I would argue that this team is not making progress, and in fact, is regressing. Especially defensively.
I'm not trying to sound arrogant, although there's really no way around it typing on a computer, but I don't think I'll be wrong. I realistically don't see this team winning any more than 6 or 7 games, and even then, Miami has 3 AFC losses already. That doesn't help.
We're all tired of being patient but what else is there to do? I'm not making excuses when I say we're a very young, inexperienced team. It's a fact. That's why I laugh when I see people saying to blow it up and start over. Blow what up? This team isn't full of 31-32 year old players. Philbin is only in his 2nd year as a head coach, with a raw 2nd year quarterback. Just got to hope we can start playing better and improve as the season goes on. We're very competitive. We don't quit and I still believe we have a lot of talent.
I am talking big picture as well. I don't think there's going to be anything that drastically improves in a little more than half a season based on what we've seen through nearly half a season.
You're not understanding correctly. He's saying if we make the playoffs, we will be an improved team. He's not saying we will.
Yeah, I'm not saying we WILL make the playoffs, I'm just saying IF we do it'll be because we're an improved team on the right track.
And I said I think it would be more akin to the 2008 team that made the playoffs and through self-evaluation, Miami would overrate themselves. I know Rocky disagreed about my thoughts on the 2009 team, and that's fine. I think making the playoffs only to get bounced puts us in a situation that's similar to Cincinnati, which is essentially football purgatory. Miami might as well be on the low rung of football purgatory already. At any rate, I don't see this team in the playoffs.
Oh well then I disagree completely. This team cannot be compared to that team. I don't see how you can make that comparison.
no its not. If we make thew playoffs (doubtful) its because we have a soft schedule. We are the same team we've been for the last four years...good enough not to suck, bad enough to never be a threat to win it all. Winning a wild card isn't improving, winning a playoff game would be. And we're not doing that this year. Making the playoffs might cause people to think we're better then we actually are and that is the worst case scenario because that might mean ireland stays and he's the reason we have been spinning our wheels in the mud the last five years
I think if Miami makes the playoffs it'll be more due to some sort of drastic change (major trade, coaching change, benching, etc.) or backing their way into them a la the 2009 Jets than because they're an improved team on the right track. Just my opinion.
Fair enough. I'll just say that the General Manager is the same guy now as it was in 2009. I think Jeff Ireland, if Miami somehow lucks their way into the playoffs, will think he's really close to fielding a winner. The way this team has played this year shows differently, but I can see him not thinking that even if they sneak in.
Call me crazy, but I like Joe Philbin, Tannehill and most of the guys and coaches on this team. I liked much of the playcalling, particularly in the first half. It's a young team however. I'm not a proponent of shakeup just yet. I never liked Ireland's drafts very much and he overpays for free agents but, realistically, who can we get that is better right now? Miami is a bit of black hole since Jimmy Johnson. Yes, we need a better offensive linemen. Ireland drafted a stud in Jake Long, if not for the injuries that left tackle position would still be locked down. That's unfortunate.
Right, and if he thinks like that I'll agree because he'll be right, IMO. Making the playoffs will mean Ryan Tannehill figured it out. That's much different than making the playoffs with Pennington. Also, it was very evident that team wasn't that talented. I don't see that here.
You'll never know who you can have if you don't try to replace Ireland. That might be what we need to take the next step.
I don't think that's necessarily true. For example, if Miami goes 9-7 and gets in over 2 or 3 other teams that are 9-7 due to tie-breakers - I don't see that as being the same. And there's certainly some issues with the roster and impending free agents going into 2014. Just looking at the starters, decisions have to be made on: Bryant McKinnie, Richie Incognito, John Jerry, Randy Starks, Paul Soliai, Brent Grimes, and Chris Clemons. I'll just agree to disagree. But ultimately, I think it'll be a moot point as I don't think Miami's making the playoffs.
I don't think that's what it will take to get to the playoffs but if we do I don't see how it can't be looked at as a positive considering it was lead by Ryan Tannehill. Agree to disagree on that. I'm still not following the comparison to that 08 playoff team. We have a good amount of FAs, yes. Not sure what that's supposed to mean. I it's see it like this. When we entered the playoffs that year, I knew we were going to get smacked by Baltimore at home. I didn't think we stood a chance against any team, honestly. I don't see that if we make the playoffs this year.
If we are going to consider any college coaches what about Urban Meyer? He has been a winner wherever he has coached? I think it is too early to give up on Philbin though but Ireland is another matter.
Coughlin knows how to win, he's won superbowls, he is one of the top 3 football minds in the game right now, with Belichick and Reid as part of current mount rushmore of football, he has seniority, he commands respect. He is better than anything we've had since Shula. And you can get him by such promotion.
I'm not comparing it to the 2008 playoff team. I'm comparing what would happen to Miami, if they make the playoffs this year, to what happened AFTER that 2008 season. Miami overrated itself and did not fill holes and address needs properly. Given that Jeff Ireland was there and most likely would still be in Miami, if they make the playoffs, I could easily see Miami not properly addressing its roster for the 2014 season. And, I think if Miami were to make the playoffs this year, they'll be one and done.
I HAVE A BETTER IDEA . the panthers have a good offense and the O.C. is a better coach then Mike Sherman and his name is Mike Shula does that name rng a bell ? I think he has grown as a coach and he has qb experience too boot . here are some coaches I think could do a good job Mike Martz and what about a good coach in the Steve Mariouchi mooch spelling ? I don't think philbin is the answer and if we loose the next 4 games then I think we should just clean house and get it right all n one big swoop.
Everything u said in this thread couldn't be stated any better. Football purgatory is the perfect sentiment for this team, if the team pulls out some end of year garbage wins when little is on the line to squeek in at 8-8 it could send the wrong message that could have management keep status quo that has the team at a perpetual 8-8 borderline wildcard team or even if we became a perpetual one and done playoff team ala the Bungals I don't think that would satiate our bigger goals either...who wants to be the next Cincinnati? The only solution no matter what the final outcome of this season save SB is to retool with new GM and coaches as suggested by the greatly researched OP. Its quite sad as I'm reminded of those stats that over70% of teams going 3-0 make playoffs..how did this organization ruin that? I just hope our next coach can get Tannehill back on track the kid goes backwards every week. On other personnel news did anyone see on profootballtalk that dolphins could entertain a 2014 1st and 3rd for Larry Fitzgerald? If someone wants to start a new poll thread...would anyone pull the trigger on that deal?
So you were just joking when you said you thought he'd done a good job and deserved a longer extension?
Blowing up the organization every three years has not worked out that well since Shula was run out of town. Changes will be made but a major ovehaul at the top at this juncture may not be the way to go. I'd be happy witha new offensve coordinator though.
I'll say this until I'm blue in the face. When does Jeff Ireland become held accountable? If we have a 5th straight non-playoff season? If we have a 5th straight losing season? When? He's had - 2 offseasons to blow Steve Ross' money 2 different head coaches A puppetmaster VP to hide behind 5 years to get it right 4 different QB's - 1 of which was a top 10 pick He has to be the first to change.
By the way we haven't had a complete overhaul. Our GM has remained consistent. He, Paul Soliai, Brian Gaines, Steven Ross, John Denney, and maybe a few other scouts/organizational people are the only consistent players in this.
Meh, I"m onboard with changing the DC, looking at the college level. The job that Jeremy Pruitt has done at FSU changing the defense from Mark Stoops "bend not break 4-3" to Nick Saban's multiple look 3-4 has been quite frankly amazing. given the limited amount of practice as allowed by NCAA regulations the end product is doubly amazing. Find a 3-4 guy preferably a Saban disciple please
Loving the feedback guys. But, got to say I am shocked not more of you are disgusted with this coaching staff. I have to give Sparano credit for one thing he had nowhere near the talent at the skills positions that we currently have. The thing this staff doesn't seem to get is to make changes when necessary. Point 1: Mike Wallace- Pittsburgh used him in a variety of roles not just as a straight line deep threat. The guy is a playmaker plain and simple. He's had 32 TD's in 4 Seasons prior to coming here....(for none math guru's) that's 8 td's a season avg. He has one with us. We dealt with this with Brandon Marshall (yes he had Henne throwing too him) but we had a touchdown scorer who we neglected in the Red Zone. We need to get creative with Wallace run a screen play in the 1st quarter as opposed to the 4th when the game had slipped away. Move him around more put him in the slot, don't just flank him out wide right. Point 2: Lamar Miller...repeat after me "GIVE HIM THE BALL." Yes he has his flaws pass pro, etc. But the guy is a difference maker he has a 2nd gear that can't be taught. Utilize him more not just on sweeps and stretch runs. Point 3: Playaction and rollout passing. Tannehill was thought to be a solid on the run throwing QB. Clearly he is as evidenced by his first TD yesterday. The pass blocking isn't getting better so why not save your QB with creativity and deception rather than leaving a moving target. Point 4: The "GO" vs. "GO-GO" call. It's been said time and time again THill's cadence are tipping of the defense and how does a staff not pick that up in film review. Ireland buys the groceries and he hasn't done a good job by any means but the personel decisions along with the strategy by this staff is most discouraging. Why are we playing Jimmy Wilson over (Carroll, Davis, or Taylor) we drafter the latter two in the first 3 rds of this year's draft. Davis has yet to sniff any time on defense and we played Taylor against Drew Brees' for his first NFL appearance (not really an easy task). Yes, they have been healthy but Wilson year after year isn't any better. Derrick Shelby vs. Dion Jordan. We spent a #3 overall pick on a pass rusher who was covering Gronk yesterday. Granted he held his own and I don't mind versatility but play the guy. He makes multiple plays and a difference in his limited time. Shelby is nothing more than a rotation. Of our rookies the only one making a consistent impact and solid playing time is our kicker. Sad, Sad, Sad. I blame Ireland of course but when I look at this draft class we picked up some highly regarded players. Jordan was one of if not the top DE prospect maybe Defensive prospect. Taylor was listed as Top 5 College CB's entering the draft. Dallas Thomas was an All-SEC guard at Tennessee but yet we play him at RT all preseason when we have two guards who can't pull effectively. Will Davis was top's in CFB with interceptions and he has a little Asante Samuel to him, and the guy had a great camp and preseason. The list goes on and on. My point is such... we are not developing properly and are holding allegiances to players who are liabilities and not improving. That falls on Coaching not the General Manager. It's a two way street and yes I am all for Ireland being gone as I was years ago. That is Ross' first mistake when he cleaned half the house and left the other half burning to the ground. Best option is to pull in a GM and let him decide on Philbin but I just don't see him being here. Worst case scenario is remaining status quo with upper management and our staff.
Right, if a new GM is coming in, he's going to bring in his own HC and possibly new QB too. Draft a QB and let him and THill battle it out.