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expectations for next year?

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by Gjonez33, Jan 9, 2010.

  1. Xeticus

    Xeticus Junior Member

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    We also really need to upgrade out ILB. Crowder and Ayodele aren't good enough. A 3-4 lives and dies by it's linebacking corps. I thought so last year and was surprised when the FO didn't pick someone like Clint Sintim. If we don't address out LB's in the first 2 rounds this draft then we are going to be in trouble.
     
  2. Dolphins1Beatles

    Dolphins1Beatles Ziggy Stardust

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    I think most Dolphin fans feared that we wouldn't live up to 2008 in 2009, especially when the injuries piled up. But, for a team that hasn't been to the AFC Championship since 1992, the Super Bowl since 1984 and hasnt won a SB since 1973, I'm sure the fanbase has high expectations for 2010.

    By the time September rolls around it'll have been 3 years since the awful '07 season. We should be able to contend for a super bowl with the right moves. 7-9 with the toughest schedule, there is NO reason the Dolphins shouldn't win at least 10 games.
     
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  3. DeDolfan

    DeDolfan Premium Member Luxury Box

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    What is an "out ILB"?
     
  4. finyank13

    finyank13 Reality Check

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    if they dont hit their picks, and have a draft like last year............looooooooooong season....
     
  5. Stringer Bell

    Stringer Bell Post Hard, Post Often Club Member

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    9-11 wins would be a reasonable expectation. We need more speed on defense, thats for sure. Offensively I think we are capable of winning 11 games with the personnel we have, if Henne cuts out of some the mistakes. But I think first and foremost you need to upgrade the speed on defense, whether at LB or safety.
     
  6. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    I prefer not to predict season records, I do know what I want to see in the 2010 dolphins:

    1. A return to the no turnover ethic, we went from +19 to -8 in TO ratio, that regression was the most disappointing aspect to 09.

    2. Lead the NFL in kick return yardage, we were #2 this year behind the Bears, we should be #1.

    3. Find a way to have Wake on the field more

    4. More youth and speed on defense

    5. Sparano learns his lessons and is sharper with Game Management.

    6. Get the Oline straightened out, these Guard issues are retracting from unit cohesion.

    7. Some offensive leaders emerge, a vanilla offense still needs leaders.

    8. Top 4 in the NFL in rushing

    9. Henne needs to polish his game, his ball fakes don't exist, he does not manage the clock as well as Pennington did, and he was not turnover conscious.

    10. Play better on the road, in 08 we were solid on the road, in 09 we lost in Buffalo on the road, it is a mark of a mature, well coached team that they are road warriors, in 09 we weren't.
     
  7. finyank13

    finyank13 Reality Check

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    2. Lead the NFL in kick return yardage, we were #2 this year behind the Bears, we should be #1.

    Pads how the hell were they number 2??? Didnt it seems like everytime Ginn took it out of the end zone he never made it to the 20?? I must have been grabbing a brew at that point...
     
  8. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    We had 1,739 yds in returns, the Bears had 1,999, the rams were actually #2 with 1,769.

    As for the "how" we had 75 kick returns that is #4 in the nfl behind the Lions, Bears and Rams, that many chances a player will rack up yards even at a low average per return.
     
  9. finyank13

    finyank13 Reality Check

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    They wont pick Bryant, with the 12th pick.....I'll puke on myself as I did when they drafted Ginn....he doesnt warrant a 12, it HAS to be a sure thing at 12...instant stater/producer.....is he?? I'm not sure he is....
     
  10. finyank13

    finyank13 Reality Check

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    \

    hahahah I forgot they were always getting the chances to return...right right...
     
  11. finyank13

    finyank13 Reality Check

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    However the offensive system is broken....you know the whole insanity saying, about doing the samething over and over again....ahhh yeah Henning w/o a number 1 WR.....its gonna be the samething.....we should want attack first..that time consuming slow TOP game worked well against Indy....instead of being conservative, go for the throats, be aggressive.....look at the 8 teams left, 6 out them...NO, DAL, SD, ARIZ, MINNY, INDY, put number up early and often, and just continue that pressure all game long.....the NYJ well they have the number 1 defense, you can grind it out with them, not with Miami's 18th ranked D....
     
  12. GridIronKing34

    GridIronKing34 Silently Judging You

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    I think he meant 'our', not 'out'.
     
  13. DeDolfan

    DeDolfan Premium Member Luxury Box

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    KR stats are generally ranked by yds per return not overall yds. The Jets actually had the least # of returns in the league and consequently had a low amount of ydg. However, they placed much higher in the ranking than us. They were 4, we were 11. They had a better avg return.
     
  14. DeDolfan

    DeDolfan Premium Member Luxury Box

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    I didn't know as he did it more than once.
     
  15. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    SuperBowl in 2010
     
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  16. dolfan7171

    dolfan7171 Well-Known Member

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    I want them to win the Superbowl. But I want that every year.
     
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  17. Desides

    Desides Well-Known Member

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    Generally agreed. We lack run after catch, in part because we don't make the catch in the first place. We have to improve that, and it's going to take new personnel on the receiving end coupled with dramatic improvement from Henne.

    But I don't think the offense being on the field for a long time is a problem. Offensive inefficiency--the offense being unable to consistently drive down and score points--is the real problem. Keeping the ball for as long as possible is very desirable, but it's meaningless if your offense isn't getting in the end zone at the end of those long drives. This is particularly damaging if we're up against a quick-strike team... like the Colts and Saints.

    Definitely. Let's put it another way: Cedric Benson rushed for 169 yards against the Jets, and the Bengals still lost because Mark Sanchez was a better passer that day than Carson Palmer.

    Agreed except the part about Hartline. He's shown flashes of brilliance, but ultimately he seems to be a Camarillo duplicate. If he becomes a viable #2, excellent! Great! But he has a long way to go.

    My expectations:

    A vastly improved pass defense, achieved primarily through creative situational blitzing and better linebacker pass coverage over the middle.

    The addition of two receivers in some manner. Free agency, the draft, WR, TE, doesn't matter. Two guys who can catch the ball and turn upfield.

    Gibril Wilson to retain his starting FS spot. And he might actually play up to the level of the ridiculous contract we gave him.

    As training camp nears and begins, a public emphasis on starting strong, if only to stem the inevitable criticism that Sparano's Dolphins are terrible in September. We'll win at least our first two games.

    And on that note, a continued emphasis on playing all 60 minutes, as the saying goes. We'll be better at coming out swinging and at making the clutch play at the end. (Cam Wake, Tom Brady is looking at you.)

    Lastly, we'll draft another quarterback.

    10-6. 5 Seed. At least one playoff win.
     
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  18. Killerphins

    Killerphins The Finger

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    this is not only a reflection of how KR yards seem irrelevant or how many times all these non playoff teams returned the football because of the lack of defense
    useless stat really
    i would prefer to not be getting KR opportunities in the middle of football games
    punt returns different story
     
  19. Dol-Fan Dupree

    Dol-Fan Dupree Tank? Who is Tank? I am Guy Incognito.

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    I thought so too, until the season started and I actually got to see Hartline play. He looks head and shoulders above Camarillo.

    Camarillo only caught 8 passes in his first two years. He does have a way to go, as do most rookies. However he seems to have the drive and the talent to improve.
     
  20. GridIronKing34

    GridIronKing34 Silently Judging You

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    Good to see you again, bro.
     
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  21. GridIronKing34

    GridIronKing34 Silently Judging You

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    Hmm... then your guess is as good as mine. :lol:
     
  22. Desides

    Desides Well-Known Member

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    I'm more comparing style of play and the way they look out on the field than their rookie season statistics. Ultimately, I think Hartline is just Camarillo with better knees. They're nice little receivers, but we need much more than that.

    What I really fear is that the front office and coaching staff starts looking at the WRs we've accumulated and comes to the conclusion that none of them are replaceable. They clearly think Bess is the best punt returner we have, and he has great potential as a receiver, so he's not going anywhere; Camarillo and Hartline are both dependable but unspectacular, and are also great on special teams, plus they're hard workers and Sparano seems to appreciate lunch pail players just as much as Parcells does; Henning, Sparano, and Ireland all talk about Ted Ginn as if he's Jerry Rice, so he probably isn't going anywhere; and Turner will in all likelihood get a one-time pass.

    That's the nightmare scenario, though.

    Good to be back!
     
  23. Killerphins

    Killerphins The Finger

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    um long drives gives the defense a chance to rest
    scoring too quick is often points but turns the game into a track meet
    why would that be good?
     
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  24. Desides

    Desides Well-Known Member

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    The big play is definitely important, but there isn't necessarily a conflict between winning the time of possession battle and having an explosive offense. It's possible to have both an offense that can keep the ball for as long as necessary and an offense that can get down the field when necessary.

    That's pretty much what I said. :lol:

    Keeping the ball out of the other team's hands is good. This relates not just to TOP but to turnover differential as well. But keeping the other team's offense on the bench is meaningless if you can't score when you have the ball. It is entirely possible for your offense to go up and down the field and still not do enough to win the game. Recall the second Jets game, where they racked up almost 400 yards of offense on us, but still lost.

    Offensive efficiency, the ability to consistently end a drive with a touchdown, is what we need.

    Right now, the Jets are better than us. Better defense in all phases, better rush offense, roughly equal pass offense. The Patriots are also better than us, and even though they're in decline, they will not go quietly into that cold, dark film room.

    We can win the division next season, sure. But I don't expect it to happen: I don't take it for granted that it will occur. I expect a playoff berth. I believe that will happen. Whether it comes through a division title is, to me, not nearly as relevant as being able to play football in January.
     
  25. Killerphins

    Killerphins The Finger

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    puts the defense back out there there
    did you not learn anything from the Marino years :wink2:
     
  26. NoCalFinFan

    NoCalFinFan ALLLLRIGHT MIAMI!!!

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    I'm gonna say what I say every off season... Undeafeated. 19-0. We've just submitted our plans for remodel/expansion of perfectville.

    I can take having my dreams shattered, how about yall?
     
  27. muscle979

    muscle979 Season Ticket Holder

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    They're not better, just less injured.
     
  28. Desides

    Desides Well-Known Member

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    We're about equal along the defensive line, but they have better linebackers and a better secondary.
     
  29. Stringer Bell

    Stringer Bell Post Hard, Post Often Club Member

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    I think people may be overvaluing big plays a little these days. I think the biggest issue with an offense built around the big play, is that you have to go 4 games through the playoffs and consistently make those big plays. If you end up facing a team that can get to your QB, you probably can't make those big plays.

    I think you need to be more balanced than anything, because at some point in the playoffs, you'll end up playing a team you can't pass protect against.
     
  30. Stringer Bell

    Stringer Bell Post Hard, Post Often Club Member

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    I think you may be selling Hartline a little short. He isn't a pro-bowler by any means, but I think he will be far better than Camarillo. As a rookie he's already outplayed Camarillo. What I really like is that he does have the ability to make a big play, which I haven't really seen from Cammy. I think Hartline has the ability to become one of the better #2's in the NFL.
     
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  31. Desides

    Desides Well-Known Member

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    My approach to all of our receivers is "show me." We've assembled a group that's outstandingly mediocre. If Hartline or anyone else can step up, then they need to do it, and until then, I think we need new guys.

    Right now, I see Hartline as a #4. And I don't think that's selling him short in any way. He is what he is. I'm tired of hoping and praying that we can coach or train someone up into a tier of play that they have no realistic shot of reaching. (Looking at you, Ginn.) Likewise, I don't think Hartline is likely to become "one of the better #2's in the NFL," as you put it. A #2 NFL WR is a pretty outstanding player: Donald Driver and Santonio Holmes come to mind as examples. Will Hartline ever be that good? I don't see it.
     
  32. Stringer Bell

    Stringer Bell Post Hard, Post Often Club Member

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    I definitely do agree with you about Ginn and our WRs in general. I do disagree with Hartline. I think considering the circumstances, he showed a lot for a rookie. He really was our most reliable receiving threat by the end of the season. He isn't at a #2 level, but I think if he keeps improving he will be there. I'd also like to see him on punt returns as well.
     
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  33. Desides

    Desides Well-Known Member

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    Agree to disagree, I suppose. I don't see it. He wasn't even among the best WRs in his rookie class: both Colts rookies, Jeremy Maclin, Percy Harvin, Michael Crabtree, Kenny Britt, Hakeem Nicks, Mike Wallace, and even Mohamed Massaquoi outplayed Brian Hartline.

    I wouldn't describe him as "our most reliable receiving threat," either. Camarillo and Bess still best him in that category, and again, he's basically a Camarillo duplicate with better knees. (At least, that's how I view him.)

    As for punt returns... he's outstanding as a tackler, no need to give him the ball on STs.
     
  34. Stitches

    Stitches ThePhin's Biggest Killjoy Luxury Box

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    Garcon wasn't a rookie, just for the record.

    I'm not sure Massaquoi outplayed him either. He had a terrible catch %, though he had a higher average.
     
  35. Desides

    Desides Well-Known Member

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    My mistake. Still, Garcon didn't see significant playing time until this season.

    Massaquoi: 34rec, 624yds, 3TD
    Hartline: 31rec, 506yds, 3TD

    In my mind, that's getting outplayed.
     
  36. dukane5

    dukane5 New Member

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    TOTALLY agree with Stringer here. Hartline caught what was thrown at him. We definitely did not give him the opportunities that other rookie WR's received AND he did not have the same quality #1 lining up with him either. He showed me a lot and is the only possible every down WR we have that I am excited about. He was also great on special teams coverage.
    I LOVE Bess but he has to be one of the few punt returners in the league that lacks any spark. I am sure many of you, like me, hold your breath in tense moments as I do when he is returning...as he had his share of bobbles and drops this year. That would be OK if he balanced that with flashes of brilliance as a PR. Lets be honest....other team is back to punt, Bess is the returner...either a fair catch or a modest (5-9yd) gain.....he returned 28 punts and put 3 of them on the ground. He is a GREAT 3rd down WR. Would love to see a new PR next year.
     
  37. DeDolfan

    DeDolfan Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Where have you been?
    Welcome home!!!
     
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  38. DeDolfan

    DeDolfan Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Given a choice between having an O capable of long drives vs the quick strike vertical game, i'll take the long drive O every time. My reasons are is that the longer and more often your [long] drives are, the better chances to win by keeping the other team off the field. Nothing is guaranteed tho, referencing the Colts game, but if Ginn caught either of his 2 drops that gaem, we win. Plus, you keep your D off the field, well rested in case you really need them down the stretch. If the quick strike Os scored on nearly every drive, then there may be more to it. But throwing a lot allows for more 3 and outs it seems and also a better chance for TOs. Not that I wouldn't like us to have that ability as it would be an asset to be able to come from behind late. Right now, we don't have that ability very much. We're better to get a lead and go with that. As long as we just don't get a 2 score lead and sit on it. That drives me nuts.
     
  39. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    Brian Hartline has the total package.
    Go read up on him.
    He will be our PlayMaker.
    He is the Real Deal
    & will come into his own as we make
    our drive on the long awaited SuperBowl in 2010.
     
  40. Big Red

    Big Red Long Lasting Freshness

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    Playoffs. Beyond that who knows? Anything can happen. Just ask the Packers.

    I don't see why not. We went 4-2 in the divison. That's better than the Jets did and same as the Pats did.
     

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