Ever since Dan Marino retired, the Miami Dolphins have been in search of a high-quality replacement. Of course, it’s tough to find the next, young QB who’s going to turn things around. Often first round QBs don’t work out. Other times late picks or guys who aren’t picked—Tom Brady and Kurt Warner respectively—lead teams to Super Bowls and league championships.Of course, Dan Marino never won a Super Bowl. But the Dolphins were always in it and Marino, no matter what, always gave them a chance to win. He had a great football mind, one of the fastest releases I ever saw and could read defenses and find receivers. His arm was amazing. He played from 1983- 1999 and set record after record. More importantly, the Dolphins were always contenders.
Let’s face it, great QBs don’t just show up at your door. Well they may, but coaches and scouts have to recognize them.
Trent Green is the new Miami QB, replacing Daunte Culpepper—the guy who was supposed to get Miami back on track but didn’t. Green was traded by KC and signed a three-year contract with Miami that includes six million this year, plus incentives. It was less than he was getting at Kansas City.
In eight games last season with the Chiefs, he passed for 1,342 YDs and 7 TDs while throwing 9 INTs. In nine seasons, Green has played 112 games connecting on 60.8% of his passes, accumulating 26,963 YDs and hitting for 157 TDs. He’s chucked 101 INTs and has a rating of 87.5.
Green brings leadership and a professional attitude to the Dolphins. He’ll work hard, quickly learn the Miami system and mentor rookie QB John Beck. Green has been a good quarterback but don’t be too optimistic about his arrival in Miami.
Last season, he suffered a bad concussion that kept him out for eight games. Green, who is 36, has never been the most mobile QB and will have difficulty getting away from pressure. The Dolphins have an offensive line that is often sieve-like. That’s not good for any QB, but with Green aging, having suffered a severe concussion and not quick of foot, it could be season ending again.
Green does not have a lot to work with on this team and that’s tough for any QB. He’ll need to keep his chin up at the right times, his head down at others and his team focused. If he can do that, he’ll be a great mentor and an important bridge to Miami’s future.
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