I’ve been told that Brandon Marshall will officially be wearing #19 for the Miami Dolphins this season, hopefully erasing the recent memory of another guy who wore that same number, oh, just last season.

Instead of the #15 he wore in Denver (which is taken by fellow reveiver Davone Bess), Marshall’s been sporting 19 ever since OTA’s began last month, albeit on the sideline recovering from minor hip surgery.

Personally, I would have loved seeing him in 85, but I’m old school like that. I tend to think numbers 11-19 should be reserved for punters and quarterbacks.

But whether you like it or not, Marshall has a chance to bring glory to #19, something Ted Ginn Jr. could never do, and I can live with that. I’m just crossing my fingers in the hope that #19 isn’t cursed.

[picappgallerysingle id="3469094"]

[poll id="10"]

Receiver Brandon Marshall participated in the Dolphins’ organized activities today after sitting out the last couple of weeks due to an off-season hip surgery.

The surgery came somewhat as a surprise to the team and to most Dolfans who didn’t know there were any issues with Marshall, who we just signed for 5 years, $47.3 million. When asked about a timetable for recovery, he said he was, “a little ahead of schedule” right now, but wouldn’t say if he’d be ready for the start of training camp at the end of July.

The only concern for the Dolphins is Marshall’s ability to learn the playbook and the offensive schemes. He doesn’t seem to be too concerned about it, though.

Marshall, acquired for two second-round picks in April, participated in the individual activities, but sat out of team drills. According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Marshall (wearing 19, by the way) lined up opposite Greg Camarillo as the starting receivers, and it was great to see him and Chad Henne hook up a few times, although not against defenders. Hopefully that’s an indication of what’s to come.

Meanwhile, Dolphins’ running back Ronnie Brown sat out of practice this morning, still recovering from a foot fracture he sustained in Week 10 of last season. Ronnie said that doctors told him not to run at all this week or next week after having a screw taken out of his right foot.

This much we knew, but what we still want to know is whether or not Brown will be a Dolphin in the future. For now, Ronnie isn’t giving any details or discussing his contract status, but he has said he’ll sign his one-year restricted free agent tender worth $3.97 million before the deadline expires on June 15.

Brown, 28, rushed for 916 yards on 214 carries last season, an average of 4.3 ypc, and he was an integral part of the Dolphins Ground Machine. My guess is that the Dolphins will sign him to the tender and wait and see how his foot responds before deciding whether or not to keep him past 2010.

According to head coach Tony Sparano, the Dolphins are impressed with what they’ve seen from second-year pro Chris Clemons so far, an indication that Miami isn’t interested in upgrading with either free agents Ken Hamlin or O.J. Atogwe.

Drafted out of Clemson, Clemons  started two games last year for Miami posting 13 tackles.

It would be ideal for the Dolphins organization to find their starting free safety in-house, especially for their wallet. Sparano said Clemons has taken more snaps in practice than anyone else, a chance for the third-year pro out of Clemson to learn the new defensive schemes.

“I was just talking about it to the team [Tuesday] morning,” coach Tony Sparano said. “Chris has 256 scrimmage plays right now in practice. That’s the most on the team by any player. Those are live scrimmage repetitions. And he has minimal, minimal mental mistakes.”

Clemons plays loudly on the field with lightning quick speed and ability to make plays on the ball, but his biggest flaw is that he’s quiet by nature. If anyone can make Clemons more vocal, though, it’s crafty defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.

“He’s got the potential, no doubt about it,” said strong safety Yeremiah Bell, who starts on the opposite side. “He has it in him. He’s doing a great job right now. He’s doing what he’s supposed to do, and he’s getting better every day.”

Anyway you slice it, it’s still a young group of guys competing for free safety, there’s no doubt about that. Clemons appears to have the advantage right now with Tyrone Culver practicing at strong safety and untested rookie Reshad Jones just trying to earn a spot on the roster.

There’s still a lot of people who believe Miami may choose to upgrade with a veteran like Atogwe or Hamlin if they aren’t satisfied with Clemons. Considering the move they made to get Steelers’ Ryan Clark to visit, I wouldn’t put it past this organization to spend some more cash.

For now, though, Clemons appears to be the answer, and I’m excited to see what this young kid can do. But there’s still a lot of time before the season starts.

I know I’ve already discussed this topic before, but what was once only speculation is now a full-blown, legitimate option. It deserves to be revisited.

Since the St. Louis Rams failed to place any sort of tender on O.J. Atogwe,  the veteran free safety is officially an unrestricted free agent as of June 1 and therefore is free to sign with whomever he wants.

Hmmm…are the Miami Dolphins among these potential suitors? It seems likely.

Before I get ahead of myself, let’s not forget about the young corp of talent the Dolphins already have at the free safety position. Many think Tyrone Culver has what it takes to start for the Dolphins this season, but with only two NFL starts under his belt, it’s like playing Secret Santa: you never know what you’re going to get (or was that a box of chocolates?).

On the other hand, there is the quick and versatile Chris Clemons, who also has only two NFL starts, and his lack of vocal leadership makes me question his ability to lead a defense that was ranked 24th in yards allowed last season. The same goes for Reshad Jones, who’s built more like a strong safety and the eventual replacement of Yeremiah Bell.

So that leaves us with the now possible, albeit expensive, option of O.J. Atogwe. The 28-year old is entering his sixth year in the NFL, all of which were previously with the Rams, and he’s racked up 15 interceptions in the past three seasons (Dolphin safeties have recorded only 12 picks during that same span).

I don’t know if Miami has the cash for it, but he seems to be a very viable option and a definite upgrade. Yes, it may be comparing apples to oranges, but some experience could really help in the backfield. How much would you pay for a glass of O.J. a-la Atogwe?

[poll id="9"]

You know, those stealth little creatures that hopped out of the brush and ate everyone? Yeah…..try and tell me you don’t believe in evolution NOW:

Then I started thinking about all the other attributes and how these two creatures compare–the tenacious personality, immense agility and the burning hunger for Buffalo Bills. And that’s when it hit me: Channing Crowder IS a velociraptor. Here’s the theory I’ve come up with:

-Velociraptors, or “Speedy Thieves,” were ruthless, carnivorous dinosaurs that existed in the Cretaceus Period about 85-million years ago.

With their extremely sharp teeth, aggressive nature and proficient hunting skills, velociraptors were masters of their domain and they feasted on small lizards and medium-sized hadrosaurids (duckbills).

-Furthermore, Channing Crowder, aka “Clam Crowder,” is a ruthless, predatory linebacker that currently plays for the Miami Dolphins, an NFL career that’s been in existence for five years.

With his dangerously sharp tongue, cat-like agility and killer instincts, Crowder is feared by opposing running backs and he feasts on New England Patriots and Rex Ryan’s leftovers.

Given all these scientific variables, plus the utilization of the transitive property, I have therefore concluded the two are one in the same. So, if you’re reading this Rex, you better put down that Philly cheese steak and look….

…right….

….behind you.

Because that’s what velociraptors do! They sneak up into your house and eat all your babies.

And by house I mean the Meadowlands…

…and by babies…

I mean Mark Sanchez.

Make sure you check out more hilarious look-a-likes on my Facebook group by clicking the link, where you can also post, comment and add your own look-a-likes, Dolphins or otherwise.

Torbor signed with the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent from the New York Giants on March 1, 2008, a four-year deal worth around $14 million. He was drafted in the fourth-round by the Giants in 2004, where he won a ring in Super Bowl XLII.

The veteran linebacker was expected to be a reliable back-up to the otherwise inconsistent Channing Crowder this season, but he had an undisclosed surgery during the offseason which caused him to sit out of OTAs.

Torbor started two games for Miami last season posting 37 tackles and an interception in the absence of Crowder, who missed last season’s finale due to a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot. A first-team special teamer, Reggie played in 32 games in his two seasons with the Dolphins.

The move makes way for the young corps of Dolphin linebackers including 2010 draft picks Koa Misi (OLB), A.J. Edds and Austin Spitler. Aside from Karlos Dansby, the Dolphins also landed Tim Dobbins, another veteran linebacker, via a trade with the Denver Broncos.

Personally, I enjoyed Torbor’s experience and presence on the field. He was a cool guy (notice his finger in that picture below, guy could play through some pain). Good luck, Reggie, I wish you the best in the future.

[picappgallerysingle id="6637098"]

Now, according to team sources, the Cowboys have recently contacted the Dolphins to gauge their interest in acquiring disgruntled receiver Patrick Crayton.

[picappgallerysingle id="5431595"]Here’s the thing, if the Cowboys would have made that inquiry a couple months ago, Crayton would probably be working out with the Miami Dolphins as we speak. But now, it seems a little unnecessary, not to mention expensive.

While I do think Crayton is on the move, especially after Dallas drafted Dez Bryant in the first round, I don’t think the Dolphins have much interest in Dallas’ number three receiver considering the youth and depth they already have at the position (thanks to Brandon Marshall and up-and-comer Brian Hartline).

Plus, many think Patrick Turner, who was drafted out of USC last season, has a bright future in Miami’s passing attack.

On the other hand, a lot of people are talking about Crayton’s history with this Dolphins regime from their days in Dallas, and he reportedly had a great relationship with the Tuna. Crayton was ranked eighth in the NFL in yards per catch and ninth in punt returns in ’09, both qualities Miami might be interested in.

But according to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins probably wouldn’t go for a deal unless one of their top four receivers sustains a significant injury this summer (for instance, if Marshall’s injury is more serious than believed).

It also wouldn’t make sense unless Dallas accepts little in return or cuts him from a deal worth $2 million in 2010, which is unlikely to happen. Remember, the Cowboys still have that new stadium with it’s unnecessarily gigantic megatron to pay off.

That’s why I’m not buying this. Crazier things have happened, but I don’t think Crayton will be a Miami Dolphin this season. Not unless something drastic happens.

Merling, a second-round draft pick out of Clemson in 2008, was arrested Wednesday in Weston, FL, and charged with one count of aggravated battery after allegedly hitting his girlfriend (the report does not specify whether or not they were married), causing her head and face to bleed.

A Broward County judge set the bond at $15,000 and ordered Merling to stay away from the woman, who is two months pregnant with their second child.

The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Merling has made two starts in his career, including the final game against the Steelers last season. The arrest certainly doesn’t help the 25-year-old’s case for a starting spot, though. He’s expected to compete with Jared Odrick at defensive end, Miami’s 28th overall pick out of Penn State.

Merling is entering his third season in Miami, but there’s a chance this incident will have a negative impact on Merling’s status for a spot on the Dolphins 53-man roster. He was ranked 12th on the team with 33 total tackles and tied for fifth with 2 1/2 sacks last season.

As the Dolphins get ready for mini-camp Friday, Bill Parcells can’t be too happy with the team’s off-season police record, which is almost as bad as their 2009 regular season record.

Including Merling’s arrest, four Dolphins have been arrested since the month of February, including fellow defensive lineman Tony McDaniel (also domestic battery), cornerback Will Allen (DUI) and running back Ronnie Brown (DUI).

Seriously, what’s going on in South Florida? That’s exactly the sort of thing Tuna will not tolerate. Somebody needs to address this string of bad decisions before the entire starting defense ends up on parole.

As for Merling, I have a feeling his stay in Miami may be coming to an abrupt end.

According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Williams died of a heart attack 16 years after retiring from the NFL. Drafted in the second round by Miami in 1988, Williams and Gators teammate Louis Oliver teamed up as the Dolphins safety tandem from 1989-1993.

The defensive back recorded 14 interceptions with the Dolphins and added two picks in his final season with the New York Giants in 1994. Williams played a total of six years in the NFL, but it was his Gator days Jarvis will be remembered by most.

Williams, one of the greatest defensive backs in Gators history, was a first-team selection on the University of Florida’s All-Century team, which was picked in 1999.  He played 45 games for the Gators (1984-87) and was inducted into the Gators’ Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

“I am saddened by the loss of Jarvis Williams,” said Dolphins vice president Nat Moore. “He was not only a personal friend but a terrific football player for both the Miami Dolphins and Florida Gators. He dedicated his life to helping young people and it is a real tragedy to pass away at a young age.”

Suffice it to say, it’s been a tough May for the Miami Dolphins alumni.

Williams, who turned 45 only a week and a half ago, becomes the third former Dolphins player to die this month, all under the age of 50.  Linebacker Nick Rogers died in a car crash on May 4 at the age of only 30 and former defensive lineman Norman Hand died of a heart attack at age 37 on May 14.

I offer my condolences to Williams’ family, friends and former teammates as well as all of those who got the esteemed privilege of watching him play.

[picappgallerysingle id="4736650"]

The Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the other two teams bidding for the game (both of which makes sense), but instead teams voted that Super Bowl XLVIII (yeah, that’s 48, I looked it up) will be played in the new $1.6 billion Meadowlands stadium which is home to the New York Jets and Giants.

Yeah, that’s right, it will be played outdoors, too….in February.

It is the first time the NFL has picked a known cold-weather site that doesn’t have a dome. The current Super Bowl’s record for lowest temperatures is 39, which happened at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans in 1972. Remember that game, Dolfans? That was the one where we lost to the Dallas Cowboys 24-3.

The temperatures in East Rutherford, N.J., will no doubt be lower than 39 degrees in mid-February, instead of a comfortable 75 degrees in Miami. The bid also immediately gives an advantage to cold-weather teams, not that I’m complaining about that, but who really wants to be on the field if it’s icy and -3 degrees?

While I think it’s wrong to discriminate against northern teams, I think it could make for a sloppy game, which in turn could hurt the ratings. They could atleast invest money into a dome.

You’ve gotta believe the NFL considered that when they made the decision, but I still would rather have the big game be played in a newly refurnished Sun Life Stadium….at 75 degrees….and without a bunch of angry New Yorkers in the background. Wouldn’t you?