The Dolphins Make Me Cry.com - Forums

I can kind of see where this is going with Ireland.  Let's clarify what has happened since Philbin came in so that credit or criticism goes to the proper place.

1- Brandon Marshall trade - Ireland, Philbin or both?  I think Philbin wanted him out and Ireland tried to get the best value for him that he could.

2- Letting go Bell and Langford - Langford wasn't a good fit after switching schemes and cost too much so I don't think it was either of their faults.  Bell was likely on Ireland but probably a good move.

3 - Drafting Tannehill - Ireland or Philbin?  I think this one is on Philbin and Sherman.

4 - The rest of the draft - Ireland or Philbin?  Likely Ireland.

5 - College free agents - Ireland or Philbin?  Ireland, except for Fuller and Lane.

6 - Chad Johnson - Ireland or Philbin?  Likely started with Ireland and final decision by Philbin.

7 - Release Johnson - Philbin.

8 - Hard Knocks - Ireland, Philbin, or Ross?  Started with Ireland and Ross but veto power by Philbin not exercised.

9 - Vontae Trade - Ireland or Philbin?  Presented by Ireland but decided by Philbin.  I think Ireland wanted to keep him.

10 - Cook Trade - Likely Ireland.

11 - Notable training camp releases of Gates, Aitui (sp?) who both landed with the Jets - Ireland or Philbin?  I think Gates was all Philbin and Aitui was a combo.  Just wait and see Gates turn the corner in NY.

12 - Addition of Armstrong - Ireland or Philbin?  Likely all Ireland.

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Think this out while it is fresh in your heads, because the blame game will begin when the losing begins.  Feel free to add to the list.

I think that, at this point, regardless of whether Ireland or Philbin actually is the final decision, that all roster issues will fall on Ireland.  No more excuses.  He seems to have lost the fans, so his margin for error is zero.

This may be what actually happens, but is it right?

That is an excellent list and I can't argue your thinking on any of them. IMO, since  Parcell's left the decision making has been a effort between Ireland and the HC's (Sparano & Philbin). Too bad the theory on how to build a team is totally 180 degrees different from TS to JP, which makes the GM's job even harder.

The fact is Ireland will continue to face criticism until the team wins a SB and even then there will be those that give all the credit to the HC and none to JI.

To add to your list....

I think signing Colombo was mostly on Tony.

My biggest complaint on JI is his failure not to sign RG Eric Winston. He could have filled a huge hole and saved a draft pick.

Converse

Yes, I think so.

Ireland is the GM and he's ultimately responsible for the talent level of the players on the field.

If we're losing because we are not as physically good as the team on the other side of the ball for several years straight, it falls on Ireland.  ...and if it wasn't Ireland's picks and decisions that got us there, it should have been.  If Ireland doesn't have enough power to over-ride bad decisions, then what good is he anyway?

He evaluates talent and presents the options to the Head Coach.  He manages the draft and player contracts.  Just answering the question.

Ireland has full and total control and VETO power over Philbin. Which is fine. But it also means that if they are really bad this year he is probably gone.

Either way after this year Miami fans will be happy. Either the team wins and you want to keep him around caus he is doing something right. Or the team sucks and Ireland is finally gone. This is his make or break year. Parcells has been gone, Sparano is now gone. It's all on Jeff now

The only thing I don't understand about this is the "rebuild" factor.  It is obvious the organization has made the decision to rebuild the team and Ireland seems to be doing his part in that decision by releasing quality players that don't fit the new schemes.  But rebuilding teams typically don't do a great deal of winning untill they get the players in place to fit the scheme.  So even if Ireland does his job properly, it isn't expected that the team will win right away.

With this in mind, do you think it is all going to be about wins and losses for Ireland's job or do you think he will get a pass as long as their is significant progression over the course of the year? 

We just keep missing on skill position players through the draft.  Vontae was best pick (skill wise)  that's gotta be on Ireland. I like new up-tempo offensive style , it's where the league is headed. Can Jeffy get us those kind of players? I dont think it's in his d.n.a.

His talent evaluation will be sorely tested this year.

If Gates does turn it around in NY that will be yet one more reason to show him the door, if as is being portrayed that it was his decision to get rid of Gates.

Just saying his 9 free agents this year, are down to 2 on the final roster. That is not a good start to his year.