Despite the disappointment of missing the post-season I can say that I am proud of the way that the Dolphins have performed this year. Some reasons. 1) 2008 we had a cupcake schedule and go 11-5, this year we ride with the toughest schedule and finish somewhere between 7-9 and 9-7. That's real improvement despite what the W-L column says. 2) The emergence of Chad Henne as a genuine prospect at QB. Not anointing him as a perennial pro-bowler just yet but a very promising first season as starter. 3) The team's grit and determination and being competitive in the second half of the season despite being gutted by injuries. 4) The youth of the team and the key contributors. Last year we were riding on the over 30s of Chad Pennington and Joey Porter, this year the young guys are leading the way. Looking forward to next year. 1) Keeping FO/coaching stability. We've all been disappointed with some game plans/clock management/play calling issues. Overall the coaching staff have shown themselves to be solid. I especially like the fact that we are the least penalised team in the league which demonstrates a strong commitment to teaching fundamentals. 2) Looking for upgrades at a small number of positions. This time two years ago the only position that the 'phins had any real talent at was RB. IMO we need a true #1 WR, a playmaking ILB and a pro-bowl safety to lift us into the true elite. It is true that there are other areas where we can improve depth, but I look at our roster next year as being the most settled its been for a very long time.
Overall, very true! We do have some holes to fill, and won't fill them all in the offseason, but what team ever does? Everyone has holes, some just have fewer and/or can disguise them well. All in all, not a horrible year considering everything. I look forward to a solid offseason and 11-12 wins next year!
My hopes are between now and next year, Sparano and his staff sign up for Football 101 - Clock Management. Henning also should be given a pink slip as soon as the Steeler's game ends next week and maybe we can get an offensive minded OC in there.
We'll look the same on offense unless we get a weapon on TE or a true number 1 receiver. Defense should get much better.
we need new linebackers taylor and porter are done inside linebackers are slow and average expect a major upgrade hopefully yes we need a playmaker on offense those things will help henne gained valuable experience this season he will be better next year
I appluad this Coaching staff and FO for keeping us in it despite injuries, inexperience and one hell of a schedule, until the bitter end. It may have been a step back but at least we still had a respectable year. Now lets play spoiler and **** Pittsburgh's **** up.
I'm hoping Parcells sees this thing through. It's the final year of his 3 year plan so I'm hoping he sticks around until at least the end of next year.
This team truly has a bright future. They are loaded with young studs on both sides of the ball. If they can fix their problems at linebacker and safety, as well as find another playmaker on offense they will be a force next season and many more to come. So yes, there have been some disappointments this year but there has also been a lot to be happy about.
Vincent Jackson would be a dream come true but I can't see San Diego letting him get away. I'm not saying no to Brandon Marshall, but his attitude worries me. Miles Austin would be good too. Maybe even make a run a Boldin.
I'm hopeful for 2010 and excited. However....it feels like a long @ss time away. 9 months to wait and see if all this promise will pay off. These young players now have a season under them and playoff caliber games under them. Having to watch other teams in the AFC Championship game battle for a shot at the super bowl yet again will be painful[January 1993 was the last time the Dolphins were. It's getting ridiculous now]. Having to wait 9 long months hoping that our rebuilding efforts the past two years have worked. 2010 is make or break. A first round playoff exit won't and shouldn't satisfy any dolfans like it did in 2008. And managing to be in the playoff hunt until week 17 with a tough schedule shouldnt either. We competed with the elite teams, and in 2010 we should be one. Let's hope we are or it is going to feel no different then the other post-Shula eras.
