Ten Bills to Decide 2009, No. 5: C Geoff Hangartner
Buffalo Rumblings — ... We have also discussed at length in this gruesomely dragged out off-season the fact that all three of the Bills' divisional opponents play the 3-4 defense; all three of those defenses are anchored by league-renowned nose tackles to boot (Jason Ferguson in Miami; ...

2009 Training Camp Primer: The Dolphins power rankings
The Phinsider — ... 5. Jason Ferguson He'll be 35 in November but is still playing at a high level. He's the key cog to stopping the run in Miami's 3-4 defense - even at his age. ...

Three Up and Three Down: Talking success and failure
The Phinsider — ... and no safe bet at nose tackle behind the aging Jason Ferguson, the Dolphins are placing a lot of trust in young defensive linemen.  Guys like Kendall Langford, Phillip Merling, ...

Around the AFC East: Ranking the division's defensive tackles
Buffalo Rumblings — ... the ranking game this morning. Last week's linebacker rankings were rather dull, considering there isn't much to seriously debate - particularly when considering how evenly matched and ill-tempered the running back rankings were. Today we're making a valiant attempt to get back to even ground. In case you hadn't noticed, the AFC East is chock-full of outstanding defensive tackles. There are big names throughout the division - Vince Wilfork, Kris Jenkins, Jason Ferguson, and the Buffalo Bills' very own Marcus Stroud. ...

Around The AFC East: Ranking the defensive tackles
The Phinsider — ... There are many things, it seems, that Dolphin fans can't agree on.  But Jason Ferguson's value to this team is one thing all Fin fans understand.  Ferguson doesn't put up impressive numbers by any means.  But he does his job as the anchor in the middle of Miami's 3-4 defense and he does it well.  He effectively holds his ground in the middle and will tie up two blockers on a consistent basis.  But that's not to say he doesn't make the occasional play here and there.  In fact, Ferguson was second in the division among all ...

Around the AFC East, Week 8: DT Rankings
Gang Green Nation — ... The fact Jason Ferguson only rates third here says more about the depth of the position in the East than anything bad about Ferguson. It took the Jets three years until the Jenkins trade to adequately replace him when he bolted for Dallas after the 2004 season. That 2004 campaign was the only one in which Dewayne Robertson looked like he might deliver on his top five pick promise. Robertson's success came in no small part because he played next to Ferguson, who ate up blockers. With the ...

Around the AFC East: Defensive Tackle ratings
Pats Pulpit — ... Jason Ferguson (MIA) - With 302 career tackles in 12 years, our man Vince Wilfork is only 40 behind him with five years under his belt.  While not a difference maker, Ferguson is a serviceable defensive tackle.  Age and inconsistency are a factor for Jason and I think he's reaching the end of his career.  He will never be a star, but will always be there for his team, grinding it out in the pig pile.  Could you ask for anything more? ...

Miami Dolphins Training Camp Primer: How will the defensive line shape up?
The Phinsider — ... Despite the marge number of defensive linemen currently on the roster and the mix of veterans and rookies that make up the defensive line at the moment, I think that how the position will shape up entering the regular season is as cut and dry as any position on the team.  There probably won't be too many surprises when all is said and done. THE QUICK BREAKDOWN Virtual locks to make the roster: Kendall Langford, Phillip Merling, Jason Ferguson Likely to make roster: Randy Starks, Paul ...

2009 Colts Training Camp: Starting Nose Tackle
Stampede Blue — From the start last year, the defensive tackle position was an utter disaster. This was especially true for the over tackle position, commonly referred to as the nose tackle (NT). Traditionally, Indianapolis has not deployed a prototype nose tackle, ala Vince Wilfork, Casey Hampton, or Jason Ferguson.  Coming into the 2008 season, the Colts looked very deep at the position. The Colts had two young, potentially Pro Bowl caliber NTs returning in Ed Johnson and Quinn Pitcock. Coaches also liked what they saw in ...

Dolphins Training Camp: Open Thread 8/5
The Phinsider — ... But the main thing to watch for is how the players respond following four practices over the previous two days.  It's not easy coming off of two consecutive two-a-days this early in camp.  Will Greg Camarillo be restricted at all?  What about the vets like Jason Ferguson, ...

Dolphins Training Camp: Observations from camp 8/6
The Phinsider — ... While the team was warming up and stretching, Jason Ferguson rode the stationary bike with Bill Parcells close by, chatting away with Jason.    The first post-stretching drill had the offense doing a little red zone work, and out of a 2-back formation, ...

Dolphins Training Camp, Day Five: Offense cranks up in morning, defense shines in afternoon
The Phinsider — ... sat out of the morning session as a precaution to rest his knee, but was back in the afternoon.  Jason Ferguson was given the full day off - with ...

Dolphins Training Camp: Donald Thomas works with first team OL, Patrick Turner bounces back & more
The Phinsider — ... Luckily for White, he'll probably only get on the field during regular season games for certain "shotgun" situations - also known as the 'Wildcat.' QUICK HITS Some quick thoughts on Tuesday's activities: There's been a lot of references in these practice reports about some "exotic blitz packages" that the Dolphins are working on.  Can't wait to see what these look like.  But we'll likely have to wait until at least September. Jason Ferguson had a strong day.  The PBP referred to him as "immovable" ...

Dolphins vs Jaguars: What to watch for
The Phinsider — ... watch for than the above: Just as it's hard to gauge the offensive line during practices, it's almost as hard to judge the pass rush.  While I don't expect to see any of the "exotic blitz packages" being installed, I do hope to see some quality edge rushing from those second-teamers.  Guys like Cameron Wake, Charlie Anderson, Quentin Moses, and others on the "roster bubble" have to begin to separate themselves from the competition. Jason Ferguson will likely only play a handful of series.  Paul ...

Defense leads the way as Dolphins win preseason opener
The Phinsider — ... blitzed and basically drove the running back picking up the blitz into Garrard's face, forcing an incomplete pass.  But a major reason for the defense's success - including Jason Ferguson's sack (which was more or less a coverage sack) was rookie ...

Shaun Ellis' Suspension Makes Week 1 a Potentially Defining Moment for Sione Pouha
Gang Green Nation — ... . Terry Bradway took Pouha in the third round of the 2005 Draft to help replace departed Jason Ferguson. He made little impact in his rookie season. His second year was spent on injured reserve after Pouha tore his ACL. 2007 appeared to be a breakout campaign. Eric Mangini was hesitant to turn to him with Dewayne Robertson struggling. However, Pouha played himself into the lineup late in the season, appearing to come of age in a Week 16 game at Tennessee in which he dominated the point of attack playing on the nose and registered eight tackles. ...

Observations from Preseason Game 2; Carolina @ Miami
The Phinsider — ... caught the final touchdown of the game?  First it was Kowalewski going nuts in the end zone, pumping his fists.  Then he was greeted at the sideline by Jason Ferguson, ...

2009 Preseason Perspective I
The Phinsider — ... And, speaking of this unit, what in the world is going on with the run defense?  Jason Ferguson is a freakin' monster and the rest of the defense seems to have decided that they aren't going to allow ANYONE to run on us.  ...

Ground attack leads Dolphins over Panthers
The Phinsider — ... , to just 15 yards rushing on 7 carries.  And on that one long TD run, Williams had to break three or four tackles and should have been dropped for no gain.  I'm sure Tony Sparano will chew out those players who missed the tackle on that play when the team gathers for film review - including Jason Ferguson, ...

Defensive Line Breakdown
The Phinsider — I have done extensive viewing on our first three preseason games and we look good on The D Line. I would like to explain what I mean by extensive viewing, I watch the game straight through once and then I go back and watch it again, but this time I rewind every play to look at each player, which means I watch every play about seven times, and yes, it takes a while. First I will rank the players, Probowl caliber; Jason Ferguson, Kendall Langford Quality NFL starter; Randy Starks Solid ...

Wednesday Afternoon Dolphins Update
The Phinsider — ... OL Nate Garner onto the 53 man roster from the practice squad.  So now the Dolphins have nine offensive linemen on the roster - everyone can relax.  Replacing Garner's spot on the practice squad is rookie tight end Kory Sperry, who spent his training camp with the Chargers. The Dolphins voted on who their captains would be for the 2009 season.  The winners shouldn't come as any shock.  They are Joey Porter, Jason Taylor, Jason Ferguson, and Chad Pennington.  Doesn't it just feel ...

Colts Dolphins Preview
Stampede Blue — ... and not allow any big plays on blown tackling or wildcat confusion. If the Colts can pull it off they'll sit a game up in the division and over the rival Pats, Chargers and Steelers, with a two game lead over division foes Jacksonville and Tennessee. Go Colts! *391 career sacks, including 6 players with over 20 career sacks: Jason Taylor (121.5), Joey Porter (83), Dwight Freeney (71.5), Robert Mathis (53.5), Raheem Brock (25), Jason Ferguson (22.5).

Dolphins First Quarter Review
The Phinsider — ... had all shown some flashes - but still weren't as consistent as they needed to be.  Meanwhile, we all worried about Jason Ferguson because of his age and wondered who would be the primary backup nose tackle.  But through four games, the Dolphins are ranked 2nd in the NFL in rush defense, allowing only 61 yards per game and just 2.9 yards per carry.  If the Dolphins can keep this up, they certainly give themselves to win any game they play from here on out. ...

New York Jets Run Offense vs. Miami Dolphins Run Defense
Gang Green Nation — ... Former Jet Jason Ferguson anchors the middle. Paul Solai is his backup at nose tackle. This will probably be the area to watch in the run game. It's up to ...

Dolphins respond to Jets' disrespect
The Phinsider — ... their ass all the way up and down the field. Nonsense, I love nonsense. They say gimmick, gimmick this, gimmick that. We’ve won games with the Wildcat." "They ran two fake punts. So if you’re going to say gimmicks, those are real gimmicks. Wildcat is an offensive formation. They have thousands of plays on film about it, go stop it." "Shut up about all the junk talking. We’ll see them in three more weeks, so the hell with them." Jason Ferguson was also asked for a reaction to the comments made by ...

New Orleans Saints 46 @ Miami Dolphins 34: Who Dat Say!?
Canal Street Chronicles — ... ``It's demoralizing,'' nose tackle Jason Ferguson said. ``You're trying to push forward and make a play. You're trying to get your momentum back. It was there for us to take, and we gave them a chance to get back in the game.'' ...

New York Jets Run Offense vs. Miami Dolphins Run Defense
Gang Green Nation — ... still have a top five rush defense. Whenever the opponent plays a 3-4, a key matchup occurs between the nose tackle and center. The job of the nose tackle is to hold the point of attack and occupy two linebackers. Miami has a good nose tackle in Jason Ferguson and a developing young backup, Paul Solai. ...

Ginn paves way as Dolphins sweep season series against Jets
The Phinsider — ... And the Dolphins did just enough to avert another disaster.  But man, it was not easy to watch. Let's start with the good.  The Dolphins did an outstanding job of stopping the Jets rushing attack.  Yes, the Dolphins allowed a 100 yard rusher and a total of 127 yards on the ground.  But that was with the Jets running the ball 40 times.  Miami held New York to just 3.2 yards per attempt - which is damn good. From individual standpoints, Jason Ferguson, Paul Soliai, and Randy Starks were outstanding.  ...

Sunday Fish Fry Part 2: Man the Longboats! Patriots offense v. Dolphin D
Pats Pulpit — ... Welker. Why they won is mostly to do with special teams (about which more briefly).  But let's not rush to phase three.  Our running game is average; their run D is average.  (Though FO ranks our run game a defense-adjusted seventh, so it's more effective than given credit for.)  But like I said in Part I, running isn't going to be the whole story and when Miami is on defense it isn't going to be half of the story.  Injuries are why. Nosetackle Jason Ferguson and old friend Channing Crowder are both listed as ...

Big plays doom Dolphins as they fall to Patriots
The Phinsider — ... Dan Carpenter continues to earn his "DC$" nickname. Anyone want to argue about it at this point? Joey Haynos? Ain't nothing wrong with that. I want to see some more of him in the coming weeks. I'm still not a fan of Ricky Williams taking the 'Wildcat' snap. I think I've seen enough of it. Ronnie just has a knack for it - let's stick to him as the 'Wildcat' orchestrator. Did the Dolphins miss Jason Ferguson and Channing Crowder or were the Dolphins just too ...

Dolphins Mid-Season Review: Shifting expectations
The Phinsider — ... might not be anything better than a back-up nose tackle. He underwhelmed as a starter, replacing the injured and aging Jason Ferguson. So nose tackle is also a need. ...

Ricky Williams leads the way as Dolphins defeat Panthers
The Phinsider — ... break-up with under two minutes to go. He's becoming a terrific nickel corner. Why not kick a field goal with 44 seconds left? It would have only been a 45 or 46 yarder for Dan Carpenter and would have sealed the game. A very bad decision by Tony Sparano here. Luckily, it didn't come back to bite him in the ass. But let's not have that happen again, alright? Joey Haynos with two bad drops. Do I hear more calls for Kory Sperry? Let's hope Jason Ferguson isn't hurt badly. Without him, this defense looks ...

Six questions to ponder with six games left
The Phinsider — ... to the game against Tampa Bay? You'd have to go all the way back to New Year's Day on 2006, when he closed out the '05 regular season with a 28 carry, 108 yard performance in New England. It's a lot to ask Williams to carry the rock 20-25 times per game over these remaining six games. At the same time, the Dolphins don't really have much of a choice. How much will the Dolphins miss Ferg? While nothing has been confirmed, it's expected that nose tackle Jason Ferguson will miss the remainder of the season with an injured ...

Sparano confirms Jason Ferguson lost for the season
The Phinsider — ... Tony Sparano has confirmed that starting nose tackle Jason Ferguson is indeed out for the remainder of the season after sustaining an injury to his right quad on Thursday night in Carolina. That means the only player on  the roster now with nose tackle experience is ...