Former Miami Dolphins Quarterback and future Hall of Famer Dan Marino has agreed to turn in his suits for, uh, nicer suits, as he is set to become the Dolphins Senior Vice-President for football operations. What exactly this title entails is anybody's guess, but according to news reports both coach Dave Wannstedt and the Dolphins GM will have to report to Marino. Marino, who never won a Super Bowl with the Fish, will stay on as a member of CBS' in-studio pre-game show through the end of this year. No word yet on who will replace Marino, but it will have to be someone with enough intelligence and wit to keep up with Jim Nantz, Deion Sanders and Boomer Esiason. My guess: Dan Fouts.This article also notes that former Redskins guard and Pittsburgh Steeler offensive line coach Russ Grimm is a finalist for the Chicago Bears head coaching job. Anybody out there know the last guy to jump from line coach to head coach? If so, let me know.
In other NFL news, Carolina Panthers Running Back Stephen Davis may miss this Sunday's Championship game at Philadelphia because of the pulled quad he suffered during the Panthers double overtime victory over the Rams in St. Louis on Saturday.
Speaking of that Panthers - Rams game (perhaps the best game I'ver ever seen, ever. Truly a game not to be missed), Wilbon destroyed St. Louis Rams head coach Mike Martz for not going for the win during regulation, and instead allowing the clock to run out and settle for game tying field goal. In the column he calls Martz "gutless" not once, but twice.
Rooting for the Panthers though I was, I did wish upon them illwill, as the Panthers, nursing a three point lead in field goal range with the clock ticking, refused to yield to reason and run the ball on 3 and 6. Instead, they came out with an empty backfield and Carolina QB Jake Delhomme was promptly sacked, taking the Panthers out of field goal range. The Panthers were forced to punt, with enough time on the clock for the Rams to drive down the field and put the game into overtime. The Panthers eventually won, but it should never have been that close. I haven't seen TMQ yet today, but I'm sure he'll mention this affront to the football gods.
Tony
