SB Nation Tampa Bay - Features

Blaine Gabbert Has To Be The Jaguars Starter

2012-05-16T14:18:49Z

While there are some who think Chad Henne will win the Jaguars starting job, second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert has to be the Jaguars starting quarterback to begin the 2012 NFL season.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert had a rough rookie season, to say the least. He finished the year leading the worst passing offense in the NFL and showing slight improvement overall through the season. Gabbert was clearly in over his head and not quite ready to start in the NFL. He was one of those rookies that needed the NFL offseason, which was robbed from him with the NFL lockout.

Heading into the 2012 season, the Jaguars have hired an entire new coaching staff. The heavy lifting of the hiring was done by the man who drafted Blaine Gabbert with the 10th overall pick, Jaguars general manager Gene Smith, fresh off a three-year contract extension. A big focus of the Jaguars coaching search was going after a head coach who would be willing to work with Gabbert, as he's the quarterback of the future the Jaguars drafted. In Mularkey's introductory press conference, he backed Blaine Gabbert and said he had seen enough from him on film to believe he will be a franchise quarterback.

Fast forward to March, and suddenly there is a quarterback controversy. The Jaguars signed free agent quarterback Chad Henne to a two-year deal, to be the team's back up quarterback. There are some folks however who believe that Henne will win the Jaguars starting job by Week 3 of the 2012 NFL Preseason.

Mike Mularkey insists there is no quarterback controversy and Gabbert is the team's starting quarterback. "No, it's not (a competition). Blaine's our starting quarterback," Mularkey told NFL Networks Albert Breer over the phone. "We feel good about him."

Those words generally ring hollow however, especially in Jacksonville.

Jaguars fans have seen this act play out before, under former head coach Jack Del Rio. Back in February of 2007, Del Rio pronounced that Byron Leftwich was the team's starting quarterback and then he was released in favor of David Garrard a week before the regular season started. Last season, Del Rio proclaimed Garrard the Jaguars starting quarterback all through training camp, but Garrard was also released a week before the regular season started.

The situation with Gabbert and Chad Henne this season however is different.

Simply put: Blaine Gabbert has to be the Jaguars starting quarterback.

"We've got a huge amount invested in Blaine," Jaguars owner Shahid Khan said in January. "Our fate is tied to him. We can't win without him."

The Jaguars invested a Top 10 draft pick to Blaine Gabbert, trading up to get him in the first-round of the 2011 NFL Draft. The Jaguars invested 14 regular season games to Gabbert's development last season and made it a focal point of their head coaching search after Jack Del Rio was fired. The Jaguars invested in free agent wide receiver Laurent Robinson and first-round draft pick Justin Blackmon this offseason to provide Gabbert with some weapons.

Jaguars general manager Gene Smith is tied to Gabbert, as general managers generally are with their quarterback picks. Smith goes how Gabbert goes, both good and bad. It would be relatively nonsensical for the general manager who's job is tied to the quarterback to bring someone in to beat him out the very next season. If Chad Henne winds up being the Jaguars starting quarterback to open the regular season and Blaine Gabbert is not injured, then Gene Smith should be out of a job because that means he completely missed on his quarterback.

For Chad Henne to truly "beat out" Blaine Gabbert before the season actually starts, he would have to play some of the best football of his NFL career while Blaine Gabbert simultaneously shows absolutely no improvement from last season whatsoever. In this situation, if the quarterbacks play is close it will and should default to the 22-year old first-round draft pick, not the 26-year old veteran quarterback who's struggled to be an average starter. Not only has Henne struggled to be even an average NFL starter, what are you going to accomplish with Henne starting? Is Chad Henne going to get you to the NFL playoffs?

The Jaguars owe it to themselves to continue with Blaine Gabbert to start the 2012 season to make sure he's not what they think, or to see a glimpse that he is what they think. The only way to find out what he is for sure is to play him.

Blaine Gabbert has to be the Jaguars starting quarterback when the 2012 season begins. What happens after that however, is entirely up to Blaine Gabbert.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars, visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.

Miami Dolphins All-Time Top 100 Players: 9. Nat Moore

2012-05-16T12:00:23Z

For 13 seasons in Miami, Nat Moore provided options first for Bob Griese, then later for Dan Marino. He led the team in receiving yards five times, and made the All-NFL First Team in 1977.

Nat Moore was a 5'9" wide receiver from Tallahassee. After starting college with the Junior College University of Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks, Moore finished his college career with the Florida Gators. He earned All-SEC selection and an honorable mention All-American nod for his 1972 junior season. Miami selected him in the third round of the 1974 NFL Entry Draft with the 78th overall pick. He would wear the number 89 jersey through his career.

As a rookie, Moore appeared in 13 games, starting seven at wide receiver, leading the Dolphins with 605 yards on 37 catches, scoring two touchdowns. He also returned nine punts for 136 yards and 22 kickoffs for 587 yards, an NFL seventh best 26.7 yard average. He also ranked 10th in the league with 1,344 all-purpose yards. Miami won the AFC East title with an 11-3 record, ranking third in the NFL with 327 points scored and leading the league with 6.6 yards gained per pass attempt. Moore's best game of the season was a six catch, 95 yard performance in a week seven victory over the Baltimore Colts, 17-7. In the ill-fated AFC Divisional "Sea of Hands" game, Moore caught two passes for 40 yards. He also returned three kickoffs for 137 yards, including an 89-yard touchdown to open the game.

In 1975, Moore started all 14 games for Miami opposite Howard Twilley. He easily led Miami with 40 catches for 705 yards, scoring a team second best four touchdowns. He also carried the ball eight times for 69 yards. Miami missed the playoffs at 10-4, the passing offense ranked third in the NFL by gaining 6.7 yards per pass attempt, as Miami's quarterbacking trio of Bob Griese, Don Strock and Earl Morrall combined for an NFL second best 60.9 percent completion rate. Moore broke the 100-yard barrier on two occasions, most notably a four catch, 113 yard, one touchdown performance in a 46-13 victory over the Chicago Beards in week seven.

1976 would see Miami post a 6-8 record, incidentally, the only losing record Moore would endure through his 13 NFL seasons. Moore would be limited by injury to only nine games, starting each of them. He still easily led the Dolphins in each receiving category, with 33 catches, 625 yards and four touchdowns. With 18.9 yards per reception, he ranked ninth in the NFL. Miami's offense finished near the middle of the pack in every trackable category. In consecutive losses near the middle of the season, Moore caught eight passes for 230 yards and a score.

In 1977, Moore returned to full time duty, starting all 14 Miami games. He led the Dolphins with 765 receiving yards on 52 catches, scoring an NFL high 12 receiving touchdowns. He also rushed 14 times for 89 yards and another score. He broke the 100-yard barrier twice, and scored more than once on three occasions. He caught seven passes for 68 yards and three touchdowns in a 55-14 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in week 11. Miami posted a 10-4 record on the season, but failed to return to the playoffs for a third consecutive season. The Dolphins ranked third in the NFL with 313 points scored, gaining an AFC best 5.0 yards per offensive play. Bob Griese took most of the snaps, helping the Dolphins to an NFL best 86.0 passer rating. Moore was named to the Pro Bowl roster and also made the All-NFL first team.

Moore set team highs with 48 passes caught and an NFL third best 10 touchdowns scored in 1978 for a team second best 645 yards. He started 15 of the 16 games in which he appeared, as Miami finished the newly expanded schedule with an AFC Wildcard clinching 11-5 record. The Dolphins led the AFC with 372 points scored, finishing second in the NFL with a 59.6 percent completion rate and an 82.9 passer rating.

In 1979, Moore led the team in each receiving category by catching 48 passes for a career high 840 yards, along with six touchdowns. Miami won the AFC East with a 10-6 record. Moore broke the 100-yard mark three times during the season, including a career high eight catches for 127 yards in a week five loss to the New York Jets, 33-27.

Moore caught 47 passes for 564 yards in 1980, scoring a team high seven touchdowns. Miami went 8-8 on the season, missing the playoffs. The Dolphin's offense wasn't very good that year, ranking between the middle and the bottom of the NFL in most categories.

In 1981, Moore caught 26 passes for 452 yards and three touchdowns, due to injury starting only 11 of 13 games. He caught seven passes for a career high 210 yards with two touchdowns in the Dolphins week five 28-28 tie with the New York Jets. Miami finished the season with an AFC East Title earning 11-4-1 record.

1982 would see Moore appear in all nine games of the strike-shortened season off the bench. He posted the lowest totals of his career, catching eight passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Miami finished with a 7-2 record, breezing through the expanded playoff field by outscoring opponents 76-26 through the first three games before dropping SBXVII to the Washington Redskins, 27-17.

In 1983, Moore ranked second on the Dolphins with 558 receiving yards gained. He caught 39 passes and scored six touchdowns as Miami won the AFC East by four games with a 12-4 record. On October 16th, Moore gave NFL Films one of their favorite highlights of the last 30 years when he caught a 46 yard strike from Dan Marino, getting spun like a helicopter when tackles by two New York Jets (see video). In a 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in week 10, Moore caught six passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns.

Helicopter Catch by Nat Moore of the Miami Dolphins (via natmoore89dotcom)

In 1984, Moore finished fourth on the Dolphins with 43 catches for 573 yards and six touchdowns as Dan Marino lit up everyone with 48 scoring strikes while Miami finished the season with a 14-2 record. Moore caught five passes for 105 yards and a touchdown in a week 10 victory over the Jets, 31-17. Miami's offense led the NFL with 513 points, 38 points more than second place San Francisco. The team blew through the postseason, leveling the Seattle Seahawks 31-10 and the Pittsburgh Steelers 45-28 before losing SBXIX to the 49ers, 38-16.

In 1985, Moore caught 51 passes for a team second best 701 yards, leading the Dolphins with seven receiving touchdowns. In a week four 30-26 victory over the Denver Broncos, Moore caught five passes for 109 yards and a score. Miami won the AFC East with a 12-4 record as Miami's passing attack continued to make up for their porous defense, finishing second in the NFL with 31 touchdown passes and 4,114 passing yards.

1986 would see Moore in his final NFL season catch 38 passes for 431 yards and seven touchdowns. In a week 12 victory over the Jets, Moore caught seven passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Miami's 8-8 record on the campaign eliminated them from postseason contention.

For 13 seasons with the Dolphins, the first few as a primary threat, the last few as a complementary piece of the puzzle, Moore caught a total of 510 passes for 7,546 yards, finishing second on Miami's all-time touchdown reception list, with 74.

In 1998, Moore created the Nat Moore Foundation to work with disadvantaged youths in the Miami Dade County Area. He was added to the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll in 1999.

Poll

Who is your choice as Miami's best wide receiver.

Miami Dolphins All-Time Top 100 Players: 10. Jim Langer

2012-05-14T12:01:36Z

Jim Langer is regarded by many to be one of the best centers in NFL history. He is a six time Pro Bowler, a four time First Team All-Pro, a two-time Super Bowl Champion, and the proud owner of a 141-game consecutive starts streak for Miami at center.

Langer was a 6'2" linebacker and an honorary All-American with the class of 1969 South Dakota State University Jackrabbits. After going undrafted, he signed a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns but did not stick with the team through training camp. He signed another free agent contract to play with the Dolphins, appearing sparingly (in six games) during his rookie season. He wore the number 62 jersey through his Miami career.

In 1971, Langer again appeared off the bench for Miami, earning playing time in all 14 of Miami's games. Miami went 10-3-1 that season, earning their first ever Super Bowl appearance, losing to the Dallas Cowboys, 24-3 in Super Bowl VI.

Langer joined the starting lineup for the first time in 1972, starting every Miami game at center. Miami's rushing offense was far and away the NFL's best, leading the league with 613 runs for 2,960 yards and 26 touchdowns. Miami also led the NFL with 385 points scored and 5,036 total yards gained. Miami's above average pass protection helped the Dolphin's quarterback tandem of Bob Griese and Earl Morrall earn an NFL best 86.9 passer rating. Miami finished the season 17-0 after dispatching the favored Washington Redskins, 14-7 in Super Bowl VII.

Langer was named to his first Pro Bowl roster (one of 12 Dolphins) as well as the All-NFL team (one of 13 Dolphins), starting every game in 1973. Miami's 343 points scored was the fifth best total in the NFL. Boasting the best defense in the NFL, the offense was efficient, running an NFL low 776 plays, and gaining an NFL high 5.3 yards per play. They also allowed an NFL low 13 sacks. Miami ran down the opposition, winning their second Super Bowl in a row, 24-7 over the Minnesota Vikings.

In 1974, Langer started every game at center, one of 10 Dolphins invited to the Pro Bowl. He also made his second consecutive All-NFL First Team (one of eight Dolphins). Miami posted an 11-3 record, winning the AFC East. Miami led the NFL with 25 rushing touchdowns scored.

1975 would see Langer earn his third consecutive slot on both the Pro Bowl (one of three from Miami) and the All-NFL first team (one of four Dolphins). Miami posted an AFC East lead tying 10-4 record, but did not make a playoff appearance for the first time since the AFL/NFL merger. Miami rushed for an NFL fourth best 2,500 ground yards, along with 26 touchdowns on the season.

1976 would see Miami post their first losing record since 1969, at 6-8. Langer started every game at center, making his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance (the only Dolphin on the team). Miami's offense graded out in the middle of the NFL in every major trackable category.

In 1977, Langer again started every Dolphin's game at center. He was chosen to represent Miami at the Pro Bowl for the fifth time in a row (one of five Miami players), as well as returning to the All-NFL first team (one of six Dolphins). Miami posted an AFC third best 10-4 record, but nonetheless missed the playoffs. Miami's 22 passing touchdowns (on an NFL best 7.1 touchdown percentage) ranked second in the NFL.

1978 would see Langer continue to represent Miami at the postseason Pro Bowl (one of five Dolphins), his sixth consecutive trip. Miami returned to the postseason with a wildcard berth clinching 11-5 record. Miami led the AFC with 372 points scored and a passer rating of 82.9 on the season.

In 1979, Langer started the first nine games of the season at center, bringing his consecutive starts streak to 141 before suffering a knee injury, which sidelined him for the rest of the campaign. He never rejoined the Dolphins, instead appearing with the Minnesota Vikings sparingly over the next two seasons.

Langer is recognized as one of the NFL's best ever centers. He represents Miami at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1987. Annually, the Jim Langer Award is presented to the top Division II Offensive Lineman in the country.

Poll

Miami has featured two Hall of Fame centers. Which one was better?

Miami Dolphins All-Time Top 100 Players: 11. Mark Duper

2012-05-13T12:00:33Z

Mark Duper is a four-time member of the 1000-yard receiving club, a three-time Pro Bowler, and Miami's all-time leader with 8,869 receiving yards gained and 28 career 100-yard receiving games.

Mark Duper was a 5'9" wide receiver with the NCAA Division I-AA Northwestern State University Demons. Miami picked him up in the second round of the 1982 NFL Entry Draft, with the 52nd overall pick. He wore the number 85 jersey throughout his Dolphin's career.

In 1982, Duper had no impact on Miami's strike-shortened 7-2 record and subsequent AFC Championship. He only appeared in two games, never touching the ball.

Duper started 11 of 16 games for the 1983 Dolphins, making the Pro Bowl roster in the progress, one of seven Dolphins to make the cut. For the first time, he broke the 1,000-yard barrier, finishing with a team leading 1,003 yards on 51 catches, finishing sixth in the league with 10 touchdowns scored. His 19.7 yards per catch ranked him fifth in the NFL. He had three games during the season where he gained over 100 receiving yards, and on two occasions scored two touchdowns. This includes a week six loss to the Buffalo Bills, 38-35 where he caught seven passes for 202 yards and two scores. The Dolphins finished the season 12-4, making the playoffs. Duper caught nine passes for 117 yards and a score in Miami's 27-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round of the playoffs.

In 1984, Duper was one of eight Dolphins to make the Pro Bowl, starting all 16 Miami games. He caught a career high 71 passes for 1,306 yards and eight touchdowns. He had four games in which he gained over 150 receiving yards, and twice scored two touchdowns. In Miami's 45-28 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship, he caught five passes for 148 yards and two scores. Miami's passing offense rewrote the NFL record book, helping Miami to an AFC best 14-2 record.

1985 would see Duper injured in the first week of the season, in a 26-23 loss to the Houston Oilers. In his week 10 return, he caught eight passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns. In total, Duper was able to start eight of the nine Miami games in which he appeared. He still managed to catch 35 passes for 650 yards and three touchdowns as the Dolphins posted a 12-4 record, winning the AFC East title.

In 1986, Duper returned to the AFC Pro Bowl roster by catching 67 passes for NFL third bests 1,313 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns, all totals pacing Miami. He was one of six Dolphins on the team. Miami posted an 8-8 record on the season, enjoying eight games in which Duper gained over 100-yards. In a week 15 37-31 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, Duper caught five touchdowns for 145 yards and three touchdowns.

1987 would see Duper post career lows, in his 11 starts (over 12 non-replacement games), Duper gained a Dolphin second best 597 yards on 33 catches. He still managed to finish third in the NFL with eight touchdowns catches. Duper broke 100-yards three times, including six catches for 170 yards and three scores in a week 14 victory over the Washington Redskins, 23-21. Miami finished the season at 8-7, missing the playoffs.

In 1988, Miami faithful had to endure the Dolphins first losing record since 1976, at 6-10. Duper finished third on Miami with 39 catches for 626 yards and only one touchdown. He played in 13 games, including a week seven victory over the San Diego Chargers 31-28 where he scored his touchdown, along with 118 receiving yards on seven catches. Duper would miss 30 days when he violated the NFL's drug policy with an undisclosed offense (allegedly cocaine).

1989 would see Duper finish second on Miami with 717 receiving yards. He scored one touchdown on the campaign, catching 49 passes. Duper gained over 100-yards on two separate occasions on the season, as Miami finished with an 8-8 record, extending their playoff-less streak to four consecutive seasons.

Duper led Miami in 1990 with 52 catches for 810 yards and five touchdowns. Miami earned a wildcard position, posting an AFC second best 12-4 record. Duper caught at least one pass in every regular season game. His season's best game occured in week five, when he caught five passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns, as Miami set down the New York Jets, 20-16. Duper was one of few bright spots for Miami in the second playoff contest a 44-34 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Playoff, catching three passes for 113 yards including a 64-yard touchdown catch.

In 1991, Duper posted over 1,000 yards for the fourth time. It was also the fifth straight campaign where Duper's yardage total was higher than the season prior. Both he and fellow Marks brother, Mark Clayton, broke the 1,000-yard barrier. Duper led the Dolphins with 1,085 yards on 70 pass receptions, scoring five touchdowns. Duper caught at least two passes in every game of the season, finishing the season with 327 yards on 22 catches with a score in the final three games. The Dolphins settled for an 8-8 record.

Duper led the Dolphins in 1992 with 762 receiving yards gained and seven touchdowns scored. He caught 44 passes on the season, as Miami returned to the playoffs by posting an AFC East best 11-5 record. After retiring following the season, he was soon after charged with charged with conspiracy and intent to distribute cocaine, a charge which he was officially acquitted of one year later. Later still, he would officially change his name to "Mark Super Duper."

In 11 seasons with the Dolphins, Duper leads Miami's all-time leaderboard with 8,869 yards gained, starting 136 of 146 games. He caught 511 passes, scoring 59 career touchdowns. Along with Mark Clayton, Duper was inducted into the Dolphins Honor Roll in 2003.

Poll

Who is your choice as Miami's best wide receiver.

Miami Dolphins All-Time Top 100 Players: 12. Vern Den Herder

2012-05-12T12:00:45Z

Vern Den Herder started 166 games for Miami at defensive end over 12 seasons. A two time Super Bowl Champion and one time Pro Bowler, he ranks fourth on Miami's all-time leaderboard with 64.5 sacks.

Vern Den Herder was a 6'6" defensive lineman with the NAIA Central College (Iowa) Dutch. During his college career, he made the All-Iowa Conference team three times, from 1968 through 1970. He was an AP All-American during his senior season, 1970. Miami picked him up in the ninth round of the 1971 NFL Entry Draft with the 230th overall pick. He wore the number 86.

In Den Herder's rookie season, he appeared in all 17 regular and postseason games for the Dolphins, appearing mostly on special teams. He made approximately 14 tackles, including a season high five in a 41-3 drubbing of the New England Patriots in week five. Miami won the AFC East with a 10-3-1 record. They later won the AFC Championship, first by outlasting the Kansas City Chiefs in two overtimes, 27-24 on Christmas, later by shutting out the Baltimore Colts, 21-0.

In 1972, Den Herder changed his jersey number to 83 and joined the starting lineup at left defensive end. He started every game, leading the team with 10.5 sacks with approximately 70 tackles. He also recorded his only career interception, returning it for 24 yards in a week 12 victory over the New England Patriots, 37-21. Miami finished the only perfect season in NFL history, at 17-0. The "No-Name" defense (with all 11 starters on this top 100 list), led the NFL by allowing 171 total points scored, along with an NFL topping 3,297 yards allowed. This was due to extraordinary balance on the defensive side of the ball, as Miami led the AFC in rushing defense, allowing 1,548 yards while also intercepting an NFL second best 26 passes on the season. Miami's defense restricted opposing quarterbacks to an NFL second lowest 47.4 passer rating. Den Herder was selected to the AP All-AFC first-team.

Miami's defense was arguably even better in 1973, again leading the NFL with only 150 points and 3.7 yards per offensive play allowed. Miami's passing defense was legendary, leading the NFL by allowing only 1,290 passing yards, an opposing passer rating of 39.9, and only five passing touchdowns. They collected an AFC best 45 sacks throughout the season. Den Herder maed in the neighborhood of 12 sacks and around 90 tackles. This includes a 10 tackle, five sack performance in a week six victory over the Buffalo Bills, 27-6. Miami finished the season at 12-2, breezing to their second consecutive Super Bowl victory. Den Herder collected a sack in Super Bowl VIII, and was invited to the Pro Bowl after the season.

1974 would see Den Herder start every Dolphins game. He made around 80 tackles and six sacks. this includes an eight tackle, four sack appearance in a week two victory over Buffalo, 24-16. Miami won the AFC East with an 11-3 record. Den Herder added one sack in Miami's 28-26 playoff loss to the Oakland Raiders. Defensively, Miami placed second in the AFC by allowing 216 points scored, leading the AFC with seven rushing touchdowns allowed.

Den Herder led the Dolphins with a career high 11 sacks in 1975. He also made 76 tackles and blocked two field goals as Miami posted a 10-4 record, missing the playoffs. Miami's defense was second in the AFC with 222 points scored against, also leading the NFL by allowing only nine passing touchdowns.

Miami returned to earth with their first losing record since the AFL/NFL merger in 1976, with a 6-8 record. Den Herder started every game at left defensive end for the fifth consecutive season. Den Herder made 91 tackles, along with four sacks, two fumble recoveries and a blocked field goal. Miami's defense allowed an NFL high 5.7 yards per offensive play, as the day of the "No-Names" had finally come to an end.

In 1977, Den Herder missed three games to injury at the end of the season, the first time in his career he was forced to sit out. He started the remaining 11 games, as the Dolphins finished out at 10-4, missing the playoffs. The defense allowed 197 points, second lowest total in the AFC. The passing defense led the AFC with 10 touchdowns scored in the air. Den Herder collected around 55 tackles and three sacks.

1978 would see the NFL expand their schedule to 16 regular season games. Miami returned to the playoffs as a wildcard with an 11-5 record. Den Herder led the Dolphins with nine sacks, once again starting every game. He made around 85 tackles and recovered one fumble. Miami's defense had mastered the art of bending but not breaking ranking in the bottom quarter of the NFL with 5,169 yards allowed and in the top quarter with only 254 points scored against.

Den Herder again led the Dolphins with nine sacks in 1979. Miami won the AFC East with a 10-6 record as Den Herder made around 80 tackles and recovered three fumbles. He made four tackles and four sacks with a fumble recovery in a week 11 victory over the Baltimore Colts, 19-0. Miami's defense ranked fourth in the NFL with 257 points and 4,439 yards allowed. The rushing defense ranked second by allowing only 1,702 yards on the ground.

In 1980, Miami finished with an 8-8 record. Den Herder started every game for the third straight season. He made around 80 tackles, with one fumble recovery and one sack. Miami's defense intercepted an NFL fourth best 28 passes on the season.

Miami went 11-4-1 in 1981, winning the AFC East title by one game over the New York Jets. Den Herder started 14 of the 16 games in which he appeared, moving to the right defensive end position for the first time in his career. He made around 60 tackles and one sack, as Miami's defense led the AFC by allowing 275 points scored against.

1982 would see Den Herder start one of his final seven games with the club. He made five tackles and recovered a fumble. Miami posted a 7-2 record in the strike shortened season, challenging the Washington Redskins for the NFL title in Super Bowl XVII, but ultimately falling short, 27-17.

Den Herder epitomized the term, "No-Name," as I'm willing to bet only half of the Dolfans reading this have heard of him. He retired with 64.5 unofficial sacks, ranking fourth on Miami's all time leaderboard. He started 144 out of 166 games in which he appeared at left and right defensive end, and is the only member of Miami's defense to bridge the gap between the twin powerhouses of the 70's and the 80's.

Poll

So, according to the last defensive end poll, Jason Taylor is definitely the number one choice, who would be your next choice for Miami's best ever defensive end.

Can Anyone In The Eastern Conference Stop The Miami Heat?

2012-05-12T12:00:38Z

With the injuries to Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose, the Miami Heat won't have to play their two toughest opponents in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

When both Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose went down with injuries, it appeared that the Miami Heat would certainly return to the NBA Finals as Eastern Conference Champions. Howard had given the Heat fits all season with his ability to dominate the paint, and, along with the Orlando Magic's three point shooting proficiency, the Magic had the capacity to give the Heat a tough second round matchup. Rose and the Chicago Bulls, on the other hand, had been a thorn in the Heat's side not only because of their defensive strategy, but also because of Rose's dynamic scoring ability. Before Rose's injury, the Bulls appeared to be destined to meet the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals for a second year in a row.

Yet, without the two stars, both teams were eliminated in the first round. With the Heat's biggest challenges gone due to injuries, is there anyone left that can prevent the Heat from reaching the NBA Finals?

There were some pundits that thought the New York Knicks might give the Heat trouble in the first round. For this to happen, the Knicks would've had to shoot lights out from three point land, get major production from Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire, and steal a game in Miami. While Anthony was a major producer at times in the series, it was basically Melo versus the Heat after Iman Shumpert and Baron Davis went down with injuries and Stoudemire was TKO'd by a fire extinguisher after Game 2. The Knicks never had a chance and were lucky just to steal a game at home.

With the Knicks dispatched, the Heat are set to face the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, May 13th. This series has already garnered some national attention due to Pacers head coach Frank Vogel calling the Heat flop artists. While Vogel's mind games won't have any affect on the series, the Pacers do present some matchup problems for the Heat. Roy Hibbert, the Pacers' All-Star center, will be a load to handle in the middle for whomever has to cover him. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra may have to look to start Ronny Turiaf against Hibbert, to keep Chris Bosh on the floor and out of foul trouble.

The biggest reason the Pacers have a chance against the Heat is because of their depth in the front court. Along with Hibbert, the Pacers can roll out David West, Tyler Hansbrough, and Lou Amundson to attack the Heat's biggest weakness, which is their lack of size up front. The player destined to give the Heat fits in this series, however, is West. The Pacers power forward is excellent in the pick-and-roll, something the Heat struggle to defend. West will be able to affect the Heat's entire defense through his post offense and passing ability, so Spoelstra will have to devise a scheme to limit him.

With all this said, the Pacers are no match for the Heat. Maybe the Heat will struggle defending West, but who on the Pacers can stop Lebron James, the newly crowned MVP, or Dwayne Wade? Yes, Chris Bosh will struggle to defend West, but West will have his hands full trying to guard Bosh. Sure, if the Pacers are able to play at their optimum level and the Heat play at their worst level, the Pacers will win the series. If that were the case, though, the Pacers would win the NBA championship, and that's not going to happen. Perhaps the Pacers will match the Knicks and steal a game from the Heat, but don't expect much else.

If the Heat play as expected, they will then move on to face either the Philadelphia 76ers or the Boston Celtics. The Heat faced both teams last year, easily dispatching the 76ers in five, and, while the Celtics series was harder fought, they met the same fate as Philadelphia did. If the 76ers advance, they will likely present less of a challenge than the Pacers. They don't matchup particularly well with the Heat and struggled to defeat a Rose-less Bulls team, stealing a Game 6 victory to claim the series after Omer Asik missed two crucial free throws.

However, the Celtics would prove to be a more formidable foe for the Heat. While the Celtics are equally small inside, they do still possess a talented group with Rajon Rondo, who is always a threat for a triple double, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett. The Celtics pose a threat because their core has been together for a significant time and they have the experience necessary to go deep in the playoffs.

So, yes, the Celtics would certainly be the Heat's biggest threat in the Eastern Conference, but they just don't have enough to beat Miami in a seven game series. The Celtics' stars are older than the Heat's and the Heat are stronger defensively. In addition, the shortened, condensed season hasn't helped the older Celtics at all. The Celtics could possibly push the Heat to six, but they struggled with the Atlanta Hawks at times and will have to play at their best just to get past the 76ers. The Heat will again prove to be too much for the aging team from Boston.

While some people are claiming the Heat's road to the Finals isn't as easy as it appears, it's likely they're only doing so just to offer a different perspective and to look like a genius if the Heat happened to slip up. If the Heat win as they're expected to, those people can just say, well, that's what they were supposed to do and avoid any criticism. After the injuries to Rose and Howard, Miami's path to another chance at a championship could hardly get any less challenging. It would be stunning if the Heat didn't repeat as Eastern Conference Champions.

While the Heat certainly won't look past the Pacers or the winner of the 76ers/ Celtics series, allow this columnist to do it for you. Pencil Miami into the NBA Finals. Once they get there, they'll likely meet the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs. That's where the real test will be waiting for this Heat team.

Miami Dolphins All-Time Top 100 Players: 13. Mark Clayton

2012-05-11T12:01:00Z

Mark Clayton was an outside threat at wide receiver for 10 seasons in Miami. He was a five time Pro Bowler, and twice led the NFL in touchdown receptions. He ranks 12th on the NFL all-time leaderboard with 81 touchdown catches.

Mark Clayton was a 5'9" wide receiver from Indianapolis. He played college ball with the Louisville Cardinals. Miami picked him up in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL Entry Draft.

Clayton was used sparingly in the offense as a rookie, appearing in 14 games and catching six passes for 114 yards and his first career touchdown, a tiebreaking 14 yard catch from Dan Marino in the fourth quarter. Miami eventually lost the game to the Buffalo Bills, 38-35. He also completed his only career pass that day, a 48-yard touchdown strike to fellow "Marks Brother," Mark Duper. Clayton's real value in his rookie season was as a punt return specialist. He totalled 392 yards on 41 returns, scoring a 60-yard touchdown in a week 12 37-0 victory over the Baltimore Colts. Miami finished 12-4, AFC East Division Champions. Wood-Strock-ino combined for an NFL second lowest 11 interceptions on the season.

In 1984, Clayton led the NFL with 18 touchdown receptions, earning his first Pro Bowl invitation. He was one of eight Dolphins on the team. Clayton was third in the NFL with 1,389 receiving yards on 73 catches. He eclipsed the 100-yard mark on six occasions, scoring two or more touchdowns four times. In a week 16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, he caught four passes for 150 yards and three touchdowns. Miami finished the season with an AFC best 14-2 record. Clayton caught 15 additional passes for 262 yards and two scores through Miami's three playoff games, including Super Bowl XIX.

1985 would see Clayton again earn a Pro Bowl ticket, one of four Dolphins to make the cut. He led the Dolphins with 996 receiving yards, finishing second on the team with 70 passes caught and with four touchdowns. On two occasions, Clayton broke the 100-yard barrier. He would add four catches for 56 yards in two playoff games. Miami finished 12-4, winning the AFC East. The offense gained an NFL second best 5.6 yards per play.

In 1986, Clayton was one of six Dolphins at the postseason Pro Bowl. He and Mark Duper both broke the 1000-yard barrier, as Clayton's 1,150 yards and 10 touchdowns scored were second on the team. His 60 pass receptions ranked third on the Dolphins. During the season, he passed the 100-yard mark three times, and scored multiple touchdowns twice. In the season opener, he caught five passes for 143 yards and two scores, as the Dolphins fell to the San Diego Chargers, 50-28. The team finished the season at 8-8, missing the playoff cut.

Clayton led the Dolphins in 1987 with 776 receiving yards on a team second best 46 catches and seven touchdowns. His stats were undoubtedly affected by losing four games (one cancelled, three "replacement" player games). Miami finished at 8-7 (7-5 in non-replacement games), out of the playoff hunt. Clayton caught seven passes for 104 yards and two scores in a 28-10 week 13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

In 1988, Clayton returned to the Pro Bowl (one of three Dolphins) by again leading the NFL with 14 touchdown catches. He led Miami with 86 catches and 1,129 yards. Clayton had five games in which he caught two touchdown passes, and on three occasions broke 100 yards. He caught 10 passes for 153 yards and two scores in a 44-30 loss to the New York Jets in week eight. Miami posted a dismal 6-10 record, finishing last in the AFC East.

1989 would see Clayton lead Miami in each receiving category, with 64 catches for 1,011 yards and nine touchdowns. He gained over 100 yards five times during the season. Miami finished out of the hunt at 8-8. Miami's passing game was still the most prolific in the AFC, with 4,216 yards gained through the air.

In 1990, Clayton was limited to 10 games due to injury in a week nine 17-3 loss to the Jets. He caught 32 passes for 406 yards and three touchdowns. Miami finished 12-4, earning a wildcard berth in the playoffs. Clayton caught nine more passes for 148 yards and a score as Miami squeaked by the Kansas City Chiefs, 17-16 before coming up short on the road to Buffalo, 44-34.

Clayton was one of three Dolphins invited to the Pro Bowl in 1991. He caught an NFL second-best 12 touchdowns as both he and Mark Duper caught 70 passes. Clayton gained a team second best 1,053 receiving yards as Miami finished the season 8-8. He had four games where he scored twice, on two occasions breaking the 100-yard mark.

In 1992, Clayton finished second on the Dolphins with 619 receiving yards on 44 catches, scoring three touchdowns. Miami won the AFC East with an 11-5 record. Miami's passing attack finished with an NFL second best 3,975 yards through the air.

Clayton joined the Green Bay Packers for the 1993 season, catching 32 passes for 331 yards and three scores. He retired following the season.

In 10 seasons with Miami, Clayton caught a Dolphins record 550 catches for 8,643 yards, second on Miami's all-time leaderboard. His 81 career touchdown catches rank 12th in NFL history.

Poll

Who is your choice as Miami's best wide receiver.

Miami Dolphins All-Time Top 100 Players: 14. Sam Madison

2012-05-10T12:01:07Z

Sam Madison was a four time Pro Bowler, a two-time All-NFL team member, and is third on Miami's all-time leaderboard with 31 interceptions. For nine seasons he was one of the most feared defensive backs in the NFL.

Sam Madison was a 5'11" defensive back from Monticello, FL. He was a three-year starter and a second-team All-American in his senior season for the University of Louisville Cardinals. Miami drafted him in the second round of the 1997 NFL Entry Draft with the 44th overall pick. He would wear the number 29 throughout his Miami career.

As a rookie, Madison started three of the 14 games in which he appeared at right cornerback. He finished the season with 21 tackles and one interception in a week 13 victory over the Oakland Raiders, 34-16. He also forced a fumble. Miami finished the campaign with a wildcard earning 9-7 record, only to bow out to the New England Patriots, 17-3. Miami's rush defense ranked fourth in the NFL, allowing nine touchdowns.

Madison started every game for Miami in 1998, ranking second in the NFL with eight interceptions. This includes two games in which he picked off two, a week three 21-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and a week 11 26-23 loss to the Patriots. He finished the season with 44 tackles as Miami again clinched a wildcard slot, this time with a 10-6 record. Miami's defense allowed an NFL low 265 points on the season, with an AFC second best 4,435 total yards allowed, also posting NFL bests with 29 interceptions and six rushing touchdowns allowed. Miami's defense allowed opposing quarterbacks an NFL low 57.4 passer rating.

In 1999, Madison led the NFL with seven interceptions, returning them for 164 yards and making his first Pro Bowl squad, one of three Dolphins to make the cut. He was also for the first time honored as a first-team All-NFL selection. He finished the season with 46 tackles and a forced fumble, starting every game. He collected three interceptions, returning them for 101 yards, in a week eight victory over the Tennessee Titans, 17-0. He also scored his first NFL touchdown, returning a pick 21 yards for a score in a week 12 37-34 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Miami finished the year at 9-7, making the playoffs as a wildcard. Miami's defense allowed an NFL fourth lowest 252 total first downs, the rushing defense allowed an AFC low six touchdowns.

2000 would see Madison again start every Dolphin's game, earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection, one of six Dolphin's defenders on the roster, among seven total. He was also one of five to be chosen as a first-team All-NFL squad member. Madison collected 39 tackles along with a Dolphins second best five interceptions on the season, forcing two and recovering two, returning one 20 yards in a week six 22-13 victory over the Buffalo Bills. Miami won the AFC East title with an 11-5 record, the scoring defense ranked third in the NFL by allowing 226 points on the season. Miami intercepted an NFL high 28 passes while holding opposing QB's to an NFL low 57.5 passer rating.

In 2001, Madison made his third straight Pro Bowl, one of two Dolphins to make the team. He started all 13 games in which he appeared, missing three games midseason to injury. He made 25 tackles and two interceptions, along with 13 passes defensed. Miami earned a wildcard spot with an 11-5 record. The defense ranked second in the AFC, allowing 4,608 total yards. The pass defense was especially stout, leading the NFL with 2,829 yards allowed.

Madison started all 16 games in 2002, again making the Pro Bowl, one of seven Dolphins representing the team. Madison made 34 tackles and picked off three passes as the Dolphins failed to make the playoffs for the first time in his six NFL seasons, at 9-7. Miami's defense led the AFC, with 301 points allowed and 4,656 yards gained against. Nine rushing touchdowns against placed Miami fourth in the NFL.

2003 would see Madison start all 16 games, making 50 tackles on the season. He also intercepted three passes, including two in a week five 24-10 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He returned one of them 29 yards for a touchdown. Miami posted a 10-6 record on the season, but missed the playoffs. Miami's defense allowed an NFL third lowest 261 points on the season and an NFL second best 12 passing touchdowns. Miami also placed third in the NFL with 44 sacks.

In 2004, Madison again started each of Miami's 16 games. For the first time in his career he did not record an interception, but did manage to force three fumbles and make 47 tackles on the season. Miami finished the season at 4-12, their first losing record in 16 seasons, and only their third since the AFL/NFL merger. Somehow, Miami's passing defense led the AFC by allowing only 2,592 yards gained on the season.

Madison started all 15 games in which he appeared for the Dolphins in 2005. He intercepted two passes and made 56 tackles. He also forced a fumble and knocked down 12 passes. Miami posted a competitive 9-7 record on the campaign, but for the fourth season in a row failed to make the postseason.

Madison signed with the New York Giants starting in 2006, and over three seasons with the club started 27 of his 35 games, making seven interceptions and 110 tackles. In nine seasons with Miami, he finished with 472 tackles, 31 interceptions for 487 yards and two touchdowns, 55 passes defensed, and four fumble recoveries with another touchdown. His 31 Miami interceptions rank him third on Miami's all-time leaderboard.

Poll

SB Nation Tampa Bay - Features

Blaine Gabbert Has To Be The Jaguars Starter

Miami Dolphins All-Time Top 100 Players: 9. Nat Moore

Who is your choice as Miami's best wide receiver.

Miami Dolphins All-Time Top 100 Players: 10. Jim Langer

Miami has featured two Hall of Fame centers. Which one was better?

Miami Dolphins All-Time Top 100 Players: 11. Mark Duper

Who is your choice as Miami's best wide receiver.

Miami Dolphins All-Time Top 100 Players: 12. Vern Den Herder

So, according to the last defensive end poll, Jason Taylor is definitely the number one choice, who would be your next choice for Miami's best ever defensive end.

Can Anyone In The Eastern Conference Stop The Miami Heat?

Miami Dolphins All-Time Top 100 Players: 13. Mark Clayton

Who is your choice as Miami's best wide receiver.

Miami Dolphins All-Time Top 100 Players: 14. Sam Madison

Who is your choice for the Dolphins best ever defensive back?