I agree. I don't think the mentality of a team can be overemphasized. And I think the Dolphins are finally getting that kill mentality after not having it on the offensive side of the ball since Marino retired.

 

We'll see if they really have a "kill" mentality like NE does where they keep their foot on the pedal to the end (usually), but Gase sure demonstrated the team plays with a "never die" mentality last year. That's a major reason we won so many close games and I don't think it was an accident either. As you say you can't overemphasize the mental side.

Good times to come!

 

We had what- seven comeback wins last season? Eight? That does something to your mindset as a player...it lets you have the confidence to shake off mistakes and fight back even harder. And yes, eventually that becomes a swagger where you step on the field and start lighting folks up for four quarters.

I don't think we're there yet BUT we also played 2016 with a 2nd string defense, our top players hurt, etc. So we could be a lot closer than people realize.

 

The key is not letting that success get to their heads though. Yes, comeback wins are nice, but it's not exactly a viable strategy in this league. Especially given the fact our schedule was widely considered as "soft" by many last year. Of course, I do believe we would have more handily won some of those close games had we not be fielding a defense featuring a bunch of backups. If you want to play with that kind of swagger, you damn well better be able to back it up. Those close wins last year I think you saw the momentum keep building, they just believed they'd get it done before the final seconds ran off. That's a good mentality to have, those are good lessons to build on, but it's a whole new season now. If they can keep that same mentality going I agree, I think we might be closer than people think.

However, at the same time, there's a lot of analysts out there saying what I eluded to earlier. Winning close games like that isn't viable. Maybe it was an easier schedule... etc. etc. etc. A lot of places are saying we'll be that team that falls from grace this year, much like we were the one that soared above last year.

Bottom line, what's going on with that team, that locker room, and what the staff is preaching, that attitude, can't be a bad thing. Unless they start thinking it's going to be easy. I don't see Adam Gase as a guy who's going to let his team get complacent like that.

 

My favorite example is the Jets under sexy Rexy- he flat out said that his team was winning the Super Bowl in pre-season. And even though the Pats won the division, those stinking Jets came out almost two weeks in a row (week 17, 2nd round playoffs if I remember right) and beat the brakes off a better NE team. That's swagger- it's believing in yourself and everyone around you to get the job done.

Were the Jets the best team in the AFC? Oh hell no...they probably weren't even in the top ten. But you couldn't tell them that.

So going into 2017, Miami needs to adopt that same mentality...they are good enough to play with anyone. That's all I'm really looking for from Tannehill, the receivers, our rookie defenders, etc. Just step up and believe.

 

Not to **** on the party but it's preseason and every team should have "SWAG" but I get your drift. Yes they seem to be more confident in themselves. That's a great thing. I need to see how they respond to getting hit back. I hope we lose the left off the gas mentality as well. We need to full throttle chock F#*K these teams this year.

 

Maybe the swagger can cause us to actually get some points in the first quarter. Love that we can come from behind but I'd rather watch the opponent from the rear view instead of through the windshield.

 

We rarely had swag. Maybe a little bit with the good defenses and Ricky but ain't been no swag around here for more than a decade.

 

When I was growing up one of my Dad's friends was an army vet who had been in Viet Nam. One of the quietest and most humble men I've met and I assumed he must have been in supplies or signals or somerhing like that. Later I found his name in a history book about him leading a 3 man team of special forces soldiers looking for a brigade of Viet Cong. I tracked down a bit more about him and his service record basically was Audie Murphy part II.
Since then I have had the honor of meeting some guys who have been awarded shiny bits of metal with ribbons for being good on the 2 way rifle range.
Almost without exception they never have swag. They can be quiet, they can be jokers, they can be all business. They don't need to convince you they are badasses, they know it.

Swag is overrated.

 

Great story. Thanks to those who served. This is different. No one's getting shot at and no-one is having to kill or hurt other human beings. This is all about attitude. I like seeing them handle their business and have a little swagger. It is after all entertainment and our escape from the real world.

 

I mean. We notice swag more on the good ones. Swag on the untalented player just means they are an idiot.

 

Yeah. But Optimism isn't the same thing. That's just feeling good about a single addition. Right now this team is locked and loaded.

 

I like being under the radar. It won't last though when we take AFC East trophy this season. Pats are going down! Everyone's sick of them. Every team wants to beat them so super bad.

 

I think we want it more than we have in the past. I think we've tasted a couple bites of success and want the whole chafing dish. Any given Sunday jack.

 

Expected free swag in thread.

#disappointed