There have been reports that nearly half of the franchises in the NFL -- including the Green Bay Packers , Minnesota Vikings , New York Giants , New York Jets , Oakland Raiders , Philadelphia Eagles , Pittsburgh Steelers , San Diego Chargers and Tennessee Titans , just to name the oft-rumored teams -- have interest in signing recently released ex-Carolina Panthers wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson. Many of those teams aren't likely serious contenders to acquire the diva receiver's services, but he will probably end up with one of the previously mentioned clubs.
It's somewhat mind-boggling that the Miami Dolphins aren't one of the teams on that list.
First off, forget Johnson's character concerns. He was on his best behavior while playing for the Panthers last year, and he is trying to segue from a playing career into a broadcasting one. He is no longer the star he once was, but he isn't the problem child he once was, either. Johnson's not irreplaceable any longer, and he can't seriously entertain a post-football career in the booth unless he refrains from burning bridges. It is in his best interest to behave himself.
The Dolphins would be signing Keyshawn, not "Meshawn," which is why Miami should act in haste and sign the former Pro Bowler.
The Dolphins struggled mightily to put up points last season, ranking 29th overall in scoring offense and 24th in red zone scoring. And while not known for his paydirt prowess, the 6-foot-3, 212-pound Johnson would help the Dolphins instantly improve their overall offensive firepower, which would likely translate into more touchdown conversions. He's big, runs fantastic routes, isn't afraid of taking shots and catches nearly everything thrown in his direction. Also, where he has been successful in his career Red Zone-wise, is as a decoy. Despite not putting up gaudy touchdown numbers himself, his teams have finished in the top half of the league in passing TDs each of the last three seasons. This proves he has to be accounted for at all times.
Johnson could be an improvement over Marty Booker, which would likely help ex-Pro Bowler Chris Chambers considerably. Booker may have scored more touchdowns than his Carolina counterpart last season, but Johnson had more yards and receptions, so while Booker might be more of a threat to find the endzone, Johnson would prove to be a more consistent option overall. Even though Booker has more of a reputation for stretching the field than Johnson does, Johnson actually had one more catch of 20-plus yards than Booker did last year. Keep in mind that the Dolphins threw the ball 52 more times than the Panthers last season, so even though Booker played two less games each player's opportunities to put up stats were close to equal.
Both Booker and Johnson are effective blockers, which would give the Dolphins the luxury of still having some blocking at the WR position should one of the two go down. The Dolphins could also cut Booker and his bloated salary and possibly sign Johnson at a better rate.
Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron is no stranger to big targets with soft hands, having coached perennial All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates while with the San Diego Chargers . He would surely know how to best utilize Johnson, making his transition seamless.
Miami's first-round pick, receiver Ted Ginn, has all the ability in the world, and he might one day become a standout. For now, however, he is a raw, unpolished wideout who has a lot to learn. Johnson, one of the smartest and most successful veteran receivers in the game, could mentor Ginn. Surely the Dolphins' staff is capable of helping Ginn grow, but who better to teach him all the tricks of the receiver trade than someone who's excelled at the position for over a decade? Not only would Johnson help bring Ginn along, but he could allow him to do so at a reasonable rate. With Johnson in the fold, Ginn could focus solely on kick returns and playing in the slot.
Johnson could also help develop two players with builds similar to his -- WR Derek Hagan and TE David Martin.
There is also a good chance that the Dolphins' QB for the '07 season will either be immobile -- Daunte Culpepper or Trent Green -- or inexperienced -- Cleo Lemon or John Beck. Either way, a big, sure-handed wideout would definitely come in handy when facing those dreaded third-and-long situations.
Johnson is the kind of receiver who can consistently get open, and with tight end Randy McMichael no longer around, that type of player will be needed.
After troubled receiver Marcus Vick was recently let go, the Dolphins seem to have the room to add another target. General Manager Randy Mueller and Cameron would be wise to bring in the 33-year-old Johnson, even if it was just a one-year rental. Johnson could be a key offensive player for the Dolphins in '07, while also helping others develop.
A few years from now, those players will be developed, the offense will be rolling, and instead of saying "give me the damn ball," Johnson will say "give me the damn booth."
Got a bone to pick with a newspaper columnist, talk show personality or television analyst? E-mail us at mediawatch@realfootball365.com. For more information, visit or Media Watch info page.
Comments (16) 
Email This Article RSS [+] More Dolphins News 
No comments:
Post a Comment