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Dolphins 2010 AFC East Division Champs?

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by HULKFish, May 14, 2010.

  1. HULKFish

    HULKFish Artist and Scribe

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    I have a lot of respect for the Patriots and everything they've accomplished, unlike the JETS who I've only grown deeper in hatred for. If you're anything like me then you've been waiting years now to see a Dolphins team good enough to dethrown the perennial winners of the AFC East (even in 2008 when we won the division it was hard fought and without Brady).

    Will this be the year we see the Dolphins improve enough to bring an end to the nearly decade-long dynasty of the Brady-led Patriots? And will the Dolphins be able to stay a step ahead of the Jets as it appeared last year? For the reasoning of this article I'm going to predict that our Miami Dolphins will, in fact, retain their domination of the Jets for another season.

    A few comparisons:

    Brady to Welker and Moss/ Henne to Bess and Marshall - Obviously the winner still has to be Brady until proven otherwise and the reasoning behind the Dolphins remaining the underdog (Which I relish).

    Ronnie Brown, Ricky and Cobbs/ Kevin Faulk, Fred Taylor, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Laurence Maroney - Obviously this takes the O-line as well but our Dolphins are superior in the running game.

    Tully Banta-Cain, Jerod Mayo, Vince Wilfork, Gerard Warren, Ty Warren/ Cam Wake, Karlos Dansby, Randy Starks, Channing Crowder, Kendall Langford, Phillip Merling - The front seven will obviously be a point of contention and I only mentioned the at least somewhat proven players.

    Yeremiah Bell, Vontae Davis, Will Allen/ Leigh Bodden, Brandon Meriweather, Darius Butler - Close call on the back end.

    OK, lets see some arguments of why or why not the Dolphins take the Division this year with maybe even some brave forecasts (my favorite part).
     
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  2. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

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    As far as a forecast, we're in the mix. I'll have to see how some players are developing before I make any predictions. But I believe our talent is on the same level as both the Jets and the Pats.

    I agree that at this point that presumptively the Pats have the better passing game, but with Welker injured the difference may not be as great. (also factor in that Brady is a year removed from his knee injury). I also think we have the better running game and the better front 7. In a passing league you can get by with weaker running and defense if your pass game is great. IMO that's what the Pats have done of late. IMO one key will be how our young players involved in the pass defense come along (Davis, Smith and Wake). I do expect that Dansby will be a huge upgrade regardless. The other key is Henne's development and how the passing game develops with the addition of Marshall and the growth of Bess and Hartline.

    I think the Jets are in the mix as well. Their defense and most importantly their pass defense is awesome. How well their offense (primarily Sanchez) develops is their big key. Their running game may also be a downgrade so they may have to rely on Sanchez more so his development is even more of a key determinant for them.

    Buffalo is on the outside looking in. They are dangerous enough to beat any other team in the division (as most division opponents are) but I don't believe they're a threat to win the division.
     
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  3. HULKFish

    HULKFish Artist and Scribe

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    well-said raf! I agree... Although it may be my hatred for the Jets not allowing myself to see them beating us even once!
     
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  4. Fin-Omenal

    Fin-Omenal Initiated

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    I think the Jets may be the fav. to win the division at this point, but we have beat them 3 straight (2 on the road) so I feel confident if we split with the Jets and Pats and sweep the Bills thats 4-2 in the division and would put us in very good shape.
     
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  5. HULKFish

    HULKFish Artist and Scribe

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    Nah, I think the Pats have to be as they did win the division last year... Jets squeaked through and got to play a sinking Chargers team who wilt in the Playoffs. They won't be so lucky this year, comparable to us last year. Except we'll keep the win streak going on them. How long a streak did they have on us for a few years there?
     
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  6. PS17

    PS17 NYJ 2010!!!

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    The Dolphins won't be better than the Jets. Possible they could be better than the Patriots, as they have been seriously declining.
     
  7. FinsAreLife

    FinsAreLife Well-Known Member

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    i just have this feeling that the jets wont be as serious of a contender as everyone thinks they will be. I dont know though, i could be very wrong, we'll see
     
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  8. muscle979

    muscle979 Season Ticket Holder

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    I don't really know what to expect from the Jets at this point. They could be pretty good, or their mad dash for a Super Bowl could blow up in their faces. I don't think they'll be a bad team or anything. It's just that they're setting themselves up to where anything short of a Lombardi is a failure.
     
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  9. Ohio Fanatic

    Ohio Fanatic Twuaddle or bust Club Member

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    It's going to come down to the wire. With the Fins and Jets duking it out but I bet all 3 teams finish withing 1 game of each other. Fins Win it in the end.
     
  10. Agua

    Agua Reality: Try It!

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    Depends on how the Fins D performs.
     
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  11. PHINANALYST

    PHINANALYST Well-Known Member

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    from a 'talent' standpoint ... i think we are pretty comparable across the board.

    the key for us will be experience and how quickly the young players catch on ... and how well the coaching staff puts them in a good position to play well.

    based off of LAST year ... the JESTS would have to have a slight edge since they aren't changing a whole lot -- but everything changes when the season starts ... ask again post the break -- and i think we'll have a pretty good idea where we are headed !
     
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  12. Dolphins1Beatles

    Dolphins1Beatles Ziggy Stardust

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    I'm not sure I like the Jets moves yet. I think the running game is worse. Thomas Jones has been way better than LT the past couple years, and Washington before his injury was the Dolphins worst nightmare on the Jets. Both are now gone for an aging veteran who will probably wear down by the seasons end, though he is a bigger name and can sell tickets. Their O-Line may also move back. Holmes was definitely an upgrade, but is suspended for 4 games, and if he slips up then he'll be lost. JT was a good pickup, as he had a good season in 09 and wasnt even being used like he should have been. But again, another aging veteran who had an injuried shoulder by the seasons end. Though the Jets have been pretty honest about the "Super Bowl or bust in 2010" mentality, so you have to give them that. If they don't make it though, it seems like it was all a waste with all the contracts that will be up at the end of the year. Oh, Cromartie was a good pickup only if he can return to 2007 form, so thats another gamble. Also, they are going in with a worse kicker. Wasn't he the one who missed like 10 FGs for the Cowboys? They often determine games. We'll see.

    And the Patriots are still the Patriots.

    The Jets nor the Patriots worry me. Phins have won 3 in a row over the Jets, and the last time we played the Patriots, Henne lit up their defense through the air...without Brandon Marshall on the team. Vontae has a lot of confidence, intercepting Brady-Moss twice. The main thing that worries me about the Pats is all the draft picks they piled up this year. They are not going away.

    But yeah, people are probably underestimating the Dolphins. Three HUGE signings in Dansby, Marshall and Mike Nolan. Marshall and Dansby are in their prime, and actually some believe that neither has even reached their full potential yet. The offense scored more points in 2009 over 08, it was the defense that failed us. Nolan and Dansby will help out a lot, Nolan is known for turning defenses around. Wake, Smith, and Davis are going into their second seasons[starting a rookie secondary is almost unheard of, and Miami had to do it in 09]. Will Allen will be back, and he was playing very well before his injury. They also got younger, got rid of the aging Porter Poison and bolstered the O-Line with Incognito and Jerry.

    After playing the toughest schedule in the NFL, and dealing with a ton of injured starters, they should be ready to contend. Even with the poor defense in 2009, just switch Marshall with Ginn and the Dolphins most likely beat the Super Bowl Colts and Saints. And if Ronnie stays healthy all year, the Dolphins would have been the #1 rushing team, they were far ahead of every other team. You just never know what will happen. Henne is also going into his 2nd year as a starter. And if he got hurt[lets hope not], the Fins have the most accurate QB in NFL history to back him up. I'm not worried about the team, the only thing that worries me are injuries. If this team stays healthy they can beat anyone. Even in 2009 they were able to hang with every team. With an obviously improved team in 2010 and a great record against the division the past 2 years, they are equally able to win the East along with the Jets and Pats. I think it comes down to injuries, team chemistry and some luck. And it's possible all 3 will make the playoffs.

    Wow that was my longest post ever. I deserve a medal. or rep power!
     
  13. late again

    late again Senior Member

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    Here's how I see it, still.
    Reverse the timing of the Colts game.
    If the Jets play the Colts at the beginning of the season and the Dolphins play the Colts week 16 when the Colts rest their starters....
    It could be reasonably speculated that the Fins beat the Colts and the Jets don't.
    Same with the Cincy game.
    If we play them week 17 while they're resting their starters then maybe we win that game too. I mean, in spite of all the spin that is how the Jets got into the playoffs. Two other playoff teams rested their starters. The ultimate result was favorable for the Jets. And you take the wins however you get them. However that is a fact, nonetheless - they weren't trying to win.
    It's all speculation obviously. But if you look at the circumstances surrounding the outcomes, and then look at off season moves by both teams, I don't see how anyone can conclusively make that statement.
     
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  14. dolfan7171

    dolfan7171 Well-Known Member

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    I agree with both of these. Now I am going attempt give my two cents on this. Hopefully it makes some sense to ya'll:up:

    The Dolphins I believe will win the Division. Believe it or not, this team is better than what people give them credit for. I saw that in the games we lost and the games we won. Simple mental mistakes and missed opportunities cost us games that we should have won. A dropped catch or a missed tackle or maybe a swatted pass could be a factor in some of these games we lost. In the games we won I would say we still need to tighten on a few things (overthrown pass,fumble) to help us win more games. Now that we have a potentially dangerous offense and a potentially dominant defense, we should win the division if we take care of the "little" stuff.

    The Jets have the potential to be good (even though I don't to see that). If Sanchez gets better and they figure their running game situation (whose starting) and that defense improves they will be tough to beat. Of course I believe that Miami sweep them again but they will be force.

    The Patriots I believe is done but never count them out. They always seem to show up in the end. They may still surprise some people even this year. Tom Brady and Co. still believe they have what it takes to take the division again but I believe we will put a stop to that.

    Buffalo is in trouble in my opinion but don't be surprise if they win a bunch of games and challenge one of us for the division. I know that is a bold statement but for some reason I just have a feeling that Buffalo might surprise some people. But then again I could be wrong....
     
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  15. FinFan316

    FinFan316 Banned

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    I think we are better than the Jets.

    I think we have a much better offense with edges at QB, Oline, and RBs. You guys only have a better TE.

    On defense, I don't think there is too much difference. Darrelle Revis is outstanding, but then Teddy Ginn Torched him. I am not as high on Cromartie as some are, but we'll see how the change helps him. I like the rookie CB. I will give you guys an edge at DB.

    I will take our front seven, with all of the players we bring over yours. We are younger , and I think, more athletic.

    KJ is coming off an injury an is another year older; and without him, I don't think the Jets will be the same defensively.

    STs....we have a great punter and kicker, our coverage teams are improved but should get even better this year.

    We haven't beaten you guys three straight by accident. And that was before we had Brandon Marshall, Karlos Dansby, and the most important addition, new DC Mike Nolan.

    You guys may have the edge at HC. We'll see.

    But I like OUR team, and I think its not only better than the Jets now, but will be for some time.
     
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  16. FinFan316

    FinFan316 Banned

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    What is their most significant addition? Santonio Holmes and Antonio Cromartie. SD didn't let Cromartie go because he was getting better. Just saying. Holmes is a good, but not great WR.

    We have changed dramatically. We have a great ILB pickup in Dansby. We have a top 3 WR (far better than Edwards or Holmes). Our Oline with Incognito and Jerry is going to be ruthless, IMO.

    And we will FINALLY have a scheme on defense that confuses the other teams offenses. I think our energy on defense will make up for the inexperience.

    And we have depth at key positions. I don't know enough about the Jets roster, but who is their back up QB, C, OG, DT,?
     
  17. PS17

    PS17 NYJ 2010!!!

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    You are right. It is all speculation. The Colts did let the Jets win. The Dolphins could have been in the reverse situation. Who the hell knows...

    I think the Jets defense gives them the edge though, and I really don't think that's too big of a stretch. That's not even factoring the dramatic improvement I think Sanchez will have this year.
     
  18. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    we will contend in 2010 :yes:
     
  19. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    comes down to our pass rush. if wake and misi can add some serious pressure from the outside to couple with the improved pressure that odrick will bring from the DE position we have a good chance to win the division going away. If Wake flounders it could be a long year.
     
  20. Two Tacos

    Two Tacos Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    This is my thinking too. I really like our DL from a pass rushing standpoint. If Wake and Misi can come close to equaling what we got from JT and JP, our D will be scary.

    On the Jets vs Dolphins this is how I see it:

    Defense:

    Coverage wise I cannot see how the Phins don’t take leaps ahead of where they were last year and that was their main weakness. The two rookie CBs aren’t rookies anymore, Wilson is gone, and they have Karlos Dansby on the inside. Pass rush both teams have ?’s. There is a reason JT isn’t a Dolphin anymore, but there is a reason he is now the Jets best pass rusher too. Scheme wise Jets were much better than the Phins last year; Nolan should narrow that gap a bit though. Jets have improved their D also, and honestly started the off season ahead of the Dolphins, I just think the Dolphins made bigger enough strides to close the gap.

    Offense:

    Between the Dolphins and the Jets offensive teams, it comes down to QB play. Ronnie is coming off an injury and Ricky is another year older. I think RB is a wash unless Ronnie is truly back and manages to stay healthily. WR, Brandon Marshall is the best of the bunch, but the Dolphins don’t have a number 2 like Holmes. TE goes to the Jets, OL slight edge to the Dolphins. Whichever rookie guard plays best could decide that one though. The real difference maker will be at QB, best players team wins IMO.


    Overall:
    Henne vs Sanchez, that’s all you need to know, everything else washes out in the end.
     
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  21. Phinatic425

    Phinatic425 MIA State of Mind

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    Are you aware that if the Jets had to play the Colts with all of their starters the Jets would have missed the playoffs and no one would be hyping them up and saying that they are superbowl cotenders?

    Yes they made a run in the playoffs but the matchups couldn't have been any better for them. Especially the Chargers. You guys do have a really good defense (not good enough to stop the timid Ted Ginn lol) and the Chargers played such a one-dimensional offense it is no suprise the Jets won.

    The AFC Championship proves that the Jets cannot keep up high scoring offenses that are actual Superbowl contenders every year and also proved how Lucky the Jets were that they got to play the Colts JV team. The AFC Championship was also a nice display of how much better the Dolphins played the Colts.
     
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  22. Dolphins1Beatles

    Dolphins1Beatles Ziggy Stardust

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    I'll be fair. While I think the Jets had a fortunate schedule that let them in the playoffs, and then got to play the Bengals who faded away the 2nd half of the season and havent won a playoff game in ages, then the Chargers who play an incredibly easy schedule because the rest of the division sucked, which is usually bad news for when you get into the playoffs and play tougher teams, they still did a good job and are going to be a tough opponent. The Jets may have gotten lucky, but luck is important. They're a good team, but I say equally as good as the Patriots and Dolphins. All these experts are just picking teams because they have to, they don't know anymore than we do.

    We know all about that as Phins fans. Ask all the experts 5 years ago if Ricky Williams would be the Dolphins leading rusher in 2009 and veteran player in 2010. They would laugh you out of the building. And let's not forget when Sports Illustrated picked Miami to go to the Super Bowl in 2006 after a strong finish to the 2005 season and the addition of Culpepper who everyone assumed was in better health than Brees.

    But I don't think any of the three are better than the others. Not in May. I mean it's fun to speculate because that is all there is to do, but still. Give all three teams equal respect. And dont completely count out the Bills. They'll probably suck, but you never know, look what we did in 2008.
     
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  23. PS17

    PS17 NYJ 2010!!!

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    Completely aware. But it happened.

    No surprise the Jets one? I thought it was a major surprise. No one picked them to win. Ted Ginn beat the Jets defense on one play; get over it.

    You played the Colts better in your own stadium and in the second week of the season. Yes, the Jets couldn't keep up with the Colts offense but then again very few teams could last year. Jets offense should be improved as they added Holmes to the WR corps and Sanchez will have a year more chemistry with this group.

    Exactly.

    The Bills are absolutely dreadful. My prediction is that they will be picking #1 overall in 2011.
     
  24. jetssuck

    jetssuck I hear Mandich's voice...

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    Bet you thought that last year as well. And still....we made your big mouth couch cry and then copy an offense (wildcat) that he disrespected when it beat him.

    SOJ in 2010
     
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  25. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Well, we would need 2008's Health and Ball Control and the Defense to move into the top 14 to make a run at the AFCE title imho.

    The AFCE is the most competitive division in the AFC, with the AFCNorth a close second, but unlike the AFCN, we don't have a punching bag Brown's team to play for easy wins as even the Bills have improved this offseason.

    The situation reminds an awful lot of the NFC East in the mid 80's to early 90's, the Pats are Redskins, the Jets are the Eagles and the Dolphins are the Giants and the Bills are the Cardinals of that era.

    I do think the Jets losing Leon Washington and Wallace and Feeley will come back to bite them right on the arse this year, imho Ryan is showing his inexperience once again by devaluing Special Teams.
     
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  26. Roman529

    Roman529 Senior Member

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    I see the 2010 AFC East as a three team race....I don't think the Bills will be in it until they get a real QB and a better o-line. I think the Jets, Phins and Pats are pretty even in terms of talent. We are a more talented team then the one that went 11-5 two years ago, but I think the Jets have also gotten better. The Pats have fallen off a little but they still have Tom Brady. I can't wait for the season to start.
     
  27. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    yes:dolphin:
     
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  28. gafinfan

    gafinfan gunner Club Member

    Everyone, including the Jets fan, has been talking players and luck which of course you have to have to win. The real difference imvho is the Coaching staff and how those players are used (and used properly) that will be the difference this and anyother year in the AFCE.

    Tom and Billy boy are still the ones to beat, talentwise I feel both the Dolphins and Jets are still lagging until proven otherwise. Will Henne/Sparano continue to beat Rexy/Sanchez? Luck played a huge part in both our wins last year in the name of two players no longer on our team, Ted Ginn and Jason Taylor, with Taylor now playing on the other side of that fence.

    Remember its not just about the talent you have but how well you use that talent to win games and in that area Billy boy is the proven product while the other three HCs are still in his rear view mirror.
     
  29. Pandarilla

    Pandarilla Purist Emeritus

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    I agree with GAfinfan in that the coaches will determine more of the outcome than the level of talent. I just pray that our 2 minute offense looks better than I saw last year. We're like the only team in the league taking snaps from under center with less than 2:00 minutes to go...I was in India for the final 6 or 7 games, so I don't know if we improved or not.
     
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  30. late again

    late again Senior Member

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    Believe me when I say this - I try to always give credit where credit is due.
    However, the Jets still have just as many question marks going in as the Dolphins do.
    Disregarding the two Christmas gifts at the end of the season. The Jets only beat 2 teams with winning records. The Pats and the Texans.
    The Titans were 8-8
    The Panthers were 8-8
    The Raiders 5-11
    The Bills 6-10
    The Bucs 3-13
    They were also 2-4 in division contests.
    Obviously, as I already stated, you don't choose your opponents. Nor do you choose the circumstances. Nonetheless the Jets 9-7 regular season record coming due to the above stated facts, should be reason for (very) cautious optimism, rather than this wholesale Super Bowl talk that is coming out of Jetville.
    It's certainly your prerogative to get caught up in the Super Bowl Favorite tag that has been affixed to the Jets. Just remember the higher up you get the farther the fall if you have to come back down to earth.
     
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  31. sister_ray

    sister_ray New Member

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    Could see three playoff teams coming out of the AFC East.

    The Patriots have been declining with their amazing drafts, and Belli looks like less of a defensive genius every year, but they still have Brady.

    The Jets D will again be tough, but I think they should have helped out their front-7 in the off season.

    Our D should see huge improvement. Our D-line is one of the very best - and deepest - in the league; our LB's are young and talented with a proven star in Dansby and a proven pass rusher in Wake, and our CB's should be greatly improved.

    . . .

    Our O-line should better this season (second year with the same O-line coach, more maturity for Long, more talent in Incognito and Jerry); Henne should be better this season; Hartline and Bess should be better this season; and we added B. Marshall.

    When you combine the development of young players (Henne, Long, Davis, Smith, Hartline, Bess, Langford, Merling, Soliai, Wake, etc.) and the added pieces (Nolan, Marshall, Dansby, Dobbins, Incognito), we should be in for a fun season.

    I predicted we'd with the AFC East when we acquired Nolan (that was pre-Dansby and pre-Marshall) - assuming we drafted well. Well, I love our draft. I'll stick with my prediction.
     
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  32. 54Fins

    54Fins "In Gase we trust"

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    over there
    Jets suck! We are a better team. :yes:

    That wasn't so hard. :lol:

    Oh yeah,the Pats are on the decline
     
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  33. Pauly

    Pauly Season Ticket Holder

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    We might be contenders, but IMO we really should be looking at 2011 for our serious runs at going deep in the playoffs.

    If you look at the 3-9 year veterans we drafted, the guys who should be the core of our team what do we have?
    Vernon Carey
    Yeremiah Bell
    Ronnie Brown
    Channing Crowder
    Brandon Fields

    We're not getting 1 starter/year from those 6 years I've had to include a frakking punter to make it look better. OK there are guys we drafted like Ginn and Satele who have been traded because they don't fit the schemes we're running, but the pickings are slim.

    I just don't see us contending to go deep in the playoffs until the players from the '08 to '10 drafts get enough experience to form a reliable core. At the moment they're still making mistakes from a lack of experience and I don't really see that, as a group, they will start becoming reliable until 2011.

    Divisional title, maybe if we get a few bounces going our way. SB run, I think is much less likely.
     
  34. HULKFish

    HULKFish Artist and Scribe

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    That's what I like to hear! Stick your neck out!

    Dolphins win the division with a balanced offense and stout defense... If we can improve our points allowed by even 3 points a game and improve our scoring efficiency on offense we'll be a BEAST!

    Dolphins - 11-5
    Patriots - 9-7
    Jets - 9-7
    Bills - 5-11

    The Jets are going to greatly regret letting go of Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. The Patriots magic is gone, but Brady is still there. The Bills are, well, the Bills... 2011 will bring the Dolphins respect and fear.
     
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  35. Larryfinfan

    Larryfinfan 17-0...Priceless Club Member

    There is no doubt that luck is part of the recipe for success. We had some in 2008 (weak schedule and just good enough D to hold off teams) and the jests in 2009 (all the reasons listed above. You could also say that the pasties had some luck in 2008 with Brady going down, Cassell showed he was ready to come into his own where by a fluke of the schedule, they didn't make the playoffs (remember 11-5 and sitting home in January).

    The personnel differences between the jests, pasties and us isn't that far off. The jests are relying on aging veterans and a media darling coach. We are relying on young talent and a no nonsense coaching approach and the pasties are balancing their 'at prime to just beyond prime' veterans with their weaker drafts the last couple of years and the proven entry at coach. I'd say the three are pretty even across the board. We'll probably beat each other up during the season and whoever has the 'luck' this year will come out on top. More than likely more than one of the these teams gets to the playoffs...

    As for the jills, they are still a step behind, but may be closing the gap, depending on their QB and OL play.

    Now, PS17 would have you believe that the jests are primed to advance to the big enchilada because of their success last season. He points out an improved Sanchez. Well, for his sake, I hope so as Sanchez was fading fast after a great start last season. Their D was very good, as has been come to expect from Rexy and their run game was very good as well. The questions are will the aging vets they've added fit the chemistry they started last season ?? That will be up to Rexy. Is Ryan as good as he says or thinks he is or not is the real question. While you can look at a lot of his experience in Baltimore as his 'basis', remember he was the DL coach for DC Mike Nolan for 3 yrs there. Yes, I'm not all that enamored with Ryan just yet, I'll admit it but for all his gregariousness, there are still some questions as a HC. Now he's embroiled in a campaign to sell PSLs as well as coaching the team...He's got his hands full...

    Chan Gailey doesn't have a great record as a HC. He had a modicum of success off of other peoples personnel in Dallas and that's about it. However, he can coach offense. The question with the jills is whether or not they've quite made enough moves. Jauron left the jills pretty bereft of offensive talent, although the D is just good enough to hold it's own. He has a ways to go yet there.

    Sparano and the troika are in their 3rd year and the fans are 'expecting' things to develop pretty quickly. I say that as fans, we should remember that Wanny had 8 years of bad personnel moves in both FA and the draft. Then the dark years ensued with freaks of nature coaches in both the Nicktator and Cam-Cam...incidentally, both making pretty much horrible personnel moves as well for 3 more years. This reclamation project taken on by Parcells, Ireland and Sparano just may take another year or so to be completed. We have much more talent than in the past, albeit very young talent. We have guys at many positions that are 'expected' to develop into solid players this season....Wake, Merling, Henne, Culver, Jerry, Hartline, Odrick, Misi, Davis, Smith, even Starks at a new position. If all this happens, we could have a special team this year. But a lot has to happen for all that to come to fruition because we have to also be concerned about our established talent 'being consistent or coming back from injury', in Brown, Williams, Cobb, Fasano, Cammy, Grove, Will Allen, Crowder, Langford, etc. A lot can happen, both good and bad with this team.

    The pasties, well the fanbase, particularly the jills, jests and Fins fanbase, are all over the lack of draft success that BB has had in the last 2-3 yrs. However, I might point out that they seem to go thru a big turnover almost every season and seem to come out smelling like roses, too. A couple of years ago Vrabel was traded and Brushi retired and that was the end. But they went on to win the division again. They've lost coaches, FO guys, prime players...you name it and still smelled like perfume water... Every time in the last 4 or 5 years I've thought that the pasties were on the decline, they've done what they've been doing...win and get into the playoffs. So, lets not count the pasties out of the picture just yet...

    Conclusion: As a fan, I say the Fins are just as good as the jests and pasties. As a football guy, I'm not totally convinced. However, I'm not convinced the jests and pasties have made all very good moves either...So, we'll just have to wait to see what happens, but any of the three have the ability to separate themselves this season...
     
    dolfan7171, HULKFish and mullingan like this.
  36. HULKFish

    HULKFish Artist and Scribe

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    Way to stick your neck out Larry! LOL! Nice read though...
     

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