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01-28-2007, 11:17 PM
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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1961 Dolphins On: FOF 2K7
I've decided the Winston Shadolia first person format wasn't working out, so I'm switching to more of a journalistic/history book format and continuing the dynasty that way, with the usual charts and stuff just because I like keeping track of that stuff.
 The 1961 Dolphins In Review The Miami Dolphins front office expected improvement in the franchise's second year, but what they didn't anticipate was that they would hold the chance to win the AFC East crown, only to let it slip through their fingers by losing the last game of the season, as the New Jersey Jets shut them out 20-0 to win their second straight division title. Reggie Ireland efficiently lead the offense at quarterback in his first season as a full-time starter. Although the fourth-year player wasn't exceptional or as accurate as the Dolphins' original man under center, Volney Murphy, he didn't fumble the ball nearly as much. The team was pleased with the investment they'd made in him and believed that he could lead them for a few more years if nobody better could be found. The real surprise was running back Amos Marsh. It took a few games for the rookie second-round pick to adjust to the NFL game, but when he did, he surprised everyone by displaying dual-threat skills, rushing for 1,312 yards and 7 TDs and catching 62 passes for 312 yards and 3 more TDs. He played so well, in fact, that he was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Wide receiver remained a problem for the Dolphins, as none of the players there had exceptional seasons. The only bright spot was split end Bill Terrell, the aging veteran who sparked special teams with a 27.4 kick return average. This position group was going to be one of the highest priorities in the offseason. Where Miami really shined that season was on the defensive line. Ends Mark Schau and Deacon Jones both exploded on the scene with double-digit sack seasons and more than one offensive coordinator admitted to restless nights figuring out how to block the sensational young duo. Jones, the Dolphins' 1st round pick, finished with 39 tackles, 12 assists, 4 blocks, 13 hurries, and 12 sacks, good enough for him to garner Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and earn Miami a sweep of the first-year awards. Unfortunately the same brilliant success was not repeated on the inside of the line. While Earnest Trujillo showed considerable improvement on his rookie season, Pete Von Oelhoffen proved a major disappointment after signing in free agency from Baltimore. This underperformance carried over into the linebackers, where free agent pickups Tom Louderback and Rommie Loudo dropped off from their previous seasons. Rookie strongside linebacker Nelson Toburen, the Dolphin's 4th round selection, struggled a bit in his first year, but made noticeable strides as the year wore on. The secondary, expected to be the second-best unit on the team, greatly underachieved relative to preseason expectations. Cornerback Ralph Fortune took a step back, as did free safety free agent pickup Fred Bruney. One free agent signing that did work out for the Dolphins was strong safety Charles Sumner, who provided strong veteran leadership and solid play in the defensive backfield. While no Dolphins won postseason awards other than Marsh and Jones, Miami was the most improved team in the NFL that season, so much so that they came within a game of last to first in a single season. Head coach Vernon Schwartz and offensive coordintor Mark Barthwell were lauded as two of the brightest young minds in the coaching ranks and defensive coordinator Tony Dillon was credited with developing Deacon Jones and Mark Schau into the stars they were quickly becoming. Code:
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Brown repeated as both Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year with his second straight 2,000+ rushing yard season.
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2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) |
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01-28-2007, 11:41 PM
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College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Connecticut
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With all these Dolphins dynasties and my own, I don't have time to do anything else except read and play.
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GM of the Milwaukee Muscle Men of the ZFL. The 1st team in ZFL history to have a perfect losing season. I am on a quest to show that the Dolphins can win the Super Bowl. Or should I say Front Office Bowl, with FOF2K7. The revival of an old favorite, FOFC Wrestling Dynasty |
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01-29-2007, 11:27 AM
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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Quote:
I think it's great we have all these Dolphins dynasties.  I mos def see your point about the time factor though. 
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2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) |
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01-29-2007, 09:33 PM
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#4 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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1962 Offseason
Going into free agency, the Dolphins identified wide receiver, middle linebacker, and free safety as the areas of greatest concern. The team also hoped to upgrade the overall talent level, which the front office still believed to be subpar as a whole. The lone spot where Miami wouldn't seek improvement was at defensive end, where Deacon Jones and Mark Schau were set for the next several years and John Brown made an adequate backup. Wide receiver Glynn Gregory, the previous year's 5th rounder, was sent to the European league for summer play. All in the organization were in agreement that Gregory, though still quite raw, had considerable potential and hoped to give him a bigger role in the offense during the coming season. Although no restricted free agents were re-signed, center Darryl Dromeshauser and linemate right guard John Dittrich received contract extensions that would keep them in aqua and orange for the next three years. The Dolphins' first free agent signing was a three-year deal given to left tackle Bob St. Clair, a ten-year veteran from the San Francisco 49ers who was a All-Pro Second Team member the year before. Miami's front office anticipated that he'd be an immediate starter, giving the team its first truly legitimate left tackle. Free safety Bobby Freeman signed from Philadelphia, also for three years. A mentor with playmaking talents, he wasn't guaranteed a starting position, but at bare minimum he would serve as an educator to young safeties come in and likely serve as the dime back. Other signees included the return of Ken Pruitt, Miami's original middle linebacker, on a one year contract, mentor quarterback Paul Larson, who was expected not only to teach whomever the Dolphins brought in to be the quarterback of the future, but to challenge for the starting job from incumbent Reggie Ireland, and weakside linebacker Clancy Osborne, a three-year depth signing. Dolphins leaving included Johnny Bookman, who signed with the Carolina Panthers, Proverb Jacobs, who defected to the New England Patriots, Tony Thompson, who became the newest Atlanta Falcon. Where the team most significantly failed to improve was at wide receiver and defensive tackle, as players at those positions time and time again spurned Miami for other teams, frequently for shorter contracts and less bonus money. Still, the Dolphins were considered a better team at the end of the early free agency period than when they'd started it and there was still the draft to come, where they had their eyes on a few certain players.
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2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) |
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01-29-2007, 10:38 PM
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#5 |
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College Starter
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: South Florida
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Dang man...at least put some of those other teams back where they belong at the time (i.e. Cardinals in St. Louis; Rams in L.A.; Colts in Baltimore...yeah kick the Ravens to the curb).
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01-30-2007, 12:46 AM
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#6 | |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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Quote:
I forgot to do that until after I'd already started the dynasty. :o So by that point, I figured I'd best just go with it.
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2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) |
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02-01-2007, 10:49 AM
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#7 |
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College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: calgary, AB
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Looking forward to reading this one, keep up the good work.
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02-05-2007, 10:10 PM
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#8 | |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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Quote:
Thanks. You've provided me the inspiration to keep going.
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2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) |
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02-05-2007, 11:46 PM
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#9 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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1962 NFL Draft
Although there was no consensus #1 overall pick that year, the top two quarterbacks were Roman Gabriel and John Hadl out of , but GM Winston Shadolia later said that if the Dolphins had owned the top selection, they would've taken left cornerback Booker Edgerson, who was not only as a consensus top 5 pick, but one already highly developed and touted as having incredible ability, an immediate starter in the team's questionable secondary. As it turns out, Gabriel and Hadl went 1-2 to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers respectively. Edgerson was taken by the Houston Texans with the third selection. The Dolphins had hoped that ILB Nick Buoniconti would fall to them, but he instead got snatched up by the Oakland Raiders with the fifth pick. With their first round selection at #15, Miami drafted quarterback Galen Hall, a smart, loyal kid who could throw all distances and had a knack for reading defenses. The Dolphins front office believed Hall possessed a higher ceiling than some teams initially believed. They also thought it possible that he was developed enough to challenge for the starting job in his rookie season. 1962 First Round 1. Jacksonville - Gabriel, Roman, QB, North Carolina State 2. Tampa Bay - Hadl, John, QB, Kansas 3. Houston - Edgerson, Booker, CB, Western Illinois 4. Seattle - Alworth, Lance, WR, Arkansas 5. Oakland - Buoniconti, Nick, ILB, Notre Dame 6. Baltimore - Miller, Al, ILB, Ohio 7. Cincinnati - Lassiter, Ike, DE, Small College 8. New England - Sestak, Tom, DT, McNeese State 9. Detroit - McGeever, John, CB, Auburn 10. Minnesota - Bishop, Sonny, G, Fresno State 11. Buffalo - Edwards, Dave, OLB, Auburn 12. New Orleans - Holmes, Pat, DE, Texas Tech 13. Carolina - Hunt, Bobby, S, Auburn 14. Pittsburgh - Jacobs, Ray, DT, Howard Payne 15. Miami - Hall, Galen, QB, Penn State 16. St. Louis - Cadile, Jim, G, San Jose State 17. Kansas City - O'Bradovich, Ed, DE, Illinois 18. Washington - Morrow, Tommy, S, Southern Mississippi 19. New Jersey - McDole, Ron, DE, Nebraska 20. New York - Perkins, Jim, T, Colorado 21. Atlanta - Sharockman, Ed, CB, Pittsburgh 22. San Francisco - Miller, Fred, DT, Louisiana State 23. Detroit - Kochman, Roger, RB, Penn State 24. Arizona - Carollo, Joe, T, Notre Dame 25. San Diego - Flint, George, G, Arizona State 26. Tennessee - Olsen, Merlin, DT, Utah State 27. Denver - Wilder, Bert, DE, North Carolina State 28. Green Bay - Birdwell, Danny, DT, Houston 29. Philadelphia - Coan, Bert, RB, Kansas 30. New Orleans - Gruneisen, Sam, C, Villanova 31. Indianapolis - Boyette, Garland, ILB, Grambling 32. Chicago - Gross, George, DT, Auburn The Dolphins took left cornerback Bobby Thompson with their second round pick, who they expected to make an immediate contribution both in the seconday packages and as a returner. Left tackle John Sutro became the heir apparent to recent signee Bob St. Clair with his selection in the third round. This move was a controversial pick at the time, for wide receiver still had not been addressed. The Dolphins finally drafted a receiver in the fourth round, selecting split end Joe Hernandez, a raw prospect with enough potential promise that the team viewed it likely that he would manage to break into what was quickly becoming a numbers jam at wide receiver. In the fifth round, Miami took WLB Jerry Hillebrand, a physical specimen out of Colorado who showed considerable pass rush strength and hitting ability. A new kicker came in the sixth, Tommy Brooker, who the Dolphins were surprised to see fall that far and the final selection was defensive tackle Bill Kirchner, a seventh round flyer out of Alaska who worked on the oil rigs in Fairbanks after being an All-State his senior year in high school, but tore his knee and never did get a college scholarship. 1962 Dolphins Draftees By Position and School Rnd 1 - Galen Hall, QB, Penn State Rnd 2 - Bobby Thompson, CB, Arizona Rnd 3 - John Sutro, T, San Jose State Rnd 4 - Joe Hernandez, WR, Arizona Rnd 5 - Jerry Hillebrand, OLB, Colorado Rnd 6 - Tommy Brooker, K, Alabama Rnd 7 - Bill Kirchner, DT, None All the rookies signed before training camp, although Sutro barely beat the deadline. Code:
For the second straight year in a row, the Dolphins received a B grade for their draft. Sutro looked to be an extremely pleasant find in the third round, much like fellow third rounder and tackle Riley Mattson had turned out to be the year before. Brooker was unquestionably the best kicker the Dolphins had ever had and at any rate was guaranteed to be the man in Miami for the duration of his rookie deal. Despite Thompson not looking to have quite the ceiling that he'd originally been projected to have, he locked down the starting left cornerback spot in came from last season's starter, Van Williamson. Hillebrand was firmly stuck behind Rommie Loudo and Clancy Osborne on the weak side and showed some promise in the middle, where Ken Pruiett needed a backup and so Hillebrand got moved there. Hernandez and Kirchner were filler, uncertain to even make the team for more than year or two. But the real problem lay at quarterback with Galen Hall. He started a controversy in training camp that raged throughout the entire offseason, including the exhibition season. Dolphins fans across the nation argued over who should start at quarterback. The man who'd led them to respectability last season, Reggie Ireland, or the hotshot rookie first rounder Hall, who though extremely raw, had more potential than Ireland could ever dream of. It was a battle that not only fans would weigh in on, but team captains of the various position groups as well. The victor would set the tone for the rest of the coming season.
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2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Last edited by Izulde : 02-07-2007 at 09:14 AM. |
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02-06-2007, 09:09 AM
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#10 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Troy, Mo
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Interesting read.. can't wait until the 70's.
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02-06-2007, 04:00 PM
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#11 | |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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Quote:
Thanks I love these kinds of historical dynasties myself. Though they're fairly common in OOTP dynasties, I wish more people did them in FOF/TPB/etc dynasties
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2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) |
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02-06-2007, 08:38 PM
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#12 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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1962 Coaching Notes: Vernon Schwartz
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Reggie and Galen went head to head over the starting job in preseason and neither one distinguished himself as the clear-cut front-runner, so after talking with the coordinators, the GM, and most importantly, the team captains, I went with Galen. Jack McClairen and John Dittrich, the captains of the receivers and offensive line in particularly voiced very strongly their favoritism for Hall. Paul's here as a mentor and Winston's only around because of his kick-holding talents and the fact that we're running a minimal roster this year. Code:
Amos had a sensational preseason. Horace is a good backup and I'll try to convince Winston Shadolia to keep him after this year. Bubba's a pretty good blocker who I hope will get re-signed to stay in that role. Code:
I'd like to see us get a young tight end to learn from Jack and replace him some day. Ed was a post training camp signee so we could inactive Bjorn, the worst player on the team. Actually I'd like to see an upgrade in the receiving corps period. I'd call it our biggest need right now, particularly since Courtney isn't as good as our scouts like to think he is. Code:
I'm quite happy with our offensive line. While we don't have any genuine standouts, they're a solid group as a whole. John Sutro is an extremely quick learner and could replace Bob on the left side as soon as next season. For now he'll back up both Bob and Riley. In the batch of five starters and Sutro we've got a nice young nucleus that should play together for a long time to come. Code:
Tony looked shaky in preseason, but hopefully he's got the kinks worked out. Code:
Deacon's only in his second season, but he's already our franchise player. Between him and Mark, I can rest easy. Tony Dillon did a fantastic job developing Mr. Jones and I couldn't be happier with him as my defensive coordinator. This might be the make or break year for everyone at defensive tackle. Earnest has shown flashes of talent, but the others are questionable. Bill is actually backing up at RDE. He likely won't turn into anything, but his story's a great one. Code:
Nelson played out of his mind during the preseason, fending off Joe, who did exactly what we brought him in to do, push Nelson for the starting strongside spot. Ken can hopefully elevate Jerry's game. Not real keen about the guys we have on the weak side, as Rommie was a disappointment last year and this is Clancy's first year as a starter following two seasons of backup duty in San Francisco. Code:
Bobby T is going to be a lot like Amos was last year, a second-rounder who has an electrifying effect. He's a homerun threat as a kick returner and has the potential to be something special. Ralph really needs to show something this year in my opinion. Charlie's been great and it'll be interesting seeing what Bobby F brings to the table. 1962 AFC East Preview 1. New England Patriots Star Player: LDE Bob Dee Key Offseason Acquisition: QB John Roach (FA - Arizona) The Patriots stole Roach from the Cardinals and are now the prohibitive favorites to win the AFC East title. Second year TE Mike Ditka, the team's summer league player, is a rising star. Depth is their potential Achilles heel. If a key starter goes down, there's nobody to fill the void. 2. New Jersey Jets Star Player: SLB Larry Grantham Key Offseason Acquistion: TE Willard Dewveal (FA - Chicago) Brad Garrett takes the helm at quarterback. The third year player is extremely raw, with a single season of semi-extensive backup duty under his belt and it may be his greeness that prevents the Jets from their third straight division crown. Luckily, Garrett has a solid offensive line, headed up by superlative C Mike Huddock and has some very nice targets, including new Jet Dewveal and sensational receivers Don Maynard and Art Powell. Defense looks weak outside of Grantham. 3. Miami Dolphins Star Player: LDE Deacon Jones Key Offseason Acquisition: QB Galen Hall (1st round - 15th pick Draft) Hall is the controversial starter over last year's man under center, Reggie Ireland. If Ireland were still taking the snaps, the Dolphins might challenge for the title as they nearly won it last year and improved significantly this offseason, adding pieces such as LT Bob St. Clair, an All-Pro 2nd Team selection last season. They boast the best defensive end tandem in the league in Jones and Mark Schau, but also have one of the worst receiving corps. 4. Buffalo Bills Star Player: FL Elbert Dubenion Key Offseason Acquistion: SLB Dave Edwards (1st round - 11th pick Draft) A team lacking in any legitimate star power, the Bills have a decent all-around lineup, but as with the Patriots, depth is a concern. LG Joe Scibelli is a second year player to watch as the summer league player and former 1st rounder has the potential to be one of the top guards in the NFL.
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2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) |
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02-07-2007, 12:30 PM
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#13 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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1962 Season In Review:
The Dolphins started off 0-3, with the most significant problem being a sputtering offense. Vernon Schwartz gave much thought to replacing Galen Hall with the more proven Reggie Ireland, but as the New England Patriots had opened up 3-0 and there was little chance Miami could hope for a wild card, the head coach resolved to fight through the growing pains. Schwartz was rewarded for his patience with the team's first victory of the year over the equally winless Bengals in the fourth game. Although Hall didn't light Cincinnati on fire, he played efficiently, greatly helped by a ferocious Dolphins pass rush and Amos Marsh's first 100 yard game of the year, at 122 yards. Without a doubt, the highlight of Miami's season came with a stunning 24-17 upset over the Pittsburgh Steelers as Amos Marsh ran for a sterling 180 yards and a TD to put the Dolphins at 3-4 on the year, still far behind the 6-1 New England Patriots and well out of playoff contention. A devastating blow came at the halfway point, when RG John Dittrich, the heart of the offensive line, tore his tricep so badly that he was lost for the rest of the year. It was the same tricep injury he'd suffered back in 1960, only much worse. Despite the loss, the Dolphins persevered, continuing to play above expectations, including a 17-10 win over the Vikings headlined by Galen Hall throwing for 317 yards and 2 TDs, his first career 300+ game and just the second in Miami franchise history. Although the landmark victory put them at 5-6, the team would not come close to the .500 mark the rest of the season, as they spiraled into a stunning five game losing streak to end the year, the last game a bitter 16-13 defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. The tailspin dropped them all the way from second to last place in the AFC East, a shocking way to end up after having been so securely the #2 team in the division for most of the year. While Galen Hall's greeness no doubt shared a large part of the blame for the Dolphins' collapse, other factors contributed, such as Amos Marsh fumbling nearly triple the number of times he did in his rookie season and Courtney Cancillere proving he had no business being the #1 receiver for anyone. That is not to say that the year was without its bright spots, however. Tommy Brooker overcame some early season troubles to show signs of becoming a promising kicker. Deacon Jones showed no signs of a sophomore slump as he had an even more impressive season than his rookie campaign, setting a franchise single-season record for sacks. RDT Frank Campbell had his finest year in a Dolphins uniform and MLB Ken Pruitt celebrated his return to Miami by becoming the team's first 100+ season tackler. FS Bobby Freeman proved a nice free-agent find and LCB Bobby Thompson had a respectable rookie year, the highlight being his 88 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Still, there was the feeling that this was an incomplete franchise, one that desparately needed a playmaker on offense, a marquee player who could put the points on the board. Galen Hall had the potential to become a good quarterback and Amos Marsh was already a respectable running back, but the receiver corps was an absolute mess. The defense, though still open to improvement, was in much better shape. Super Bowl III Green Bay Packers 40 Cleveland Browns 13 Note: These teams were the first ever 18-0 teams to meet in the Super Bowl's short history. This matchup was also a repeat of Super Bowl I with the same result. Super Bowl II crowned the Chicago Bears as champions over the Indianapolis Colts. Despite his incredible year, Deacon Jones was not named to the All-Pro team, nor were any other Dolphins award reciepients at season's end. Code:
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2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Last edited by Izulde : 02-07-2007 at 12:32 PM. |
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02-08-2007, 04:42 PM
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#14 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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1963 Offseason
The first order of priority for the Dolphins in the offseason was re-hiring head scout Jamie Boggs and offensive coordinator Mark Barthwell. Although the offense struggled in 1962, the problem was considered largely to be one of personnel and not any failings on Barthwell's part. Both staff members immediately signed three year deals to stay with the team. Hoping to accelerate his development, Miami sent QB Galen Hall to the summer league. Although some fans had openly called for Reggie Ireland to start in the midst of the team's disasterous late-season downfall, he would not get that opportunity again, for not only was the front office committed to Hall, Ireland's contract demands were deemed too excessive and so he was not re-signed. Just like the offseason in the year before, wide receiver was the primary importance. It is worth noting that no receivers were given extensions amongst the several that the Dolphins doled out in the first stage of free agency. They also wanted to improve the interior of their defensive line and bolster their linebacking corps. Unfortunately there was not much available on the market for the positions deemed most critical. Still, there were some intriguing players available and so offers were made, ones far more aggressive and to far better athletes than had previously been the case in franchise history. Eighth year veteran mentor RB Tom Wilson was the first to sign. Although the three year, $1.42 million deal for the Seahawk who had just one season as a starter under his belt raised some eyebrows, the Dolphins' front office were committed to pushing Amos Marsh. Furthermore, Miami's staff believed Wilson's teaching talents would help to cure their young back's fumble problems. WLB Roy Wilkins and FS Freddy Glick were the next to sign. Wilkins, formerly of the Washington Redskins, was a solid tackler and a mentor for Nelson Toburen. He was also considered a prime candidate to start on the weak side. Glick was the player the Dolphins were most excited about. In just his fifth season, he'd never gotten the opportunity to start in Cleveland and Boggs and his staff considered Freddy to be even better than incumbent starter Bobby Freeman. Best of all, Glick still had upside to him, an upside that would only be all the more quickly reached with Freeman and Charlie Sumner as his mentors. In other linebacker news, MLB Ken Pruitt signed a two year deal to return to the Dolphins, a move the Miami front office thought crucial, regardless of their draft day decisions. Pruitt's re-signing was the last free agency addition, as TE Willard Dewveal and a few other free agents spurned Miami. This meant that yet again the Dolphins failed to improve their deplorable receiver position. Reggie Ireland was the only free agent to leave Miami in the early period, signing with the Philadelphia Eagles to back up the studly Sonny Jurgesen. The Dolphins had certainly improved in some key areas during the 1963 early free agency period, but the monkey on the back remained. They still had no gamebreaker or even above league average wide receiver. It was a need that sorely needed to be addressed in the draft. But would the talent be there?
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2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) |
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02-09-2007, 12:26 PM
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#15 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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1963 NFL Draft
As far as the Miami Dolphins were concerned, they had to get a wide receiver or defensive tackle in the first round. There was no doubt about it. The consensus top pick in the draft was either CB Willie Brown or DT Buck Buchanan. Miami held the #8 pick in the first round and it wasn't likely that Buchanan would fall that far. As expected, Brown went first overall to the Baltimore Ravens, but when the Oakland Raiders passed on Buchanan for QB Daryle Lamonica, the Dolphins began exploring the possibility of moving up. Buchanan slid past #3 and Miami held preliminary talks with the Minnesota Vikings, but passed on the opportunity to move up since the Vikings looked to be going DE, which they did with Lionel Aldridge. The Dolphins waited some more and their gambles paid off, as first Atlanta and then Detroit passed over Buchanan. The Philadelphia Eagles, sitting a pick ahead of Miami, looked like possible candidates for Buchanan. Winston Shadolia contacted his Eagles counterpart about a deal and one was quickly made, the team swapping 1st rounders in exchange for Philadelphia's receiving the Dolphins' 3rd round pick in addition. It was a relatively steep price, but Miami's front office viewed Buchanan as the third piece in a monster defensive line that would dominate for years to come. 1963 NFL 1st Round 1. Baltimore - Brown, Willie, CB, Grambling 2. Oakland - Lamonica, Daryle, QB, Notre Dame 3. Tampa Bay - Jordan, Lee Roy, ILB, Alabama 4. Minnesota - Aldridge, Lionel, DE, Utah State 5. Atlanta - Tobin, Bill, RB, Missouri 6. Detroit - Jones, Homer, WR, Texas Southern 7. Miami - Buchanan, Buck, DT, Grambling 8. Philadelphia - Budde, Ed, G, Michigan State 9. Buffalo - Bell, Bobby, OLB, Minnesota 10. Jacksonville - Russell, Andy, OLB, Missouri 11. Carolina - Stallings, Larry, OLB, Georgia Tech 12. New Jersey - Hill, Dave, T, Auburn 13. San Diego - Logan, Jerry, S, West Texas A&M 14. Washington - Robinson, Dave, OLB, Penn State 15. New Orleans - Meggyesy, Dave, OLB, Syracuse 16. Denver - Herman, Dave, G, Michigan State 17. Detroit - Janik, Tom, S, Tx. A&M - Kingsville 18. Seattle - Hultz, Don, DE, Southern Mississippi 19. Houston - Howell, Lane, T, Grambling 20. Chicago - Mackey, John, TE, Syracuse 21. New York - Poage, Ray, WR, Texas 22. Tennessee - Campbell, John, OLB, Minnesota 23. Arizona - Whitmyer, Nat, CB, Washington 24. New England - Reynolds, Bob, T, Bowling Green 25. Pittsburgh - Caffey, Lee Roy, OLB, Texas A&M 26. Kansas City - Kanicki, Jim, DT, Michigan State 27. St. Louis - Liscio, Tony, T, Tulsa 28. San Francisco - Walker, Chuck, DE, Duke 29. Philadelphia - Sweeney, Walt, G, Syracuse 30. Indianapolis - Chuy, Don, G, Clemson 31. Cleveland - Dunaway, Jim, DT, Mississippi 32. Green Bay - Costa, Dave, DT, Utah The Dolphins finally found a receiver they liked in the early rounds and were ecstatic when FL Tom Hutchinson, a player they'd eyed as a first round possibility, dropped to them in the second round. He looked like an instant starter and immediate jolt into a moribund position group. The receivers continued to get help with Miami's 4th round pick, as they selected raw but intriguing TE Vern Burke. MLB Jerry Hopkins became a new Dolphin in the 5th, followed by FB Harry Crump in the 6th round and finally C Dan Crossan in the 7th. Dolphins Draftees Rnd 1 - Buck Buchanan, DT, Grambling Rnd 2 - Tom Hutchinson, WR, Kentucky Rnd 4 - Vern Burke, TE, Oregon State Rnd 5 - Jerry Hopkins, ILB, Texas A&M Rnd 6 - Harry Crump, FB, Boston College Rnd 7 - Dave Crossan, C, Maryland Contract negotiations did not go as smoothly as they had in years past. Buchanan and Hutchinson proved more stubborn than expected, as did Crossan. Even worse, Amos Marsh was a holdout, demanding a longer and more lucrative contract. Although he was by no means guaranteed to regain his starting job and his tendency to fumble the year before caused concern within the organization, the Dolphins negotiated a contract that both sides deemed fair, extending his contract another two years, with substantial payraises and a somewhat considerable bonus. In late free agency LDT Cliff Breeden signed with the Washington Redskins, the despised FL Courtney Cancilliere with the New York Giants and angry SLB Joe Clark with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The remaining rookies signed in time for training camp, much to the relief of the front office and the Dolphins broke camp with 49 players, their highest total ever. Code:
Yet again the Dolphins earned a B in most draft reports, although some rated them a B+. Buck Buchanan looked to be the real deal, Tom Hutchinson not as much as the team had hoped. But the real excitement and surprise came from Jerry Hopkins, who stunned the staff with his torrent camp, preparation, and eagerness to play. Suddenly Ken Pruitt had a very serious challenge to contend with for the starting middle linebacker spot.
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2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) |
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02-11-2007, 12:44 PM
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#16 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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1963 Coaching Notes: Vernon Schwartz
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Galen continues to look better and better. Hopefully he'll really start to break out this season and become the quarterback he's capable of being. Paul's a nice safety valve. Winston's here strictly for his kickholding talents. Code:
Tom slightly outperformed Amos in the preseason except for the key area of fumbles, so Amos barely manages to hang on to his starting job. Horace is nice insurance for a third-stringer. Bubba's an okay blocker. Code:
Vern is chomping at the bit to replace Jack, but for now our receivers captain will start, with the rookie the main backup and the man for passing situations. Joe had a fantastic preseason but it wasn't enough to unseat Clyde. Tom looked pretty good in exhibition too. Code:
We're at a nice spot in center. Johnny D pushed Luke hard enough to steal the spoting spot at RG and Johnny S did the same at LT. Maybe someday we'll get a superstar in there, but for now I'm happy with what we have. Code:
Neither one of these guys is consisent, but we have more pressing needs than their positions, so they'll stay for at least the next two years. Code:
Buck didn't have the best preseason, but he's still adjusting to the game. Deacon is still our star and Frank took advantage of playing on his side to put together a very nice exhibiton and take the starting spot from Earnest. Can't wait to get Pete out of here. Code:
What a nice surprise Hopkins turned out to be. Sure he didn't beat Ken out, but any time you have that kind of explosion from a 5th round rookie, it's great to see. Roy can hopefully energize the left side. Now that Nelson's fully adjusted to the game, it'll be interesting to see if he can keep improving or if he's hit his ceiling. Code:
Van almost won the starting job from Bobby T after his terrific last season, but Bobby T stepped it up in preseason to keep his job. Bob was a post-camp signing, brought in to energize our punting game and, as it turns out, back up Ralph. I can't ask for a more terrific safety situation. Freedy looks like he's everything we hoped for.
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2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) |
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02-14-2007, 12:00 PM
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#17 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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1963 Season In Review
A 1-1 record to start the season boded well for the Dolphins, although it must be said that the team's performance in the loss to the Jets and the win over the Cowboys was schizophrenic, as they play abysmally against New Jersey and shut out Dallas. A two game losing streak followed the .500 start and none were more responsible than Galen Hall, who showed an alarming tendency to throw interceptions. Amos Marsh also lost the starting RB job to Tom Wilson during the stretch and for the entire rest of the season, controversy would surround the pair as to who should start. Marsh won his job back in the ensuing two game win streak as he put together a pair of great showing in upset wins over San Diego and Denver, although the triumph over the Broncos was not secure until Bob Sullivan rewarded the front office's decision to sign him by returning a punt 70 yards for a touchdown to give Miami the comeback 13-7 victory. Despite attaining the .500 mark at 3-3, Miami once again fell into an all-too familiar swoon, losing six straight games before finally beating the New York Giants 23-10 to stop the bleeding and stabilize their record at 4-9. Galen Hall was interception-prone, Amos Marsh and Tom Wilson both ran terribly and the pass defense was nowhere to be found during the run of futility. Freddy Glick, the free safety whose signing had been so applauded, injured his hamstring in Week 2 and was bothered by it all season long. The Dolphins played considerably better the rest of the year, but it was too little, too late as they finished 5-11, a bitterly disappointing record in a year they expected to possibly challenge for a playoff spot. Vernon Schwartz was in danger of getting fired and the front office announced a plan to re-evaluate the entire franchise from top to bottom in the offseason. Super Bowl IV Green Bay Packers 16 Cleveland Browns 17 For the third time in four years, the Packers and the Browns met in the Super Bowl, but finally it was Cleveland who triumphed over Green Bay in a game that many called the most thrilling championship to date. Code:
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2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) |
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02-14-2007, 07:40 PM
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#18 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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1964 Offseason
Tony Dillon's contract expired and Dolphins fans everywhere were frantic that the newly stingy ownership might not allow enough money to re-sign their beloved defensive coordinator. Fortunately, Dillon gracefully accepted a paycut to $650,000 a year for the next three years to stay in his adopted Miami. Where the axe did fall was on Vernon Schwartz. The second-half meltdowns of the last two seasons sealed his fate and he was fired, replaced by 55 year old Edgar Crawford, the unequalled inspiring motivator and offensive guru who had just led the University of Oregon to a Rose Bowl victory over the University of Wisconsin the year before. There was cautious optimism surrounding the hiring, as fans and players hoped for a much more competitive team performance. FL Tom Hutchinson got his ticket punched to the summer league, as the team hoped he would develop into a legitimate top receiver for a franchise that had never had one. Free agency's focus was simply: Get the best players available that can upgrade the team and improve they did. MLB Wahoo McDaniel was the first one to sign on board, a talented and promising fifth-year player who'd never gotten the opportunity to start in four years of playing for the Tennessee Titans. He'd start immediately in the middle for the Dolphins and gave them a bona fide potential star at the position for the first time in franchise history. P Terance Tubbs joined to take over for a pathetic Craig Van Horn. SE Clyde Conner, Miami's best receiver, returned for another year. QB Johnny Gardin became Galen Hall's newest mentor. But the biggest signing outside of McDaniel was DT Floyd Peters. A seven year veteran, he was a monster on the line coming off of two straight All-Pro seasons, including a 1st team performance and championship ring with the Cleveland Browns in 1963. Although originally a 3-4 NT, he switched to the LDT spot. Jones-Peters-Buchanan-Seau. A front four considered by more than one sportswriter to be "the scariest defensive line in the entire National Football League, without exception." WLB Rommie Loudo went off to Philadelphia, RB Horace Kournikova signed with Baltimore, and FB Bubba Robinson inked with Carolina. The team's defense was fantastically improved, but as always, the offense remained a problem for the Dolphins. The burning question: Would Miami find an offensive savior in the draft? The answer was coming soon.
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2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) |
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02-15-2007, 08:49 PM
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#19 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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1964 NFL Draft
It was no secret that the Dolphins were looking at offense in the draft. As GM Winston Shadolia himself commented, "Our defense is looking pretty strong. It's going to be a case of finding the best offensive player we can when our number comes up." Although he was extremely raw, many mock drafts had QB Roger Staubach as the best player in the draft. Those who didn't favor Staubuch said LDE Carl Eller was the right choice. Staubach and Eller went 1-2 to the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans respectively. LT Steve Wright, who looked like a franchise player at the position and who Miami targeted, went a pick before to the Carolina Panthers. An intense debate broke out in the Dolphins war room over who to take. Some of the staff wanted QB Bob Berry out of Oregon. Others called for Galen Hall to get another chance and another weapon, voting for WR Clifton McNeil, a well-developed receiver out of Grambling who would pair well with last year's 2nd round Tom Hutchinson. Just before the clock wound down, the pick went up, and it was McNeil. Berry went 14th to the Arizona Cardinals. 1964 NFL Draft 1st Round 1. Tennessee - Staubach, Roger, QB, Navy 2. Houston - Eller, Carl, DE, Minnesota 3. Seattle - Budness, Bill, ILB, Boston University 4. Dallas - Hill, Mack Lee, RB, Southern University 5. Carolina - Wright, Steve, T, Alabama 6. Miami - McNeil, Clifton, WR, Grambling 7. Minnesota - Kelly, Leroy, RB, Morgan State 8. Baltimore - Krause, Paul, S, Iowa 9. Atlanta - Philbin, Garry, DE, Buffalo 10. Seattle - Byrd, Butch, CB, Boston University 11. Washington - Renfro, Mel, CB, Oregon 12. New Orleans - Viltz, Theo, CB, Southern California 13. San Diego - Taylor, Charley, WR, Arizona State 14. Arizona - Berry, Bob, QB, Oregon 15. Cincinnati - Baker, Ralph, OLB, Penn State 16. Kansas City - Hayes, Bob, WR, Florida A&M 17. Tampa Bay - Kirby, John, OLB, Nebraska 18. Oakland - Graham, Kenny, S, Washington State 19. Chicago - Conners, Dan, ILB, Miami, Florida 20. Jacksonville - Snowden, Jim, T, Notre Dame 21. San Francisco - Duncan, Speedy, CB, Jackson State 22. New York - Wilcox, Dave, OLB, Boise State 23. Denver - Lothamer, Ed, DT, Michigan State 24. New England - Burrell, Ode, WR, Mississippi State 25. St. Louis - Keating, Tom, DT, Michigan 26. Pittsburgh - McGee, Ben, DE, Jackson State 27. Philadelphia - Frazier, Willie, TE, Ark. - Pine Bluff 28. Detroit - Ross, Willie, RB, Nebraska 29. New Jersey - Prudhomme, Remi, DE, Louisiana State 30. Indianapolis - Hand, Larry, DE, Appalachian State 31. Green Bay - Kelly, Jim, TE, Notre Dame 32. Cleveland - Brown, Robert, DT, Ark. - Pine Bluff FB Matt Snell joined the team in the second round. Although a surprise that a fullback would be taken that high, the only other one on the roster was [b]Harry Crump/b], the previous year's 6th rounder, who wasn't worth much. Furthermore, new head coach Edgar Crawford and offensive coordinator Mike Barthwell were excited about what Snell's blocking and running talents could add to the team's offense. Miami made its first defensive selection of the draft with their third round selection of OLB Jim Purnell, who was expected to push Nelson Toburen for the starting strong side job. The offensive line got a boost in C John Schmitt in the fourth. Although not the area of greatest need, 1963's 7th rounder, Dave Crossan had no business backing up Darryl Dromehauser. DE Howard Simpson was taken in the fifth, a puzzling selection given how set the Dolphins were at the position. G Don Shackleford got the nod in the sixth, and finally K Herb Travenio in the 7th. 1964 Miami Dolphins Draft Rnd 1 - Clifton McNeil, WR, Grambling Rnd 2 - Matt Snell, FB, Ohio State Rnd 3 - Jim Purnell, OLB, Wisconsin Rnd 4 - John Schmitt, C, Hofstra Rnd 5 - Howard Simpson, DE, Auburn Rnd 6 - Don Shackelford, G, Azusa Pacific Rnd 7 - Herb Travenio, K, No College It was the worst year yet for signing the rookies immediately after the draft, as only Purnell, Simpson, and Travenio signed a contract right away. A number of players were signed in late free agency to fill roles within the organization in free agency, including the return of mentors TE Jack McClairen and C Ed Beatty. The stubborn rookies were also signed before training camp, so that a record total of 54 players were on the roster as camp commenced. A pair of trade offers came through shortly after camp, as the Kansas City Chiefs offered a 5th rounder for FS Freddy Glick and the Cincinnati Bengals dangled a 4th rounder for RB Amos Marsh. Both were refused outright. Code:
Another draft, another B. But this draft was one that GM Winston Shadolia considered to perhaps be his greatest one yet. Many of these players brimmed with ability and looked like they could be breakouts. With the largest roster to date in his tenure, the battles for spots and starting positions would be fierce. It was also Galen Hall's last chance to prove himself. Now he had a few years of experience, and most importantly, some actual weapons. Fail to improve in 1965 and the team would begin looking in another direction.
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2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) |
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