finsiders playbook - new england

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Finsiders Playbook dolphins.com

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt.Birth date Exp. College Hometown2 Brandon Fields P 6-5 245 5/21/84 5 Michigan State Toledo, Ohio5 Dan Carpenter K 6-2 225 11/25/85 4 Montana Helena, Mont.7 Chad Henne QB 6-3 230 7/2/85 4 Michigan Wyomissing, Pa.8 Matt Moore QB 6-3 202 8/9/84 5 Oregon State Newhall, Calif.

10 Clyde Gates WR 5-11 197 6/13/89 R Abilene Christian Vernon, Texas14 Marlon Moore WR 6-0 190 9/3/87 2 Fresno State Sacramento, Calif.

15 Davone Bess WR 5-10 190 9/13/85 4 Hawaii Oakland, Calif.18 Roberto Wallace WR 6-4 225 5/10/86 2 San Diego State Panama City, Panama19 Brandon Marshall WR 6-4 230 3/23/84 6 Central Florida Pittsburgh, Pa.20 Reshad Jones S 6-1 214 2/25/88 2 Georgia Atlanta, Ga.21 Vontae Davis CB 5-11 203 3/27/88 3 Illinois Washington, D.C.22 Reggie Bush RB 6-0 203 3/2/85 6 Southern California San Diego, Calif.

24 Sean Smith CB 6-3 214 7/14/87 3 Utah Pasadena, Calif.25 Jimmy Wilson CB 5-11 185 7/30/86 R Montana San Diego, Calif.26 Lex Hilliard RB 5-11 240 7/30/84 3 Montana Kalispell, Mont.27 Benny Sapp CB 5-9 190 1/20/81 8 Northern Iowa Fort Lauderdale, Fla.28 Nolan Carroll CB 6-1 202 1/16/87 2 Maryland Green Cove Springs, Fla.29 Tyrone Culver S 6-1 210 7/6/83 6 Fresno State Palmdale, Calif.

30 Chris Clemons S 6-1 210 9/15/85 3 Clemson Arcadia, Fla.31 Charles Clay FB/TE 6-3 239 2/13/89 R Tulsa Little Rock, Ark.33 Daniel Thomas RB 6-1 228 10/29/87 R Kansas State Hilliard, Fla.37 Yeremiah Bell S 6-0 205 3/3/78 8 Eastern Kentucky Winchester, Ky.51 Mike Pouncey C 6-5 303 7/24/89 R Florida Lakeland, Fla.52 Marvin Mitchell LB 6-3 249 10/21/84 4 Tennessee Norfolk, Va.

53 Austin Spitler LB 6-2 243 10/26/86 2 Ohio State Bellbrook, Ohio55 Koa Misi LB 6-3 251 11/25/86 2 Utah Santa Rosa, Calif.56 Kevin Burnett LB 6-3 240 12/24/82 7 Tennessee Inglewood, Calif.58 Karlos Dansby LB 6-4 250 11/3/81 8 Auburn Birmingham, Ala.59 Ikaika Alama-Francis LB 6-5 290 12/4/84 5 Hawaii Kailua, Hawaii62 Ryan Cook G/C 6-6 328 5/8/83 6 New Mexico Albuquerque, N.M.

68 Richie Incognito G 6-3 324 7/5/83 7 Nebraska Englewood, N.J.69 Ray Feinga G 6-4 337 5/8/86 2 Brigham Young West Valley City, Utah70 Kendall Langford DE 6-6 290 1/27/86 4 Hampton Petersburg, Va.71 Marc Colombo T 6-8 320 10/8/78 10 Boston College Bridgewater, Mass.72 Vernon Carey G 6-5 340 7/31/81 8 Miami (Fla.) Miami, Fla.74 John Jerry G 6-5 328 6/14/86 2 Mississippi Batesville, Miss.

75 Nate Garner T 6-7 325 1/18/85 4 Arkansas Roland, Ark.77 Jake Long T 6-7 317 5/9/85 4 Michigan Lapeer, Mich.78 Tony McDaniel DE 6-7 310 1/20/85 6 Tennessee Columbia, S.C.80 Anthony Fasano TE 6-4 255 4/20/84 6 Notre Dame Verona, N.J.81 Dante Rosario TE 6-4 250 10/25/84 5 Oregon Dayton, Ore.82 Brian Hartline WR 6-2 186 11/22/86 3 Ohio State North Canton, Ohio

88 Jeron Mastrud TE 6-6 253 12/17/87 2 Kansas State Beaverton, Ore.89 Will Yeatman TE 6-5 288 4/10/88 R Maryland San Diego, Calif.90 Ryan Baker DE 6-5 295 11/25/84 3 Purdue Indianapolis, Ind.91 Cameron Wake LB 6-3 250 1/30/82 3 Penn State Hyattsville, Md.92 John Denney LS 6-5 255 12/13/78 7 Brigham Young Thornton, Colo.93 Jason Trusnik LB 6-4 250 6/6/84 5 Ohio Northern Macedonia, Ohio

94 Randy Starks DE 6-3 305 12/14/83 8 Maryland Waldorf, Md.96 Paul Soliai NT 6-4 355 12/30/83 5 Utah Pago Pago, Am. Samoa97 Phillip Merling DE 6-4 295 4/19/85 4 Clemson St. Matthews, S.C.98 Jared Odrick DE 6-5 304 12/31/87 2 Penn State Lebanon County, Pa.99 Jason Taylor LB 6-6 244 9/1/74 15 Akron Pittsburgh, Pa.

No. Name59 Alama-Francis, Ikaika90 Baker, Ryan37 Bell, Yeremiah15 Bess, Davone56 Burnett, Kevin22 Bush, Reggie

72 Carey, Vernon5 Carpenter, Dan

28 Carroll, Nolan31 Clay, Charles30 Clemons, Chris71 Colombo, Marc

62 Cook, Ryan29 Culver, Tyrone58 Dansby, Karlos21 Davis, Vontae92 Denney, John80 Fasano, Anthony

69 Feinga, Ray2 Fields, Brandon

75 Garner, Nate10 Gates, Clyde82 Hartline, Brian

7 Henne, Chad

26 Hilliard, Lex68 Incognito, Richie74 Jerry, John20 Jones, Reshad70 Langford, Kendall77 Long, Jake

19 Marshall, Brandon88 Mastrud, Jeron78 McDaniel, Tony97 Merling, Phillip55 Misi, Koa52 Mitchell, Marvin

14 Moore, Marlon8 Moore, Matt

98 Odrick, Jared51 Pouncey, Mike81 Rosario, Dante27 Sapp, Benny

24 Smith, Sean96 Soliai, Paul53 Spitler, Austin94 Starks, Randy99 Taylor, Jason33 Thomas, Daniel

93 Trusnik, Jason91 Wake, Cameron18 Wallace, Roberto25 Wilson, Jimmy89 Yeatman, Will

No. Name48 Aiken, Danny95 Anderson, Mark24 Arrington, Kyle30 Barrett, Josh23 Bodden, Leigh12 Brady, Tom

84 Branch, Deion31 Brown, Sergio28 Butler, Darius93 Carter, Andre25 Chung, Patrick63 Connolly, Dan

96 Cunningham, Jermaine21 Dowling, Ras-I11 Edelman, Julian94 Ellis, Shaun52 Fletcher, Dane

3 Gostkowski, Stephen

42 Green-Ellis, B.87 Gronkowski, Rob59 Guyton, Gary92 Haynesworth, Albert81 Hernandez, Aaron

8 Hoyer, Brian

44 Ihedigbo, James67 Koppen, Dan72 Light, Matt74 Love, Kyle15 Mallett, Ryan70 Mankins, Logan

51 Mayo, Jerod32 McCourty, Devin14 Mesko, Zoltan27 Molden, Antwaun50 Ninkovich, Rob85 Ochocinco, Chad

17 Price, Taylor91 Pryor, Myron22 Ridley, Stevan18 Slater, Matthew77 Solder, Nate55 Spikes, Brandon

53 Tarpinian, Jeff34 Vereen, Shane76 Vollmer, Sebastian98 Warren, Gerard54 Waters, Brian83 Welker, Wes

62 Wendell, Ryan58 White, Tracy75 Wilfork, Vince39 Woodhead, Danny99 Wright, Mike

No. Name Pos Ht. Wt. DOB Exp. College Hometown3 Stephen Gostkowski K 6-1 215 1/28/84 6 Memphis Madison, Miss.8 Brian Hoyer QB 6-2 215 10/13/85 3 Michigan State North Olmstead, Ohio

11 Julian Edelman WR 5-10 198 5/22/86 3 Kent State Redwood City, Calif.12 Tom Brady QB 6-4 225 8/3/77 12 Michigan San Mateo, Calif.14 Zoltan Mesko P 6-5 231 3/16/86 2 Michigan Twinsburg, Ohio15 Ryan Mallett QB 6-6 238 6/5/88 R Arkansas Texarkana, Texas

17 Taylor Price WR 6-0 205 10/8/87 2 Ohio Hilliard, Ohio18 Matthew Slater WR 6-0 200 9/9/85 4 UCLA Anaheim, Calif.21 Ras-I Dowling CB 6-1 198 5/9/88 R Virginia Chesapeake, Va.22 Stevan Ridley RB 5-11 225 1/27/89 R Louisiana State Natchez, Miss.23 Leigh Bodden CB 6-1 193 9/24/81 9 Duquesne Hyattsville, Md.24 Kyle Arrington CB 5-10 196 8/12/86 3 Hofstra Accokeek, Md.

25 Patrick Chung S 5-11 212 8/19/87 3 Oregon Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.27 Antwaun Molden CB 6-1 198 1/23/85 4 Eastern Kentucky Cleveland, Ohio28 Darius Butler CB 5-10 190 3/18/86 3 Connecticut Fort Lauderdale, Fla.30 Josh Barrett S 6-2 225 11/22/84 4 Arizona State Reno, Nev.31 Sergio Brown S 6-2 210 5/22/88 2 Notre Dame Maywood, Ill.32 Devin McCourty CB 5-10 193 8/13/87 2 Rutgers Montvale, N.J.

34 Shane Vereen RB 5-9 205 5/2/89 R California Valencia, Calif.39 Danny Woodhead RB 5-8 195 1/25/85 4 Chadron State North Platte, Neb.42 BenJarvus Green-Ellis RB 5-11 215 7/2/85 4 Mississippi New Orleans, La.44 James Ihedigbo S 6-1 215 12/3/83 5 Massachusetts Northampton, Mass.48 Danny Aiken LS 6-4 252 8/28/88 R Virginia Roanoke, Va.50 Rob Ninkovich LB 6-2 255 2/1/84 6 Purdue Blue Island, Ill.

51 Jerod Mayo LB 6-1 245 2/23/86 4 Tennessee Hampton, Va.52 Dane Fletcher LB 6-2 244 9/14/86 2 Montana State Bozeman, Mont.53 Jeff Tarpinian LB 6-3 238 10/16/87 R Iowa Omaha, Neb.54 Brian Waters G 6-3 320 2/18/77 12 North Texas Waxahachie, Texas55 Brandon Spikes LB 6-2 250 9/3/87 2 Florida Shelby, N.C.58 Tracy White LB 6-0 230 4/14/81 9 Howard St. Stephen, N.C.

59 Gary Guyton LB 6-3 245 11/14/85 4 Georgia Tech Hinesville, Ga.62 Ryan Wendell G 6-2 290 3/4/86 3 Fresno State Diamond Bar, Calif.63 Dan Connolly OL 6-4 313 9/2/82 6 SE Missouri State St. Louis, Mo.67 Dan Koppen C 6-2 296 9/12/79 9 Boston College Whitehall, Pa.70 Logan Mankins G 6-4 310 3/10/82 7 Fresno State Catheys Valley, Calif.72 Matt Light T 6-4 305 6/23/78 11 Purdue Greenville, Ohio

74 Kyle Love DL 6-1 310 11/18/86 2 Mississippi State Fairburn, Ga.75 Vince Wilfork NT 6-2 325 11/4/81 8 Miami (Fla.) Boynton Beach, Fla.76 Sebastian Vollmer T 6-8 315 7/10/84 3 Houston Kaarst, Germany77 Nate Solder T 6-8 319 4/12/88 R Colorado Buena Vista, Colo.81 Aaron Hernandez TE 6-1 245 11/6/89 2 Florida Bristol, Conn.83 Wes Welker WR 5-9 185 5/1/81 8 Texas Tech Oklahoma City, Okla.

84 Deion Branch WR 5-9 195 7/18/79 10 Louisville Albany, Ga.85 Chad Ochocinco WR 6-1 192 1/9/78 11 Oregon State Miami, Fla.87 Rob Gronkowski TE 6-6 265 5/14/89 2 Arizona Pittsburgh, Pa.91 Myron Pryor DL 6-1 310 6/13/86 3 Kentucky Louisville, Ky.92 Albert Haynesworth DL 6-6 350 6/17/81 10 Tennessee Hartsville, S.C.93 Andre Carter DE 6-4 255 5/12/79 11 California San Jose, Calif.

94 Shaun Ellis DE 6-5 290 6/24/77 12 Tennessee Anderson, S.C.95 Mark Anderson DE 6-4 255 5/26/83 6 Alabama Tulsa, Okla.96 Jermaine Cunningham LB 6-3 260 4/24/88 2 Florida Stone Mountain, Ga.98 Gerard Warren DL 6-4 325 7/25/78 11 Florida Lake Butler, Fla.99 Mike Wright DL 6-4 295 3/1/82 7 Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio

dolphins.com Special Pull-out Section

GAME DAY Miami Dolphins Roster (As Sept. 5) New England Patriots Roster (As of Sept. 5)

Roster pages-NE 9/6/11 1:46 PM Page 1

PATRIOTS SPECIALISTS

51C

7QB

31FB

22RB

68LG

77LT

19WR

72RG

71RT

80TE

82WR

Mike Pouncey62 Ryan Cook

Chad Henne8 Matt Moore

Charles Clay

2P

Brandon Fields

5K

Dan Carpenter

2H

Brandon Fields

15KR

Davone Bess10 Clyde Gates

15PR

Davone Bess10 Clyde Gates

92LS

John Denney

Reggie Bush33 Daniel Thomas

26 Lex Hilliard

Richie Incognito69 Ray Feinga

Jake LongBrandon Marshall15 Davone Bess

18 Roberto Wallace

Vernon Carey74 John Jerry

Marc Colombo75 Nate Garner

Anthony Fasano81 Dante Rosario88 Jeron Mastrud89 Will Yeatman

Brian Hartline10 Clyde Gates

14 Marlon Moore

70LE

Kendall Langford78 Tony McDaniel

90 Ryan Baker

24LCB

Sean Smith27 Benny Sapp

94RE

Randy Starks97 Phillip Merling98 Jared Odrick

21RCB

Vontae Davis28 Nolan Carroll25 Jimmy Wilson

96NT

Paul Soliai

58ILB

Karlos Dansby53 Austin Spitler

52 MarvinMitchell

91WLB

Cameron Wake93 Jason Trusnik

30FS

Chris Clemons20 Reshad Jones 56

ILBKevin Burnett

55SLBKoa Misi

99 Jason Taylor59 Ikaika Alama-Francis

37SS

Yeremiah Bell29 Tyrone Culver

67C

12QB

39RB

42RB

70LG

72LT

83WR

63RG

76RT

87TE

84WR

Dan Koppen62 Ryan Wendell

55ILB

Brandon Spikes59 Gary Guyton53 Jeff Tarpinian

31S

Sergio Brown44 James Ihedigbo

25S

Patrick Chung30 Josh Barrett

96OLBJermaine

Cunningham52 Dane Fletcher

23RCB

Leigh Bodden24 Kyle Arrington

27 Antwaun Molden

51ILB

Jerod Mayo58 Tracy White

50OLB

32LCB

Devin McCourty28 Darius Butler21 Ras-I Dowling

Tom Brady8 Brian Hoyer

15 Ryan Mallett

Danny Woodhead22 Stevan Ridley

14P

Zoltan Mesko

3K

Stephen Gostkowski

14H

Zoltan Mesko8 Brian Hoyer

18KR

Matthew Slater11 Julian Edelman

11PR

Julian Edelman

48LS

Danny Aiken

BenJarvus Green-Ellis34 Shane Vereen

Logan Mankins54 Brian Waters62 Ryan Wendell

Matt Light77 Nate Solder

Wes Welker11 Julian Edelman18 Matthew Slater

Dan Connolly54 Brian Waters62 Ryan Wendell

SebastianVollmer

77 Nate Solder

Rob Gronkowski81 Aaron

Hernandez

Deion Branch85 Chad Ochocinco

17 Taylor Price

Rob Ninkovich52 Dane Fletcher

Finsiders Playbook dolphins.com dolphins.com Special Pull-out Section

DDOLPHINS SPECIALISTS

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

75NT

Vince Wilfork91 Myron Pryor

74 Kyle Love

92RE

Albert Haynesworth94 Shaun Ellis

93 Andre Carter

99LE

Mike Wright98 Gerard Warren95 Mark Anderson

GAME DAY When the Dolphins have the ball (As of Sept. 5) When the Patriots have the ball (As of Sept. 5)

pull out depth chart-3 9/6/11 1:49 PM Page 1

Jorge PerezVice Chairman/Partner

Stephen M. RossChairman of the Board/Managing General Partner

Don ShulaVice Chairman

Wayne HuizengaPartner

Gloria EstefanPartner

Emilio EstefanPartner

Serena WilliamsPartner

Venus WilliamsPartner

Marc AnthonyPartner

FergiePartner

VICE CHAIRMEN

Mike DeeChief Executive Officer

CEO

PARTNERS

Published by

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On theCover …

The Dolphins have created great memorieson Monday night through the years, andthey’re hoping to do the same in tonight’sseason opener against New England.

facebook.com/pspsportstwitter.com/psp_sports

Dolphins Schedule ..........................................8Game Plan

Game Facts ............................................12Tonight’s Groups ....................................14Patriots Overview....................................16How They Match Up ..............................18Players to Watch ....................................21Tale of the Tape ......................................22Quick Hitters ..........................................24Connections............................................26The Last Time..........................................28

Game DayHead Coach’s Corner ..............................31Dolphins Coaching Staff..........................32Dolphins Football Operations ..................34

Miami Dolphins Head Shots ..........................37Dolphins Roster ....................................Pull-outPatriots Roster ......................................Pull-outDepth Charts ........................................Pull-outNew England Patriots Head Shots ................41Monday Night Memories ..............................44Pop Dolphins ................................................49In The Community ........................................51Miami Dolphins Kick-Off Luncheon ..............55Cheerleader of the Game..............................56History

My Generation........................................59Inside the Honor Roll ..............................60I Was There ..........................................62Top 10 Stadium Moments ......................65

Famous Fins Fans..........................................66Kids Page ....................................................67Dolphins Executives ....................................69Staff Directory ..............................................70

Volume 46 • Number 3

This isn’t anything we haven’t seen manytimes before, but the New EnglandPatriots came into the regular season asone of the favorites to represent the AFC

in the Super Bowl.The presumption was based on New England

returning every major contributor from a team thatwent a league-best 14-2 in the 2010 regular sea-son and, just as importantly, the presence of quar-terback Tom Brady and Head Coach BillBelichick.

If anything, the Patriots appear to have evenmore talent than they did last season thanks tothe summertime additions of big-name playerslike Albert Haynesworth, Shaun Ellis, AndreCarter and Chad Ochocinco.

It’s almost as though many think the biggestquestion around the Patriots is whether they’ll beable to snap their three-game playoff losingstreak come January.

Last year’s 27-20 loss to the Jets in the AFCdivisional round was particularly disappointing,considering the Patriots’ record and the fact theyentered the playoffs with eight consecutive victo-ries — with four of the last five by margins of42, 29, 31 and 31 points.

Here’s the thing, though, before anybody

decides to crown the Patriots prematurely: NewEngland had a lot of things go its way en routeto that 14-2 record and might not be so fortu-nate this time around.

The one stat that stands out is the fact that NewEngland, despite winning 12 more than it lost, gaveup more yards than it gained. The Patriots alsoallowed more first downs than they recorded.

New England made that up by coming upwith 38 takeaways (25 interceptions and 13fumble recoveries) and scoring a team-recordnine touchdowns on returns (4 interceptions, 2kickoffs, 2 fumbles, 1 punt).

The Patriots also played error-free football onoffense, setting an NFL record with only 10turnovers the entire season. The previous recordfor a 16-game season was shared by the 2008Dolphins and New York Giants.

New England looked scary good in the first twogames of the 2011 preseason before they werehandled by the Detroit Lions in the third — andperhaps most significant — preseason contest.

Whether you consider them Super Bowlfavorites or not, there appears little doubt thePatriots once again will be a force in the AFCEast. Recent history says so.

New England has won at least 10 games

each of the last eight seasons, including three14-2 finishes and the 16-0 mark of 2007.

As long as Brady remains as efficient as hehas been, the New England offense shouldremain among the most potent in the league.

The addition of Ochocinco can only help areceiving corps that didn’t see much of a drop-offafter the controversial Randy Moss was traded toMinnesota last October.

To help the running game, the Patriots spentsecond- and third-round picks on Shane Vereenand Stevan Ridley, respectively.

On defense, the large number of interceptionsin 2010 helped make up for the lack of a passrush. The Patriots produced only 25 sacks as ateam last season, with Mike Wright the teamleader with a modest 5.5.

The Patriots are counting on the highly talent-ed but equally controversial Haynesworth tobecome a force up front, and there were whis-pers in August that his arrival might mean agreater use of 4-3 fronts.

The Patriots have other stars on defense, suchas linebacker Jerod Mayo and cornerback DevinMcCourty, but it’s the offense that has made thisteam stand out in recent years and it’s likely tobe the same story in 2011.

GAME PLAN Patriots Overview How They Match Up Players to Watch

16 • Finsiders Playbook dolphins.com

Head Coach Bill Belichick made some significant additions to a team coming off a 14-2 season, and perhaps the most significant was that of defensivelineman Albert Haynesworth.

16-P_PATRIOTS_OVERVIEW 9/1/11 3:38 PM Page 1

Dealing with Tom Brady is difficult enough, butthe Dolphins defense also has to make sure tostop the New England running game. That was aproblem in the two meetings last season whenBenJarvus Green-Ellis averaged 78 yards with atouchdown in each game. Green-Ellis again fig-ures to be the focal point of the Pats runninggame, although they have other options, such asSammy Morris, Kevin Faulk and rookie StevanRidley. The Dolphins expect to be a force againstthe run all season, and it starts with the stoutdefensive line of Paul Soliai, Kendall Langford andRandy Starks.

18 • Finsiders Playbook dolphins.com dolphins.com Dolphins vs. Patriots • 19

GAME PLAN How They Match Up Players to Watch Tale of the Tape Quick Hitters

The Dolphins’ new-look runninggame gets unveiled for real tonight,and Reggie Bush could make himselfan instant fan favorite with a big per-formance against the Patriots. Theoffensive line, which again will beanchored by left tackle Jake Long,could make his life easier by openingsome holes. New England comes inwith somewhat of an unknowndefense because of the significantchanges made this summer. In partic-ular, it will be interesting to see howthey utilize Albert Haynesworth.Another player to watch is VinceWilfork, who has made the Pro Bowlas a nose tackle but has lined up attimes at defensive end against theDolphins. Regardless of where orwhen those two play, they need to beblocked.

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The Dolphins secondary begins the season withabout as tough a test as it could ask for, going upagainst Tom Brady and company. Randy Moss nolonger is part of the equation, but Brady still hasplenty of quality targets, such as Wes Welker,Deion Branch, Chad Ochocinco and tight end RobGronkowski. The latter had a huge game againstthe Dolphins in last year’s season finale, and he’sa guy the Dolphins must watch. Vontae Davis andSean Smith clearly have the ability to cover thePatriots receivers outside, but they also could helpthe Dolphins’ chances of winning if they can comeup with a pick (or two). It also wouldn’t hurt ifCameron Wake or Jason Taylor could get to Bradya couple of times.Th

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The Dolphins’ new approach onoffense produced some big plays inthe passing game in the preseasonand a few of those tonight certainlywould help the cause. Wide receiverBrandon Marshall looks primed for abig year and should be targeted oftenin the opener. Also keep an eye onDavone Bess, who scored in each ofthe two games against the Patriotslast season. Reggie Bush also figuresto be a big factor in the passinggame. Quarterback Chad Henne willbe looking to continue the strongwork he began in the preseason, buthe needs to avoid interceptions. NewEngland came up with five of those inthe two meetings last season, includ-ing two by linebacker Rob Ninkovichin the game at Miami.

Special TeamsThe importance of special teams became pretty obvious when the Dolphins and Patriots met last season.

The kicking game was the biggest reason the Dolphins went from leading at halftime to losing big in the gameat Sun Life Stadium, and a punt return for a touchdown right before halftime was a crushing blow in the sea-son finale at New England. Maybe this time it will be the Dolphins who come up with the big plays on spe-cial teams.The Dolphins certainly appear in great shape with kicker Dan Carpenter and punter Brandon Fields,who was spectacular in the preseason. New England has dangerous returners in Brandon Tate and JulianEdelman, along with a very good placekicker in Stephen Gostkowski. After teams experimented with theirkickoffs in the preseason in light of the new rule, don’t be surprised to see both teams try to kick off as deepas possible to get touchbacks and force the opponent to start at its 20-yard line.

REGGIE BUSH

VINCE WILFORK

ROB NINKOVICH

BRANDON MARSHALL

KENDALL LANGFORD

BENJARVUS GREEN-ELLIS

WES WELKER

SEAN SMITH

dolphins.com Dolphins vs. Patriots • 21

GAME PLAN Players to Watch Tale of the Tape Quick Hitters

TOMBRADY

Pos.: Quarterback

Ht: 6-4 Wt: 225

NFL Exp: 12thyear

How Acquired:Draft, 1999, 6thround

Of Note: Bradyenters the 2011season with thebest touchdown-to-interception ratio(2.27) in NFL historyamong quarterbackswith at least 2,000attempts.

CHADOCHOCINCO

Pos.: Wide receiver

Ht: 6-1 Wt: 192

NFL Exp: 11thyear

How Acquired:Trade (Cincinnati),2011

Of Note:Ochocinco, wholegally changed hisname from ChadJohnson prior to the2008 season,played at MiamiBeach High School.

DEVINMcCOURTY

Pos.: Cornerback

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 225

NFL Exp: 2nd year

How Acquired:Draft, 2010, 1stround

Of Note: McCourty,whose brother Jasonplays for Tennessee,made the Pro Bowlas a rookie in 2010after finishing secondin the league withseven interceptions.

JERODMAYO

Pos.: Linebacker

Ht: 6-1 Wt: 245

NFL Exp: 4th year

How Acquired:Draft, 2008,1st round

Of Note: WhenMayo was namedAP DefensiveRookie of the Yearin 2008, he joinedCB Mike Haynes asthe only NewEngland players towin that honor.

21-PLAYERS TO WATCH.qxd 8/31/11 7:33 PM Page 1


No. Rank OFFENSE Rank No.321.1 21 Total yards per game 8 363.8

5.0 T-25 Yards per play T-3 5.9102.7 21 Rushing yards per game 9 123.3

3.7 T-29 Rushing yards per attempt T-10 4.3220.4 16 Net passing yards per game 11 240.421.0 T-25 Passes intercepted 1 5.038.0 T-19 Sacks allowed 4 25.018.8 19 First downs per game 6 20.940.0 12 Third-down efficiency 2 48.230.0 30 Fourth-down efficiency T-12 50.017.1 30 Points per game 1 32.4

No. Rank DEFENSE Rank No.309.3 6 Total yards per game 25 366.5

5.0 T-4 Yards per play T-25 5.6100.1 7 Rushing yards per game 11 108.0

3.6 T-3 Rushing yards per attempt T-13 4.2209.2 8 Net passing yards per game 30 258.511.0 T-28 Passes intercepted 1 25.039.0 T-10 Sacks T-14 36.016.5 3 First downs per game 30 21.837.2 11 Third-down efficiency 32 47.136.4 6 Fourth-down efficiency 24 60.020.8 14 Points per game 8 19.6

No. Rank SPECIAL TEAMS Rank No.10.5 T-13 Punt return average 3 13.421.4 22 Kickoff return average 18 22.044.9 6 Gross punting average 19 43.237.8 15 Net punting average T-10 38.431.0 7 Inside the 20 T-28 19.04.0 T-4 Touchbacks T-10 5.0

73.2 31 Field goal percentage T-8 88.010.6 22 Punt return average allowed 6 7.224.6 28 Kickoff return average allowed 17 22.5

No. Rank GENERAL Rank No.30:54 16 Time of possession 23 29:24

-12 30 Turnover ratio 1 +2872 2 Penalties T-7 83

-3.8 22 Points per game differential 1 +12.8+13.8 11 Yards per game differential 19 -2.8

GAME PLAN Tale of the Tape Quick Hitters Connections Last Time

2010 Final Rankings


The Dolphins and Patriots have met in a season opener six previous times. New England won thefirst three of those matchups and the Dolphins took the last three, including a 24-10 victory in1996 — the last such meeting.

The 2010 meeting at Sun Life Stadium turned on special teams and turnovers, with the Dolphins los-ing by 27 points despite outgaining New England 400-265.

Only one of the last 10 meetings was decided by less than 10 points, that being the Dolphins’ 22-21victory in Miami late in the 2009 season.

Dan Marino’s 473 yards against New England in 1994remains the highest passing total on opening day since the1970 AFL-NFL merger. Irving Fryar’s 211 receiving yards inthat game is the second-best opening-day showing sincethe merger behind Anquan Boldin’s 217 yards for Arizonain 2003.

Jason Taylor has sacked New England’s Tom Brady a total of 10.5 times, more than any other quarter-back he has faced. Second on the list is Drew Bledsoe (6.5).

In 18 career games against the Dolphins, Tom Brady has passed for 300 or more yards only threetimes, but has been held under 200 yards 10 times, including both meetings last season.

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GAME PLAN Quick Hitters Connections The Last Time

Patriots Edition


GAME PLAN Connections The Last Time

Bryan CoxThe Dolphins pass rush coach’s 12-year playingcareer included spending the 2001 season withthe Super Bowl champion Patriots.

Kevin O’Connell The Dolphins quarterback was a third-roundpick of the Patriots in 2008 and appeared intwo games for New England that year.

Wes WelkerThe wide receiver played three seasons with theDolphins before being traded to New Englandin the 2007 offseason. He led Miami in recep-tions in 2006.

Scott O’BrienThe New England special teams coach wasdirector of football operations and assistant tothe head coach for the Dolphins under NickSaban in 2005-06.

Sammy MorrisThe running back played for the Dolphins from2004-06, leading the team in rushing in ’04.

Rob NinkovichThe LB appeared in four games for the Dolphinsin 2007 and one more in 2008.

story lines


JAN. 2, 2011GILLETTE STADIUM

PATRIOTS 38, DOLPHINS 7

stat leaders

• The Dolphins defense gave up a season-high 502total yards.

• Chad Henne and Tyler Thigpen alternated atquarterback, with Thigpen leading the only touch-down drive in the fourth quarter.

• Brandon Marshall’s 97 yards receiving helped himreach the 1,000-yard mark for the season.

• The Dolphins’ only takeaway of the game camewhen Kendall Langford stripped Danny Woodheadon a first-quarter running play and Paul Soliai recov-ered at the New England 34-yard line.

• The Dolphins were shut out in the first half despitehaving the ball in New England territory on threedifferent occasions in the first half. Those threedrives ended with a missed field goal, a punt and afumble.

• The Dolphins offense had the ball for only 5:34 inthe second half.

RushingDolphins — Tyler Thigpen 3-21Patriots — BenJarvus Green-Ellis 20-80, TDPassingDolphins — Tyler Thigpen 10-21-0, 169 yards, 1 TDPatriots — Tom Brady 10-16-0, 199 yards, 1 TDReceivingDolphins — Brandon Marshall 5-97Patriots — Rob Gronkowski 6-102, TD

InterceptionsDolphins — NonePatriots — Devin McCourty 1-0Opponent fumble recoveriesDolphins — Paul SoliaiPatriots — Rob NinkovichSacksDolphins — NonePatriots — Rob Ninkovich 2, Vince Wilfork 2, Jerod MayoField goalsDolphins — Dan Carpenter 1-1Patriots — Shayne Graham 1-1

GAME PLAN The Last Time

28-LAST TIME 9/1/11 3:36 PM Page 1

Q. A 1-7 home record lastyear had to be difficult toaccept. How important isit in these first two homegames (New Englandand Houston) to ridyourself of that memory?TS: It’s really important. One of

the things I have spoken to thisteam about is tradition. There hasbeen a long tradition here of play-ing well and winning at home. Weapproached our preseason gameagainst Carolina that way, to start anew tradition at home and takecare of our home turf. But at theend of this thing, they just tallythem all up. You’ve got to get someat home and you’ve got to get someon the road and if you win them allat home and you don’t win any on the roadthey’ll be asking you questions, too. Bottom lineis that we have to win football games and itstarts with two home games this year.

Q. New England on a Mondaynight: Could you have asked fora more difficult home opener?TS: It’s a tough one. It’s a division game. It’s

the team that won the most games in our divi-sion a year ago. It’s hard, but nothing is easy inour league. We are excited about the opportuni-ty. We finished the season on a poor note againstthis team last year and I think our guys are look-ing forward to playing that game.

Q. Tom Brady against your defense.How do you look at thatmatchup?TS: Our defense and our defensive speed gives

us a chance to play well against Tom Brady. Now,anytime you play him you better be right or you aregoing to be wrong. From our end, we have a lot toget ready for. I think our guys welcome the challenge.

Q. What would a victory over thePatriots mean to this team?TS: It would be tremendous. You’d get one

up in the division right away and some peoplewill tell you that’s two up when you win a gamelike that. From our end, winning that footballgame and starting things the right way would begreat for our city, for our team and for our fans.

Q. Reports have surfaced that youhave undergone a change inoffensive philosophy. Can youelaborate?TS: What I’ve had to do is obviously spend

time evaluating where we were offensively andhow we got there. I didn’t like where we were onoffense. We had a lot to improve on. I felt weneeded to look at a different way of doingthings. I thought it was important to show theseplayers some changes, and that’s what we did.The people I hired are all aggressive people, kindof left-lane people. We adopted a different phi-losophy trying to get the ball down the field, try-ing to make more big plays, trying to be aggres-sive in everything we attempt to do. We spenttime studying how to do that.

Q. Was this a gradual revelation foryou or do it just suddenly dawnon you that the offense neededto be more aggressive?

TS: When the season ended lastseason I had time to look at every-thing. I sat back and analyzed myteam. I’m the CEO of this team.When you are in charge, you haveto sometimes make hard decisionsand that could mean deviating fromsome of the things that even youbelieve in. If it’s best for your team,you do it. It was a long process forme. I’m a fact guy. I had to find thefacts and I went through it all andfound the facts. I hired the appropri-ate people and got some of thepieces in place and now we’re readyto get going with a more aggres-sive, attacking approach in every-thing we do.

Q. Your team doesn’tseem to get muchrespect on a national

level. How do you react to that?TS: I try not to take it personally, but it’s

hard. I tell the team one thing and I kind of dothe other because I see these kids work everyday and I know what they put into it and theycan’t get any respect at all out there; it bothersme a little bit. I do tell the team that the outsidevoices and outside opinions don’t make up ourfootball team. It’s what happens inside the lock-er room and on the field and what we believe asa team that really makes all the difference in theworld. I also tell them not to let any of the out-side sources dictate what our goals are andwhat kind of team we are going to be.

Q. On a personal note, what would itmean to Tony Sparano to get thisfootball team back in the playoffs?TS: It would mean an awful lot. I’m not dif-

ferent than the players. I have a lot of pride andthe players have a lot of pride. You approachthings with a chip on your shoulder and I have achip on my shoulder. I want to get this team backinto the playoffs for a lot of reasons, mainly forthe guys in the locker room but certainly for ourfans. I feel like the people in that locker roomdeserve to be back in the playoffs and I feel likeour fans deserve it, too.

In this column for Playbook, Head Coach Tony Sparano looks at tonight’s open-er against the Patriots and also talks about the importance of re-establishinga winning tradition at home.


GAME DAY Head Coach’s Corner Coaching Staff Football Operations

The Dolphins arThe Dolphins are tre trying to crying to create moreate more big plays this season, and theye big plays this season, and theygot one of those in the prgot one of those in the preseason when Brandon Marshall scoreseason when Brandon Marshall scored fred fromom60 yar60 yards out against Tds out against Tampa Bayampa Bay..


SPARANOTony

Head Coach

BOWLES BUSH

CAMPBELL CORRAO

COX DABOLL

T ony Sparano, entering his 12th sea-son in the NFL and his 27th year inthe coaching profession overall, was

named the eighth head coach in MiamiDolphins history on Jan. 16, 2008. He came tothe Dolphins after spending the previous fiveyears with the Dallas Cowboys. He also joinedthe team with five years of experience as ahead coach at the collegiate level.

In 2009, Sparano accomplished the difficulttask of balancing the need to add youth to hissquad while keeping the Dolphins in the thickof the playoff hunt. Like he did with quarter-back Chad Henne, who won seven of his 13overall starts in his first season seeing regularaction under center, Sparano furthered thegrowth of fellow second-year players DavoneBess, who led the team in receptions, JakeLong, who was named to his second consecu-tive Pro Bowl squad, defensive ends KendallLangford and Phillip Merling, as well as ProBowl kicker Dan Carpenter.

In 2008, Sparano’s first year as theDolphins’ head coach, he guided the team to asingle-season turnaround matched just once inNFL history. Taking over a 1-15 squad from ayear earlier, he led the Dolphins to an 11-5record and the AFC East title. His 10-gameimprovement has been achieved only oneother time in league annals, in 1999 when theIndianapolis Colts went from 3-13 to 13-3.

Coach Title With Miami Previous NFL coaching stops

Tony Sparano Head coach 4th year Cleveland, Washington, Jacksonville, Dallas

Todd Bowles Assistant head coach/secondary coach 4th year N.Y. Jets, Cleveland, Dallas

Steve Bush Wide receivers coach 4th year None

Dan Campbell Tight ends coach 2nd year None

David Corrao Assistant linebackers coach 4th year None

Bryan Cox Pass rush coach 1st year N.Y. Jets, Cleveland

Brian Daboll Offensive coordinator 1st year New England, N.Y. Jets, Cleveland

Joe Danna Assistant secondary coach 2nd year Atlanta

Dave DeGuglielmo Offensive line coach 3rd year N.Y. Giants

Karl Dorrell Quarterbacks coach 4th year Denver

Dave Fipp Assistant special teams coach 1st year San Francisco

Ike Hilliard Assistant wide receivers coach 1st year None

Darren Krein Strength and conditioning coach 1st year Seattle

Jeff Nixon Running backs coach 1st year Philadelphia

Mike Nolan Defensive coordinator 2nd year Denver, N.Y. Giants, Washington, N.Y. Jets,Baltimore, San Francisco

Dave Puloka Assistant strength and conditioning coach 4th year Atlanta

Darren Rizzi Special teams coordinator 3rd year None

Kacy Rodgers Defensive line coach 4th year Dallas

Bill Sheridan Linebackers coach 2nd year N.Y. Giants

Tony Sparano Jr. Offensive quality control coach 1st year None

Dolphins Coaching Staff

GAME DAY Coaching Staff Football Operations 2011 Miami Dolphins Rosters & Depth Chart

DANNA DeGUGLIELMO DORRELL

HILLIARD KREIN NIXON NOLAN

RIZZI RODGERS SHERIDAN SPARANO, JR


FIPP

POLUKA

KA

RL

DO

RR

ELL

Austin PopeAssistant Equipment Manager

John SwedeAssistant Equipment Manager

Charlie ThieleAssistant Equipment Manager

Anthony HuntRegional Scout

Adam HoweRegional Scout

Ron LabadieRegional Scout

Chase LeshinCollege Scouting Coordinator

Kevin O’NeillHead Athletic Trainer

Troy MaurerAssistant Athletic Trainer

IRELANDJeff

General ManagerAPONTEDawn

Senior Vice Presidentof Football Operations

Jeff Ireland was named theDolphins’ general manageron Jan. 2, 2008. He joined

the club after a seven-year stint(2001-07) with the DallasCowboys, including his last threeseasons there as the team’s vicepresident of college and proscouting.

In his role with the Dolphins,Ireland not only is responsible foroverseeing and coordinating thecollege and pro personnel depart-ments, but also helps manage theteam’s salary cap and player con-tracts. He supervises all scoutingefforts that relate to the collegedraft, free agency, the CanadianFootball League, and personnel ofthe other 31 NFL teams. Irelandworks hand in hand with HeadCoach Tony Sparano in imple-menting a personnel plan to buildthe Dolphins into a champi-onship-caliber team.

In Ireland’s three seasons inMiami, he already has seen someof his acquisitions play a key rolein the development of the team.Last season, Jake Long made thePro Bowl for the third consecutiveyear, while Cameron Wake andRandy Starks blossomed into ProBowl performers for the first time.Veteran acquisitions such asBrandon Marshall, Karlos Dansbyand Richie Incognito were majorcontributors to the Dolphins,while rookie draft choice Koa Misiwas a starter for the team all sea-son. Following the 2010 season,Ireland significantly upgraded theteam’s offense through the col-lege draft.

Dawn Aponte, entering hersecond season with theMiami Dolphins, joined the

team on Feb. 1, 2010, bringing withher a wealth of football experienceat the team and league level.Aponte works closely with GeneralManager Jeff Ireland on footballadministrative matters and servesas the team’s chief contract negotia-tor. She is responsible for the man-agement and strategic planning ofthe Dolphins salary cap, negotiatingand drafting player contracts andoverseeing the football operationsbudgets. Aponte also serves as theteam’s liaison on league affairs.

A veteran football executive,Aponte joined the Dolphins afterspending the 2009 season as vicepresident of football administrationfor the Cleveland Browns. In her rolewith the Browns, Aponte’s primaryresponsibilities included player con-tract negotiations, salary cap man-agement, player cost budgeting,league compliance and assisting inother legal matters.

Aponte joined the Browns organi-zation in 2009 after spending theprevious three years at the NFLoffice, where she served on theLeague’s Management Council asthe vice president of labor finance.In her position at the NFLManagement Council, Aponte rep-resented the 32 clubs in dealingswith the NFL Players Associationand Class Counsel on salary cap andother labor-related matters. Amongother things, she also dealt with theclubs on CBA, salary cap and playercontract matters.

34 • Finsiders Playbook dolphins.com dolphins.com Dolphins vs. Patriots • 35

Bob HackVideo Director

Chris GrierDirector of College Scouting

Chris SheaAssistant Director of Pro Scouting

Brian GaineDirector of Player Personnel

Ryan HermanFootball Administration Coordinator

Ron BrockingtonRegional Scout

Naohisa InoueAssistant Athletic Trainer

Joe CiminoEquipment Manager

Adam EngroffRegional Scout

Mike MurphyRegional Scout

Joe SchoenNational Scout

Matt WinstonRegional Scout

Stuart WeinsteinDirector of Security

Kaleb ThornhillDirector of Player Development

Dwayne JosephPro Scout

Nate SullivanPro Scout

John RitcherScouting Assistant

GAME DAY Football Operations 2011 Miami Dolphins Rosters & Depth Chart 2011 New England Patriots

Scott BullisManager of Team Operations

Matt TaylorVideo Assistant

As the 2011 season kicks off, the Dolphins are prime-time performers again.Tonight’s game against the New England Patriots marks the 77th time the Dolphins have played on

Monday night, more than any other franchise in the NFL.The Dolphins have a 40-36 record on Monday night, with 50 of the games played in South Florida.And those 50 have produced some of the most memorable Monday night games the league has seen,

whether it be the unforgettable victory over the unbeaten Bears in 1985, the Dan Marino-John Elway duelin 1998 or the thriller against the Jets just two seasons ago.

1980Uwe von Schamann’s overtime fieldgoal helped the Dolphins beat NewEngland, but the big story of thenight came when Howard Cosellannounced on the ABC telecast thatformer Beatle John Lennon hasbeen assassinated in New York.

1981Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski’sproblems on this night involvedmore than trying to escape KimBokamper and the other Dolphinspass rushers; he also had to dealwith an Orange Bowl crowd thatgot so loud that he pulled awayfrom the line of scrimmage on sev-eral occasions because of the noise.

44,45,47-MNF FEATURE 9/1/11 6:43 PM Page 1

Dolphins vs. Patriots • 45

See MONDAY NIGHT, page 47

1984Mark Clayton (left) and Dan Marinocapped off a record-breaking sea-son with a 28-21 victory overDallas.

1985Mark Clayton’s touchdown (right) helpedMiami stop the 12-0 Chicago Bears’ bid tomatch the 1972 Dolphins’ perfect season.

1986The Jets came to the Orange Bowl with a 10-1record, but Lorenzo Hampton and the Dolphinshumbled them to the tune of 45-3.

1991Bryan Cox challenged theentire Cincinnati sidelineafter kicker PeteStoyanovich was blind-

sided after a kickoff. Coxand the Dolphins got the

last laugh that night, 37-13.


MONDAY NIGHT, from page 45

1998: Lamar Thomas’ threetouchdowns helped Dan Marinooutduel John Elway.

2004: Derrius Thompson’slast-minute TD helped the Dolphinsstun New England.

2009The Dolphins beat the New YorkJets in a back-and-forth classic,thanks to Ronnie Brown’s last-minute score.


Stay tuned

NovakDjokovic

License plates, mostly fromKentucky

Banana split

I don’t have one. I do watchTV, but I really don’t have justone favorite show.

Meagan Good

Miami Dolphins 2011Super Bowl champs.

Fins Up.

I’m not really a big collector.

Paula Patton

Molten chocolate cake withhot chocolate fudge insideand ice cream

Must-see television show

Favorite dessert

Sexiest singer or actress

Something I enjoy collecting

Favorite (non-football)

athlete

One-line twitter toevery Dolphins fan

Defensive EditionKoaMisi

YeremiahBell

SeanSmith

CameronWake

I don’t really collect anything.

Get excited because we’re coming

Anderson Silva,UFC middleweight champion

MichaelJordan

Chocolate cake

I’m going to have to leavethat one blank before it

gets me in trouble.

I don’t watch TV, so whateverthe last game we played.

I don’t even turn on my TV in camp.

I’m a sneaker head, so sneakers

Get your No. 24 jersey

“True Blood”


Grapes

CarmeloAnthony

Lisa Raye

T he Miami Dolphins host-ed pizza parties on twoconsecutive Sundays for

children who won the Dolphins’Most Valuable Reader Programthrough the Summer ReadingProgram at Broward and Miami-Dade County libraries.

As part of the program, thesechildren were required to read aspecified number of books over thesummer and complete a readinglog. The kids were then enteredinto a raffle and 10 winners weredrawn from each county.

The children and their fami-lies received a VIP pass towatch the Miami Dolphinspractice. Miami Dolphinsalumnus O.J. McDuffie,T.D. and Dolphins cheer-leaders came by to con-gratulate the MVR win-ners. Members of theMiami Dolphins Women’sOrganization served pizza anddessert donated by Papa John’sfor the groups to enjoy.

After the practices, Dolphinsplayers, including Jake Long,Chad Henne and Reggie Bush,signed autographs for the kids.

This year the Dolphins willcontinue to work on the MostValuable Reader Programthroughout the year. This year-round initiative will provideincentives for children to read, inexchange for the opportunity toattend a Dolphins home game.The Dolphins have donated morethan 10,000 game tickets toBroward and Miami- Dade Countylibraries for the two preseasongames as part of the SummerReading program.

See COMMUNITY, page 53

MVR children get a big reading reward


COMMUNITY Spotlight

MVR Program winners got the VIP treatment at prac-tice, where they were treated to pizza and spent sometime with players like Chad Henne and Jake Long.


COMMUNITY from page 51

T here’s nothing like an intimate lunchwith some close friends, especiallywhen those friends happen to play

football for the Miami Dolphins.A select group of sponsors, season-ticket

holders and prospective season-ticket holdersenjoyed the company of Head Coach TonySparano, General Manager Jeff Ireland, CEOMike Dee and all 80 players at The MiamiDolphins 2011 Kick-Off Luncheon on Aug. 31. Allthe net proceeds were directed to the MiamiDolphins Foundation.

“First of all, it was a wonderful event,” saidAllan Young, Chairman of the Board for SouthFlorida Ford, who was joined at his table by startingquarterback Chad Henne. “It’s always greatwhen you get your corporate sponsorsand some of your fan base togetherright before the season to getthings kicked off. I thought it wasinteresting and I thought it wasfun and all in all it was a greattime.”

Once all the guests wereseated, the team was intro-duced one by one, beginningwith equipment manager JoeCimino and continuing with therest of the coaching and trainingstaff. Then the players were introducedin numerical order, with Ireland andSparano walking in last.

Dee handled the official welcome and tossedto a video presentation showcasing the organiza-tion’s community relations efforts. He then turnedover the microphone to emcee and Dolphins radioplay-by-play voice Jimmy Cefalo. A handful oflucky guests who found a Dolphins logo under thesaucer holding their coffee mugs won Dolphinsfootballs they could use to get autographs.

There was a highlight video of the Dolphins’preseason games and some entertainingmoments from practice, as well as a recap of theteam’s 2011 draft. That was followed by a seriesof Q&As conducted by Cefalo and Jesse Agler,host of The Finsiders’ drive-time radio show.

Among the players taking the stage were Henne,wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess,left tackle Jake Long, tight end Anthony Fasano, line-backers Karlos Dansby, Kevin Burnett, CameronWake and Jason Taylor and defensive linemen RandyStarks and Kendall Langford. Before the Q&A ses-sions, Dansby was announced as the winner of the2010 Don Shula Leadership Award.

Finally, Sparano took center stage and deliv-ered a riveting and inspirational speech encour-aging everyone to give his or her utmost support

to this team. Hepromised a team

that will play hardand play to win, and

before he spoke theguests were treated to a

behind-the-scenes look atSparano miked up on the practice

field and fending off reporters at press confer-ences. There were also entertaining highlights ofhis on-field reactions during games.

“That was powerful and impactful. I’m readyto go out and run wind sprints myself afterCoach’s speech and his reach-out to the fansabout how important they are to the team’s suc-cess,” Dee said. “Those who were here will cer-

tainly walk away with a different impressionmaybe than the one they walked in with.”

There was also a benefit to the guests onhand of getting to know the players a little bet-ter on a personal front and seeing them withouttheir helmets.

“It was great,” Dee said. “Listen, you canhave a big party in a small place or a small partyin a big place. I prefer the former, not the latter,and I think everybody here got a chance to pressflesh with the players and hear from the players. Isaw players talking at the tables during the eventand that’s what this event is about. It’s a way toconnect those who support the Miami DolphinsFoundation with our team, so from that point ofview I think today was a tremendous success.”

Dolphins Score Big With Kick-Off LuncheonBy ANDY KENT


In addition to Tony Sparano’s inspiring speech, highlights of theDolphins Kick-Off Luncheon included interviews with several players,such as Kendall Langford (70), Randy Starks (94), Cameron Wake (91),Karlos Dansby (58) and Yeremiah Bell (37).

Watch Coach Sparano’s

inspiring luncheon speech

• Captain

• Hometown:Hollywood, Fla.

• Five-year veteran

dolphins.com Dolphins vs. Patriots • 5756 • Finsiders Playbook dolphins.com

CHEERLEADERS

Scan with yourSmart Phonefor an exclusiveAriana video

56,57-CHEERLEADERS 9/1/11 2:27 PM Page 1

Who is the toughest defen-sive cornerback you’vefaced?

Henne: “Darrelle Revis becauseof his cover skills. I think he’s smart, heunderstands the routes, he under-stands splits and he has really goodrecovery. He’s kind of the full packagebecause he can match up with thesmall guy and he can match up againstthe big guy. It’s tough to throw againsthim.”

Griese: “There were a lot ofthem, and I see them every year whenI go up to Canton (Ohio) for the Hall of Fame. But I’d haveto say Mel Blount of the Pittsburgh Steelers because he wastall and very physical. Willie Davis of the Oakland Raiderswas good because he was quick and smart, so those twohave to be up there.”

What quarterback did you look up to com-ing up, and why?

Henne: “I was always a big JoeMontana guy watching him and evaluat-ing him. But in college I guess it wasmore Tom (Brady) because coming fromMichigan and learning a little bit of whathe did at New England and just watch-ing him win Super Bowls had an impact.His leadership on offense is a big key.”

Griese: “I grew up in Evansville,Ind., and we didn’t have DirecTV backthen, so the games we got were eitherChicago or Cleveland. Otto Graham wasthe quarterback for the Browns then, soI looked up to him, but as I got a littleolder it was Joe Namath. I went to myfirst AFL All-Star Game and Namath andI were the only two quarterbacks there.He took me under his wing and showed methe ropes, so Namath and Otto were my two QBs.”

What is your favorite play to call or run?Henne: “To be honest, I think we’ve done a really

good job in our empty sets, where we spread everybody outand have five guys out in the routes. Knowing where to gowith the football quickly is exciting that way because you

just see it all unfold when you’reback there and everybody’s outthere.”

Griese: “Probably myfavorite route was the ‘maxroute,’ which was a 6-yard slant.Howard Twilley caught a lot ofthem and Paul Warfield caught alot of them, so I liked to throwthat one. Of course any runningplay to (Larry) Csonka wasalways a good option.”

What was your mostmemorable pass?

Henne: “I’d have to go with the touchdown passagainst the Jets on Monday Night Football to Ted Ginn Jr. (a53-yard strike as Ginn got behind Revis).”

Griese: “It was in the AFC Championship Game inPittsburgh in 1972. I had been hurt the last half of the sea-son and Coach Shula came to me at halftime and told me Iwas starting the second half. We were trailing and it was a

critical third down and I hitWarfield on a slant pass thatgained 52 yards and we startedto roll from there. Steelers line-backer Andy Russell knew weloved that slant and it was job tonot let Warfield get inside ofhim, so Warfield made a move tothe outside and Russell bit,allowing Warfield to get behindhim for the big gain. If we don’thit that pass, I think we mighthave lost that game.”

What is your best assetas a quarterback?

Henne: “I guess every-body would say my arm strengthand being able to make all the

throws and putting the ball where it needs to be.”

Griese: “Well, it wasn’t a big, powerful or strong arm.It was probably my accuracy. I was very accurate and a gooddecision-maker and I could make plays. I was instinctive,where if you show me something I could be accurate. Andintelligence, of course, was one of my strong suits.”

HISTORY My Generation Alumni Corner I Was There Top Ten Games

Current and former Dolphins stars share their views on different football topics

This edition: QuarterbacksCurrent star Former starCHAD HENNE Bob Griese


59-MY GENERATION 9/1/11 5:31 PM Page 1


HISTORY Alumni Corner I Was There Top 10 Games

Perfection. It’s a word that has only beenuttered once in the history of theNational Football League. The 1972

Miami Dolphins are the only team to have a“perfect season” and win the Super Bowl, or NFLChampionship.

A few have come close. The Bears went 13-0during the 1934 regular season, only to lose 30-13 in the Championship Game to the Giants.Eight years later, the Bears won all 11 regularseason games but fell to the Redskins in the titlegame. Four other teams in NFL history wereunbeaten, but not untied.

The perfect team, led by Coach Don Shula,went 14-0 in the regular season and won allthree postseason games, including Super BowlVII against the Washington Redskins, to finish17-0. Many would argue that the 1972 Dolphinsare the best sports team ever; proponents wouldcertainly point to the unblemished record to backthat up statistically.

As Hall of Fame fullback Larry Csonka said,"Perfection ends a lot of arguments."

The 1972 Dolphins team was led on theground by running backs Csonka and MercuryMorris, who became the first teammates to eachrush for 1,000 yards in a season. Paul Warfieldled the receivers, averaging over 20 yards percatch on 29 receptions. The offensive line includ-ed future Hall of Fame members Jim Langer andLarry Little and Pro Bowler Norm Evans.

The 1972 Dolphins defensive unit, called theNo-Name Defense because of the anonymousnames on the unit as compared to the offense,was the league’s best that year. It was led byfuture Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti aswell as Pro Bowl defensive end Bill Stanfill, nosetackle Manny Fernandez, and safeties DickAnderson and Jake Scott.

The road to perfection certainly did not comewithout speed bumps along the way. Future Hallof Fame quarterback Bob Griese sustained a bro-ken ankle in Week 5 when he was sacked by SanDiego Chargers defensive tackle Ron East. Thatleft matters up to 38-year-old backup Earl

Morrall to take charge and lead the team for therest of the season. Griese returned to the field asa substitute during the AFC Championship Gameat Pittsburgh and then started for Miami in SuperBowl VII.

Washington, the NFC champion, went intothe Super Bowl as a three-point favorite despitethe fact that the Dolphins had not lost a game allyear. But Miami soon had the Redskins down 14-0 and seemed to be on their way to a dominantvictory.

Then, in one of the strangest plays in SuperBowl history, Garo Yepremian’s field goal attemptwas blocked. Instead of just covering the ball, hetried to pick it up and throw it. The ball slippedout of his hand and was batted into the arms ofRedskins cornerback Mike Bass, who ran the ballback 49 yards for a touchdown, cutting the leadin half.

Fortunately for Yepremian, the Dolphins wereable to hold on to win the game, 14-7, and fin-ish off their undefeated season with a SuperBowl championship.

For their perfect moment in time, the 1972Dolphins team was inducted into the DolphinsHonor Roll on Nov. 16, 1992 at halftime of ahome game against the Buffalo Bills.

1972 TEAMDolphin Honor Roll Class of 1992

60,61-ALUMNI 9/1/11 5:28 PM Page 1


My wife and me at Dolphins game at the Chargers - Afredo Ramirez, Chico, Calif.

We won a trip to see my

favorite NFL team, the Miami

Dolphins, play against the

New England Patriots on

January 2, 2011. We had a

blast! Go Dolphins!

- Rose Marie Mendoza,Miami, Fla.

To Submit your “I WAS THERE” moment, visitMiamiDolphins.com/Iwasthere

HISTORY I Was There Top 10 Games at Sun Life Stadium


I was there and we beat the Jets. Is there anythingbetter than that?

- Edgar Mejia, Miami, Fla.

We’ve always been there for 29 years!! Wemiss nothing with our Fins. In good and badtimes we will be there!!- Daniel Lurvey, Aventura, Fla.

It's my first birthday and my mom and dadare throwing me a Dolphins party. Go Fins!

- Ryder Stone, Ladera Ranch, Calif.

Me and “DanThe Man”. Marino in the Galleryof Legends. You’re looking good Dan!

- Wendy Fiestas, Pembroke Pines, Fla.

Only seconds remained when New Yorknative Jay Fiedler dove for the end zone, holdingthe ball above his head like a rugby player andskidding across the goal line for the winningtouchdown as the crowd erupted. This was areturn to normal — at least as the MiamiDolphins define it.

Patriotic pregame pageantry produced plentyof cheers, but the biggest roar was reserved forFiedler’s 2-yard touchdown scramble with fiveseconds left to help Miami beat the OaklandRaiders, 18-15. The resumption of the NFL sea-son following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacksmeant a day of mixed emotions — especially forFiedler, who grew up in Long Island.

“My brother lost a close friend,” he said.“And I know a lot of people who were very closeto people that were lost.”

So it was good to play a game, and even bet-ter to win it. Fiedler overcame two costly inter-ceptions, directing a 10-play, 80-yard drive in thefinal 1:41.

“You couldn’t get a better ending,” team-mate Zach Thomas said. “It was great for thefans especially, for everybody to go home happyand get back to normal.”

An emotional pregame show paid tribute tovictims of the Sept. 11 attack with prayer, songsand chants of “U-S-A, U-S-A.” The ceremonyprompted cheers and tears, with the only jeers

reserved for the Raiders when they were intro-duced. “You had to wipe the tears away and playfootball,” Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylorsaid.


HISTORY Top 10 Games at Sun Life Stadium

Dolphins fans voted on our official Facebook page for the Top 10 Moments in the history of Sun Life Stadium.We will be reliving those games in Playbook throughout this season.

September 23, 2001 • Miami 18, Oakland 15

From the pages of Dolphin DigestAndy Cohen column:

“First he lost the game and was brought tohis knees, a quarterback surely on the verge ofgetting booed out of the stadium. Then he wonthe game and has never stood taller, his pres-sure-packed, two-minute masterpiece giving theMiami Dolphins the most improbable of victories.Jay Fiedler showed us so much in those final,heart-stopping moments against the OaklandRaiders.”

Bill Daley game story:

“It was a perfect drive in so many ways, butperhaps what was most impressive was that of thefour major contributors to the drive, three werenew faces this season — two draft choices, a freeagent acquisition. The other was an old standby.The draftees were Chris Chambers and TravisMinor, the free agent Dedric Ward and the oldstandby Oronde Gadsden.”

Jay Fiedler celebrates his game-winning touchdown as the Dolphins rallied for a dramatic victory overOakland on a day of national pride.

65-TOP 10 GAMES for New England 9/1/11 6:17 PM Page 1

How did a musician fromSouth Carolina become such adevoted fan of the MiamiDolphins?

Rucker: “I remember I was 5 yearsold and it was the Miami-Dallas SuperBowl and the whole family was sittingaround watching it and everybody waspulling for Dallas, so I decided I was goingto pull for the Dolphins. So I startedpulling for them that day and the nextyear I started playing football and theywent undefeated, so I really began to likethem and I’ve been a Dolphins fan eversince. Those were great teams.”

What was it like for you toshoot that music video withDan Marino for the Hootie & TheBlowfish single “I Only Want To BeWith You”? And then also performit for him at his retirement bash?

Rucker: “The reason we did the video wasbecause they asked us what we wanted to do forour next video, so I told them I wanted to meetDan Marino. So we came up with a way for meto do that and that was one of the best days ofmy life. He’s still my favorite player of all time andthat day was a great day. I wanted to catch everypass I could and I was basically a 6-year-old kidrunning around wanting to catch everything hethrew but they made me act it out to where Ikept dropping the ball.”

When did you get the tattoo of theDolphins logo, and how devout of afan were you at the time?

Rucker: “I got that tattoo at least 15-16

years ago. I’ve been bleeding aqua since I was 5.Even the bad years, I would only play theDolphins on Madden. I’m a pretty good player onMadden, but I will never switch teams.”

Do you have a specific Dolphinsgame that stands out in your mem-ory as your favorite, and why?

Rucker: “If I was going to say just onegame it was the game in Indianapolis whenMarino broke the record (for career TD passes).There was a picture of him shaking Coach Shula’shand and I was standing probably 10 feet fromwhere they were on the field. That was amazing.”

What was it like to meet TonySparano, Jeff Ireland and their wiveslast year before your show withRascal Flatts in West Palm Beach atthe Cruzan Amphitheater?

Rucker: “That was awesome. Afterthe show the coach came up and gave mea wallet that I still have. They were greatguys and I’m a Dolphins fan, so to havethe Dolphins coach and GM come out tosee me before my show, that was huge. Iwas just honored that they would comeout and say, hey. I think they were alreadyaware I was a huge Dolphins fan and I’mnot ashamed to say that I’m a fan andthat’s my team.”

Did you play football in highschool or before high school,and what position did youplay?

Rucker: “I played football up untilhigh school and then by high school I real-

ized that I was a little small and I’d need to go adifferent route. I played quarterback and whenyou were 6 or 7 you played a little bit of every-thing but the last four or five years I played quar-terback. And I did actually wear No. 13, believe itor not, because 13 is my lucky number. That’swhy I think I love him so much because not onlywas he the Dolphins quarterback but I was grate-ful he wore my number, too.”

What was it like to sing the nation-al anthem before some Dolphinsgames?

Rucker: “I’ve gotten to do it a few timesdown there and it’s awesome. I mean, to be onthe home field with my team singing theanthem and then they’re about to play a game,that’s just awesome. Football’s my thing andthis is the time of year for me. I can’t wait forfootball season.”


This issue: DARIUS RUCKER, musician

WHO AM I?

I was born on February 3, 1989 in Little Rock, Ark.

My father, Charles, played college football atArkansas.

I attended Central High School in Little Rock whereI played running back and safety.

In college at Tulsa I saw action at seven differentpositions, including tailback, fullback, tight end, splitreceiver, "wildcat" quarterback, linebacker anddefensive end.

CLAY, CHARLES



Harvey GreeneSenior Vice President

Media Relations

Mark TilsonSenior Vice President

Sales and Ticket Operations

Adam GrossmanSenior Vice President

Public Affairs

Tery HowardSenior Vice President

Chief Technology Officer

Nat MooreVice President/Senior Advisor

Bill GalanteSenior Vice President Of Operations

Davie

Jim RushtonSenior Vice President

Corporate Partnerships and Integrated Media

Todd BoyanSenior Vice President Of Operations

Sun Life Stadium

STAFF Executives Ownership and Staff Directory

Mark BrockelmanSenior Vice President

Chief Financial and Operating Officer


MIAMI DOLPHINS TRAINING FACILITY7500 SW 30th Street • Davie, FL 33314 (954) 452-7000MIAMI DOLPHINS CORPORATE HEADQUARTERSSun Life Stadium • 347 Don Shula Drive • Miami Gardens, FL 33056(305) 943-8000 - Office • (888) FINS-TIX - Ticketswww.Dolphins.com

Chairman of the Board/Managing General Partner . . . . . . . . .Stephen M. RossVice-Chairman/Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jorge PerezVice-Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Donald F. ShulaPartners . . . .H. Wayne Huizenga, Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan,

Fergie, Serena Williams, Venus Williams

EXECUTIVESChief Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mike DeeGeneral Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeff IrelandSenior Vice President of Football Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dawn AponteSenior Vice President of Operations-Sun Life Stadium . . . . . . . . . . .Todd BoyanSenior Vice President/Chief Financial and Administrative Officer . . .Mark Brockelman Senior Vice President of Operations-Davie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bill GalanteSenior Vice President of Media Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harvey GreeneSenior Vice President of Public Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Adam GrossmanSenior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer . . . . . . . . . . . .Tery HowardSenior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Integrated Media . .Jim RushtonSenior Vice President of Sales and Ticket Operations . . . . . . . . . . . .Mark TilsonVice President/Senior Advisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nat Moore

FOOTBALL OPERATIONS

COACHINGHead Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tony SparanoAssistant Head Coach/Secondary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Todd BowlesWide Receivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Steve BushTight Ends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dan CampbellAssistant Linebackers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .David CorraoPass Rush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bryan CoxOffensive Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brian Daboll Assistant Secondary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joe DannaOffensive Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dave DeGuglielmoQuarterbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Karl DorrellAssistant Special Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dave Fipp Assistant Wide Receivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ike HilliardHead Strength and Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Darren KreinRunning Backs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeff NixonDefensive Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mike NolanAssistant Strength and Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dave PulokaSpecial Teams Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Darren RizziDefensive Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kacy RodgersLinebackers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bill SheridanOffensive Quality Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tony Sparano, Jr.Executive Assistant to Head Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anne Rodriguez

FOOTBALL SUPPORTDirector of Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stuart WeinsteinDirector of Player Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kaleb ThornhillManager of Team Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scott Bullis

PLAYER PERSONNELDirector of Player Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brian GaineDirector of College Scouting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chris GrierAssistant Director of Pro Scouting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chris SheaFootball Administration Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ryan HermanCollege Scouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Brockington, Adam Engroff, Adam Howe,

Anthony Hunt, Ron Labadie, Mike Murphy, Joe Schoen, Matt WinstonPro Scouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dwayne Joseph, Nate Sullivan

Scouting Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John RitcherCollege Scouting Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chase Leshin Executive Assistants/Football Operations . . . . . . . .Annie Berger, Irma Gonzalez

ATHLETIC TRAININGHead Athletic Trainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kevin O’NeillAssistant Athletic Trainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Troy MaurerAssistant Athletic Trainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Naohisa Inoue

EQUIPMENTEquipment Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joe CiminoAssistant Equipment Managers . . . . . .Austin Pope, John Swede, Charlie Thiele

VIDEO Video Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bob HackVideo Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Matt Taylor

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND ALUMNISenior Director of Community Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ilona WolpinSenior Director of Government Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eric KnowlesDirector of Youth Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Twan RussellCommunity Relations Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jessica Vones

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPSSenior Director of Client Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Danielle Sergeant Director of Corporate Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dave MurpheyClient Services Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heidi FrasierBusiness Development Associate, Corporate Partnerships . . . . . . . .Caleb QuaidClient Services Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Katie Hubert

DIGITAL AND PRINT MEDIASenior Director of Digital and Print Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott StoneSenior Manager of Digital and Print Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rodney Wood

DOLPHINS RADIO NETWORK/INTEGRATED MEDIA GROUPVice President of Integrated Media Group Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bob Lynch Senior Director of Content and Creative Services . . . . . . . . . . . .Wayne PartelloAccount Executives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jason Miller, David RigbyTraffic Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Allison EddyHost of Finsiders Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jesse AglerMultimedia Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jon CopeMultimedia Host . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John CongemiReporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LauRen Merola

FIN ASSOCIATES, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Katz

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIONSenior Director of Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Betsy ChristySenior Financial Analyst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeremy CamposFinancial Analyst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pablo BravoSenior Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dionne Harris-PierreSenior Staff Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dana GuardalabeneAccounting Manager/Player Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Craig HeilPayroll Coordinators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elaine Benjamin, Fabiana DeCiccoAccounts Payable Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Karen Khaleel Merchandise Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Greg MinervaExecutive Assistant to the CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimberly CostelloExecutive Assistant Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anis Buonpensiere

MIAMI DOLPHINS FOUNDATIONExecutive Director of the Dolphin Cycling Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nick CapoManager of Volunteer Programs/Dolphins Foundation . . . . . . . . . .Leslie Nixon

HUMAN RESOURCES Senior Director of Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Yolanda BarretoBenefits Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shavoynne Ibrahim

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYDirector of Server and Infrastructure Support Services . . . . . . . . . . .Joe CurbeloNetwork and System Support Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frank QuintanaLead Applications Developer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alexander R. CorrisBusiness Intelligence Analyst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rao BandarupalliEvent Technician and System Support Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tomas RuizTelecommunications Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bert EstradaDatabase Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carl Harris Programmer Analyst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joshua SheetzNetwork Support Technician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jaime ValderramaAdministrative Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charla Lopez

MARKETINGSenior Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications . . .George TorresDirector of Fan Program Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scott BaynesDatabase Marketing Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patrick ArthurCorporate Affairs Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marcus Bach-ArmasMarketing Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Danny CibranMarketing and Promotions Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sergio Xiques

MEDIA RELATIONSDirector of Media Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jason JenkinsDirector of Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fitz OllisonExecutive Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gayle Baden

DAVIE OPERATIONSDirector of Engineering and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron SummersFacility Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John NesslGrounds Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Edwin LamourAssistant Groundskeeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brandon RomeroSenior Facility Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Craig FergusonMaintenance Worker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ferdinand Titre

PROGRAMMING AND EVENTSSenior Director of Programming and Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeff GriffithSenior Director of Cheerleaders and Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . .Dorie GroganCheerleader Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emily Newton SnowEntertainment and Events Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jamie Quadrozzi Game Day and Special Projects Producer/Editor . . . . . . . . . . . .Matt BergbauerCoordinating and Long Form Producer/Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Claudia Castillo

RECORDS & ARCHIVESDirector of Records and Archives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kristin HingstonRecords Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andrea LombardiRecords Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keri Seiple-RumanerRecords Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marie Campbell

TICKET SALES AND SERVICESSenior Director of Premium Seating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rick LassiterSenior Manager of Executive Suite Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frances MartinezPremium Seating Services Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly Jones-NievesSenior Manager of Premium Seating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jarett GrushkaAccount Managers, Premium Seating . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brian Hopkins, Chris HuffRegional Account Manager-Premium Seating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lizette Garcia Regional Manager-Corporate Development Miami-Dade . . . .Christian LaCapraSenior Manager of Group Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carissa DunnAccount Executives, Group Sales .Thomas Eugene, Sarah Gattuso, Brian TraversSenior Manager of Guest Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brentton JonesGuest Experience RepresentativesStaci Golden, Charles Moore, Fernando Nunez,

Amber Schooley, Kenya WilsonSenior Manager of Season Ticket Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brooke SmoleyAccount Executive, Season Ticket Sales . . . . . . .Conway Bennett, Tariq Fleming,

Ryan Sollazzo

TICKET OPERATIONSSenior Director of Ticket Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .David SaifmanDirector of Ticket Operations and Accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brett AnnisTicket Operations Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Adam SummerellTicket Technology and Operations Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Corey BenningTicket Processing Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . .Chiara Deluca, Wesley Serrato

SUN LIFE STADIUM

ENGINEERINGChief Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rick SchafferHVAC Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Humberto Chacon, Roger ReinsvoldMechanic Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ivan CapelesElectrician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Richard HarrisLead Painter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gerard GarrehyPlumber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dennis MurtaghMaintenance Workers . . . . . . . . . .Simon Blucher, Kenneth Lockhart, Ron Reely,

Anibal Rodriguez

EVENT SALESSenior Director of Event Sales and Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pamela BaynesSpecial Events Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cara Cambria

GROUNDS Senior Director of Grounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alan SigwardtDirector of Field Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rick WrightAssistant Head Groundskeeper II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom WilsonAssistant Head Groundskeeper I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eric WilliamsTarp Crew Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tim CollinsGrounds Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Richard WiltAdministrative Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Susan Candelaria

GUEST SERVICESSenior Director of Guest Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reginald SperlingGuest Services Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gwen McCormick

HOUSEKEEPING Senior Director of Housekeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Samuel RichardsHousekeeping Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jimmy MooreHousekeeping Assistant Managers . .Marcelo Essaba, Louise Flash, Elena Pasat Crew Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Linda Jean LouisWarehouse Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Basil BuntingCustodians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Derrik Brookins, Leita Tanis, Terry WilliamsAdministrative Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patricia Henry

OPERATIONS Senior Director of Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Aaron HavilandDirector of Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alan RianoOperations Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frank LositoParking Managers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Donald Rubio, Demetrius WilliamsSet-Up Crew Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tommy BellSet-Up Crew . . . .Withfield Blucher, Devon Fletcher, Jason Lowry, Francisco MarreroOffice Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heidi AlfassaAdministrative Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maggy DeebMail Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mark Leone

SCOREBOARD OPERATIONSBroadcast Operations Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chad MessinaBroadcast Distribution Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heather Pearson

STAFF Ownership and Staff Directory

finsiders playbook - new england

Documents

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