We get to see if Gase can bring the ship around and back on course. We know that under Philbin this type of game late in the season was a sign that the season was over for the players. In the 6 game win streak I was worried because the team was like an old V8 that was firing on 4, 5 or 6 cylinders but wasn't catching because we never had all aspects of Offense and Defense working together on the same day. Well instead of catching and roaring into life as I hoped the Engine stalled and all units failed. It's up to Gase to show he can get the car started and running again. It's the real test to see if he is a genuine keeper.
The true test isn't how you go when things are easy. If Gase can't get the team back playing it where they should next week then we didn't hire the right guy. Philbin showed he couldn't do it. Campbell tried and failed. Saban couldn't do it. Sparano rode his wave in year 1, but didn't show anything after that. We'll see if the talk about accountability is talk or accountability. If it's talk I'll need convincing Gase should be kept. If it's accountability it will show up on the field.
Agree 100% OP. I said this on our dolfans podcast, we get to see how this team handles this, how it comes out, is it hot? flat? lethargic? Is the home crowd getting us pumped?! Or are we going to lay down and wither while the season passes on to draft and free agent talk. Will be interesting to see how Gase handles the team, and gets them motivated to save their season.
While I'm a fan of coaches who can light a fire under these players, I'm not sure exactly sure how much fire-lighting can bring Mike Pouncey's hip to full health.
While Pouncey is a major cog in the wheel it was more than just his absense that caused us to lose the way we did. Defense was terrible, play calling was terrible, Tannehill had a bad game....these are things that Gase needs to prove he can fix and motivate the players to respond to.
Miami lost two games to inferior teams in weeks 4 and 5, then completely reinvented themselves in week 6 with a completely different offensive look. I don't think people realize how difficult of a feat that was to do. So for now, I'm giving Gase the benefit of the doubt that he has the right plan to rebound this week.
