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NEWS > SPORTS > DOLPHINS CAUGHT ON FILMS USING JELLYFISH AS FOOTBALL
DOLPHINS CAUGHT ON FILMS USING JELLYFISH AS FOOTBALL
October 19 2009
Miami, FL – There have been many great moments in Miami Dolphin history; the first (and only) perfect season in league history; the drafting of Dan Marino; back-to-back Super Bowl wins. These are just a few examples of the formidable history of the 
franchise, something which has been eluding the franchise in recent years. On a steady decline since the retirement of Marino a decade ago, the team has struggled to find an identity and a steady roster of player capable of returning the team to its past glory.
With a 2-3 record thus far in the 2009-10 season it appears this isn’t the season for things to change. There have been signs of life though with impressive offensive numbers being tallied, particularly in the running game. Their pioneering use of the ‘Wildcat’ offence, in which the team pulls the quarterback and snaps the ball to a running back, has put opposing defences off-kilter and helped the team pile up impressive yardage. Still, the defence has been lagging and the point differential hasn’t been going their way. The ‘Fins aren’t giving up and recently released footage of the team practicing with a live jellyfish instead of a ball indicates that they are totally rethinking the way the sport is played.
“The Wildcat has a lot of teams calling them gimmicky but the truth is they are putting up really impressive numbers, especially in the running game. 4.8 yards a carry is nothing to sneeze at and even though it hasn’t resulted in many wins, it likely will. Sometimes in sport it’s really just momentum that needs to get behind team and if that happens with the Dolphins they can spit out more than a few wins,” said Scrape TV Sports analyst Mark Marvins. “This video that shows them playing with a jellyfish though, well I don’t know about that. The Wildcat is very much a College-style offence and they could be lining up more trickery with hands team and are using the jellyfish as a kind of hot potato.”
It isn’t clear from the video what kind of jellyfish was being used but the majority of the animals found in the Miami area have stingers.
“It’s a dangerous move because you are risking serious injury to the hands of your receiving team but it does give them motivation to push the ball out of their hands. The real problem will be implementing it on the field. Anytime you are putting the ball in the air that often you run the risk of a turnover. Of course with two wins you might as well try something,” continued Marvins. “Ever since Dan Marino left they have been struggling to find someone at Quarterback. Jay Fiedler was a wash, Daunte Culpepper was as good as everyone expected. That justifies the Wildcat somewhat but this jelly fish offence, well they’ve had some good hands guys. Not great mind you, but good and that hasn’t really been the issue. It’s be interesting to see how it’s implemented on the field.”
League officials have had no comment on the video though routinely have taken the stance that team practices are off limits to league interference unless illegal activity takes place.
“The best thing about using Jellyfish is they are very abundant in that area of the world and in fact are actually becoming a bit of a problem. It’s not clear from the video if the animal was harmed but they have a reputation for being durable and surviving even vicious attacks from fishermen and other species,” continued Davids. “I’m sure they will hear from PETA but that will be of little consequence if this process translates to points and ultimately wins. Staying competitive in the AFC East is far more challenging than anything PETA can bring.”
The Dolphins have been on a two game winning streak, though it’s not clear how this jellyfish offence has played into that success.
Alexi Orton, Sports Correspondent
NEWS > SPORTS > DOLPHINS CAUGHT ON FILMS USING JELLYFISH AS FOOTBALL
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