid $12.5 million in 2011.
Miami finished 2010 as one of the NFL's top defenses, so keeping Soliai and others around is important for Ireland.
"I am certainly never satisfied," Ireland said. "I think there are some really good players in that role and I think there are some guys in there that have really come out of their shell a little bit, grown up, matured and become playmakers for us. So not that I'm totally satisfied, but I think that is the strength of our football team."
By Andy Kent AOL/NFL Writer
<b>INDIANAPOLIS</b> -- Chad Henne is still the Dolphins quarterback, Miami GM Jeff Ireland said at the NFL Combine Thursday. That is, at least, until a better option comes along.
"Right now, our starter is Chad Henne," Ireland told the media during a press conference, then cited the lack of depth behind Henne on the roster.
Ireland also reiterated he will approach the quarterback position the same way he approaches every position -- namely, that he is always looking to upgrade his roster.
He later revealed that no talks have taken place between the Dolphins and recently released ex-Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey, who has expressed interest in coming to Miami, though Ireland repeated his mantra of "turning over every acorn." According to a report in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Shockey worked out for the Dolphins and passed a physical, but the Dolphins did not confirm that
As always, Ireland kept it close to the vest when he was asked about specific players like Cam Newton, because Ireland has proven to own the ultimate poker face in the past. The one thing Miami's general manager had no qualms about discussing was the priority he is placing on speed.
"Speed, in general on both sides of the football, is very important to me," Ireland said. "I think we have to get better at team speed overall, so that's something we're going to be looking for."
He pointed out that speed is a needed asset at tight end to compliment pass-catcher Anthony Fasano -- Ireland also expressed a desire to upgrade in that area at wide receiver and running back.
Overall, Ireland is impressed with the 2011 draft class, specifically the defensive line group. He believes there are plenty of starting caliber players available.
Once he left the podium, Ireland stepped out into the lobby and discussed where the team stands with defensive tackle Paul Soliai. Ireland said both sides are still talking – then a few hours later, there were multiple reports from ESPN and the NFL Network that Miami had placed the franchise tag on Soliai. If true, Soliai will be paid $12.5 million in 2011.
Miami finished 2010 as one of the NFL's top defenses, so keeping Soliai and others around is important for Ireland.
"I am certainly never satisfied," Ireland said. "I think there are some really good players in that role and I think there are some guys in there that have really come out of their shell a little bit, grown up, matured and become playmakers for us. So not that I'm totally satisfied, but I think that is the strength of our football team."